What, is Antonio here?
Is Antonio here?
Where's Antonio? Is he in the courtroom?
antonio here?
Ready, so please your Grace.
I'm ready, if it pleases you, sir.
Yes, I'm ready.
ready
I am sorry for thee, thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch,
Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
I'm sorry for you—you've come to face A cruel enemy, an inhumane creature, Incapable of pity, completely empty Of any shred of mercy.
I feel terrible for you. You're facing someone completely heartless—a person without a trace of compassion.
sorry man he's heartless zero mercy
I have heard
Your Grace hath ta’en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate,
And that no lawful means can carry me
Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am arm’d
To suffer with a quietness of spirit
The very tyranny and rage of his.
I've heard that Your Majesty has worked hard to make him Be less cruel; but since he stands firm, And no legal means can save me From his hatred's reach, I oppose My patience to his anger, and I'm prepared To endure with a calm spirit The very tyranny and rage of his.
I know you've tried everything to get him to soften, but he won't budge. There's no legal way out of this. So I'm just going to stay calm and accept whatever he does.
i know u tried he won't change i'll accept what happens
Go one and call the Jew into the court.
Someone go and bring Shylock into the courtroom.
Someone go get Shylock and bring him in.
get shylock in here
He is ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
He's waiting at the door. He's coming in now, sir.
He's right outside. He's coming in.
he's here
Make room, and let him stand before our face.
Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too,
That thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act, and then, ’tis thought,
Thou’lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
Than is thy strange apparent cruelty;
And where thou now exacts the penalty,
Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh,
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture,
But, touch’d with human gentleness and love,
Forgive a moiety of the principal,
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on his back,
Enow to press a royal merchant down,
And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars never train’d
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
Make room and let him stand before me. Shylock, the whole world thinks, and so do I, That you're just playing out this show of cruelty Until the final moment, and then, everyone expects, You'll show mercy and regret more striking Than all this shocking cruelty seems; And where you now demand the penalty— A pound of this poor merchant's flesh— You won't just keep that forfeit, But, touched by human kindness and love, Forgive at least part of the debt, Looking with pity at his losses That have piled so heavily on him, Enough to ruin even a wealthy merchant, And stir sympathy from even the hardest hearts, From stubborn people and harsh natures, From people never trained In acts of gentle courtesy. We all expect a kind answer, Shylock.
Make room and let him come forward. Shylock, everyone—including me—thinks you're just putting on an act. We figure that when push comes to shove, you'll show mercy and regret what you've done, which would surprise us even more than your cruelty. You're demanding his flesh, but I believe you'll actually forgive at least part of the debt and feel pity for him. His financial problems have gotten so bad they'd destroy even a successful merchant. It's the kind of suffering that moves even the hardest, coldest hearts. We're all hoping you'll be merciful here.
make room shylock everyone knows this is an act yu'll show mercy at the end we're all hoping ur kind
I have possess’d your Grace of what I purpose,
And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn
To have the due and forfeit of my bond.
If you deny it, let the danger light
Upon your charter and your city’s freedom!
You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that,
But say it is my humour. Is it answer’d?
What if my house be troubled with a rat,
And I be pleas’d to give ten thousand ducats
To have it ban’d? What, are you answer’d yet?
Some men there are love not a gaping pig;
Some that are mad if they behold a cat;
And others, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose,
Cannot contain their urine; for affection
Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be render’d
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig,
Why he a harmless necessary cat,
Why he a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended,
So can I give no reason, nor I will not,
More than a lodg’d hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?
I've already told Your Majesty what I intend, And I've sworn by our holy Sabbath To get what the bond promises me. If you refuse it, let the consequences fall On your city's rights and freedom! You're wondering why I'd rather have Decaying flesh than take Three thousand coins. I won't answer that, But just say it's my preference. Does that satisfy you? What if my house had a rat, And I wanted to pay ten thousand coins To have it killed? Would that answer you? Some men hate the sight of a roasted pig; Some go crazy when they see a cat; And others can't control themselves when bagpipes play, Because our preferences and passions Control what we like or hate. Now for your answer: Since there's no logical reason why Someone hates roasted pigs, Or why another hates a harmless cat, Or why another hates bagpipes, and they can't help But feel that disgust whether they want to or not, Neither can I give you a reason, nor will I, Other than the deep hatred and loathing I have toward Antonio, which is why I pursue This case against him. Are you satisfied now?
I've already told you what I want to do, and I've sworn to it. I'm entitled to what the contract says. If you deny me that, you're violating your own city's laws and rights. You want to know why I'd rather have his flesh than take three thousand coins? I'm not going to explain it—it's just what I want. That's it. Look, if I had a rat in my house and I decided to pay ten thousand coins to get rid of it, you wouldn't question that, right? Some people hate roasted pigs, some people panic around cats, and some people literally can't control themselves around bagpipes. Our preferences are what they are—nobody can explain them or change them. The same goes for me and Antonio. I hate him. That's reason enough. Are we done?
already told u swore to it contract says i get the flesh don't ask y that's just how i feel i hate him. done.
This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
That's not an answer, heartless man, It doesn't justify your constant cruelty.
That's not an answer—you're just a cruel, unfeeling person refusing to justify what you're doing.
that's not an answer you're cruel
I am not bound to please thee with my answer.
I'm not required to give you an answer that makes you happy.
I don't have to make you happy with my answer.
not here to please u
Do all men kill the things they do not love?
Do people destroy everything they're indifferent to?
So does everyone kill what they don't love?
everyone kill what they hate?
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
Is there anything someone hates that they wouldn't want to destroy?
If you hate something, wouldn't you want it dead?
if u hate it don't u wanna kill it?
Every offence is not a hate at first.
Not every wrong comes from hatred at first.
Not every offense comes from hate—it can start as something smaller.
offenses don't always come from hate
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
Would you want a serpent to sting you twice?
You want a snake to bite you twice?
u want a snake to bite u twice?
