Scene 1 Venice. Court

Enter the Duke, gentlemen, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salarino, Salerno, and the rest.

Duke, has Antonio come?

Antonio Yes, Your Highness.

Duke I am very unhappy for you; you have come to confront a hard-hearted opponent, an inhuman villain who knows no mercy and has no trace of mercy.

Antonio heard that His Highness tried his best to persuade him not to go too far, but he was stubborn and refused to make any concessions. Since there was no legal way to free me from his vicious grasp, I could only endure his wrath with silence and wait for his cruel treatment with peace of mind.

Duke Come, summon the Jew to the court.

Salarino He is waiting at the door; here he comes, Your Highness.

Enter Sherlock.

Duke, please step aside and let him stand in front of me. Sherlock, everyone thinks - and I think so too - that you are just pretending to be vicious, and that at the last moment you will show kindness and compassion, which is even more cruel than your current apparent cruelty. Unexpectedly; although you insist on the punishment as agreed, you must cut off a pound of flesh from this unfortunate businessman. At that time, not only are you willing to give up this punishment, but because you are moved by your conscience, you may still Part of his debt will be forgiven. You see, the huge losses he has suffered recently are enough to bankrupt any businessman no matter how wealthy he is. Even a savage with a heart of stone who has never known human sympathy can't help but feel sympathy for his situation. Jews, we are all waiting for a gentle answer from you.

Shylock, I have informed your Highness of my intention; I have also sworn by our Holy Sabbath to carry out the punishment as agreed; if Your Highness does not grant my request, it will be contempt of the Charter. , I will go to the capital to appeal and demand that your country’s privileges be revoked. If you ask me why I don't want to accept three thousand dollars and would rather take a piece of rotten meat, then I have no reason to answer you. I can only say that I like it. Is this an answer? If there are mice in my house and I pay ten thousand dollars to get rid of them, who can control me? Doesn't this answer you? Some people don't like to see pigs with their mouths open, some people lose their temper when they see a cat, and some people can't help but urinate when they hear the sound of someone playing bagpipes; because a person's emotions are completely affected by likes and dislikes. No one can be their own master. Now I will answer you this way: why some people can't stand a pig with its mouth open, some people can't stand a harmless cat, and some people can't stand the sound of a bagpipe. These are all completely inadequate. The reason is just because of their natural tendency, which makes them unable to help but show their ugly face when stimulated; so I can't give any reason, and I don't want to give any reason, except because of my long-standing hatred and hatred for Antonio. I am deeply disgusted, so I filed a lawsuit against him that was of no benefit to me. Haven't you got my answer now?

Bassanio, you callous fellow, this answer cannot be used as an excuse for your cruelty.

Sherlock My answer was not meant to please you.

Bassanio Must people put to death what they don’t like?

Sherlock Who would hate something he would not kill?

Bassanio The first offense should not lead to hatred.

Sherlock What! Are you willing to be bitten twice by a poisonous snake?

Antonio, please think about it. Reasoning with this Jew now is like standing on the beach, asking the raging waves of the sea to reduce its rushing power, and asking the jackal why he killed the ewe in order to lose her. The lambs cry, or the pines and cypresses on the mountain don't shake their heads and make noisy sounds when they are blown by the wind. If you could soften this Jew's heart - what could be harder in the world? ——Then what is difficult that cannot be done? Therefore, I ask you not to discuss any conditions with him, nor to think of any way for me. Let me be sentenced quickly and satisfy this Jew's wish.

Bassanio lent you three thousand dollars. Can I pay you back six thousand dollars now?

Shylock Even if each dollar of these six thousand dollars could be divided into six parts, and each part could be turned into one dollar, I would not want them; I would only punish them as promised.

Duke, you have no mercy at all. How can you expect others to show mercy to you in the future?

