Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/219

Rh the mockery he felt, and hid under a bland, almost servile, demeanor, the gnawing hate which he bore within his breast. Of all the merchants of Venice he hated Antonio most, for by his learning and courtesy Antonio held a rank among his brethren similar to that which Shylock held among his tribe; and the Jew felt that if he could gain advantage over this one man, he dealt the Christians a blow, and revenged himself upon his equal.

To Shylock, then, Antonio repaired for money with his friend Bassanio. The Jew received them with much suavity, and although he disclaimed to have in his possession so large a sum as three thousand ducats, which was the amount they asked, he agreed to obtain it from some of his friends, and professing great kindness for Antonio, who he declared had wronged him in thinking he was unfriendly to him, he proffered Antonio the money without interest, according to the Christian manner.

When Antonio refused this offer, and wished to comply with the Jewish custom, Shylock said since this was to cement a new friendship between them who had been enemies, Antonio should, in jest merely, sign a bond by which no interest should be paid for the three thousand ducats; but if they were not paid at the end of three months, the Jew should receive instead a