Tubal. And merry havoc will he and thy daughter Jessica make of thy treasure, Shylock.
Shylock. But there is greater woe to come, good Tubal. To save this poor remainder of a life have I this day sworn to turn a Christian.
Tubal. Thou, turn Christian! O monstrous deed! Our synagogue will be put to everlasting shame for this. Nay, good Shylock, it must not be. It must not be.
Shylock. Have I not said that I am sworn on pain of life? They would e’en have had my life almost in the open court had I not so sworn. But hear me, Tubal; I will not die till that I have bethought me of some secret, sure revenge upon Antonio, or failing this, upon the taunting, sneering fool they call Gratiano, whom I do loathe e’en as I loathe Antonio. Moreover I would gladly do some deadly hurt unto the accursed Paduan judge, an’ it might be so.
Tubal. Then wilt thou still be Hebrew at the heart, good Shylock?
Shylock. How else while yet I bear remembrance of my wrongs? Have not many of our chosen people done this selfsame thing for ducats or for life? Kissed the cross before men’s eyes, but spurned it behind their backs? As I shall do, erewhile. But, O good Tubal, the apples of Sodom were as sweet morsels in the mouth unto this that I must do.
Tubal. Hebrew at heart, albeit Christian of countenance.
Ay, Shylock, it is well. It is well.
[Exeunt.
Scene III.
Venice. Interior of Saint Mark’s.