Sherlock I haven’t done anything wrong, so why am I afraid of punishment? You bought many slaves, treated them like donkeys, dogs, mules and horses, and made them do all kinds of menial jobs, because you paid for them. Can I say to you, set them free and let them marry your children? Why do they sweat and sweat under the heavy burden? Let their beds be made as soft as yours, and let their tongues taste what you eat, and you will answer, "These slaves are ours." So I also answer you: I say to him The pound of flesh I asked for was bought at a great price; it belongs to me, and I must get it. If you refuse me, then to hell with your laws! The decrees of the city of Venice amount to nothing more than a piece of paper. I am now waiting for the verdict. Please answer me quickly. Can I get this pound of flesh?

Duke I have sent for Bellario, a learned doctor, to try this case for us; but if he does not come to-day, I shall have the right to prolong the sentence.

Your Highness, Salarino, there is a messenger outside who has just come from Padua, carrying a letter from this doctor, waiting for your Highness's call.

Duke Bring me the letter; call the messenger in.

BASSANIO Be happy, Antonio! Hey, man, don't lose heart! This Jew can take my flesh, my blood, my bones, and everything I have, but I will never let you shed a drop of your blood for my sake.

Antonio I am a useless and sick sheep in the flock, and death is my due; the weakest fruits are the first to fall to the ground, so let me end my life like this. Bassanio, as long as you live and write an epitaph for me in the future, then you have done the best thing.

Enter Nerissa pretending to be a lawyer’s secretary.

Duke Are you from Padua Bellario?

Nerissa Yes, Your Highness. Bellario asked me to pay my respects to His Highness. (Presenting a letter.)

BASSANIO Why are you sharpening your knife like this?

Sherlock Cut off the pound of flesh from the bankrupt guy.

Gratiano, the cruel Jew, you are not sharpening the knife on the edge of your shoe, you are sharpening the knife on your heart; no matter what kind of iron tool, not even the executioner's steel knife can keep up. Your cruel heart is half as sharp. Can no entreaty move you?

Sherlock No, no matter how nice you say it, it's useless.

Gratiano, you evil dog, let’s see if you don’t go to hell after you die! It is really fair and unsightly to let someone like you live in the world. You have simply shaken my faith, believing that Pythagoras said that the souls of animals can be reincarnated into human bodies; you must have been a jackal in your previous life, because you were caught and hanged for eating people. Its evil spirit escaped from the gallows and entered the dirty womb of your mother, for your temper was as cruel and greedy as that of a jackal.

Sherlock Unless you can scold my seal on the contract, otherwise you will only hurt your lungs by shouting like this, so why bother? Good brother, I advise you to give your brain a rest, lest it be damaged and cannot be repaired in the future. I am here to ask for the judgment of the law.

By this letter Duke Bellario introduces a young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he?

Nerissa He is waiting for your answer near here. I wonder if Your Highness will allow him to come in?

Duke Very welcome. Come, three or four of you, lead him here respectfully. Now let us read Bellario's letter to the court.

Secretary (reading) "When the emperor arrived, I complained about Fangju's illness. Just then, a young doctor, Dr. Balsa Zejun, came from Rome to express his condolences because he wanted to discuss the case between the Jews and Antonio in detail. , went through the records of the people, made a compromise between right and wrong, and then begged him to be my servant in response to the call of His Highness.

I am fully aware of all my opinions on this case. Although my knowledge and talents are extremely praised, they are of no use. I hope you should not ignore them because of your youth. For such a young and mature person, this is really my life. All you can see is what you see. If you accept it, you will be able to fulfill your mission. Pray for Jun Ju. "

Duke, you have heard the letter from the learned Bellario. The person here is probably the doctor.

Enter Portia pretending to be a lawyer.

Duke, give me your hand. Is this from old Bellario?

Portia, Your Highness.

Please come and take your seat. . Do you understand the two aspects of the case we are hearing here today?

Portia, I already know the details of this case, which one is the businessman. Are you a Jew?

Duke Antonio, Shylock, come up

Portia, is your name Shylock?

Shylock? It's my name.

Portia, your lawsuit is strange, but according to Venetian law, your accusation is valid. (To Antonio) Your life and death are now in his hands. Yes, isn't it?

That's what Antonio said.

Portia, do you accept the loan?

