But Shylock's only answer was, that he would insist upon the penalty:
upon which Portia asked if Antonio could not pay the sum. Bassanio
then publicly offered the payment of the three thousand ducats; the
hard Jew still refusing it, and declaring that he would take nothing
but the promised pound of flesh.

Bassanio was now terribly grieved, and asked the learned young
counsellor to "wrest the law a little."

"It must not be--there is no power in Venice can alter a decree
established," said Portia. Shylock, hearing her say this, believed she
would now favor him, and exclaimed: "A Daniel come to judgment! O wise
young judge, how do I honor thee!"

He never guessed what was coming, when the young counsellor gravely
asked to look at the bond. She read it, and declared that the Jew was
lawfully entitled to the pound of flesh, but once more she begged him
to take the offered money, and be merciful.

It was in vain to talk to Shylock of mercy. He began to sharpen a
knife; and then Portia asked Antonio if he had anything to say. He
replied that he could say but little; and prepared to take leave of his
well-beloved Bassanio, bidding him tell his wife how he had died for
friendship.

In his grief, Bassanio cried out that, dearly as he loved his wife,
even she could not be more precious to him than Antonio's life; and
that he would lose her and all he had, could it avail to satisfy the
Jew.