Hereupon the Jew began to be afeared, and Messer Giannetto to take heart. And, after much fresh argument, the Jew said, “Messer doctor, you have greater wit in these affairs than I have. So now give me those hundred thousand ducats, and I will besatisfied.”
But the doctor replied that he might take his pound of flesh, as his bond said, for he should not be allowed a single piece of money now. He should have taken it when it was offered to him.
Then the Jew came to ninety, and then to eighty thousand, but the doctor stood firmer than ever to his word.
Messer Giannetto spake to the doctor, saying, “Give him what he asks, so that he lets Messer Ansaldo go free.”
But the doctor replied that the settlement of the question had better be left to himself.
The Jew now cried out that he would take fifty thousand.
But the doctor answered, “I would not give you the meanest coin you ever had in your pouch.”
The Jew went on, “Give me at least the ten thousand ducats that are my own, and cursed be heaven and earth!”
Then said the doctor, “Do you not understand that you will get nothing at all? If you are minded to take what is yours, take it. If not, I will protest, and cause your bond to beannulled.”
At these words all those who were assembled rejoiced exceedingly, and began to put flouts and jests