Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and Shylock gather in court where the duke of Venice will rule on Antonio and Shylock’s contract. The duke demands that Shylock provide a reason why he continues to demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh, even though Bassanio has arrived to repay the 3,000 ducats and more, if necessary. Shylock has no answer, aside from the fact that it suits his passions and he is lawfully permitted to do it. When the duke begs him to show mercy, Shylock turns the question around and asks why the duke doesn’t free his slaves and marry them off to his heirs. Before letting the duke respond, Shylock says, “You will answer, ‘The slaves are ours!’ So do I answer you: The pound of flesh which I demand of him / Is dearly bought; ‘tis mine and I will have it” (4.1.98-101).

The duke says he has no choice but to rule in Shylock’s favor, unless Dr. Bellario arrives to provide expert testimony supporting a contrary ruling. At that moment, Nerissa enters dressed as a male law clerk. She delivers a letter from Dr. Bellario stating that in his stead he has sent a brilliant young doctor of the law named Balthazar who is currently waiting outside the courtroom.