When they are fretted with the gusts of heaven; As seek to soften that (than which what's harder?) I would not draw them, I would have my bond. none? Shy. 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? Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. 6 many a purchas'd slave,] This argument, considered as used to the particular persons, seems conclusive. I see not how Venetians or Englishmen, while they practise the purchase and sale of slaves, can much enforce or demand the law of doing to others as we would that they should do to us. JOHNSON. +"'tis mine," MALONE. Salar. My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, New come from Padua. Duke. Bring us the letters; Call the messenger. Bass. 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. Ant. I am a tainted wether of the flock, Meetest for death; the weakest kind of fruit Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me : You cannot better be employ'd, Bassanio, Than to live still, and write mine epitaph. Enter NERISSA, dressed like a lawyer's clerk. And for thy life let justice be accus'd. That souls of animals infuse themselves Are wolfish, bloody, starv'd, and ravenous. Shy. Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond, Thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud: Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall To cureless ruin.-I stand here for law. Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A 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. [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 furnish'd with my opinion; which, better'd 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, dressed like a doctor of laws. Give me your hand: Came you from old Bellario? Duke. You are welcome: take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. Por. Is your name Shylock? Shy. Shylock is my name. 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. [Το ANTONIO. Do you confess the bond? Then must the Jew be merciful. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, And earthly power doth then show likest God's, 7 Cannot impugn you,] To impugn, is to oppose, to controvert. s You stand within his danger,] i. e. within his reach or control. 9 in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation:] Portia referring the Jew to the Christian doctrine of salvation, and the Lord's Prayer, is a little out of character. BLACKSTONE. To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Por. Is he not able to discharge the money? Bass. Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; 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 do I 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 ; Shy. When it is paid according to the tenour.- Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, |