The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-12-20
MERCHANT or VENICE.

I
 In Belmont there lived a lady of rare beauty, by name Portia. Her father. dying, bequeathed her large fortune ; also three chesA made of gold, silver and lead. There were many suitoTs tor fair Portals hand, and the will of her father stipulated that the one fortunate enough to select the chest containing Portia's portrait could claim the lady tor bis bride. Portals fame was wide spread and she had many suitors among lords Of high degree.
 In Venice lived Bassanio, who longed to win the far maid O. Belmont, but I feared to make the attempt because he lacked fortune Antonio was his friend, a monied merchant of Venice, and man generous of his wealth. To him Bassanio made known his desires and asked the loan of three thousand ducats for three months. Antonio told him frankly that his wealth was all at sea, but he could borrow the amount upon his credit Bas- sanio goes to Shylock, a rich Jew and money lender, aud asked him for the loan of three thousand ducats, naming Antonio as his bondsman. Having full knowledge ot Antonio's wealth, the Jew accepted the bond after much deliber- ation. During the controversy Antonio joined his friend. The Jew was jealous Q. Antonio because he was Ike himselt 2 money lender, and hated him for his christianity. Antonio asked no interest upon his loans, and this had long since aroused the hatred of the Jew. Their hate was mutual, yet the JeW assumed the manner of friend as Antonio ap- preached. Antonio repulsed him with dignity, but the -w still proffered his friendship, offering to lend the money without interest, but with affected humor asked the privilege of taking pound of l flesh from the body of Antonio in case the money was not returned upon a certain day two months later. Antonio accepted the offer and the bond was signed.
 After the departure of Bassanio for Belmont, Shylock's daughter Jessica, despising her fathers acts, determined to leave his house, marry her lover and be- come a christian. She carried out her determination, taking with her many jewels of great value and large sums of money. Shylock, discovering the theft, was wild with rage, and mad with shame because his daughter had fled with a christian. He suspected Antonio as an aceompice, and swore revenge, decl IT, ing he would have pound of Antonio's ] hesh-would cut cut his heart to bait fish withal.
 Old Neptune favored the Jew, for Am tonio's ships were lost at sea, and Bas- sanio in the midst of his pleasures at Belmont, having won the heart and hand of Portia, received letter from Antonio, who related his misfortunes and told of his approaching death in iorfei, of the bond, saying at the close: "If your love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter"
 Portia witnessed the emotions of her lover as he read the letter, and at its con clusion was curious to learn what steals the color from Bassanio's cheek" He told her all, and her womanly heart was moved with sympathy for her lovey's friend. She urged him to hasten to An tonic and pay the forfeit, even if the sum was six thousand ducats, and Bassanio obeyed.
 Shylock closed his ears to all entreaties, and cried aloud that he would have his bond. In despair, Antonio urged his friends to let the CIV alone, and pre- pared himself for death. His only wish was that his friend Bassauio would arrive in time to see him pay his debt. The day for the trial of Antonio came, and vast multitude assembled in the court of justice. The CIV was alone and friend less He swore he would have the pound of flesh, and naught else. Bassanio was present. and offered twice the sum he borrowed, but Shyleck spurned the com promise. The pound of flesh which demand is dearly bought, and will have it," cried the Jew.
 Poria's maid disguised as a lawyers clerk entered the court, and presented to the duke of Venice letter from Ballario, a learned lawyer whom the duke ex- pected to be present at the trial. The recommended young doctor of Rome, who accompanied the messenger. The young doctor of Rome was the fair Portia in disguise. The duke bade her welcome, and the trial proceeded. The alleged young doctor oflaws informed the Jew that the law allowed him the pound of flesh. The Jew was rejoiced. and Anto. nio and his friends were in despair. The young lawyer further said, that in secur- ing the pound af flesh, if Shylock shed one single drop of Antonio's blood, his lands and good should be con6scaied. The Jew, honor-stricken at this threat, agreed to accept the six thousand duca,s. The court replied that once he had re- fused the money offer, and his only course was to take the pound of flesh, but that in making the attempt to take the life of Antonio, the Jew was guilty of serious crime, the punishment of which was that half his wealth should go to Antonio and half to the general govern ment, and further, that the offenders life was at the mercy of the duke. The duke spared the life of the sniveling Jew, and willed one half his wealth to Jessica and