There was a merchant(商人) named Shylock in Venice. He got rich by1money to other people and making them pay interest(利息). For him, it's right and2. He thought any merchant would do that.3Antonio, another young merchant, didn't- whoever borrowed money4him, no interest paid. He said rich people should help the poor and even blamed(责备) Shylock's acts. Shylock was very5about this because more and more people went to Antonio. This meant that Shylock earned less6.
One day, Shylock heard that Antonio was in town. So he went to visit Antonio. In the garden, where7often talked about business, he8Antonio. Shylock went up. He remembered how much he9the young merchant, but he tried to be friendly." Dear Antonio, I hear the10—you have some trouble with much money. I can help you.11me! I've pardoned for all the12things you said about me."
He continued, "Come with me to the judge(法官) to write a contract(契约).I will lend you 3,000 dollars for three months. You needn't pay interest13you can pay back on time. But if you can't, you will give me one pound of your flesh(肉) from wherever I choose to take it."
Antonio14because he needed the money to help his friend Bassanio, who needed money to marry his new wife. He gave the money to Bassanio and told him about the contract. Bassanio seemed very15, He knew a terrible storm would come soon.
-Adapted from The Merchant of Venice
