Portia also has good news for Antonio. She hands him a letter in which he is informed that three of his merchant ships have safely arrived in Venice. Antonio is not impoverished after all, and he happily thanksPortia:
Sweet lady, you have given me life and living. (285)
Antonio, however, is not simply referring to his wealth and merchandise. He is referring to a purpose in life. In seeing the goodness and generosity in the actions of Portia and in seeing the love and enjoyment that exists between Portia and Bassanio, Antonio sees that life is worth living. He no longer will be the melancholy merchant of Venice. So shines a gooddeed!