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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.
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
