Original
Modern English
What, is Antonio here?
What, is Antonio here?
Ready, so please your grace.
Ready, if it pleases you, Your Grace.
I am sorry for thee: thou art come to answer A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch uncapable of pity, void and empty From any dram of mercy.
I feel sorry for you: you’ve come to face A hard-hearted opponent, a cruel man Incapable of pity, completely empty Of any mercy.
I have heard Your grace hath ta’en great pains to qualify His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate And that no lawful means can carry me Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose My patience to his fury, and am arm’d To suffer, with a quietness of spirit, The very tyranny and rage of his.
I’ve heard That Your Grace has worked hard to change His harsh actions; but since he refuses to listen And no legal means can protect me From his grudge, I will face His fury with patience, and am prepared To endure, calmly and with peace of mind, His very tyranny and rage.
Go one, and call the Jew into the court.
Go ahead, and bring the Jew into the court.
He is ready at the door: he comes, my lord.
He’s ready at the door: he’s coming, my lord.
Make room, and let him stand before our face. Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That thou but lead’st this fashion of thy malice To the last hour of act; and then ’tis thought Thou’lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange Than is thy strange apparent cruelty; And where thou now exact’st the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh, Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture, But, touch’d with human gentleness and love, Forgive a moiety of the principal; Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, That have of late so huddled on his back, Enow to press a royal merchant down And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never train’d To offices of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
Make space, and let him stand before us. Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That you only continue this cruel act Until the last moment; and then it’s believed You’ll show your mercy and remorse, which will seem More surprising than your apparent cruelty. And where you now demand the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh, You won’t just drop the claim, But, moved by human kindness and love, Forgive part of the debt; With pity in your eyes for his losses, Which have recently piled up on him, Enough to crush a wealthy merchant And win sympathy even from hard hearts, From tough men like Turks and Tartars, who are never taught To show kindness. We all expect a kind answer, Jew.
I have possess’d your grace of what I purpose; And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn To have the due and forfeit of my bond: If you deny it, let the danger light Upon your charter and your city’s freedom. You’ll ask me, why I rather choose to have A weight of carrion flesh than to receive Three thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that: But, say, it is my humour: is it answer’d? What if my house be troubled with a rat And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats To have it baned? What, are you answer’d yet? Some men there are love not a gaping pig; Some, that are mad if they behold a cat; And others, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose, Cannot contain their urine: for affection, Mistress of passion, sways it to the mood Of what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer: As there is no firm reason to be render’d, Why he cannot abide a gaping pig; Why he, a harmless necessary cat; Why he, a woollen bagpipe; but of force Must yield to such inevitable shame As to offend, himself being offended; So can I give no reason, nor I will not, More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing I bear Antonio, that I follow thus A losing suit against him. Are you answer’d?
I’ve already told Your Grace my intentions; And by our holy Sabbath, I’ve sworn To get what I’m owed from this bond: If you deny me, let the consequences fall On your charter and the city’s freedom. You’ll ask me why I prefer to have A pound of rotting flesh rather than take Three thousand ducats: I won’t answer that: But let’s just say, it’s my choice: does that answer you? What if my house has a rat problem And I decide to pay ten thousand ducats To get rid of it? Are you satisfied now? Some people don’t like a noisy pig; Some are upset just by seeing a cat; And others can’t hold their urine when they hear The sound of bagpipes: affection, Mistress of passion, controls these moods, Making them love or hate what it pleases. Now, for your answer: Just as there’s no reason I can give For why someone might hate a pig, Or dislike a harmless cat, Or find a woollen bagpipe irritating; I too Can give no reason, nor will I, Other than a deep hatred and a strong dislike I have for Antonio, which drives me to follow This losing case against him. Are you satisfied?
This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
This isn’t an answer, you heartless man, To justify the cruelty of your actions.
I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
I’m not obligated to please you with my answers.
Do all men kill the things they do not love?
Do all men kill the things they don’t love?
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
Do men hate everything they would not kill?
Every offence is not a hate at first.
Not every wrong is a deep hatred from the start.
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
What, would you let a snake bite you twice?
