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Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

"The Merchant of Venice"

Therefore Iew,
Though Iustice be thy plea, consider this,
That in the course of Iustice, none of vs
Should see saluation: we do pray for mercie,
And that same prayer, doth teach vs all to render
The deeds of mercie. I haue spoke thus much
To mittigate the iustice of thy plea:
Which if thou follow, this strict course of Venice
Must needes giue sentence 'gainst the Merchant there
Shy. My deeds vpon my head, I craue the Law,
The penaltie and forfeite of my bond
Por. Is he not able to discharge the money?
Bas. Yes, heere I tender it for him in the Court,
Yea, twice the summe, if that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times ore,
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart:
If this will not suffice, it must appeare
That malice beares downe truth. And I beseech you
Wrest once the Law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curbe this cruell diuell of his will
Por. It must not be, there is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree established:
'Twill be recorded for a President,
And many an error by the same example,
Will rush into the state: It cannot be
Iew. A Daniel come to iudgement, yea a Daniel.
O wise young Iudge, how do I honour thee
Por. I pray you let me looke vpon the bond
Iew. Heere 'tis most reuerend Doctor, heere it is
Por. Shylocke, there's thrice thy monie offered thee
Shy. An oath, an oath, I haue an oath in heauen:
Shall I lay periurie vpon my soule?
No not for Venice
Por.


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