1 By my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me.
2 I would she were in heaven, so she could Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
3 And I know, my lord, If law, authority, and power deny not, It will go hard with poor Antonio.
4 Lorenzo and Salerio, welcome hither, If that the youth of my new int'rest here Have power to bid you welcome.
5 Upon my power I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here today.
6 This was a venture, sir, that Jacob serv'd for, A thing not in his power to bring to pass, But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heaven.
7 It must not be, there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established; 'Twill be recorded for a precedent, And many an error by the same example Will rush into the state.'
8 His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway, It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice.
9 Madam, you have bereft me of all words, Only my blood speaks to you in my veins, And there is such confusion in my powers As after some oration fairly spoke By a beloved prince, there doth appear Among the buzzing pleased multitude, Where every something being blent together, Turns to a wild of nothing, save of joy Express'd and not express'd.