nio_ 'Twill do no good to lie.
Write letters. I will see them promptly sent.

_Shylock_ I swear to you Antonio--

_Gratiano_ Wait a while.
First tell us if the oath thou art to make
Is sworn as Christian or in Hebrew style;
Though truly which to give the preference
Is matter to discuss. A Jewish oath
Thou canst not take for thou hast been baptised,
And sooth to say I have a sort of doubt
About thy reverence for Christian forms.

_Shylock_ By that great Power who can humble both
Hebrew and Christian, I do swear to you
That not in all this universe's span
Have I a claim on friends or relatives
As large as this. Much more have I the right
To claim assistance from Antonio
Who though he found me keen for my revenge
And steadfast in assertion of my rights
Can bring no accusation on my head
Of underhanded trickery or crime.

_Gratiano_ Because we watch you pretty carefully.

_Shylock_ What say you, sir? You will not keep us here?

_Antonio_ I warned thee once cajoling will not serve.
Write out the letters. That's the only way.
I'll see that while you tarry in the gaol
Your comfort shall not be too much disturbed.
Your food shall be according to your wish
And other things in reason you may have.

_Jessica_ Good sir, I think you know me, do you not?

_Antonio_ Why, are you not my friend Lorenzo's wife?

_Jessica_ I am the Jessica who married him,
But not his wife if wifehood is a state
That presupposes more than legal rights.
I and Lorenzo are as strangers now
And less than strangers, less than enemies.

_Antonio_ I grieve to hear it.

_Jessica_ I would have your grief
Not for myself but for my father here.
He speaks the truth. He has no more to give.

_Antonio_ Then let him call upon his wealthy friends,
The other Jews will trust him if he asks.

_Jessica_ You heard him say he knows not where to sue.

_Antonio_ O, that was but the cunning of his race.

_Jessica_ Unfeeling man! If his deserts are dumb
What of your obligation due to m