- In the four folios, “curelesse” becomes “endless,” further providing a sense of continuity and ambiguity rather than a definite "cureless."
- In all four folios, the L in “law” is capitalized. Potentially due to the emphasis of Shylocke’s mindset on the judgement being in his favor and his possession of the legally bounding paperworks. When in reality, the court is filled with people in disguise that will influence the final judgement against Shylocke’s favor. This capitalization can be seen as an ironic and comedic one to demonstrate that even the law itself can be altered and influenced.
- In all four folios, the L in “letter” is capitalized. Further emphasizing the materialistic nature of the letter as a form to stage the declaration of the information of Bellario’s letter (under disguise).
- In all four folios, the L in “learned” is capitalized. This puts stress on the high level of the knowledge state of Bellario’s profession as a lawyer.
- In all four folios, this colon is being replaced with a period. Marking this line with a period makes the Duke’s response an affirmative one for Nerissa’s question.
- In the First and Second Folio, it is spelled “Bellarioes”; in the Third and Fourth Folio, it is spelled “Bellario’s.” All versions italicized the name, putting emphasis on the position of the character and the audience’ expectation of a testimony from Bellario the lawyer.
- In all four folios, the L in “letter” is capitalized again. This double capitalization of the L in “letter” directs the reader’s attention back to the letter that was mentioned by the Duke; this tension arc of the letter is then released by the reading of the actual letter.
- Capitalization of the L starting in in all four folios. See note 3.
- In all four folios, this comma is changed into a colon, further creating a sense of continuity and providing a temporary issue for the legal processing
- The N in “name” is capitalized in the Fourth Folio. This emphasis creates tension on the reveal of Balthazer and the justification of Balthazer being send as a substitute.
- The First Folio, this is spelled “acquained.”
- In the Third and Fourth folio, instead of “cause” it is “Case.” The switch of "cause" to "case" demonstrates the type of information that Bellario has passed on to Balthazer: "cause" is the settlement of the debt and Shylocks' accusations; "case" is more well rounded, it sounds like Bellario told Balthazer on every aspect and perspective of the case and provided information on everyone involved.
- In the First and Second Folio, the C is capitalized.
- The Fourth Folio changed Iew into “Jew.”
- This comma is replaced with a colon in all four folios. The colon provides Bellario's clarification of Balthazer's educational background and Bellario's approval of Balthazer's intelligence.
- The B is capitalized in all four folios, further putting authority and educational experience in Balthazer.
- In the Second, Third, and Fourth Folio, this comma is replaced with a colon. This can be viewed as Bellario guaranteeing the courtroom that Balthazer carries the exact knowledge and opinion that he carries.
- The O is capitalized in the Fourth Folio.
- The L is capitalized in the Fourth Folio. This capitalization of "learning" highlights the claim of Bellario on Balthazer not only carries the same level of knowledge, but Balthazer further advanced and studied on his own.
- In the first four folios, “importunitie” was changed to “importunity.”
- The G for “graces” is capitalized in the four folios.
- The R in “request” is capitalized in the Fourth Folio.
- A comma was inserted here in the Fourth Folio creating a pause and stresses the "I beseech you."
- In the four folios, this comma is replaced with a colon.
- In the First, Second, and Third Folio, a comma was inserted here, creating a contradiction of a young body with an old state of mind.
- In the four folios, this colon is replaced with a period, establishing an end to the contradicting young body old soul.
- By italicizing only the two names of Balthazer and Antonio in the letter, it demonstrates that the surroundings of Balthazer and Antonio is a falsely constructed reality; the entire courtroom and the legal state of the case is indeed real and a legal procedure, yet it is filled with people in disguise that will nudge the final judgement towards Antonio’s favor. In the four folios, the italicization of the letter is reversed: script of letter is entirely italicized but the names of Balthazer and Antonio aren't.
- The character Duke is shortened into “Du.” in the four folios. This provides a sense of equal treatment among all the story characters.
- The letter L is capitalized in the Fourth Folio, continuing its emphasis of the effect that letter itself carries in this scene. See note 3.
- In the four folios, “I take it” is placed within parenthesis. This editorial choice separates the content inside the parentheses from the story plot, making the Duke's thought less crucial to the story, and eventually revealing his limited influence during the final judgement of the case.
- The letter D is capitalized in “doctor” starting in the four folios.
- This comma is replaced with a colon in the First, Second, and Third Folio. The colon expresses the Duke's extended interest and his sense of hospitality towards Balthazer. In the Fourth Folio, it is replaced with a period. The period made the Duke's words more like a command towards Balthazer.
- The C in “come” is capitalized in all four folios. Potentially due to the grammatical rules of capitalization after a period or colon.
- This comma is replaced with a colon in the four folios.
- This colon is replaced with a period in the Fourth Folio. Adding to the Duke's command and authorial position in court.
- In the Fourth Folio, this period is replaced with a question mark. Rather than the sense of affirmation provided by the period, a question mark demonstrates the Duke's doubts towards Balthazer's latest updates of the court case.
- Instead of “cause,” “case” is used in the Third and Fourth Folio. See note 12.
- This comma is replaced with a period in all four folios. With a period, Balthazer is confirming that he is caught up with everything related to the case by Bellario.
- In the Third and Fourth Folio, “Jew” is used instead of “Iew.”
- Venetian is italisized in the Fourth Folio. This special treatment of "Venetian" provides a sense of superiority in terms of the high state of its law, which is implied that everyone needs to follow Venetian law.
- The L is capitalized in all four folios. See note 2.