The merchant of Venice

A young Venetian named Bassino longs to woo the beautiful Portia, but he doesn't have enough money to become her suitor. He enlists the help of his friend Antonio, a wealthy merchant of Venice, who promises to cover the bond if he finds a money lender. A money lender named Shylock agrees to grant Bassino the loan upon one condition: if Antonio is unable to repay it at the specified date, Shylock may take a pound of Antonio's flesh. With his newfound money, Bassino successfully wins Portia's hand in marriage, but Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea, so the merchant cannot repay the bond. Shylock takes Antonio to the court of the Duke of Venice, but Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, saves his life.