Act IIIScene III
Venice. A street
Enter Shylock, Salarino, Antonio and Gaoler.
Shylock
Gaoler, look to him. Tell not me of mercy.This is the fool that lent out money gratis.Gaoler, look to him.
Antonio
Hear me yet, good Shylock.
Shylock
I’ll have my bond, speak not against my bond.I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.Thou call’dst me dog before thou hadst a cause,But since I am a dog, beware my fangs;The Duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder,Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so fondTo come abroad with him at his request.
Antonio
I pray thee hear me speak.
Shylock
I’ll have my bond. I will not hear thee speak.I’ll have my bond, and therefore speak no more.I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool,To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yieldTo Christian intercessors. Follow not,I’ll have no speaking, I will have my bond.
Exit.
Salarino
It is the most impenetrable curThat ever kept with men.
Antonio
Let him alone.I’ll follow him no more with bootless prayers.He seeks my life, his reason well I know:I oft deliver’d from his forfeituresMany that have at times made moan to me.Therefore he hates me.
Salarino
I am sure the DukeWill never grant this forfeiture to hold.
Antonio
The Duke cannot deny the course of law,For the commodity that strangers haveWith us in Venice, if it be denied,’Twill much impeach the justice of the state,Since that the trade and profit of the cityConsisteth of all nations. Therefore, go.These griefs and losses have so bated meThat I shall hardly spare a pound of fleshTomorrow to my bloody creditor.Well, gaoler, on, pray God Bassanio comeTo see me pay his debt, and then I care not.
Exeunt.