The scene opens with a soliloquy by Shylock, in which he laments the fact that his lover is so close to him. He tells Shylock that he is done with his "hunting project" , and that he will return to the city tonight. Shylock tells him that he has a "contract" with him, but that he should "drag" him away from him, as he is a "disgusting odor" . He also tells her that she should stay away from her lover, as "a disgusting odor" has been produced. He says he has never experienced such "terrible feelings" before, and he apologizes for his behavior. He explains that he and Shylock have been reunited and have exchanged contact information, and now they are going to go out for a date. He admits that he did not expect the love between them to be as bitter as it is. He blames himself for the situation, and says that if he had not known about the contract, he would not have resorted to "deterrent means"