Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1875-08-05

The Latest Version Of s'The Merchant or
Venicc.''

| hand clothing store in Venice. By buying
| low and selling for all be could get, doing bis
own cooking by gas stove, having no wash
ing done and never spending cent, he had
accumulated numerous ducats, which he
wasn't averse to lending ON collateral, pro-
vided the borrower had no conscientious
scruples against paying twenty per cent. a
month, or such q matter, for the accommoda-
| ton.
Antonio was merchant Of Venice, who
had speculated good deal and owned canal
boats. He had bosom friend named Bas-
sanio, who was in love with a rich widow,
Portia, but having lived a fast life he hadn't
the ready cash whereby to compete with his
more wealthy rivals.
His father, tired Of putting up for him, re-
fused him any more money. ''GO to the ant,
thy sluggard!' said the stern parent. He
did he went to Antonio and besought him
to ante for him. Now, Antonio, in anticipa-
ton OF the grasshoppers, had invested all he
had in wheat. and as soon as his boats that
were laden with it should arrive, he expected
to sell at great advance and be fixed. But
being anxious that his friend should have a
stake he agreed to borrow some ducats for
him if his credit would permit.
The next day he met Shylock on the Rialto
(Which differs from the alto heard at concert
saloons, not having so much rye with it, he
asked a loan of three thousand e, ,OOO ducats.
Shyloek bore no love to Antonio, nor to any
of his tribe, on account of the scorn they had
heaped upon him and his race. He dissenl-
bled, however, upon this occasion, pretending
he hadn't the money by him-would have to
see his brother-in-law. lie at length agreed
to provide the three thousand ducats tor three
months, factiously stipulating that Antonio
c1~o 1cirrs ro1-0
to forfeit a pound of flesh Uhe jew could
hardly tell 1t for laughing,) to be cut off
wherever he (the jew decided, provided the
money was not paid when due-''so hellup
me gracious!" Antonio, fully believing in
the success of his wheat speculation, and
having heard that his boats were on the way,
accepted the conditions and signed the bond.
Bassanio took the ducats and proceeded to
lay siege to the heart (thc pursc) of the rich
young widow. lie was most assiduous in his
attentions. He brought her chewing gum,
peppermint drops, etc., whenever he came !;
took her out buggy riding, and escorted her
to the gardens Sunday nights. In the swift
delirium of love the days and ducats sped
swiftly away.
Bassanio became the accepted sutor of
Portia, notwithstanding his rivals were opu-
lent, one owning stock in a grasshopper cx-
Termination, and the other being street-car
conductor on line that had not yet intro
duced the patent bell-strap, and was improv-
ing his opportunities. In the midst Of his
fluctuations he received letter from Antonio,
Informing him that all his boats had been
and he reduced to beggary, although he was
one who would bcggary time. He had for
feited bis bond to the Jew, and was only
waiting to know what portion of his body
Shylock would prefer to have his pound of
steak from. He urged Bassanio to try and
be present at the funeral, which would be
held at the house. Bassanio took the first
train for Venice, filled with remorse.
The temper of Shylock had not been ina-
proved any by his daughter Jessica running
away with a negro minstrel named Lorenzo,
particularly as they carried away stocking
full of ducats, jewels and Southern railroad
bonds. He caused the arrest Of Antonio,
positively refusing to receive anythingss but
the pound of flesh that had been forfeited.
The case was brought before Venetian
Justice of the Peace for adjudication. Bas-
sarso had made lucky hit at bunko the night
before, and offered to pay Shylock six thou
sand ducats instead of three thousand if he
would retire from the meat business and let
Antonio go. The Jew was obdurate; nothing
but q pound Of Antonio's flesh, and an cut
side piece at that, would satisfy him. He
produced butcher knife in court, and began
to whet it on the stove hearth. to show that
he meant business. The Squire had sent to
Padua for learned doctor of laws land the
laws needed doctoring pretty badly if they
allowed q man to take it out of debtor in
that way) to determine the case, which was
one OF considerable interest, especially to
A ntOnin Tho loo o6 doctor Id ;11nooo
and sent another doctor more learned than
himself, and better doctored, whom he recon-
mended. The latter, on his arrival, was ad-
mtted to the court, and on account of his ex-
ceedingly youthful appearance was derided
by u lot OF shys.ers from the police court,
who filled the best seats.
The case was clear one. The bond was
produced in Court, and told its own story.
Antonio confessed to it, and it was evident
that he WAS liable to leave that Courtroom
lighter by pound. The learned doctor told !
ShylOck that he must be E,erciful, but Shy |
lock said he didn't have to. Then the doctor |
HIM that the quality Of mercy was |
not strained, no strainer having been invent
ed at that time for anything but new milk. |
He said that Antonio must pay the forfeit if
the Jew refused mercy-nO power in Venice |
could alter the decree. Shylock cried out in
the very ecstacy of joy: GA Daniel come to
a very Danicl!" on account
Of the striking resemblance between the learn
cd doctor and Daniel Rice.
The doctor told Antonio he must bare his
breast. Sbylock brandished his knife fiend-
shly, eager to carve. He even had q pair
IF scales in the pocket of his linen duster to
weigh the flesh with, so perfect were his ar
for making the affair success. !