I pray you, think you question with the Jew: You may as well go stand upon the beach And bid the main flood bate his usual height; You may as well use question with the wolf Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb; You may as well forbid the mountain pines To wag their high tops and to make no noise, When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven; You may as well do anything most hard, As seek to soften that--than which what’s harder?-- His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, Make no more offers, use no farther means, But with all brief and plain conveniency Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
I beg you, do you really think you can reason with the Jew: You might as well go stand on the shore And tell the ocean to stop rising; You might as well ask the wolf Why he makes the sheep cry for the lamb; You might as well tell the mountain pines To stop swaying and be silent, When the winds are raging through them; You might as well try to do anything impossible, As try to soften that—than which, what’s harder?— His Jewish heart: so, I beg you, Stop making more offers, no more schemes, But just give me judgment and the Jew his way.
For thy three thousand ducats here is six.
For your three thousand ducats here are six.
What judgment shall I dread, doing Were in six parts and every part a ducat, I would not draw them; I would have my bond.
What judgment should I fear, when I’m doing If I had six parts, and each part a ducat, I wouldn’t draw them; I want my bond.
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
How do you expect mercy, when you show none?
What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave, Which, like your asses and your dogs and mules, You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them: shall I say to you, Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burthens? let their beds Be made as soft as yours and let their palates Be season’d with such viands? You will answer ’The slaves are ours:’ so do I answer you: The pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it. If you deny me, fie upon your law! There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it?
What judgment should I fear, when I’m doing no wrong? You have many slaves among you, Who, like your donkeys and dogs and mules, You treat like property, because you bought them: should I say to you, Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why do they sweat under burdens? let their beds Be as soft as yours and let their tastebuds Be pleased with the same food you eat? You’d answer “The slaves are ours”: and so I answer you: The pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is bought at a high price; it’s mine, and I’ll have it. If you deny me, shame on your law! There’s no power in the laws of Venice. I’m standing for judgment: answer me—shall I have it?
Upon my power I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day.
By my authority, I can dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I’ve called for to decide this case, Comes here today.
My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, New come from Padua.
My lord, a messenger is waiting outside With letters from the doctor, Just arrived from Padua.
Bring us the letter; call the messenger.
Bring us the letter; call the messenger.
Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all, Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
Cheer up, Antonio! Come on, keep your courage! The Jew will get my flesh, blood, bones, and all, Before you lose even one drop of my blood.
I am a tainted wether of the flock, Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit Drops earliest to the ground; and so let me You cannot better be employ’d, Bassanio, Than to live still and write mine epitaph.
I am a sickly sheep of the flock, Most ready for death: the weakest fruit Falls to the ground first; and so let me You can’t better spend your time, Bassanio, Than to live on and write my epitaph.
Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
Did you come from Padua, from Bellario?
From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
From both, my lord. Bellario sends his regards.
Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
Why are you sharpening your knife so seriously?
To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
To cut the debt from that bankrupt man there.
Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew, Thou makest thy knife keen; but no metal can, No, not the hangman’s axe, bear half the keenness Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
Not on your shoe, but on your soul, cruel Jew, You’re making your knife sharp; but no metal can, No, not even the hangman’s axe, be as sharp As your bitter jealousy. Can no prayers reach you?
No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
No, none that you have the sense to make.
O, be thou damn’d, inexecrable dog! And for thy life let justice be accused. Thou almost makest me waver in my faith To hold opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves Into the trunks of men: thy currish spirit Govern’d a wolf, who, hang’d for human slaughter, Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet, And, whilst thou lay’st in thy unhallow’d dam, Infused itself in thee; for thy desires Are wolvish, bloody, starved and ravenous.
Oh, be damned, you loathsome dog! And let justice be put on trial for your life. You almost make me question my belief In the teachings of Pythagoras, That the souls of animals are reincarnated Into the bodies of men: your savage nature Ruled a wolf, who, hung for killing a human, Even from the gallows, his evil soul flew away, And, while you lay in your unholy grave, It entered you; because your desires Are like those of a wolf—bloody, starving, and cruel.
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond, Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud: Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
Until you can tear the seal off my contract, You’re just wasting your breath by shouting like that: Fix your thinking, young man, or you’ll ruin yourself. I stand here for the law.
This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he?
This letter from Bellario recommends A young, learned doctor to our court. Where is he?
He attendeth here hard by, To know your answer, whether you’ll admit him.
He’s waiting right here, To hear your decision on whether you’ll allow him to come in.
With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
With all my heart. Some of you Go escort him here courteously. Meanwhile, the court will read Bellario’s letter.
[Reads] Your grace shall understand that at the receipt of your letter I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthasar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o’er many books together: he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning, the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend, comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace’s request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for I never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.
