星空娱乐官网

Enter DUKE, ESCALUS, LORDS, and ATTENDANTS

聽聽DUKE. Escalus!
聽聽ESCALUS. My lord.
聽聽DUKE. Of government the properties to unfold
聽聽聽聽Would seem in me t' affect speech and discourse,
聽聽聽聽Since I am put to know that your own science
聽聽聽聽Exceeds, in that, the lists of all advice
聽聽聽聽My strength can give you; then no more remains
聽聽聽聽But that to your sufficiency- as your worth is able-
聽聽聽聽And let them work. The nature of our people,
聽聽聽聽Our city's institutions, and the terms
聽聽聽聽For common justice, y'are as pregnant in
聽聽聽聽As art and practice hath enriched any
聽聽聽聽That we remember. There is our commission,
聽聽聽聽From which we would not have you warp. Call hither,
聽聽聽聽I say, bid come before us, Angelo. Exit an ATTENDANT
聽聽聽聽What figure of us think you he will bear?
聽聽聽聽For you must know we have with special soul
聽聽聽聽Elected him our absence to supply;
聽聽聽聽Lent him our terror, dress'd him with our love,
聽聽聽聽And given his deputation all the organs
聽聽聽聽Of our own power. What think you of it?
聽聽ESCALUS. If any in Vienna be of worth
聽聽聽聽To undergo such ample grace and honour,
聽聽聽聽It is Lord Angelo.

Enter ANGELO

聽聽DUKE. Look where he comes.
聽聽ANGELO. Always obedient to your Grace's will,
聽聽聽聽I come to know your pleasure.
聽聽DUKE. Angelo,
聽聽聽聽There is a kind of character in thy life
聽聽聽聽That to th' observer doth thy history
聽聽聽聽Fully unfold. Thyself and thy belongings
聽聽聽聽Are not thine own so proper as to waste
聽聽聽聽Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee.
聽聽聽聽Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
聽聽聽聽Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
聽聽聽聽Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike
聽聽聽聽As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd
聽聽聽聽But to fine issues; nor Nature never lends
聽聽聽聽The smallest scruple of her excellence
聽聽聽聽But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
聽聽聽聽Herself the glory of a creditor,
聽聽聽聽Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech
聽聽聽聽To one that can my part in him advertise.
聽聽聽聽Hold, therefore, Angelo-
聽聽聽聽In our remove be thou at full ourself;
聽聽聽聽Mortality and mercy in Vienna
聽聽聽聽Live in thy tongue and heart. Old Escalus,
聽聽聽聽Though first in question, is thy secondary.
聽聽聽聽Take thy commission.
聽聽ANGELO. Now, good my lord,
聽聽聽聽Let there be some more test made of my metal,
聽聽聽聽Before so noble and so great a figure
聽聽聽聽Be stamp'd upon it.
聽聽DUKE. No more evasion!
聽聽聽聽We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice
聽聽聽聽Proceeded to you; therefore take your honours.
聽聽聽聽Our haste from hence is of so quick condition
聽聽聽聽That it prefers itself, and leaves unquestion'd
聽聽聽聽Matters of needful value. We shall write to you,
聽聽聽聽As time and our concernings shall importune,
聽聽聽聽How it goes with us, and do look to know
聽聽聽聽What doth befall you here. So, fare you well.
聽聽聽聽To th' hopeful execution do I leave you
聽聽聽聽Of your commissions.
聽聽ANGELO. Yet give leave, my lord,
聽聽聽聽That we may bring you something on the way.
聽聽DUKE. My haste may not admit it;
聽聽聽聽Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do
聽聽聽聽With any scruple: your scope is as mine own,
聽聽聽聽So to enforce or qualify the laws
聽聽聽聽As to your soul seems good. Give me your hand;
聽聽聽聽I'll privily away. I love the people,
聽聽聽聽But do not like to stage me to their eyes;
聽聽聽聽Though it do well, I do not relish well
聽聽聽聽Their loud applause and Aves vehement;
聽聽聽聽Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
聽聽聽聽That does affect it. Once more, fare you well.
聽聽ANGELO. The heavens give safety to your purposes!
聽聽ESCALUS. Lead forth and bring you back in happiness!
聽聽DUKE. I thank you. Fare you well. Exit
聽聽ESCALUS. I shall desire you, sir, to give me leave
聽聽聽聽To have free speech with you; and it concerns me
聽聽聽聽To look into the bottom of my place:
聽聽聽聽A pow'r I have, but of what strength and nature
聽聽聽聽I am not yet instructed.
聽聽ANGELO. 'Tis so with me. Let us withdraw together,
聽聽聽聽And we may soon our satisfaction have
聽聽聽聽Touching that point.
聽聽ESCALUS. I'll wait upon your honour. Exeunt

Enter Lucio and two other GENTLEMEN

聽聽LUCIO. If the Duke, with the other dukes, come not to
composition
聽聽聽聽with the King of Hungary, why then all the dukes fall upon
the
听听听听碍颈苍驳.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Heaven grant us its peace, but not the King of
听听听听贬耻苍驳补谤测'蝉!
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. Amen.
聽聽LUCIO. Thou conclud'st like the sanctimonious pirate that went
to
聽聽聽聽sea with the Ten Commandments, but scrap'd one out of the
table.
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. 'Thou shalt not steal'?
聽聽LUCIO. Ay, that he raz'd.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Why, 'twas a commandment to command the
captain
聽聽聽聽and all the rest from their functions: they put forth to
steal.
聽聽聽聽There's not a soldier of us all that, in the thanksgiving
before
聽聽聽聽meat, do relish the petition well that prays for peace.
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. I never heard any soldier dislike it.
聽聽LUCIO. I believe thee; for I think thou never wast where grace
was
听听听听蝉补颈诲.
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. No? A dozen times at least.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. What, in metre?
聽聽LUCIO. In any proportion or in any language.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. I think, or in any religion.
聽聽LUCIO. Ay, why not? Grace is grace, despite of all controversy;
as,
聽聽聽聽for example, thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of
all
听听听听驳谤补肠别.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Well, there went but a pair of shears between
us.
聽聽LUCIO. I grant; as there may between the lists and the velvet.
聽聽聽聽Thou art the list.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. And thou the velvet; thou art good velvet;
thou'rt
聽聽聽聽a three-pil'd piece, I warrant thee. I had as lief be a list
of
聽聽聽聽an English kersey as be pil'd, as thou art pil'd, for a
French
聽聽聽聽velvet. Do I speak feelingly now?
聽聽LUCIO. I think thou dost; and, indeed, with most painful
feeling of
聽聽聽聽thy speech. I will, out of thine own confession, learn to
begin
聽聽聽聽thy health; but, whilst I live, forget to drink after thee.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. I think I have done myself wrong, have I not?
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. Yes, that thou hast, whether thou art tainted
or
听听听听蹿谤别别.

Enter MISTRESS OVERDONE

聽聽LUCIO. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes! I have
聽聽聽聽purchas'd as many diseases under her roof as come to-
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. To what, I pray?
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Judge.
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. To three thousand dolours a year.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Ay, and more.
聽聽LUCIO. A French crown more.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Thou art always figuring diseases in me, but
thou
聽聽聽聽art full of error; I am sound.
聽聽LUCIO. Nay, not, as one would say, healthy; but so sound as
things
聽聽聽聽that are hollow: thy bones are hollow; impiety has made a
feast
聽聽聽聽of thee.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. How now! which of your hips has the most
profound
听听听听蝉肠颈补迟颈肠补?
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Well, well! there's one yonder arrested and
carried
聽聽聽聽to prison was worth five thousand of you all.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Who's that, I pray thee?
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Marry, sir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. Claudio to prison? 'Tis not so.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Nay, but I know 'tis so: I saw him arrested; saw
him
聽聽聽聽carried away; and, which is more, within these three days his
聽聽聽聽head to be chopp'd off.
聽聽LUCIO. But, after all this fooling, I would not have it so. Art
聽聽聽聽thou sure of this?
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. I am too sure of it; and it is for getting Madam
聽聽聽聽Julietta with child.
聽聽LUCIO. Believe me, this may be; he promis'd to meet me two
hours
聽聽聽聽since, and he was ever precise in promise-keeping.
聽聽SECOND GENTLEMAN. Besides, you know, it draws something near to
the
聽聽聽聽speech we had to such a purpose.
聽聽FIRST GENTLEMAN. But most of all agreeing with the
proclamation.
聽聽LUCIO. Away; let's go learn the truth of it.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt Lucio and GENTLEMEN
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Thus, what with the war, what with the sweat,
what
聽聽聽聽with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk.

Enter POMPEY

聽聽聽聽How now! what's the news with you?
聽聽POMPEY. Yonder man is carried to prison.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Well, what has he done?
聽聽POMPEY. A woman.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. But what's his offence?
聽聽POMPEY. Groping for trouts in a peculiar river.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. What! is there a maid with child by him?
聽聽POMPEY. No; but there's a woman with maid by him. You have not
聽聽聽heard of the proclamation, have you?
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. What proclamation, man?
聽聽POMPEY. All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be pluck'd
down.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. And what shall become of those in the city?
聽聽POMPEY. They shall stand for seed; they had gone down too, but
that
聽聽聽聽a wise burgher put in for them.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. But shall all our houses of resort in the
suburbs be
聽聽聽聽pull'd down?
聽聽POMPEY. To the ground, mistress.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Why, here's a change indeed in the commonwealth!
聽聽聽聽What shall become of me?
聽聽POMPEY. Come, fear not you: good counsellors lack no clients.
聽聽聽聽Though you change your place you need not change your trade;
I'll
聽聽聽聽be your tapster still. Courage, there will be pity taken on
you;
聽聽聽聽you that have worn your eyes almost out in the service, you
will
聽聽聽聽be considered.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. What's to do here, Thomas Tapster? Let's
withdraw.
聽聽POMPEY. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the provost to
prison;
聽聽聽聽and there's Madam Juliet. Exeunt

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Enter PROVOST, CLAUDIO, JULIET, and OFFICERS;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽LUCIO following

聽聽CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to th' world?
聽聽聽聽Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I do it not in evil disposition,
聽聽聽聽But from Lord Angelo by special charge.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Thus can the demigod Authority
聽聽聽聽Make us pay down for our offence by weight
聽聽聽聽The words of heaven: on whom it will, it will;
聽聽聽聽On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
聽聽LUCIO. Why, how now, Claudio, whence comes this restraint?
聽聽CLAUDIO. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty;
聽聽聽聽As surfeit is the father of much fast,
聽聽聽聽So every scope by the immoderate use
聽聽聽聽Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue,
聽聽聽聽Like rats that ravin down their proper bane,
聽聽聽聽A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die.
聽聽LUCIO. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send
for
聽聽聽聽certain of my creditors; and yet, to say the truth, I had as
lief
聽聽聽聽have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment.
聽聽聽聽What's thy offence, Claudio?
聽聽CLAUDIO. What but to speak of would offend again.
聽聽LUCIO. What, is't murder?
聽聽CLAUDIO. No.
聽聽LUCIO. Lechery?
聽聽CLAUDIO. Call it so.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Away, sir; you must go.
聽聽CLAUDIO. One word, good friend. Lucio, a word with you.
聽聽LUCIO. A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so
look'd
听听听听补蹿迟别谤?
聽聽CLAUDIO. Thus stands it with me: upon a true contract
聽聽聽聽I got possession of Julietta's bed.
聽聽聽聽You know the lady; she is fast my wife,
聽聽聽聽Save that we do the denunciation lack
聽聽聽聽Of outward order; this we came not to,
聽聽聽聽Only for propagation of a dow'r
聽聽聽聽Remaining in the coffer of her friends.
聽聽聽聽From whom we thought it meet to hide our love
聽聽聽聽Till time had made them for us. But it chances
聽聽聽聽The stealth of our most mutual entertainment,
聽聽聽聽With character too gross, is writ on Juliet.
聽聽LUCIO. With child, perhaps?
聽聽CLAUDIO. Unhappily, even so.
聽聽聽聽And the new deputy now for the Duke-
聽聽聽聽Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness,
聽聽聽聽Or whether that the body public be
聽聽聽聽A horse whereon the governor doth ride,
聽聽聽聽Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
聽聽聽聽He can command, lets it straight feel the spur;
聽聽聽聽Whether the tyranny be in his place,
聽聽聽聽Or in his eminence that fills it up,
聽聽聽聽I stagger in. But this new governor
聽聽聽聽Awakes me all the enrolled penalties
聽聽聽聽Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by th' wall
聽聽聽聽So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round
聽聽聽聽And none of them been worn; and, for a name,
聽聽聽聽Now puts the drowsy and neglected act
聽聽聽聽Freshly on me. 'Tis surely for a name.
聽聽LUCIO. I warrant it is; and thy head stands so tickle on thy
聽聽聽聽shoulders that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it
off.
聽聽聽聽Send after the Duke, and appeal to him.
聽聽CLAUDIO. I have done so, but he's not to be found.
聽聽聽聽I prithee, Lucio, do me this kind service:
聽聽聽聽This day my sister should the cloister enter,
聽聽聽聽And there receive her approbation;
聽聽聽聽Acquaint her with the danger of my state;
聽聽聽聽Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends
聽聽聽聽To the strict deputy; bid herself assay him.
聽聽聽聽I have great hope in that; for in her youth
聽聽聽聽There is a prone and speechless dialect
聽聽聽聽Such as move men; beside, she hath prosperous art
聽聽聽聽When she will play with reason and discourse,
聽聽聽聽And well she can persuade.
聽聽LUCIO. I pray she may; as well for the encouragement of the
like,
聽聽聽聽which else would stand under grievous imposition, as for the
聽聽聽聽enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorry should be thus
聽聽聽聽foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack. I'll to her.
聽聽CLAUDIO. I thank you, good friend Lucio.
聽聽LUCIO. Within two hours.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away. Exeunt

Enter DUKE and FRIAR THOMAS

聽聽DUKE. No, holy father; throw away that thought;
聽聽聽聽Believe not that the dribbling dart of love
聽聽聽聽Can pierce a complete bosom. Why I desire thee
聽聽聽聽To give me secret harbour hath a purpose
聽聽聽聽More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends
聽聽聽聽Of burning youth.
聽聽FRIAR. May your Grace speak of it?
聽聽DUKE. My holy sir, none better knows than you
聽聽聽聽How I have ever lov'd the life removed,
聽聽聽聽And held in idle price to haunt assemblies
聽聽聽聽Where youth, and cost, a witless bravery keeps.
聽聽聽聽I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo,
聽聽聽聽A man of stricture and firm abstinence,
聽聽聽聽My absolute power and place here in Vienna,
聽聽聽聽And he supposes me travell'd to Poland;
聽聽聽聽For so I have strew'd it in the common ear,
聽聽聽聽And so it is received. Now, pious sir,
聽聽聽聽You will demand of me why I do this.
聽聽FRIAR. Gladly, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. We have strict statutes and most biting laws,
聽聽聽聽The needful bits and curbs to headstrong steeds,
聽聽聽聽Which for this fourteen years we have let slip;
聽聽聽聽Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave,
聽聽聽聽That goes not out to prey. Now, as fond fathers,
聽聽聽聽Having bound up the threat'ning twigs of birch,
聽聽聽聽Only to stick it in their children's sight
聽聽聽聽For terror, not to use, in time the rod
聽聽聽聽Becomes more mock'd than fear'd; so our decrees,
聽聽聽聽Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead;
聽聽聽聽And liberty plucks justice by the nose;
聽聽聽聽The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart
聽聽聽聽Goes all decorum.
聽聽FRIAR. It rested in your Grace
聽聽聽聽To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleas'd;
聽聽聽聽And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd
聽聽聽聽Than in Lord Angelo.
聽聽DUKE. I do fear, too dreadful.
聽聽聽聽Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope,
聽聽聽聽'Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them
聽聽聽聽For what I bid them do; for we bid this be done,
聽聽聽聽When evil deeds have their permissive pass
聽聽聽聽And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father,
聽聽聽聽I have on Angelo impos'd the office;
聽聽聽聽Who may, in th' ambush of my name, strike home,
聽聽聽聽And yet my nature never in the fight
聽聽聽聽To do in slander. And to behold his sway,
聽聽聽聽I will, as 'twere a brother of your order,
聽聽聽聽Visit both prince and people. Therefore, I prithee,
聽聽聽聽Supply me with the habit, and instruct me
聽聽聽聽How I may formally in person bear me
聽聽聽聽Like a true friar. Moe reasons for this action
聽聽聽聽At our more leisure shall I render you.
聽聽聽聽Only, this one: Lord Angelo is precise;
聽聽聽聽Stands at a guard with envy; scarce confesses
聽聽聽聽That his blood flows, or that his appetite
聽聽聽聽Is more to bread than stone. Hence shall we see,
聽聽聽聽If power change purpose, what our seemers be. Exeunt

Enter ISABELLA and FRANCISCA

聽聽ISABELLA. And have you nuns no farther privileges?
聽聽FRANCISCA. Are not these large enough?
聽聽ISABELLA. Yes, truly; I speak not as desiring more,
聽聽聽聽But rather wishing a more strict restraint
聽聽聽聽Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare.
聽聽LUCIO. [ Within] Ho! Peace be in this place!
聽聽ISABELLA. Who's that which calls?
聽聽FRANCISCA. It is a man's voice. Gentle Isabella,
聽聽聽聽Turn you the key, and know his business of him:
聽聽聽聽You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn;
聽聽聽聽When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men
聽聽聽聽But in the presence of the prioress;
聽聽聽聽Then, if you speak, you must not show your face,
聽聽聽聽Or, if you show your face, you must not speak.
聽聽聽聽He calls again; I pray you answer him. Exit FRANCISCA
聽聽ISABELLA. Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls?

