Shylock is joined by Tubal, another Jew, who brings him news of Jessica spending his money.

Act III, scene 2
Bassanio has come to Belmont and is ready to choose a casket; before he does so, Portia declares that she loves him, and begs him to put off choosing, because once the choice is made (and if he chooses wrongly) she will never see him again. Bassanio replies that he loves her as well, but that he must choose immediately. Bassanio examines the caskets and at last chooses the lead casket, which he opens to reveal her picture and a rhyme congratulating him on his victory. The happy couple promise one another love and devotion. Portia gives Bassanio a ring, making him promise never to give it away. Nerissa and Gratiano enter to congratulate them, and we learn that there will a double wedding--Nerissa has agreed to marry Bassanio's friend. Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio arrive, bringing news that
all of Antonio's ships and cargoes are lost, that the bond is due, and that Shylock is demanding his pound of flesh. Portia agrees to provide enough money to pay the debt six times over, but Jessica worries that her father is
more interested in his revenge on Antonio than in having the debt repaid. Promising his wife-to-be that he will return soon, Bassanio goes to Venice to attempt to save his friend.


Act III, scene 3
Shylock escorts Antonio to prison. Antonio tells Solanio that Shylock hates him because his generosity has
often saved people who owed money to Shylock. Solanio says that the Duke will never allow this ridiculous contract to stand, but Antonio is not so sure. Act III, scene 4
In Belmont, Lorenzo assures Portia that Antonio is worthy of all the help she is sending him. Portia answers that if Antonio is a great friend of Bassanio, then he must be like Bassanio in many ways Portia plans to go to Venice disguised as a man. She sends her servant Balthasar to her cousin, Doctor Bellario, and tells Balthasar to bring the clothing and documents that Bellario gives him and meet her on the ferry to Venice. Act III, scene 5
Lancelot and Jessica banter about her Jewish background. She says that she will be saved by her marriage to her husband, and Lancelot complains that if all Jews turn Christian, the price of pork, which Jews do not eat, will rise.

Act IV, scene 1
The Duke of Venice greets Antonio. Antonio replies that he knows the Duke has done all he can and that he is prepared for the suffering ahead. Shylock is called in, and the Duke tells him that everyone expects him to relent at the last moment--that he wants to frighten Antonio, but in the end will not inflict such a horrible penalty on a merchant who has already suffered the loss of all his ships.