Portia proposes to pay six thousand ducats rather than Antonio suffer, and says to Bassanio:
"First go with me to church and call me wife,
Then away to Venice to your friend.
You shall have gold
To pay the petty debt twenty times over!"
Shylock swears out a writ and puts Antonio in jail, and demands trial before the Grand Duke of Venice.
The Duke in open court, with all the witnesses and lawyers and people present, implores Shylock not to insist to cut a pound of flesh from the body of Antonio, and argues for mercy.
But, Shylock, impenetrable to the cries of mercy, says to the judge:
"I have told your grace of what I purpose;
And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn,
To have the due and forfeit of my bond.
The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought, is mine, and I will have it;
If you deny me, fye upon your law!
I stand for judgment; shall I have it?"
A learned doctor of laws, Bellario, is expected to appear as the advocate for Antonio, and the Duke awaits him; but receives a letter saying that a young lawyer named Balthazar will represent him, as sickness prevents his presence.
Portia disguised like a doctor of laws appears in court.
The Duke asks: "Come you from old Bellario?"
Portia replies: "I did, my lord."