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Act 2, Scene 2
The Merchant of Venice Translation Act 2, Scene 3
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 Lorenzo, who is thy new master’s guest. Give him this letter. [gives LAUNCELOT a 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 are leaving my father's service like this. Our house is hell, and you, a joking little devil, made life here a little less boring. But I wish you well. Here is a ducat for you. And Launcelot, you will soon see a man named Lorenzo at dinner, a guest of your new master's. Give this letter to him.
[She gives LAUNCELOT a letter] Do it secretly. Goodbye, now. I don't want my father to see me talking with you.
LAUNCELOT
Adieu! Tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew! If a Christian do not play the knave andget thee, I am much deceived. But adieu. These foolish drops do something drown my manly spirit. Adieu.
LAUNCELOT
Goodbye! I am speaking through my tears. You most beautiful pagan, you sweet Jew! I'll bet some Christian will figure out a way to get you. But goodbye. These silly tears aren't very manly. Goodbye.
JESSICA
Farewell, good Launcelot.
JESSICA
Farewell, good Launcelot.
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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.
Alas, what a heinous sin it is for me to be ashamed to be my father's child! I am his daughter by blood, but I have not inherited his manners. Oh, Lorenzo, if you keep your promise I will end this pain by becoming a Christian and your loving wife.
Exit
