Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood. Enter NERISSA, dressed like a lawyer's clerk. Bass. Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly? And for thy life let justice be accus'd. Are wolfish, bloody, starv'd, and ravenous. Shy. Till thou can'st 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. Go give him courteous conduct to this place.- [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 furnished 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. Por. I am informed throughly 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. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow You stand within his danger, do you not? Ant. Ay, so he says. Por. Do you confess the bond? Ant. I do. Por. Then must the Jew be merciful. [TO ANTONIO. Shy. On what compulsion must I? tell me that. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, And earthly power doth then show likest God's, Though justice be thy plea, consider this,— Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Por. Is he not able to discharge the money? 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 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, Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court Por. Why then, thus it is. You must prepare your bosom for his knife; Shy. O noble judge! O excellent young man! Por. For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty, Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. 'Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! So says the bond;-Doth it not, noble judge?— Por. It is so. Are there balance here, to weigh Shy. I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, |