Episode 8

In Venice, Antonio's trial was taking place in the court. The judge, the Duke of Venice, was

talking to Antonio.

“You have made a terrible enemy, Antonio,” he said. “Shylock is not able to be kind.”

“I do not know why I should be kind,” Shylock said. “We had an agreement, and now I want my payment.”

“But Antonio can give you the money‘now,” said the Duke. “I do not understand why you will not take it.”

“Antonio has been unkind and cruel to me,” snarled Shylock. “Many times he has called me a dog. Now he knows I have teeth and can bite. And I will have my pound of flesh.”

“Shylock, I can give you twice the money,” Bassanio cried. “For three thousand ducats, here is six.”

“If you offered six times six thousand, I would not take it,” Shylock replied slowly. “I will take a pound of Antonio’s flesh.”

Just then, Portia and Nerissa walked quickly into the court, disguised as young men. Portia spoke to the Duke in a loud voice.

“My lord,” she said. “My name is Balthazar and I am a lawyer. I have come from Bellario, to defend the man Antonio. I know all the details of this case.”

“You are very welcome. Please speak to the court,” the Duke said.

“The law of Venice is on Shylock’s side,” Portia said. “If he wants, he can take his pound of flesh.”

“These are fine words, young man,” Shylock said. “Now I will have Antonio’s heart.”

“No!” cried Bassanio. “Oh, Antonio, I would give everything I have, even my wife, to save you!”

“Your wife would not be happy to hear that,” said Portia, with a smile.

Shylock was impatient.

“Enough!” he shouted. “I am ready to take my payment!”

“Wait,” said Portia. “Take your pound of flesh, but you must take only flesh. You must not take any blood.”

“But that is not possible,” Shylock cried. “I cannot take his heart without taking blood!”

“Also, asking for a pound of flesh makes you a murderer,” Portia said. “You must give away all your money, and pay for your crime with your life.”

“But this is not fair,” Shylock cried. “I did no wrong.”

“Wait, wait,” said Antonio. “Let Shylock live. Let him keep half of his money, and give the rest to his daughter, Jessica.”

“Do you agree to this, Shylock?” Portia asked.

“Yes, yes,” Shylock muttered. “What else can I do? Of course I agree.”

He walked quietly out of the court with his head down.