ACT 4, SCENE 1 l
The Duke is informed that a messenger has come from Doctor Bellario (a lawyer) and is waiting outside to see him. Bassanio tries to cheer Antonio up and shows true loyalty and friendship when he says:
Good cheer, Antonio. What, man, courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood. (lines 110–112)
l
Nerissa enters, disguised as a judge’s clerk, and gives a letter to the Duke from Doctor Bellario. Nerissa informs the Duke that a ‘young and learnèd doctor’ (line 143) has come to the court at the recommendation of Doctor Bellario.
l
Nerissa gives the Duke a letter from Bellario which details how, due to illness, he is unable to judge the case. He is sending a young doctor called ‘Balthasar’ to take his place. This letter is an ingenious (clever) plan on the part of Portia. The letter recommends ‘Balthasar’ and cautions the Duke about judging ‘Balthasar’ on his youthful appearance:
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. (lines 159–162)
This letter of introduction will make Portia’s arrival at court much easier.
Part 2 (lines 167–302) – Portia, disguised as a learned doctor of law, leads the court proceedings with the help of Nerissa, disguised as his clerk.
l
The audience is wondering what Portia will do to try to help Antonio. Tension is mounting as the trial begins.
l
Portia urges Shylock to be merciful. In her famous ‘the quality of mercy’ speech (lines 182–203), Portia suggests that the quality of being merciful should not be forced or artificial. It should happen naturally, like rain falling from heaven. She asserts (claims) that being merciful is a double blessing, as it benefits the person who shows mercy as well as the person who receives it. Portia uses religious and regal (royal) imagery throughout her speech to highlight the nobility and importance of showing mercy. People who show mercy, she claims, are almost God-like.
l
Portia’s speech has little or no effect on Shylock. He is more determined than ever to have his bond. Shylock states that he will take responsibility for his own actions:
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. (lines 204–205)
l
Bassanio, once again, offers to pay Shylock twice the bond and implores (begs) Portia to bend the law in this exceptional case:
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. (lines 212–215)
l
When Portia flatly (firmly) rejects Bassanio’s plea, saying it would set a bad example in Venice, Shylock is overjoyed calling her a ‘Daniel’ (line 221), or very wise judge.
l
Portia now offers Shylock three times the amount of the bond: Be merciful.
Take thrice thy money. Bid me tear the bond. (lines 231–232) l
Again, Shylock rejects this amount, informing Portia that ‘There is no power in the tongue of man to alter [him]’ (lines 239–240). Nothing, it seems, can change his mind.
184 The Merchant of Venice
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