127. Venice. A Court of Justice. DUKE, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALARINO, and others Enter SHYLOCK. Duke. SHYLOCK, the world thinks, and I think so too. That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice To the last hour of act; and then, 'tis thought, Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse, more strange Than is thy strange apparent cruelty; And where thou now exact'st the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh, -- But, touched with human gentleness and love, Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, That have of late so huddled on his back; From brassy bosoms, and rough hearts of flint, To offices of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew. Shy. I have possessed your grace of what I purpose: And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn To have the due and forfeit of my bond; Bass. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, Shy. I am not bound to please thee with my answer. Shy. Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Shy. What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice? Ant. I pray you, think, you question with the Jew You may as well go stand upon the beach, And bid the main flood bate his usual height; As seek to soften that—than which what's harder?-- But, with all brief and plain conveniency, Bass. For thy three thousand ducats here are six. I would not draw them; I would have my bond. Duke. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none? Shy. What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave, Which, like your asses, and your dogs, and mules, Because you bought them. Shall I say to you, There is no force in the decrees of Venice Duke. Upon my power, I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. Salar. My lord, here stays without A messenger from the doctor, New come from Padua. Duke. Call the messenger. Enter PORTIA. 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? Por. I am informed thoroughly 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; Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you, as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not? (To Antonio.) Ant. Ay, so he says. Por. Do you confess the bond? Ant. I do. Por. Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. Por. The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. And earthly power doth then show likest God's, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice 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. Wrest once the law to your authority ; To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel monster of his will. 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 honor thee! Por. I pray you, let me look upon the bond. Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? Por. Why, this bond is forfeit ; Shy. When it is paid according to the tenor. 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?— The flesh? Shy I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. Shy. Is it so nominated in the bond? Por. It is not so expressed; but what of that? "Twere good you do so much for charity. |