There was a gentleman dwelling in the city named Bellario, a
counsellor, who was related to Portia; and to him she wrote telling the
case, and begging that he would send her the dress which she must wear
when she appeared to defend the prisoner at his trial. The messenger
returned, bringing her the robes of the counsellor, and also much
advice as to how she should act; and, in company of her maid Nerissa,
Portia started upon her errand, arriving at Venice on the day of the
trial.

The duke and the senators were already in court, when a note was handed
from Bellario saying that, by illness, he was prevented pleading for
Antonio; but he begged that the young and learned Doctor Balthasar (for
so he called Portia) might be allowed to take his place.

The duke marveled at the extremely youthful appearance of this
stranger, but granted Bellario's request; and Portia, disguised in
flowing robes and large wig, gazed round the court, where she saw
Bassanio standing beside his friend.

The importance of her work gave Portia courage; and she began her
address to Shylock, the Jew, telling him of mercy:

"The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown."