_Portia._ The quality of mercy is not strain'd; 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. _Shylock._ My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. _Portia._ Is he not able to discharge the money? _Bassanio._ Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel devil of his will. _Portia._ It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: 'Twill be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the same example, Will rush into the state. It cannot be. _Shylock._ A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how do I honour thee! _Portia._ I pray you, let me look upon the bond. _Shylock._ Here 'tis, most reverend doctor, here it is. _Portia._ Shylock, there's thrice thy money offer'd thee. _Shylock._ An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice. _Portia._ Why, this bond is forfeit; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant's heart.--Be merciful; Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond. _Shylock._ When it is paid according to the tenor. It doth appear you are a worthy judge; You know the law, your exposition Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond. _Antonio._ Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment. _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 Hath full relation to the penalty, Which here appeareth due upon the bond.