<P> In the court scenes, Portia finds a technicality in the bond, thereby outwitting Shylock and saving Antonio's life when everyone else including Antonio fails . It is Portia who delivers one of the most famous speeches in The Merchant of Venice: </P> <P> "The quality of mercy is not strain'd . It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath . It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ." </P> <P> Despite Portia's lack of formal legal training, she wins her case by referring to the details of the exact language of the law . Her success involves prevailing on technicalities rather than the merits of the situation . She uses the tactics of what is sometimes called a Philadelphia lawyer . However, the concept of rhetoric and its abuse is also brought to light by Portia--highlighting the idea that an unjust argument may win through eloquence, loopholes and technicalities, regardless of the moral question at hand--and thus provoking the audience to consider that issue . After a few months, Portia and Bassanio live together along with Nerissa and her husband, and Antonio . Shylock has his job back but only half his money and Jessica and Lorenzo are found in Portia's castle . </P> <P> The original Portia Shakespeare drew from was Porcia Catonis, the wife of the Roman statesman Brutus . She was also compared to the wife of Brutus within the play . </P>

Who marries portia in the merchant of venice