When Bassanio reached Venice, Antonio was already in the court of justice.

They were waiting for the trial to begin. The Duke entered the courtroom, took

his seat and the trial began. The Duke requested Shylock to be merciful and not

to claim his pound of flesh. But Shylock would not listen to him. Bassanio

offered him twice the amount of money that Shylock lent Antonio but Shylock

did not accept it. Ile said, "I claim my pound of flesh. The law is on my side.

Antonio must pay the penalty written in the bond. "

The Duke was extremely sorry that he

could do nothing to help Antonio. The law

was on Shylock's side and the law must be

abided. The Duke feared that although the

wisest lawyer in Venice was coming to

speak in defense of Antonio, he would

not be able to save the merchant. Soon a

young clerk entered the courtroom with a letter from that lawyer. The lawyer was ill and would not be able to come to the

court.

Ile requested the Duke to let his young fricnd, Doctor Balthazar, defend

Antonio. The Duke gave his permission, and Doctor Balthazar entered the

courtroom. He looked very young, and the Duke doubted if the wisdom of the

young lawyer could save Antonio. This young lawyer was no other than Portia

in disguise and the young clerk was her friend, who was also in disguise.

Portia begged Shylock to be merciful and told him how God bestows mercy to

those who are merciful themselves.

"Mercy" Portia said, "brings a blessing to hirn who shows it and to him who

receives it. All of us pray to God for mercy. But God will only have mercy on us

if we have mercy on others. "

Shylock paid no heed to Portia. All he wanted was his pound of flesh.

Portia asked, "Can't Antonio pay the debt?"

Bassanio cried, "Yes, he can pay it, and even more. ... Even I can pay ten

times the sum my friend borrowed from Shylock."

"Won't you take the money. Shylock?" Portia asked.

"No, I demand the lawful penalty. Give me my pound of flesh."

"Let me see the bond Shylock," said Portia.

Shylock handed the bond to her. She read it with great attention and then said,

"You are right Shylock. The law is on your side. You can claim the flesh. But I

would request you one more time to accept the sum Bassanio is offering you. and

let me tear up the bond." But Shylock would not give up his claim. Portia then

turned towards Antonio and said, "Get ready Antonio for Shylock to cut his

pound of flesh. The law gives it to him."

Shylock was filled with joy on hearing what Portia said. He began to praise

Ponia in disguise, for her wisdom and righteousness. Ile cried out, "Oh noble

judge! Oh excellent young man, you are a second Daniel, who has come to this

earth."

Portia urged Shylock to cut the pound of flesh he demanded. Delighted, Shylock

walked towards Antonio with a knife in hand. He told Antonio to uncover his

chest. But as he was about to cut Antonio's flesh, Portia stopped him. She cried

out, "Wait a second, Shylock! Never forget - there is no mention of blood in the

bond. Therefore, you cannot shed a single drop Of blood while you cut your

pound of flesh; or else you pay the penalty. And the penalty is, the state will take

your property from you. You lose everything that you have now, Shylock."

Shylock understood it was not possible for him to cut a pound of flesh without

shedding blood. Ile was defeated by the wise lawyer. Tle hung his head and

without another word left the courtroom. Thus Antonio's life was saved.