“High in the North in a land called Svithjod there is a mountain.” “It is a hundred miles long and a hundred miles high” “And once every thousand years a little bird comes to this mountain to sharpen its beak.” “When the mountain has thus been torn away, a single day of eternity will have passed.”

注：

以上文字引自房龙（Hendrik Willem van Loon）的作品《人类的故事》（The Story of Mankind）。原文如下：


High in the North in a land called Svithjod there is a mountain.

It is a hundred miles long and a hundred miles high

and once every thousand years a little bird comes to this mountain to sharpen its beak.

When the mountain has thus been worn away a single day of eternity will have passed.


p.s. “Svithjod”是“瑞典”的一个古称，带有古诺斯语的色彩。

 The hero is gone. The wound gradually healed. The everyday life has returned, just like how the eternal stars rise from east to west day after day. Ten years have passed in the Bubble Universe’s time. Well? Antonio’s here, is he? Ready, at your pleasure, Your Grace. I am sorry for you. You have come to answer a stony adversary, an inhuman wretch, incapable of pity and devoid of even a drop of mercy. I’ve been told Your Grace has taken great pains to dissuade him from his course. But as he’s determined, and as the law can’t help me avoid his revenge, then… ...The saying fits well, one should die in silence! I... I... I feel ashamed. I have never had the guts to do anything extraordinary, so today I have to quietly welcome my tragic fate. ...What? That… What Thales said wasn’t in the script at all, was it, Captain? Hahahaha, does that matter? It is very common for actors to forget their lines. As long as they continue to speak according to the situation, the story will continue to develop normally. And I will correct you. In here I am the “Director of the Theater”, not the “Captain”. As the orientals say, “If the name is not right, the words won’t flow well”. ...Ah, sorry. I’m just used to it. Haha, you don’t have to get so cautious all of a sudden. It’s not bad to be humble, but I prefer the you who was more easygoing. ...Huh, Rita sometimes says the same thing. However, this is the so-called “growth”, right? I experienced, lost and gained many things-- In the end, it may be very different from the past; But I know, from the depths of my heart, I managed to protect the treasure I cherish the most in this world: My true self. ...You have really grown up, Bianka. Although on your side, the flow of time is much slower; Compared to the decade that has passed here... Director of the Theater, it’s your scene next! Oops, it’s my turn to play. Bianka, can you match your lines with mine? Of course. Shylock, come forward! We are all waiting for you to change your mind and give up cutting that pound of meat from this unfortunate businessman. I’ve told Your Grace what my intentions are. I’ve sworn by our holy Sabbath to get the full penalty for failure to pay the debt. If you deny it you will be undermining your city’s constitution and the rule of law. You’ll ask me why I’d rather have a measure of dead flesh than receive three thousand ducats-- --Just say I feel like it. Is that good enough? What if my house were plagued by a rat and it suited me to pay ten thousand ducats to have it poisoned? Isn’t that my freedom? There are some men who don’t like the sight of a gaping pig’s head: some who go mad if they see a cat: and others who can’t help wetting themselves when they hear the nasal whine of the bagpipes. That’s because our likes and dislikes govern our emotions. No one is their own master. When one’s own likes and dislikes are stimulated, they don’t need a reason, everyone can’t help but show their ugly side. And for me, it is a solid hatred and a loathing that I have for Antonio that makes me pursue this money-losing case against him! ——Have you got your answer? You callous man! This is no excuse for your cruelty! I don’t have to please you with my answers! You are crazy! Do all men kill the things they dislike? Wouldn’t every man just love to kill the things he doesn’t like? Every offence causes hatred in the first place? How could that be true? What? Would you allow a serpent to sting you twice? Please, don’t forget, you’re arguing with the Jew. You may as well stand on the beach and tell the sea not to reach its usual high point. You may as well ask the wolf why he has made the ewe bleat in bereavement of its lamb. You may as well forbid the mountain pines to sway or make a noise in the buffeting winds. So, my friend, I beg you not to try anything else or use any further means—— But let me have the judgment and the Jew his will as soon as possible. You- How can you give yourself up like this?! To the old man over there: If he borrowed three thousand ducats, I will return you six thousand. I just said so much, did you not listen?! Listen well, brat. If every ducat in that six thousand were multiplied by six—— ——I would not take the money. I want the punishment done as per the contract. You… how can you hope for mercy, not giving any yourself? What do you mean, Your Grace? What judgment should I fear, not having done anything wrong? Between you, many have bought slaves which, treating them like beasts, you use for dirty and difficult jobs. If I were to say: “Free them – marry them to your children, why care about the money spent? Give them beds as soft as yours and good food like your own”—— ——Where would your compassion be then? You would answer: “The slaves are our property.”