126. Advice to an Affected Speaker. WHAT do you say? What? I really do not understand you. Be so good as to explain yourself again. Upon my word, I do not. -O, now I know: you mean to tell me it is a cold day. Why did not you say at once, "It is cold to-day." If you wish to inform me it rains or snows, pray say, "It rains," " "It snows; or, if you think I look well, and you 66 choose to compliment me, say, "I think you look well." 'But," you answer, "that is so common, and so plain, and what every body can say." Well, and what if they can? Is it so great a misfortune to be understood when one speaks, and to speak like the rest of the world? I will tell you what, my friend; you and your fine-spoken brethren want one thing — you do not suspect it, and I shall astonish you you want common sense. Nay, this is not all you have something too much; you possess an opinion that you have more sense than others That is the source of all your pompous nothings, your cloudy sentences, and your big words without a meaning. Before you accost a person, or enter a room, let me pull you by your sleeve and whisper in your ear, "Do not try to show off your have none at all - - that is your part. Use plain language, if you can; just such as you find others use, who, in your idea, have no understanding; and then, perhaps, you will get credit for having some." LA BRUYERE. sense It is a saying of a quaint writer, that "words are the counters of wise men, but the money of fools.". -This is well. The thought is ingenious, and happily expressed. It would be no very difficult matter, however, to point out passages in many authors which will prove that it is not peculiar to fools to fall into this error. If an author is supposed to involve his thoughts in voluntary obscurity, and to obstruct, by unnecessary difficulties, a mind eager in pursuit of truth; if he writes not to make others learned, but to boast of the learning which he possesses himself, and wishes to be admired rather than understood, he counteracts the first end of writing, and justly suffers the utmost severity of censure. But still words are only hard to those who do not understand them; and the critic ought to inquire, whether he is incommoded by the fault of the writer, or by his own ignorance. - 127. Venice. A Court of Justice. DUKE, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALARINO, and others Enter SHYLOCK. Duke. SHYLOCK, the world thinks, and I think so too.. That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice To the last hour of act; and then, 'tis thought, Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse, more strange. And where thou now exact'st the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh, - But, touched with human gentleness and love, Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, That have of late so huddled on his back; From brassy bosoms, and rough hearts of flint, We all expect a gentle answer, Jew. Shy. I have possessed your grace of what I purpose; To have the due and forfeit of my bond; Bass. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, Shy. I am not bound to please thee with my answer. Shy. Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Shy. What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice? Ant. I pray you, think, you question with the Jew: You may as well go stand upon the beach, And bid the main flood bate his usual height; --- As seek to soften that than which what's harder?- Bass. For thy three thousand ducats here are six. Were in six parts, and every part a ducat, I would not draw them; I would have my bond. Duke. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none? You have among you many a purchased slave, Because you bought them. Shall I say to you, There is no force in the decrees of Venice Duke. Upon my power, I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this, Come here to-day. Salar. My lord, here stays without A messenger from the doctor, New come from Padua. Duke. Call the messenger. Enter PORTIA. Give me your hand; came you from old Bellario? Por. I did, my lord. Duke. You are welcome; take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court? Por. I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth Por. Is your name Shylock? Shy. Shylock is my name. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow ; Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you, as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not? (To Antonio.) Ant. Ay, so he says. Por. Do you confess the bond? Ant. I do. Por. Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings: And earthly power doth then show likest God's, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Por. Is he not able to discharge the money ? Bass. Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. Wrest once the law to your authority; To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel monster of his will. And I beseech you, Por. 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; it cannot be. Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how do I honor thee! |