ANTONIO AND SHYLOCK: THE TRIAL. (From BY SHAKESPEARE. "The Merchant of Venice.") [WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE was born at Stratford-on-Avon, April, 1564; died there, April 23, 1616. About 1587 he went to London and became an actor. By 1589 he collaborated in play-writing; about 1593 he began to work alone, later reviving his plays with others' work expunged. "Love's Labour's Lost" (1589) was his first, "King Henry VIII." (1613) his last. He was a theater manager for many years, but perhaps retired a year or two before death.] Present: DUKE, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, and others. Make room, and let him stand before our face. - Thou'lt show thy mercy, and remorse, more strange And where thou now exact'st the penalty (Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh), But, touched with human gentleness and love, Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, Enough to press a royal merchant down, And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms, and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks, and Tartars, never trained To offices of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew. Shylock I have possessed your grace of what I purpose; And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn, To have the due and forfeit of my bond: |