[_Herald reads_] "Your grace shall understand, that, at the receipt of your letter, I am very sick; but that in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Home; his name is Balthasar: I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio, the merchant: we turned o'er many books together; he is furnished with my opinion; which, better'd with his own learning (the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend), comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace's request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for I never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation." _Duke_. You hear the learn'd Bellario, what he writes: And here, I take it, is the doctor come. _Enter_ PORTIA, _dressed like a Doctor of Laws_. Give me your hand: Came you from old Bellario? _Por_. I did, my lord. _Duke_. You are welcome: take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? _Por_. I am informed throughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? _Duke_. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth. _Por_. Is your name Shylock? _Shy_. Shylock is my name. _Por_. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such rule that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you,[104] as you do proceed.--You stand within his danger,[105] do you not? [_To_ ANTONIO. _Ant_. Ay, so he says. _Por_. So you confess the bond? _Ant_. I do. _Por_. Then must the Jew be merciful. _Shy_. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. _Por_. The quality of mercy is not strain'd;[106] It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes; 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway, It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this---That in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much, To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there. _Shy_., My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. _Por_. Is he not able to discharge the money?