Melancholy Antonio loves the youthful bassanio, so when Bassanio asks for 3000 ducats, Antonio says yes before knowing it's to sue for the hand of Portia, it's in Venice, 1596. His point tied up in merchant canoe at sea, Antonio must go to Shylock, a Jewish moneyman. Shylock wraps his grudge in goodness, giving a three-month loan with no interest, but if not repaired back, Antonio will owe a pound of flesh. The Jew's daughter elopes with a Christian, whetting shylocks hatred. When Bassanio's away wooing Portia, Antonio's canoe founder and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. With court assembled and a judgement due, Portia swings into attitude to save Bassanio's connector.
