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. [_Gazes about the church._ These be the images of Christian saints Whom I must bend the knee before when men Look on. And here the Virgin; here the Christ. Now must I kneel; a hundred eyes perchance, Peer at me through the gloom. A hundred eyes May see me kneel, yet shall they not perceive The scorner of the Christian hid within The humble figure of the man who kneels. Now, by the prophets, whom I reverence, And by these Christian saints whom I do scorn, I swear to nourish my revenge till those I deepest hate are dead, or sham’d before Their fellows. But how this may be, I know Not yet, for all the way were dark as night Before me, save that my revenge burns red. [_Choir heard chanting in a distant chapel._ [_Rises from his knees._ Good fellow Christians, it may hap the Jew Turn’d Christian, shall yet do a harm to ye. Behind Cristofero’s mask is still the face Of Shylock; in his breast the heart unchang’d. [_Choir heard chanting_ Judica me Deus. Yea, my good fellow Christians, I do thank Ye for that word, and hug it to my heart. Henceforth it shall be mine, when I do pray, Not to thy Christ, but unto Israel’s God! “Give sentence with me, O my God; defend My cause against the hosts that wrought me ill.” [_Choir in the distance, responding_ Amen. [_Exit_ SHYLOCK. NOTE BY WILLIAM J. ROLFE, LITT.D.