Antonio. I pray you, think you question with the Jew: You may as well go stand upon the beach And bid the main flood bate his usual height; As seek to soften that-than which what's harder?— His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, But with all brief and plain conveniency Let me have judgment and the Jew his will. Bassanio. For thy three thousand ducats here is six. Were in six parts and every part a ducat, I would not draw them—I would have my bond. The pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is dearly bought; 'tis mine and I will have it. 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, 70. think you question: that is, remember that you are arguing. 85 ** 90 certain Polish monarch, might claim to be a king above grammar (rex super grammaticam). 77. fretten, fretted; that is, shaken. 83. judgment. The word is here used in its legal sense of sentence. 72. main flood, high tide; bate, abate. 76. to make no noise. As this phrase also is under the government of "forbid," it expresses just the opposite of what is meant, 95. Upon my power on my authori slip; but Shakespeare, like a 97. determine, decide. Salerio. 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. Bassanio. Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly? Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court. Nerissa. He attendeth here hard by, To know your answer, whether you'll admit him. Duke. With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Enter PORTIA, dressed like a doctor of laws. Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario? Portia. I did, my lord. Duke. 100 105 110 115 120 You are welcome; take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference 107. sole... soul. Notice the play on words. 109. hangman. The word is here used in a generic sense for execution er. III. wit, sense, sharpness. 122, 123. the difference That holds, etc. : Portia. I am informed throughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. Portia. Is your name Shylock? Shylock. Shylock is my name. Portia. 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? Antonio. Ay, so he says. Portia. Antonio. I do. Portia. [To Antonio. Then must the Jew be merciful. Shylock. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's = 124. throughly thoroughly. cording to form that the law can Venice. 132. within his danger: that is, within sion. absolute sense-that of compulPortia rebukes him for thus connecting compulsion with mercy. The quality of mercy is not strained.' And this reproof strikes the key- tia in the preceding line, refers 125 130 135 140 145 150 When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Portia. Is he not able to discharge the money? I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er, That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will. Portia. 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 Shylock. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how I do honor thee! Portia. I pray you, let me look upon the bond. 23 155 160 165 170 175 180 Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice. Portia. Why, this bond is forfeit ; 185 And lawfully by this the Jew may claim A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off It doth appear you are a worthy judge; Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Antonio. 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! Portia. For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shylock. 'Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! Ay, his breast: So says the bond—doth it not, noble judge?— Shylock. I have them ready. Portia. Have by some surgeon,* Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. 190 195 200 205 210 215 |