I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
You may as well go stand upon the beach
And bid the main flood bate his usual height;
You may as well use question with the wolf,
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb;
You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven;
You may as well do anything most hard
As seek to soften that—than which what’s harder?—
His Jewish heart. Therefore, I do beseech you,
Make no moe offers, use no farther means,
But with all brief and plain conveniency.
Let me have judgment, and the Jew his will.
Please, realize you're arguing with a stone. You might as well go stand on the beach And order the ocean to stay smaller; You might as well ask a wolf Why he made the sheep cry for her lamb; You might as well tell the mountain pines Not to sway and not to move When the winds from heaven strike them; You might as well try to do anything hard As try to soften that—and nothing's harder— His nature. Therefore, I beg you, Make no more offers, try no more ways, But let's just be quick and simple. Let me have my judgment, and let Shylock have his will.
You're wasting your breath arguing with him. You might as well try to make the ocean smaller or ask a wolf why it hunts sheep or tell mountains not to sway in the wind. His heart won't change—it's impossible. Please, stop making offers and trying different approaches. Let's just get this over with. Give him his judgment.
ur wasting ur breath he won't change just let him win end this
For thy three thousand ducats here is six.
Here are six thousand coins for your three thousand debt.
Here's six thousand coins to pay off your three thousand.
here's 6k to cover ur debt
If 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.
If every coin in these six thousand were divided into six more pieces, and each piece was a full coin, I still wouldn't take them. I want my contract.
Even if you multiplied the money thirty-six times over, I wouldn't take it. I want what the contract says.
keep ur money i want the contract
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rend’ring none?
How can you expect mercy when you show none?
How can you expect anyone to show you mercy when you refuse to show any yourself?
how u expect mercy if u give none?
What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong?
You have among you many a purchas’d slave,
Which, like your asses and your dogs and mules,
You use in abject and in slavish parts,
Because you bought them. Shall I say to you
“Let them be free, marry them to your heirs?
Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds
Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates
Be season’d with such viands”? You will answer
“The slaves are ours.” So do I answer you:
The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law!
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment. Answer; shall I have it?
What judgment should I fear, since I'm doing nothing wrong? You have many slaves that you've bought, Whom you use like your donkeys, dogs, and mules, In degrading and servile ways, Because you own them. Should I say to you, 'Free them, marry them to your children? Why do they work under such burden? Give them Beds as soft as yours, and feed them The same fine food you eat'? You'd answer, 'They're our slaves.' Well, I say the same to you: The pound of flesh I demand from him I've paid for fairly; it's mine and I'll have it. If you deny me, your laws are worthless! Your city's laws have no real power. I'm demanding judgment. Will I have it?
Why should I fear judgment? I'm not doing anything wrong. You people have slaves you bought and you treat them like animals because you own them. I don't see you freeing them or treating them as equals. You own them, so you use them however you want. Same thing here—I bought the right to his flesh, it's mine, and I'm entitled to it. If you won't let me have what I purchased, then your entire legal system is meaningless. I'm standing here demanding what the law says I can have. Will you give it to me or not?
why u mad at me? u have slaves u treat like animals i bought this it's mine let me have it
Upon my power I may dismiss this court,
Unless Bellario, a learned doctor,
Whom I have sent for to determine this,
Come here today.
By my authority, I can dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned lawyer, Whom I've sent for to settle this matter, Comes here today.
I could end this trial right now if I wanted to, unless Bellario—a smart lawyer I sent for—shows up to help decide this.
i could end this unless bellario shows up
My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor,
New come from Padua.
My lord, there's a messenger waiting outside With letters from the lawyer, Just arrived from Padua.
Sir, there's someone here with a letter from the lawyer. They just got here from Padua.
guy here with letter from bellario from padua
Bring us the letters. Call the messenger.
Fetch those letters for me. And bring that messenger in here.
Bring me the letters. Bring the messenger in.
get the letter & messenger
Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!
The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
Cheer up, Antonio! Come on, courage! The Jew can have my flesh, blood, bones, and all, Before you'll lose even one drop of blood for me.
Antonio, hang in there! Don't lose hope! I'll give the Jew everything—my flesh, my blood, everything—before you lose anything because of me.
stay strong antonio i'll take it instead of u
I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death, the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
You cannot better be employ’d, Bassanio,
Than to live still, and write mine epitaph.
I'm like a sick animal of the flock, Best fit for death. The weakest fruit Falls first to the ground, and so let me. You can't do better, Bassanio, Than to stay alive and write my epitaph.
I'm like a diseased animal in the herd—I deserve to die anyway. The weakest fruit falls first, and I'm that fruit. You're better off without me, Bassanio. Just stay alive and remember me when I'm gone.
im not worth saving just remember me
Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
Did you travel from Padua, sent by Bellario?
So you just got here from Padua with news from Bellario?
from bellario in padua?
The quality of mercy speech is one of the most beautiful things Shakespeare ever wrote. It is also delivered by someone who is about to use the law with complete mercilessness. This tension is not a flaw in the play — it is the play's central argument about the gap between ideals and practice. Portia genuinely believes every word she says about mercy. And then, when Shylock refuses to exercise it, she uses precisely his own weapon — legal literalism — against him with devastating force.
The speech works in part because it is theologically double. It draws on both Christian doctrine (we pray for mercy, therefore we must give it) and Jewish scripture (Shylock's own tradition holds mercy as divine). Portia is not offering him a Christian sermon; she is offering him his own tradition's best self. That makes his refusal both more understandable and more tragic.
What no one in the play ever quite grapples with is the question she raises: if we are all in need of mercy — if strict justice would condemn us all — why is it acceptable to apply strict justice to Shylock? The mercy speech, taken seriously, indicts the ending it precedes.
From both, my lord. Bellario greets your Grace.
From both, my lord. Bellario sends his greetings to you.
From both of them, sir. Bellario says hello.
from both ballario says hi
Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
Why are you sharpening your knife so eagerly?
Why are you sharpening that knife so hard?
y u sharpening ur knife so much?
To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
To cut away the debt from that bankrupt man.
