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The Merchant of Venice: Act 2 Scene 3

Scene III The same. A room in SHYLOCK'S house.

[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

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

Adieu! tears exhibit my tongue. Most 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.

JESSICA

Farewell, good Launcelot.

[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,

If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife,

Become a Christian and thy loving wife.

[Exit]