Antonio, I accept it. p>Portia Then the Jews should be merciful

Shylock Why should I be merciful?

Portia’s mercy is not forced, it is like rain. Descended from heaven, it not only brings happiness to those who give, but also brings happiness to those who give; it has supreme power that transcends all, and is more powerful than the crown to show the nobility of an emperor: the royal staff is just a symbol of The authority of the secular world makes the people fear the dignity of the king; the power of mercy is higher than power. It is hidden deep in the heart of the emperor and is a virtue that belongs to God. If those who enforce the law can put mercy into Adjusted with justice, the power of the world is no different from the divine power of God. Therefore, Jew, although what you are asking for is justice, please think about it. If rewards and punishments are really carried out according to justice, no one will be saved after death. hope; since we pray for God's mercy, we should do some merciful things according to the guidance of prayer. I said this in the hope that you can make some concessions from your legal position. ; But if you insist on your original request, then the Venetian court is selfless in enforcing the law and has no choice but to convict the businessman.

Shylock, I am responsible for what I did myself! Allow me to carry out the punishment as agreed.

Portia, is he unable to repay the loan?

Bassanio: No, I am willing to pay it back in court; double the original amount. Yes; if he is still not satisfied with this, then I am willing to sign a contract and pay him back ten times the amount, using my hand, my head, and my heart as collateral; if this does not satisfy him, then it is intentional to harm others. , regardless of the law of heaven. Please use your power to bend the law a little, make a small mistake, and do a great merit. Don't let this cruel devil fulfill his murderous desires.

Portia That’s not possible, no one in Venice has the power to change the established laws; if this is a bad example, everyone can use it as an excuse in the future, and do all kinds of bad things. This won't work.

Shylock Daniel is here to be the judge! It’s really Daniel reborn! Smart young judge, I really admire you!

PORTIA Please let me see the loan.

SHYLOCK Here, venerable doctor; please look.

Portia Shylock, they will give you three times the money.

Sherlock No, no, I have already sworn an oath to God. Can I let my soul bear the crime of breaking the oath? No, I can't agree to it even if you give me all of Venice.

PORTIA Well, then the punishment shall be as promised; by law the Jew has the right to demand a pound of flesh from the merchant's breast. I'd better be merciful and take three times the original amount of money and let me break this contract.

Shylock It will not be too late to tear him apart after he is punished according to the terms of the contract.

You seem to be a very good judge; you understand the law, and what you say makes sense. You are worthy of being the mainstay of the legal profession. So now I use the name of the law to ask you to pronounce the verdict immediately. With my soul I swear, no one can change my determination with his words. I am now but waiting to carry out the original agreement.

Antonio I also sincerely request the court to pronounce the sentence as soon as possible.

PORTIA Well, then this is it: you must be ready to let his knife plunge into your breast.

Shylock O noble judge! What an outstanding young man!

Portia Because the punishment specified in this covenant does not conflict with the meaning of the legal provisions.

Sherlock, that’s right, that’s right! O wise and upright judge! I didn’t expect that you look so young, but you are so experienced!

PORTIA So you should bare your breasts.

Sherlock Yes, "his breasts," that's what the appointment said; - isn't it, noble judge? ——"Near where the heart is", the appointment was written clearly.

Portia Yes, are you ready with the scales for weighing the meat?

Sherlock I have brought it.

Portia Shylock, go and get a surgeon to plug up his wound at your expense, so that he doesn't bleed to death.

Sherlock, is there such a rule in a date?

PORTIA There is no such stipulation in the engagement; but what does that matter? It's always good to do a good deed.

Sherlock I can’t find it; there’s no such clause in the appointment.

Portia Merchant, do you have anything else to say?

Antonio I don't have much to say; I'm ready. Give me your hand, Bassanio, and farewell! Do not be sad because I have met this end for your sake, for fate has taken special care of me: she often allows an unfortunate person to continue living after his family fortune has been spent, with his sunken eyes and wrinkled face. She has exempted me from this protracted punishment. Pay my respects to your ladyship for me, and tell her what happened to Antonio; tell her how I loved you, and how I died calmly; and when you have finished telling this story, ask her to judge whether Bassanio ever had Live a friend who truly loves him. Don't regret because you are about to lose a friend. The person who pays your debt will die without complaint. As long as the Jew's knife penetrates deeper, I can pay off the debt completely in an instant.