Enter LUCIO

聽聽LUCIO. Hail, virgin, if you be, as those cheek-roses
聽聽聽聽Proclaim you are no less. Can you so stead me
聽聽聽聽As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
聽聽聽聽A novice of this place, and the fair sister
聽聽聽聽To her unhappy brother Claudio?
聽聽ISABELLA. Why her 'unhappy brother'? Let me ask
聽聽聽聽The rather, for I now must make you know
聽聽聽聽I am that Isabella, and his sister.
聽聽LUCIO. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you.
聽聽聽聽Not to be weary with you, he's in prison.
聽聽ISABELLA. Woe me! For what?
聽聽LUCIO. For that which, if myself might be his judge,
聽聽聽聽He should receive his punishment in thanks:
聽聽聽聽He hath got his friend with child.
聽聽ISABELLA. Sir, make me not your story.
聽聽LUCIO. It is true.
聽聽聽聽I would not- though 'tis my familiar sin
聽聽聽聽With maids to seem the lapwing, and to jest,
聽聽聽聽Tongue far from heart- play with all virgins so:
聽聽聽聽I hold you as a thing enskied and sainted,
聽聽聽聽By your renouncement an immortal spirit,
聽聽聽聽And to be talk'd with in sincerity,
聽聽聽聽As with a saint.
聽聽ISABELLA. You do blaspheme the good in mocking me.
聽聽LUCIO. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus:
聽聽聽聽Your brother and his lover have embrac'd.
聽聽聽聽As those that feed grow full, as blossoming time
聽聽聽聽That from the seedness the bare fallow brings
聽聽聽聽To teeming foison, even so her plenteous womb
聽聽聽聽Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.
聽聽ISABELLA. Some one with child by him? My cousin Juliet?
聽聽LUCIO. Is she your cousin?
聽聽ISABELLA. Adoptedly, as school-maids change their names
聽聽聽聽By vain though apt affection.
聽聽LUCIO. She it is.
聽聽ISABELLA. O, let him marry her!
聽聽LUCIO. This is the point.
聽聽聽聽The Duke is very strangely gone from hence;
聽聽聽聽Bore many gentlemen, myself being one,
聽聽聽聽In hand, and hope of action; but we do learn,
聽聽聽聽By those that know the very nerves of state,
聽聽聽聽His givings-out were of an infinite distance
聽聽聽聽From his true-meant design. Upon his place,
聽聽聽聽And with full line of his authority,
聽聽聽聽Governs Lord Angelo, a man whose blood
聽聽聽聽Is very snow-broth, one who never feels
聽聽聽聽The wanton stings and motions of the sense,
聽聽聽聽But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge
聽聽聽聽With profits of the mind, study and fast.
聽聽聽聽He- to give fear to use and liberty,
聽聽聽聽Which have for long run by the hideous law,
聽聽聽聽As mice by lions- hath pick'd out an act
聽聽聽聽Under whose heavy sense your brother's life
聽聽聽聽Falls into forfeit; he arrests him on it,
聽聽聽聽And follows close the rigour of the statute
聽聽聽聽To make him an example. All hope is gone,
聽聽聽聽Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
聽聽聽聽To soften Angelo. And that's my pith of business
聽聽聽聽'Twixt you and your poor brother.
聽聽ISABELLA. Doth he so seek his life?
聽聽LUCIO. Has censur'd him
聽聽聽聽Already, and, as I hear, the Provost hath
聽聽聽聽A warrant for his execution.
聽聽ISABELLA. Alas! what poor ability's in me
聽聽聽聽To do him good?
聽聽LUCIO. Assay the pow'r you have.
聽聽ISABELLA. My power, alas, I doubt!
聽聽LUCIO. Our doubts are traitors,
聽聽聽聽And make us lose the good we oft might win
聽聽聽聽By fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angelo,
聽聽聽聽And let him learn to know, when maidens sue,
聽聽聽聽Men give like gods; but when they weep and kneel,
聽聽聽聽All their petitions are as freely theirs
聽聽聽聽As they themselves would owe them.
聽聽ISABELLA. I'll see what I can do.
聽聽LUCIO. But speedily.
聽聽ISABELLA. I will about it straight;
聽聽聽聽No longer staying but to give the Mother
聽聽聽聽Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you.
聽聽聽聽Commend me to my brother; soon at night
聽聽聽聽I'll send him certain word of my success.
聽聽LUCIO. I take my leave of you.
聽聽ISABELLA. Good sir, adieu. Exeunt

Enter ANGELO, ESCALUS, a JUSTICE, PROVOST, OFFICERS, and other
ATTENDANTS

聽聽ANGELO. We must not make a scarecrow of the law,
聽聽聽聽Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
聽聽聽聽And let it keep one shape till custom make it
聽聽聽聽Their perch, and not their terror.
聽聽ESCALUS. Ay, but yet
聽聽聽聽Let us be keen, and rather cut a little
聽聽聽聽Than fall and bruise to death. Alas! this gentleman,
聽聽聽聽Whom I would save, had a most noble father.
聽聽聽聽Let but your honour know,
聽聽聽聽Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue,
聽聽聽聽That, in the working of your own affections,
聽聽聽聽Had time coher'd with place, or place with wishing,
聽聽聽聽Or that the resolute acting of our blood
聽聽聽聽Could have attain'd th' effect of your own purpose
聽聽聽聽Whether you had not sometime in your life
聽聽聽聽Err'd in this point which now you censure him,
聽聽聽聽And pull'd the law upon you.
聽聽ANGELO. 'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus,
聽聽聽聽Another thing to fall. I not deny
聽聽聽聽The jury, passing on the prisoner's life,
聽聽聽聽May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
聽聽聽聽Guiltier than him they try. What's open made to justice,
聽聽聽聽That justice seizes. What knows the laws
聽聽聽聽That thieves do pass on thieves? 'Tis very pregnant,
聽聽聽聽The jewel that we find, we stoop and take't,
聽聽聽聽Because we see it; but what we do not see
聽聽聽聽We tread upon, and never think of it.
聽聽聽聽You may not so extenuate his offence
聽聽聽聽For I have had such faults; but rather tell me,
聽聽聽聽When I, that censure him, do so offend,
聽聽聽聽Let mine own judgment pattern out my death,
聽聽聽聽And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.
聽聽ESCALUS. Be it as your wisdom will.
聽聽ANGELO. Where is the Provost?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Here, if it like your honour.
聽聽ANGELO. See that Claudio
聽聽聽聽Be executed by nine to-morrow morning;
聽聽聽聽Bring him his confessor; let him be prepar'd;
聽聽聽聽For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage. Exit PROVOST
聽聽ESCALUS. [Aside] Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
聽聽聽聽Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall;
聽聽聽聽Some run from breaks of ice, and answer none,
聽聽聽聽And some condemned for a fault alone.

Enter ELBOW and OFFICERS with FROTH and POMPEY

ELBOW. Come, bring them away; if these be good people in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law; bring them away.
ANGELO. How now, sir! What's your name, and what's the matter?
ELBOW. If it please your honour, I am the poor Duke's constable, and my name is Elbow; I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors.
ANGELO. Benefactors! Well- what benefactors are they? Are they not malefactors?
ELBOW. If it please your honour, I know not well what they are; but precise villains they are, that I am sure of, and void of all profanation in the world that good Christians ought to have.
ESCALUS. This comes off well; here's a wise officer.
ANGELO. Go to; what quality are they of? Elbow is your name? Why dost thou not speak, Elbow?
POMPEY. He cannot, sir; he's out at elbow.
ANGELO. What are you, sir?
ELBOW. He, sir? A tapster, sir; parcel-bawd; one that serves a bad woman; whose house, sir, was, as they say, pluck'd down in the suburbs; and now she professes a hot-house, which, I think, is a very ill house too.
ESCALUS. How know you that?
ELBOW. My Wife, sir, whom I detest before heaven and your honour-
ESCALUS. How! thy wife!
ELBOW. Ay, sir; whom I thank heaven, is an honest woman-
ESCALUS. Dost thou detest her therefore?
ELBOW. I say, sir, I will detest myself also, as well as she, that this house, if it be not a bawd's house, it is pity of her life, for it is a naughty house.
ESCALUS. How dost thou know that, constable?
ELBOW. Marry, sir, by my wife; who, if she had been a woman cardinally given, might have been accus'd in fornication, adultery, and all uncleanliness there.
ESCALUS. By the woman's means?
ELBOW. Ay, sir, by Mistress Overdone's means; but as she spit in his face, so she defied him.
POMPEY. Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.
ELBOW. Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable man, prove it.
ESCALUS. Do you hear how he misplaces?
POMPEY. Sir, she came in great with child; and longing, saving your honour's reverence, for stew'd prunes. Sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant time stood, as it were, in a fruit dish, a dish of some three pence; your honours have seen such dishes; they are not China dishes, but very good dishes.
ESCALUS. Go to, go to; no matter for the dish, sir.
POMPEY. No, indeed, sir, not of a pin; you are therein in the right; but to the point. As I say, this Mistress Elbow, being, as I say, with child, and being great-bellied, and longing, as I said, for prunes; and having but two in the dish, as I said, Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten the rest, as I said, and, as I say, paying for them very honestly; for, as you know, Master Froth, I could not give you three pence again-
FROTH. No, indeed.
POMPEY. Very well; you being then, if you be rememb'red, cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes-
FROTH. Ay, so I did indeed.
POMPEY. Why, very well; I telling you then, if you be rememb'red, that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you wot of, unless they kept very good diet, as I told you-
FROTH. All this is true.
POMPEY. Why, very well then-
ESCALUS. Come, you are a tedious fool. To the purpose: what was done to Elbow's wife that he hath cause to complain of? Come me to what was done to her.
POMPEY. Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.
ESCALUS. No, sir, nor I mean it not.
POMPEY. Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here, sir, a man of fourscore pound a year; whose father died at Hallowmas- was't not at Hallowmas, Master Froth?
FROTH. All-hallond eve.
POMPEY. Why, very well; I hope here be truths. He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where, indeed, you have a delight to sit, have you not?
FROTH. I have so; because it is an open room, and good for winter.
POMPEY. Why, very well then; I hope here be truths.
ANGELO. This will last out a night in Russia, When nights are longest there; I'll take my leave, And leave you to the hearing of the cause, Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all.
ESCALUS. I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship.
[Exit ANGELO]
Now, sir, come on; what was done to Elbow's wife, once more?
POMPEY. Once?- sir. There was nothing done to her once.
ELBOW. I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife.
POMPEY. I beseech your honour, ask me.
ESCALUS. Well, sir, what did this gentleman to her?
POMPEY. I beseech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. Good Master Froth, look upon his honour; 'tis for a good purpose. Doth your honour mark his face?
ESCALUS. Ay, sir, very well.
POMPEY. Nay, I beseech you, mark it well.
ESCALUS. Well, I do so.
POMPEY. Doth your honour see any harm in his face?
ESCALUS. Why, no.
POMPEY. I'll be suppos'd upon a book his face is the worst thing about him. Good then; if his face be the worst thing about him, how could Master Froth do the constable's wife any harm? I would know that of your honour.
ESCALUS. He's in the right, constable; what say you to it?
ELBOW. First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman.
POMPEY. By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected person than any of us all.
ELBOW. Varlet, thou liest; thou liest, wicket varlet; the time is yet to come that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child.
POMPEY. Sir, she was respected with him before he married with her.
ESCALUS. Which is the wiser here, Justice or Iniquity? Is this true?
ELBOW. O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! I respected with her before I was married to her! If ever I was respected with her, or she with me, let not your worship think me the poor Duke's officer. Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I'll have mine action of batt'ry on thee.
ESCALUS. If he took you a box o' th' ear, you might have your action of slander too.
ELBOW. Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff?
ESCALUS. Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him continue in his courses till thou know'st what they are.
ELBOW. Marry, I thank your worship for it. Thou seest, thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee: thou art to continue now, thou varlet; thou art to continue.
ESCALUS. Where were you born, friend?
FROTH. Here in Vienna, sir.
ESCALUS. Are you of fourscore pounds a year?
FROTH. Yes, an't please you, sir.
ESCALUS. So. What trade are you of, sir?
POMPEY. A tapster, a poor widow's tapster.
ESCALUS. Your mistress' name?
POMPEY. Mistress Overdone.
ESCALUS. Hath she had any more than one husband?
POMPEY. Nine, sir; Overdone by the last.
ESCALUS. Nine! Come hither to me, Master Froth. Master Froth, I would not have you acquainted with tapsters: they will draw you, Master Froth, and you will hang them. Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you.
FROTH. I thank your worship. For mine own part, I never come into any room in a taphouse but I am drawn in.
ESCALUS. Well, no more of it, Master Froth; farewell. [Exit FROTH] Come you hither to me, Master Tapster; what's your name, Master Tapster?
POMPEY. Pompey.
ESCALUS. What else?
POMPEY. Bum, sir.
ESCALUS. Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that, in the beastliest sense, you are Pompey the Great. Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey, howsoever you colour it in being a tapster. Are you not? Come, tell me true; it shall be the better for you.
POMPEY. Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow that would live.
ESCALUS. How would you live, Pompey- by being a bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? Is it a lawful trade?
POMPEY. If the law would allow it, sir.
ESCALUS. But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna.
POMPEY. Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city?
ESCALUS. No, Pompey.
POMPEY. Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then. If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds.
ESCALUS. There is pretty orders beginning, I can tell you: but it is but heading and hanging.
POMPEY. If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together, you'll be glad to give out a commission for more heads; if this law hold in Vienna ten year, I'll rent the fairest house in it, after threepence a bay. If you live to see this come to pass, say Pompey told you so.
ESCALUS. Thank you, good Pompey; and, in requital of your prophecy, hark you: I advise you, let me not find you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever- no, not for dwelling where you do; if I do, Pompey, I shall beat you to your tent, and prove a shrewd Caesar to you; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt. So for this time, Pompey, fare you well.
POMPEY. I thank your worship for your good counsel; [Aside] but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine. Whip me? No, no; let carman whip his jade; The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade. Exit ESCALUS. Come hither to me, Master Elbow; come hither, Master Constable. How long have you been in this place of constable?
ELBOW. Seven year and a half, sir.
ESCALUS. I thought, by the readiness in the office, you had continued in it some time. You say seven years together?
ELBOW. And a half, sir.
ESCALUS. Alas, it hath been great pains to you! They do you wrong to put you so oft upon't. Are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it?
ELBOW. Faith, sir, few of any wit in such matters; as they are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it for some piece of money, and go through with all.
ESCALUS. Look you, bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish.
ELBOW. To your worship's house, sir?
ESCALUS. To my house. Fare you well. [Exit ELBOW] What's o'clock, think you?
JUSTICE. Eleven, sir.
ESCALUS. I pray you home to dinner with me.
JUSTICE. I humbly thank you.
ESCALUS. It grieves me for the death of Claudio; But there's no remedy.
JUSTICE. Lord Angelo is severe.
ESCALUS. It is but needful: Mercy is not itself that oft looks so; Pardon is still the nurse of second woe. But yet, poor Claudio! There is no remedy. Come, sir.
Exeunt

Enter PROVOST and a SERVANT

聽聽SERVANT. He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight.
聽聽聽聽I'll tell him of you.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Pray you do. [Exit SERVANT] I'll know
聽聽聽聽His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas,
聽聽聽聽He hath but as offended in a dream!
聽聽聽聽All sects, all ages, smack of this vice; and he
聽聽聽聽To die for 't!

