Scene III

[Venice]

Enter Jessica and [Launcelot] the Clown.

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(5)
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.

JESSICA:

I am sorry that you will leave my father like this:
Our house is hell, and you, a happy devil,
Robbed it of some taste of boredom.
But goodbye; there is a dollar for you;
And, Launcelot, you will soon see Lorenzo
at supper, who is your new master's guest:
Give him this letter; do it secretly.
And so, goodbye. I wouldn’t have my father
See me talking with you.

[LAUNCELOT:]

Adieu!—tears exhibit my tongue. Most(10)
beautiful 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!

[LAUNCELOT:]

Goodbye! Tears exhibit my voice. Most beautiful pagan,
most sweet Jew! If a Christian doesn’t play the rogue and get
you, I am much deceived. But, goodbye! these foolish drops
drown my manly spirit somewhat; goodbye!

Exit.

JESSICA:

Farewell, good Launcelot.(15)
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me,
To be asham'd to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners: O Lorenzo!
If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife;(20)
Become a Christian, and thy loving wife.

JESSICA:

Goodbye, good Launcelot.

It’s a pity, what hateful sin it is in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But, although I am a daughter from his blood,
I am not from his manners. Oh, Lorenzo!
If you keep your promise, I shall end this strife,
Become a Christian and your loving wife.

Exit.