Bassanio Antonio, I love my wife as much as my own life; but my life, my wife, and the whole world are not more important to me than your life. Precious; I am willing to lose everything and offer them as a sacrifice to this devil to save your life.

Portia, if your ladyship were to hear you say such words here, I might not be able to thank you.

Gratiano I have a wife, and I can swear that I love her; but I hope that she will die immediately so that I can pray to God to change the heart of this vicious dog-like Jew.

Nerissa, it’s a good thing that your Majesty said this behind her back, otherwise the house would have been so noisy.

Sherlock These are Christian husbands! I have a daughter, and I would rather she marry the son of a robber than a Christian. Don't waste any more time; please pronounce the sentence quickly.

PORTIA That pound of flesh from the merchant's body is yours; the courts grant it to you, and the law permits you.

Shylock, a fair and upright judge!

PORTIA Thou must cut this pound of flesh from his breast; the law shall permit thee, and the courts shall award thee.

Shylock, learned judge! Well done! Come, get ready!

PORTIA: Wait, I have something else to say. This covenant does not allow you to take a drop of his blood, it only says "a pound of flesh"; so you can take a pound of flesh like Jon, but when the flesh is cut, if a drop of Christian blood is shed, your According to Venetian law, all land and property must be confiscated.

Gratiano O fair and just judge! Listen, Jew; O learned judge!

Sherlock Is this what the law says?

Portia You can find out for yourself. Since you ask for justice, I will give you justice, and it will be more fair than what you ask for.

Gratiano O learned judge! Listen, Jew; what a learned judge!

Shylock Then I will accept the repayment; pay me three times the agreed amount, and let the Christian go.

BASSANIO Here is the money.

Portia, don't be busy! This Jew must receive absolute justice. Don't be busy! He cannot accept any other compensation other than the punishment as agreed.

Gratiano O Jew! A fair and upright judge, a knowledgeable judge!

Portia So get ready to cut your flesh. You are not allowed to bleed a drop, and you are not allowed to cut more than or less than a pound; if the meat you cut is slightly lighter or heavier than a pound, even if the difference is only a hair, or even a hair. , I will kill you and confiscate all your property.

Gratiano A reincarnated Daniel, a Daniel, a Jew! Now you are in my hands, you infidel!

Portia Why haven’t the Jews taken action yet?

Shylock Give me back my capital and let me go.

BASSANIO I have the money ready here, take it.

Portia He has already refused in court; now we can only give him justice and let him fulfill his original agreement.

Gratiano What a Daniel, a reincarnated Daniel! Thank you, Jew, for teaching me to say this.

Shylock, can’t I just get my capital back?

PORTIA Jew, you cannot take a penny but cut off that pound of flesh at the risk of your own life.

Sherlock Well, then the devil bless him to enjoy it! I won't fight this lawsuit anymore.

PORTIA Wait a minute, Jew, the law still involves you a little. Venetian law stipulates: Whenever a foreigner attempts to murder any citizen by direct or indirect means, and if there is clear evidence, half of his property shall belong to the injured party, and the remaining half shall be confiscated into the public treasury, and the life of the offender shall be at risk. Let the Duke handle it, no one else can interfere. You happen to be trapped in this legal net now, because based on the development of the facts, it is enough to prove that you did use direct and indirect means to endanger the life of the defendant, so you have already encountered the kind of danger I just mentioned. Kneel down quickly and ask the Duke for mercy.

Gratiano begged the Duke to have mercy on you and let you seek death on your own; but your property has been confiscated and you can’t afford a rope, so you still have to be hanged at the public expense. .

Duke, let me show you the spirit of our Christians. Although you have not spoken to me, I have automatically forgiven your death penalty. Half of your property will be transferred to Antonio, and the other half will be confiscated into the public treasury; if you can sincerely repent, you may be able to receive a lighter fine.

