ACT 3, SCENE 3


12. (lines 22–23) I often helped people out who pleaded with me that they could not repay their debt to him.


I oft delivered from his forfeitures Many that have at times made moan to me,12 Therefore he hates me.


SOLANIO I am sure the Duke 13. this penalty to stand 25 Will never grant this forfeiture to hold.13


15. trade 16. discredit/bring it into disrepute


14. The Duke cannot prevent the course of law (interfere with legal proceedings).


30


17. (lines 27–31) If we don’t respect the legal contracts of foreigners who trade with us in Venice, then we will bring dishonour to Venice and damage its trading reputation. 18. diminished/made me lose weight


35


ANTONIO The Duke cannot deny the course of law,14 For the commodity15 that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, Will much impeach16 the justice of his state, Since that the trade and profit of the city Consisteth of all nations.17 Therefore go. These griefs and losses have so bated18 me That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh Tomorrow to my bloody creditor. Well, jailer, on. Pray God Bassanio come To see me pay his debt, and then I care not.


Exeunt.


OVERVIEW OF ACT 3, SCENE 3 l


The action of this short scene brings us back to Venice and makes us aware of the danger Antonio now faces. Shylock has come with a jailer to capture Antonio. He is completely unwilling to listen to Antonio and constantly insists on his bond:


I’ll have my bond. Speak not against my bond. I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond. (lines 4–5)


l


It is clear from what Shylock says that it is not just about the bond. He has a vendetta (an ongoing bitter dispute) against Antonio because of Antonio’s over-generous loan practices and he is now determined to get his revenge:


Jailer, look to him. Tell not me of mercy. This is the fool that lent out money gratis. (lines 1–2)


l Shylock is completely merciless in this scene and truly emerges as a vindictive (vengeful) villain:


Thou called’st me dog before thou hadst a cause, But since I am a dog, beware my fangs. (lines 6–7)


l


He appears so hard and merciless that Solanio remarks that Shylock ‘is the most impenetrable cur that ever kept with men’ (lines 18–19).


140 The Merchant of Venice


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