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The Merchant of Venice

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Act II, Scene 3

The same. A room in SHYLOCK’S house.

       
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[Enter JESSICA and LAUNCELOT]

  • Jessica. I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so:
    Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
    Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
    But fare thee well, there is a ducat for thee:
    And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see 780
    Lorenzo, who is thy new master's guest:
    Give him this letter; do it secretly;
    And so farewell: I would not have my father
    See me in talk with thee.
  • Launcelot Gobbo. Adieu! tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful 785
    pagan, most sweet Jew! if a Christian did not play
    the knave and get thee, I am much deceived. But,
    adieu: these foolish drops do something drown my
    manly spirit: adieu.
  • Jessica. Farewell, good Launcelot. 790
    [Exit Launcelot]
    Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
    To be ashamed to be my father's child!
    But though I am a daughter to his blood,
    I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo, 795
    If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife,
    Become a Christian and thy loving wife.

[Exit]