Enter ANGELO

聽聽ANGELO. Now, what's the matter, Provost?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Is it your will Claudio shall die to-morrow?
聽聽ANGELO. Did not I tell thee yea? Hadst thou not order?
聽聽聽聽Why dost thou ask again?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Lest I might be too rash;
聽聽聽聽Under your good correction, I have seen
聽聽聽聽When, after execution, judgment hath
聽聽聽聽Repented o'er his doom.
聽聽ANGELO. Go to; let that be mine.
聽聽聽聽Do you your office, or give up your place,
聽聽聽聽And you shall well be spar'd.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I crave your honour's pardon.
聽聽聽聽What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet?
聽聽聽聽She's very near her hour.
聽聽ANGELO. Dispose of her
聽聽聽聽To some more fitter place, and that with speed.

Re-enter SERVANT

聽聽SERVANT. Here is the sister of the man condemn'd
聽聽聽聽Desires access to you.
聽聽ANGELO. Hath he a sister?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Ay, my good lord; a very virtuous maid,
聽聽聽聽And to be shortly of a sisterhood,
聽聽聽聽If not already.
聽聽ANGELO. Well, let her be admitted. Exit SERVANT
聽聽聽聽See you the fornicatress be remov'd;
聽聽聽聽Let her have needful but not lavish means;
聽聽聽聽There shall be order for't.

Enter Lucio and ISABELLA

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. [Going] Save your honour!
聽聽ANGELO. Stay a little while. [To ISABELLA] Y'are welcome;
what's
聽聽聽聽your will?
聽聽ISABELLA. I am a woeful suitor to your honour,
聽聽聽聽Please but your honour hear me.
聽聽ANGELO. Well; what's your suit?
聽聽ISABELLA. There is a vice that most I do abhor,
聽聽聽聽And most desire should meet the blow of justice;
聽聽聽聽For which I would not plead, but that I must;
聽聽聽聽For which I must not plead, but that I am
聽聽聽聽At war 'twixt will and will not.
聽聽ANGELO. Well; the matter?
聽聽ISABELLA. I have a brother is condemn'd to die;
聽聽聽聽I do beseech you, let it be his fault,
聽聽聽聽And not my brother.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. [Aside] Heaven give thee moving graces.
聽聽ANGELO. Condemn the fault and not the actor of it!
聽聽聽聽Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done;
聽聽聽聽Mine were the very cipher of a function,
聽聽聽聽To fine the faults whose fine stands in record,
聽聽聽聽And let go by the actor.
聽聽ISABELLA. O just but severe law!
聽聽聽聽I had a brother, then. Heaven keep your honour!
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] Give't not o'er so; to him again, entreat
him,
聽聽聽聽Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown;
聽聽聽聽You are too cold: if you should need a pin,
聽聽聽聽You could not with more tame a tongue desire it.
聽聽聽聽To him, I say.
聽聽ISABELLA. Must he needs die?
聽聽ANGELO. Maiden, no remedy.
聽聽ISABELLA. Yes; I do think that you might pardon him.
聽聽聽聽And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
聽聽ANGELO. I will not do't.
聽聽ISABELLA. But can you, if you would?
聽聽ANGELO. Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.
聽聽ISABELLA. But might you do't, and do the world no wrong,
聽聽聽聽If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse
聽聽聽聽As mine is to him?
聽聽ANGELO. He's sentenc'd; 'tis too late.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] You are too cold.
聽聽ISABELLA. Too late? Why, no; I, that do speak a word,
聽聽聽聽May call it back again. Well, believe this:
聽聽聽聽No ceremony that to great ones longs,
聽聽聽聽Not the king's crown nor the deputed sword,
聽聽聽聽The marshal's truncheon nor the judge's robe,
聽聽聽聽Become them with one half so good a grace
聽聽聽聽As mercy does.
聽聽聽聽If he had been as you, and you as he,
聽聽聽聽You would have slipp'd like him; but he, like you,
聽聽聽聽Would not have been so stern.
聽聽ANGELO. Pray you be gone.
聽聽ISABELLA. I would to heaven I had your potency,
聽聽聽聽And you were Isabel! Should it then be thus?
聽聽聽聽No; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge
聽聽聽聽And what a prisoner.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] Ay, touch him; there's the vein.
聽聽ANGELO. Your brother is a forfeit of the law,
聽聽聽聽And you but waste your words.
聽聽ISABELLA. Alas! Alas!
聽聽聽聽Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once;
聽聽聽聽And He that might the vantage best have took
聽聽聽聽Found out the remedy. How would you be
聽聽聽聽If He, which is the top of judgment, should
聽聽聽聽But judge you as you are? O, think on that;
聽聽聽聽And mercy then will breathe within your lips,
聽聽聽聽Like man new made.
聽聽ANGELO. Be you content, fair maid.
聽聽聽聽It is the law, not I condemn your brother.
聽聽聽聽Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son,
聽聽聽聽It should be thus with him. He must die to-morrow.
聽聽ISABELLA. To-morrow! O, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him.
聽聽聽聽He's not prepar'd for death. Even for our kitchens
聽聽聽聽We kill the fowl of season; shall we serve heaven
聽聽聽聽With less respect than we do minister
聽聽聽聽To our gross selves? Good, good my lord, bethink you.
聽聽聽聽Who is it that hath died for this offence?
聽聽聽聽There's many have committed it.
聽聽LUCIO. [Aside] Ay, well said.
聽聽ANGELO. The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept.
聽聽聽聽Those many had not dar'd to do that evil
聽聽聽聽If the first that did th' edict infringe
聽聽聽聽Had answer'd for his deed. Now 'tis awake,
聽聽聽聽Takes note of what is done, and, like a prophet,
聽聽聽聽Looks in a glass that shows what future evils-
聽聽聽聽Either now or by remissness new conceiv'd,
聽聽聽聽And so in progress to be hatch'd and born-
聽聽聽聽Are now to have no successive degrees,
聽聽聽聽But here they live to end.
聽聽ISABELLA. Yet show some pity.
聽聽ANGELO. I show it most of all when I show justice;
聽聽聽聽For then I pity those I do not know,
聽聽聽聽Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall,
聽聽聽聽And do him right that, answering one foul wrong,
聽聽聽聽Lives not to act another. Be satisfied;
聽聽聽聽Your brother dies to-morrow; be content.
聽聽ISABELLA. So you must be the first that gives this sentence,
聽聽聽聽And he that suffers. O, it is excellent
聽聽聽聽To have a giant's strength! But it is tyrannous
聽聽聽聽To use it like a giant.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] That's well said.
聽聽ISABELLA. Could great men thunder
聽聽聽聽As Jove himself does, Jove would never be quiet,
聽聽聽聽For every pelting petty officer
聽聽聽聽Would use his heaven for thunder,
聽聽聽聽Nothing but thunder. Merciful Heaven,
聽聽聽聽Thou rather, with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt,
聽聽聽聽Splits the unwedgeable and gnarled oak
聽聽聽聽Than the soft myrtle. But man, proud man,
聽聽聽聽Dress'd in a little brief authority,
聽聽聽聽Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd,
聽聽聽聽His glassy essence, like an angry ape,
聽聽聽聽Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
聽聽聽聽As makes the angels weep; who, with our speens,
聽聽聽聽Would all themselves laugh mortal.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] O, to him, to him, wench! He will relent;
聽聽聽聽He's coming; I perceive 't.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. [Aside] Pray heaven she win him.
聽聽ISABELLA. We cannot weigh our brother with ourself.
聽聽聽聽Great men may jest with saints: 'tis wit in them;
聽聽聽聽But in the less foul profanation.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] Thou'rt i' th' right, girl; more o' that.
聽聽ISABELLA. That in the captain's but a choleric word
聽聽聽聽Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] Art avis'd o' that? More on't.
聽聽ANGELO. Why do you put these sayings upon me?
聽聽ISABELLA. Because authority, though it err like others,
聽聽聽聽Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself
聽聽聽聽That skins the vice o' th' top. Go to your bosom,
聽聽聽聽Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know
聽聽聽聽That's like my brother's fault. If it confess
聽聽聽聽A natural guiltiness such as is his,
聽聽聽聽Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue
聽聽聽聽Against my brother's life.
聽聽ANGELO. [Aside] She speaks, and 'tis
聽聽聽聽Such sense that my sense breeds with it.- Fare you well.
聽聽ISABELLA. Gentle my lord, turn back.
聽聽ANGELO. I will bethink me. Come again to-morrow.
聽聽ISABELLA. Hark how I'll bribe you; good my lord, turn back.
聽聽ANGELO. How, bribe me?
聽聽ISABELLA. Ay, with such gifts that heaven shall share with you.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] You had marr'd all else.
聽聽ISABELLA. Not with fond sicles of the tested gold,
聽聽聽聽Or stones, whose rate are either rich or poor
聽聽聽聽As fancy values them; but with true prayers
聽聽聽聽That shall be up at heaven and enter there
聽聽聽聽Ere sun-rise, prayers from preserved souls,
聽聽聽聽From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate
聽聽聽聽To nothing temporal.
聽聽ANGELO. Well; come to me to-morrow.
聽聽LUCIO. [To ISABELLA] Go to; 'tis well; away.
聽聽ISABELLA. Heaven keep your honour safe!
聽聽ANGELO. [Aside] Amen; for I
聽聽聽聽Am that way going to temptation
聽聽聽聽Where prayers cross.
聽聽ISABELLA. At what hour to-morrow
聽聽聽聽Shall I attend your lordship?
聽聽ANGELO. At any time 'fore noon.
聽聽ISABELLA. Save your honour! Exeunt all but ANGELO
聽聽ANGELO. From thee; even from thy virtue!
聽聽聽聽What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine?
聽聽聽聽The tempter or the tempted, who sins most?
听听听听贬补!
聽聽聽聽Not she; nor doth she tempt; but it is I
聽聽聽聽That, lying by the violet in the sun,
聽聽聽聽Do as the carrion does, not as the flow'r,
聽聽聽聽Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be
聽聽聽聽That modesty may more betray our sense
聽聽聽聽Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough,
聽聽聽聽Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary,
聽聽聽聽And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie!
聽聽聽聽What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo?
聽聽聽聽Dost thou desire her foully for those things
聽聽聽聽That make her good? O, let her brother live!
聽聽聽聽Thieves for their robbery have authority
聽聽聽聽When judges steal themselves. What, do I love her,
聽聽聽聽That I desire to hear her speak again,
聽聽聽聽And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on?
聽聽聽聽O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
聽聽聽聽With saints dost bait thy hook! Most dangerous
聽聽聽聽Is that temptation that doth goad us on
聽聽聽聽To sin in loving virtue. Never could the strumpet,
聽聽聽聽With all her double vigour, art and nature,
聽聽聽聽Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid
聽聽聽聽Subdues me quite. Ever till now,
聽聽聽聽When men were fond, I smil'd and wond'red how. Exit

Enter, severally, DUKE, disguised as a FRIAR, and PROVOST

聽聽DUKE. Hail to you, Provost! so I think you are.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I am the Provost. What's your will, good friar?
聽聽DUKE. Bound by my charity and my blest order,
聽聽聽聽I come to visit the afflicted spirits
聽聽聽聽Here in the prison. Do me the common right
聽聽聽聽To let me see them, and to make me know
聽聽聽聽The nature of their crimes, that I may minister
聽聽聽聽To them accordingly.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I would do more than that, if more were needful.

Enter JULIET

聽聽聽聽Look, here comes one; a gentlewoman of mine,
聽聽聽聽Who, falling in the flaws of her own youth,
聽聽聽聽Hath blister'd her report. She is with child;
聽聽聽聽And he that got it, sentenc'd- a young man
聽聽聽聽More fit to do another such offence
聽聽聽聽Than die for this.
聽聽DUKE. When must he die?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. As I do think, to-morrow.
聽聽聽聽[To JULIET] I have provided for you; stay awhile
聽聽聽聽And you shall be conducted.
聽聽DUKE. Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?
聽聽JULIET. I do; and bear the shame most patiently.
聽聽DUKE. I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience,
聽聽聽聽And try your penitence, if it be sound
聽聽聽聽Or hollowly put on.
聽聽JULIET. I'll gladly learn.
聽聽DUKE. Love you the man that wrong'd you?
聽聽JULIET. Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him.
聽聽DUKE. So then, it seems, your most offenceful act
聽聽聽聽Was mutually committed.
聽聽JULIET. Mutually.
聽聽DUKE. Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.
聽聽JULIET. I do confess it, and repent it, father.
聽聽DUKE. 'Tis meet so, daughter; but lest you do repent
聽聽聽聽As that the sin hath brought you to this shame,
聽聽聽聽Which sorrow is always toward ourselves, not heaven,
聽聽聽聽Showing we would not spare heaven as we love it,
聽聽聽聽But as we stand in fear-
聽聽JULIET. I do repent me as it is an evil,
聽聽聽聽And take the shame with joy.
聽聽DUKE. There rest.
聽聽聽聽Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow,
聽聽聽聽And I am going with instruction to him.
聽聽聽聽Grace go with you! Benedicite! Exit
聽聽JULIET. Must die to-morrow! O, injurious law,
聽聽聽聽That respites me a life whose very comfort
聽聽聽聽Is still a dying horror!
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. 'Tis pity of him. Exeunt

Enter ANGELO

聽聽ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray
聽聽聽聽To several subjects. Heaven hath my empty words,
聽聽聽聽Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue,
聽聽聽聽Anchors on Isabel. Heaven in my mouth,
聽聽聽聽As if I did but only chew his name,
聽聽聽聽And in my heart the strong and swelling evil
聽聽聽聽Of my conception. The state whereon I studied
聽聽聽聽Is, like a good thing being often read,
聽聽聽聽Grown sere and tedious; yea, my gravity,
聽聽聽聽Wherein- let no man hear me- I take pride,
聽聽聽聽Could I with boot change for an idle plume
聽聽聽聽Which the air beats for vain. O place, O form,
聽聽聽聽How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit,
聽聽聽聽Wrench awe from fools, and tie the wiser souls
聽聽聽聽To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood.
聽聽聽聽Let's write 'good angel' on the devil's horn;
聽聽聽聽'Tis not the devil's crest.

