I'm not sure, I'd go for hushed in awe or your answer
To me the entire speech is sort of an optimistic tone.
They read theological writings and they read the bible to extend their religous horizion
Discrimination is a resounding theme in The Merchant of Venice (Meyers). All of the characters are affected by inequality. This inequity is evidenced clearly in Shylock, the Jewish usurer. He is treated with scorn and derision by all the characters.
