Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Janelle Jenstad
Not Peer Reviewed

The Merchant of Venice (Quarto 1, 1600)

Enter Iessica and the Clowne.
735Jessica. I am sorry thou wilt leaue my Father so,
Our house is hell, and thou a merry deuill
Didst rob it of some tast of tediousnes,
But far thee well, there is a ducat for thee,
And Launcelet, soone at supper shalt thou see
740Lorenso, who is thy new Maisters guest,
Giue him this Letter, doe it secretly,
And so farwell: I would not haue my Father
See me in talke with thee.
Clowne. Adiew, teares exhibit my tongue, most beautifull Pagan,
745most sweete Iewe, if a Christian doe not play the knaue and
get thee, I am much deceaued; but adiew, these foolish drops doe
somthing drowne my manly spirit: adiew.
Jessica. Farwell good Launcelet.
Alack, what heynous sinne is it in me
750To be ashamed to be my Fathers child,
But though I am a daughter to his blood
I am not to his manners: ô Lorenso
Yf thou keepe promise I shall end this strife,
Become a Christian and thy louing wife. Exit.