To things a sale a seller's praise belongs; she passes praise; then praise too short doth blot

To things a sale a seller's praise belongs; she passes praise; then praise too short doth blot

In the world of commerce, the art of selling is a delicate dance between the seller and the buyer. William Shakespeare, in his play "The Merchant of Venice," explores the complexities of this relationship through the character of Portia, a wealthy heiress who disguises herself as a male lawyer to save her husband's friend from a cruel fate.

The quote "To things a sale a seller's praise belongs; she passes praise; then praise too short doth blot" speaks to the importance of a seller's ability to effectively market their goods or services. In the context of the play, Portia's disguise as a male lawyer allows her to use her wit and intelligence to persuade the court to rule in favor of her husband's friend. She uses her eloquence and charm to praise the virtues of mercy and justice, ultimately swaying the court in her favor.

However, Shakespeare also warns of the dangers of excessive praise. In the play, the character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is portrayed as a villain due to his greed and lack of mercy. Shylock's downfall can be attributed to his own hubris and the excessive praise he bestows upon himself. His relentless pursuit of revenge and his refusal to show mercy ultimately lead to his own undoing.