Episode 6

Back in Venice, Shylock was very angry when he found out that Jessica had run away with Lorenzo. He didn’t like Lorenzo because Lorenzo was Antonio’s friend. When he found out that a lot of his gold and some jewels were missing, too, he became even more angry.

“How could my own daughter do such a thing?” he cried. “Oh, my daughter! Oh, my gold and jewels!”

He decided to go out and try to get some news of Jessica. He met Salarino and Salanio walking by the canal.

“Where is my daughter? I know you know where she is,” he cried.

“Your daughter? I don’t know what you mean,” said Salarino, pretending he did not know anything about it.

“You both probably helped her escape with Lorenzo,” Shylock growled. “She has gone, taking lots of my money and jewels. How could my own flesh and blood do that

“It’s hard to believe Jessica is your flesh and blood,” Salanio said. “You are both so different. She's not like you at all.”

“How can you say that? She is my daughter,” Shylock shouted.

“Not any more. She is Lorenzo's wife,” Salarino whispered to Salanio. They both laughed.

“But tell us, Shylock,” said Salanio. “Have you any news of Antonio’s ships?”

“Yes. I have heard many were lost at sea,” said Shylock. “I hope Antonio is ready to keep his word.

“Surely you don’t mean you will take a pound of his flesh?” said Salarino.

“Of course I will. And it is the law, too,” said Shylock.

“But what will you do with a pound of Antonio’s flesh?” asked Salanio.

“if I cannot use it for anything else, I will use it to catch fish when I go fishing,” Shylock said.

“I cannot believe, Shylock, that you are serious,” said Salarino.

“I am very serious, and do you know why?” said Shylock. “Antonio laughs at me but takes my money. He also helps his friend to steal my daughter. He says I am bad because I charge interest for loans, but I am just working. I have to make a living. He has hurt me, and now I want revenge.”

Shylock walked away, and the two friends looked at each other. They were very worried about Antonio.