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only answer was, ‘‘I would not draw my claim. I would have my bond.”

It was then that Portia arrived in her disguise, and not even her own husband knew her.
The Duke gave her welcome on account of the great Bellario’s introduction, and left the

settlement of the case to her. Then in noble words she bade Shylock have mercy. But he
was deaf to her entreaties. ‘‘I will have the pound of flesh,’’ was his reply.

‘‘The Court awards you a pound of Antonio’s flesh,’’ said Portia to the moneylender.
‘‘Most righteous judge!’’ cried Shylock.

‘‘Wait a little. This bond gives you no right to Antonio’s blood, only to his flesh. If, then
you spill a drop of his blood, all your property will be forfeited to the State. Such is the

Law.”
And Shylock, in his fear, said, “Then I will take Bassanio’s offer:’’

‘‘No,’’ said Portia sternly, ‘‘you shall have nothing but your bond. Take your pound of
flesh, but remember that if you take more or less, even by the weight of a hair, you will

lose your property and your life.’’
Shylock now grew very much frightened. ‘‘Give me my three thousand ducats that I

lent him, and let him go.’’
‘‘Bassanio would have paid it to him, but said Portia. No! He shall have nothing but his

bond.’’

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