To cut the debt off of that poor man.
to cut his debt away
Not on thy sole but on thy soul, harsh Jew,
Thou mak’st thy knife keen. But no metal can,
No, not the hangman’s axe, bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
Not on your sole but on your soul, harsh Jew, You sharpen your knife. But no blade, No, not the hangman's axe, can be As sharp as your envy. Can no prayers touch your heart?
You're not sharpening that knife on leather—you're sharpening it on your own soul, you cruel man. No weapon, not even the executioner's axe, is as sharp as your jealousy and hatred. Doesn't prayer mean anything to you?
ur sharpening ur blade on ur soul no mercy in u at all where's ur humanity?
No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
No prayers at all, none that you're clever enough to make.
No prayers—not from you anyway.
not from u
O, be thou damn’d, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accus’d;
Thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith,
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Govern’d a wolf who, hang’d for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam,
Infus’d itself in thee; for thy desires
Are wolfish, bloody, starv’d and ravenous.
Go to hell, you miserable dog! And let justice be blamed for your life; You almost make me doubt my faith, To believe the teaching That animal souls enter the bodies of men. Your cruel spirit Governed a wolf who was hanged for murder, And even from the gallows his evil spirit fled, And while you were still in your mother's womb, It entered into you; for your desires Are like a wolf—bloody, starving, and hungry.
Go to hell, you miserable creature! Your life makes a mockery of justice. You almost make me lose my faith in God, you make me want to believe that evil animal souls get reborn into human bodies. Your savage spirit must have come from a wolf that was executed for murder. That wolf's evil spirit escaped even from the gallows and went into you before you were born. Everything about you is savage, bloody, and cruel.
go to hell u got evil in u like a wolf savage & cruel
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond,
Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
Until you can argue the seal off my contract, You're just wasting your breath talking so loud. Fix your thinking, young man, or it will break Beyond repair. I'm standing here for law.
You can yell all you want, but you won't convince me to break my contract. You're just making yourself sound foolish. I'm here because the law is on my side.
ur wasting ur breath law is my side stop
This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learned doctor to our court.
Where is he?
This letter from Bellario recommends A young and learned lawyer to our court. Where is he?
This letter from Bellario introduces a young, educated lawyer to us. Where is he?
bellario sent a young lawyer where is he?
He attendeth here hard by,
To know your answer, whether you’ll admit him.
He's waiting nearby, Just wanting to know if you'll let him in.
He's right outside, waiting to see if you'll let him come in.
he's outside waiting
With all my heart: some three or four of you
Go give him courteous conduct to this place.
Meantime, the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
Happily: some of you go And escort him here courteously. Meanwhile, we'll read Bellario's letter.
Of course. A few of you go get him and bring him here respectfully. In the meantime, let's read Bellario's letter.
get him we'll read the letter
[_Reads._] _Your Grace shall understand that at the receipt of your
letter I am very sick, but in the instant that your messenger came, in
loving visitation 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 turn’d 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._
You hear the learn’d Bellario what he writes,
And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Your Grace will understand that when I received your letter I was very sick, but at the moment your messenger arrived, a young doctor from Rome was visiting me. His name is Balthazar. I told him about the case between the Jewish moneylender and Antonio the merchant. We studied many books together. He is equipped with my opinion, which, combined with his own learning (which I cannot praise enough), he brings with him at my request to help your Grace in my place. I ask you not to let his youth make you doubt his wisdom, for I've never seen someone so young with such an old mind. I leave him to your kind acceptance, whose performance will prove his competence better than I can describe. You've heard what the learned Bellario writes, and here, I believe, is the doctor.
Your Grace, I was very sick when I got your letter, but lucky for me, a brilliant young doctor from Rome was visiting me. His name is Balthazar. I explained the whole situation between the Jewish creditor and Antonio. We went through tons of legal books together. He has all my notes, plus his own amazing knowledge (seriously, it's incredible), and he's come here to help you instead of me. Don't let his age fool you—I've never met anyone so young who's so smart. I'm putting him in your hands, and you'll see pretty quick how good he is. That's what Bellario's letter says, and here the young man is now.
was sick this young doctor from rome visited me smart guy—balthazar studied the case he's better than me trust him
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Let me shake your hand. Are you a messenger from the elderly Bellario?
Shake my hand. You're from old Bellario?
hey shake my hand u from bellario?
I did, my lord.
That is correct, my lord.
Yes, I come from him, my lord.
yep, my lord
You are welcome. Take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
You're welcome. Take your seat. Do you understand the case That's in front of this court?
Welcome. Sit down. Do you know what this case is about?
sit u know what this is about?
I am informed throughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?
I'm fully informed about the case. Which one is the merchant? And which one is Shylock?
Yes, I know all about it. Which one of you is the merchant and which one is Shylock?
i know the case who's who?
Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
Antonio and old Shylock, both come forward.
Antonio and Shylock, step forward.
antonio & shylock come forward
Is your name Shylock?
You are the one named Shylock?
Are you Shylock?
u shylock?
Shylock is my name.
That is correct, I go by the name Shylock.
Yes, I'm Shylock.
yep that's me
Of a strange nature is the suit you follow,
Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn you as you do proceed.
[_To Antonio_.] You stand within his danger, do you not?
It's an unusual case you're pursuing, yet it follows the law so strictly that the Venetian law cannot challenge your proceedings. You stand within his power, do you not?
This is one strange lawsuit you're bringing, but you're following the law to the letter, and Venice's laws don't give us grounds to stop you. You're legally at his mercy, aren't you?
weird case but legal venice can't stop u antonio's trapped
Ay, so he says.
Yes, that's what he confirms.
Yes, he says that.
he owns it
Do you confess the bond?
Do you admit the contract is real?
You're saying the contract is real?
u admit the contract?
I do.
I do.
I do.
I do
Then must the Jew be merciful.
Then Shylock must be merciful.
Then Shylock has to show mercy.
then u gotta show mercy
On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
What forces me to? Tell me that.
What makes me have to? Tell me why.
why should i?
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest,
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. 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.
