Cinna’s Easy Plays from Shakespeare 4

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

SCENE 1

(Enter ANOTNIO and BASSSANIO.)

Bassanio (unhappy) : Oh, Antonio, Antonio !

Antonio: Bassanio ! What's the matter with you ? You are usually so happy. Has the lovely Portia married some other fellow ?

Bassanio: Married ? No, she has not married yet, but she soon will. Portia is the richest girl in Italy, and I am the poorest man. How can I hope to win her ?

Antonio: Does Portia love you ?

Bassanio: I think she does, but she is not free.

Antonio: What do you mean ?

Bassanio: Her father was a rich man.

Antonio: Very rich !

Bassanio: He died and left a strange will. Portia can receive no money until she marries, but she must marry the man who succeeds in a strange gamble her father prepared.

Antonio: What kind of gamble is that ?

Bassanio: I do not know, because it is a secret. If you enter the gamble, you must swear to tell no one.

Antonio: That is a very strange way to arrange a marriage.

Bassanio: It certainly is strange. But what embarrasses me is that Portia is accustomed to wealth and everything that money can buy. Many rich men are coming to Italy to woo her.

Antonio: But is the gamble the same for everybody ?

Bassanio: I suppose so. But I am poor, and so I am ashamed to try. Look at my old clothes. (Points to his poor clothes.)

Antonio: Nonsense ! I will give you the money.

Bassanio: You ? Do you have any money ?

Antonio: No, as a matter of fact I do not.

Bassanio: Then, what do you mean ?

Antonio: I will borrow. I have been a merchant in Venice for years. My reputation is good. My credit is excellent. Everybody trusts me.

Bassanio: If I take money from you now, I will repay it as soon as I can.

Antonio: Well, well; we can think of that later. Let's go and talk to Shylock or some of the other bankers. They will be certain to help ,us, Bassanio.

Bassanio: I hope so, Antonio.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 2

(Enter PORTIA and NERISSA.)

Portia (yawning) : I am so bored, Nerissa.

Nerissa: Lady Portia ! How can you be bored ? I should think it impossible. You are so rich ! So many men come here to woo you !

Portia (disgusted) : Men ! What men !

Nerissa: People become sick if they do not eat enough. That is the risk of poverty. But people may also become sick by eating too much, and that is the risk of wealth.

Portia (rather angry) : It's easy to tell other people how to live.

Nerissa: It's no less true for that. When your father died he left you the richest girl in Italy.

Portia: And also the unhappiest.

Nerissa: He made you rich, but you make yourself unhappy.

Portia: Do I ? Am I free to marry? Greedy men have come from Spain, Africa, the moon, I don't know where; what do they want? Me? No. My money ? Yes.

Nerissa: Ah, but the young lord Bassanio...

Portia (gently): Bassanio ! Yes...there is the man for me. But I am not free. My father's will forces me to marry the man who opens the right box. What a stupid gamble !

Nerissa: Bassanio is a fine boy, but there are others .

Portia: Oh? '

Nerissa: Well, certainly. How about the prince of Naples ?

Portia: Naples ! He isn't interested in me. He talks of nothing but his horses.

Nerissa: Well then, the Count Palatine.

Portia: The man is half dead. Does he smile ?

Nerissa: No.

Portia: Does he laugh ?

Nerissa: No.

Portia: Let's hope he doesn't win me. I'd rather marry a corpse.

Nerissa: The French lord Monsieur Le Bon is no corpse.

Portia: No, indeed. He is just the opposite. He never stops laughing and smiling. The fellow is completely mad, if you ask me.

Nerissa: I'm sure he laughs in bed all night.

(Both scream with laughter.)

Nerissa: What do you have to say about the young lord from England, Falconbridge ?

Portia: Falconbridge ! I can say nothing. He speaks no Italian, no French, no Latin ; I cannot speak English. And his clothes ! They must be old clothes other people have given to him. If I could talk with him, I'd lecture him on his dress.

Nerissa: The German dresses well. I mean the duke of Saxony's nephew.

Portia: His dress is fine, but his behaviour is disgusting. I dislike him. in the morning, when he is sober, and I dislike him more in the evening when he is drunk.

Nerissa: Remember, madam, if he wins the gamble, you must marry him.

Portia: I'd rather swim in a sea of alcohol.

Nerissa: Then I have good news for you.

Portia: Really ?

Nerissa: Yes. These suitors learned the conditions of the gamble and they have decided not to try. The conditions are too hard for them, and they will soon be going home. ,

Portia (very happy) : Excellent ! That is the best news I've heard in a long time.

Nerissa: But three men remain.

Portia (unhappy) : Who ?

Nerissa: The prince of Aragon.

Portia: Um.

Nerissa: The prince of Morocco.

Portia: Ummm.

Nerissa: And one more.

Portia: Who is that ?

Nerissa: This is bad news.

Portia: Tell me !

Nerissa: Bassanio.

Portia (delighted) : That's good news.

Nerissa: No, it is not. He must gamble. Supposing he loses ?

Portia: He must win, Nerissa, he must win !

Nerissa: I hope so, Lady Portia; he would be a fine lord for you. Each man must look at three boxes, and choose one.

Portia: Bassanio must choose the right box ! I am the prize !

Nerissa: Shall we go and see the gentlemen ?

Portia: Yes, let's go. This waiting makes me nervous.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 3

(Enter ANOTNIO, SHYLOCK, BASSANIO.)

Shylock: So you want to borrow three thousand ducats ?

Bassanio: For three months, Shylock.

Shylock: Three thousand for three months.

Bassanio: Yes.

Antonio: And I will be the security.

Shylock: So if Bassanio cannot repay it, then you must repay it, Antonio.

Antonio: That's right.

Shylock: Three thousand ducats for three months.

Bassanio (impatiently) : Yes, that's right. Now, what is your answer ? Will you lend the money ?

