_Por._ The quality of mercy is not strain’d, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 180 Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; 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, 185 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; 190 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; 195 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. 200 _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? _Bass._ Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, 205 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: 210 To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will. _Por._ It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: ’Twill be recorded for a precedent, 215 And many an error, by the same example, Will rush into the state: it cannot be. _Shy._ A Daniel come to judgement! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how I do honour thee! _Por._ I pray you, let me look upon the bond. 220 _Shy._ Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is. _Por._ Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offer’d thee. _Shy._ An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice. _Por._ Why, this bond is forfeit; 225 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. _Shy._ When it is paid according to the tenour. 230 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 judgement: by my soul I swear 235 There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond. _Ant._ Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgement.