itation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name
is Balthazar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the
Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o'er many books together: he is
furnished with my opinion: which, bettered with his own learning, the
greatness whereof I cannot enough commend, comes with him, at my
importunity, to fill up your grace's request in my stead. I beseech you,
let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend
estimation; for I never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave
him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his
commendation._

_Duke._ You hear the learned Bellario, what he writes:
And here, I take it, is the doctor come.--

_Enter_ PORTIA, _dressed like a doctor of laws._

Give me your hand: came you from old Bellario?

_Portia._ I did, my lord.

_Duke._ You are welcome; take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?

_Portia._ I am informed, throughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?

_Duke._ Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.

_Portia._ Is your name Shylock?

_Shylock._ Shylock is my name.

_Portia._ Of a strange nature is the suit you follow;
Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn you as you do proceed.--
You stand within his danger, do you not? [_To_ ANTONIO.

_Antonio._ Ay, so he says.

_Portia._ Do you confess the bond?

_Antonio._ I do.

_Portia._ Then must the Jew be merciful.

_Shylock._ On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.

_Portia._ The quality of mercy is not strain'd;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,--
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.