—— And that’s how I’m answering you. The pound of flesh that I demanded of him was expensive. It’s mine and I’m going to have it! If you deny me then shame on your law! It will mean that the laws of Venice are only a piece of paper for decoration! How rude! I am waiting for the verdict, Your Grace. Answer me quickly: Will I have it? ...I have sent someone to ask for Don Quixote, a learned lawyer, to resolve this case. If he does not come today, according to the power invested in me by the state, I’m able to postpone the trial. Wait, wait, wait. The name of this “Doctor” appeared once before, you can’t change it so casually, right? Well, Bianka is right on this one. The details can be left to the actors, but the structure cannot be changed at will. “Bellario” is the cousin of the heroine, “Portia”, which is explained in the third act named “Portia”. Well… I’m getting old, and my head doesn’t work as well as it used to. I couldn’t remember the name of the doctor just now, so I had to put “Don Quixote” in it. Hahaha, then how about this? We give a line to Bassanio, let him add the name of the Doctor. I have to remind him? Yeah. The governor dragged his tone and did not say the name, “I have sent someone to ask for…” You immediately add “Doctor Bellario, Your Grace.” Then the governor can go on, “Yes, yes… Doctor Bellario, a learned lawyer, to solve this case.” Oh, that’s a good idea! Then, let's continue? *Cough* I have sent someone to ask for… uh... Doctor Bellario, Your Grace. Yes, yes… Doctor Bellario, a learned lawyer, to solve this case. If he does not come today, according to the power invested in me by the state, I’m able to postpone the trial. Your Grace the Governor. What is it? There’s a messenger waiting outside, just arrived from Padua with letters from Doctor Bellario. Just in time. Bring me the letters and call the messenger in. Be happy, Antonio. Come on man, be brave. This barbarian will have my flesh, blood, bones and all before you’ll lose one drop of blood for my sake. I am the runt of the flock and the most vulnerable, it is my destiny to be slaughtered. The weakest fruit drops earliest to the ground, and so will I. Let me end my life of misfortune this way. The best thing you can do, Bassanio, is stay alive and write my epitaph. Hey, stop saying these self-defeating things! Look, the messenger has already come. I greet Your Grace the Governor. Have you come from Padua, from that doctor? From both, my lord. Bellario sends his compliments to Your Grace. This is his handwritten letter, please read it. Shink-- Shink-- Shink-- Shink-- Shink-- Hey, you’re being noisy! Why are you sharpening your knife so earnestly? Of course, it’s to cut the meat from that bankrupt guy there that belongs to me. You… You cruel Jew! It’s not on your sole that you’re sharpening your knife, you- You are sharpening it on your stone heart! No, no metal – not even the hangman’s axe – is half as hard as your heart! Can- Can no prayers move you? ...Jimmy, you’re too nervous. I’m… I’m sorry… When I noticed it was my part to accuse the villain, I just... Haha, is there something wrong with that? Isn’t it interesting to have a timid and scared “Gratiano” who wants to stick to his simple sense of justice? Ah… sorry... I just can’t help but feel anxious when I see this type of person. Ahahaha. Since everyone here is a temporary guest actor, you must let the character follow your own nature, so that you can play it well. So, shall we continue with the rehearsal? After all, won’t tomorrow’s performance be broadcast to the whole world? ...None that you’re intelligent enough to make. G- Go rot in hell, you heartless dog! Hahaha, until the time comes that you can shout the seal from off my contract you’re only hurting your lungs with that noise - Why bother? Good boy, I advise you to calm down. Don’t continue to make a fool out of yourself, and don’t do something unimaginable to yourself or others. ——Your Grace, I only ask for a fair judgement by the law. ...This letter said that the doctor himself could not appear, but he recommended a young and promising lawyer to our court. Messenger, has this young man come with you? Yes, he’s waiting nearby, to know your answer - To hear whether you’ll admit him or not. With all my heart. Hurry up, three or four of you officials go and escort him here with all due courtesy. Young man, you’ve come from the doctor? I have, my lord. You are welcome. Take your place. Are you acquainted with the dispute that occupies this court today? I’m fully briefed on the case. Which is the bankrupt merchant, and which is the creditor? Antonio and old Shylock, both come forward. Is your name Shylock? Shylock is my name. Your suit is an unusual one, but it stands up legally and Venetian law can’t challenge its validity. Antonio, you’re in some danger from this suit of his, aren’t you? Yes, that’s what he claims. Do you admit to this debt? I do. Since the other party admitted to being wrong, then I suggest the creditor to be merciful. Why does everyone want me to be “merciful”? On whose authority must I? I’m a scholar, so forgive me if it sounds like a sermon, but... The quality of mercy is not strained, It drops on to the world as the gentle rain does to all sentient beings. It’s doubly blessed, It blesses both the giver and the receiver. And to those who provide mercy, it gives a different type of happiness: One that is more noble and comforting than any right or wealth. I’ve spoken about this to soften the justice of your plea. If you insist on pure justice, however, then this serious Venetian court has no alternative other than to pronounce sentence against the merchant. I’ll not give in! I only ask that the law allow me to execute the punishment as per the contract. Is he unable to pay you the money? No, he can pay. I’m offering it to him here in the court. Indeed, twice the sum. If that’s not enough I’m willing to be bound over to pay it ten times over, on the collateral of my hands, my head, my heart; If that’s still not enough, then it’s not the money that’s at issue – it’s the desire to murder my friend. Doctor, I beg of you, use your authority to bend the law—— Do a small wrong to bring about a great right and prevent this cruel devil from having his way, or else the whole law will be the accomplice of a murder. It can’t be done, there’s no power in Venice that can circumvent an established law. It would create a precedent and encourage many other irregularities in the court. It’s impossible. A Daniel come to deliver justice! The wisdom of this young man is simplicity rare in this world, and I agree with his every word! Lender, please let me see the contract. Here it is, most reverend doctor. Here it is! Shylock, will you not think of it again? They are willing to repay you with more than three times the money. No, no, I have sworn an oath before heaven. Do you want me to burden my soul with perjury? No, no, no! Not even for the whole of Venice would I give it up. Very well. Then we will punish as agreed. The Jew may lawfully claim a pound of flesh, to be cut, by him, from the merchant’s chest. But… Mr. Shylock, I advise you one last time: Be merciful, take three times the money. Tell me to tear the contract up. When it’s paid, according to its terms, you can tear it up. You appear to be a good judge. You know the law! Your interpretation has been very sound, you are indeed a rising star of the legal world—— ——In the name of the law, I ask you to proceed to judgment. I don’t want a reconciliation or accommodation, I just want to enforce the penalty clause. ...My desperate heart also asks you to use the sentence to end its suffering. ...All right Well then, this is it: You must prepare your breast for his knife. Hahahaha, Oh noble judge! Oh excellent young man! The reason why I pronounced this sentence is because the contractual punishment does not conflict with the laws of Venice. That’s very true! Oh wise and upright judge! How much older you are than you look! ...Antonio, uncover your chest. Yes. “his chest”, “near his heart”! Here, it’s written on the contract in black and white! ...That's right. Are there scales here to weight the flesh? I have them here. Well, I hope you have a doctor standing by, Shylock. At your expense, to stop his wounds in case he bleeds to death. Does it say that in the contract? It’s not detailed, but what of that? You'd naturally do that out of charity. Sorry, but I can’t find any surgeon nor the obligation to do so. Then, merchant Antonio, do you have something to say? Very little - I’m fortified and mentally prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio. Farewell! Don’t grieve that I’ve fallen to this state for your sake. Any man who truly loves his friends would do the same. Remember me to your dear wife. Tell her the story of Antonio’s death: tell her how much I loved my friends, and how I accepted my death. Speak well of me, and when the tale has been told ask her whether Bassanio was once dearly loved by his friend. Ask her if that friend really did die without regrets. Regret only that you will lose your friend. If the Jew cuts deeply enough I’ll pay it immediately, with all my heart. Antonio, I’m married to a woman who is as dear to me as life itself, but I don’t value life, my wife, and all