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

Ant.
Hear me yet, good Shylock.

Shy.
I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond:
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 goaler, that thou art so fond
To come abroad with him at his request.

Ant.
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.

Ant.
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.

Ant.
The Duke cannot deny the course of law;(20) ^note
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 bated me,
That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
To morrow to my bloody creditor.
Well, goaler, on; pray God, Bassanio come
To see me pay his debt, and then I care not! [Exeunt.

Previous section

Next section