Enter SERVANT

聽聽聽聽How now, who's there?
聽聽SERVANT. One Isabel, a sister, desires access to you.
聽聽ANGELO. Teach her the way. [Exit SERVANT] O heavens!
聽聽聽聽Why does my blood thus muster to my heart,
聽聽聽聽Making both it unable for itself
聽聽聽聽And dispossessing all my other parts
聽聽聽聽Of necessary fitness?
聽聽聽聽So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons;
聽聽聽聽Come all to help him, and so stop the air
聽聽聽聽By which he should revive; and even so
聽聽聽聽The general subject to a well-wish'd king
聽聽聽聽Quit their own part, and in obsequious fondness
聽聽聽聽Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love
聽聽聽聽Must needs appear offence.

Enter ISABELLA

聽聽聽聽How now, fair maid?
聽聽ISABELLA. I am come to know your pleasure.
聽聽ANGELO. That you might know it would much better please me
聽聽聽聽Than to demand what 'tis. Your brother cannot live.
聽聽ISABELLA. Even so! Heaven keep your honour!
聽聽ANGELO. Yet may he live awhile, and, it may be,
聽聽聽聽As long as you or I; yet he must die.
聽聽ISABELLA. Under your sentence?
聽聽ANGELO. Yea.
聽聽ISABELLA. When? I beseech you; that in his reprieve,
聽聽聽聽Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted
聽聽聽聽That his soul sicken not.
聽聽ANGELO. Ha! Fie, these filthy vices! It were as good
聽聽聽聽To pardon him that hath from nature stol'n
聽聽聽聽A man already made, as to remit
聽聽聽聽Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image
聽聽聽聽In stamps that are forbid; 'tis all as easy
聽聽聽聽Falsely to take away a life true made
聽聽聽聽As to put metal in restrained means
聽聽聽聽To make a false one.
聽聽ISABELLA. 'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth.
聽聽ANGELO. Say you so? Then I shall pose you quickly.
聽聽聽聽Which had you rather- that the most just law
聽聽聽聽Now took your brother's life; or, to redeem him,
聽聽聽聽Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness
聽聽聽聽As she that he hath stain'd?
聽聽ISABELLA. Sir, believe this:
聽聽聽聽I had rather give my body than my soul.
聽聽ANGELO. I talk not of your soul; our compell'd sins
聽聽聽聽Stand more for number than for accompt.
聽聽ISABELLA. How say you?
聽聽ANGELO. Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak
聽聽聽聽Against the thing I say. Answer to this:
聽聽聽聽I, now the voice of the recorded law,
聽聽聽聽Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life;
聽聽聽聽Might there not be a charity in sin
聽聽聽聽To save this brother's life?
聽聽ISABELLA. Please you to do't,
聽聽聽聽I'll take it as a peril to my soul
聽聽聽聽It is no sin at all, but charity.
聽聽ANGELO. Pleas'd you to do't at peril of your soul,
聽聽聽聽Were equal poise of sin and charity.
聽聽ISABELLA. That I do beg his life, if it be sin,
聽聽聽聽Heaven let me bear it! You granting of my suit,
聽聽聽聽If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer
聽聽聽聽To have it added to the faults of mine,
聽聽聽聽And nothing of your answer.
聽聽ANGELO. Nay, but hear me;
聽聽聽聽Your sense pursues not mine; either you are ignorant
聽聽聽聽Or seem so, craftily; and that's not good.
聽聽ISABELLA. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good
聽聽聽聽But graciously to know I am no better.
聽聽ANGELO. Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright
聽聽聽聽When it doth tax itself; as these black masks
聽聽聽聽Proclaim an enshielded beauty ten times louder
聽聽聽聽Than beauty could, display'd. But mark me:
聽聽聽聽To be received plain, I'll speak more gross-
聽聽聽聽Your brother is to die.
聽聽ISABELLA. So.
聽聽ANGELO. And his offence is so, as it appears,
聽聽聽聽Accountant to the law upon that pain.
聽聽ISABELLA. True.
聽聽ANGELO. Admit no other way to save his life,
聽聽聽聽As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
聽聽聽聽But, in the loss of question, that you, his sister,
聽聽聽聽Finding yourself desir'd of such a person
聽聽聽聽Whose credit with the judge, or own great place,
聽聽聽聽Could fetch your brother from the manacles
聽聽聽聽Of the all-binding law; and that there were
聽聽聽聽No earthly mean to save him but that either
聽聽聽聽You must lay down the treasures of your body
聽聽聽聽To this supposed, or else to let him suffer-
聽聽聽聽What would you do?
聽聽ISABELLA. As much for my poor brother as myself;
聽聽聽聽That is, were I under the terms of death,
聽聽聽聽Th' impression of keen whips I'd wear as rubies,
聽聽聽聽And strip myself to death as to a bed
聽聽聽聽That longing have been sick for, ere I'd yield
聽聽聽聽My body up to shame.
聽聽ANGELO. Then must your brother die.
聽聽ISABELLA. And 'twere the cheaper way:
聽聽聽聽Better it were a brother died at once
聽聽聽聽Than that a sister, by redeeming him,
聽聽聽聽Should die for ever.
聽聽ANGELO. Were not you, then, as cruel as the sentence
聽聽聽聽That you have slander'd so?
聽聽ISABELLA. Ignominy in ransom and free pardon
聽聽聽聽Are of two houses: lawful mercy
聽聽聽聽Is nothing kin to foul redemption.
聽聽ANGELO. You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant;
聽聽聽聽And rather prov'd the sliding of your brother
聽聽聽聽A merriment than a vice.
聽聽ISABELLA. O, pardon me, my lord! It oft falls out,
聽聽聽聽To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean:
聽聽聽聽I something do excuse the thing I hate
聽聽聽聽For his advantage that I dearly love.
聽聽ANGELO. We are all frail.
聽聽ISABELLA. Else let my brother die,
聽聽聽聽If not a fedary but only he
聽聽聽聽Owe and succeed thy weakness.
聽聽ANGELO. Nay, women are frail too.
聽聽ISABELLA. Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves,
聽聽聽聽Which are as easy broke as they make forms.
聽聽聽聽Women, help heaven! Men their creation mar
聽聽聽聽In profiting by them. Nay, call us ten times frail;
聽聽聽聽For we are soft as our complexions are,
聽聽聽聽And credulous to false prints.
聽聽ANGELO. I think it well;
聽聽聽聽And from this testimony of your own sex,
聽聽聽聽Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger
聽聽聽聽Than faults may shake our frames, let me be bold.
聽聽聽聽I do arrest your words. Be that you are,
聽聽聽聽That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none;
聽聽聽聽If you be one, as you are well express'd
聽聽聽聽By all external warrants, show it now
聽聽聽聽By putting on the destin'd livery.
聽聽ISABELLA. I have no tongue but one; gentle, my lord,
聽聽聽聽Let me intreat you speak the former language.
聽聽ANGELO. Plainly conceive, I love you.
聽聽ISABELLA. My brother did love Juliet,
聽聽聽聽And you tell me that he shall die for't.
聽聽ANGELO. He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love.
聽聽ISABELLA. I know your virtue hath a license in't,
聽聽聽聽Which seems a little fouler than it is,
聽聽聽聽To pluck on others.
聽聽ANGELO. Believe me, on mine honour,
聽聽聽聽My words express my purpose.
聽聽ISABELLA. Ha! little honour to be much believ'd,
聽聽聽聽And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming!
聽聽聽聽I will proclaim thee, Angelo, look for't.
聽聽聽聽Sign me a present pardon for my brother
聽聽聽聽Or, with an outstretch'd throat, I'll tell the world aloud
聽聽聽聽What man thou art.
聽聽ANGELO. Who will believe thee, Isabel?
聽聽聽聽My unsoil'd name, th' austereness of my life,
聽聽聽聽My vouch against you, and my place i' th' state,
聽聽聽聽Will so your accusation overweigh
聽聽聽聽That you shall stifle in your own report,
聽聽聽聽And smell of calumny. I have begun,
聽聽聽聽And now I give my sensual race the rein:
聽聽聽聽Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite;
聽聽聽聽Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes
聽聽聽聽That banish what they sue for; redeem thy brother
聽聽聽聽By yielding up thy body to my will;
聽聽聽聽Or else he must not only die the death,
聽聽聽聽But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
聽聽聽聽To ling'ring sufferance. Answer me to-morrow,
聽聽聽聽Or, by the affection that now guides me most,
聽聽聽聽I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you,
聽聽聽聽Say what you can: my false o'erweighs your true. Exit
聽聽ISABELLA. To whom should I complain? Did I tell this,
聽聽聽聽Who would believe me? O perilous mouths
聽聽聽聽That bear in them one and the self-same tongue
聽聽聽聽Either of condemnation or approof,
聽聽聽聽Bidding the law make curtsy to their will;
聽聽聽聽Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite,
聽聽聽聽To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother.
聽聽聽聽Though he hath fall'n by prompture of the blood,
聽聽聽聽Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour
聽聽聽聽That, had he twenty heads to tender down
聽聽聽聽On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yield them up
聽聽聽聽Before his sister should her body stoop
聽聽聽聽To such abhorr'd pollution.
聽聽聽聽Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die:
聽聽聽聽More than our brother is our chastity.
聽聽聽聽I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request,
聽聽聽聽And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. Exit

Enter DUKE, disguised as before, CLAUDIO, and PROVOST

聽聽DUKE. So, then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
聽聽CLAUDIO. The miserable have no other medicine
聽聽聽聽But only hope:
聽聽聽聽I have hope to Eve, and am prepar'd to die.
聽聽DUKE. Be absolute for death; either death or life
聽聽聽聽Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life.
聽聽聽聽If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing
聽聽聽聽That none but fools would keep. A breath thou art,
聽聽聽聽Servile to all the skyey influences,
聽聽聽聽That dost this habitation where thou keep'st
聽聽聽聽Hourly afflict. Merely, thou art Death's fool;
聽聽聽聽For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun
聽聽聽聽And yet run'st toward him still. Thou art not noble;
聽聽聽聽For all th' accommodations that thou bear'st
聽聽聽聽Are nurs'd by baseness. Thou 'rt by no means valiant;
聽聽聽聽For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
聽聽聽聽Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep,
聽聽聽聽And that thou oft provok'st; yet grossly fear'st
聽聽聽聽Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself;
聽聽聽聽For thou exists on many a thousand grains
聽聽聽聽That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not;
聽聽聽聽For what thou hast not, still thou striv'st to get,
聽聽聽聽And what thou hast, forget'st. Thou art not certain;
聽聽聽聽For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,
聽聽聽聽After the moon. If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;
聽聽聽聽For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows,
聽聽聽聽Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey,
聽聽聽聽And Death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none;
聽聽聽聽For thine own bowels which do call thee sire,
聽聽聽聽The mere effusion of thy proper loins,
聽聽聽聽Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum,
聽聽聽聽For ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth nor age,
聽聽聽聽But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep,
聽聽聽聽Dreaming on both; for all thy blessed youth
聽聽聽聽Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms
聽聽聽聽Of palsied eld; and when thou art old and rich,
聽聽聽聽Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty,
聽聽聽聽To make thy riches pleasant. What's yet in this
聽聽聽聽That bears the name of life? Yet in this life
聽聽聽聽Lie hid moe thousand deaths; yet death we fear,
聽聽聽聽That makes these odds all even.
聽聽CLAUDIO. I humbly thank you.
聽聽聽聽To sue to live, I find I seek to die;
聽聽聽聽And, seeking death, find life. Let it come on.
聽聽ISABELLA. [Within] What, ho! Peace here; grace and good
company!
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Who's there? Come in; the wish deserves a welcome.
聽聽DUKE. Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Most holy sir, I thank you.

Enter ISABELLA

聽聽ISABELLA. My business is a word or two with Claudio.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your sister.
聽聽DUKE. Provost, a word with you.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. As many as you please.
聽聽DUKE. Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be conceal'd.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt DUKE and PROVOST
聽聽CLAUDIO. Now, sister, what's the comfort?
聽聽ISABELLA. Why,
聽聽聽聽As all comforts are; most good, most good, indeed.
聽聽聽聽Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,
聽聽聽聽Intends you for his swift ambassador,
聽聽聽聽Where you shall be an everlasting leiger.
聽聽聽聽Therefore, your best appointment make with speed;
聽聽聽聽To-morrow you set on.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Is there no remedy?
聽聽ISABELLA. None, but such remedy as, to save a head,
聽聽聽聽To cleave a heart in twain.
聽聽CLAUDIO. But is there any?
聽聽ISABELLA. Yes, brother, you may live:
聽聽聽聽There is a devilish mercy in the judge,
聽聽聽聽If you'll implore it, that will free your life,
聽聽聽聽But fetter you till death.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Perpetual durance?
聽聽ISABELLA. Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint,
聽聽聽聽Though all the world's vastidity you had,
聽聽聽聽To a determin'd scope.
聽聽CLAUDIO. But in what nature?
聽聽ISABELLA. In such a one as, you consenting to't,
聽聽聽聽Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,
聽聽聽聽And leave you naked.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Let me know the point.
聽聽ISABELLA. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,
聽聽聽聽Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain,
聽聽聽聽And six or seven winters more respect
聽聽聽聽Than a perpetual honour. Dar'st thou die?
聽聽聽聽The sense of death is most in apprehension;
聽聽聽聽And the poor beetle that we tread upon
聽聽聽聽In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
聽聽聽聽As when a giant dies.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Why give you me this shame?
聽聽聽聽Think you I can a resolution fetch
聽聽聽聽From flow'ry tenderness? If I must die,
聽聽聽聽I will encounter darkness as a bride
聽聽聽聽And hug it in mine arms.
聽聽ISABELLA. There spake my brother; there my father's grave
聽聽聽聽Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:
聽聽聽聽Thou art too noble to conserve a life
聽聽聽聽In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy,
聽聽聽聽Whose settled visage and deliberate word
聽聽聽聽Nips youth i' th' head, and follies doth enew
聽聽聽聽As falcon doth the fowl, is yet a devil;
聽聽聽聽His filth within being cast, he would appear
聽聽聽聽A pond as deep as hell.
聽聽CLAUDIO. The precise Angelo!
聽聽ISABELLA. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell
聽聽聽聽The damned'st body to invest and cover
聽聽聽聽In precise guards! Dost thou think, Claudio,
聽聽聽聽If I would yield him my virginity
聽聽聽聽Thou mightst be freed?
聽聽CLAUDIO. O heavens! it cannot be.
聽聽ISABELLA. Yes, he would give't thee, from this rank offence,
聽聽聽聽So to offend him still. This night's the time
聽聽聽聽That I should do what I abhor to name,
聽聽聽聽Or else thou diest to-morrow.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Thou shalt not do't.
聽聽ISABELLA. O, were it but my life!
聽聽聽聽I'd throw it down for your deliverance
聽聽聽聽As frankly as a pin.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Thanks, dear Isabel.
聽聽ISABELLA. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Yes. Has he affections in him
聽聽聽聽That thus can make him bite the law by th' nose
聽聽聽聽When he would force it? Sure it is no sin;
聽聽聽聽Or of the deadly seven it is the least.
聽聽ISABELLA. Which is the least?
聽聽CLAUDIO. If it were damnable, he being so wise,
聽聽聽聽Why would he for the momentary trick
聽聽聽聽Be perdurably fin'd?- O Isabel!
聽聽ISABELLA. What says my brother?
聽聽CLAUDIO. Death is a fearful thing.
聽聽ISABELLA. And shamed life a hateful.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where;
聽聽聽聽To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot;
聽聽聽聽This sensible warm motion to become
聽聽聽聽A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit
聽聽聽聽To bathe in fiery floods or to reside
聽聽聽聽In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice;
聽聽聽聽To be imprison'd in the viewless winds,
聽聽聽聽And blown with restless violence round about
聽聽聽聽The pendent world; or to be worse than worst
聽聽聽聽Of those that lawless and incertain thought
聽聽聽聽Imagine howling- 'tis too horrible.
聽聽聽聽The weariest and most loathed worldly life
聽聽聽聽That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment,
聽聽聽聽Can lay on nature is a paradise
聽聽聽聽To what we fear of death.
聽聽ISABELLA. Alas, alas!
聽聽CLAUDIO. Sweet sister, let me live.
聽聽聽聽What sin you do to save a brother's life,
聽聽聽聽Nature dispenses with the deed so far
聽聽聽聽That it becomes a virtue.
聽聽ISABELLA. O you beast!
聽聽聽聽O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!
聽聽聽聽Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?
聽聽聽聽Is't not a kind of incest to take life
聽聽聽聽From thine own sister's shame? What should I think?
聽聽聽聽Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair!
聽聽聽聽For such a warped slip of wilderness
聽聽聽聽Ne'er issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance;
聽聽聽聽Die; perish. Might but my bending down
聽聽聽聽Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed.
聽聽聽聽I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death,
聽聽聽聽No word to save thee.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Nay, hear me, Isabel.
聽聽ISABELLA. O fie, fie, fie!
聽聽聽聽Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade.
聽聽聽聽Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd;
聽聽聽聽'Tis best that thou diest quickly.
聽聽CLAUDIO. O, hear me, Isabella.

