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Shakespeare plays SHYLOCK on stage


A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are in a street in Venice.  Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as  Shylock dressed as an Elizabethan money-lender.  He looks very cross as he shakes his fist at Antonio.  Antonio's friend stands behind Shylock staring at him disapprovingly, while a gaoler holding a large bunch of keys looks on with a smirk

SHYLOCK I'll have my bond, speak not against my bond,
I have sworn an oath, that I will have my bond.
Thou call'st me dog before thou hadst a cause,
But since I am a dog, beware my fangs.
The duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder
Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so simple
To come abroad with him at his request.

ANTONIO I pray thee hear me speak.

SHYLOCK I'll have my bond, I will not hear thee speak,
I'll have my bond, and therefore speak no more.

The Merchant of Venice, Act 3 Scene 3