20 35 And that no lawful means can carry me Duke. Go one, and call the Jew into court. Salerio. He is ready at the door: he comes, my lord. Enter SHYLOCK. Duke. Make room, and let him stand before our face.— Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never trained We all expect a gentle answer, Jew. Shylock. 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. If you deny it, let the danger light II. his envy's reach: that is, the reach 30. royal, a complimentary term to in Upon your charter and your city's freedom. I'll not answer that; What if my house be troubled with a rat, To have it baned?* What, are you answered yet? Some, when they hear the bagpipe: for affection, Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer: A losing suit against him. Are you answered? T'excuse the current of thy cruelty. Shylock. Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Shylock. I am not bound to please thee with my answers. 65 Bassanio. Every offence* is not a hate at first. Shylock. What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice? 44. But, say but suppose; humor, 54, 55, 56. he... he... he: one, an Antonio. I pray you, think you question with the Jew: You may as well go stand upon the beach As seek to soften that-than which what's harder?— Make no more offers, use no farther means, His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, 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? Duke. Upon my power I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, 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. 90 95 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? Shylock. No, none that thou hast wit* enough to make. Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A 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 That holds this present question in the court? 107. sole... soul. Notice the play on words. 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; Portia. Then must the Jew be merciful. Shylock. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings, And earthly power doth then show likest God's only to what is becoming, what | 140. twice blest, doubly blest. 125 130 135 140 145 150 |