_Antonio_ Not quite so fast. The law expressly states That I may put you in the debtor's gaol And so I mean to do. _Shylock_ But good Signor-- _Antonio_ No protest will avail. I know you Jews. You hang together in calamity And help each other while the Christians starve. Let them redeem you and repay my loss. _Shylock_ Good sir, my kin are very far away And poor as I. _Antonio_ 'Twill do no good to lie. Write letters. I will see them promptly sent. _Shylock_ I swear to you Antonio-- _Gratiano_ Wait a while. First tell us if the oath thou art to make Is sworn as Christian or in Hebrew style; Though truly which to give the preference Is matter to discuss. A Jewish oath Thou canst not take for thou hast been baptised, And sooth to say I have a sort of doubt About thy reverence for Christian forms. _Shylock_ By that great Power who can humble both Hebrew and Christian, I do swear to you That not in all this universe's span Have I a claim on friends or relatives As large as this. Much more have I the right To claim assistance from Antonio Who though he found me keen for my revenge And steadfast in assertion of my rights Can bring no accusation on my head Of underhanded trickery or crime. _Gratiano_ Because we watch you pretty carefully. _Shylock_ What say you, sir? You will not keep us here? _Antonio_ I warned thee once cajoling will not serve. Write out the letters. That's the only way. I'll see that while you tarry in the gaol Your comfort shall not be too much disturbed. Your food shall be according to your wish And other things in reason you may have. _Jessica_ Good sir, I think you know me, do you not? _Antonio_ Why, are you not my friend Lorenzo's wife? _Jessica_ I am the Jessica who married him, But not his wife if wifehood is a state That presupposes more than legal rights. I and Lorenzo are as strangers now And less than strangers, less than enemies. _Antonio_ I grieve to hear it. _Jessica_ I would have your grief Not for myself but for my father here. He speaks the truth. He has no more to give. _Antonio_ Then let him call upon his wealthy friends, The other Jews will trust him if he asks. _Jessica_ You heard him say he knows not where to sue. _Antonio_ O, that was but the cunning of his race.