we turned o'er many books together: he is furnished 150 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 learn'd Bellario, what he writes:

And here, I take it, is the doctor come.

Enter PORTIA for Balthasar.

Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Por. I did, my lord.

Duke.
You are welcome: take your place.
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?
Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
Por. Is your name Shylock?

Shy.

Shylock is my name.

160

Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow;
Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn° you as you do proceed.
You stand within his danger, do you not?
Ant. Ay, so he says.

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.
Por. The quality of mercy is not strain'd,"
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;

It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us

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Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;

Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice

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,
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart:
If this will not suffice, it must appear

200

That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority:
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.

210

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 judgement! 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.

220

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
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant's heart. Be merciful:
Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.
Shy. When it is paid according to the tenour.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition

Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law,
Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgement: by my soul I swear
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 judgement.

Por.

Why then, thus it is:

You must prepare your bosom for his knife.

Shy. O noble judge! O excellent young man!

230

SCENE 1.] THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Por. For the intent° and purpose of the law 240 Hath full relation to° the penalty,

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.

Shy. Ay, his breast: So says the bond: - doth it not, noble judge? 'Nearest his heart:' those are the very words. Are there balance here to weigh

Por. It is so.

The flesh?

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 express'd: but what of that? 'Twere good you do so much for charity. Shy. I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. Por. You, merchant, have you anything to say? Ant. But little: I am arm'd 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

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Than is her custom: it is still her use