Re-enter DUKE

聽聽DUKE. Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.
聽聽ISABELLA. What is your will?
聽聽DUKE. Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by
have
聽聽聽聽some speech with you; the satisfaction I would require is
聽聽聽聽likewise your own benefit.
聽聽ISABELLA. I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen
out
聽聽聽聽of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽[Walks apart]
聽聽DUKE. Son, I have overheard what hath pass'd between you and
your
聽聽聽聽sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he
hath
聽聽聽聽made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the
聽聽聽聽disposition of natures. She, having the truth of honour in
her,
聽聽聽聽hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to
聽聽聽聽receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be
true;
聽聽聽聽therefore prepare yourself to death. Do not satisfy your
聽聽聽聽resolution with hopes that are fallible; to-morrow you must
die;
聽聽聽聽go to your knees and make ready.
聽聽CLAUDIO. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with
life
聽聽聽聽that I will sue to be rid of it.
聽聽DUKE. Hold you there. Farewell. [Exit CLAUDIO] Provost, a word
with
听听听听测辞耻.

Re-enter PROVOST

PROVOST. What's your will, father? DUKE. That, now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me a while with the maid; my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company. PROVOST. In good time. Exit PROVOST DUKE. The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good; the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath convey'd to my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother? ISABELLA. I am now going to resolve him; I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good Duke deceiv'd in Angelo! If ever he return, and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government. DUKE. That shall not be much amiss; yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation: he made trial of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings; to the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent Duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business. ISABELLA. Let me hear you speak farther; I have spirit to do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit. DUKE. Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick, the great soldier who miscarried at sea? ISABELLA. I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name. DUKE. She should this Angelo have married; was affianced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed; between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity her brother Frederick was wreck'd at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural; with him the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo. ISABELLA. Can this be so? Did Angelo so leave her? DUKE. Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour; in few, bestow'd her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not. ISABELLA. What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world! What corruption in this life that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she avail? DUKE. It is a rupture that you may easily heal; and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it. ISABELLA. Show me how, good father. DUKE. This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection; his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage: first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and silence in it; and the place answer to convenience. This being granted in course- and now follows all: we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place. If the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense; and here, by this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof. What think you of it? ISABELLA. The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection. DUKE. It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo; if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke's; there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly. ISABELLA. I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father. Exeunt severally

Enter, on one side, DUKE disguised as before; on the other, ELBOW, and OFFICERS with POMPEY

聽聽ELBOW. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will
needs
聽聽聽聽buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the
聽聽聽聽world drink brown and white bastard.
聽聽DUKE. O heavens! what stuff is here?
聽聽POMPEY. 'Twas never merry world since, of two usuries, the
merriest
聽聽聽聽was put down, and the worser allow'd by order of law a furr'd
聽聽聽聽gown to keep him warm; and furr'd with fox on lamb-skins too,
to
聽聽聽聽signify that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for
the
听听听听蹿补肠颈苍驳.
聽聽ELBOW. Come your way, sir. Bless you, good father friar.
聽聽DUKE. And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man
made
聽聽聽聽you, sir?
聽聽ELBOW. Marry, sir, he hath offended the law; and, sir, we take
him
聽聽聽聽to be a thief too, sir, for we have found upon him, sir, a
聽聽聽聽strange picklock, which we have sent to the deputy.
聽聽DUKE. Fie, sirrah, a bawd, a wicked bawd!
聽聽聽聽The evil that thou causest to be done,
聽聽聽聽That is thy means to live. Do thou but think
聽聽聽聽What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back
聽聽聽聽From such a filthy vice; say to thyself
聽聽聽聽'From their abominable and beastly touches
聽聽聽聽I drink, I eat, array myself, and live.'
聽聽聽聽Canst thou believe thy living is a life,
聽聽聽聽So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend.
聽聽POMPEY. Indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir,
聽聽聽聽I would prove-
聽聽DUKE. Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin,
聽聽聽聽Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer;
聽聽聽聽Correction and instruction must both work
聽聽聽聽Ere this rude beast will profit.
聽聽ELBOW. He must before the deputy, sir; he has given him
warning.
聽聽聽聽The deputy cannot abide a whoremaster; if he be a
whoremonger,
聽聽聽聽and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his
errand.
聽聽DUKE. That we were all, as some would seem to be,
聽聽聽聽From our faults, as his faults from seeming, free.
聽聽ELBOW. His neck will come to your waist- a cord, sir.

Enter LUCIO

聽聽POMPEY. I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here's a gentleman, and a
friend
聽聽聽聽of mine.
聽聽LUCIO. How now, noble Pompey! What, at the wheels of Caesar?
Art
聽聽聽聽thou led in triumph? What, is there none of Pygmalion's
images,
聽聽聽聽newly made woman, to be had now for putting the hand in the
聽聽聽聽pocket and extracting it clutch'd? What reply, ha? What
say'st
聽聽聽聽thou to this tune, matter, and method? Is't not drown'd i'
th'
聽聽聽聽last rain, ha? What say'st thou, trot? Is the world as it
was,
聽聽聽聽man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how? The
聽聽聽聽trick of it?
聽聽DUKE. Still thus, and thus; still worse!
聽聽LUCIO. How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she
still,
听听听听丑补?
聽聽POMPEY. Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is
聽聽聽聽herself in the tub.
聽聽LUCIO. Why, 'tis good; it is the right of it; it must be so;
ever
聽聽聽聽your fresh whore and your powder'd bawd- an unshunn'd
聽聽聽聽consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?
聽聽POMPEY. Yes, faith, sir.
聽聽LUCIO. Why, 'tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell; go, say I sent
thee
聽聽聽聽thither. For debt, Pompey- or how?
聽聽ELBOW. For being a bawd, for being a bawd.
聽聽LUCIO. Well, then, imprison him. If imprisonment be the due of
a
聽聽聽聽bawd, why, 'tis his right. Bawd is he doubtless, and of
聽聽聽聽antiquity, too; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey. Commend me
to
聽聽聽聽the prison, Pompey. You will turn good husband now, Pompey;
you
聽聽聽聽will keep the house.
聽聽POMPEY. I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.
聽聽LUCIO. No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I
will
聽聽聽聽pray, Pompey, to increase your bondage. If you take it not
聽聽聽聽patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu trusty Pompey.
聽聽聽聽Bless you, friar.
聽聽DUKE. And you.
聽聽LUCIO. Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha?
聽聽ELBOW. Come your ways, sir; come.
聽聽POMPEY. You will not bail me then, sir?
聽聽LUCIO. Then, Pompey, nor now. What news abroad, friar? what
news?
聽聽ELBOW. Come your ways, sir; come.
聽聽LUCIO. Go to kennel, Pompey, go.

Exeunt ELBOW, POMPEY and OFFICERS

聽聽聽聽What news, friar, of the Duke?
聽聽DUKE. I know none. Can you tell me of any?
聽聽LUCIO. Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some,
he is
聽聽聽聽in Rome; but where is he, think you?
聽聽DUKE. I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him well.
聽聽LUCIO. It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the
聽聽聽聽state and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo
聽聽聽聽dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to't.
聽聽DUKE. He does well in't.
聽聽LUCIO. A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him;
聽聽聽聽something too crabbed that way, friar.
聽聽DUKE. It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it.
聽聽LUCIO. Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it
is
聽聽聽聽well allied; but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar,
till
聽聽聽聽eating and drinking be put down. They say this Angelo was not

made by man and woman after this downright way of creation. Is it true, think you? DUKE. How should he be made, then? LUCIO. Some report a sea-maid spawn'd him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that when he makes water his urine is congeal'd ice; that I know to be true. And he is a motion generative; that's infallible. DUKE. You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace. LUCIO. Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the Duke that is absent have done this? Ere he would have hang'd a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand. He had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy. DUKE. I never heard the absent Duke much detected for women; he was not inclin'd that way. LUCIO. O, sir, you are deceiv'd. DUKE. 'Tis not possible. LUCIO. Who- not the Duke? Yes, your beggar of fifty; and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish. The Duke had crotchets in him. He would be drunk too; that let me inform you. DUKE. You do him wrong, surely. LUCIO. Sir, I was an inward of his. A shy fellow was the Duke; and I believe I know the cause of his withdrawing. DUKE. What, I prithee, might be the cause? LUCIO. No, pardon; 'tis a secret must be lock'd within the teeth and the lips; but this I can let you understand: the greater file of the subject held the Duke to be wise. DUKE. Wise? Why, no question but he was. LUCIO. A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow. DUKE. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking; the very stream of his life, and the business he hath helmed, must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation. Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, and he shall appear to the envious a scholar, a statesman, and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or, if your knowledge be more, it is much dark'ned in your malice. LUCIO. Sir, I know him, and I love him. DUKE. Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge with dearer love. LUCIO. Come, sir, I know what I know. DUKE. I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak. But, if ever the Duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it; I am bound to call upon you; and I pray you your name? LUCIO. Sir, my name is Lucio, well known to the Duke. DUKE. He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you. LUCIO. I fear you not. DUKE. O, you hope the Duke will return no more; or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do you little harm: you'll forswear this again. LUCIO. I'll be hang'd first. Thou art deceiv'd in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no? DUKE. Why should he die, sir? LUCIO. Why? For filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would the Duke we talk of were return'd again. This ungenitur'd agent will unpeople the province with continency; sparrows must not build in his house-eaves because they are lecherous. The Duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to

聽聽聽聽light. Would he were return'd! Marry, this Claudio is
condemned
聽聽聽聽for untrussing. Farewell, good friar; I prithee pray for me.
The
聽聽聽聽Duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays. He's
not
聽聽聽聽past it yet; and, I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar
聽聽聽聽though she smelt brown bread and garlic. Say that I said so.
聽聽聽聽Farewell. Exit
聽聽DUKE. No might nor greatness in mortality
聽聽聽聽Can censure scape; back-wounding calumny
聽聽聽聽The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong
聽聽聽聽Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?
聽聽聽聽But who comes here?

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Enter ESCALUS, PROVOST, and OFFICERS with
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽MISTRESS OVERDONE

聽聽ESCALUS. Go, away with her to prison.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is
聽聽聽聽accounted a merciful man; good my lord.
聽聽ESCALUS. Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the
聽聽聽聽same kind! This would make mercy swear and play the tyrant.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it please
your
听听听听丑辞苍辞耻谤.
聽聽MRS. OVERDONE. My lord, this is one Lucio's information against
me.
聽聽聽聽Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by him in the Duke's
time;
聽聽聽聽he promis'd her marriage. His child is a year and a quarter
old
聽聽聽聽come Philip and Jacob; I have kept it myself; and see how he
goes
聽聽聽聽about to abuse me.
聽聽ESCALUS. That fellow is a fellow of much license. Let him be
call'd
聽聽聽聽before us. Away with her to prison. Go to; no more words.
[Exeunt
聽聽聽聽OFFICERS with MISTRESS OVERDONE] Provost, my brother Angelo
will
聽聽聽聽not be alter'd: Claudio must die to-morrow. Let him be
furnish'd
聽聽聽聽with divines, and have all charitable preparation. If my
brother
聽聽聽聽wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. So please you, this friar hath been with him, and
advis'd
聽聽聽聽him for th' entertainment of death.
聽聽ESCALUS. Good even, good father.
聽聽DUKE. Bliss and goodness on you!
聽聽ESCALUS. Of whence are you?
聽聽DUKE. Not of this country, though my chance is now
聽聽聽聽To use it for my time. I am a brother
聽聽聽聽Of gracious order, late come from the See
聽聽聽聽In special business from his Holiness.
聽聽ESCALUS. What news abroad i' th' world?
聽聽DUKE. None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness that
the
聽聽聽聽dissolution of it must cure it. Novelty is only in request;
and,
聽聽聽聽as it is, as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course as it
is
聽聽聽聽virtuous to be constant in any undertakeing. There is scarce
聽聽聽聽truth enough alive to make societies secure; but security
enough
聽聽聽聽to make fellowships accurst. Much upon this riddle runs the
聽聽聽聽wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every
聽聽聽聽day's news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the
Duke?
聽聽ESCALUS. One that, above all other strifes, contended
especially to
聽聽聽聽know himself.
聽聽DUKE. What pleasure was he given to?
聽聽ESCALUS. Rather rejoicing to see another merry than merry at
聽聽聽聽anything which profess'd to make him rejoice; a gentleman of
all
聽聽聽聽temperance. But leave we him to his events, with a prayer
they
聽聽聽聽may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find
聽聽聽聽Claudio prepar'd. I am made to understand that you have lent
him
听听听听惫颈蝉颈迟补迟颈辞苍.
聽聽DUKE. He professes to have received no sinister measure from
his
聽聽聽聽judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the
determination of
聽聽聽聽justice. Yet had he framed to himself, by the instruction of
his
聽聽聽聽frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I, by my good
聽聽聽聽leisure, have discredited to him, and now he is resolv'd to
die.
聽聽ESCALUS. You have paid the heavens your function, and the
prisoner
聽聽聽聽the very debt of your calling. I have labour'd for the poor
聽聽聽聽gentleman to the extremest shore of my modesty; but my
brother
聽聽聽聽justice have I found so severe that he hath forc'd me to tell
him
聽聽聽聽he is indeed Justice.
聽聽DUKE. If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding,
it
聽聽聽聽shall become him well; wherein if he chance to fail, he hath
聽聽聽聽sentenc'd himself.
聽聽ESCALUS. I am going to visit the prisoner. Fare you well.
聽聽DUKE. Peace be with you! Exeunt ESCALUS and PROVOST

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽He who the sword of heaven will bear
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Should be as holy as severe;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Pattern in himself to know,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Grace to stand, and virtue go;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽More nor less to others paying
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Than by self-offences weighing.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Shame to him whose cruel striking
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Kills for faults of his own liking!
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Twice treble shame on Angelo,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽To weed my vice and let his grow!
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽O, what may man within him hide,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Though angel on the outward side!
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽How may likeness, made in crimes,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Make a practice on the times,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽To draw with idle spiders' strings
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Most ponderous and substantial things!
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Craft against vice I must apply.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽With Angelo to-night shall lie
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽His old betrothed but despised;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽So disguise shall, by th' disguised,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Pay with falsehood false exacting,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽And perform an old contracting. Exit

Enter MARIANA; and BOY singing

SONG

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Take, O, take those lips away,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽That so sweetly were forsworn;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽And those eyes, the break of day,
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Lights that do mislead the morn;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽But my kisses bring again, bring again;
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Seals of love, but seal'd in vain, seal'd in vain.

Enter DUKE, disguised as before

聽聽MARIANA. Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away;
聽聽聽聽Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice
聽聽聽聽Hath often still'd my brawling discontent. Exit BOY
聽聽聽聽I cry you mercy, sir, and well could wish
聽聽聽聽You had not found me here so musical.
聽聽聽聽Let me excuse me, and believe me so,
聽聽聽聽My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe.
聽聽DUKE. 'Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm
聽聽聽聽To make bad good and good provoke to harm.
聽聽聽聽I pray you tell me hath anybody inquir'd for me here to-day.
Much
聽聽聽聽upon this time have I promis'd here to meet.
聽聽MARIANA. You have not been inquir'd after; I have sat here all
day.

Enter ISABELLA

聽聽DUKE. I do constantly believe you. The time is come even now. I
聽聽聽聽shall crave your forbearance a little. May be I will call
upon
聽聽聽聽you anon, for some advantage to yourself.
聽聽MARIANA. I am always bound to you. Exit
聽聽DUKE. Very well met, and well come.
聽聽聽聽What is the news from this good deputy?
聽聽ISABELLA. He hath a garden circummur'd with brick,
聽聽聽聽Whose western side is with a vineyard back'd;
聽聽聽聽And to that vineyard is a planched gate
聽聽聽聽That makes his opening with this bigger key;
聽聽聽聽This other doth command a little door
聽聽聽聽Which from the vineyard to the garden leads.
聽聽聽聽There have I made my promise
聽聽聽聽Upon the heavy middle of the night
聽聽聽聽To call upon him.
聽聽DUKE. But shall you on your knowledge find this way?
聽聽ISABELLA. I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't;
聽聽聽聽With whispering and most guilty diligence,
聽聽聽聽In action all of precept, he did show me
聽聽聽聽The way twice o'er.
聽聽DUKE. Are there no other tokens
聽聽聽聽Between you 'greed concerning her observance?
聽聽ISABELLA. No, none, but only a repair i' th' dark;
聽聽聽聽And that I have possess'd him my most stay
聽聽聽聽Can be but brief; for I have made him know
聽聽聽聽I have a servant comes with me along,
聽聽聽聽That stays upon me; whose persuasion is
聽聽聽聽I come about my brother.
聽聽DUKE. 'Tis well borne up.
聽聽聽聽I have not yet made known to Mariana
聽聽聽聽A word of this. What ho, within! come forth.

Re-enter MARIANA

聽聽聽聽I pray you be acquainted with this maid;
聽聽聽聽She comes to do you good.
聽聽ISABELLA. I do desire the like.
聽聽DUKE. Do you persuade yourself that I respect you?
聽聽MARIANA. Good friar, I know you do, and have found it.
聽聽DUKE. Take, then, this your companion by the hand,
聽聽聽聽Who hath a story ready for your ear.
聽聽聽聽I shall attend your leisure; but make haste;
聽聽聽聽The vaporous night approaches.
聽聽MARIANA. Will't please you walk aside?
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt MARIANA and ISABELLA
聽聽DUKE. O place and greatness! Millions of false eyes
聽聽聽聽Are stuck upon thee. Volumes of report
聽聽聽聽Run with these false, and most contrarious quest
聽聽聽聽Upon thy doings. Thousand escapes of wit
聽聽聽聽Make thee the father of their idle dream,
聽聽聽聽And rack thee in their fancies.

Re-enter MARIANA and ISABELLA

聽聽聽聽Welcome, how agreed?
聽聽ISABELLA. She'll take the enterprise upon her, father,
聽聽聽聽If you advise it.
聽聽DUKE. It is not my consent,
聽聽聽聽But my entreaty too.
聽聽ISABELLA. Little have you to say,
聽聽聽聽When you depart from him, but, soft and low,
聽聽聽聽'Remember now my brother.'
聽聽MARIANA. Fear me not.
聽聽DUKE. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all.
聽聽聽聽He is your husband on a pre-contract.
聽聽聽聽To bring you thus together 'tis no sin,
聽聽聽聽Sith that the justice of your title to him
聽聽聽聽Doth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go;
聽聽聽聽Our corn's to reap, for yet our tithe's to sow. Exeunt

Enter PROVOST and POMPEY

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man's head?
聽聽POMPEY. If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can; but if he be a
聽聽聽聽married man, he's his wife's head, and I can never cut of a
聽聽聽聽woman's head.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Come, sir, leave me your snatches and yield me a
direct
聽聽聽聽answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine.
Here
聽聽聽聽is in our prison a common executioner, who in his office
lacks a
聽聽聽聽helper; if you will take it on you to assist him, it shall
redeem
聽聽聽聽you from your gyves; if not, you shall have your full time of
聽聽聽聽imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping,
for
聽聽聽聽you have been a notorious bawd.
聽聽POMPEY. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind; but
yet
聽聽聽聽I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I would be glad to
聽聽聽聽receive some instructions from my fellow partner.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. What ho, Abhorson! Where's Abhorson there?

Enter ABHORSON

聽聽ABHORSON. Do you call, sir?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Sirrah, here's a fellow will help you to-morrow in
your
聽聽聽聽execution. If you think it meet, compound with him by the
year,
聽聽聽聽and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the
present,
聽聽聽聽and dismiss him. He cannot plead his estimation with you; he
hath
聽聽聽聽been a bawd.
聽聽ABHORSON. A bawd, sir? Fie upon him! He will discredit our
mystery.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn the
聽聽聽聽scale. Exit
聽聽POMPEY. Pray, sir, by your good favour- for surely, sir, a good
聽聽聽聽favour you have but that you have a hanging look- do you
call,
聽聽聽聽sir, your occupation a mystery?
聽聽ABHORSON. Ay, sir; a mystery.
聽聽POMPEY. Painting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery; and your
聽聽聽聽whores, sir, being members of my occupation, using painting,
do
聽聽聽聽prove my occupation a mystery; but what mystery there should
be
聽聽聽聽in hanging, if I should be hang'd, I cannot imagine.
聽聽ABHORSON. Sir, it is a mystery.
聽聽POMPEY. Proof?
聽聽ABHORSON. Every true man's apparel fits your thief: if it be
too
聽聽聽聽little for your thief, your true man thinks it big enough; if
it
聽聽聽聽be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it little
enough; so
聽聽聽聽every true man's apparel fits your thief.

Re-enter PROVOST

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Are you agreed?
聽聽POMPEY. Sir, I will serve him; for I do find your hangman is a
more
聽聽聽聽penitent trade than your bawd; he doth oftener ask
forgiveness.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe to-morrow
聽聽聽聽four o'clock.
聽聽ABHORSON. Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in my trade;
follow.
聽聽POMPEY. I do desire to learn, sir; and I hope, if you have
occasion
聽聽聽聽to use me for your own turn, you shall find me yare; for
truly,
聽聽聽聽sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Call hither Barnardine and Claudio.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt ABHORSON and POMPEY
聽聽聽聽Th' one has my pity; not a jot the other,
聽聽聽聽Being a murderer, though he were my brother.

Enter CLAUDIO

聽聽聽聽Look, here's the warrant, Claudio, for thy death;
聽聽聽聽'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow
聽聽聽聽Thou must be made immortal. Where's Barnardine?
聽聽CLAUDIO. As fast lock'd up in sleep as guiltless labour
聽聽聽聽When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones.
聽聽聽聽He will not wake.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Who can do good on him?
聽聽聽聽Well, go, prepare yourself. [Knocking within] But hark, what
听听听听听听苍辞颈蝉别?
聽聽聽聽Heaven give your spirits comfort! Exit CLAUDIO
聽聽聽聽[Knocking continues] By and by.
聽聽聽聽I hope it is some pardon or reprieve
聽聽聽聽For the most gentle Claudio.

Enter DUKE, disguised as before

聽聽聽聽Welcome, father.
聽聽DUKE. The best and wholesom'st spirits of the night
聽聽聽聽Envelop you, good Provost! Who call'd here of late?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. None, since the curfew rung.
聽聽DUKE. Not Isabel?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. No.
聽聽DUKE. They will then, ere't be long.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. What comfort is for Claudio?
聽聽DUKE. There's some in hope.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. It is a bitter deputy.
聽聽DUKE. Not so, not so; his life is parallel'd
聽聽聽聽Even with the stroke and line of his great justice;
聽聽聽聽He doth with holy abstinence subdue
聽聽聽聽That in himself which he spurs on his pow'r
聽聽聽聽To qualify in others. Were he meal'd with that
聽聽聽聽Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous;
聽聽聽聽But this being so, he's just. [Knocking within] Now are they
聽聽聽聽聽聽come. Exit PROVOST
聽聽聽聽This is a gentle provost; seldom when
聽聽聽聽The steeled gaoler is the friend of men. [Knocking within]
聽聽聽聽How now, what noise! That spirit's possess'd with haste
聽聽聽聽That wounds th' unsisting postern with these strokes.

Re-enter PROVOST

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. There he must stay until the officer
聽聽聽聽Arise to let him in; he is call'd up.
聽聽DUKE. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet
聽聽聽聽But he must die to-morrow?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. None, sir, none.
聽聽DUKE. As near the dawning, Provost, as it is,
聽聽聽聽You shall hear more ere morning.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Happily
聽聽聽聽You something know; yet I believe there comes
聽聽聽聽No countermand; no such example have we.
聽聽聽聽Besides, upon the very siege of justice,
聽聽聽聽Lord Angelo hath to the public ear
聽聽聽聽Profess'd the contrary.

Enter a MESSENGER This is his lordship's man. DUKE. And here comes Claudio's pardon. MESSENGER. My lord hath sent you this note; and by me this further charge, that you swerve not from the smallest article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circumstance. Good morrow; for as I take it, it is almost day. PROVOST. I shall obey him. Exit MESSENGER DUKE. [Aside] This is his pardon, purchas'd by such sin For which the pardoner himself is in; Hence hath offence his quick celerity, When it is borne in high authority. When vice makes mercy, mercy's so extended That for the fault's love is th' offender friended. Now, sir, what news? PROVOST. I told you: Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting-on; methinks strangely, for he hath not us'd it before. DUKE. Pray you, let's hear. PROVOST. [Reads] 'Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock, and, in the afternoon, Barnardine. For my better satisfaction, let me have Claudio's head sent me by five. Let this be duly performed, with a thought that more depends on it than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you will answer it at your peril.' What say you to this, sir? DUKE. What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in th' afternoon? PROVOST. A Bohemian born; but here nurs'd up and bred. One that is a prisoner nine years old. DUKE. How came it that the absent Duke had not either deliver'd him to his liberty or executed him? I have heard it was ever his manner to do so. PROVOST. His friends still wrought reprieves for him; and, indeed, his fact, till now in the government of Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubted proof. DUKE. It is now apparent? PROVOST. Most manifest, and not denied by himself. DUKE. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? How seems he to be touch'd? PROVOST. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep; careless, reckless, and fearless, of what's past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality and desperately mortal. DUKE. He wants advice. PROVOST. He will hear none. He hath evermore had the liberty of the prison; give him leave to escape hence, he would not; drunk many times a day, if not many days entirely drunk. We have very oft awak'd him, as if to carry him to execution, and show'd him a seeming warrant for it; it hath not moved him at all. DUKE. More of him anon. There is written in your brow, Provost, honesty and constancy. If I read it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me; but in the boldness of my cunning I will lay myself in hazard. Claudio, whom here you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sentenc'd him. To make you understand this in a manifested effect, I crave but four days' respite; for the which you are to do me both a present and a dangerous courtesy. PROVOST. Pray, sir, in what? DUKE. In the delaying death. PROVOST. Alack! How may I do it, having the hour limited, and an express command, under penalty, to deliver his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as Claudio's, to cross this in the smallest. DUKE. By the vow of mine order, I warrant you, if my instructions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine be this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo. PROVOST. Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover the favour. DUKE. O, death's a great disguiser; and you may add to it. Shave the head and tie the beard; and say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bar'd before his death. You know the course is common. If anything fall to you upon this more than thanks and good fortune, by the saint whom I profess, I will plead against it with my life. PROVOST. Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath. DUKE. Were you sworn to the Duke, or to the deputy? PROVOST. To him and to his substitutes. DUKE. You will think you have made no offence if the Duke avouch the justice of your dealing? PROVOST. But what likelihood is in that? DUKE. Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion, can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you. Look you, sir, here is the hand and seal of the Duke. You know the character, I doubt not; and the signet is not strange to you. PROVOST. I know them both. DUKE. The contents of this is the return of the Duke; you shall anon over-read it at your pleasure, where you shall find within these two days he will be here. This is a thing that Angelo knows not; for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour, perchance of the Duke's death, perchance entering into some monastery; but, by chance, nothing of what is writ. Look, th' unfolding star calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known. Call your executioner, and off with Barnardine's head. I will give him a present shrift, and advise him for a better place. Yet you are amaz'd, but this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear dawn. Exeunt

Enter POMPEY

聽聽POMPEY. I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of
聽聽聽聽profession; one would think it were Mistress Overdone's own
聽聽聽聽house, for here be many of her old customers. First, here's
young
聽聽聽聽Master Rash; he's in for a commodity of brown paper and old
聽聽聽聽ginger, nine score and seventeen pounds, of which he made
five
聽聽聽聽marks ready money. Marry, then ginger was not much in
request,
聽聽聽聽for the old women were all dead. Then is there here one
Master
聽聽聽聽Caper, at the suit of Master Threepile the mercer, for some
four
聽聽聽聽suits of peach-colour'd satin, which now peaches him a
beggar.
聽聽聽聽Then have we here young Dizy, and young Master Deepvow, and
聽聽聽聽Master Copperspur, and Master Starvelackey, the rapier and
dagger
聽聽聽聽man, and young Dropheir that kill'd lusty Pudding, and Master
聽聽聽聽Forthlight the tilter, and brave Master Shootie the great
聽聽聽聽traveller, and wild Halfcan that stabb'd Pots, and, I think,
聽聽聽聽forty more- all great doers in our trade, and are now 'for
the
聽聽聽聽Lord's sake.'

Enter ABHORSON

聽聽ABHORSON. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.
聽聽POMPEY. Master Barnardine! You must rise and be hang'd, Master
听听听听叠补谤苍补谤诲颈苍别!
聽聽ABHORSON. What ho, Barnardine!
聽聽BARNARDINE. [Within] A pox o' your throats! Who makes that
noise
聽聽聽聽there? What are you?
聽聽POMPEY. Your friends, sir; the hangman. You must be so good,
sir,
聽聽聽聽to rise and be put to death.
聽聽BARNARDINE. [ Within ] Away, you rogue, away; I am sleepy.
聽聽ABHORSON. Tell him he must awake, and that quickly too.
聽聽POMPEY. Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are executed,
and
聽聽聽聽sleep afterwards.
聽聽ABHORSON. Go in to him, and fetch him out.
聽聽POMPEY. He is coming, sir, he is coming; I hear his straw
rustle.

Enter BARNARDINE

聽聽ABHORSON. Is the axe upon the block, sirrah?
聽聽POMPEY. Very ready, sir.
聽聽BARNARDINE. How now, Abhorson, what's the news with you?
聽聽ABHORSON. Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your
prayers;
聽聽聽聽for, look you, the warrant's come.
聽聽BARNARDINE. You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I am not
聽聽聽聽fitted for't.
聽聽POMPEY. O, the better, sir! For he that drinks all night and is
聽聽聽聽hanged betimes in the morning may sleep the sounder all the
next
听听听听诲补测.

Enter DUKE, disguised as before

聽聽ABHORSON. Look you, sir, here comes your ghostly father.
聽聽聽聽Do we jest now, think you?
聽聽DUKE. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hastily you
are
聽聽聽聽to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you, and pray
with
听听听听测辞耻.
聽聽BARNARDINE. Friar, not I; I have been drinking hard all night,
and
聽聽聽聽I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat out
my
聽聽聽聽brains with billets. I will not consent to die this day,
that's
听听听听肠别谤迟补颈苍.
聽聽DUKE. O, Sir, you must; and therefore I beseech you
聽聽聽聽Look forward on the journey you shall go.
聽聽BARNARDINE. I swear I will not die to-day for any man's
persuasion.
聽聽DUKE. But hear you-
聽聽BARNARDINE. Not a word; if you have anything to say to me, come
to
聽聽聽聽my ward; for thence will not I to-day. Exit
聽聽DUKE. Unfit to live or die. O gravel heart!
聽聽聽聽After him, fellows; bring him to the block.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt ABHORSON and POMPEY

Enter PROVOST

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner?
聽聽DUKE. A creature unprepar'd, unmeet for death;
聽聽聽聽And to transport him in the mind he is
聽聽聽聽Were damnable.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Here in the prison, father,
聽聽聽聽There died this morning of a cruel fever
聽聽聽聽One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,
聽聽聽聽A man of Claudio's years; his beard and head
聽聽聽聽Just of his colour. What if we do omit
聽聽聽聽This reprobate till he were well inclin'd,
聽聽聽聽And satisfy the deputy with the visage
聽聽聽聽Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?
聽聽DUKE. O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides!
聽聽聽聽Dispatch it presently; the hour draws on
聽聽聽聽Prefix'd by Angelo. See this be done,
聽聽聽聽And sent according to command; whiles I
聽聽聽聽Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. This shall be done, good father, presently.
聽聽聽聽But Barnardine must die this afternoon;
聽聽聽聽And how shall we continue Claudio,
聽聽聽聽To save me from the danger that might come
聽聽聽聽If he were known alive?
聽聽DUKE. Let this be done:
聽聽聽聽Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio.
聽聽聽聽Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
聽聽聽聽To the under generation, you shall find
聽聽聽聽Your safety manifested.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I am your free dependant.
聽聽DUKE. Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exit PROVOST
聽聽聽聽Now will I write letters to Angelo-
聽聽聽聽The Provost, he shall bear them- whose contents
聽聽聽聽Shall witness to him I am near at home,
聽聽聽聽And that, by great injunctions, I am bound
聽聽聽聽To enter publicly. Him I'll desire
聽聽聽聽To meet me at the consecrated fount,
聽聽聽聽A league below the city; and from thence,
聽聽聽聽By cold gradation and well-balanc'd form.
聽聽聽聽We shall proceed with Angelo.

Re-enter PROVOST

听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Here is the head; I'll carry it myself.
聽聽DUKE. Convenient is it. Make a swift return;
聽聽聽聽For I would commune with you of such things
聽聽聽聽That want no ear but yours.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. I'll make all speed. Exit
聽聽ISABELLA. [ Within ] Peace, ho, be here!
聽聽DUKE. The tongue of Isabel. She's come to know
聽聽聽聽If yet her brother's pardon be come hither;
聽聽聽聽But I will keep her ignorant of her good,
聽聽聽聽To make her heavenly comforts of despair
聽聽聽聽When it is least expected.

Enter ISABELLA

聽聽ISABELLA. Ho, by your leave!
聽聽DUKE. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.
聽聽ISABELLA. The better, given me by so holy a man.
聽聽聽聽Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon?
聽聽DUKE. He hath releas'd him, Isabel, from the world.
聽聽聽聽His head is off and sent to Angelo.
聽聽ISABELLA. Nay, but it is not so.
聽聽DUKE. It is no other.
聽聽聽聽Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience,
聽聽ISABELLA. O, I will to him and pluck out his eyes!
聽聽DUKE. You shall not be admitted to his sight.
聽聽ISABELLA. Unhappy Claudio! Wretched Isabel!
聽聽聽聽Injurious world! Most damned Angelo!
聽聽DUKE. This nor hurts him nor profits you a jot;
聽聽聽聽Forbear it, therefore; give your cause to heaven.
聽聽聽聽Mark what I say, which you shall find
聽聽聽聽By every syllable a faithful verity.
聽聽聽聽The Duke comes home to-morrow. Nay, dry your eyes.
聽聽聽聽One of our covent, and his confessor,
聽聽聽聽Gives me this instance. Already he hath carried
聽聽聽聽Notice to Escalus and Angelo,
聽聽聽聽Who do prepare to meet him at the gates,
聽聽聽聽There to give up their pow'r. If you can, pace your wisdom
聽聽聽聽In that good path that I would wish it go,
聽聽聽聽And you shall have your bosom on this wretch,
聽聽聽聽Grace of the Duke, revenges to your heart,
聽聽聽聽And general honour.
聽聽ISABELLA. I am directed by you.
聽聽DUKE. This letter, then, to Friar Peter give;
聽聽聽聽'Tis that he sent me of the Duke's return.
聽聽聽聽Say, by this token, I desire his company
聽聽聽聽At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause and yours
聽聽聽聽I'll perfect him withal; and he shall bring you
聽聽聽聽Before the Duke; and to the head of Angelo
聽聽聽聽Accuse him home and home. For my poor self,
聽聽聽聽I am combined by a sacred vow,
聽聽聽聽And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter.
聽聽聽聽Command these fretting waters from your eyes
聽聽聽聽With a light heart; trust not my holy order,
聽聽聽聽If I pervert your course. Who's here?

Enter LUCIO

聽聽LUCIO. Good even. Friar, where's the Provost?
聽聽DUKE. Not within, sir.
聽聽LUCIO. O pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart to see thine
eyes
聽聽聽聽so red. Thou must be patient. I am fain to dine and sup with
聽聽聽聽water and bran; I dare not for my head fill my belly; one
聽聽聽聽fruitful meal would set me to't. But they say the Duke will
be
聽聽聽聽here to-morrow. By my troth, Isabel, I lov'd thy brother. If
the
聽聽聽聽old fantastical Duke of dark corners had been at home, he had

聽聽聽聽lived. Exit ISABELLA
聽聽DUKE. Sir, the Duke is marvellous little beholding to your
reports;
聽聽聽聽but the best is, he lives not in them.
聽聽LUCIO. Friar, thou knowest not the Duke so well as I do; he's a
聽聽聽聽better woodman than thou tak'st him for.
聽聽DUKE. Well, you'll answer this one day. Fare ye well.
聽聽LUCIO. Nay, tarry; I'll go along with thee; I can tell thee
pretty
聽聽聽聽tales of the Duke.
聽聽DUKE. You have told me too many of him already, sir, if they be
聽聽聽聽true; if not true, none were enough.
聽聽LUCIO. I was once before him for getting a wench with child.
聽聽DUKE. Did you such a thing?
聽聽LUCIO. Yes, marry, did I; but I was fain to forswear it: they
would
聽聽聽聽else have married me to the rotten medlar.
聽聽DUKE. Sir, your company is fairer than honest. Rest you well.
聽聽LUCIO. By my troth, I'll go with thee to the lane's end. If
bawdy
聽聽聽聽talk offend you, we'll have very little of it. Nay, friar, I
am a
聽聽聽聽kind of burr; I shall stick. Exeunt

Enter ANGELO and ESCALUS

聽聽ESCALUS. Every letter he hath writ hath disvouch'd other.
聽聽ANGELO. In most uneven and distracted manner. His actions show
much
聽聽聽聽like to madness; pray heaven his wisdom be not tainted! And
why
聽聽聽聽meet him at the gates, and redeliver our authorities there?
聽聽ESCALUS. I guess not.
聽聽ANGELO. And why should we proclaim it in an hour before his
聽聽聽聽ent'ring that, if any crave redress of injustice, they should
聽聽聽聽exhibit their petitions in the street?
聽聽ESCALUS. He shows his reason for that: to have a dispatch of
聽聽聽聽聽complaints; and to deliver us from devices hereafter, which
聽聽聽聽shall then have no power to stand against us.
聽聽ANGELO. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaim'd;
聽聽聽聽Betimes i' th' morn I'll call you at your house;
聽聽聽聽Give notice to such men of sort and suit
聽聽聽聽As are to meet him.
聽聽ESCALUS. I shall, sir; fare you well.
聽聽ANGELO. Good night. Exit ESCALUS
聽聽聽聽This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant
聽聽聽聽And dull to all proceedings. A deflow'red maid!
聽聽聽聽And by an eminent body that enforc'd
聽聽聽聽The law against it! But that her tender shame
聽聽聽聽Will not proclaim against her maiden loss,
聽聽聽聽How might she tongue me! Yet reason dares her no;
聽聽聽聽For my authority bears a so credent bulk
聽聽聽聽That no particular scandal once can touch
聽聽聽聽But it confounds the breather. He should have liv'd,
聽聽聽聽Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense,
聽聽聽聽Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge,
聽聽聽聽By so receiving a dishonour'd life
聽聽聽聽With ransom of such shame. Would yet he had liv'd!
聽聽聽聽Alack, when once our grace we have forgot,
聽聽聽聽Nothing goes right; we would, and we would not. Exit

Enter DUKE in his own habit, and Friar PETER

聽聽DUKE. These letters at fit time deliver me. [Giving letters]
聽聽聽聽The Provost knows our purpose and our plot.
聽聽聽聽The matter being afoot, keep your instruction
聽聽聽聽And hold you ever to our special drift;
聽聽聽聽Though sometimes you do blench from this to that
聽聽聽聽As cause doth minister. Go, call at Flavius' house,
聽聽聽聽And tell him where I stay; give the like notice
聽聽聽聽To Valentinus, Rowland, and to Crassus,
聽聽聽聽And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate;
聽聽聽聽But send me Flavius first.
聽聽聽聽PETER. It shall be speeded well. Exit FRIAR

Enter VARRIUS

聽聽DUKE. I thank thee, Varrius; thou hast made good haste.
聽聽聽聽Come, we will walk. There's other of our friends
聽聽聽聽Will greet us here anon. My gentle Varrius! Exeunt

Enter ISABELLA and MARIANA

聽聽ISABELLA. To speak so indirectly I am loath;
聽聽聽聽I would say the truth; but to accuse him so,
聽聽聽聽That is your part. Yet I am advis'd to do it;
聽聽聽聽He says, to veil full purpose.
聽聽MARIANA. Be rul'd by him.
聽聽ISABELLA. Besides, he tells me that, if peradventure
聽聽聽聽He speak against me on the adverse side,
聽聽聽聽I should not think it strange; for 'tis a physic
聽聽聽聽That's bitter to sweet end.
聽聽MARIANA. I would Friar Peter-

Enter FRIAR PETER

聽聽ISABELLA. O, peace! the friar is come.
聽聽PETER. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit,
聽聽聽聽Where you may have such vantage on the Duke
聽聽聽聽He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets sounded;
聽聽聽聽The generous and gravest citizens
聽聽聽聽Have hent the gates, and very near upon
聽聽聽聽The Duke is ent'ring; therefore, hence, away. Exeunt

Enter at several doors DUKE, VARRIUS, LORDS; ANGELO, ESCALUS,
Lucio,
PROVOST, OFFICERS, and CITIZENS

聽聽DUKE. My very worthy cousin, fairly met!
聽聽聽聽Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you.
聽聽ANGELO, ESCALUS. Happy return be to your royal Grace!
聽聽DUKE. Many and hearty thankings to you both.
聽聽聽聽We have made inquiry of you, and we hear
聽聽聽聽Such goodness of your justice that our soul
聽聽聽聽Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks,
聽聽聽聽Forerunning more requital.
聽聽ANGELO. You make my bonds still greater.
聽聽DUKE. O, your desert speaks loud; and I should wrong it
聽聽聽聽To lock it in the wards of covert bosom,
聽聽聽聽When it deserves, with characters of brass,
聽聽聽聽A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time
聽聽聽聽And razure of oblivion. Give me your hand.
聽聽聽聽And let the subject see, to make them know
聽聽聽聽That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
聽聽聽聽Favours that keep within. Come, Escalus,
聽聽聽聽You must walk by us on our other hand,
聽聽聽聽And good supporters are you.

