Antonio. I pray you, think you question with the Jew: And bid the main flood bate his usual height; You may as well do anything most hard, As seek to soften that-than which what's harder? His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, бо Make no more offers, use no farther means, 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. Duke. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none? 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. 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. Duke. Came you from Padua, from Bellario? Bassanio. Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly? A Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he? Nerissa. He attendeth here hard by, To know your answer, whether you'll admit him. * you 100 105 110 115 II. Enter PORTIA, dressed like a doctor of laws. Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario? Portia. I did, my lord. Duke. 120 You are welcome; take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference 107. sole... soul. Notice the play on 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. 125 You stand within his danger, do you not? Portia. Antonio. I do. Portia. [To Antonis. Do you confess the bond? Then must the Jew be merciful. Shylock. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings, And earthly power doth then show likest God's 130 135 140 145 150 When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this, And that same prayer doth teach us all to render 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, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart. That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, 155 160 165 To do a great right, do a little wrong, 170 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! 175 180 Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice. Portia. Why, this bond is forfeit ; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off 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. 183 130 195 200 203 210 215 |