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Enter the DUKE , the magnificoes, ANTONIO , BASSANIO , GRATIANO , SALERIO , and others
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Enter the DUKE , the magnificoes, ANTONIO , BASSANIO , GRATIANO , SALERIO , and others
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DUKE What, is Antonio here?
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DUKE What, is Antonio here?
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ANTONIO Ready, so please your grace.
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ANTONIO Ready, so please your grace.
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DUKE I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch
5 Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
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DUKE I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch
Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
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ANTONIO I have heard
Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course. But since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry me
10 Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am armed
To suffer with a quietness of spirit
The very tyranny and rage of his.
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ANTONIO I have heard
Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course. But since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry me
Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am armed
To suffer with a quietness of spirit
The very tyranny and rage of his.
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DUKE Go, one, and call the Jew into the court.
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DUKE Go, one, and call the Jew into the court.
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SALERIO 15 He is ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
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SALERIO He is ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
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Enter SHYLOCK
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Enter SHYLOCK
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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
To the last hour of act, and then ’tis thought
20 Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
Than is thy strange apparent cruelty,
And where thou now exacts the penalty—
Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh—
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture
25 But—touched with human gentleness and love,—
Forgive a moiety of the principal,
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on his back
Eno' to press a royal merchant down
30 And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars never trained
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
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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
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 exacts the penalty—
Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh—
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture
But—touched with human gentleness and love,—
Forgive a moiety of the principal,
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on his back
Eno' to press a royal merchant down
And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars never trained
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
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SHYLOCK 35 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
Upon your charter and your city’s freedom.
40 You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that
But say it is my humour. Is it answered?
What if my house be troubled with a rat
45 And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats
To have it baned? What, are you answered yet?
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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
Upon your charter and your city’s freedom.
You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that
But say it is my humour. Is it answered?
What if my house be troubled with a rat
And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats
To have it baned? What, are you answered yet?
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Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
Some that are mad if they behold a cat,
And others, when the bagpipe sings i' th' nose,
50 Cannot contain their urine. For affection,
Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be rendered
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig;
55 Why he, a harmless necessary cat;
Why he, a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended—
So can I give no reason, nor I will not
60 (More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio), that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?
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Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
Some that are mad if they behold a cat,
And others, when the bagpipe sings i' th' nose,
Cannot contain their urine. For affection,
Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be rendered
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig;
Why he, a harmless necessary cat;
Why he, a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended—
So can I give no reason, nor I will not
(More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio), that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?
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BASSANIO This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
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BASSANIO This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
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SHYLOCK 65 I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
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SHYLOCK I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
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BASSANIO Do all men kill the things they do not love?
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BASSANIO Do all men kill the things they do not love?
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SHYLOCK Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
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SHYLOCK Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
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BASSANIO Every offense is not a hate at first.
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BASSANIO Every offense is not a hate at first.
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SHYLOCK What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
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SHYLOCK What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
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ANTONIO 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.
You may as well use question with the wolf
75 Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb.
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ANTONIO 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.
You may as well use question with the wolf
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb.
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You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven.
You may as well do anything most hard,
80 As seek to soften that—than which what’s harder?—
His Jewish heart. Therefore I do beseech you
Make no more offers, use no farther means,
But with all brief and plain conveniency
Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
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You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven.
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
Make no more offers, use no farther means,
But with all brief and plain conveniency
Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
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BASSANIO |
BASSANIO |
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SHYLOCK If every ducat in six thousand ducats
Were in six parts, and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them. I would have my bond.
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SHYLOCK If every ducat in six thousand ducats
Were in six parts, and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them. I would have my bond.
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DUKE How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
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DUKE How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
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SHYLOCK 90 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—
You use in abject and in slavish parts
Because you bought them. Shall I say to you,
95 “Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs!
Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds
Be made as soft as yours and let their palates
Be seasoned with such viands”? You will answer,
“The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you.
100 The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought. 'Tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law—
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment. Answer, shall I have it?
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SHYLOCK 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—
You use in abject and in slavish parts
Because you bought them. Shall I say to you,
“Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs!
Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds
Be made as soft as yours and let their palates
Be seasoned with such viands”? You will answer,
“The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you.
The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought. 'Tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law—
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment. Answer, shall I have it?
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DUKE 105 Upon my power I may dismiss this court,
Unless Bellario, a learnèd doctor,
Whom I have sent for to determine this,
Come here today.
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DUKE Upon my power I may dismiss this court,
Unless Bellario, a learnèd doctor,
Whom I have sent for to determine this,
Come here today.
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SALERIO My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor,
110 New come from Padua.
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SALERIO My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor,
New come from Padua.
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DUKE Bring us the letter. Call the messenger.
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DUKE Bring us the letter. Call the messenger.
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BASSANIO Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!
The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
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BASSANIO Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!
The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
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ANTONIO 115 I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
You cannot better be employed, Bassanio,
Than to live still and write mine epitaph.
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ANTONIO I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
You cannot better be employed, Bassanio,
Than to live still and write mine epitaph.
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Enter NERISSA , disguised as a clerk
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Enter NERISSA , disguised as a clerk
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DUKE 120 Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
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DUKE Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
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NERISSA From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
(gives DUKE a letter)
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NERISSA From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
(gives DUKE a letter)
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SHYLOCK sharpens a knife on the bottom of his shoe
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SHYLOCK sharpens a knife on the bottom of his shoe
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BASSANIO (to SHYLOCK) Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
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BASSANIO (to SHYLOCK) Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
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SHYLOCK To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
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SHYLOCK To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
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GRATIANO 125 Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,
Thou makest thy knife keen. But no metal can—
No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
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GRATIANO Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,
Thou makest thy knife keen. But no metal can—
No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
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SHYLOCK No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
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SHYLOCK No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
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GRATIANO 130 O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog,
And for thy life let justice be accused!
