Page 476 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

When it is paid, according to the tenour.
It doth appear you are a worthy judge,
You know the law, your exposition [235]
Hath been most sound. I charge you by the law,

Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgement. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me. I stay here on my bond. [240]

ANTONIO

Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgement.

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 [245]

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, [250]
So says the bond, doth it not, noble judge?
‘Nearest his heart’, those are the very words.