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‘‘You,’’ she added, ‘‘have sought to take the life of a Venetian citizen, and thus by the

Venetian law, your life and goods are forfeited. Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the
Duke.’’

Thus were the tables turned, and no mercy would have been shown to Shylock. As it
was, the moneylender forfeited half his fortune to the State, and he had to settle the

other half on his daughter’s husband.
Bassanio, in his gratitude to the clever lawyer, was induced to part with the ring his wife

had given him, and with which he had promised never to part, and when on his return
to Belmont he confessed as much to Portia, she seemed very angry, and vowed she

would not be friends with him until she had her ring again. But at last she told him that
it was she who, in the disguise of the lawyer, had saved his friend’s life, and got the ring

from him. So Bassanio was forgiven, and made happier than ever, to know how rich a
prize he had drawn in the lottery of the caskets.

reckless — careless; woo — to court or seek affection; grief — deep sorrow; disguise — a false
appearance; entreaties — pleas or requests; righteous — morally right; Venetian — related to Venice;
forfeited — lost as penalty.

ASSESS YOURSELF
ASSESS YOURSELF

Let's Read and Reflect Comprehension

A. Tick (3) the correct option.

1. What does Shylock demand as collateral for the loan?

(a) A bag of gold
(b) A valuable jewel

(c) A pound of Antonio’s flesh
2. What is the outcome of Bassanio’s choice of the casket?

(a) He chooses the gold casket and finds a fool’s head

(b) He chooses the silver casket and finds a picture of death
(c) He chooses the lead casket and finds Portia’s portrait

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