Thou almost makest me waver in my faith
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
135 Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam
Infused itself in thee, for thy desires
140 Are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous.
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GRATIANO O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog,
And for thy life let justice be accused!
Thou almost makest me waver in my faith
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam
Infused itself in thee, for thy desires
Are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous.
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SHYLOCK Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond,
Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
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SHYLOCK Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond,
Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
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DUKE 145 This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learnèd doctor to our court.
Where is he?
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DUKE This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learnèd doctor to our court.
Where is he?
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NERISSA He attendeth here hard by
To know your answer whether you’ll admit him.
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NERISSA He attendeth here hard by
To know your answer whether you’ll admit him.
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DUKE With all my heart.—Some three or four of you
150 Go give him courteous conduct to this place.—
Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
(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 Balthazar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant. We turned 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 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 gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.”
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DUKE With all my heart.—Some three or four of you
Go give him courteous conduct to this place.—
Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
(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 Balthazar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant. We turned 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 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 gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.”
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Enter PORTIA for Balthazar, disguised as a doctor of law
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Enter PORTIA for Balthazar, disguised as a doctor of law
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You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes.
And here I take it is the doctor come.—
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
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You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes.
And here I take it is the doctor come.—
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
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PORTIA I did, my lord.
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PORTIA I did, my lord.
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DUKE You are welcome. Take your place.
160 Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
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DUKE You are welcome. Take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
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PORTIA I am informèd thoroughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
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PORTIA I am informèd thoroughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
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DUKE Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
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DUKE Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
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PORTIA 165 Is your name Shylock?
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PORTIA Is your name Shylock?
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SHYLOCK Shylock is my name.
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SHYLOCK Shylock is my name.
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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.—
(to ANTONIO) You stand within his danger, do you not?
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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.—
(to ANTONIO) You stand within his danger, do you not?
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ANTONIO 170 Ay, so he says.
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ANTONIO Ay, so he says.
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PORTIA Do you confess the bond?
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PORTIA Do you confess the bond?
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ANTONIO I do.
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ANTONIO I do.
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PORTIA Then must the Jew be merciful.
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PORTIA Then must the Jew be merciful.
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SHYLOCK On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
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SHYLOCK On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
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PORTIA The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
175 Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
180 The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
185 And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
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PORTIA The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
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Though justice be thy plea, consider this—
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
190 And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
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Though justice be thy plea, consider this—
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
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SHYLOCK 195 My deeds upon my head. I crave the law,
The penalty, and forfeit of my bond.
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SHYLOCK My deeds upon my head. I crave the law,
The penalty, and forfeit of my bond.
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PORTIA Is he not able to discharge the money?
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PORTIA Is he not able to discharge the money?
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BASSANIO Yes, here I tender it for him in the court—
Yea, twice the sum. If that will not suffice,
200 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.—
(to DUKE)
And I beseech you,
205 Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
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BASSANIO 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.—
(to DUKE)
And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
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PORTIA It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd.
210 'Twill be recorded for a precedent,
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
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PORTIA It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd.
'Twill be recorded for a precedent,
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
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SHYLOCK A Daniel come to judgment, yea, a Daniel!—
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!
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SHYLOCK A Daniel come to judgment, yea, a Daniel!—
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!
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PORTIA 215 I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
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PORTIA I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
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SHYLOCK (giving PORTIA a document)
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
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SHYLOCK (giving PORTIA a document)
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
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PORTIA Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee.
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PORTIA Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee.
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SHYLOCK An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven.
220 Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
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SHYLOCK An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven.
Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
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PORTIA Why, this bond is forfeit!
And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant’s heart.—Be merciful.
225 Take thrice thy money. Bid me tear the bond.
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PORTIA Why, this bond is forfeit!
And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant’s heart.—Be merciful.
Take thrice thy money. Bid me tear the bond.
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SHYLOCK When it is paid according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge.
You know the law. Your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law,
230 Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me. I stay here on my bond.
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SHYLOCK When it is paid according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge.
You know the law. Your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law,
Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me. I stay here on my bond.
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ANTONIO Most heartily I do beseech the court
235 To give the judgment.
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ANTONIO Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
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PORTIA Why then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
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PORTIA Why then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
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SHYLOCK O noble judge! O excellent young man!
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SHYLOCK O noble judge! O excellent young man!
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PORTIA For the intent and purpose of the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
240 Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
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PORTIA For the intent and purpose of the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
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SHYLOCK 'Tis very true. O wise and upright judge!
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
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SHYLOCK 'Tis very true. O wise and upright judge!
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
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PORTIA (to ANTONIO) Therefore lay bare your bosom.
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PORTIA (to ANTONIO) Therefore lay bare your bosom.
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SHYLOCK Ay, his breast.
So says the bond. Doth it not, noble judge?
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SHYLOCK Ay, his breast.
So says the bond. Doth it not, noble judge?
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PORTIA It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh?
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PORTIA It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh?
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SHYLOCK I have them ready.
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SHYLOCK I have them ready.
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PORTIA Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,
To stop his wounds lest he do bleed to death.
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PORTIA Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,
To stop his wounds lest he do bleed to death.
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SHYLOCK 250 Is it so nominated in the bond?
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SHYLOCK Is it so nominated in the bond?
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PORTIA It is not so expressed, but what of that?
'Twere good you do so much for charity.
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PORTIA It is not so expressed, but what of that?
'Twere good you do so much for charity.
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SHYLOCK I cannot find it. 'Tis not in the bond.
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SHYLOCK I cannot find it. 'Tis not in the bond.
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PORTIA (to ANTONIO) You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
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PORTIA (to ANTONIO) You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
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ANTONIO 255 But little. I am armed and well prepared.—
Give me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well.
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ANTONIO But little. I am armed and well prepared.—
Give me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well.
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Grieve not that I am fall'n to this for you,
For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom. It is still her use
260 To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty—from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honorable wife.
