Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-05-07
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A PAPER.
sThe Merchant Of Venlce.''
MISS FANNIE LANDERS.

"The Merchant Of Venice"
MISS FANNIE LANDERs.
Ofall Shakspesre's PLAYS, the matur'
est results of his genius are to be found
In the comedy, The Merchant Of Ven
ice" It Is said be drew on italian au.
thors for the outlines of this and many
of his plays, but never was material
more changed in form or spirit by the
power of his genius, than these same
writings.
The strongest character Of the play
and surely the one that has been the
most grievouslv condemned, (whether
justly or unjuetly we will not yet say)
is Shylock the Jew.
We would like to mention just here
that the famous actor, Irving, defines
his idea of the character of Shylock as
"a man of refinement and education
bitterly smarting under the treatment
to which he had beer subjected by men
far more coarsely trained and less cul-
tured than himself; and consider Shy
locks crual act as one forced upon him
by the brutality and injustice Of
Others"
This Jew lived at Venice and had
with bis native skill and cunning amass.
ed quite fortune by lending money to
Christian merchants, at a high rate Of
interest. For reason Of his severity in
demanding bis payment he was look
upon as being very hard-hearted and
was cordially disliked by all indebted to
him, and was hated by none more than
by Antonio, rich and highly esteemed
young merchant of Venice. Antonio
frequently on meeting Shylock on the
Rialto or Exchange, would reproach him
as being cursed dog of a Jew tribe and
with being hard hearted and penurious;
to which the Jew Would make on re-
sponse, apparently bearing the infllc-
tions with patience, but all the while
medtating secret revenge.
As result of his kindness to his fellow
menAntonio was much beloved by them
especially by one Bassanio, a noble
Venitian who had exhausted his little
fortune by high living and who seemed
wholly dependent upon the purse and
kindness of Antonio, whose pure love
and chivalrous deeds for his friends
we're something remarkable and would
now be looked upon as something super
natural.
One day Bassanio came to Antonio
telling him that he wished to repair
his fortune by marrying very wealthy
lady and one whom he dearly loved
Portia, of Belmont. Not having the
means to furnish himself with an ap-
pearance befitting the suitor Of 40 veal
thy an heiress, be had again sought
assistance from his friend and asked of
him the sum of three thousand Ducts.
Antonio not having the money at that
time said he would borrow it from Shy
lock upon the credit of several vessels
that he expected would return soon,
laden with me- rchandise.
Now is the Jews time for action and
if the opportunity arrives for revenge,
he says to himself, "Cursed be my tribe
| if forgive him; be has rallied at and
spit upon me long enough, today he
comes for favor and tomorrow will do
the same thing again."
To Antonios question to lend the
money he said yes and that he would
ask no interest except that Antonio
should go with him to lawyer and
there in merry sport sign bond where.
by he would forfeit pound Of flesh
should he not repay the money by a
certain day.
Antonio readily consented TO this,
though Bassanio tried to pursuade him
not to do so, thinking harm might re-
suit. Bassanio, now fully equipped,
presents himself to the fair Portia, and
by chance in naming certain casket,
he succeeds in winning her as wife
though it must be mentioned not against
her own good wishes.
Portia pledges her troth by present.
ing a ring to Bassanio with the request
that he never part with it, whereupon
Nerissa, her waiting maid acknowledges
her love for Gratiano "a friend and
attendant of Bassanio's) in the same
, manner.
The happiness of these lovers was OF
short duration :or soon there appeared
a messenger with the frightful news
that the ships Of Antonio had all been
lost at sea.
Bassanio then explained how he was
indebted to his friend and Portia coun
sells him to take twenty times the
amount Of money and depart immedi-