Another excerpt here...... No Sex included though....

 

The history of banking began with the merchants of the world, who gave grain loans to farmers and traders who carried goods between cities. Over the years, lenders based in temples gave loans while accepting deposits and performing the change of money. The historical roots of the modern banking system trace back to medieval and Renaissance Italy, particularly the affluent cities of Florence and Venice. The loans are known to have been provided at some time at an annual interest of 12%. Banks sometimes made loans available confidentially, which is, they provided funds without being publicly and openly known to have done so. In addition, they kept depositors' names confidential as well. This intermediation per se was known as dia tes trapazēs, translated from Latin as "God will trap you."

“The sins of blasphemy equate to the ones who do not return the loans.” The moneylender looked to the trader who had defaulted on the repayment. They had met at the moneylender’s shop.

“Please, dear sir. Give me some days to find my wares. The storm delays the ship. I promised you that I would deliver my dues in double the interest of your entitlement. Have mercy on me. Christian mercy we shall all share.

“Christian mercy? If I am to shed a tear for every Christian who defaults in their payments, I could have flooded Genoa to be the next Venice.” The moneylender glared at the trader. “I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano; a stage where every man must play a part, and mine is a sad one.” (Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare).

“Christian charity, Sir.” The trader pleaded.

“I am a Jew: Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is?” (Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare).

“Perhaps I am not like any. I am or was your better friend previously.” The moneylender looked to the skies, as if Heaven would open its arms towards him. “I will hold onto your Christian charity then. Give me double my fees in a week’s time, or I shall forfeit your wares.”

“Oh God!” The trader was at a loss for words. A hand was placed on his left shoulder.

“Stand, Antonio Meli. I, Lord Gencio Capulet, will loan you the ducats to pay this … fiendish lender.” The trader turned to look at the man who spoke. “Tell me of your loan.”

“I borrowed three hundred ducats, and with the interest at twelve …” The trader was cut off by the moneylender.

“Fifteen, for he had defaulted by …”

“Here, take the ducats here. It will add to the amount and with some extra for your blasphemy on our faith.” Lord Gencio Capulet tossed the bag of coins to the moneylender. He pulled the trader to his feet.

“The merchants helped each other; if not, we will fall to the pits of their Hell.” Lord Gencio Capulet looked at the lad standing by the moneylender.

“Your name, lad?” Lord Gencio Capulet asked.

“Shylock, Matthew Shylock Jud……”

“Are you any relation to him? His son by blood?” Lord Gencio Capulet asked.

“I am his ...son.” Shylock replied.

“Get a new trade. If you follow your father, then Hell will invite you in with glee.” Lord Gencio Capulet took to his way. Shylock was upset at the insult handed to his father.