The Merchant of Venice is a play written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. The play is set in Venice, Italy, and revolves around the central character, a merchant named Antonio, who borrows money from a Jewish moneylender named Shylock in order to help his friend Bassanio woo a wealthy heiress named Portia. When Antonio's ships are lost at sea and he is unable to repay the loan, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh as payment. The play explores themes of love, justice, mercy, prejudice, and the consequences of revenge. It features some of Shakespeare's most iconic and memorable characters, including Shylock, Portia, and the clownish servant Launcelot Gobbo. The Merchant of Venice is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest plays and has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, operas, and stage productions.Gra. My Lord Bassanio gaue his Ring away Vnto the Iudge that beg'd it, and indeede Deseru'd it too: and then the Boy his Clearke That tooke some paines in writing, he begg'd mine, And neyther man nor master would take ought But the two Rings.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.