Merchant of Venice Act 4

Antonio is sent to the court for his trial. The Duke of Venice, who is looking over Antonio's case, expresses pity for him. The Duke summons Shylock to the court, saying that he believes that Shylock means only to frighten Antonio by extending this drama to the brink of performance, and that nobody believes that Shylock would really take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Shylock argued, saying that if the court does not punish Antonio, the city's very laws and freedoms will be forfeit.

Bassanio arrives to the court of Belmont, and offered Shylock 6000 ducats. Shylock flatly rejects the offer. Shylock states that a slave-owning Christian of Venice would also refuse to set their human property free; therefore, he will not relinquish the pound of flesh that belongs to him.

The Duke decides that a learned lawyer, named Doctor Bellario, will be the one to decide the matter. Later, Nerissa, disguised as a lawyer's clerk, enters the court and gives the duke a letter made by Bellario. The Duke alludes to the fact that Bellario's letter mentions a learned young lawyer named Balthasar, and orders the disguised Nerissa to admit the young man to the court. The Duke then reads the letter in its entirety. In it, Bellario writes that he is ill and cannot come to court, but that he has sent the learned young Balthasar to judge in his absence.

Portia enters, disguised as Balthasar. With her wits and words, Portia was able to save Antonio's life while Shylock must give in half of his properties to the state. Portia was also able to use the law to force Shylock and Jessica to convert to Christianity. Portia, still disguised as Balthasar is praised and thanked, but refuses money offered from Bassanio, at last asking only for Bassiano's ring [as a test of her husband's constancy and love for her versus Antonio] which he refuses to give initially. However, with Antonio's advice, Bassanio decides to give the ring to Gratiano to give it to the judge. Antonio and Bassanio then leave where they would return to Belmont.

Gratiano offered the ring to Portia, still disguised as the judge. Portia accepted it. After receiving the ring, Portia and Nerissa plan to surprise and embarrass their husband with the ring.