In Venice, by the shining sea,
Lived Antonio, kind and free.
His friend Bassanio needed gold,
To win fair Portia, wise and bold.

To Shylock, the moneylender cold,
Antonio went, his heart was bold.
They made a deal, risky and strange,
A pound of flesh — a scary exchange!

Portia lived in Belmont bright,
Where suitors came, both day and night.
With clever tricks and a golden ring,
She chose Bassanio, her heart would sing.

Meanwhile, Shylock’s anger grew,
Antonio’s ships all lost at sea too.
In court they stood, in fear and dread,
But Portia came, dressed like a head.

She spoke of mercy, sweet and true,
And saved Antonio — the crowd all knew.
Shylock lost his wealth and pride,
While love and joy stood side by side.

So ends the tale, of love and hate,
Of friendship strong and twist of fate.
The Merchant’s story, old yet wise,
Still lives today, beneath the skies.