But, say, it is my humor: Is it answered? Of what it likes, or loaths: Now, for your answer: Why he cannot abide a gaping pig; More than a lodged hate, and a certain loathing, A losing suit against him. Are you answered? This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, Shylock I am not bound to please thee with my answer. Bassanio Do all men kill the things they do not love? Shylock Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Bassanio - Every offense is not a hate at first. Shylock What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice? Antonio I pray you, think you question with the Jew; As seek to soften that (than which what's harder?) Make no more offers, use no further means, Bassanio For thy three thousand ducats here are six. Shylock If every ducat in six thousand ducats Were in six parts, and every part a ducat, How shalt thou hope for mercy, rend'ring none? Shylock Duke What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? Because you bought them: Shall I say to you, There is no force in the decrees of Venice: I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it? Upon my power, I may dismiss this court, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Salarino My lord, here stays without Duke Bring us the letters; Call the messenger. Bassanio Good cheer, Antonio! What, man? courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all, Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood. Antonio I am a tainted wether of the flock, Meetest for death; the weakest kind of fruit You cannot better be employed, Bassanio, Enter NERISSA dressed like a Lawyer's Clerk. Presents a Letter. [Clerk reads.] Your grace shall understand, that, at the receipt of your letter, I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthazar: 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 I 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. Enter PORTIA, dressed like a Doctor of Laws. Give me your hand: Came you from old Bellario? Portia I did, my lord. Duke You are welcome: take your place. Duke I am informed throughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. Portia Is your name Shylock? Shylock- Shylock is my name. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Portia Then must the Jew be merciful. On what compulsion must I? tell me that. Portia The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which, if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there. Shylock My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. Is he not able to discharge the money? Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, To do a great right, do a little wrong: Portia It must not be: there is no power in Venice "Twill be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the same example, Shylock A Daniel come to judgment! yea a Daniel!- Portia I pray you, let me look upon the bond. Shylock Here 'tis, most reverend doctor, here it is. Portia Shylock, there's thrice thy money offered thee. Shylock An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: No, not for Venice. Portia Why, this bond is forfeit; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off When it is paid according to the tenor.- Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Most heartily I do beseech the court Portia Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife. Shylock O noble judge! O excellent young man! For the intent and purpose of the law "Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks! Portia Therefore, lay bare your bosom. |