University of Shwe Yi Win - The Stone That Eats Fire and Other International Stories

The Stone That Eats Fire and Other International Stories

In the past, Antonio had always belittled Charlotte as a person who charged high interest rates when lending money to her. So now, when Antonio came to borrow money from her, Charlotte treated him with contempt.

Finally, Charlotte willingly lent Antonio the money he asked for. But she asked him to sign a promise. Her demand was that if he could not repay the loan within a certain period, he would give her a pound of Antonio's flesh. The contract also stated that she would cut Antonio's flesh as she pleased.

Sharlock pretended that his contract was just a joke.

Antonio borrowed money from Charlotte. Bassini borrowed the money from Antonio.

After receiving the money, Barsinio marries his lover, Portia. At the same time, Barsinio's friend marries Portia's maid, Narcissa.

Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, something unpleasant happened. It was news that Antonio Yò's merchant ships had all sunk in a storm.

Therefore, Antonio could not repay the money on the date he had promised. Charlotte then sued Antonio. Charlotte presented her case before the judge, the Duke of Venice.

Charlotte says that she wants a pound of Antonio's flesh, as per the contract she and Antonio signed.

Hearing this news, Barsinio's wife Portia plans to go to court and help. Portia dresses up as a male lawyer and goes to court. She also has her companion Narcissa dress up as a man and take her as a lawyer's assistant. They never tell their husbands about their plans. Therefore, neither Barsinio nor his friends recognize their wives who are in the courtroom as male lawyers.

In the courtroom, Portia, a new lawyer, begs Charlotte to forgive Antonio. But Charlotte refuses. She can't listen to Portia. She only demands that he do exactly what is written in the contract she signed with him. Even more cruelly, Charlotte insists that when she cuts Antonio's flesh, she only wants to cut the flesh closest to his heart.

Everyone in the courtroom was shocked to hear Charlotte's request. Charlotte meant that Antonio would lose his life.

Portia acts like a very clever lawyer. She tells Charlotte that the cruel demand is legal and she must do as she says. But she goes on to say that Charlotte must not let a drop of blood fall when she cuts Antonio's flesh. Because the contract they signed only states that Charlotte will cut a pound of Antonio's flesh, and there is no mention of blood.

Sharlo understood. He was going to lose this deal. But Portia's side of the story wasn't finished yet. Portia continued by saying that if Sharlo harmed another person's life, he would have to pay for it in return.

The judge, the Duke of Venice, agreed with the clever young lawyer. He continued by saying that he would forgive Charlot as well. Charlot had no intention of forgiving Barsenio, but he would forgive Charlot.

The judge decided to spare Sharlot's life. He said that he should replace it with his money. Half of Sharlot's money was given to him.

It is considered the property of Venice. The other half must be given to Antonio. Because Charlotte has prepared to take Antonio's life.

Now everything is fine and everyone is happy. But Charlotte is not happy.

Everything was going well for Charlotte's daughter Jessica, too. When Jessica married someone Charlotte didn't approve of, Charlotte renounced her status as a daughter and disinherited her.

For Antonio, this is his chance to do good for Jessica and her young couple. If Charlotte gives her assets to her daughter Jessica and her husband, the court will decide not to take the money that was given to her.

Shao Luo reluctantly agreed.

At the end of the story, Antonio's ships, which were thought to have sunk in a storm, arrive safely in the harbor of Venice. So everyone lives happily ever after.