"There is no power in Venice can altar a decree established."
And Shylock, lighting up with joy, replies:
"A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel!"
Preparation is made to cut the pound of flesh from the breast of Antonio; and this brave old Christian merchant says to his dearest friend, Bassanio:
"Fare you well!
Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you;
For herein fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom; it is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow,
An age of poverty."
Portia, speaking to Shylock, says:
"Take thou thy pound of flesh;
But, in the cutting, if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscated
Unto the State of Venice!"
The Jew finding himself absolutely blocked consents to take the money offered.
Yet, Portia tells him that his property and life are now at the mercy of the Duke because he has conspired against the life of a citizen of Venice, and bids him:
"Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke!"