บทละครสั้น 10-15 นาที The merchant of Venice

1. ACT IV
SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice.
Characters: Judge, Shylock, Portia, Bassanio
JUDGE
Gentlemen. What do we have here?
Lord Shylock Thunders versus Antonio Bacillus.
Let the proceedings begin.
SHYLOCK
Well the case is quite simple Your Honor!
Antonio owes me three thousand ducats.
At the time that I lent the money to him. He promised me that if he didn’t return the money
by today, he had to cut a pound of his flesh to pay for me.
JUDGE
Quiet! Mr. Thunders would you please show me the contract?
SHYLOCK
Here it is Your Honor!
JUDGE
But surely, Mr. Thunders, Is it a deal that is too harsh?
SHYLOCK
I am sorry sir! A deal is a deal, a promise is a promise!
JUDGE
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is yours.
The court awards it, and the law bestows it.
SHYLOCK
Most rightful judge! A deal is a deal, a promise is a promise!
JUDGE
Mr. Thunders, reconsider! This is inhuman!
SHYLOCK
The merchant of Venice

2. This Your Honor! Is perfectly legal.
And all I ask is for Antonio to honor a legally signed contract and honor his word!
PORTIA
Mr. Shyrock Thunders is right Your Honor!
( เปิดอ่านสัญญา )
Mr. Thunders as per the contract.
If Mr. Antonio does not pay the required amount today, you had to cut a pound of his flesh
to pay for you. Right?
SHYLOCK
That is right! Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare!
PORTIA
Just a moment; there is something else. ( ทาท่าอ่านสัญญาอย่างพินิจพิเคราะห์ )
This contract gives you not a lot of blood;
The words expressly are “a pound of flesh:”
Take then your bond, receive your pound of flesh;
But, in the cutting of it, if you shed
One drop of Christian blood…
JUDGE
Your lands and goods are by the laws of Venice confiscated.
SHYLOCK
Is that the law?
JUDGE
If you exceed the bond,
Since you demanded justice, be assured
That you’ll have justice, more than you desire.
SHYLOCK
I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice
And let the Christian go.

3. BASSANIO
Here is the money.
PORTIA
Your Honor! ( หยุดทุกคนไว้ )
The Jew refused — the time for it is passed.
Therefore, prepare yourself to cut the flesh.
Shed no blood, nor cut you less nor more,
But just a pound of flesh: if you cut more
Or less than just a pound.
You die and all your goods are confiscate.
PORTIA
Why are you waiting, Mr. Thunders? take your forfeit.
SHYLOCK
Give me my principal, and let me go.
BASSANIO
I have it ready for you: here it is.
PORTIA
No! He has refused it.
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
JUDGE
Are you contented, Jew? What do you say?
SHYLOCK
I am content. ( ฉันพอใจ )
JUDGE
Clerk, draw a deed of gift and send to him later. ( หันไปแล้วสั่ง )
This puts a serious question mark on your honesty and integrity.
Therefore, this court bars you from the entering into any further contracts
till all your dealings are thoroughly investigated!
Take him away officers!