_Ner._ He attendeth here hard by, 145 To know your answer, whether you’ll admit him. _Duke._ With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter. _Clerk._ [_reads_] Your Grace shall understand that at the receipt 150 of your letter I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; 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, bettered with his own learning,—the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend, 156 —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, 160 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 _for_ BALTHASAR. Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario? _Por._ I did, my lord. _Duke._ You are welcome: take your place. 165 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. 170 _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 as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not? 175 _Ant._ Ay, so he says. _Por._ Do you confess the bond? _Ant._ I do. _Por._ Then must the Jew be merciful. _Shy._ On what compulsion must I? tell me that.