The Duke of Venice summons a noted lawyer named Bellario to defend Antonio and determine the legality of Shylock’s claim on the pound of flesh. Bellario, though, sends a letter to the Duke that he is sick and cannot come to Venice at that time. However, in his place, Bellario is sending a young but wise lawyer named Balthasar. Actually,Balthasaris reallyPortiain her disguise as a man. Portia, the play implies, knows Bellario and has asked him to take his place so that she may help her husband’s best and closestfriend.
When Portia (in disguise) arrives at the court, Antonio informs her that he had agreed to the terms of the contract between Shylock and himself. Portia then declares that Shylock must “be merciful” (177). She is implying that Shylock has every legal right to take the pound of flesh, and only if he decides to show mercy will Antonio be spared. In other words, the forces of the law must support Shylock’s legal right. In regards to showingmercy, Shylock asks, “On what compulsion must I?” (178). He is asking what force or power would compel him or make him show mercy. Portia responds with an eloquent speech on mercy. This speech is one of Shakespeare’s finest and most highly regarded poems: