As makes it light, or heavy, in the substance, Of one poor scruple; nay, if the scale turn 340 Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate. Por. Why doth the Jew pause? take thy for. feiture. Shy. Give me my principal, and let me go. Bass., I have it ready for thee; here it is.. Por. He hath refus'd it in the open court; He shall have merely justice, and his bond. Gra. A Daniel, still say I; a second Daniel! 349 I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word. Shy. Why then the devil give him good of it! Por. Tarry, Jew; The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice,--. The party, 'gainst the which he doth contrive, And the offender's life lies in the mercy 360 of Of the duke only, 'gainst all other voice. The danger formerly by me rehears'd. 370 Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the duke. Gra. Beg, that thou may'st 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. Duke. That thou may'st see the difference of our spirit, I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it: For half thy wealth, it is Anthonio's ; Por. Ay, for the state; not for Anthonio. 880 Por. What mercy can you render him, Anthonio? Gra. A halter gratis; nothing else, for God's sake. Anth. So please my lord the duke, and all the court, To quit the fine for one half of his goods; 391 The |