Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall 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. Shy. Shylock is my name. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such a rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you7, as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not? Ant. Ay, so he says. Por. Ant. I do. Por. Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I? tell me that. Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; 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. 8 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 cha racter. BLACKSTONE. 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, If this will not suffice, it must appear 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 ; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim Hath been most sound; I charge you by the law, Proceed to judgment: by my soul I swear, Por. Why then, thus it is. 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. Por. It is so. Are there balance here, to weigh The flesh? Shy. I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, Το 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? To let the wretched man out-live his wealth, Say, how I lov'd you, speak me fair in death; Por. Your wife would give you little thanks for that, If she were by, to hear you make the offer. Gra. I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love; I would she were in heaven, so she could Ner. 'Tis well you offer it behind her back ; Shy. These be the Christian husbands: I have a daughter; 'Would, any of the stock of Barrabas Had been her husband, rather than a Christian! [Aside. We trifle time; I pray thee, pursue sentence. Por. A pound of that same merchant's flesh is thine; The court awards it, and the law doth give it. 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 judge! A sentence; come, prepare. Por. Tarry a little; - there is something else. This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are, a pound of flesh : Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods |