? Antoniospet on him Wednesday last'spurned [him] such a day, another time called [him] a dog (I, iii, 124).? And despite all of this treatment, Antonio then expected Shylock tolend [him] thus much moneys (I, iii, 124).? The intolerance and hypocrisy shown to Shylock is outrageous, and bystand[ing] for law (IV, I, 142)? he is merely asking for the tolerance and justice owed him. Standing for what is right in a biased and unfair world, Shylock is begging for tolerance and equality among all men, a right he very much deserves. .
Although he has the power to over rule the bond, the Duke of Venice shows tolerance and equality to all when he refuses to bend the rules for Antonio. Representing justice, fairness and the law, the Duke treats all men as equals within the court. He speaks to Shylock of how he willloose the forfeiture (IV, I, 24)? should he continue, and begs him toglanc[e] an eye of pity on [Antonio's] losses (IV, I, 27),? showing hismercy and remorse (IV, I, 20).? Encouraging him to take the money instead of a human life, the Duke is trying to resolve the case fairly in a way that benefits Shylock as well as Antonio. He asks Shylock to leavethis fashion of'malice (IV, I, 18)? and show tolerance for Antonio, despite his past behavior. For mercy and tolerance go hand in hand, each complimented by justice. They areattribute[s] to God himself; and earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice (IV, I, 191-193).? Pleadinghow shalt thou hope for mercy rendring none? (IV, I, 88),? the Duke reinforces the idea thatmercy?is twice blest?bless[ing] [both] him that gives, and him that takes (IV, I, 180-184).? By showing tolerance and mercy to all, we help ourselves as well, and promote the equality of all men. The duke stands as an arbiter of law and justice, but he also encourages all people to show tolerance and mercy to each other. Not all disputes must be settled in the court by strict law and unbending will; for some are much better set in the heart.