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Storgy

The Merchant of VeniceModern English

The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 3

The same. A room in Shylock’s house.

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Which text to show for Act 2, Scene 3

Original

Modern English

  1. Enter Jessica and Launcelet.

    Jessica and Launcelet come in.

  2. Jessica1

    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, Launcelet, 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.

    I'm sorry you're going to leave my father like this. Our house is hell, and you, a cheerful devil, robbed it of some of its dullness. But goodbye — here's a ducat for you. And, Launcelet, at supper soon you'll see Lorenzo, who is a guest of your new master. Give him this letter, and do it secretly. And so goodbye. I wouldn't want my father to see me talking with you.

  3. Launcelet10

    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 deceived. But, adieu! These foolish drops do something drown my manly spirit. Adieu!

    Adieu! Tears speak for my tongue, most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew! If some Christian doesn't play the rogue and win you, I'm very much mistaken. But adieu! These silly drops are rather drowning my manly spirit. Adieu!

  4. Jessica14

    Farewell, good Launcelet.

    Goodbye, good Launcelet.

  5. Exit Launcelet.

    Launcelet leaves.

  6. Jessica15

    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.

    Oh no, what a terrible sin it is in me to be ashamed of being my father's child! But though I'm a daughter to his blood, I'm not one to his ways. Oh Lorenzo, if you keep your promise, I'll put an end to this struggle, become a Christian and your loving wife.

  7. Exit.

    She leaves.

Original text: Project Gutenberg edition #1515 (public domain, edited by the PG Shakespeare Team). Modern English rendering by Storgy.