"Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness"

This quote from William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice," is spoken by the character Shylock. He is attending to a group of gentlemen who have pertained to his house to talk about a loan. By stating "Come, gentlemen, I hope we will drink down all unkindness," Shylock is revealing his desire to put aside any displeasure in between them and to come together in friendship. He is suggesting that they need to use the occasion of their event to share a drink and to forget any past differences. This is a gesture of goodwill and an indication of respect for the other guys. It is also a method of showing that he is willing to put aside any distinctions and to move on in a spirit of cooperation. By drinking together, Shylock is hoping to create a sense of unity and to promote a spirit of friendship.