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 />
(<strong>The</strong>y place themselves to the right and left <strong>of</strong> Portia.)<br />
PORTIA: <strong>The</strong>y call you Shylock?<br />
<strong>SHYLOCK</strong>: Yes, that's my name, Shylock.<br />
PORTIA: (to the Jew) Your quarrel<br />
Is <strong>of</strong> a strange nature and yet it must<br />
Be confessed, no way can you be found in <strong>de</strong>fault.<br />
<strong>The</strong> law gives you a legitimate power over him.<br />
(to Antonio, with pity)<br />
You are going, if he wishes it, to become his victim,<br />
Right?<br />
ANTONIO: He says it.<br />
PORTIA: Do you <strong>de</strong>ny before our eyes<br />
His note?<br />
ANTONIO: No.<br />
PORTIA: (nodding sadly) May he be merciful!<br />
<strong>SHYLOCK</strong> Who could force me to be?<br />
PORTIA: <strong>The</strong> finest characteristic<br />
Of chaste clemency is to be voluntary.<br />
Not less sweet for us than milk and honey.<br />
Like the rainbow it falls from the sky<br />
And blesses, when saying the holy name that pardons<br />
Both the one who gives it and the one who receives it.<br />
It's the most powerful right coming from the All Powerful.<br />
And seated on his throne, a king calculating<br />
SCENE II 53
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