PORTIA This means the part that was put into the public treasury, not the part that was transferred to Antonio.

Sherlock No, take my life and property together, I don’t want your forgiveness. When you take away the pillars that support the house, you demolish my house; when you take away the basis of my family's livelihood, you take my life alive.

Portia Antonio, can you show him some mercy?

Gratiano Give him a free rope to hang himself on; for God's sake give him nothing else!

I would be perfectly satisfied if Antonio and his Highness would be lenient and exempt from the confiscation of half of his property; if only he would allow me to take over the other half of his property when he dies. , give it to the gentleman who has recently eloped with his daughter; but there are two additional conditions: first, that he must convert to Christianity immediately after accepting such grace; second, he must write in court The next deed stated that after his death, all his property would pass to his son-in-law Lorenzo and his daughter.

Duke He must fulfill these two conditions, otherwise I will revoke the pardon just announced.

PORTIA Are you satisfied, Jew? What do you have to say?

Sherlock I am satisfied.

Portia Secretary, write a deed granting the property.

Shylock Please allow me to withdraw from the court. I am not feeling well. The deed was written and sent to my home, and I just signed it.

Duke Go ahead, but a sudden change of heart will not do.

Gratiano, you can have two godfathers when you are baptized; if I become a judge, I will definitely invite twelve godfathers for you⑿, not to take you to be baptized, but to send you Go to the gallows. (Exit Shylock.)

Duke Sir, I would like to invite you to dine in the lodge.

Portia I beg your highness to forgive me. I am going back to Padua tonight, and I must leave now. I will not accompany you.

Duke, you are so busy and busy that you cannot allow me to take care of you. I am so sorry. Antonio, thank you sir, you owe it all to him this time. (The Duke, all the gentlemen and attendants are waiting.)

My most respectable sir, Bassanio, my dear friend and I owe it to your wisdom to avoid an unnecessary disaster today; in order to express my gratitude, Our respect, these three thousand dollars were originally intended to be returned to the Jew, but now they are given to you, sir, to repay you for your hard work.

Antonio We will never forget your great kindness.

Portia: When a person does something he feels at ease with, he gets the greatest reward. I helped you two this time, and finally did not fail. I am very satisfied, and there is no need to talk about any reward. I hope you two still know me when we meet next time. I'll take my leave now.

BASSANIO Good sir, I cannot but make another request to you: take whatever you please from us, not as a reward, but as a souvenir. Please promise me two things: not to refuse, but also to forgive my request.

PORTIA I am disrespectful of your solicitude. (To Antonio) Give me your glove, that I may wear it on my hand as a souvenir; (To Bassanio) In memory of your kindness, let me take this ring. Don't retract your hand, I don't ask you for anything anymore; since you are sincere, you will never refuse me.

BASSANIO Is this the ring, good sir? well! It's a worthless thing; I'm embarrassed to give it to you.

PORTIA I wanted nothing but this ring; and now I think I must have it.

Bassanio This ring itself has no value, but because of other relationships, I cannot give it away. I am willing to search for the most valuable ring in Venice and give it to you, but I have to ask your forgiveness for this one.

Portia, sir, you are a generous man of words; you first taught me how to reach out for begging, and then you taught me how to answer a beggar.

BASSANIO Good sir, this ring was given to me by my wife; when she put it on my finger, she made me swear never to sell it, give it away, or lose it.

Portia This is the excuse people use when they are stingy with their gifts. If your ladyship were not a crazy woman, and she knew how much I deserved this ring, she would not have turned against you for a long time because you gave it away. Well, I wish you peace! (Portia and Nerissa exit.)

Antonio, my master Bassanio, let him take the ring; for his merit and my friendship, it is a violation of the honor of a lady. The order doesn't seem to matter.

BASSANIO Gratiano, catch up with them quickly and give him this ring; if possible, lead him to Antonio's house. Go, hurry! (Gratiano exits) Come, I will accompany you to your house; tomorrow morning we will fly to Belmont. Come, Antonio. (Same as below.)