the world more than I do your life! I would give them all, yes, sacrifice them all, right here and now, to this devil, to save you! …*Cough*, *Cough*. Your wife wouldn’t thank you much for that, were she here to hear you make that offer. No, Rita—— ——Ah. ……Sorry, my tongue slipped. Puff. Hahahahahahaha! ...It’s fine. We can laugh now, we just have to train a bit more later. Having said that, this paragraph is just a witty remark on the story, so everyone can play it as they interpret it. ——Shall we continue? ...Alright. Your wife wouldn’t thank you much for that, were she here to hear you make that offer. No, doctor, this was just a metaphor, I’m not saying I would really use my family to... Yes, yes. I also have a wife whom I swear I love—— But, in this situation, I can’t help but come up with some strange ideas: I wish she were in heaven so she could plead with some higher power to change this currish Jew’s mind! ...It’s a good thing you’re offering that behind her back! Otherwise you’d have an unsettled household for several days. Uh... Look, this is the “good husband” of your so-called “civilized people”! I have a daughter, and I would rather have her marry the son of a pirate than a beast like you. We’re wasting time, the sentence, please! Very well. A pound of that merchant’s flesh is yours. The court awards it, the law allows it. Most rightful judge! And since you did not accept any of the compromises proposed by the defendant, you must cut this flesh from his breast. The law allows it and the court awards it. Most learned judge! A good sentence! One moment. ...Is there something else, Your Honor? There is. This contract doesn’t allow you a drop of blood. The words expressly are “a pound of flesh.” So you can take the meat, but一 But if, in cutting it, you shed one drop of his blood, under the laws of Venice your lands and goods are subject to confiscation to the state of Venice. ...What? Oh upright judge! Did you hear that, vampire? This is a truly learned judge! Is that the law? You can see the act for yourself. As you urged justice so strongly, be assured that you will have more justice than you want. “Oh noble judge!” “Most learned judge! A good sentence!” ...Well then. I’ll accept the late payment, just pay back three times the amount in the contract. Here’s the money. Not so fast, friend of the defendant. I have already pronounced the sentence. Since the plaintiff could not accept any of the compromises proposed by the defendant, he had to cut off the meat from the merchant’s chest. He can no longer accept any alternative. Ah, there is no one who is fairer than you, oh Judge! And so, Mr. Shylock, please cut the meat now. Shed no blood, and take care to cut off no more and no less than just a pound of flesh. If the scale turns as much as the weight of a hair, you die and all your property is confiscated. “A Daniel come to deliver justice! The wisdom of this young man is simplicity rare in this world, and I agree with his every word!” Why are you hesitating? Take your forfeit. ...Give me my capital back and let's pretend this never happened. I have it ready, here it is. Friend of the defendant? As I said earlier, he can no longer accept any alternatives. Wouldn’t getting my capital back suffice? You’ll have nothing but the penalty to be taken at your peril, Shylock. The law has already sentenced the defendant for breaching the contract, and you can’t change that fact. Well then, may the devil give him the benefit of it! I won’t stay and argue this any longer. Wait, Jew, The law has another hold over you. It is stated in the Venetian law that if it should be proved against an foreigner that he has, by direct or indirect efforts, sought the life of any citizen, the person against which he has conspired is—— ——entitled to seize one half of his goods, the other half going to the state coffers; Furthermore, whether the offender lives or dies becomes the subject of the duke’s sole discretion. Kneel, therefore, and beg the duke for mercy. It might not be too late. Shylock, let me show you the spirit of our “civilized people”: I already forgave your death sentence before you even asked for it. Regarding half your wealth – it goes to Antonio. The other half goes to the state. Showing remorse could convert this to a fine. No! I don’t need your “forgiveness”, just take my life as well! When you take my house you take the means of maintaining it: you take my life when you take away the means whereby I live! What mercy can you give him, Antonio? If it pleases my lord the duke and the court to not confiscate one half of his wealth, then I promise: The other half I took over will be transferred to his daughter and the gentleman who eloped with her recently. I only have one other condition: That he makes a will, here and now, in the court, leaving everything he owns at the time of his death to his son-in-law, Lorenzo, and his daughter. He will do this, or I’ll withdraw the pardon that I’ve just pronounced. Are you satisfied, Shylock? What do you say? I... I’m content. Then Clerk, please draw up a will. Could you… Give me permission to leave the court.... I’m not well. Send the will after me and I’ll sign it. Go ahead, I don’t think you have the guts to change your mind. Antonio, reward this gentleman because, in my opinion, you’re seriously indebted to him. Yes, my lord. Phew… I can finally take a break. Although it may be rude to say this - But the curtain hasn’t fallen yet? ...Ah. Is the part after this when Bassanio gives his wedding ring to the doctor? Yes, Durandal—— ——Ah, no, Bianka-sama. It’s alright, I don’t mind it. Cap - No, Director, isn’t there a famous line in one of your other scripts? “A name isn't a hand, a foot, an arm, a face, or anything like that” “What does a name mean? The flower we call a rose would smell just as sweet if we called it by any other name.” Haha. Having said that, didn’t you say the Holy Sword has been recast? Did it protest that you stole its name? ...Well, no. After all, in the words of the “Holy Sword” itself—— Hey—— “No, you should continue to use that name! I don’t know if people can get used to it once I get it back, but I really enjoy being able to claim to be your ancestor, you know?” Hahahaha! It would have been a lot more lively if it could come back here. ...That’s true. Captain, we will definitely find a way to connect the “Inversion baseline” of this Bubble Universe to the “Imaginary Tree” and completely solve its stability problem. When the day that the “Holy Sword” can unload its burden - I will definitely take it back here to have a look. Hahaha, then is that a promise? It's a promise! I promise. Alright everyone! We still have one-fifth left to surprise the world on the broadcast, come on! My dear sir, my friend and I have escaped some serious penalties today, as a result of your wisdom. I have the honour of offering you the three thousand ducats. They were due to the Jew, but you can have it as payment for the trouble you’ve taken. You two, you must not. All I wanted was the law to not be used in a twisted way. In rescuing you, I’ve achieved satisfaction, so I regard myself as having been well paid. I’ve never been interested in money. Please, remember me when we meet again. Good luck. And so, goodbye. ——Wait, sir! Dear sir, I really must insist. Take a souvenir, as something to remember us by, not as a fee. Grant me two things, I beg of you: not to say no to me, and to pardon my insistence. ...You’re very insistent, and therefore I will concede. Mr. Antonio, let me have your gloves. I’ll wear them to remember you; And Mr. Bassanio, as a token of your goodwill, I’ll take this ring. Eh? But—— No, don’t pull your hand away, I won’t take anything else. Surely you won’t refuse me? But this ring is… I... Oh no, it’s worthless. I wouldn’t shame myself by giving it to you. ...What is so embarrassing about it? If you say that, it really makes me want it now. I won’t have anything but this ring. ...Ugh. This ring itself is worthless, but it has sentimental value for me, and I can’t give it to others. Doctor, I’ll advertise for the most expensive ring in Venice and give it to you. But as for this ring, I beg you to pardon me. I see, sir, that you are very free with your offers. You were the one who taught me how to beg, and now, it seems, you’re teaching me how a beggar should be treated. I…… I—— Good sir, my wife gave me this ring, and when she put it on my finger she made me promise that I would never sell it or give it away or lose it. ...That’s an excuse many men use to avoid giving gifts. Unless your wife is mad, knowing how well I deserve this ring, she wouldn’t hold it against you forever that you gave it to me. Even if I take it away now, it would not result in the breakdown of your marriage. Well, goodbye, and good luck. Ah, please wait—— Let her have the ring, my Lord Bassanio—— Balance his worthiness and my love with your wife’s instruction! …… Run, Gratiano! Catch up with him. Give him the ring, and bring him to Antonio’s house if you can. Yes, I will chase them now. Come, Antonio. We’ll go to your house to celebrate, and we’ll both set off for Belmont early tomorrow. Nerissa, ask the way to Shylock's house, give him this will and make sure he signs it. We’ll leave tonight and be home a day before our husbands. Lorenzo will be very pleased with this document. Hi, dear sir! Yes? I’m glad I’ve caught you. My Lord Bassanio, has, on second thoughts, sent you this ring and requests your company at dinner. I don’t need to eat; But I will take this ring, thank him for his kindness for me. And one last thing: please show my youth the way to old Shylock’s house. N- No problem! Sir, I’d like a word. (I’ll see if I can get my husband’s ring – the one I made him swear to keep forever.) (That will be easy. We’ll get the old story that they