I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

_Shylock._ My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.

_Portia._ Is he not able to discharge the money?

_Bassanio._ Yes, here I tender it for him in the court;
Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er,
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart:
If this will not suffice, it must appear
That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority:
To do a great right, do a little wrong;
And curb this cruel devil of his will.

_Portia._ It must not be; there is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree established:
'Twill be recorded for a precedent;
And many an error, by the same example,
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.

_Shylock._ A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel!
O wise young judge, how do I honour thee!

_Portia._ I pray you, let me look upon the bond.

_Shylock._ Here 'tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.

_Portia._ Shylock, there's thrice thy money offer'd thee.

_Shylock._ An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven:
Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.

_Portia._ Why, this bond is forfeit;
And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant's heart.--Be merciful;
Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.

_Shylock._ When it is paid according to the tenor.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law,
Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me: I stay here on my bond.

_Antonio._ Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.

_Portia._ Why, then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife;--

_Shylock._ O noble judge! O excellent young man!

_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