To suffer, with a quietness of spirit, The very tyranny and rage of his. Duke. Go one, and call the Jew into the court. Enter SHYLOCK. Duke. Make room, and let him stand before our face.Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice (Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh), But, touch'd with human gentleness and love, Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, We all expect a gentle answer, Jew. purpose; Shy. I have possess'd your grace of what I As there is no firm reason to be render'd, Why he cannot abide a gaping pig ; So can I give no reason, nor I will not, More than a lodg'd hate, and a certain loathing, A losing suit against him. Are you answer'd? 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, rend'ring none? Shy. What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchas'd slave, Which, like your asses, and your dogs, and mules, You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them :-shall I say to you, Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burdens? let their beds Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates Be season'd with such viands? You will answer, B 'The slaves are ours:'-so do I answer you: There is no force in the decrees of Venice : I stand for judgment: answer-shall I have it? Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. Solan. My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, Duke. Bring us the letters; call the messenger. Enter NERISSA, dressed like a lawyer's clerk. Duke. Come you from Padua, from Bellario? Ner. From both, my lord: Bellario greets your grace. Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court:Where is he? Ner. He attendeth here hard by, [Presents a letter. To know your answer, whether you 'll admit him. 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 Balthasar. 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.' 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. Came you from old Bellario? Por. I did, my lord. You are welcome: take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? Por. I am informed throughly of the cause.— Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. Por. Is your name Shylock? Shy. Shylock is my name. Por. Ant. I do. Por. Do you confess the bond? Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I ? tell me that. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then shew likest God's Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice [TO ANTONIO. Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there. Shy. My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. 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, That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, 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. Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel ! O wise young judge, how I do honour 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 offer'd 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 ; Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, There is no power in the tongue of man Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment. |