The Merchant of Venice
Act II, Scene 3
Venice. A room in Shylock’s house.
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil, didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
From: Jessica and Gobbo
1914
- Enter Jessica and the Clown Launcelot.
Jessica
1 - 9- 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
10 - 13- Adieu, tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most
- sweet Jew! If a Christian do not play the knave and get
- thee, I am much deceiv’d. But adieu, these foolish drops do
- something drown my manly spirit. Adieu!
From: Scene designs, probably by Charles Marshall
Jessica
14 - 20- 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.
Jessica
Thomas Francis Dicksee, 1867