begins with the eyes or in the eyes. The song is actually an example ofirony, an ironic counterpoint to the idea of true love suggestedbythe relationship of Portia and Bassanio (and of Lorenzo and Jessica). The words suggest that love is superficial and does not last long, for it dies in its cradle (the eyes). The wordcradleactually suggests two possibilities about love’s end: (1) Love dies in its infancy. Love never matures or grows up. (2) Love dies when the lover no longer sees the person he was attracted to in the same way. When the lover first sees a woman he adores, he does not see her accurately. His imagination adds to her attractions. But, later, when love cools, he sees her more realistically; and then love dies. That is why the song calls for a death knell (funeral bells) to be played at the death of fancy orlove.
However, despite the irony of the lyrics, the comic song does not affect the audience’s hope that Bassanio will choose the correct casket.