thasar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant; we turned o'er many books together; he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning, (the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend,) comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace's request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for 1 never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation. Duke. You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes. And here, I take it, is the doctor come. Enter PORTIA dressed like a Doctor of Laws. Give me your hand. Por. I did, my lord. Duke. Came you from old Bellario? You are welcome; take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? Shy. Shylock is my name. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn1 you, as you do proceed You stand within his danger, do you not? Por. [TO ANTONIO. Do you confess the bond? Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. 1 To impugn is to oppose, to controvert. 2 i. e. within his reach or control. The phrase is thought to be derived from a similar one in the monkish Latin of the middle age. 4 It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven And earthly power doth then show likest God's, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Por. Is he not able to discharge the money? Bass. Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum. If that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart. That malice bears down truth.1 And I beseech you, To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel devil of his will. Por. It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established; "Twill be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the same example, Will rush into the state. It cannot be. 1 man. 1. e. malice oppressed honesty; a true man, in old language, is an honest We now call the jury good men and true. Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! Yea, a Daniel !O wise young judge, how do I honor thee! Por. I pray you, let me look upon the bond. Shy. Here 'tis, most reverend doctor, here it is. Por. Shylock, there's thrice thy money offered thee. Shy. An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven. Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice. Por. Why, this bond is forfeit; Nearest the merchant's heart.-Be merciful: Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law, Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court Por. Why, then, thus it is. Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. 'Tis very true. O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks! Por. Therefore lay bare your bosom. Ay, his breast; Shy. Por. It is so. Are there balance here, to weigh The flesh? Shy. I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. Shy. Is it so nominated in the bond? Por. It is not so expressed; but what of that? "Twere good you do so much for charity. Shy. I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. Por. Come, merchant, have you any thing to say ? Ant. But little; I am armed, and well prepared.Give me your hand, Bassanio; fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you; For herein fortune shows herself more kind Than is her custom. It is still her use, To let the wretched man outlive his wealth, Say, how I loved you; speak me fair in death; Bass. Antonio, I am married to a wife, Here to this devil, to deliver you. Por. Your wife would give you little thanks for that, If she were by, to hear you make the offer. Gra. I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love; I would she were in heaven, so she could 'Would any of the stock of Barrabas I have a Had been her husband, rather than a Christian! [Aside. We trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence. Por. A pound of that same merchant's flesh is thine; The court awards it, and the law doth give it. Shy. Most rightful judge! Por. And you must cut this flesh from off his breast; The law allows it, and the court awards it. Shy. Most learned judge!—A sentence: come, prepare. Por. Tarry a little ;-there is something else.- Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Unto the state of Venice. Gra. O upright judge!-Mark, Jew;-O learned judge! Shy. Is that the law? Por. Thyself shall see the act; For, as thou urgest justice, be assured, Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desir'st. Gra. O learned judge!-Mark, Jew;-a learned judge! Shy. I take this offer then ;-pay the bond thrice, And let the Christian go. Bass. Por. Here is the money. The Jew shall have all justice ;-soft!—no haste ;- Soft; Gra. O Jew! An upright judge, a learned judge! Por. Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh : Shed thou no blood; nor cut thou less, nor more, But just a pound of flesh. If thou tak'st more, Or less, than a just pound,—be it but so much As makes it light, or heavy, in the substance, |