Note to The Merchant of Venice, 2.9.61-62. "To offend, and judge, are distinct offices /
And of opposed natures"


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The Merchant of Venice,
Act 2, Scene 9, Lines 61-62.
To offend, and judge, are distinct offices / And of opposed natures: —I think Portia is trying to be nice to Arragon. An "office" is a duty or function; hence we have such phrases as "law officer," and "court officer." Portia says that "to offend" is to do something without thinking through the morality or consequences. Arragon has thought a lot about his choice; he has made a considered judgment. Just because he has chosen wrong doesn't mean he has offended.