Bass. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, Shy. I am not bound to please thee with my answer. Shy. What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice? You may as well go stand upon the beach, As seek to soften that (than which what's harder?) I would not draw them, I would have my bond. Duke. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none? Because you bought them: Shall I say to you, Duke. Upon my power, I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. Solan. My lord, here stays without A Duke. Bring us the letters: call the messenger. Enter NERISSA. Duke. Came you from Padua, from Bellario? [Presents a letter. Bass. Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly? young and learned doctor to our court: Where is he? Ner. He attendeth here hard by, To know your answer, whether you'll admit him. Give Enter PORTIA. hand. Came you from old Bellario? me your Por. I did, my lord. Duke. You are welcome: Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? Por. I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Shy. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; It is an attribute to God himself; 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, If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you And curb this cruel villain of his will. Por. It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established; "T will be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the same example, Will rush into the state: it cannot be. Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel ! young judge, how do I honor thee! wise Por. I pray you, let me look upon the bond. Shy. Here 't is, 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; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim Nearest the merchant's heart: - Be merciful; Hath been most sound; I charge you by the law, Proceed to judgment: There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond. Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment. Por. Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife. Shy. O noble judge! O excellent young man! Por. For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty, Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. 'Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! Shy. Ay, his breast: So says the bond: - Por. It is so. The flesh? Doth it not, noble judge? those are the very words. Are there balances here to weigh Shy. I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he should bleed to death. Shy. Is it so nominated in the bond? Por. It is not so expressed; but what of that? 'T were good you do so much for charity. Shy. I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. To let the wretched man outlive his wealth, Shy. We trifle time; I pray thee pursue sentence. 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 pare. judge! A sentence; come, pre Por, Tarry a little ; there is something else. One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, con'fiscate Unto the state of Venice. Gra. O upright judge!- Mark, Jew!-O learned judge! Shy. Is that the law? Por. Thyself shalt see the act: For, as thou urgest justice, be assured Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest. Gra. O learned judge! Mark, Jew; a learned judge! Shy. I take this offer then, And let the Christian go. - pay the bond thrice, |