1 Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
2 I am sure the Duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold.
3 Besides, Antonio certified the Duke They were not with Bassanio in his ship.
4 Enter the Duke, the Magnificoes, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio and others.
5 The villain Jew with outcries rais'd the Duke, Who went with him to search Bassanio's ship.
6 He plies the Duke at morning and at night, And doth impeach the freedom of the state If they deny him justice.
7 Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause, But since I am a dog, beware my fangs; The Duke shall grant me justice.
8 He came too late, the ship was under sail; But there the Duke was given to understand That in a gondola were seen together Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
9 Twenty merchants, The Duke himself, and the magnificoes Of greatest port have all persuaded with him, But none can drive him from the envious plea Of forfeiture, of justice, and his bond.
10 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.
11 The Duke cannot deny the course of law, For the commodity that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, 'Twill much impeach the justice of the state, Since that the trade and profit of the city Consisteth of all nations.'