Bellario is asked to enter the court to help decide on this case. Instead there is a lawyers clerk with a letter from Bellario standing at the door.
The lawyer’s clerk is permitted into the court and the letter is read. Shylock, While the duke is reading the letter, is sharpening his knife.
There is another argument with Shylock and Graitiano who is trying to insult him. It is announced that a learned doctor has come instead of Bellario the layers clerk is told that the learned doctor Balthazar is permitted to enter the court. Meanwhile the letter is read allowed.
Balthazar enters the court.
There is a short discussion with the duke and then Balthazar familiarizes himself with the case.
Balthazar asks whether Antonio has agreed to the bond and Antonio says he has.
Balthazar tries to persuade the Jew in his decision and gives a definition of mercy and why he should show it.
Another offer is made to the Jew. Bassanio offers the money and self-sacrifice instead of the death of Antonio but the offer is refused.
The bond is asked to be examined. The Jew is now offered 9,000 ducats three times the original sum. Shylock again is asked to show mercy. He refuses this offer.
Balthazar says he must uphold the law and that Antonio should prepare his bosom for the forfeit. The Jew is asked to bring the scales to weigh the pound of flesh. He is asked to bring in his surgeon but he says that he will do it himself. He is asked to show mercy and not let Antonio bleed to death but he refuses, as it is not in the bond.
Balthazar announces that the pound of flesh is rewarded to the Jew.
Just as Shylock is about to cut the flesh Balthazar stops him and explains how in the bond it clearly says a pound of flesh not blood so in cutting his pound of flesh by law he is not allowed to drop any blood. The Jew now decides he will take the 9,000 ducats and Bassanio is eager to give it to him but Balthazar does not let him.
He tells Shylock how he has committed another crime in wanting the death of another man. Antonio and the duke are asked to show mercy. Antonio says that he wants Shylock to become a Christian and for him to provide for his daughter Jessica and Lorenzo. These terms Antonio says are granted.
Shylock leaves the court feeling ill.
