You hear the learn’d Bellario what he writes,
And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Enter Portia dressed like a doctor of laws.
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
PORTIA.
I did, my lord.
DUKE.
You are welcome. Take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
PORTIA.
I am informed throughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?
DUKE.
Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
PORTIA.
Is your name Shylock?
SHYLOCK.
Shylock is my name.
PORTIA.
Of a strange nature is the suit you follow,
Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn you as you do proceed.
[To Antonio.] You stand within his danger, do you not?