When Messer Giannetto had come to Venice, he went to the Jew's house. And, having joyfully embraced Messer Ansaldo, he next turned to the Jew, and said he was ready to pay the money that was due, and as much more as he cared to demand.
But the Jew made answer that he wanted not the money, since it had not been paid in due time, but that he desired to cut his pound of flesh from Ansaldo. Over this matter there arose great debate, and everyone condemned the Jew. But, seeing that equitable law ruled in Venice, and that the Jew's contract was fully set forth and in customary legal form, no one could deny him his rights. All they could do was to entreat hismercy.
On this account all the Venetian merchants came there to entreat the Jew, but he grew harder than before. And then Messer Giannetto offered to give him twenty thousand, but he would not take them. Then he advanced his offer to thirty, then to forty, then to fifty, and finally to a hundred thousandducats.
Then the Jew said, “See how this thing stands! If you were to offer me more ducats than the whole city of Venice is worth, I would not take them. I would rather have what this bond says is my due.”
And while this dispute was going on, there arrived in Venice the lady of Belmonte, clad as a doctor of laws. She took lodging at an inn, the host of which inquired of one of her servants who this gentleman might be. The servant, who had been instructed by the lady as to what reply he should make to a question of thissort,repliedthathismasterwasadoctoroflaws