Page 479 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2
P. 479
SHYLOCK
Most rightful judge!
PORTIA
And you must cut this flesh from off his breast, [300]
The law allows it, and the court awards it.
SHYLOCK
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare!
PORTIA
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’. [305]
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. [310]
GRATIANO
O upright judge! Mark, Jew. O learned judge!
SHYLOCK
Is that the law?
PORTIA
Thyself shalt see the act,
For, as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desir’st.
GRATIANO
O learned judge! Mark, Jew, a learned judge! [315]
SHYLOCK
I take this offer then. Pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.
