Shy. What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchas'd slave, Because you bought them :-Shall I say to you, There is no force in the decrees of Venice : Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. Salar. My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, Duke. Bring us the letters; Call the messenger. courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all, Enter Nerissa, dressed like a lawyer's clerk. grace. nestly? Shy. To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there. Gra. Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew, And for thy life let justice be accus'd. That souls of animals infuse themselves Are wolfish, bloody, starv'd, and ravenous. Thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud: 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. Duke. With all my heart :-some three or four of you, Go give him courteous conduct to this place.Mean time, the court shall hear Bellario's letter. [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 Balthazar: I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew ano 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? 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? Shy. Cannot impugn1 you, as you do proceed.— You stand within his danger,2 do you not? Ant. I do. Por. [To Antonio. 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 (1) Oppose. (2) Reach or control. Upen the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there. Shy. My deed's 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 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. 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 Dan iel! O wise young judge, how do I honour 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, Por. 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, |