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He’ll find a smile in his daughter’s eyes. 143

Tubal lifts up Shylock’s turquoise ring and returns it to him with the letter

—Shylock [holding the ring, glancing off]
When comes the end, our treasures are but dust
Fortunes do give but they take as they must;
My life, my deeds, and my ducats suffice,° / are lost
I’ve gained some comfort, at too high a price.° / cost
And now my friend, I must bid you good-bye,
‘Tis not a sight° to see ‘ol Shylock° cry. / a scene / so good // an old man

Tubal exits; Shylock exits to his house

END.

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143. In a prior draft, Jessica’s letter was read aloud by Tubal. The contemplated letter read as follows: ‘Dear father,
I hope it is in your heart to forgive me. I know my brash and uncaring actions have brought you countless tears and
grief. You are the one who has given me life—how can I now ask for more? But ask I do. I ask that you forgive
me—and forgive me you must. Accept me, you must. Love me as I am, you must. This is the vow a father makes to
his daughter the first time he looks into her eyes. And this is a vow you have made, and have kept, and which I now
ask you to keep again. When I am in Venice again, I hope to see you. I hope that you will accept me; that you have
it in your heart to greet me as my father; as I hope, once again, to greet you as your daughter. The night is now upon
me, the stars begin to shine, and I must go. Love Jessica.’