Mercy isn't something you can force, It falls like gentle rain from heaven On the ground below. It blesses twice— It blesses the one who gives it and the one who gets it. It's most powerful in the most powerful; it suits A crowned king better than his crown. His scepter shows the power of earthly rule, The symbol of awe and majesty, Where sits the fear and dread of kings; But mercy is above this kingly power, It lives in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute of God himself; And earthly power looks most like God's power When mercy balances justice. Therefore, Shylock, Though justice is your argument, think about this: In the course of justice, none of us Would receive salvation. We pray for mercy, And that same prayer teaches us all to give Merciful deeds. I've spoken this much To soften your case for justice, Which if you follow, this strict court of Venice Must judge against the merchant.
Mercy can't be forced—it comes naturally, like rain from heaven falling on the ground. It's a blessing that goes both ways: it blesses the person who gives it and the person who receives it. It's most powerful in the most powerful people—a king looks better with mercy than with his crown. A crown shows earthly power and fear, but mercy is above all that. Mercy lives in people's hearts, and it's like God's own nature. Real power looks most like God's when it's mixed with mercy. So think about this, Shylock: if God judged us the way you want to be judged—with pure justice and no mercy—none of us would be saved. We all pray for mercy, and that prayer teaches us to give mercy to others. I'm saying all this to try to make you reconsider. If you keep pursuing this, Venice's court will have to rule against the merchant.
mercy can't be forced it comes naturally like rain from heaven blesses both sides mercy looks like god please show it
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
I don't care about consequences! I demand the law, The penalty and the payment I'm owed.
I don't care! I want the law, the penalty, what the contract says I get.
don't care i want what the contract says
Is he not able to discharge the money?
Does he have the money to pay it off?
Can he just pay you the money instead?
can he just pay u?
Shylock's last words in the play are a request to be excused on grounds of illness. 'I am not well; send the deed after me, and I will sign it.' He has been stripped of his wealth, his religion, his daughter's loyalty, and whatever justice he came seeking. He leaves to go sign a document that will give everything he dies owning to the man who eloped with his daughter and the daughter who robbed him.
Shakespeare gives him no final speech. No curse. No dignity, in the theatrical sense. Just: I am sick. Let me go.
The question of what Shylock 'deserves' has been argued by audiences and critics for four hundred years — partly because Shakespeare made him the only character in the play who argues from principle rather than desire. He wants the bond because he swore it. He invokes the law because the law is the only protection he has. He names the moral contradiction in Venetian society that no one refutes. And then he is sent away to be forcibly baptized.
Most modern productions cannot get through this scene without making it feel like a tragedy. That Shakespeare filed it under 'comedy' is itself a kind of dramatic irony.
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.
Yes, here I offer it for him in court, Yes, twice the sum, and if that isn't enough, I'll promise to pay it ten times over On penalty of losing my hands, my head, my life. If this isn't enough, then it's clear That cruelty is winning over truth. And I'm begging you, Bend the law a bit to help us. To do a great good, do a small wrong, And stop this cruel devil from getting his way.
Yes, I'll pay it for him right now, right here in court. I'll even pay twice what he owes, and if that's not enough, I'll pay ten times over—I'll risk everything, my hands, my head, my life. If that still isn't enough, then we all know his cruelty is winning over justice. Please, I'm begging you, bend the law a little to help us. Do a little wrong to accomplish a great good and stop this cruel man.
i'll pay 2x right now even 10x please help us bend the law a little
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.
It can't happen. There's no power in Venice That can change a law once it's made; It would set a bad example, And many other wrongs would follow from that example Into our government. It can't be done.
I can't do that. Once a law is set, no one in Venice can change it. If I break it, it would set a terrible example and cause chaos in the government. It can't be done.
can't break the law would ruin everything
A Daniel come to judgment! Yea, a Daniel!
O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!
A wise judge has come! Yes, a wise judge! Oh, young judge, how I honor you!
Finally, a real judge! Yes, finally! Oh, how I respect you!
YES finally a real judge u rock
I pray you let me look upon the bond.
I need to examine the contract now.
Can I look at the contract?
show me the contract
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
Here it is, most learned lawyer, here it is.
Here you go, here's the contract.
here it is
Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee.
Shylock, there's three times your money offered to you.
Shylock, they're offering you three times what you're owed.
shylock they're offering 3x ur money
An oath, an oath! I have an oath in heaven.
Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
An oath, an oath! I have an oath in heaven. Should I break my oath and go to hell? No, not for Venice.
I made an oath, a serious oath. I swore before God. I can't break that oath—I'd go to hell. Not even for Venice.
i swore an oath can't break it not even for money
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.
So the contract is valid, And by law Shylock can claim A pound of your flesh, to be cut From near your heart. Be merciful, Take three times the money; tell me to tear up the contract.
The contract is legal, so Shylock can legally claim a pound of your flesh from near your heart. Be kind to yourself and take the triple payment. Tell me to tear up the contract.
contract's valid he can claim ur flesh but be merciful take the 3x payment
When it is paid according to the tenour.
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.
When it's paid according to what it says. It seems you're a worthy judge; You know the law; your explanation Has been perfect. I'm asking you by law, Since you're a respected upholder of it, Proceeds to the judgment. I swear by my life There's nothing that can change my mind. I'm staying with my contract.
Once it's paid according to the agreement. You seem like a fair judge. You understand the law. Your reasoning has been solid. I'm asking you, as someone who respects the law, to give the judgment. I swear nothing will change my mind. I'm keeping my contract.
understand the law u're fair i'm not changing give the judgment
Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
I truly beg the court To give the judgment.
I'm asking the court to give the judgment.
please give judgment
Why then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
Then this is it: You must prepare your chest for his knife.
Then here's the ruling: you need to prepare yourself for his knife.
gotta prepare urself
O noble judge! O excellent young man!
Oh, what a noble judge! Oh, what an excellent young man!
Oh, what a fair judge! Oh, how excellent you are!
YES excellent judge thank u
For the intent and purpose of the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
The purpose and intent of the law Are fully related to the penalty, Which shows up here in the contract.
