Govern'd a wolf, who, hang'd for human flaughter, Are wolfish, bloody, ftarv'd, and ravenous. Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend Ner. He attendeth here hard by To know your anfwer, whether you'll admit him. Duke. With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place: YOUR Grace fall understand, that, at the receipt of your letter, I am very fuck: but at the inftant that your messenger came, in loving vifitation was with me a young Doctor of Rome, his Name is Balthafar: I acquainted him with the caufe in controverfie between the Jew and Anthonio the merchant. We turn'd o'er many books together: he is furnished with my opinion, which, bettered 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 ftead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment, to let him lack a reverend estimation: For I never knew fo young a body with fo old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whofe trial fhall better publifh bis commendation. Enter Portia, drefs'd like a Doctor of Laws. M 3 And And here, I take it, is the Doctor come: hand. Came you from old Bellario? Por. I did, my lord. Duke. You're welcome: take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference, That holds this present question in the Court? Por. I am informed throughly of the case. Which is the merchant here? and which the Jew? Duke. Anthonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. Por. Is your name Shylock? Shy. Shylock is my name. Por. Of a ftrange nature is the fuit you Yet in fuch rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you, as you do proceed. follow; You ftand within his danger, do you not? [To Anth. Ant. Ay, fo he fays. Por. Do you confefs the bond? Ant. I do. Por. Then muft the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulfion muft I? tell me that. • Wherein doth fit the dread and fear of Kings; • It is enthroned in the hearts of Kings; It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then shew likeft God's, When mercy feafons juftice.' Therefore, Jew, Tho' juftice be thy plea, confider this, That in the courfe of juftice none of us Should fee falvation. We do pray for mercy; And And that fame pray'r doth teach us all to render Which, if thou follow, this ftrict Court of Venice Por. Is he not able to discharge the mony? Baff. Yes, here I tender it for him in the Court, Yea, twice the fum; 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 fuffice, it must appear 7 That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wreft 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 pow'r in Venice, Can alter a decree established. 'Twill be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the fame example, Sky. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel. No, not for Venice. Por. Why, this bond is forfeit ; Take thrice thy mony, bid me tear the bond. 7 That malice bears down truth.] By truth is here meant the realonable offers of accommodation which had been made. Shy. When it is paid according to the tenour. Hath been moft found. I charge you by the law, Por. Why, then thus it is: You must prepare your bofom for his knife. Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. 'Tis very true. O wife and upright judge, How much more elder art thou than thy looks! Por. Therefore lay bare your bofom. Shy. Ay, his breast; So fays the bond, doth it not, noble judge? Por. It is fo. Are there fcales, to weigh the flesh? Por. Have by fome furgeon, Shylock, on your To stop his wounds, left he should bleed to death. Por. It is not fo exprefs'd; but what of that? "Twere good, you do fo much for charity. Shy. I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. Por. Come, merchant, have you any thing to say? Ant. But little: I am arm'd, and well prepar'd. Give me your hand, Bassanio, fare you well! Grieve not, that I am fall'n to this for you: "For herein fortune fhews herself more kind, "Than is her cuftom. It is ftill her use, " To "To let the wretched man out-live his wealth, Commend me to your honourable wife; friend; Ball. Anthonio, I am married to a wife, Por. Your wife would give you little thanks for If he were by to hear you make the offer. Gra. I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love; 'Would, any of the ftock of Barrabas I've a Had been her husband, rather than a chriftian! [Afide. We trifle time; I pray thee, pursue sentence. Por. A pound of that fame merchant's flesh is The Court awards it, and the law doth give it. Por. And you must cut this flesh from off his breaft; The |