    Antonio himself had frequently reproached Shylock for his usury and meanness. As Antonio entered, Shylock said nothing, but he sought his opportunity for revenge. 
This time Antonio came in person. Would Shylock let this opportunity pass? No. While he greeted his guest, he planned a scheme to do harm to Antonio. Finally Shylock hit upon an evil idea. 
He said, " I will loan you as much money as you want. Moreover, I will not ask for any interest." Antonio was astonished. He simply did not believe his ears. Shylock continued, "However, how about going to a lawyer and have one joined up? And it is put one more item in the contract about the punishment if one of us fails to carry out the contract. What do you think of it?" Antonio was eager to borrow the money. Besides, he was confident, he would be able to pay off his debt in a short time. He agreed with Shylock, ignoring Bassanio's earnest persuasion not to adapt himself to this wicked man. Almost as a joke, Shylock wrote on the contract, "If Antonio is unable to pay back the money in full and in time, I will require one pound of flesh be cut from his body." Without carefully thinking about it, Antonio signed the contract in front of the attorney. He thought that this was no more than a game or a joke.