265 Tell her the process of Antonio’s end.
Say how I loved you. Speak me fair in death.
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent but you that you shall lose your friend,
270 And he repents not that he pays your debt.
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
|
Grieve not that I am fall'n to this for you,
For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom. It is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty—from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honorable wife.
Tell her the process of Antonio’s end.
Say how I loved you. Speak me fair in death.
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent but you that you shall lose your friend,
And he repents not that he pays your debt.
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
|
|
BASSANIO Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself.
275 But life itself, my wife, and all the world
Are not with me esteemed above thy life.
I would lose all—ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil—to deliver you.
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BASSANIO Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself.
But life itself, my wife, and all the world
Are not with me esteemed above thy life.
I would lose all—ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil—to deliver you.
|
|
PORTIA Your wife would give you little thanks for that
280 If she were by to hear you make the offer.
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PORTIA Your wife would give you little thanks for that
If she were by to hear you make the offer.
|
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GRATIANO I have a wife, whom I protest I love.
I would she were in heaven, so she could
Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
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GRATIANO I have a wife, whom I protest I love.
I would she were in heaven, so she could
Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
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NERISSA 'Tis well you offer it behind her back.
285 The wish would make else an unquiet house.
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NERISSA 'Tis well you offer it behind her back.
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
|
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SHYLOCK These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter.
Would any of the stock of Barabbas
Had been her husband rather than a Christian!—
We trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence.
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SHYLOCK These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter.
Would any of the stock of Barabbas
Had been her husband rather than a Christian!—
We trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence.
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PORTIA 290 A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine.
The court awards it, and the law doth give it.
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PORTIA A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine.
The court awards it, and the law doth give it.
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SHYLOCK Most rightful judge!
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SHYLOCK Most rightful judge!
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PORTIA And you must cut this flesh from off his breast.
The law allows it, and the court awards it.
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PORTIA And you must cut this flesh from off his breast.
The law allows it, and the court awards it.
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SHYLOCK 295 Most learnèd judge, a sentence! Come, prepare.
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SHYLOCK Most learnèd judge, a sentence! Come, prepare.
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PORTIA Tarry a little. There is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.”
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
300 But in the cutting it if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are by the laws of Venice confiscate
Unto the state of Venice.
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PORTIA Tarry a little. There is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.”
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
But in the cutting it if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are by the laws of Venice confiscate
Unto the state of Venice.
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GRATIANO O upright judge!—Mark, Jew.—O learnèd judge!
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GRATIANO O upright judge!—Mark, Jew.—O learnèd judge!
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SHYLOCK 305 Is that the law?
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SHYLOCK Is that the law?
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PORTIA Thyself shalt see the act.
For as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest.
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PORTIA Thyself shalt see the act.
For as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest.
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GRATIANO O learnèd judge!—Mark, Jew, a learnèd judge!
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GRATIANO O learnèd judge!—Mark, Jew, a learnèd judge!
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SHYLOCK 310 I take this offer then: pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
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SHYLOCK I take this offer then: pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
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BASSANIO Here is the money.
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BASSANIO Here is the money.
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PORTIA Soft!
The Jew shall have all justice. Soft, no haste.
He shall have nothing but the penalty.
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PORTIA Soft!
The Jew shall have all justice. Soft, no haste.
He shall have nothing but the penalty.
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GRATIANO 315 O Jew! An upright judge, a learnèd judge!
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GRATIANO O Jew! An upright judge, a learnèd judge!
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PORTIA Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh. If thou takest more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
320 As makes it light or heavy in the substance
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple—nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
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PORTIA Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh. If thou takest more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
As makes it light or heavy in the substance
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple—nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
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GRATIANO 325 A second Daniel!—A Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
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GRATIANO A second Daniel!—A Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
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|
PORTIA Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
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PORTIA Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
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SHYLOCK Give me my principal, and let me go.
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SHYLOCK Give me my principal, and let me go.
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BASSANIO I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
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BASSANIO I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
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PORTIA 330 He hath refused it in the open court.
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
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PORTIA He hath refused it in the open court.
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
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GRATIANO A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!—
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
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GRATIANO A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!—
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
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SHYLOCK Shall I not have barely my principal?
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SHYLOCK Shall I not have barely my principal?
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PORTIA 335 Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
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PORTIA Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
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SHYLOCK Why then, the devil give him good of it!
I’ll stay no longer question.
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SHYLOCK Why then, the devil give him good of it!
I’ll stay no longer question.
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PORTIA Tarry, Jew.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
340 It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If it be proved against an alien
That by direct or indirect attempts
He seek the life of any citizen,
The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive
345 Shall seize one half his goods. The other half
Comes to the privy coffer of the state,
And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only 'gainst all other voice.
In which predicament I say thou stand’st,
350 For it appears by manifest proceeding
That indirectly—and directly too—
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred
The danger formerly by me rehearsed.
355 Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
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PORTIA Tarry, Jew.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If it be proved against an alien
That by direct or indirect attempts
He seek the life of any citizen,
The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive
Shall seize one half his goods. The other half
Comes to the privy coffer of the state,
And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only 'gainst all other voice.
In which predicament I say thou stand’st,
For it appears by manifest proceeding
That indirectly—and directly too—
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred
The danger formerly by me rehearsed.
Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
|
|
GRATIANO Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself,
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
Thou hast not left the value of a cord.
Therefore thou must be hanged at the state’s charge.
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GRATIANO Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself,
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
Thou hast not left the value of a cord.
Therefore thou must be hanged at the state’s charge.
|
|
DUKE 360 That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s.
The other half comes to the general state,
Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
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DUKE That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s.
The other half comes to the general state,
Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
|
|
PORTIA 365 Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
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PORTIA Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
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|
SHYLOCK Nay, take my life and all. Pardon not that.
You take my house when you do take the prop
That doth sustain my house. You take my life
When you do take the means whereby I live.
