hich Bassanio offered him, but insisted upon having a pound of
Antonio's flesh. A day was appointed to try this shocking cause before
the Duke of Venice, and Bassanio awaited in dreadful suspense the event
of the trial.

When Portia parted with her husband, she spoke cheeringly to him, and
bade him bring his dear friend along with him when he returned; yet she
feared it would go hard with Antonio, and when she was left alone, she
began to think and consider within herself, if she could by any means be
instrumental in saving the life of her dear Bassanio's friend; and
notwithstanding when she wished to honour her Bassanio, she had said to
him with such a meek and wife-like grace, that she would submit in all
things to be governed by his superior wisdom, yet being now called forth
into action by the peril of her honoured husband's friend, she did
nothing doubt her own powers, and by the sole guidance of her own true
and perfect judgment, at once resolved to go herself to Venice, and
speak in Antonio's defence.

Portia had a relation who was a counsellor in the law; to this
gentleman, whose name was Bellario, she wrote, and stating the case to
him, desired his opinion, and that with his advice he would also send
her the dress worn by a counsellor. When the messenger returned, he
brought letters from Bellario of advice how to proceed, and also
everything necessary for her equipment.

Portia dressed herself and her maid Nerissa in men's apparel, and
putting on the robes of a counsellor, she took Nerissa along with her as
her clerk; and setting out immediately, they arrived at Venice on the
very day of the trial. The cause was just going to be heard before the
duke and senators of Venice in the senate-house, when Portia entered
this high court of justice, and presented a letter from Bellario, in
which that learned counsellor wrote to the duke, saying, he would have
come himself to plead for Antonio, but that he was prevented by
sickness, and he requested that the learned young doctor Balthasar (so
he called Portia) might be permitted to plead in his stead. This the
duke granted, much wondering at the youthful appearance of the stranger,
who was prettily disguised by her counsellor's robes and her large wig.

And now began this important trial. Portia looked around her, and she
saw the merciless Jew; and she saw Bassanio, but he knew her not in her
disguise. He was standing beside Antonio, in an agony of distress and
fear