oned monarch better than his crown."

But Shylock's only answer was, that he would insist upon the penalty:
upon which Portia asked if Antonio could not pay the sum. Bassanio
then publicly offered the payment of the three thousand ducats; the
hard Jew still refusing it, and declaring that he would take nothing
but the promised pound of flesh.

Bassanio was now terribly grieved, and asked the learned young
counsellor to "wrest the law a little."

"It must not be--there is no power in Venice can alter a decree
established," said Portia. Shylock, hearing her say this, believed she
would now favor him, and exclaimed: "A Daniel come to judgment! O wise
young judge, how do I honor thee!"

He never guessed what was coming, when the young counsellor gravely
asked to look at the bond. She read it, and declared that the Jew was
lawfully entitled to the pound of flesh, but once more she begged him
to take the offered money, and be merciful.

It was in vain to talk to Shylock of mercy. He began to sharpen a
knife; and then Portia asked Antonio if he had anything to say. He
replied that he could say but little; and prepared to take leave of his
well-beloved Bassanio, bidding him tell his wife how he had died for
friendship.

In his grief, Bassanio cried out that, dearly as he loved his wife,
even she could not be more precious to him than Antonio's life; and
that he would lose her and all he had, could it avail to satisfy the
Jew.

"Your wife would give you little thanks for that, if she were by to
hear you make that offer," said Portia; not at all angry, however, with
her husband for loving such a noble friend well enough to say this.

Then Bassanio's servant exclaimed that _he_ had a wife whom he loved,
but he wished she were in heaven, if, by being there, she could soften
the heart of Shylock.

At this, Nerissa--who, in her clerk's dress, was by Portia's
side--said, "It is well you wish this behind her back."

But Shylock was impatient to be revenged on his victim, and cried out
that time was being lost. So Portia asked if the scales were in
readiness; and if some surgeon were near, lest Antonio should bleed to
death.

"It is not so named in the bond," said Shylock.

"It were good you did so much for charity," returned Portia.

But charity and mercy were nothing to the Jew, who sharpened his knife,
and called upon Antonio to prepare. But Portia bade him tarry; there
was something more to hear. Though t