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SHYLOCK Nay, take my life and all. Pardon not that.
You take my house when you do take the prop
That doth sustain my house. You take my life
When you do take the means whereby I live.
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PORTIA 370 What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
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PORTIA What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
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|
GRATIANO A halter gratis, nothing else, for God’s sake.
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GRATIANO A halter gratis, nothing else, for God’s sake.
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ANTONIO So please my lord the duke and all the court,
To quit the fine for one half of his goods
I am content, so he will let me have
375 The other half in use to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
That lately stole his daughter.
Two things provided more: that for this favor
He presently become a Christian;
380 The other, that he do record a gift
Here in the court, of all he dies possessed,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
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ANTONIO So please my lord the duke and all the court,
To quit the fine for one half of his goods
I am content, so he will let me have
The other half in use to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
That lately stole his daughter.
Two things provided more: that for this favor
He presently become a Christian;
The other, that he do record a gift
Here in the court, of all he dies possessed,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
|
|
DUKE He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronouncèd here.
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DUKE He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronouncèd here.
|
|
PORTIA 385 Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?
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PORTIA Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?
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SHYLOCK I am content.
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SHYLOCK I am content.
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PORTIA (to NERISSA)
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
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PORTIA (to NERISSA)
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
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|
SHYLOCK I pray you, give me leave to go from hence.
I am not well. Send the deed after me,
390 And I will sign it.
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SHYLOCK I pray you, give me leave to go from hence.
I am not well. Send the deed after me,
And I will sign it.
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DUKE Get thee gone, but do it.
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DUKE Get thee gone, but do it.
|
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GRATIANO (to SHYLOCK)
In christening shalt thou have two godfathers.
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more—
To bring thee to the gallows, not to the font.
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GRATIANO (to SHYLOCK)
In christening shalt thou have two godfathers.
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more—
To bring thee to the gallows, not to the font.
|
|
Exit SHYLOCK
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Exit SHYLOCK
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DUKE |
DUKE |
|
PORTIA I humbly do desire your grace of pardon.
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
|
PORTIA I humbly do desire your grace of pardon.
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
|
|
DUKE I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.—
400 Antonio, gratify this gentleman,
For in my mind you are much bound to him.
|
DUKE I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.—
Antonio, gratify this gentleman,
For in my mind you are much bound to him.
|
|
Exit DUKE and his train
|
Exit DUKE and his train
|
|
BASSANIO (to PORTIA) Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof
405 Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
|
BASSANIO (to PORTIA) Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof
Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
|
|
ANTONIO And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
|
ANTONIO And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
|
|
PORTIA He is well paid that is well satisfied.
410 And I, delivering you, am satisfied,
And therein do account myself well paid.
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you, know me when we meet again.
I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
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PORTIA He is well paid that is well satisfied.
And I, delivering you, am satisfied,
And therein do account myself well paid.
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you, know me when we meet again.
I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
|
|
BASSANIO 415 Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further.
Take some remembrance of us as a tribute,
Not as a fee. Grant me two things, I pray you:
Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
|
BASSANIO Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further.
Take some remembrance of us as a tribute,
Not as a fee. Grant me two things, I pray you:
Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
|
|
PORTIA You press me far and therefore I will yield.
Give me your gloves. I’ll wear them for your sake.
(to BASSANIO)
And for your love, I’ll take this ring from you.
Do not draw back your hand. I’ll take no more,
425 And you in love shall not deny me this.
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PORTIA You press me far and therefore I will yield.
Give me your gloves. I’ll wear them for your sake.
(to BASSANIO)
And for your love, I’ll take this ring from you.
Do not draw back your hand. I’ll take no more,
And you in love shall not deny me this.
|
|
BASSANIO This ring, good sir—alas, it is a trifle.
I will not shame myself to give you this.
|
BASSANIO This ring, good sir—alas, it is a trifle.
I will not shame myself to give you this.
|
|
PORTIA I will have nothing else but only this.
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
|
PORTIA I will have nothing else but only this.
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
|
|
BASSANIO 430 There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you,
And find it out by proclamation.
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
|
BASSANIO There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you,
And find it out by proclamation.
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
|
|
PORTIA I see, sir, you are liberal in offers.
435 You taught me first to beg, and now methinks
You teach me how a beggar should be answered.
|
PORTIA I see, sir, you are liberal in offers.
You taught me first to beg, and now methinks
You teach me how a beggar should be answered.
|
|
BASSANIO Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife.
And when she put it on, she made me vow
That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
|
BASSANIO Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife.
And when she put it on, she made me vow
That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
|
|
PORTIA 440 That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts.
An if your wife be not a madwoman,
And know how well I have deserved the ring,
She would not hold out enemy forever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you.
|
PORTIA That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts.
An if your wife be not a madwoman,
And know how well I have deserved the ring,
She would not hold out enemy forever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you.
|
|
Exeunt PORTIA and NERISSA
|
Exeunt PORTIA and NERISSA
|
|
ANTONIO 445 My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring.
Let his deservings and my love withal
Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
|
ANTONIO My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring.
Let his deservings and my love withal
Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
|
|
BASSANIO (giving GRATIANO the ring)
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him.
450 Give him the ring and bring him, if thou canst,
Unto Antonio’s house. Away, make haste.
|
BASSANIO (giving GRATIANO the ring)
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him.
Give him the ring and bring him, if thou canst,
Unto Antonio’s house. Away, make haste.
|
|
Exit GRATIANO
|
Exit GRATIANO
|
|
Come, you and I will thither presently.
And in the morning early will we both
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
|
Come, you and I will thither presently.
And in the morning early will we both
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter the DUKE , the magnificoes, ANTONIO , BASSANIO , GRATIANO , SALERIO , and others
|
Enter the DUKE , the magnificoes, ANTONIO , BASSANIO , GRATIANO , SALERIO , and others
|
|
DUKE What, is Antonio here?
|
DUKE What, is Antonio here?
|
|
ANTONIO Ready, so please your grace.
|
ANTONIO Ready, so please your grace.
|
|
DUKE I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch
5 Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
|
DUKE I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch
Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
|
|
ANTONIO I have heard
Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course. But since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry me
10 Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am armed
To suffer with a quietness of spirit
The very tyranny and rage of his.
|
ANTONIO I have heard
Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course. But since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry me
Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am armed
To suffer with a quietness of spirit
The very tyranny and rage of his.
|
|
DUKE Go, one, and call the Jew into the court.
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DUKE Go, one, and call the Jew into the court.
|
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SALERIO 15 He is ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
|
SALERIO He is ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
|
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Enter SHYLOCK
|
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
To the last hour of act, and then ’tis thought
20 Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
Than is thy strange apparent cruelty,
And where thou now exacts the penalty—
Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh—
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture
25 But—touched with human gentleness and love,—
Forgive a moiety of the principal,
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on his back
Eno' to press a royal merchant down
30 And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars never trained
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
|
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
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 exacts the penalty—
Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh—
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture
But—touched with human gentleness and love,—
Forgive a moiety of the principal,
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on his back
Eno' to press a royal merchant down
And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars never trained
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
|
|
SHYLOCK 35 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
Upon your charter and your city’s freedom.
40 You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that
But say it is my humour. Is it answered?
What if my house be troubled with a rat
45 And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats
To have it baned? What, are you answered yet?
|
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
Upon your charter and your city’s freedom.
You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that
But say it is my humour. Is it answered?
What if my house be troubled with a rat
And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats
To have it baned? What, are you answered yet?
|
|
Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
Some that are mad if they behold a cat,
And others, when the bagpipe sings i' th' nose,
50 Cannot contain their urine. For affection,
Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be rendered
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig;
55 Why he, a harmless necessary cat;
Why he, a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended—
So can I give no reason, nor I will not
60 (More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio), that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?
|
Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
Some that are mad if they behold a cat,
And others, when the bagpipe sings i' th' nose,
Cannot contain their urine. For affection,
Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be rendered
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig;
Why he, a harmless necessary cat;
Why he, a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended—
So can I give no reason, nor I will not
(More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio), that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?
|
|
BASSANIO This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
|
BASSANIO This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
|
|
SHYLOCK 65 I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
|
SHYLOCK I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
|
|
BASSANIO Do all men kill the things they do not love?
|
BASSANIO Do all men kill the things they do not love?
|
|
SHYLOCK Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
|
SHYLOCK Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
|
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BASSANIO Every offense is not a hate at first.
|
BASSANIO Every offense is not a hate at first.
|
|
SHYLOCK What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
|
SHYLOCK What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
|
|
ANTONIO 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.
You may as well use question with the wolf
75 Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb.
|
ANTONIO 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.
You may as well use question with the wolf
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb.
|
|
You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven.
You may as well do anything most hard,
80 As seek to soften that—than which what’s harder?—
His Jewish heart. Therefore I do beseech you
Make no more offers, use no farther means,
But with all brief and plain conveniency
Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
|
You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven.
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
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 |
BASSANIO |
|
SHYLOCK If every ducat in six thousand ducats
Were in six parts, and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them. I would have my bond.
|
SHYLOCK If every ducat in six thousand ducats
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?
|
DUKE How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
|
|
SHYLOCK 90 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—
You use in abject and in slavish parts
Because you bought them. Shall I say to you,
95 “Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs!
Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds
Be made as soft as yours and let their palates
Be seasoned with such viands”? You will answer,
“The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you.
100 The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought. 'Tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law—
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment. Answer, shall I have it?
|
SHYLOCK 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—
You use in abject and in slavish parts
Because you bought them. Shall I say to you,
“Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs!
Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds
Be made as soft as yours and let their palates
Be seasoned with such viands”? You will answer,
“The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you.
The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought. 'Tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law—
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment. Answer, shall I have it?
|
|
DUKE 105 Upon my power I may dismiss this court,
Unless Bellario, a learnèd doctor,
Whom I have sent for to determine this,
Come here today.
|
DUKE Upon my power I may dismiss this court,
Unless Bellario, a learnèd doctor,
Whom I have sent for to determine this,
Come here today.
|
|
SALERIO My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor,
110 New come from Padua.
|
SALERIO My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor,
New come from Padua.
|
|
DUKE Bring us the letter. Call the messenger.
|
DUKE Bring us the letter. Call the messenger.
|
|
BASSANIO Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!
The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
|
BASSANIO Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!
The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
|
|
ANTONIO 115 I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
You cannot better be employed, Bassanio,
Than to live still and write mine epitaph.
|
ANTONIO I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
You cannot better be employed, Bassanio,
Than to live still and write mine epitaph.
|
|
Enter NERISSA , disguised as a clerk
|
Enter NERISSA , disguised as a clerk
|
|
DUKE 120 Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
|
DUKE Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
|
|
NERISSA From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
(gives DUKE a letter)
|
NERISSA From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
(gives DUKE a letter)
|
|
SHYLOCK sharpens a knife on the bottom of his shoe
|
SHYLOCK sharpens a knife on the bottom of his shoe
|
|
BASSANIO (to SHYLOCK) Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
|
BASSANIO (to SHYLOCK) Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
|
|
SHYLOCK To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
|
SHYLOCK To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
|
|
GRATIANO 125 Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,
Thou makest thy knife keen. But no metal can—
No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
|
GRATIANO Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,
Thou makest thy knife keen. But no metal can—
No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
|
|
SHYLOCK No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
|
SHYLOCK No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
|
|
GRATIANO 130 O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog,
And for thy life let justice be accused!
Thou almost makest me waver in my faith
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
135 Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam
Infused itself in thee, for thy desires
140 Are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous.
|
GRATIANO O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog,
And for thy life let justice be accused!
