SALARINO: There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between
Rhenish. But tell us, do you hear whether Antonio have had any loss at sea
jet and ivory, more between your bloods than there is between red wine and
or not.
what has lately happened that has brought on this exchange?
Answers
Jessica has eloped with Lorenzo.
These lines are spoken by Salarino, to Shylock, in Act 3 Scene 1 of "The Merchant of Venice". The big event that has taken place before this exchange of words is that Shylock has discovered that his daughter Jessica has run away with Lorenzo.
Shylock is quite upset about it and accuses Salarino of knowing about the elopement plan. Salarino admits that he knew the tailor who stitched the costume that Jessica wore during the elopement. However Salarino is sure that she did not do anything wrong in eloping with a Christian. So when Shylock says that she will be punished by God for her act, Salarino is quick to remind Shylock that there is as much difference between Shylock and Jessica as between ivory and coal, and between white and red wine. Basically what he is saying is that since Jessica has converted to Christianity, she will not be punished by God for having been a Jew or for eloping, but Shylock will.