To hold opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves Are wolfish, bloody, starv'd, and ravenous. Thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud: Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court:Where is he? Ner. He attendeth here hard by, 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 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 gra cious 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? 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; Yet in such a rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you,' as you do proceed.— 8 you not? [TO ANTONIO. 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 strain'd; It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes: 7 Cannot impugn you,] To impugn, is to oppose, to contro vert. 8 You stand within this danger,] i. e. within his reach or control. "Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy 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 deeds 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 Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel devil of his will. you, Por. It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: "Twill be recorded for a precedent; 9 in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation:] Portia referring the Jew to the Christjan doctrine of salvation, and the Lord's Prayer, is a little out of character, BLACKSTONE. And many an error, by the same example, Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! 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 ; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Por. Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. So says the bond;-Doth it not, noble judge?— Shy. I have them ready. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. Por. It is not so express'd; But what of that? "Twere good you do so much for charity. Shy. I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. Bass. Antonio, I am married to a wife, |