Shylock: Antonio is a good business man.

Bassanio: He is my closest friend, Shylock.

Shylock: But he is a Christian.

Antonio: What of that?

Shylock: How many times have you insulted me, Antonio ? How many times have you called me "dog" ? How many times have you scorned the Jews of Venice ?

Antonio: Shylock, will you lend this money or not ?

Shylock: I think you have sometimes lent money without interest, have you not?

Antonio: Yes, I have. What interest do you ask for this loan now ?

Shylock: Antonio, you spat on me once, didn't you ?

Antonio: I don't recall.

Shylock: I do. You spat on me. You insulted me.

Antonio: Then I am your enemy. Lend money to your enemy. If he does not repay, why, you exact your punishment according to the contract.

Shylock: Punishment ! No, no, no. We have been enemies, but this is a time to become friends. Let us make a contract. There is the lawyer's office. Walk over with me.

Antonio: What terms ?

Shylock: Why, none.

Bassanio: None ?

Shylock: No, I will lend you the money, free and without interest, as Antonio once lent money.

Bassanio: Thank you, Shylock. This is very generous.

Shylock: Yes, I will show kindness. But let us go , and write the contract. Just for a little joke, let us write that if the money is not repaid within three months. . . .

Antonio: Then what ?

Shylock: . . . I may cut a pound of flesh from , any part of your body.

Antonio: Certainly.

Bassanio: Antonio ! This is madness !

Antonio: No, no. Within two months my ships will reach Venice and I shall have far more than three thousand ducats.

Shylock: Bravo. Agreed. Come with me and sign the contract.

Bassanio: Come to my house for dinner, Shylock. Bring the paper with you.

Shylock: Very well. I will go and prepare it.

(Exit SHYLOCK')

Bassanio: Can you really make such a mad agreement ?

Antonio: It's not so mad. My ships are on the sea. They will be here in time.

Bassanio: Ships do not always arrive. Anything might happen.

Antonio: Pigs might fly !

Bassanio: Very well, if you wish. Let's go home.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 4

(Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, MOROCCO.)

Morocco (a negro) : Lady Portia, do not hate my skin. The sun has burned it black in the hot deserts of Africa. And so I'm come to the cool waters of Venice to seek the hand of the lovely lady whose skin is fair. Are we different ? My blood is red, and so I think is yours.

Portia (not friendly) : I am not free to choose a husband, sir. My father's will makes me obey the gamble of three boxes. You must choose one box, and open it. Inside is a message. One message permits you to marry me. But if you choose the wrong box, you must never tell any one of this secret.

Morocco: I will never tell.

Portia: And you must marry no other girl.

Morocco: These conditions are hard.

Portia: If you do not like them, you are free to go.

Morocco: No, I will stay and make my choice for you.

Portia: As you wish. Come, and I will show you the boxes.

(Exit all.)

SCENE 5

Gobbo (Enters with broom.) : Shylock is a hard master ! "Gobbo come here ! Gobbo run there. Gobbo do this. Gobbo do that." How I hate him! The Jew!

Shylock (offstage): Gobbo come here !

Gobbo (mimicking SHYLOCK) : "Gobbo come here."

Shylock (entering) : Gobbo ! You lazy boy. What are you doing ?

Gobbo (quickly begins to sweep.) : I am cleaning, sir.

Shylock: Stop.

Gobbo (Immediately stops.) : Stop ?

Shylock: Yes. Go to Bassanio's house and tell him I will come to dinner immediately.

Gobbo: Yes, sir.

Shylock: Then hurry back.

Gobbo: Yes sir.

Shylock: And then sweep this floor.

(Exit SHYLOCK')

Gobbo (mimiching) : "And then sweep this floor."

(Exit GOBBO.)

Shylock (off) : Jessica ! Jessica!

Jessica (entering) : Yes, father.

Shylock (entering) : Jessica.

Jessica: I'm here, father.

Shylock: Ah. I'm going to Bassanio's for dinner.

Jessica: Yes, father.

Shylock: Here are my keys. Take great care of the house.

Jessica: Yes, father.

Shylock: All my money is here. Lock the doors. Let no one in. :

Jessica: No, father.

Shylock: Speak to nobody.

Jessica: No, father.

Shylock: I'll return as soon as possible.

(Exit SHYLOCK')

Jessica: Gobbo ! Gobbo!

Gobbo: Yes madam

Jessica: What are you doing ?

Gobbo: I'm going to Bassanio's house.

Jessica: Excellent. Do you know the Signor Lorenzo ?

Gobbo: Yes.

Jessica: Then give him this.

(Gives a letter to GOBBO.)

Gobbo: Yes, madam.

Jessica: It's a secret, so tell nobody.

Gobbo: Yes, madam.

(Exit JESSICA.)

Gobbo (opening the letter) : A secret, eh ? Tell nobody ? Miss Jessica sending messages to the Signor Lorenzo ? Very interesting ! Very interesting ! I must learn to read.

Jessica (off) : Hurry, Gobbo, hurry.

Gobbo (mimicking) : "Hurry, Gobbo, hurry."

(Exit GOBBO.)

SCENE 6

(Enter BASSANIO and LORENZO.)

Bassanio: Lorenzo, Shylock and Antonio are coming here to dinner. I hope you will come, too .

Lorenzo: Thank you, but I cannot.

Bassanio: Oh ? Why?

Lorenzo: I have some very important business.

Bassanio: That's too bad. I would like you to meet Shylock.

Lorenzo: As it happens I particularly do not want to meet Shylock.

Bassanio: Oh, come now, he is not such a bad fellow.

(Enter GOBBO)

Gobbo (breathing heavily, as after running) : Lord Bassanio .

Bassanio: Yes ?

Gobbo: I…. oh…. I....

Bassanio: What's the matter ? Are you ill ?

Gobbo: No . . . . . I....my master Shylock . . . .

Bassanio: Shylock ? Yes ?

Gobbo: Is coming.

Bassanio: And ?

Gobbo: That's all.

Bassanio (surprised) : Thank you.

Gobbo: And Lord Lorenzo.

Lorenzo: Yes ?

Gobbo: I have a letter for you.

Lorenzo: A letter from Shylock ?

Gobbo: Here you are, sir.

(Gives a letter to LORENZO.)

Lorenzo: Who are you, my man ?

Gobbo: I am Gobbo, sir.

Lorenzo: Gobbo ?

Gobbo: Yes, Gobbo.

Bassanio (to LORENZO) : I suppose that you have some business with Shylock ?

Gobbo: Oh, no, not with Shylock, but with his

Lorenzo (embarrassed) : Shhh !

Gobbo: Oh, I beg your pardon.

Bassanio (laughing) : A secret, I suppose.

Gobbo: I don't know.

Lorenzo: Yes, it is a secret.

Gobbo: Is it?

Lorenzo (giving money to GOBBO) : Yes.

Gobbo: Perhaps.

(LORENZO gives more money.)

Gobbo: Probably.

(LORENZO gives still more money.)

Gobbo: Yes, it's definitely a secret.

Bassanio: Well, I don't know what you two are talking about.

(Exit all separately.)

SCENE 7

(Enter SHYLOCK and JESSICA)

Shylock: Good night, dear child.

Jessica: Good night, father.

Shylock: Now, remember to lock everything.

Jessica: Yes, father.

Shylock: Speak to nobody.

Jessica: No, father.

Shylock: Don't answer the door.

Jessica: No, father.

Shylock: Except to me.

Jessica: Yes, father.

Shylock: Do you remember everything I said ?

Jessica: Yes, father.

Shylock: It's so dangerous. I don't like to leave you alone, but I'll be back in two or three hours . (Exit SHYLOCK.)

Jessica (laughing) : Good-bye, dear father.

(Enter GOBBO.)

Jessica : Gobbo! Did you find Lorenzo ?

Gobbo: I did, madam.

Jessica: Did you give him my letter ?

Gobbo: I did, madam.

Jessica: What did he say ?

Gobbo: It is a secret.

Jessica: What is a secret? :

Gobbo: The secret is a secret.

Jessica: What do you mean ?

Gobbo: I must not tell you. Everything is a secret.

(JESSICA laughs and exits. GOBBO takes broom and sweeps floor again, but soon stops, sits down, rests, and then sleeps.)

Lorenzo (entering stealthily) : Jessica ! Jessica !

(JESSICA enters dressed as a boy. LORENZO does not recognise her.) '

Lorenzo: Jessica !

Jessica: Can't you see me ?

Lorenzo: Jessica! What a surprise!

Jessica: Did you not recognise me ?

Lorenzo: No.

Jessica: Good. That means my disguise is excellent.

Lorenzo: It's very good.

(LORENZO and JESSICA embrace.)

Jessica: Take this box.

Lorenzo: What is it ?

Jessica: Something.

Lorenzo: Money ?

Jessica: Gold.

Lorenzo: Ah, ha !

Jessica: Shh ! Look. Gobbo.

Lorenzo: Is he sleeping ?

Jessica: Yes.

Lorenzo: Then let's escape quickly.

Jessica: Where shall we go ?

Lorenzo: Let's go out into the country and hide in Portia's house.

Jessica: Come on, then;.

(Exit JESSICA and LORENZO)

Gobbo (opening his eyes) : No, he is not sleeping. Thieves ? The daughter steals the father's gold ? Lorenzo steals the daughter ? Very strange, very strange. What shall I do ? Shylock told me to sweep the floor. So I had better do that.

(GOBBO takes broom and sweeps floor again, exit.)

SCENE 8

(Enter PORTIA, NERISSA and PRINCE OF MOROCCO .)

Portia: Show the boxes to the Prince of Morocco.

(NERISSA shows boxes.)

Morocco: A box of gold. On it is written ; " If you choose me, you receive what many men desire." A box of silver; it says ; "If you choose me, you receive what you deserve." And last a box of lead. I read here; "If you choose me. you must give everything and risk everything." How can I decide?

Portia: One box contains my picture. If you choose that box, then I am your wife.

Morocco: And if I do not?

Portia: Then you must go in silence, and never marry.

Morocco: It's a hard choice. Lead. No, I cannot give everything for lead. Silver. What do I deserve ? I deserve the Lady Portia, surely. I am rich, handsome and powerful. "You will receive what many men desire." That is the message on the gold box. Many men desire Portia, so that seems to be the best choice. Give me the key.

(NERISSA gives him the key. MOROCCO opens the box.)

Morocco : Oh, hell ! What is this !(He takes a skull from the box.)A skull ! And in the eye-socket a letter. (He reads.) "All that glisters is not gold." Many men have died for me, and yet golden tombs are full of worms. You may not marry Portia. Good bye. It says '<Good-bye."

Portia: Then I say the same. Good-bye.

(Exit MOROCCO.)

Portia: And good riddance.

Nerissa: What a conceited man ! ,

Portia: I hope all fools choose in the same way.

(Exit PORTIA and NERISSA.)

SCENE 9

(Enter SHYLOCK shouting and weeping.)

Shylock: My daughter ! My gold ! My daughter ! Stolen! Thieves ! Justice ! Find my ' daughter! Police ! Police ! Police! (Exit.)

SCENE 10

(Enter PORTIA, PRINCE OF ARAGON, NERISSA.)

Portia: Show the boxes to the noble prince of Aragon.

Aragon: Yes, show me.

Portia: If you choose the right box, you marry me. If you fail, you must leave here and never marry.

Aragon: Agreed ! If I cannot marry Portia, I do not wish to marry another.

Nerissa (shows boxes) : Here you are, sir.

Aragon: A box of lead; "If you choose me, you must give everything and risk everything." I don't like that. This one of gold; "If you choose me, you receive what many men desire." Many men. Many men are often fools. They choose without thinking. I am no fool. The love of Portia is rare and beautiful. Many men cannot have this fine feeling. A box of silver; "If you choose me, you receive what you deserve." This must be for me. Surely I deserve Portia. Give me the key.

(NERISSA gives key. ARAGON opens box. He takes out a paper.)A picture. A picture of a fool !

(NERISSA and PORTIA laugh.)

Aragon: A fool !

(Exit ARAGON.)

Nerissa: Good-bye, Aragon.

Portia: Good-bye, arrogant Aragon.

Nerissa: What a big head that man has !

Portia: I feel much better. Think of having to marry a man like that !

Nerissa: Impossible !

Portia: Let's go and walk in the garden.

Nerissa: No, madam, another gentleman is here.

Portia (angry) : Another man !

Nerissa: Yes.

Portia: Who ?

Nerissa: Bassanio.

Portia (happy) : Bassanio !

Nerissa: Ah ha ! He is your true love, I think.

Portia: He is, Nerissa, he is.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 11

(Enter SHYLOCK.)

Shylock: My gold ! My daughter ! (Enter SAILOR)

Sailor: Sir, you are the Signor Shylock, I believe ?

Shylock: I was, I was. Today, I don't know who I am.

Sailor: I have a message for Shylock.

Shylock: Yes, very well, tell me.

Sailor: I have just come from Genoa.

Shylock: Genoa !

Sailor: Yes, Genoa. I saw your daughter there.

Shylock: My daughter is in Genoa !

Sailor: She is in Genoa with the Signor Lorenzo.

Shylock: Jessica and Lorenzo in Genoa !

Sailor: The Signor Lorenzo asked me to tell you this .

Shylock: Lorenzo sends me a message ?

Sailor: He says that he is taking good care of your daughter. She will come to no harm. He also thanks you for your generous wedding present.

Shylock (greatly shocked) : My daughter is well ! Lorenzo thanks me for my wedding present !

Sailor: That is the message, sir. Now, I must go and find an unhappy merchant who has lost all his ships.

Shylock: And who has lost all his ships ?

Sailor: His name is Antonio. Treasure ships were coming to Venice for him, but they were all destroyed in a storm. '

Shylock ( pleased) : Antonio's ships were destroyed ?

Sailor: Yes, I brought you good news, but now I must tell him bad news. Do you know where Antonio lives ?

Shylock (pleased) : Walk that way. His house is on the right. Thank you for your good news, my friend.

Sailor: Not at all, sir. Good-bye.

Shylock: Good-bye.

(Exit SAILOR')

Shylock: Antonio ! Revenge is close ! Bassanio must pay the money soon, and if he fails, then you must pay. If your ships are lost, what can you do? Our contract says I may cut one pound of flesh from your body. Well, well. You have long insulted me, Antonio, and jeered at my business. You have cooled my friends, and heated my enemies. And why ? Because I am a Jew and you are a Christian. Antonio hates me, and I hate Antonio. He is a Christian and I am a Jew. But are we different? Does a Jew have no eyes ? Has he no hands, no feelings, no passions ? We eat the same food, we suffer from the same diseases, the summer sun warms us, the winter wind chills us. If you cut a Jew, he bleeds. If you tickle him, he laughs. And if you wrong us, shall we not seek revenge ? We are like you in all things. A Christian seeks revenge, then so does a Jew. What does the Christian teach the Jew? He teaches him revenge. Very well, Master Antonio you have taught me villainy, and soon I shall practice it on you. Revenge is sweet!

(Exit SHYLOCK.)

SCENE 12

(Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, BASSANIO.)

Portia: Bassanio, do not hurry. Do not choose today.

Bassanio: I will. I will choose now.

Portia: Why don't you wait a few days ?

Bassanio: Waiting will not help.

Portia: But the choice is so difficult! ,

Bassanio: Explain.

Portia: There are three boxes. You must choose one. One only has my picture. If you choose that box, I am yours.

Nerissa: And if you choose another box, you must never marry.

Bassanio: Then let us begin and learn the truth. Where are the boxes ?

Portia: If you will. Nerissa, show Bassanio the boxes.

(NERISSA shows boxes.)

Portia (to NERISSA) : Oh Nerissa ! This is the man I love. How can we help him choose ?

Bassanio: Gold, silver and lead. The world is always deceived by ornament, yet every vice assumes some mark of outward virtue. Gold ? No. You destroyed unhappy King Midas. Silver ? The daily work of coins and trade is largely yours. Surely silver cannot lead to Portia. And lastly lead. You threaten rather than promise. Your pale skin gives me eloquence. Yes, I choose lead. Give me the key.

(NERISSA gives key. BASSANIO opens box. He takes out picture of PORTIA.)

Portia: My picture !

(NERISSA claps.)

Bassanio: Portia !

Portia: Bassanio !

Bassanio: My queen.

Portia: My king.

Portia: Here, take this ring and wear it for me.

Bassanio: I will. ( Takes ring and puts it on finger.) I will never take it off.

Nerissa: Joy and happiness to you both, dear madam, and my new lord.

Bassanio: Thank you, good Nerissa.

Lorenzo (off) : Hallo ! Hallo ! Anybody home !

Portia: Who's that ?

Bassanio: I don't know.

Nerissa: I'll go and see.

(Exit NERISSA. PORTIA and BASSSANIO embrace. NERISSA enters with LORENZO and JESSICA.)

Bassanio: Lorenzo !

Lorenzo: I thought I would find you here.

Bassanio: This is Lorenzo, and this is Portia, my new wife.

Lorenzo: And this is Jessica, my new wife.

Bassanio: Jessica. Congratulations , you have found yourself the best husband in Venice.

Jessica: You have found the most famous wife in Italy .

Bassanio: I found my wife through her father's will.

Lorenzo: I found my wife against her father's will .

Portia: Then, who is your father, Jessica?

Jessica: Shylock.

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Jessica: Lorenzo borrowed me. In fact, he stole me when my father was away.

Bassanio (laughing) : How very funny !

Lorenzo: I have other news which is not so funny.

Bassanio: What is it ?

Lorenzo: You borrowed money from Shylock.

Bassanio: No, but that's all right. Antonio is my security.

Lorenzo: He cannot pay. All his ships were lost in a storm. He has nothing.

Portia: Well, it doesn't matter. My father's will gives his fortune to Bassanio. Give Shylock his money. In fact give him double.

Lorenzo: It's impossible.

Portia and Bassanio: Why ?

Lorenzo: The time of the contract has expired. Shylock threatens to demand a judgement against Antonio.

Portia: For money ?

Lorenzo: For blood.

All: Blood !

Lorenzo: You signed the contract, didn't you, Bassanio ?

Bassanio: That s true Antonio agreed that Shylock could cut a pound of flesh from his body.

Jessica: That's murder !

Lorenzo: Murder or not, it is in the contract.

Bassanio: The duke will never allow such a judgement.

Lorenzo: Shylock wants revenge.

Jessica: That is true. I have heard him say he would like revenge against Antonio.

Portia: Revenge for what ?

Bassanio: Well, Antonio has a sharp tongue. He used to say Shylock was a hard businessman.

Jessica: Antonio hurt my father's feelings many times. Your friend is in danger.

Bassanio: For my sake ! I must go to ' Venice immediately.

Jessica: And desert your wife ?

Portia: I understand.

Bassanio: Antonio is in this trouble because of me, so I must save him somehow. Good-bye.

Portia: We will wait for you here

All: Good-bye.

(Exit separately.)

SCENE 13

(Enter SHYLOCK and ANTONIO separately.)

Shylock: Antonio ! I want my bond.

Antonio: Shylock, listen to me.

Shylock: Listen nothing !

Antonio: We are both merchants of Venice, and I....

Shylock: Did you agree to give me a pound of flesh ?

Antonio: Yes, but. . . .

Shylock: There are no "buts" about it.

Antonio: You will murder me ?

Shylock: I will go to court and ask a judgement against you.

Antonio: I will give you more money . . . ,

Shylock: Money nothing ! I want my pound of flesh.

Antonio: Shylock, this is absurd.

Shylock: My pound of flesh !

(Exit separately.)

SCENE 14

(Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, and LORENZO.)

Portia: Has Bassanio gone ?

Nerissa: He has, madam.

Portia: Good. I have a plan to help Antonio.

Lorenzo: Bless you !

Portia: Nerissa and I will go to Mantua and see a famous old lawyer, Dr. Bellario. I want you and Jessica to stay here and take care of my house.

Lorenzo: We will.

Portia: Please explain to Jessica.

Lorenzo: I will. And good luck.

(Exit LORENZO.)

Portia: Nerissa, we must hurry.

Nerissa: Yes, madam.

Portia: First, we need men's clothes.

Nerissa (surprised) : Men's clothes !

Portia: Yes. We are going to disguise as men. Now, hurry.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 15

(Enter ANOTNIO and SERVANT, separately.)

Servant: Signor Antonio.

Antonio: Yes ?

Servant: The duke wishes to speak with you.

(Enter DUKE and BASSANIO')

Duke: Antonio.

Antonio: Your Grace.

Duke: Antonio, I am sorry for you. Shylock demands that you fulfill his contract. Shylock is correct but inhuman.

Antonio: I know Your Grace has taken great pains to dissuade Shylock, and I thank you.

Duke: So far, I have failed. Go and call Shylock into this court.(Exit SERVANT')Bassanio, Antonio is in danger for your sake.

Bassanio: I know it well, Your Grace.

Duke: We must save him. Every lawyer in Venice has been consulted, and today I have received a message from old Dr. Bellario in Mantua.

Bassanio: Can he help ?

Duke : I don't know yet. (Enter SHYLOCK)Shylock, stand before me. The world thinks, and I think so too, that you demand fulfillment of your contract out of malice. It is thought you will press until the last moment, and then show mercy. I hope so. How can the flesh of Antonio help you ?

Shylock: Your Grace, Antonio freely entered this bond. Ask him. Give me my due. If you refuse, then the laws of Venice are nothing and the freedom of the city is threatened.

Bassanio: This is no answer to the Duke's question.

Shylock: Antonio has insulted me and many Jews of Venice for years. He is now at my mercy. Does that answer your question?

Bassanio: I don't like such an answer.

Shylock: I did not try to please you with my choice of answer.

Duke: Do all men kill the thing they do not love ?

Shylock: Does any man hate the thing he does not wish to kill ?

Bassanio: Every hate does not begin as a hate.

Shylock: Oh ? Would you have a snake bite you twice, then ?

Antonio: Stop. This is useless. His Grace the Duke must give us his judgement.

Bassanio: You gave me three thousand ducats.

Shylock: I did. You did not repay me.

Bassanio: Here are six thousand.

Shylock: No. The time is finished. I want my bond.

Duke: If you show no mercy, how can you expect mercy for yourself?

Shylock: Me? Do I need mercy? No, indeed. I have done no wrong. I fear no judgement. Why do you ask me to change ? I bought a piece of Antonio, and now I demand delivery. Every man here has bought slaves, many slaves. You treat them worse than dogs. Shall I say to you, "Free your slaves. Give them soft beds and dainty dishes to eat"? If I say this, you laugh and say " The slaves are mine." Very well, Shylock laughs and says one pound of Antonio is his. You have bought many men. I have bought one small piece of Antonio. This is a court. 'The Duke is our judge. I ask judgement. What is Your Grace's answer ?

Duke: This problem is too' great for me. No lawyer in Venice can find an answer.

Shylock: So, I may cut ?

Duke: Not yet. I have received a message from Mantua. The learned Dr. Bellario is interested in this case.

Shylock: Dr. Bellario ?

Duke: Call Dr. Bellario.

Servant: Dr. Bellario !

(Enter NERISSA dressed as a man; no one recognises her.)

Duke: Sir, are you doctor Bellario ?

Nerissa: No, Your Grace, I am not. But here is a letter from him.

(DUKE takes letter and reads.)

Bassanio (to ANOTNIO) : Courage, Antonio. The Jew must murder me before he has one drop of your blood.

Antonio (to BASSANIO) : You may soon write my obituary, Bassanio.

(SHYLOCK takes his knife, turns foot to expose sole of shoe, and sharpens knife.)

Bassanio: Why do you do that, Shylock ?

Shylock: To fulfill our contract.

Antonio: My heart is not so hard.

Duke (Finishes reading.) : This letter is from Dr. Bellario, but he cannot come here himself. He recommends a young Dr. Balthasar. He says he has never known such an old head on such young shoulders. Where is the young doctor Balthasar ?

Nerissa: He is waiting outside, Your Grace.

Duke: Bring him in.

(Exit NERISSA.)

Bassanio (to SHYLOCK) : Can I make you an offer ?

Shylock: No ! Let the Duke give his judgement.

(Enter PORTIA dressed as a lawyer : no one recognises her.)

Duke: Are you the young Dr. Balthasar ?

Portia: I am, Your Grace.

Duke: Do you know about this case ?

Portia: The learned Dr. Bellario has explained it , to me, and we have sat up many hours discussing it.

Duke: Then I trust you can find some solution.

Portia: Who are you ?

Shylock: I am Shylock. ,

Antonio: I am Antonio.

Portia: Show me your contract.

Shylock: Here it is.

(Shows paper to PORTIA.)

Portia (reading) : Yes, yes, I see. Do you acknowledge it, Antonio ?

Antonio: I do.

Portia: Then the Jew must be merciful.

Shylock: Does the contract say I must be merciful ?

Portia: "The quality of mercy is not strained.

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest.

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

It becomes a throned monarch better than his crown . "

Therefore, Jew, be merciful.

Shylock: I will not. I appeal to the strictest law. I want my penalty.

Portia: Can Antonio not pay ?

Bassanio: He can.

Shylock: It is too late. The time is over.

Bassanio: Here is twice the sum he owes. Six thousand ducats. If that is not enough, I will pa ten times more.

Shylock: The law is on my side.

Bassanio: "Then change the law a little. To do a great right, do a little wrong."

Portia: Change the law ? Never.

Shylock (pleased) : "A Daniel come to judgement." , A wise young man !

Portia: The contract is clear. The law is clear, too. You may demand your pound of flesh.

Shylock (raising knife) : I do. I do.

Portia: But still I say be merciful. Take twice your money. Take three times your money, and let me tear this paper.

Shylock: No. The tongue of man has no power to change my mind. I want my pound of flesh. ,

Antonio (to DUKE) : Your Grace must give his judgement.

Duke (to Portia) : Must I ?

Portia: You must. It is simple. Antonio, prepare yourself.

Shylock (pleased) : Oh excellent young man.

(ANOTNIO takes off his shirt.)

Portia: The law must be fulfilled.

Shylock: True! Oh wise judge ! How much wiser you are than your young face suggests !

Portia: Antonio, take off you shirt.

Antonio: I have.

Shylock : The chest. Near the heart. The bond says “near the heart"

Portia: It does. Proceed.

(SHYLOCK raises knife to cut ANTONIO.)

Portia: Is the balance ready ?

Shylock: It is there.

(Points to balance.)

Portia: And the.doctor ?

Shylock: Doctor? Does the contract speak of any doctor ?

Portia: No, but it would be a kindness on your part.

Shylock (looking at contract) : I see nothing about a doctor.

Portia: True. You are not bound to bring a doctor. (to ANOTNIO) Antonio, do you have anything to say ?

Antonio: What can I say but good-bye? 1

(ANOTNIO and BASSSANIO shake hands.)

Bassanio (very upset) : I have just married, but my wife is less to me than you, Antonio.

Portia: Your wife would not thank you if she heard that. :

Bassanio: You are wrong. She is a Christian and a good woman.

Shylock (angry) : A Christian ! My daughter was stolen by a Christian. Your Grace, pass the sentence.

Portia: The contract calls for a pound of flesh. The law allows it, and the court awards it to you.

Shylock: Most rightful judge !

Portia: Now, take your knife, and cut his flesh.

Shylock: Most learned judge ! Give the judgement.

Portia: This is the judgement. Cut the flesh.

Shylock (Raises knife.) : I will.

Portia: But of course take no blood.

Shylock: No blood ?

Portia: Does the contract speak of blood?

Shylock: No, but.. . .

Portia: Cut your flesh, but spill no blood, then. If you take one drop of his blood, the law of Venice will seize your land and goods. You have appealed to the law, and that is the law.

Shylock: Is that the law?

Portia (giving books to SHYLOCK) : Read for yourself.

Bassanio (pleased): Oh most learned Judge !

Shylock (angry) : I accept your offer.

(He drops the knife.)

Portia: What offer ?

Shylock: Give me nine thousand ducats.

Portia: But you have refused.

Shylock: Give me six thousand.

Portia: Did he not refuse ?

(All laugh.)

Shylock: Give me my three thousand ducats.

Bassanio: Here it is. Here it is.

(Offers money.)

Portia: No. He has refused it.

Shylock: I change my mind.

Portia: You said the tongue of man could never change your mind. The law allows you a pound of flesh. Pick up your knife and cut.

Shylock: Give me my money.

Portia: Impossible.

Shylock: The devil ! I will go home. Portia : Just a moment, my friend. You appealed to the strictest law of Venice. You refused to show mercy. Unless the Duke now shows mercy to you, the law of Venice can seize your land and goods. You have conspired against the life of Antonio, and the law of Venice punishes such conspiracy. Half your goods go to the victim, Antonio, and the other half to the state of Venice. The Duke must decide. Beg his mercy.

(SHYLOCK kneels to DUKE')

Duke : I show you mercy before you ask. However, Antonio is entitled to half your money.

Shylock: Then take my life too !

Portia: Antonio, will you show mercy ?

Bassanio: No, no mercy. He tried to kill Antonio .

Antonio: Yes, let us be merciful. I ask the court to award me half the Jew's money, according to the law. I will keep it until his death, and then give it to his daughter Jessica and her husband Lorenzo. :

Duke: It shall be done.

Portia: Shylock, are you content ?

Shylock: I am content.

Antonio: But this Jew should also become a Christian like his daughter.

Duke: Yes, he should.

Shylock: I am not well. Let me go home.

Duke: Go home then, but do as I say.

(Exit SHYLOCK')

Duke: The court will rise.

Duke (Stands and prepares to leave.) : Sir, stay in Venice for a while. Come to my house with me now.

Portia: Pardon me, Your Grace, I must return to Mantua at once. Dr. Bellario awaits me.

Duke: I am sorry. Antonio, you are deep in this young man's debt.

Antonio: It is true.

(Exit DUKE.)

Bassanio: Good doctor, take this three thousand ducats.

Antonio: Yes, take it.

Portia: No, indeed. I work for Dr. Bellario, and that is reward enough.

Bassanio: But you must accept something. I insist.

Portia: Very well, to please you, then. Give me your gloves.

Bassanio (surprised) : My gloves !

(He removes gloves.)

Portia: A ring ! Let me take that, too.

Bassanio: Sir, I cannot. My wife gave it to me, and I promised

....

Portia (angry) : Yes ! People always make these excuses when they wish to refuse a request.

Bassanio: No ! It is true!

Portia: Have your own way. Good-bye.

All: Good-bye.

(Exit PORTIA and NERISSA)

Antonio: You were wrong, Bassanio. Give him this ring.

Bassanio: Yes, I was wrong. Here, take the ring. Hurry after him and give it to him.

Antonio: I will.

(Exit separately.)

SCENE 16

(Enter PORTIA and NERISSA)

Portia: Off with these clothes, quick. (Starts to remove lawyer's clothing.)

Nerissa: No, no, madam, not yet.

Portia: Why ?

Nerissa: Look. The young Lord Antonio is coming.

Portia: Good Heavens, so he is. I wonder why. (Enter ANOTNIO)

Antonio: Sir.

Portia: Yes ?

Antonio: Here is Bassanio's ring. Take it.

Portia: But he refused.

Antonio: It was a mistake. Please accept it.

Portia (accepting it) : I do.

Antonio: How can I thank you ? You have saved my life. Stay to dinner and tell us about yourself.

Portia: No, I must hurry.

Antonio: Bassanio has just married Portia. Come with us to Portia's house and let us thank you for your skill.

Portia: I think Portia would be surprised to see me .

Antonio: No, no, we can explain.

Nerissa: I doubt it.

Portia: Good-bye, sir, and don't make any more foolish contracts.

(Exit ANOTNIO. PORTIA and NERISSA remove lawyer's clothing and exit.)

SCENE 17

(Enter LORENZO and JESSICA.)

Jessica: When will Portia come home ?

Lorenzo: I don't know. Tomorrow, perhaps.

Jessica: Then we are alone.

Lorenzo: Yes, my dear Jessica, we are.

Jessica: What a lovely night it is ! Look at the moon.

Lorenzo: It was a night like this when we first met.

Jessica: It was a night like this when you asked me to marry you.

Lorenzo: It was a night like this when you escaped from your father's house. .

Jessica: Dear moon! You are a true friend of love.

Lorenzo: "How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank.

Here will we sit and let the sound of music

Creep in our ears ; soft stillness and the night

Become the touches of sweet harmony.

Sit, Jessica. Look how the floor of heaven

Is thick inlaid with patens of bright gold.

(He points upwards.)

There's not the smallest orb which thou beholdest.

But in his motion like an angel sings,

Still quiring to the young-eyed Cherubims:

Such harmony is in immortal souls;

But whilst this muddy vesture of decay

Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it."

(LORENZO and JESSICA embrace in the dark. PORTIA and NERISSA enter.)

Portia: Shh ! Everybody is sleeping.

Nerissa: Oh, I am so glad to be home.

Jessica (to LORENZO) : Listen. What's that? Thieves ?

Portia (to NERISSA) : I wonder if Bassanio is here. I do hope we have arrived before him.

Nerissa: We came as fast as we could.

Portia: I intend to give him a big surprise.

Lorenzo: That's the voice of Portia.

Jessica: Oh.

Lorenzo: Dear lady, welcome home.

Portia: Hiding in the garden ?

Jessica: We were just . . . what were we doing ?

Nerissa: Young love !

Portia: Has Bassanio arrived yet ?

Lorenzo: No, madam, not yet. You are first.

Portia: Good. Nerissa, hide those men's clothes, quick.

Nerissa: I will.

Portia: And this is a secret, please remember. Do not tell Bassanio we have been away. Do you understand ?

Lorenzo and Jessica: Yes.

Portia: Now, let all of us go to bed. It would be better if they found us sleeping.

(Enter BASSSANIO.)

Jessica: Too late. Here is Lord Bassanio.

Bassanio: Here I am.

Portia: Welcome home, dear husband. (Enter ANTONIO.) And welcome Antonio.

Bassanio: The trial is over.

Portia: And ?

Antonio: We won. The debt has been settled.

Portia: Well, well, you are clever men.

Antonio: It was not us, it was a stranger. Young Dr. Balthasar from Mantua.

Portia: Ah, he is famous.

Bassanio: He is a very clever fellow.

Portia: You must tell us all about it.

Bassanio: I will.

Portia: But later. Good night, Antonio. Let's go to bed. (She takes BASSSANIO's hand, pretending surprise.) What's this !

Bassanio: What do you mean ?

Portia: No ring ? Where is the ring I gave you ?

Bassanio: The young Dr. Balthasar insisted I should give it to him.

Portia (angry) : Dr. Balthasar !

Antonio: He saved my life and would take no money.

Bassanio: He wanted the ring. It was not much to give.

Portia: Not much ! My ring not much ! Nerissa, look at them ! Bassanio marries me, takes my ring, and ten minutes later he makes a new friend and gives the ring away.

Bassanio (anxious) : No, no, no, you don't understand at all.

Portia: I certainly do not. Where is my ring ?

Antonio: It's not easy to explain.

Portia: I suppose you have been in Venice meeting some charming young ladies !

Bassanio: No ! Never !

Portia: What do you think, Nerissa ?

Nerissa: Men are weak.

Portia: Yes.

Nerissa: Forgive him, madam.

Bassanio: Yes, forgive me, dear Portia.

Portia: Very well, I forgive you.

(BASSANIO kneels and kisses her hand.)

Portia (giving ring) : But only this time ! Here is another ring. If you give this away to any other lovely lady in Venice, then we are finished for ever !

Bassanio: Thank you, dear Portia, I shall keep this ring for ever.

Bassanio (Examines ring.) : What! This is the same ring. How did you get it? (BASSSANIO stands.)

Portia: How ? Well, you gave it to Dr. Balthasar, and he gave it to me.

Antonio: Dr. Balthasar gave you this ring ? Impossible.

Portia: On the contrary, Dr. Balthasar and I are old friends.

Bassanio (angry) : Old friends !

Portia: Nerissa, how long have I known Dr. Balthasar ?

Nerissa: Well, now, that's hard to say.

Portia: Forgive me, dear Bassanio. We women are weak.

Bassanio: Never !

Portia (kneeling) : I will be a good wife.

Bassanio (doubtful) : Can I trust you ?

Portia: Nerissa, tell Dr. Balthasar to go home.

Bassanio: What! Is he in the house now?

Portia: Don't worry. He will go at once. Tell him, Nerissa.

Bassanio: No, bring him here. I will kill him !

(PORTIA and NERISSA scream.)

Nerissa (exits) : Dr. Balthasar ! Dr. Balthasar !

Bassanio (to ANTONIO) : This is outrageous !

Portia: Forgive a weak woman.

Bassanio: Dr. Balthasar helps us and then refuses :payment. I begin to understand why.

Nerissa (Enter carrying men's clothing.): Dr. Balthasar, may I introduce you to Lord Bassanio ? Or have you already met him ?

Bassanio: Balthasar ? I see only his clothes.

Antonio: Where is he?

Portia: You want to see the body also ?

Bassanio: Of course.

Portia: Very well, then. Turn round.

(BASSANIO and ANOTNIO turn their backs to PORTIA. She dresses in man's clothes. She then turns her back to BASSSANIO and ANOTNIO.)

Portia: Now you may look.

(BASSSANIO and ANTONIO turn and see PORTIA's back.)

Bassanio (very angry) : Dr. Balthasar ! What are you doing in this house ?

Portia ( Turns to him.) : But, I live here.

Bassanio and Antonio (amazed) : Portia ! Portia : Portia.

Bassanio (kneels) : Forgive me.

Portia: What do you think, Nerissa? Shall I ?

Nerissa: Yes, madam, do.

Portia: I forgive you.

Bassanio (stands, laughing) : Of course, we knew all the time.

Portia (surprised) : You knew !

Antonio (laughing) : Certainly, but we thought it best to say nothing. :

Portia: Nonsense.

Bassanio: Don't you believe us ?

Portia: I don't know what to believe.

(PORTIA and BASSSANIO embrace)

Nerissa: Happiness to you both. l

Antonio: And how about some happiness for me, Nerissa ?

Nerissa: For you ?

Antonio: Lorenzo and Jessica are happy. Portia and Bassanio are happy. Only you and I are unhappy.

(He embraces her.)

Nerissa: Oh !

Lorenzo: Happiness to all of us.

All: Yes.

Lorenzo: And there is good news for Antonio. Look from this window and you can see the port.

Jessica: Yes, there are four or five big ships there.

Lorenzo: Can you read the names ?

Antonio: Why, they are my ships !

Lorenzo: They arrived while you were in court.

Antonio: But the storm ?

Lorenzo: They escaped.

Portia: So Antonio is a rich man again.

Bassanio: I hope so.

Antonio: Then I will buy a ring for Nerissa.

Nerissa: Thank you.

Portia: Don't borrow any more money.

Bassanio: No !

Portia: Good night, everybody.

All: Good night.

Portia (to clothes) : And good night, Dr. Balthasar.

" THE MERCHANT OF VENICE"

PLACE : Venice

TIME : uncertain

ACTORS : 10 boys, 3 girls

PEOPLE IN THE PLAY

ANOTNIO, a merchant

BASSSANIO, his friend, lover of PORTIA

SHYLOCK, a moneylender

GOBBO, servant to SHYLOCK

LORENZO, lover ofJESSICA

SERVANT

SAILOR

DUKE OF VENICE

PRINCE OF ARAGON, suitor to PORTIA

PRINCE OF MoROCCo, suitor to PORTIA

PORTIA, lover of BASSSANIO

NERISSA, her maid