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It doth appear you are a worthy judge; You know the law; your exposition Hath been most sound; I charge you by the law, Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment. By my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me. I stay here on my bond.
ANTONIO. Most heartily I do beseech the court To give the judgment.
PORTIA. Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
SHYLOCK. O noble judge! O excellent young man!
PORTIA. For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty, Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
SHYLOCK. ' Tis very true. O wise and upright judge, How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
PORTIA. Therefore, lay bare your bosom.
SHYLOCK. Ay, ' his breast ': So says the bond:--doth it not, noble judge?-- ' Nearest his heart ': those are the very words.