[Reads] Your grace should know that when I received your letter, I was very sick: but just as your messenger arrived, a young doctor from Rome, named Balthasar, was visiting me. I told him about the case between the Jew and Antonio the merchant; we went through many books together: he has my opinion, which, with his own knowledge, has become even better. At my request, he comes now to fulfill your grace’s wish in my place. I ask you not to let his youth stop you from respecting him, because I’ve never known anyone so young with such wisdom. I leave him to your kind judgment, and his performance will prove his worth.
You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he writes: And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
You hear Bellario’s learned words in his letter: And I think the doctor has now arrived.
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Give me your hand. Did you come from the old Bellario?
I did, my lord.
I did, my lord.
You are welcome: take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court?
You are welcome: take your place. Do you know the details Of the case we’re dealing with in court?
I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
I am fully informed about the case. Which one is the merchant, and which one the Jew?
Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
Antonio and old Shylock, both step forward.
Is your name Shylock?
Is your name Shylock?
Shylock is my name.
Shylock is my name.
Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such rule that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not?
The case you’re pursuing is unusual; But it follows the law so closely that Venetian law can’t argue against it. You’re in a dangerous position, aren’t you?
Ay, so he says.
Yes, that’s what he says.
Do you confess the bond?
Do you admit the bond?
I do.
I do.
Then must the Jew be merciful.
Then the Jew must be merciful.
On what compulsion must I? tell me that.
Why should I be merciful? Tell me that.
The quality of mercy is not strain’d, 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: ’Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this, That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence ’gainst the merchant there.
Mercy isn’t forced, It falls like gentle rain from heaven On the earth below: it’s twice as blessed; It blesses both the giver and the receiver: It’s strongest in the strongest: it suits A king better than his crown; His scepter shows the power of earthly rule, The ability to inspire fear and respect, But mercy is higher than this power; It lives in the hearts of kings, It’s a quality of God himself; And earthly power is most godlike When mercy tempers justice. So, Jew, Even though justice is your argument, think about this: That, if justice were fully carried out, none of us Would be saved: we pray for mercy; And that prayer teaches us all to show Mercy in our actions. I’ve said all this To soften the severity of your case; If you stick to it, this strict court of Venice Will have to rule against the merchant.
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
I accept the consequences! I want the law, The penalty and forfeiture of my bond.
Is he not able to discharge the money?
Can’t he pay the money?
Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o’er, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will.
Yes, here I offer it for him in court; Even twice the amount: if that’s not enough, I’ll be bound to pay ten times more, At the cost of my hands, my head, my heart: If that’s not enough, it’ll show That malice overpowers truth. And I beg you, Bend the law to your authority: To do a great right, sometimes a little wrong Is needed to curb this cruel devil’s will.
It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: ’Twill be recorded for a precedent, And many an error by the same example Will rush into the state: it cannot be.
It can’t be done; no power in Venice Can change a fixed decree: It will be recorded as a precedent, And many mistakes will follow that example And cause harm to the state: it can’t be done.
A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!
A Daniel has come to judge! Yes, a Daniel! Oh wise young judge, how I honor you!
I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
Please, let me see the bond.
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
Here it is, most respected doctor, here it is.
Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offer’d thee.
Shylock, here’s three times the amount of money offered to you.
An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice.
An oath, an oath, I have sworn an oath in heaven: Should I lie and commit perjury? No, not even for Venice.
Why, this bond is forfeit; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant’s heart. Be merciful: Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.
Well, this contract is broken; And legally, by this, the Jew can claim A pound of flesh, to be cut off Nearest to the merchant’s heart. Be merciful: Take three times your money; tell me to tear up the contract.
When it is paid according to the tenor. It doth appear you are a worthy judge; You know the law, your exposition Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment: by my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond.
When it’s paid according to the terms. It seems you are a worthy judge; You understand the law, your explanation Has been completely correct: I order you by the law, Which you are a respected supporter of, To proceed with the judgment: I swear on my soul There’s no power in the words of man That can change my mind: I’ll stick to my contract.
Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment.
I sincerely beg the court To make the ruling.
Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
Well then, here’s how it is: You must prepare yourself for his knife.
O noble judge! O excellent young man!
O noble judge! O excellent young man!
For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty, Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
For the purpose and meaning of the law Are fully connected to the punishment, Which here seems due under the contract.
’Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
It’s very true: O wise and fair judge! How much older are you than you seem!
Therefore lay bare your bosom.
So, now, expose your chest.
Ay, his breast: So says the bond: doth it not, noble judge? ’Nearest his heart:’ those are the very words.
Yes, his chest: So the contract says: doesn’t it, noble judge? “Nearest his heart:” those are the exact words.
It is so. Are there balance here to weigh The flesh?
Yes, it is. Are there scales here to weigh The flesh?
I have them ready.
I have them ready.
Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.
Have a surgeon, Shylock, at your expense, To stop his bleeding, in case he bleeds to death.
Is it so nominated in the bond?
Is that written in the contract?
It is not so express’d: but what of that? ’Twere good you do so much for charity.
It’s not exactly written that way: but so what? It would be good if you did this for charity.
I cannot find it; ’tis not in the bond.
I can’t find it; it’s not in the contract.
You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
You, merchant, do you have anything to say?
But little: I am arm’d and well prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio: fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you; For herein Fortune shows herself more kind Than is her custom: it is still her use To let the wretched man outlive his wealth, To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow An age of poverty; from which lingering penance Of such misery doth she cut me off. Commend me to your honourable wife: Tell her the process of Antonio’s end; Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death; And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge Whether Bassanio had not once a love. Repent but you that you shall lose your friend, And he repents not that he pays your debt; For if the Jew do cut but deep enough, I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
Not much: I’m prepared and ready. Give me your hand, Bassanio: goodbye! Don’t grieve that I’m in this situation for you; Because here, Fortune shows herself kinder Than usual: it’s normally her way To let a poor man outlive his wealth, To look with empty eyes and a wrinkled brow At a life of poverty; but now, by some mercy, She cuts me off from this lingering misery. Give my regards to your honorable wife: Tell her how Antonio’s life ends; Say how I loved you, speak kindly of me in death; And, when the story’s told, ask her to judge Whether Bassanio ever truly loved me. Feel sorry only that you’ll lose your friend, And he feels no regret in paying your debt; For if the Jew cuts deep enough, I’ll pay it gladly with all my heart.
Antonio, I am married to a wife Which is as dear to me as life itself; But life itself, my wife, and all the world, Are not with me esteem’d above thy life: I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all Here to this devil, to deliver you.
Antonio, I am married to a wife Who is as dear to me as life itself; But life itself, my wife, and everything in the world, Are not worth more to me than your life: I would give up everything, yes, sacrifice it all Right here to this devil, to save you.
Your wife would give you little thanks for that, If she were by, to hear you make the offer.
Your wife wouldn’t thank you much for that, If she were here to hear you say it.
I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love: I would she were in heaven, so she could Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
I have a wife, whom, I swear, I love: I wish she were in heaven, so she could Ask some power to change this nasty Jew.
’Tis well you offer it behind her back; The wish would make else an unquiet house.
It’s good you say this behind her back; Otherwise, that wish would make for an uncomfortable home.
These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter; Would any of the stock of Barrabas Had been her husband rather than a Christian!
These are the Christian husbands. I have a daughter; I wish any of the descendants of Barabbas Had been her husband, rather than a Christian!
We trifle time: I pray thee, pursue sentence.
We waste time: please, carry out the sentence.
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine: The court awards it, and the law doth give it.
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is yours: The court has awarded it, and the law gives it to you.
Most rightful judge!
Most righteous judge!
And you must cut this flesh from off his breast: The law allows it, and the court awards it.
And you must cut this flesh from his chest: The law allows it, and the court has ordered it.
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare!
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, get ready!
Tarry a little; there is something else. This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are ’a pound of flesh:’ Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice.
Wait a little; there’s something else. This bond doesn’t give you any blood; The words say only ’a pound of flesh:’ So take your bond, take your pound of flesh; But if you spill Even one drop of Christian blood, your lands and goods Will be confiscated by the laws of Venice And given to the state of Venice.
O upright judge! Mark, Jew: O learned judge!
Oh, honest judge! Listen, Jew: Oh, wise judge!
Is that the law?
Is that the law?
Thyself shalt see the act: For, as thou urgest justice, be assured Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.
You’ll see the law in action yourself: Since you demand justice, rest assured You’ll get justice, more than you expect.
O learned judge! Mark, Jew: a learned judge!
Oh, wise judge! Listen, Jew: a wise judge!
I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice And let the Christian go.
