THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.

  
 
 
 
 
 

_ But when her newly-
made husband had gone,
Portia went after him, and
arrived in Venice disguised
as a lawyer, and with an
introduction from a
celebrated lawyer
Bellario, whom the
Duke of Venice had
called in to decide
the legal questions
raised by Shylock’s
claim to a pound of
Antonio’s flesh.
When the Court
met, Bassanio offered
Shylock twice the
money borrowed, if he would withdraw his claim. But the Jew’s
only answer was—

“Tf 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.”

It was then that Portia arrived in her disguise, and not even her
own husband knew her. The Duke gave her welcome on account of
the great Bellario’s introduction, and left the settlement of the case to
her. Then in noble words she bade the Jew have mercy. But he was
deaf to her entreaties. ‘I will have the pound of flesh,” was his reply.

“What have you to say?” asked Portia of the merchant.

“ But little,” he answered ; “I am armed and well prepared.”

“The Court awards you a pound of Antonio’s flesh,” said Portia to
the Jew.

“Most righteous judge!” cried the cruel Jew, “A sentence, come
prepare.”

“Stop, Jew. This bond gives you no right to Antonio’s blood, only
to his flesh. If, then, you spill a drop of his blood, all your property will
be forfeited to the State. Such is the Law.”