Thou almost makest me waver in my faith
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam
Infused itself in thee, for thy desires
Are wolvish, bloody, starved, and ravenous.
|
|
SHYLOCK Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond,
Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
|
SHYLOCK Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond,
Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
|
|
DUKE 145 This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learnèd doctor to our court.
Where is he?
|
DUKE This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learnèd doctor to our court.
Where is he?
|
|
NERISSA He attendeth here hard by
To know your answer whether you’ll admit him.
|
NERISSA He attendeth here hard by
To know your answer whether you’ll admit him.
|
|
DUKE With all my heart.—Some three or four of you
150 Go give him courteous conduct to this place.—
Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
(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 Balthazar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant. We turned 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 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 gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.”
|
DUKE With all my heart.—Some three or four of you
Go give him courteous conduct to this place.—
Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
(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 Balthazar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant. We turned 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 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 gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.”
|
|
Enter PORTIA for Balthazar, disguised as a doctor of law
|
Enter PORTIA for Balthazar, disguised as a doctor of law
|
|
You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes.
And here I take it is the doctor come.—
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
|
You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes.
And here I take it is the doctor come.—
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
|
|
PORTIA I did, my lord.
|
PORTIA I did, my lord.
|
|
DUKE You are welcome. Take your place.
160 Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
|
DUKE You are welcome. Take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
|
|
PORTIA I am informèd thoroughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
|
PORTIA I am informèd thoroughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
|
|
DUKE Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
|
DUKE Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
|
|
PORTIA 165 Is your name Shylock?
|
PORTIA Is your name Shylock?
|
|
SHYLOCK Shylock is my name.
|
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.—
(to ANTONIO) You stand within his danger, do you not?
|
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.—
(to ANTONIO) You stand within his danger, do you not?
|
|
ANTONIO 170 Ay, so he says.
|
ANTONIO Ay, so he says.
|
|
PORTIA Do you confess the bond?
|
PORTIA Do you confess the bond?
|
|
ANTONIO I do.
|
ANTONIO I do.
|
|
PORTIA Then must the Jew be merciful.
|
PORTIA Then must the Jew be merciful.
|
|
SHYLOCK On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
|
SHYLOCK On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
|
|
PORTIA The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
175 Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
180 The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
185 And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
|
PORTIA The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
|
|
Though justice be thy plea, consider this—
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
190 And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
|
Though justice be thy plea, consider this—
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
|
|
SHYLOCK 195 My deeds upon my head. I crave the law,
The penalty, and forfeit of my bond.
|
SHYLOCK My deeds upon my head. I crave the law,
The penalty, and forfeit of my bond.
|
|
PORTIA Is he not able to discharge the money?
|
PORTIA Is he not able to discharge the money?
|
|
BASSANIO Yes, here I tender it for him in the court—
Yea, twice the sum. If that will not suffice,
200 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.—
(to DUKE)
And I beseech you,
205 Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
|
BASSANIO 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.—
(to DUKE)
And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
|
|
PORTIA It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd.
210 'Twill be recorded for a precedent,
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
|
PORTIA It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd.
'Twill be recorded for a precedent,
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
|
|
SHYLOCK A Daniel come to judgment, yea, a Daniel!—
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!
|
SHYLOCK A Daniel come to judgment, yea, a Daniel!—
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!
|
|
PORTIA 215 I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
|
PORTIA I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
|
|
SHYLOCK (giving PORTIA a document)
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
|
SHYLOCK (giving PORTIA a document)
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
|
|
PORTIA Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee.
|
PORTIA Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee.
|
|
SHYLOCK An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven.
220 Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
|
SHYLOCK An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven.
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
Nearest the merchant’s heart.—Be merciful.
225 Take thrice thy money. Bid me tear the bond.
|
PORTIA Why, this bond is forfeit!
And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant’s heart.—Be merciful.
Take thrice thy money. Bid me tear the bond.
|
|
SHYLOCK When it is paid according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge.
You know the law. Your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law,
230 Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me. I stay here on my bond.
|
SHYLOCK When it is paid according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge.
You know the law. Your exposition
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law,
Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me. I stay here on my bond.
|
|
ANTONIO Most heartily I do beseech the court
235 To give the judgment.
|
ANTONIO Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
|
|
PORTIA Why then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
|
PORTIA Why then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
|
|
SHYLOCK O noble judge! O excellent young man!
|
SHYLOCK O noble judge! O excellent young man!
|
|
PORTIA For the intent and purpose of the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
240 Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
|
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!
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
|
SHYLOCK 'Tis very true. O wise and upright judge!
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
|
|
PORTIA (to ANTONIO) Therefore lay bare your bosom.
|
PORTIA (to ANTONIO) Therefore lay bare your bosom.
|
|
SHYLOCK Ay, his breast.
So says the bond. Doth it not, noble judge?
|
SHYLOCK Ay, his breast.
So says the bond. Doth it not, noble judge?
|
|
PORTIA It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh?
|
PORTIA It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh?
|
|
SHYLOCK I have them ready.
|
SHYLOCK I have them ready.
|
|
PORTIA Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,
To stop his wounds lest he do bleed to death.
|
PORTIA Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,
To stop his wounds lest he do bleed to death.
|
|
SHYLOCK 250 Is it so nominated in the bond?
|
SHYLOCK Is it so nominated in the bond?
|
|
PORTIA It is not so expressed, but what of that?
'Twere good you do so much for charity.
|
PORTIA It is not so expressed, but what of that?
'Twere good you do so much for charity.
|
|
SHYLOCK I cannot find it. 'Tis not in the bond.
|
SHYLOCK I cannot find it. 'Tis not in the bond.
|
|
PORTIA (to ANTONIO) You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
|
PORTIA (to ANTONIO) You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
|
|
ANTONIO 255 But little. I am armed and well prepared.—
Give me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well.
|
ANTONIO But little. I am armed and well prepared.—
Give me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well.
|
|
Grieve not that I am fall'n to this for you,
For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom. It is still her use
260 To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty—from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honorable wife.