gave the rings to men but we’ll be able to contradict them beautifully; But we must not only win, we must make them value their vows even more than before.) Off you go, hurry up. You know where I’ll be waiting. Come Sir, will you show me to this house? Please follow me, Mr. clerk. Hahahaha, it’s really interesting to have real couples perform this kind of drama! Hmm… I sympathize with Jimmy a little too much, he’s too nervous no matter how I look at it. Hm? And what about you? Me? Why would I—— ...Hey! What are you trying to imply, Director of the Gossip Theatre! Did something happen, Bianka-sama? ...Nothing! Hahahaha, okay, okay, I was just joking. Those who need to change clothes hurry up, let’s finish the last act in one try! Yes, Director of the Theater! What a beautiful starry sky! On such a night as this, when the sweet wind kissed the trees so gently that they didn’t make a sound – it was such a night, I imagine – ——Hush. Listen, there are footsteps. Who’s that running around here in the silence of the night? A friend! Friend? Neither Lorenzo nor I know you. My name’s Stephano and I’ve come to tell you that my mistress will be here at Belmont before dawn, and with her, she brings good news. What good news? I don’t know, the mistress just wanted me to inform you in advance that “There will be good news”-- Get out of the way! I bring news! ...What? Shouldn’t you be taking care of my dad at home? Why have you come here to deliver a message? Ah, Jessica - This time I am helping the master’s enemy to deliver the message. He will be here tomorrow, and he will bring good news. What good news? I don’t know. ...What is going on, everyone is being so secretive. But let’s all get inside: Since the mistress of this house is coming back, we have to prepare. Huh? Why are there lights in our house, and what is this wonderful music flowing in the wind? Could it be… our husbands came back before us? Don’t panic, Nerissa: You know how good their relationship with Antonio is. They must have been eating and drinking in the city last night. ——That’s the mistress’s voice if I’m not mistaken. He knows me just as the blind man knows the cuckoo – by its terrible voice. Dear lady! Welcome home! We’ve been praying for our husbands’ welfare, we hope they’ll be back all the sooner because of those prayers. Are they back? Not yet, madam, but there was a messenger who came to announce their imminent arrival, saying they will bring good news—— ——Which they refused to tell me what they were. ...Well, then they should not be far. Go in, Nerissa, tell my servants not to say a word about our absence. Nor must you, Lorenzo, nor you, Jessica. And about the good news, we will tell you when the time is right. Don’t worry, madam, we’re not tell-tales. And listen - It’s Mr. Bassanio’s trumpet in the distance. Welcome home, my husband! Thank you, my wife. Thanks to you, we have returned safely. Let me introduce you formally: This is Antonio, to whom I’m eternally indebted. Good evening, madam. You really are, Bassanio. I heard that because of you, he almost lost his life. It was no more than I was prepared to pay. ——Wa-wait, please listen to my explanation, Nerissa. By the moon above us I swear you’re wronging me. I promise you, I gave it to the judge’s clerk. Th-There really is nothing! A-After all, he is just the doctor’s companion! A quarrel already? What’s the matter? I, I... Humph. Do you remember what you swore when I gave you that ring? When I gave it to you you promised me that you’d wear it till you died and that you’d take it to the grave with you—— ——If not for my sake but because of your vehement oaths you should have been more serious and kept it. And now what? He lies saying a boy got this ring! A boy! But if it was a girl the problem would be bigger, right? What? You still dare make excuses? I, I... I swear to God that the doctor and his clerk are out benefactors; He really wanted the ring instead of a fee, and I didn’t have the heart to refuse him. ...Excuse me for coming in so bluntly. Nerissa is your wife, how could you so casually give away the first gift your wife gave you? In front of her, you should have tried to keep some face. It was placed on your finger with vows and welded to your flesh with trust. It was a part of your body, like your fingers are. I gave my love a ring and made him promise never to part with it—— I would bet he would never lose it nor take it off his finger for all the world’s wealth. Gratiano, you’ve given your wife too unkind a cause for grief. You should find a way to apologize to her quickly. (...I really should have cut off my left hand when coming home. That way, I could swear that I lost the ring while defending it from a robber.) Bu- But… Mr. Ba- Bassiano… also gave his ring to the doctor? They helped us win the lawsuit, but they wouldn’t take any money, only—— ——What? What ring did you give him, my love? Not the one I