Outline the dukes attitude towards Antonio and Shylock at the beginning of the trial scene

The Duke is very sympathetic to Antonio. We need to remember that the court is pretty much a Christian boys' club. Antonio is a respected man of business and likely to be thought well of by the Duke. The Duke disparages Shylock calling him inhuman and incapable of pity,

I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer

A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch

Uncapable of pity, void and empty

From any dram of mercy.