265 Tell her the process of Antonio’s end.
Say how I loved you. Speak me fair in death.
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent but you that you shall lose your friend,
270 And he repents not that he pays your debt.
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
|
Grieve not that I am fall'n to this for you,
For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom. It is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty—from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honorable wife.
Tell her the process of Antonio’s end.
Say how I loved you. Speak me fair in death.
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent but you that you shall lose your friend,
And he repents not that he pays your debt.
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
|
|
BASSANIO Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself.
275 But life itself, my wife, and all the world
Are not with me esteemed above thy life.
I would lose all—ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil—to deliver you.
|
BASSANIO Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself.
But life itself, my wife, and all the world
Are not with me esteemed above thy life.
I would lose all—ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil—to deliver you.
|
|
PORTIA Your wife would give you little thanks for that
280 If she were by to hear you make the offer.
|
PORTIA Your wife would give you little thanks for that
If she were by to hear you make the offer.
|
|
GRATIANO I have a wife, whom I protest I love.
I would she were in heaven, so she could
Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
|
GRATIANO I have a wife, whom I protest I love.
I would she were in heaven, so she could
Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
|
|
NERISSA 'Tis well you offer it behind her back.
285 The wish would make else an unquiet house.
|
NERISSA 'Tis well you offer it behind her back.
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
|
|
SHYLOCK These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter.
Would any of the stock of Barabbas
Had been her husband rather than a Christian!—
We trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence.
|
SHYLOCK These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter.
Would any of the stock of Barabbas
Had been her husband rather than a Christian!—
We trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence.
|
|
PORTIA 290 A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine.
The court awards it, and the law doth give it.
|
PORTIA A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine.
The court awards it, and the law doth give it.
|
|
SHYLOCK Most rightful judge!
|
SHYLOCK Most rightful judge!
|
|
PORTIA And you must cut this flesh from off his breast.
The law allows it, and the court awards it.
|
PORTIA And you must cut this flesh from off his breast.
The law allows it, and the court awards it.
|
|
SHYLOCK 295 Most learnèd judge, a sentence! Come, prepare.
|
SHYLOCK Most learnèd judge, a sentence! Come, prepare.
|
|
PORTIA Tarry a little. There is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.”
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
300 But in the cutting it if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are by the laws of Venice confiscate
Unto the state of Venice.
|
PORTIA Tarry a little. There is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.”
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
But in the cutting it if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are by the laws of Venice confiscate
Unto the state of Venice.
|
|
GRATIANO O upright judge!—Mark, Jew.—O learnèd judge!
|
GRATIANO O upright judge!—Mark, Jew.—O learnèd judge!
|
|
SHYLOCK 305 Is that the law?
|
SHYLOCK Is that the law?
|
|
PORTIA Thyself shalt see the act.
For as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest.
|
PORTIA Thyself shalt see the act.
For as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest.
|
|
GRATIANO O learnèd judge!—Mark, Jew, a learnèd judge!
|
GRATIANO O learnèd judge!—Mark, Jew, a learnèd judge!
|
|
SHYLOCK 310 I take this offer then: pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
|
SHYLOCK I take this offer then: pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
|
|
BASSANIO Here is the money.
|
BASSANIO Here is the money.
|
|
PORTIA Soft!
The Jew shall have all justice. Soft, no haste.
He shall have nothing but the penalty.
|
PORTIA Soft!
The Jew shall have all justice. Soft, no haste.
He shall have nothing but the penalty.
|
|
GRATIANO 315 O Jew! An upright judge, a learnèd judge!
|
GRATIANO O Jew! An upright judge, a learnèd judge!
|
|
PORTIA Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh. If thou takest more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
320 As makes it light or heavy in the substance
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple—nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
|
PORTIA Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh. If thou takest more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
As makes it light or heavy in the substance
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple—nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
|
|
GRATIANO 325 A second Daniel!—A Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
|
GRATIANO A second Daniel!—A Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
|
|
PORTIA Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
|
PORTIA Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
|
|
SHYLOCK Give me my principal, and let me go.
|
SHYLOCK Give me my principal, and let me go.
|
|
BASSANIO I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
|
BASSANIO I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
|
|
PORTIA 330 He hath refused it in the open court.
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
|
PORTIA He hath refused it in the open court.
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
|
|
GRATIANO A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!—
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
|
GRATIANO A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!—
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
|
|
SHYLOCK Shall I not have barely my principal?
|
SHYLOCK Shall I not have barely my principal?
|
|
PORTIA 335 Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
|
PORTIA Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
|
|
SHYLOCK Why then, the devil give him good of it!
I’ll stay no longer question.
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SHYLOCK Why then, the devil give him good of it!
I’ll stay no longer question.
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PORTIA Tarry, Jew.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
340 It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If it be proved against an alien
That by direct or indirect attempts
He seek the life of any citizen,
The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive
345 Shall seize one half his goods. The other half
Comes to the privy coffer of the state,
And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only 'gainst all other voice.
In which predicament I say thou stand’st,
350 For it appears by manifest proceeding
That indirectly—and directly too—
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred
The danger formerly by me rehearsed.
355 Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
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PORTIA Tarry, Jew.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If it be proved against an alien
That by direct or indirect attempts
He seek the life of any citizen,
The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive
Shall seize one half his goods. The other half
Comes to the privy coffer of the state,
And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only 'gainst all other voice.
In which predicament I say thou stand’st,
For it appears by manifest proceeding
That indirectly—and directly too—
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred
The danger formerly by me rehearsed.
Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
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GRATIANO Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself,
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
Thou hast not left the value of a cord.
Therefore thou must be hanged at the state’s charge.
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GRATIANO Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself,
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
Thou hast not left the value of a cord.
