Читать книгу The Complete Works of Shakespeare онлайн

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Take thrice thy money, bid me tear the bond.

Shy.

When it is paid according to the tenure.

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.

Ant.

Most heartily I do beseech the court

To give the judgment.

Por.

Why then thus it is:

You must prepare your bosom for his knife—

Shy.

O noble judge, O excellent young man!

Por.

For the intent and purpose of the law

Hath full relation to the penalty,

Which here appeareth due upon the bond.

Shy.

’Tis very true. O wise and upright judge!

How much more elder art thou than thy looks!

Por.

Therefore lay bare your bosom.

Shy.

Ay, his breast,

So says the bond, doth it not, noble judge?

“Nearest his heart,” those are the very words.

Por.

It is so. Are there balance here to weigh

The flesh?

Shy.

I have them ready.