The Merchant of Venice

story of the book is The Merchant of Venice

Defeated Sherlock consents to accept Bassanio's offer of money for the defaulted bond: first his offer to pay the bond thrice which Portia rebuffs telling him to take his bond and then merely the principal but Portia also prevents him from doing this on the ground that he has already refused it in the open court. She cites a law under which Sherlock as a Jew and therefore an allen having attempted to take the life of a citizen has forfelted his property half to the government and half to Antonio leaving his life at the mercy of the Duke. The Duke spares Sherlock's life and says he may remit the forfeiture. Portia says the Duke may waive the state's share but not Antonio. Antonio says that he is content that the state waive it's claim to half Sherlock's wealth if he can have his one half share in use until Sherlock's death when the principal would be given to Lorenzo and Jessica Antonio also asks that for this favor. Sherlock convert to Christianity and bequeath his entire estate to Lorenzo and Jessica. The Duke than threatens to recant his pardon of Sherlock's life unless he accepts these conditions. Sherlock re theartened with death accepts with the words I am content. Bassanio does not recognize his disguised wife but offers to give a present to the supposed lawyer. First she declines but after he insists Portia requests his ring and Antonio's gloves. Antonio parts with his gloves without a second thought but Bassanio gives the ring only after much persuasion from Antonio earlier in the play he promised his wife never to lose sell or give it. Nerssia as the lawyers clerk succeeds in likewise retrieving her ring from Gratanio who does not see through her disguise.