Episode 2

Antonio and Bassanio went to see Shylock.

“So, you want to borrow three thousand ducats!” said Shylock.

“That's right, and we want it for three months,” said Bassanio. “My friend, Antonio, will help me pay it back.”

“But why does Antonio not give you the money now?” asked Shylock.

“All my money depends on my ships at sea,” explained Antonio. “I will have money as soon as they return.”

“But that means your money is not safe,” cried Shylock. “Storms might destroy your ships, or they might sink. They might be attacked by pirates who will steal everything.”

“Don’t worry. You can trust my friend,” said Bassanio. “Will you come and eat with us tonight? That way, you can get to know him better

“I already know Antonio,” said Shylock. “I will do business with him, but I will not eat with him.”

Antonio and Bassanio looked at each other, but they did not say anything.

“So, Shylock, can you lend us what we want?” asked Antonio. “I do not usually lend or borrow with interest. But this time is different. I will borrow for my friend Bassanio.”

“Yes, you want to borrow from me now,” said Shylock, looking straight at Antonio. “You are even willing to pay interest, is that right?”

“Yes, I will pay you interest if you want,” said Antonio.

Shylock thought carefully. He remembered all the times Antonio had insulted him and laughed at him. Now, for the first time, Antonio wanted something from him. Antonio was in his power. He realised that this was his chance to get his own back. He looked at Antonio for a long time.

‘No, I do not want interest from you,” he said slowly, “But let us agree to a little joke: if you do not repay me what you owe, I can take a pound of your flesh from whatever part of your body that I want.”

“Why, yes of course, I will agree to that,” said Antonio.

Bassanio gasped. “No, Antonio, don’t do that for me,” he cried.

“Don’t worry, my dear friend Bassanio. My ships will return very, very soon, and then I will have three times what we have borrowed. Let Shylock have his little joke.”

“So, Antonio, will you sign this agreement?” asked Shylock. “I will lend Bassanio three thousand ducats. You will pay me back within three months. If your ships do not come back to port, and if you cannot pay me back the money, I can take a pound of flesh from you.”

He put the agreement on the table and handed Antonio a pen.

“will gladly sign it, for my friend,” said Antonio. He dipped the pen in the ink and signed his name.