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! PORTIA
Therefore lay bare your bosom. SHYLOCK
Ay, his breast: So says the bond: doth it not, noble judge? 'Nearest his heart:' those are the very words. PORTIA
It is so. Are there balance here to weigh The flesh? SHYLOCK
I have them ready. PORTIA
Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. SHYLOCK
Is it so nominated in the bond? PORTIA
It is not so express'd: but what of that? 'Twere good you do so much for charity. SHYLOCK
I cannot find it; 'tis not in the bond. PORTIA
You, merchant, have you any thing to say? ANTONIO
But little: I am arm'd and well prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio: fare you well! Grieve not that I am
fallen 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 honourable 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.
|
|
By PanEris
using Melati.
|
|
|
|
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd,
and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission.
See our FAQ for more details.
|
|