E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Merchant of Venice. A drama by Shakespeare. A similar story
occurs in the Gesta Romanorum. The tale of the bond is chapter
xlviii., and that of the caskets is chapter xcix. Shakespeare,
without doubt, is also indebted for his plot to the novelette Il
Pecorone of Ser. Giovanni. (Fourteenth century.) Loki made a
wager with Brock and lost. He wagered his head, but saved it on
the plea that Brock could not take his head without touching his
neck. (Simrochs Edda, p. 305.)