I accept this offer then; pay the bond three times And let the Christian go free.
Here is the money.
Here is the money.
Soft! The Jew shall have all justice; soft! no haste: He shall have nothing but the penalty.
Wait! The Jew will get all the justice; wait! No rush: He will get nothing but the penalty.
O Jew! an upright judge, a learned judge!
Oh, Jew! an honest judge, a wise judge!
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh. Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more But just a pound of flesh: if thou cut’st more Or less than a just pound, be it but so much As makes it light or heavy in the substance, Or the division of the twentieth part Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn But in the estimation of a hair, Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
So get ready to cut the flesh. Don’t spill any blood, and don’t cut too much or too little Just exactly one pound of flesh: if you cut more Or less than exactly one pound, even if it’s just a bit That makes it lighter or heavier in weight, Or the difference of one-twentieth of a grain, Or even if the scale tilts By the tiniest amount, You’ll die, and all your goods will be seized.
A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew! Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew! Now, unbeliever, I’ve got you in a tight spot.
Why doth the Jew pause? take thy forfeiture.
Why is the Jew hesitating? Take your forfeiture.
Give me my principal, and let me go.
Give me my original loan, and let me go.
I have it ready for thee; here it is.
I have it ready for you; here it is.
He hath refused it in the open court: He shall have merely justice and his bond.
He turned it down in the open court: He’ll get only justice and his bond.
A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel! I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
A Daniel, still I say, a second Daniel! Thank you, Jew, for teaching me that word.
Shall I not have barely my principal?
Will I not just get back my original loan?
Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture, To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
You will get nothing except the forfeiture, To be taken at your own risk, Jew.
Why, then the devil give him good of it! I’ll stay no longer question.
Well, then the devil give him good of it! I won’t stay here to argue any longer.
Tarry, Jew: The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice, If it be proved against an alien That by direct or indirect attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party ’gainst the which he doth contrive Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the privy coffer of the state; And the offender’s life lies in the mercy Of the duke only, ’gainst all other voice. In which predicament, I say, thou stand’st; For it appears, by manifest proceeding, That indirectly and directly too Thou hast contrived against the very life Of the defendant; and thou hast incurr’d The danger formerly by me rehearsed. Down therefore and beg mercy of the duke.
Wait, Jew: The law still has another claim on you. It’s written in the laws of Venice, If it’s proven that a foreigner Directly or indirectly tries To take the life of any citizen, The victim may seize half his goods; the other half Goes to the state’s treasury; And the offender’s life is at the mercy Of the duke alone, against all other judgment. In this situation, I say, you stand; Because it’s clear, from what’s happened, That both directly and indirectly You’ve plotted against the life Of the defendant; and you’ve incurred The penalty I’ve already explained. So get down and beg for mercy from the duke.
Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself: And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, Thou hast not left the value of a cord; Therefore thou must be hang’d at the state’s charge.
Beg for permission to hang yourself: And even though your wealth is forfeited to the state, You don’t even have enough left to buy a rope; So you’ll have to be hanged at the state’s expense.
That thou shalt see the difference of our spirits, I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it: For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s; The other half comes to the general state, Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
You’ll see the difference in our spirits, I pardon your life before you even ask: Half your wealth goes to Antonio; The other half goes to the general state, Which humility may reduce to a fine.
Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
Yes, for the state, not for Antonio.
Nay, take my life and all; pardon not that: You take my house when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house; you take my life When you do take the means whereby I live.
No, take my life and all; just don’t pardon that: You take my house when you take away the support That holds my house up; you take my life When you take the means by which I live.
What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
What mercy can you show him, Antonio?
A halter gratis; nothing else, for God’s sake.
A rope for free; nothing else, for God’s sake.
So please my lord the duke and all the court To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content; so he will let me have The other half in use, to render it, Upon his death, unto the gentleman That lately stole his daughter: Two things provided more, that, for this favour, He presently become a Christian; The other, that he do record a gift, Here in the court, of all he dies possess’d, Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
If it pleases my lord the duke and all the court To cancel the fine for half of his goods, I agree; as long as he allows me to have The other half for use, to give it back, Upon his death, to the man Who recently stole his daughter: Two more conditions: first, that for this favor, He immediately become a Christian; And second, that he make a formal gift, Here in court, of all he owns at his death, To his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
He shall do this, or else I do recant The pardon that I late pronounced here.