Therefore thou must be hanged at the state’s charge.
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DUKE 360 That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s.
The other half comes to the general state,
Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
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DUKE That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s.
The other half comes to the general state,
Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
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PORTIA 365 Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
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PORTIA Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
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SHYLOCK Nay, take my life and all. Pardon not that.
You take my house when you do take the prop
That doth sustain my house. You take my life
When you do take the means whereby I live.
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SHYLOCK Nay, take my life and all. Pardon not that.
You take my house when you do take the prop
That doth sustain my house. You take my life
When you do take the means whereby I live.
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PORTIA 370 What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
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PORTIA What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
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GRATIANO A halter gratis, nothing else, for God’s sake.
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GRATIANO A halter gratis, nothing else, for God’s sake.
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ANTONIO So please my lord the duke and all the court,
To quit the fine for one half of his goods
I am content, so he will let me have
375 The other half in use to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
That lately stole his daughter.
Two things provided more: that for this favor
He presently become a Christian;
380 The other, that he do record a gift
Here in the court, of all he dies possessed,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
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ANTONIO So please my lord the duke and all the court,
To quit the fine for one half of his goods
I am content, so he will let me have
The other half in use to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
That lately stole his daughter.
Two things provided more: that for this favor
He presently become a Christian;
The other, that he do record a gift
Here in the court, of all he dies possessed,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
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DUKE He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronouncèd here.
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DUKE He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronouncèd here.
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PORTIA 385 Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?
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PORTIA Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?
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SHYLOCK I am content.
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SHYLOCK I am content.
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PORTIA (to NERISSA)
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
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PORTIA (to NERISSA)
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
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SHYLOCK I pray you, give me leave to go from hence.
I am not well. Send the deed after me,
390 And I will sign it.
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SHYLOCK I pray you, give me leave to go from hence.
I am not well. Send the deed after me,
And I will sign it.
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DUKE Get thee gone, but do it.
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DUKE Get thee gone, but do it.
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GRATIANO (to SHYLOCK)
In christening shalt thou have two godfathers.
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more—
To bring thee to the gallows, not to the font.
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GRATIANO (to SHYLOCK)
In christening shalt thou have two godfathers.
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more—
To bring thee to the gallows, not to the font.
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Exit SHYLOCK
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Exit SHYLOCK
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DUKE |
DUKE |
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PORTIA I humbly do desire your grace of pardon.
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
|
PORTIA I humbly do desire your grace of pardon.
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
|
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DUKE I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.—
400 Antonio, gratify this gentleman,
For in my mind you are much bound to him.
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DUKE I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.—
Antonio, gratify this gentleman,
For in my mind you are much bound to him.
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Exit DUKE and his train
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Exit DUKE and his train
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BASSANIO (to PORTIA) Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof
405 Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
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BASSANIO (to PORTIA) Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof
Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
|
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ANTONIO And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
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ANTONIO And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
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PORTIA He is well paid that is well satisfied.
410 And I, delivering you, am satisfied,
And therein do account myself well paid.
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you, know me when we meet again.
I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
|
PORTIA He is well paid that is well satisfied.
And I, delivering you, am satisfied,
And therein do account myself well paid.
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you, know me when we meet again.
I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
|
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BASSANIO 415 Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further.
Take some remembrance of us as a tribute,
Not as a fee. Grant me two things, I pray you:
Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
|
BASSANIO Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further.
Take some remembrance of us as a tribute,
Not as a fee. Grant me two things, I pray you:
Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
|
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PORTIA You press me far and therefore I will yield.
Give me your gloves. I’ll wear them for your sake.
(to BASSANIO)
And for your love, I’ll take this ring from you.
Do not draw back your hand. I’ll take no more,
425 And you in love shall not deny me this.
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PORTIA You press me far and therefore I will yield.
Give me your gloves. I’ll wear them for your sake.
(to BASSANIO)
And for your love, I’ll take this ring from you.
Do not draw back your hand. I’ll take no more,
And you in love shall not deny me this.
|
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BASSANIO This ring, good sir—alas, it is a trifle.
I will not shame myself to give you this.
|
BASSANIO This ring, good sir—alas, it is a trifle.
I will not shame myself to give you this.
|
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PORTIA I will have nothing else but only this.
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
|
PORTIA I will have nothing else but only this.
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
|
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BASSANIO 430 There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you,
And find it out by proclamation.
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
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BASSANIO There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you,
And find it out by proclamation.
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
|
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PORTIA I see, sir, you are liberal in offers.
435 You taught me first to beg, and now methinks
You teach me how a beggar should be answered.
|
PORTIA I see, sir, you are liberal in offers.
You taught me first to beg, and now methinks
You teach me how a beggar should be answered.
|
|
BASSANIO Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife.
And when she put it on, she made me vow
That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
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BASSANIO Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife.
And when she put it on, she made me vow
That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
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PORTIA 440 That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts.
An if your wife be not a madwoman,
And know how well I have deserved the ring,
She would not hold out enemy forever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you.
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PORTIA That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts.
An if your wife be not a madwoman,
And know how well I have deserved the ring,
She would not hold out enemy forever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you.
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|
Exeunt PORTIA and NERISSA
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Exeunt PORTIA and NERISSA
|
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ANTONIO 445 My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring.
Let his deservings and my love withal
Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
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ANTONIO My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring.
Let his deservings and my love withal
Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
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BASSANIO (giving GRATIANO the ring)
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him.
450 Give him the ring and bring him, if thou canst,
Unto Antonio’s house. Away, make haste.
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BASSANIO (giving GRATIANO the ring)
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him.
Give him the ring and bring him, if thou canst,
Unto Antonio’s house. Away, make haste.
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Exit GRATIANO
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Exit GRATIANO
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Come, you and I will thither presently.
And in the morning early will we both
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
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Come, you and I will thither presently.
And in the morning early will we both
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
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Exeunt
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Exeunt
|
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