A stack of gold coins beside a small brass balance scale tipped to one side, on dark red velvet.

Original artwork, not a still

The Merchant of Venice · 1600

William Shakespeare

If every ducat in six thousand ducats Were in six parts, and every part a ducat I would not draw them. I would have my bond.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker refuses money in place of the bond, even if each of six thousand ducats were multiplied sixfold. No sum will tempt them to give up what the contract entitles them to. The tone is stubborn, unbending and implacable.

Context reviewed

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