The Merchant of Venice — Act 2, Scene 3: The same. A room in SHYLOCK'S house.

Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, meets Launcelot as he prepares to leave her father’s house. She says she regrets losing him because he has made their home less miserable, and she gives him a ducat. Jessica also tells him that Lorenzo, Bassanio’s friend and Launcelot’s new master’s guest, will be at supper and asks him to secretly deliver a letter to Lorenzo. Launcelot jokes sadly in farewell and leaves. Alone, Jessica confesses her shame at being Shylock’s child, though she says she does not share his behavior. She then speaks of Lorenzo with hope, saying that if he keeps his promise, she will become a Christian and his wife.

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.

Adieu! tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful

pagan, most sweet Jew! if a Christian did not play

the knave and get thee, I am much deceived. But,

adieu: these foolish drops do something drown my

manly spirit: adieu.

Farewell, good 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.