episode 4

The Duke of Venice, who was judging the case, begged Shylock to be merciful. "Why should I be merciful?" said the Jew. I do not love

Antonio.

'Do all men kill the things they do not love?" asked Bassanio angrily.

'Don't all men want to kill the thing they hate?" answered

Shylock bitterly.

'I will give you twice as much as Antonio owes you, if you will let him go free, Bassanio said. 'If you offered me six thousand times the amount he owes

me, I should still ask for my pound of flesh, the Jew replied.

'How can you hope for mercy if you show none?' asked the

Duke, but Shylock answered angrily:

'I do not want mercy. I want justice. Give me my pound of flesh. He began to sharpen the long knife he had brought with him, feeling that his revenge was very near.

But at that moment a messenger came to the Duke with the news that a clever young lawyer had arrived from another town to judge the case. Almost at once the lawyer entered, accompanied by his clerk. They both looked very young, but they brought with them a written introduction from a lawyer friend of the Duke's who assured him that the young man was well qualified to judge the case.

His wisdom was soon shown by the careful questions he put to the Jew. When he had heard all that Shylock and Antonio had to say, he begged the Jew to be merciful.

Why should I be merciful! Tell me that!' shouted Shylock angrily; and the young lawyer made a fine speech, telling Shylock of the value of mercy.

'Mercy is twice-blessed, he said. 'It blesses him who gives and him who receives. Great kings are always merciful; and God himself is known to be full of gentleness and mercy. Therefore, Jew, although you ask for justice, I ask you to be merciful.

Shylock would not listen. He could think of nothing but revenge, and he refused to take the money Bassanio offered, although Bassanio said he would give him ten times the sum he owed.

'Come, Shylock,' said the lawyer patiently, 'be merciful. Take

three times the sum and let me tear up the promise! Shylock still refused, and the lawyer had to admit that his claim was right according to the law of Venice; and, if the Jew would not be merciful, Antonio must give him his pound of flesh.

'A wise man come to judgement! Oh, wise young judge, how I admire you!' cried Shylock, bringing out his knife again. 'You must prepare yourself for the knife, the lawyer said

to Antonio.

'Oh, noble judge! Oh, wonderful young man!' cried Shylock. 'Come, open up your coat, said the lawyer. "Yes, yes-his coat, nearest the heart. noble judge!' said

Shylock, feeling the sharp edge of his knife.

Are there balances here to weigh the flesh?' asked the young man.

'I have them ready,' answered Shylock. 'Have you called a doctor to stop his wounds in case he bleeds

to death?'

"No,' said Shylock. "That is not written in the bond."

The young judge asked Antonio if he had anything to say. Antonio told Bassanio that he loved him greatly and was glad to die for his sake and then he said goodbye.

A pound of this merchant's flesh is yours,' said the lawyer to Shylock. 'The court agrees, and the law admits it.

'Most rightful judge!' said the delighted Jew. 'And you must cut this flesh from near his heart; the law

admits it, and the court agrees.

"Most learned judge!' said Shylock. 'Come, Antonio, prepare

yourself.

'Wait a little,' said the judge. There is something else. This letter does not promise you one drop of blood. Take your pound of flesh; but if you spill one drop of blood you must give all your money and possessions to the State!

Now it was Gratiano's turn to praise the lawyer.

'Oh, learned judge!" he cried. 'Listen, Shylock, to the learned judge!"

'You asked for justice, and you shall have it, said the lawyer.

'Then, cried Shylock hastily, give me the money, Bassanio. Give me three times what Antonio owes me, as you said you would.'

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