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378 hatred of the lower and higher class, and which did not always return this hate with love.

But what do I say? The genius of Shakespeare rises still higher over the petty strife of two religious sects, and his drama shows us neither Jews nor Christians, but oppressors and oppressed, and the madly agonised cries of exultation of the latter when they can repay their arrears of injuries with interest. There is not in this play the least trace of difference in religion, and Shakespeare sets forth in Shylock a man whom nature bade hate his enemies, just as he in Antonio and his friends by no means expresses the disciples of that divine doctrine which commands us to love our enemies. When Shylock says to the man who would borrow money of him:— " Signer Antonio, many a time and oft,

In the Rialto, you have rated me

About my monies and my usances :

Still have I borne it with a patient shrug ;