The whole point and purpose of the law here is about the penalty mentioned in the contract.
the law is about the penalty in the contract
’Tis very true. O wise and upright judge,
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
It's very true. Oh, what a wise and honest judge, You're much older in wisdom than you look!
That's absolutely right. Oh, you're such a wise judge—you seem so much older and wiser than your appearance!
ur so wise seems older than u look
Therefore lay bare your bosom.
So open your chest.
Then uncover your chest.
uncover ur chest
Ay, his breast
So says the bond, doth it not, noble judge?
“Nearest his heart”: those are the very words.
Yes, his chest, That's what the contract says, doesn't it, noble judge? 'Near his heart': those are the exact words.
Yes, his chest. That's exactly what the contract says, right? 'Near his heart'—those are the words.
yeah his chest contract says 'near his heart'
It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh?
It is. Are there scales here to weigh The flesh?
Yes. Do you have scales to weigh the flesh?
u have scales?
I have them ready.
The scales are prepared and waiting.
They're all set and prepared.
got em ready
Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,
To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.
Have a surgeon standing by, Shylock, at your cost, To stop his bleeding, so he doesn't bleed to death.
You need to have a doctor ready—at your expense—to stop his bleeding so he doesn't die.
get a doctor ready so he doesn't bleed out
Is it so nominated in the bond?
Is that written in the contract?
Does the contract say that?
contract say that?
It is not so express’d, but what of that?
’Twere good you do so much for charity.
It's not written that clearly, but you should do it anyway Out of charity.
It doesn't say that in the contract, but you should do it anyway out of kindness.
not in contract but do it anyway be kind
I cannot find it; ’tis not in the bond.
I can't find it; it's not in the contract.
I don't see that. It's not in the contract.
not in contract
You, merchant, have you anything to say?
You, the merchant, do you have anything to say?
Antonio, do you have anything to say?
u got anything to say?
But little. I am arm’d and well prepar’d.
Give me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well,
Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you,
For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom: it is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty, from which ling’ring penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honourable wife,
Tell her the process of Antonio’s end,
Say how I lov’d you, speak me fair in death.
And when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent but you that you shall lose your friend
And he repents not that he pays your debt.
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’ll pay it instantly with all my heart.
Not much. I'm ready and prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio. Goodbye, Don't grieve that this has happened because of me, Because in this way Fortune shows herself kinder Than is her habit: it's still her way To let the broken man outlive his wealth, To see with tired eyes and wrinkled face A lifetime of poverty, from which a long suffering Of such misery she cuts me off now. Remember me to your honorable wife, Tell her the end of Antonio's story, Say how I loved you, speak well of me after I die. And when you tell the story, let her judge Whether Bassanio ever truly loved someone. Feel bad that you're losing your friend But I don't regret paying your debt. For if the Jew cuts deep enough, I'll pay it completely with all my heart.
Not really. I'm ready for this. Give me your hand, Bassanio. Take care of yourself. Don't feel bad that this is happening to you because of me. Actually, this is better than I deserved. Usually Fortune makes broken men live out their lives in poverty and misery. But she's cutting that short for me. Tell your wife about what happened to me and tell her how much I loved you. Tell her to judge whether you ever truly loved anyone. You can regret losing me, but don't regret helping me. If he cuts deep, I'll pay this debt completely with all my heart.
i'm ready tell ur wife i loved u don't regret helping me i'll pay with my heart
Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself,
But life itself, my wife, and all the world,
Are not with me esteem’d above thy life.
I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil, to deliver you.
Antonio, I'm married to a wife Who means as much to me as life itself, But my life, my wife, and everything in the world Mean less to me than your life. I would lose it all, I would give up everything, Right here to this devil, if it would save you.
Antonio, my wife means everything to me, basically my whole life. But you mean even more than that—more than her, more than everything. I'd give up all of it—my wife, everything—to this man just to save you.
u mean more to me than my wife u mean more than everything i'd give it all up for u
Your wife would give you little thanks for that
If she were by to hear you make the offer.
Your wife wouldn't be very grateful to you If she heard you say that.
Your wife's not going to like hearing that you just said you'd give her up for him.
ur wife gonna be mad about that
I have a wife who I protest I love.
I would she were in heaven, so she could
Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
I have a wife who I say I love. I wish she were in heaven, so she could Ask some power to change this cruel Jew.
I have a wife I love. I wish she were in heaven so she could pray to God to change this cruel man.
i love my wife wish she could change shylock
’Tis well you offer it behind her back,
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
Good thing you're saying that behind her back, Or this wish would make for an angry house.
Lucky you're saying that where she can't hear you, or you'd be in serious trouble at home.
good thing she's not hearing this or ur done for
These be the Christian husbands! I have a daughter—
Would any of the stock of Barabbas
Had been her husband, rather than a Christian!
We trifle time, I pray thee, pursue sentence.
These are the Christian husbands! I have a daughter— I wish any of the family of Barabbas Had been her husband instead of a Christian! We're wasting time. Please, proceed with the judgment.
This is what Christian husbands are like! I have a daughter, and I wish I'd married her to anyone—literally anyone—instead of a Christian man. We're wasting time here. Let's get the judgment.
these christians i have a daughter let's finish this
Portia asking for the ring is one of Shakespeare's most elegant dramatic constructions. She needs a device to test Bassanio in Act 5 — to make the ring conflict that drives the final scene. And she needs the device to be both funny and pointed.
The ring works on multiple levels. It was her gift, her vow, and her seal on their marriage. Bassanio's willingness to give it away — even for the most compelling reason imaginable — reopens the question of how much she can trust him. The ring represents the tension between Bassanio's bond to Antonio (the friendship that nearly killed both of them) and his bond to Portia (the marriage that should supersede it).
But the device is also a trap that Portia sets knowing exactly how it will play out. She asks for the ring; he refuses; she leaves; Antonio persuades him; Gratiano runs after her. She already knows the ring will arrive in her hands. The 'test' of Act 5 is one she designs, controls, and administers — using her own wedding ring as the instrument. The comedy of Act 5 turns on her having all the information and none of the men knowing any of it.
