Note 871 — BOOK II. BALLADS THAT ILLUSTRATE SHAKESPEARE.
Reading edition
Ver. 32. Her Cow, &c. seems to have suggested to Shakespeare Shylock's argument for usury taken from Jacob's management of Laban's sheep, act i. to which Antonio replies,
"Was this inserted to make interest good? Or are your gold and silver Ewes and rams? Shy. I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast."