SHYLOCK The Merchant of Venice By Alfred de Vigny
SHYLOCK The Merchant of Venice By Alfred de Vigny
SHYLOCK The Merchant of Venice By Alfred de Vigny
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<strong>SHYLOCK</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Merchant</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Venice</strong> <strong>By</strong> <strong>Alfred</strong> <strong>de</strong> <strong>Vigny</strong><br />
ANTONIO: No, never! Guard your treasure carefully,<br />
For my foot will kick you from my home yet again.<br />
<strong>SHYLOCK</strong>: Still I am putting myself in form to serve you,<br />
And I won't take a single ducat in usury.<br />
ANTONIO: (astonished) Truly?<br />
<strong>SHYLOCK</strong>: You will come with me to a notary.<br />
And (to divert us) you will write<br />
That if on such a day the sum agreed between us<br />
I shall take, at the date arrived<br />
(It's a joke because Shylock is not an assassin)<br />
A pound <strong>of</strong> flesh from around your breast.<br />
ANTONIO: On my word, I subscribe to the jest,<br />
And know your pleasure by it.<br />
BASSANIO: My friend, I beg you,<br />
Don't sign this dangerous note for me.<br />
ANTONIO: Bah! That engagement is not very onerous.<br />
For, tonight, I am to receive ten times more than he's giving.<br />
<strong>SHYLOCK</strong>: Father Abraham! Hear their talk and forgive!<br />
What are these Christians? How harshly<br />
<strong>The</strong>y seek out perils in our probity!<br />
(to Bassanio) If he doesn't pay me, where would be the advantage<br />
To have chosen his flesh and his blood for hostage?<br />
What would I do with it, and why this bizarre trick<br />
If my heart wasn't touched by your embarrassment?<br />
It's wrong to interpret a very praiseworthy <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
(to Antonio) Sign this note, if it's agreeable to you,<br />
Or let's leave each other.<br />
ACT I 15
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