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine,
The court awards it and the law doth give it.
A pound of that same merchant's flesh is yours, The court awards it and the law allows it.
You get a pound of Antonio's flesh. The court rules it and the law allows it.
u get the pound of flesh court agrees
Most rightful judge!
Most rightful judge!
Most rightful judge!
Most rightful judge
And you must cut this flesh from off his breast.
The law allows it and the court awards it.
You're now required to remove the flesh from his chest. Both the law and this court approve it.
And you have to cut it from his chest. The law and the court both say so.
cut it from his chest law says u can
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare.
Most learned judge, I ask for a judgment. Come on, get ready.
Your Honor, I'm asking for your ruling. Let's do this.
judge. give me the sentence already.
Tarry a little, there is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh”:
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
But in the cutting it, if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate
Unto the state of Venice.
Wait a moment, there's something else. This bond gives you no blood here. The words are specifically 'a pound of flesh'. So take your bond, take your pound of flesh, but when you cut it, if you shed a single drop of Christian blood, your lands and property are forfeited by Venice's laws to the state of Venice.
Hold on, wait. This contract doesn't give you any blood—it specifically says 'a pound of flesh.' So go ahead, take your pound, but if you spill even one drop of Christian blood while cutting it, you lose all your land and property to Venice.
hold up. the bond says FLESH only. no blood. spill one drop = you lose everything.
O upright judge! Mark, Jew. O learned judge!
What an upright judge! Pay attention, Shylock. What a wise judge!
Now that's a fair judge! Listen up, Shylock. This judge really knows the law!
yes. this judge gets it.
Is that the law?
Is that how the legal system actually works?
That's actually how the law works?
that's the law?
Thyself shalt see the act.
For, as thou urgest justice, be assur’d
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desir’st.
You'll see the law yourself. Since you demand justice, be certain that you'll get more justice than you want.
You can look it up yourself. And since you're so demanding justice, trust me, you're going to get plenty of it.
check the law yourself. you want justice? you got it.
O learned judge! Mark, Jew, a learned judge!
What a learned judge! Pay attention, Shylock—a truly wise judge!
Now that's a brilliant judge! Listen, Shylock, this judge is incredibly smart!
this judge knows what's up.
I take this offer then. Pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
I'll accept that. Pay me three times the bond and the Christian can go free.
Fine, I'll take that deal. Just pay me triple what he owes and he can walk.
ok deal. pay 3x and he goes free.
Here is the money.
Here's the money.
Here you go.
money's here.
Soft!
The Jew shall have all justice. Soft! no haste!
He shall have nothing but the penalty.
Wait, stop. Shylock gets complete justice—wait, not so fast! He gets only the penalty, nothing else.
Hold on, hold on. Shylock will get his justice—but only what the law allows, nothing more.
no wait. only the penalty. nothing else.
O Jew, an upright judge, a learned judge!
What an upright and wise judge, Shylock!
Now that's a fair and smart judge!
fair judge.
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more,
But just a pound of flesh: if thou tak’st more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
As makes it light or heavy in the substance,
Or the division of the twentieth part
Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn
But in the estimation of a hair,
Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.
So get ready to cut the flesh. Shed no blood, and cut neither more nor less than a pound exactly. If you take more or less than exactly a pound—even if it's just so much as makes it slightly heavy or light, or if it's off by as little as one part out of twenty of a scruple, or even if the scale tips by just the width of a hair—you die, and all your property is taken by the state.
Alright, prepare to cut. No blood allowed, and it has to be exactly one pound—not more, not less. If you're off by even a tiny bit, if the scale moves even a hair's breadth, you're dead and the state takes everything.
exactly 1 pound. no more no less. perfect weight or you're done.
A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
You're a second Daniel, Shylock! A true judge like Daniel! Now I've got you beaten, infidel.
You're like a brilliant judge—a second Daniel! Now I've got you exactly where I want you!
ur a judge. ur trapped. gotcha.
Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
Why is Shylock hesitating? Go ahead and take what the law gives you.
What's the holdup, Shylock? Go on, collect what's yours.
come on, take it.
Give me my principal, and let me go.
Give me back my money and let me leave.
Just give me my money back and I'll go.
give me my money. let me leave.
I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
I have it ready. Here it is.
I've got it right here for you.
it's right here.
He hath refus’d it in the open court,
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
He rejected the money in open court, so he'll get only justice and what his bond gives him.
He turned down the money right here, so now he only gets what the law says and what his contract allows.
he said no. he gets the law now.
A Daniel still say I, a second Daniel!
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
I still say you're a second Daniel, Shylock! I thank you for teaching me that word.
You're still like a brilliant judge! And I've got to thank you for teaching me about this law.
thanks for the lesson.
Shall I not have barely my principal?
Can't I at least have just my money back?
Can't I just get my money back?
just give me my money.
Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
You'll get nothing except the penalty you've forfeited to the state. You're taking this risk on yourself, Shylock.
You only get what the law says—the penalty. And it's on you if you go through with it.
only the penalty. at ur own risk.
Why, then the devil give him good of it!
I’ll stay no longer question.
Then the devil can have Antonio! I'm not going to argue anymore.
Then let the devil take him! I'm not sticking around for this.
forget it. i'm leaving.
Tarry, Jew.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If it be proved against an alien
That by direct or indirect attempts
He seek the life of any citizen,
The party ’gainst the which he doth contrive
Shall seize one half his goods; the other half
Comes to the privy coffer of the state,
And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only, ’gainst all other voice.
In which predicament I say thou stand’st;
For it appears by manifest proceeding
That indirectly, and directly too,
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant; and thou hast incurr’d
The danger formerly by me rehears’d.
Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
Wait, Shylock. The law has one more hold on you. In Venice's laws, it's established that if someone not a citizen tries to kill any citizen—directly or indirectly—then the person he targets will seize half his property. The other half goes to the state of Venice's treasury. And the criminal's life is in the Duke's hands alone, above everyone else's voice. That's your situation now. Because it's clear from the court's proceedings that you've plotted against Antonio's very life both indirectly and directly. You've brought this danger on yourself—the danger I just described. So get down and beg the Duke for mercy.
