Connecticut western news., 1871-08-18
Was ShYlock a JeM2

! There are people who believe that Shakespeare made Shylock Jew in order to pander to the popular hostility exist ing at that day to the Israehtes. But, ,oas Shylock- Shylock of history, Jew or Christian !? A correspondent, (M. B. G.,) who takes an interest in the query, writes as follows "The affair took place at Rome in the time of Pope Sextus the Fifth-I have copied the same verbatim from work entitled History of Pope Sextus V.,' page 4O1 :-
 It was currently reported in Rome, that Drake had taken and plundered St. Domingo, in Hispaniola, and carried off an immense booty. This account came in a private letter to Paul Sechi, very considerable merchant in the city, who had large concerns in those parts which he insured upon receiving this news. He sent for the insurer, Sampson Gene
 da, Jew, whose interest it was to have such report thought false, gave many reasons why it could not possibly be true, and at last worked himself into such a passion that he said, "I'll lay a pound of my flesh it is ie." Such wagers, it l is well known, are often proposed, by people of strong passions, to convince others that are incredulous or obstinate. Nothing is more common than to say, "I'n lay my life on it." c. I'll forfeit my right hand if it is not true.' vv
 Seclli, who was of a fiery, hot temper, replied, elf you like it I'll lay you one thousand crowns against a pound of your flesh, it is true." The Jew accepted the wager, and articles were immediately exe- cuted between them, the substance of which was that if Sechi won he should himself cut the flesh with sharp knife, from whatever part of the Jews body he pleased Unfortunately for the Jew the truth of the account was very soon after confirmed by other advices from the West Indies, which threw him almost ] into distraction, especially when he was informed that5Sechi had ,solemnly sworn he would compel him to the exact literal ? performance of the contract, and was de- I termined to cut a pound of flesh from the Jews body. Upon this he went to the Governor of Rome, and begged she would interpose in the affair and use his authority to prevail on Sechi to accept one thousand pistoles as an equivalent for the pound of flesh but the Governor, not daring to determine case so 111l- common nature, made report to the Pope, who sent for them both, and hay ing heard the articles read and informed himself of the whole affair from their own mouths, said C When contracts are made it is just they should be fulfill ed, as we intend this shall. Take knife, Sechi, and cut pound of flesh from any part you please of the Jews body. We would advise you, however, to be very careful, for if you cut scruple, or a grain, more or less than your due, you shall certainly be hanged. Go and bring hither' knife and pair of scales, and let it be done in our presence" The merchant at these words began to trem- ble like an aspen leaf, and throwing him. self at the feet of his Holiness, with tears in his eyes protested it was far from his thoughts to insist upon the performance of the contract, and being asked by the Pope what he demanded, said, ''Noth- ing, Holy Father, but your benediction, and the articles may be torn to pieces;' then turning to the Jew, asked him what he had to say, and whether he was con- tent. The Jew answered he thought himself extremely happy to come off at so easy rate, and that he was perfectly content. "But we are not content, re- piled Sextus, "nor is there sufficient sat. isfaction made to our laws we desire tc know what authority you have to lay such wagers. The subjects of princes are the propertyof the state, and they have no right to dispose of their bodies or any part of them, without express consent of their sovereigns." They were both sent to prison, and the Governor ordered to proceed against them witt the utmost severity of the law.