He shall do this, or else I’ll take back The pardon I just granted here.
Art thou contented, Jew? what dost thou say?
Are you satisfied, Jew? What do you say?
I am content.
I am satisfied.
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
Clerk, draw up the deed of gift.
I pray you, give me leave to go from hence; I am not well: send the deed after me, And I will sign it.
Please, let me go from here; I’m not feeling well: send the deed after me, And I will sign it.
Get thee gone, but do it.
Go, but do it.
In christening shalt thou have two god-fathers: Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more, To bring thee to the gallows, not the font.
When you’re baptized, you’ll have two godfathers: If I had been the judge, you’d have had ten more, All to lead you to the gallows, not the baptismal font.
Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner.
Sir, I ask you to come home with me for dinner.
I humbly do desire your grace of pardon: I must away this night toward Padua, And it is meet I presently set forth.
I respectfully ask your grace to pardon me: I must leave tonight for Padua, And it’s fitting that I leave immediately.
I am sorry that your leisure serves you not. Antonio, gratify this gentleman, For, in my mind, you are much bound to him.
I’m sorry that you don’t have time. Antonio, thank this gentleman, Because, in my opinion, you owe him a great deal.
Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted Of grievous penalties; in lieu whereof, Three thousand ducats, due unto the Jew, We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
Most honorable sir, my friend and I Have been freed today from heavy penalties Through your wisdom; in return for that, Three thousand ducats, owed to the Jew, We freely repay with your kind efforts.
And stand indebted, over and above, In love and service to you evermore.
And we remain in debt to you, besides, In love and service to you forever.
He is well paid that is well satisfied; And I, delivering you, am satisfied And therein do account myself well paid: My mind was never yet more mercenary. I pray you, know me when we meet again: I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
A man is well paid when he is well satisfied; And I, in helping you, am satisfied And so I consider myself well paid: I’ve never been more mercenary than now. Please, remember me when we meet again: I wish you the best, and now I take my leave.
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further: Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute, Not as a fee: grant me two things, I pray you, Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
Dear lady, I must insist you take something more: Accept a token from us, as a gift, Not as a payment: please grant me two things, Not to refuse me, and to forgive me.
You press me far, and therefore I will yield.
You press me hard, so I’ll give in.
Give me your gloves, I’ll wear them for your sake;
Give me your gloves, I’ll wear them for your sake;
And, for your love, I’ll take this ring from you: Do not draw back your hand; I’ll take no more; And you in love shall not deny me this.
And, because I love you, I’ll take this ring from you: Don’t pull your hand away; I won’t take anything more; And you, out of love, cannot deny me this.
This ring, good sir, alas, it is a trifle! I will not shame myself to give you this.
This ring, dear lady, it’s just a small thing! I can’t bring myself to give it to you.
I will have nothing else but only this; And now methinks I have a mind to it.
I won’t accept anything else, only this; And now I think I want it.
There’s more depends on this than on the value. The dearest ring in Venice will I give you, And find it out by proclamation: Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
There’s more at stake here than just the value. I’ll give you the most valuable ring in Venice, And announce it publicly: Just for this, please, forgive me.
I see, sir, you are liberal in offers You taught me first to beg; and now methinks You teach me how a beggar should be answer’d.
I see, sir, you’re generous with your offers. You were the one who taught me how to beg; and now, I think, You’re teaching me how a beggar should be treated.
Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife; And when she put it on, she made me vow That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
Please, sir, this ring was given to me by my wife; And when she put it on, she made me swear That I would neither sell, give away, nor lose it.
That ’scuse serves many men to save their gifts. An if your wife be not a mad-woman, And know how well I have deserved the ring, She would not hold out enemy for ever, For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you!
That excuse is commonly used by many men to save their gifts. And if your wife isn’t mad, And knows how well I’ve earned the ring, She wouldn’t hold a grudge forever For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you!
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring: Let his deservings and my love withal Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring: Let his worth and my love both Be weighed against your wife’s command.
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him; Give him the ring, and bring him, if thou canst, Unto Antonio’s house: away! make haste.
Go, Gratiano, run and catch up with him; Give him the ring, and bring him, if you can, To Antonio’s house: hurry! Be quick.
Come, you and I will thither presently; And in the morning early will we both Fly toward Belmont: come, Antonio.
Come, you and I will go there right away; And early tomorrow morning we’ll both Head toward Belmont: come on, Antonio.