Shy.
Gaoler, look to him: tell not me of mercy.
This is the fool that lent out money gratis.
Gaoler, look to him.

Anth.
Hear me yet, good Shylock.

Shy.
I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond;* ^note
I've sworn an oath, that I will have my bond.
Thou call'dst me dog, before thou hadst a cause;
But since I am a dog, beware my fangs:
The duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder,
Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so fond
To come abroad with him, at his request.

Anth.
I pray thee, hear me speak.

Shy.
I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak:
I'll have my bond; and therefore, speak no more.
I'll not be made a soft and dull-ey'd fool,
To shake the head, relent, and sigh and yield,
To christian intercessors. Follow not;
I'll have no speaking; I will have my bond. [Exit Shylock.

Sola.
It is the most impenetrable cur,
That ever kept with men.

Anth.
Let him alone.
I'll follow him no more with bootless pray'rs.
He seeks my life; his reason well I know.
I oft deliver'd from his forfeitures,
Many that have at times made moan to me;
Therefore, he hates me.

Sola.
I am sure the duke
Will never grant this forfeiture to hold.

Anth.
The duke cannot deny the course of law;
For the commodity that strangers have
With us in Venice, if it be deny'd,
Will much impeach the justice of the state;
Since that the trade and profit of the city,
Consisteth of all nations. Therefore, go,
These griefs and losses, have so 'bared me,
That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh,
To-morrow, to my bloody creditor.

Well, gaoler, on; pray Heav'n Bassanio come
To see me pay his debt, and then I care not! [Exeunt.

Previous section

Next section