Portia.Why, this bond is forfeit;
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.
Shylock. When it is paid according to the tenor.
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 judgment. By my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me: I stay here on my bond.
Antonio. Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
Portia.Why, then, thus it is:
You must prepare your bosom for his knife;—
Shylock. O noble judge! O excellent young man!
Portia.—For the intent and purpose of the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
Shylock. 'Tis very true: O wise and upright judge!
How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
Portia. Therefore, lay bare your bosom.
Shylock.Ay, his breast:
So says the bond:—doth it not, noble judge?—
"Nearest his heart:" those are the very words.
Portia. It is so. Are there balance here, to weigh
The flesh?