gave you, right? ...If I could make you happy by lying, I would. But you can see the ring is not on my hand, and nothing I say will make you happy. Oh my god, what good is it to be honest now? There is no trace of that in your hypocritical heart. By heaven, I won’t come anywhere near your bed until I see that ring in your hand again! …… Sweet Portia, If you knew who I gave the ring to—— It’s not a question of who you gave it to—— If you had realised the significance of the ring, or half the worth of she who gave you the ring, you wouldn’t have parted with the ring, What man could be so unreasonable, so insensitive, as to insist on taking a ring from someone else’s hand? Is he a fool not having realized the sentimental value of it? I agree with Nerissa. I’d bet my life that some woman has the ring! No! I swear in my honour, madam, in my soul, I really gave it to the doctor who helped us in court. He refused to take three thousand ducats and demanded the ring, which I refused him, and let him leave displeased. The man who had saved the life of my dear friend! What can I say, sweet lady? I was forced to send it after him: I was filled with shame and a sense of obligation. I couldn’t besmirch my honour with such ingratitude. Pardon me, good lady, but if you had been there I think you would have begged me for the ring to give to the worthy doctor. Don’t let that doctor come anywhere near my house! But since he’s got the jewel that I loved, and which you swore to keep for my sake—— ——I’ll be as generous as you: I won’t deny him any of my possessions. No, not even my body, nor my husband’s bed. Madam, please calm down. I’m the unhappy subject of these quarrels. Sir, don’t be troubled. We all like you, and you are welcome nevertheless. Portia! Forgive me for offending you. Here, with all these friends as witnesses, I swear to you, even by your lovely eyes, in which I see myself… What are you talking about? There is you in my left eye, and there is you in my right eye. Are you going to swear by your hypocritical self? No! Just listen! Forgive this fault and I swear by my soul that I’ll never break a promise to you! My good lady, I staked my body for his happiness. Now I offer to be bound again, with my soul as the forfeit. With my soul as the forfeit, your husband will never again knowingly break faith with you. Good sir, there is no need for contracts—— Instead, you’ll be his guarantor. Give this to my husband, and tell him to look after it better than the other. Here, Lord Bassanio! Swear to keep this ring forever! ...By heaven! It’s the one I gave the doctor! I got it from him. Forgive me, Bassanio. The doctor slept with me in return for this ring. And forgive me, my gentle Gratiano, because that same scrubbed boy, the doctor’s clerk, slept with me for this ring as well. What… the hell? That… That’s... Fufu, seems like the shock was a little too much; I don’t think we should continue to tease you. Here’s a letter; read it at your leisure. It comes from Padua; from Bellario. In it you will discover that Portia was the doctor, and Nerissa there, her clerk. Lorenzo here, will tell you that I set out immediately after you and have just returned. I haven’t even been inside yet. Antonio, you are welcome, and I have even better news for you than you expect: Open this letter soon. You’ll find that three of your ships returned to the harbour richly laden. You must never have expected this letter to come from me. ...I’m speechless. So… Were you the doctor and I couldn’t tell? Puff. Most men have no experience with crossdressing, so it’s normal for you to not have realized. …… Ah, let us leave all the questions behind! Sweet doctor, you will be my bed partner tonight! And when I’m away you can sleep with my wife. ...Or something like that. Alas, Bassiano, you suddenly learned to sweet talk - I think if you ever became a judge, you would be more talkative than the doctor. By the way, Lorenzo—— What’s the matter, madam? This good news is for you: Here is a document signed by your rich father-in-law. Not only will he now give you half of his wealth for you and Jessica; But after his death, all of his inheritance will go to you. That’s incredible! Madam, you are an angel who spreads happiness! It’s almost morning, but I'm sure there’s more that you want to know about these events. Let’s go in. You can interrogate us there and we’ll tell you everything you want to know. There’s only two hours until daylight; It’s better to go to sleep and wait until the afternoon to celebrate our entire adventure together—— ——Is that alright, my Sweet Doctor? Phew… I didn’t expect that the last scene would be the most tiring part. Hm? Is that so? I thought… Bianka-sama would definitely enjoy it. Whe- Where would I—— What would make me happy in that scene? Hm? You don’t know? “Sweet doctor, you will be my bed partner tonight!” “And when I’m away you can sleep with my wife.” …… Hey!