Portia had spoken cheeringly to her husband when he left her, but her own heart began to sink when she was alone; and so strong was her desire to save one who bad been so true a friend to her Bassanio, that she determined to go to Venice and speak in defence of Antonio.

There was a gentleman dwelling in the city named Bellario, a counsellor, who was related to Portia; and to him she wrote telling the case, and begging that he would send her the dress which she must wear when she appeared to defend the prisoner at his trial.  The messenger returned, bringing her the robes of the counsellor, and also much advice as to how she should act; and, in company of her maid Nerissa, Portia started upon her errand, arriving at Venice on the day of the trial.

The duke and the senators were already in court, when a note was handed from Bellario saying that, by illness, he was prevented pleading for Antonio; but he begged that the young and learned Doctor Balthasar (for so he called Portia) might be allowed to take his place.

The duke marveled at the extremely youthful appearance of this stranger, but granted Bellario’s request; and Portia, disguised in flowing robes and large wig, gazed round the court, where she saw Bassanio standing beside his friend.

The importance of her work gave Portia courage; and she began her address to Shylock, the Jew, telling him of mercy: 

  “The quality of mercy is not strained;
  It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
  Upon the place beneath:  it is twice blest;
  It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes: 
  ’Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
  The throned monarch better than his crown.”

But Shylock’s only answer was, that he would insist upon the penalty:  upon which Portia asked if Antonio could not pay the sum.  Bassanio then publicly offered the payment of the three thousand ducats; the hard Jew still refusing it, and declaring that he would take nothing but the promised pound of flesh.

Bassanio was now terribly grieved, and asked the learned young counsellor to “wrest the law a little.”

“It must not be—­there is no power in Venice can alter a decree established,” said Portia.  Shylock, hearing her say this, believed she would now favor him, and exclaimed:  “A Daniel come to judgment!  O wise young judge, how do I honor thee!”

He never guessed what was coming, when the young counsellor gravely asked to look at the bond.  She read it, and declared that the Jew was lawfully entitled to the pound of flesh, but once more she begged him to take the offered money, and be merciful.

It was in vain to talk to Shylock of mercy.  He began to sharpen a knife; and then Portia asked Antonio if he had anything to say.  He replied that he could say but little; and prepared to take leave of his well-beloved Bassanio, bidding him tell his wife how he had died for friendship.