Hold on. There's another law at work here. In Venice, if a foreigner—anyone not from Venice—tries to kill a citizen, either directly or secretly, that citizen gets to take half of everything he owns. The other half goes to the state's treasury. And the criminal's life belongs completely to the Duke—no one else gets a say. That's you right now. The evidence is clear: you've plotted against Antonio, both openly and secretly. You're in serious trouble. Kneel down and ask the Duke for mercy.
the law gets u too. you plotted to kill antonio. that's death. beg for mercy.
Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself,
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
Thou hast not left the value of a cord;
Therefore thou must be hang’d at the state’s charge.
Beg for the right to hang yourself, but since your wealth goes to the state, you won't have enough left for a rope. So the state will have to pay for your hanging.
Beg them to let you hang yourself, but since the state's taking all your money, you won't even have enough for a rope. So the government will have to hang you at public expense.
you'll be hung. on the state's dime.
That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s;
The other half comes to the general state,
Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
You'll see how different my justice is from yours. I'm forgiving you your life before you even ask. Antonio gets half your wealth. The state gets the other half, though if you're humble, I might reduce it to just a fine.
You're going to see I'm nothing like you. I'm giving you your life as a gift—you don't even have to ask. Antonio gets half your money, and the state gets the other half, but maybe if you're humble, I could make it just a fine instead.
ur life's spared. half ur stuff to antonio. half to the state.
Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
Yes, the state's share is for the state, not for Antonio.
Right—the state's share stays with the state, not Antonio.
for the state.
Nay, take my life and all, pardon not that.
You take my house when you do take the prop
That doth sustain my house; you take my life
When you do take the means whereby I live.
No, take my life too—don't spare me. You're taking my house when you take what supports my house. You're taking my life when you take the way I make my living.
Just take my life too, then. Don't bother sparing me. When you take my money, you're taking my home. When you take my livelihood, you're taking my life.
just take it all. money is my life.
What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
What mercy can you show him, Antonio?
Antonio, what do you think—can you show him any mercy?
antonio. mercy?
The legal basis of Portia's victory is one of the most debated questions in the play. The 'no blood' technicality has struck audiences from the beginning as either a masterstroke or a cheat, depending on how you feel about Shylock.
The play was written in an era when Venice was famous throughout Europe as a commercial republic whose laws protected foreign merchants (including Jewish moneylenders) — which is why Shylock can claim the bond is legally valid, and why the Duke cannot simply override it. Shakespeare uses this reputation as both setup and irony: the city famous for the rule of law uses the law's own letter to destroy a man.
Portia's solution — no blood was specified — is legally dubious by modern standards. A reasonable court would recognize that cutting a pound of flesh implies bleeding. But this is fiction, and the point is not legal realism. The point is that Shylock has been insisting all scene on the exact letter of the bond against the spirit of mercy. Portia turns his own method against him. Whatever we think of the justice, the symmetry is perfect.
A halter gratis, nothing else, for God’s sake!
A rope for free, nothing else, for heaven's sake!
A free rope for his neck, that's all he deserves!
a rope. free.
So please my lord the Duke and all the court
To quit the fine for one half of his goods,
I am content, so he will let me have
The other half in use, to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
That lately stole his daughter.
Two things provided more, that for this favour,
He presently become a Christian;
The other, that he do record a gift,
Here in the court, of all he dies possess’d
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
If it pleases the Duke and the entire court, I'm willing to forgive the fine for half his property if he'll let me keep the other half in trust. I'll pass it on at his death to the young man who recently married his daughter. Two other conditions: he must become a Christian immediately, and he must make a legal gift here in court of everything he owns when he dies to his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
If the Duke and the court allow it, I'll give up my share of his fine if I can keep the other half of his property. When he dies, I'll pass it on to Jessica's husband. Two things though: he has to convert to Christianity right now, and he has to write up a legal document here saying everything he owns goes to Lorenzo and Jessica when he dies.
i'll forgive my half if he becomes christian. leaves everything to his kids.
He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronounced here.
He'll do this, or I'll take back the pardon I just gave him.
He'll do it, or I'm taking back the pardon I just handed down.
he does this or no pardon.
Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?
Are you satisfied, Shylock? What do you say?
Shylock, are you okay with this? What do you think?
ok with it?
I am content.
I am content.
I am content.
I am content
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
Clerk, write up a deed of gift.
Clerk, draw up the paperwork for this gift.
write it up.
I pray you give me leave to go from hence;
I am not well; send the deed after me
And I will sign it.
Please let me leave. I'm not feeling well. Send the document to me and I'll sign it.
Let me go, please. I'm not feeling great. Send the deed after me and I'll sign it.
let me go. not well. send it later. i'll sign.
Get thee gone, but do it.
Go on, but make sure you do it.
Go ahead and leave, but you better follow through on this.
go. do it.
In christ’ning shalt thou have two god-fathers.
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more,
To bring thee to the gallows, not to the font.
At your baptism you'll have two godfathers. If I had been the judge, you'd have had ten more to bring you to the gallows instead of the baptismal font.
When you get baptized, you'll have two godparents. If I'd been the judge, I would have had ten more bringing you to hang from the gallows instead of baptizing you.
at ur baptism. but i woulda sent u to the gallows.
Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner.
Sir, I invite you to come home with me for dinner.
Sir, come have dinner with me.
dinner?
I humbly do desire your Grace of pardon,
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
I humbly ask your pardon, but I must leave tonight for Padua and should leave right away.
I'm sorry, but I need to get to Padua tonight, so I have to leave right now.
gotta go to padua tonight.
I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.
Antonio, gratify this gentleman,
For in my mind you are much bound to him.
I'm sorry you have no time. Antonio, thank this gentleman, because I think you owe him a great deal.
That's too bad you can't stay. Antonio, make sure you thank this man properly—you owe him everything.
antonio owes u everything.
Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof,
Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
Most worthy gentleman, my friend and I have been freed today from serious penalties through your skill. In return, we're offering you the three thousand ducats that were owed to Shylock for your help.
Most worthy sir, thanks to your cleverness, my friend and I got out of serious trouble today. To repay you for your help, we'd like to give you the three thousand ducats we owe the Jew.
ur brilliant. here's 3k ducats. u earned it.
And stand indebted, over and above
In love and service to you evermore.
And I'll be in debt to you for the rest of my life, in love and service.
And I'll owe you my devotion and service forever.
ur my guy forever.
He is well paid that is well satisfied,
And I delivering you, am satisfied,
And therein do account myself well paid,
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you know me when we meet again,
I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
Someone is well paid when they're satisfied, and freeing you has satisfied me, so I consider myself well paid. My heart was never focused on money. Please remember me when we meet again. I wish you well and say goodbye.
The best payment is knowing you're happy, and I'm happy that I've helped you, so I'm satisfied. I've never cared about money. Remember me when we see each other again. I wish you well.
helping u was enough. remember me. goodbye.
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further.
Take some remembrance of us as a tribute,
Not as fee. Grant me two things, I pray you,
Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
I have to press you for more. Please take something from us as a gift, not as payment. Grant me two things: don't refuse me and forgive me for asking.
I need to ask you for more. Take a gift from us, not as a fee but as a token. Just give me two things: don't turn me down and forgive me for asking.
take a gift. pls. 2 things.
You press me far, and therefore I will yield.
[_To Antonio_.] Give me your gloves, I’ll wear them for your sake.
You're pushing me too far, so I'll give in. Give me your gloves; I'll wear them for your sake.
You're not going to stop, so fine. Give me your gloves—I'll keep them to remember you by.
ok u win give me ur gloves ill keep them
[_To Bassanio_.] And, for your love, I’ll take this ring from you.
Do not draw back your hand; I’ll take no more,
And you in love shall not deny me this.
And for your love, I'll take this ring from you. Don't pull back your hand; I'll take nothing else, and you in love should not refuse me this.
And because you love me, I want this ring. Don't take your hand away; that's all I'm asking for, and because you love me, you can't say no.
i want ur ring for love don't refuse me
This ring, good sir? Alas, it is a trifle,
I will not shame myself to give you this.
This ring, sir? I'd be ashamed to give you something so small.
This ring? No, that's too little. I'd be embarrassed to give you just this.
it's nothing. too small.
I will have nothing else but only this,
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
I want only this ring and nothing else, and I've grown to like it.
I only want this ring, actually. I think I've changed my mind—I really want it.
just this ring. i want it.
There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you,
And find it out by proclamation,
Only for this I pray you pardon me.
This ring means more to me than its value. I'll find and give you the most valuable ring in Venice by announcement, just please forgive me for not giving you this one.
This ring means everything to me—it's worth way more than its price. I'll find you the fanciest ring in Venice if you just let me keep this one.
this ring is special. take the best one in venice instead.
I see, sir, you are liberal in offers.
You taught me first to beg, and now methinks
You teach me how a beggar should be answer’d.
I see you're generous with your offers. You taught me to ask for something, and now you're showing me how to refuse a beggar.
You're full of big offers, I see. You showed me how to ask for something, and now you're teaching me how to turn down a beggar.
u asked me to beg. now u won't give.
Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife,
And when she put it on, she made me vow
That I should neither sell, nor give, nor lose it.
This ring was given to me by my wife, and when she put it on me, she made me swear I'd never sell it, give it away, or lose it.
My wife gave me this ring and made me promise I'd never sell it, give it away, or lose it.
my wife. i swore. never give it.
That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts.
And if your wife be not a mad-woman,
And know how well I have deserv’d this ring,
She would not hold out enemy for ever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you!
That excuse works for lots of men to keep their gifts. If your wife isn't crazy and knows how much I've earned this ring, she won't be angry at you forever for giving it to me. Well, goodbye.
Everyone says that. If your wife isn't crazy and actually understands what I did for you, she won't stay mad forever just because you gave me this ring. Well, goodbye.
she'll get over it. i earned this. bye.
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring.
Let his deservings and my love withal
Be valued ’gainst your wife’s commandment.
Bassanio, let him have the ring. What he's earned and my love for you outweigh your wife's command.
Give him the ring. What he's done for us and my love for you matter more than your wife's order.
give him the ring. ur wife will understand.
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him;
Give him the ring, and bring him if thou canst
Unto Antonio’s house. Away, make haste.
Gratiano, go run and catch up with him. Give him the ring and bring him to Antonio's house if you can. Go, hurry!
Gratiano, run after him and catch him. Give him the ring and bring him to Antonio's place if you can. Hurry up!
run catch him. give the ring. to antonio's.
Come, you and I will thither presently,
And in the morning early will we both
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
Come on, you and I will go there right away, and early tomorrow morning we'll both head to Belmont. Come on, Antonio.
Let's go there right now, and tomorrow morning early we both head to Belmont. Come on, Antonio.
lets go there now tomorrow morning early we both go to belmont come on antonio
The Reckoning
This is the play's hinge. Everything before has been building toward this courtroom, and what happens here is genuinely shocking: Portia first makes the most beautiful argument for mercy in all of Shakespeare, and then, when Shylock refuses it, uses the exact same legal literalism against him with devastating precision. The audience gets both the idealism and the ruthlessness. By the end, Shylock has lost his money, his religion, and his daughter's inheritance — and the heroes leave for a party. The discomfort that follows the audience home is the point.
If this happened today…
A corporate lawyer in a tailored suit — young, razor-sharp, unknown to the room — stands up in a boardroom arbitration. A predatory creditor is demanding enforcement of a punishing contract clause that would effectively destroy a small business owner. The lawyer gives a five-minute speech about grace and good faith that leaves the room speechless. The creditor says no. The lawyer then opens the contract to page 47, subsection C, and notes that the clause as written is technically impossible to enforce without violating a separate statute — which carries its own penalties. The creditor's attorney goes pale. The client whispers, 'Who IS this person?' The lawyer gathers her papers and says she needs to get back to Padua.