[150] Clerk. [reads] Your Grace shall understand that at the receipt of your letter I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his [153] name is Balthasar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o’er many 155 books together: he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning,—the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend,—comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your Grace’s request in my stead. 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 160 body with so old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.
Duke. You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he writes:
[163] And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Enter Portia for Balthasar.
[164] Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Por. I did, my lord.
Duke.
165 You are welcome: take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?