Shylock. Ungrateful daughter; Why did’st thou go forth from my house by night and rob thy grey-haired father of his treasure?
Jessica. Why? That’s most easy of answer. Why, because I desired a Christian husband and there was no coming by my desire save by secret flight from your most gloomy chambers; and since neither my Christian husband nor your daughter Jessica could by any kind of contriving live upon air alone, we had, perforce, to take with us some of your ducats for the bettering our condition. Speak thou for me, Lorenzo. Was it not e’en so?
Lorenzo. Old man, I am sorry for that I was forced to take from you your daughter and your ducats against your good pleasure, but I must tell you that I loved her as myself [Aside] nay, much more, my Jessica,—and by reason of this great love of mine, and because of your exceeding hatred towards all Christians did I take her from your house. And since, moreover, as the maid very truly says, there’s no living i’ the world without the means to live, because of this did we make shift to take with us from your house such means, as well advised you would not have your daughter lack for food and suitable apparel, and since we are now Christians all, what matters it?
Shylock [slowly] Ay, what matters it? We are now Christians all, as thou sayest, and, I remember me that I have heard it said it is a Christian’s duty to forgive all who have wronged him. Therefore I forgive you, Jessica—for robbing your old father; and you, Lorenzo, I forgive—for stealing my daughter. You are each well mated. But I would be alone a while. Go, good Jessica. Go, son Lorenzo.
[Exeunt Lorenzo and Jessica.
Shylock [alone] A curse pursue the twain where’er they go.
A Christian-Jewish curse, since that should be
Weightier than either singly. Would that I
Might see them dead before me, while I live,—
Such love I bear my daughter, and my son.