My deeds upon my head! I crave the law
Shylock
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
Portia, as Balthazar
Is he not able to discharge the money?
Bassanio
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
Portia, as Balthazar
Is he not able to discharge the money?
Bassanio
Yes. Here I tender it for him in the court,
Yea, twice the sum. If that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart.
If this will not suffice, it must appear
That malice bears down truth. To the Duke. And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
Portia, as Balthazar
It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd;
‘Twill be recorded for a precedent
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
Shylock
A Daniel come to judgment! Yea, a Daniel.
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!
Yea, twice the sum. If that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart.
If this will not suffice, it must appear
That malice bears down truth. To the Duke. And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
Portia, as Balthazar
It must not be. There is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree establishèd;
‘Twill be recorded for a precedent
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
Shylock
A Daniel come to judgment! Yea, a Daniel.
O wise young judge, how I do honor thee!