Enter FRIAR PETER and ISABELLA

聽聽PETER. Now is your time; speak loud, and kneel before him.
聽聽ISABELLA. Justice, O royal Duke! Vail your regard
聽聽聽聽Upon a wrong'd- I would fain have said a maid!
聽聽聽聽O worthy Prince, dishonour not your eye
聽聽聽聽By throwing it on any other object
聽聽聽聽Till you have heard me in my true complaint,
聽聽聽聽And given me justice, justice, justice, justice.
聽聽DUKE. Relate your wrongs. In what? By whom? Be brief.
聽聽聽聽Here is Lord Angelo shall give you justice;
聽聽聽聽Reveal yourself to him.
聽聽ISABELLA. O worthy Duke,
聽聽聽聽You bid me seek redemption of the devil!
聽聽聽聽Hear me yourself; for that which I must speak
聽聽聽聽Must either punish me, not being believ'd,
聽聽聽聽Or wring redress from you. Hear me, O, hear me, here!
聽聽ANGELO. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm;
聽聽聽聽She hath been a suitor to me for her brother,
聽聽聽聽Cut off by course of justice-
聽聽ISABELLA. By course of justice!
聽聽ANGELO. And she will speak most bitterly and strange.
聽聽ISABELLA. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak.
聽聽聽聽That Angelo's forsworn, is it not strange?
聽聽聽聽That Angelo's a murderer, is't not strange?
聽聽聽聽That Angelo is an adulterous thief,
聽聽聽聽An hypocrite, a virgin-violator,
聽聽聽聽Is it not strange and strange?
聽聽DUKE. Nay, it is ten times strange.
聽聽ISABELLA. It is not truer he is Angelo
聽聽聽聽Than this is all as true as it is strange;
聽聽聽聽Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth
聽聽聽聽To th' end of reck'ning.
聽聽DUKE. Away with her. Poor soul,
聽聽聽聽She speaks this in th' infirmity of sense.
聽聽ISABELLA. O Prince! I conjure thee, as thou believ'st
聽聽聽聽There is another comfort than this world,
聽聽聽聽That thou neglect me not with that opinion
聽聽聽聽That I am touch'd with madness. Make not impossible
聽聽聽聽That which but seems unlike: 'tis not impossible
聽聽聽聽But one, the wicked'st caitiff on the ground,
聽聽聽聽May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute,
聽聽聽聽As Angelo; even so may Angelo,
聽聽聽聽In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms,
聽聽聽聽Be an arch-villain. Believe it, royal Prince,
聽聽聽聽If he be less, he's nothing; but he's more,
聽聽聽聽Had I more name for badness.
聽聽DUKE. By mine honesty,
聽聽聽聽If she be mad, as I believe no other,
聽聽聽聽Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
聽聽聽聽Such a dependency of thing on thing,
聽聽聽聽As e'er I heard in madness.
聽聽ISABELLA. O gracious Duke,
聽聽聽聽Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason
聽聽聽聽For inequality; but let your reason serve
聽聽聽聽To make the truth appear where it seems hid,
聽聽聽聽And hide the false seems true.
聽聽DUKE. Many that are not mad
聽聽聽聽Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would you say?
聽聽ISABELLA. I am the sister of one Claudio,
聽聽聽聽Condemn'd upon the act of fornication
聽聽聽聽To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo.
聽聽聽聽I, in probation of a sisterhood,
聽聽聽聽Was sent to by my brother; one Lucio
聽聽聽聽As then the messenger-
聽聽LUCIO. That's I, an't like your Grace.
聽聽聽聽I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her
聽聽聽聽To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo
聽聽聽聽For her poor brother's pardon.
聽聽ISABELLA. That's he, indeed.
聽聽DUKE. You were not bid to speak.
聽聽LUCIO. No, my good lord;
聽聽聽聽Nor wish'd to hold my peace.
聽聽DUKE. I wish you now, then;
聽聽聽聽Pray you take note of it; and when you have
聽聽聽聽A business for yourself, pray heaven you then
聽聽聽聽Be perfect.
聽聽LUCIO. I warrant your honour.
聽聽DUKE. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to't.
聽聽ISABELLA. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale.
聽聽LUCIO. Right.
聽聽DUKE. It may be right; but you are i' the wrong
聽聽聽聽To speak before your time. Proceed.
聽聽ISABELLA. I went
聽聽聽聽To this pernicious caitiff deputy.
聽聽DUKE. That's somewhat madly spoken.
聽聽ISABELLA. Pardon it;
聽聽聽聽The phrase is to the matter.
聽聽DUKE. Mended again. The matter- proceed.
聽聽ISABELLA. In brief- to set the needless process by,
聽聽聽聽How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd,
聽聽聽聽How he refell'd me, and how I replied,
聽聽聽聽For this was of much length- the vile conclusion
聽聽聽聽I now begin with grief and shame to utter:
聽聽聽聽He would not, but by gift of my chaste body
聽聽聽聽To his concupiscible intemperate lust,
聽聽聽聽Release my brother; and, after much debatement,
聽聽聽聽My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,
聽聽聽聽And I did yield to him. But the next morn betimes,
聽聽聽聽His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant
聽聽聽聽For my poor brother's head.
聽聽DUKE. This is most likely!
聽聽ISABELLA. O that it were as like as it is true!
聽聽DUKE. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not what thou
speak'st,
聽聽聽聽Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour
聽聽聽聽In hateful practice. First, his integrity
聽聽聽聽Stands without blemish; next, it imports no reason
聽聽聽聽That with such vehemency he should pursue
聽聽聽聽Faults proper to himself. If he had so offended,
聽聽聽聽He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself,
聽聽聽聽And not have cut him off. Some one hath set you on;
聽聽聽聽Confess the truth, and say by whose advice
聽聽聽聽Thou cam'st here to complain.
聽聽ISABELLA. And is this all?
聽聽聽聽Then, O you blessed ministers above,
聽聽聽聽Keep me in patience; and, with ripened time,
聽聽聽聽Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
聽聽聽聽In countenance! Heaven shield your Grace from woe,
聽聽聽聽As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go!
聽聽DUKE. I know you'd fain be gone. An officer!
聽聽聽聽To prison with her! Shall we thus permit
聽聽聽聽A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
聽聽聽聽On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.
聽聽聽聽Who knew of your intent and coming hither?
聽聽ISABELLA. One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick.
聽聽DUKE. A ghostly father, belike. Who knows that Lodowick?
聽聽LUCIO. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling friar.
聽聽聽聽I do not like the man; had he been lay, my lord,
聽聽聽聽For certain words he spake against your Grace
聽聽聽聽In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly.
聽聽DUKE. Words against me? This's a good friar, belike!
聽聽聽聽And to set on this wretched woman here
聽聽聽聽Against our substitute! Let this friar be found.
聽聽LUCIO. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar,
聽聽聽聽I saw them at the prison; a saucy friar,
聽聽聽聽A very scurvy fellow.
聽聽PETER. Blessed be your royal Grace!
聽聽聽聽I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard
聽聽聽聽Your royal ear abus'd. First, hath this woman
聽聽聽聽Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute;
聽聽聽聽Who is as free from touch or soil with her
聽聽聽聽As she from one ungot.
聽聽DUKE. We did believe no less.
聽聽聽聽Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of?
聽聽PETER. I know him for a man divine and holy;
聽聽聽聽Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler,
聽聽聽聽As he's reported by this gentleman;
聽聽聽聽And, on my trust, a man that never yet
聽聽聽聽Did, as he vouches, misreport your Grace.
聽聽LUCIO. My lord, most villainously; believe it.
聽聽PETER. Well, he in time may come to clear himself;
聽聽聽聽But at this instant he is sick, my lord,
聽聽聽聽Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request-
聽聽聽聽Being come to knowledge that there was complaint
聽聽聽聽Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo- came I hither
聽聽聽聽To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know
聽聽聽聽Is true and false; and what he, with his oath
聽聽聽聽And all probation, will make up full clear,
聽聽聽聽Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman-
聽聽聽聽To justify this worthy nobleman,
聽聽聽聽So vulgarly and personally accus'd-
聽聽聽聽Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes,
聽聽聽聽Till she herself confess it.
聽聽DUKE. Good friar, let's hear it. Exit ISABELLA guarded
聽聽聽聽Do you not smile at this, Lord Angelo?
聽聽聽聽O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
聽聽聽聽Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo;
聽聽聽聽In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
聽聽聽聽Of your own cause.

Enter MARIANA veiled

聽聽聽聽Is this the witness, friar?
聽聽FIRST let her show her face, and after speak.
聽聽MARIANA. Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face
聽聽聽聽Until my husband bid me.
聽聽DUKE. What, are you married?
聽聽MARIANA. No, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. Are you a maid?
聽聽MARIANA. No, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. A widow, then?
聽聽MARIANA. Neither, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. Why, you are nothing then; neither maid, widow, nor wife.
聽聽LUCIO. My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them are neither
聽聽聽聽maid, widow, nor wife.
聽聽DUKE. Silence that fellow. I would he had some cause
聽聽聽聽To prattle for himself.
聽聽LUCIO. Well, my lord.
聽聽MARIANA. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married,
聽聽聽聽And I confess, besides, I am no maid.
聽聽聽聽I have known my husband; yet my husband
聽聽聽聽Knows not that ever he knew me.
聽聽LUCIO. He was drunk, then, my lord; it can be no better.
聽聽DUKE. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too!
聽聽LUCIO. Well, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. This is no witness for Lord Angelo.
聽聽MARIANA. Now I come to't, my lord:
聽聽聽聽She that accuses him of fornication,
聽聽聽聽In self-same manner doth accuse my husband;
聽聽聽聽And charges him, my lord, with such a time
聽聽聽聽When I'll depose I had him in mine arms,
聽聽聽聽With all th' effect of love.
聽聽ANGELO. Charges she moe than me?
聽聽MARIANA. Not that I know.
聽聽DUKE. No? You say your husband.
聽聽MARIANA. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo,
聽聽聽聽Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body,
聽聽聽聽But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's.
聽聽ANGELO. This is a strange abuse. Let's see thy face.
聽聽MARIANA. My husband bids me; now I will unmask.
听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听摆鲍苍惫别颈濒颈苍驳闭
聽聽聽聽This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,
聽聽聽聽Which once thou swor'st was worth the looking on;
聽聽聽聽This is the hand which, with a vow'd contract,
聽聽聽聽Was fast belock'd in thine; this is the body
聽聽聽聽That took away the match from Isabel,
聽聽聽聽And did supply thee at thy garden-house
聽聽聽聽In her imagin'd person.
聽聽DUKE. Know you this woman?
聽聽LUCIO. Carnally, she says.
聽聽DUKE. Sirrah, no more.
聽聽LUCIO. Enough, my lord.
聽聽ANGELO. My lord, I must confess I know this woman;
聽聽聽聽And five years since there was some speech of marriage
聽聽聽聽Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off,
聽聽聽聽Partly for that her promised proportions
聽聽聽聽Came short of composition; but in chief
聽聽聽聽For that her reputation was disvalued
聽聽聽聽In levity. Since which time of five years
聽聽聽聽I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her,
聽聽聽聽Upon my faith and honour.
聽聽MARIANA. Noble Prince,
聽聽聽聽As there comes light from heaven and words from breath,
聽聽聽聽As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue,
聽聽聽聽I am affianc'd this man's wife as strongly
聽聽聽聽As words could make up vows. And, my good lord,
聽聽聽聽But Tuesday night last gone, in's garden-house,
聽聽聽聽He knew me as a wife. As this is true,
聽聽聽聽Let me in safety raise me from my knees,
聽聽聽聽Or else for ever be confixed here,
聽聽聽聽A marble monument!
聽聽ANGELO. I did but smile till now.
聽聽聽聽Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice;
聽聽聽聽My patience here is touch'd. I do perceive
聽聽聽聽These poor informal women are no more
聽聽聽聽But instruments of some more mightier member
聽聽聽聽That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord,
聽聽聽聽To find this practice out.
聽聽DUKE. Ay, with my heart;
聽聽聽聽And punish them to your height of pleasure.
聽聽聽聽Thou foolish friar, and thou pernicious woman,
聽聽聽聽Compact with her that's gone, think'st thou thy oaths,
聽聽聽聽Though they would swear down each particular saint,
聽聽聽聽Were testimonies against his worth and credit,
聽聽聽聽That's seal'd in approbation? You, Lord Escalus,
聽聽聽聽Sit with my cousin; lend him your kind pains
聽聽聽聽To find out this abuse, whence 'tis deriv'd.
聽聽聽聽There is another friar that set them on;
聽聽聽聽Let him be sent for.
聽聽PETER. Would he were here, my lord! For he indeed
聽聽聽聽Hath set the women on to this complaint.
聽聽聽聽Your provost knows the place where he abides,
聽聽聽聽And he may fetch him.
聽聽DUKE. Go, do it instantly. Exit PROVOST
聽聽聽聽And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin,
聽聽聽聽Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth,
聽聽聽聽Do with your injuries as seems you best
聽聽聽聽In any chastisement. I for a while will leave you;
聽聽聽聽But stir not you till you have well determin'd
聽聽聽聽Upon these slanderers.
聽聽ESCALUS. My lord, we'll do it throughly. Exit DUKE
聽聽聽聽Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that Friar Lodowick
to be
聽聽聽聽a dishonest person?
聽聽LUCIO. 'Cucullus non facit monachum': honest in nothing but in
his
聽聽聽聽clothes; and one that hath spoke most villainous speeches of
the
听听听听顿耻办别.
聽聽ESCALUS. We shall entreat you to abide here till he come and
聽聽聽聽enforce them against him. We shall find this friar a notable
听听听听蹿别濒濒辞飞.
聽聽LUCIO. As any in Vienna, on my word.
聽聽ESCALUS. Call that same Isabel here once again; I would speak
with
聽聽聽聽her. [Exit an ATTENDANT] Pray you, my lord, give me leave to
聽聽聽聽question; you shall see how I'll handle her.
聽聽LUCIO. Not better than he, by her own report.
聽聽ESCALUS. Say you?
聽聽LUCIO. Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she
would
聽聽聽聽sooner confess; perchance, publicly, she'll be asham'd.

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Re-enter OFFICERS with ISABELLA; and PROVOST with the
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽DUKE in his friar's habit

聽聽ESCALUS. I will go darkly to work with her.
聽聽LUCIO. That's the way; for women are light at midnight.
聽聽ESCALUS. Come on, mistress; here's a gentlewoman denies all
that
聽聽聽聽you have said.
聽聽LUCIO. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of, here with the

听听听听笔谤辞惫辞蝉迟.
聽聽ESCALUS. In very good time. Speak not you to him till we call
upon
听听听听测辞耻.
聽聽LUCIO. Mum.
聽聽ESCALUS. Come, sir; did you set these women on to slander Lord
聽聽聽聽Angelo? They have confess'd you did.
聽聽DUKE. 'Tis false.
聽聽ESCALUS. How! Know you where you are?
聽聽DUKE. Respect to your great place! and let the devil
聽聽聽聽Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne!
聽聽聽聽Where is the Duke? 'Tis he should hear me speak.
聽聽ESCALUS. The Duke's in us; and we will hear you speak;
聽聽聽聽Look you speak justly.
聽聽DUKE. Boldly, at least. But, O, poor souls,
聽聽聽聽Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox,
聽聽聽聽Good night to your redress! Is the Duke gone?
聽聽聽聽Then is your cause gone too. The Duke's unjust
聽聽聽聽Thus to retort your manifest appeal,
聽聽聽聽And put your trial in the villain's mouth
聽聽聽聽Which here you come to accuse.
聽聽LUCIO. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of.
聽聽ESCALUS. Why, thou unreverend and unhallowed friar,
聽聽聽聽Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these women
聽聽聽聽To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth,
聽聽聽聽And in the witness of his proper ear,
聽聽聽聽To call him villain; and then to glance from him
聽聽聽聽To th' Duke himself, to tax him with injustice?
聽聽聽聽Take him hence; to th' rack with him! We'll touze you
聽聽聽聽Joint by joint, but we will know his purpose.
聽聽聽聽What, 'unjust'!
聽聽DUKE. Be not so hot; the Duke
聽聽聽聽Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he
聽聽聽聽Dare rack his own; his subject am I not,
聽聽聽聽Nor here provincial. My business in this state
聽聽聽聽Made me a looker-on here in Vienna,
聽聽聽聽Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble
聽聽聽聽Till it o'errun the stew: laws for all faults,
聽聽聽聽But faults so countenanc'd that the strong statutes
聽聽聽聽Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop,
聽聽聽聽As much in mock as mark.
聽聽ESCALUS. Slander to th' state! Away with him to prison!
聽聽ANGELO. What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio?
聽聽聽聽Is this the man that you did tell us of?
聽聽LUCIO. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither, good-man bald-pate.
聽聽聽聽Do you know me?
聽聽DUKE. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice. I met
you at
聽聽聽聽the prison, in the absence of the Duke.
聽聽LUCIO. O did you so? And do you remember what you said of the
Duke?
聽聽DUKE. Most notedly, sir.
聽聽LUCIO. Do you so, sir? And was the Duke a fleshmonger, a fool,
and
聽聽聽聽a coward, as you then reported him to be?
聽聽DUKE. You must, sir, change persons with me ere you make that
my
聽聽聽聽report; you, indeed, spoke so of him; and much more, much
worse.
聽聽LUCIO. O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck thee by the nose
for
聽聽聽聽thy speeches?
聽聽DUKE. I protest I love the Duke as I love myself.
聽聽ANGELO. Hark how the villain would close now, after his
treasonable
听听听听补产耻蝉别蝉!
聽聽ESCALUS. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal. Away with
him to
聽聽聽聽prison! Where is the Provost? Away with him to prison! Lay
bolts
聽聽聽聽enough upon him; let him speak no more. Away with those
giglets
聽聽聽聽too, and with the other confederate companion!
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽[The PROVOST lays hands on the DUKE]
聽聽DUKE. Stay, sir; stay awhile.
聽聽ANGELO. What, resists he? Help him, Lucio.
聽聽LUCIO. Come, sir; come, sir; come, sir; foh, sir! Why, you
聽聽聽聽bald-pated lying rascal, you must be hooded, must you? Show
your
聽聽聽聽knave's visage, with a pox to you! Show your sheep-biting
face,
聽聽聽聽and be hang'd an hour! Will't not off?
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽[Pulls off the FRIAR'S bood and discovers the DUKE]
聽聽DUKE. Thou art the first knave that e'er mad'st a duke.
聽聽聽聽First, Provost, let me bail these gentle three.
聽聽聽聽[To Lucio] Sneak not away, sir, for the friar and you
聽聽聽聽Must have a word anon. Lay hold on him.
聽聽LUCIO. This may prove worse than hanging.
聽聽DUKE. [To ESCALUS] What you have spoke I pardon; sit you down.
聽聽聽聽We'll borrow place of him. [To ANGELO] Sir, by your leave.
聽聽聽聽Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
聽聽聽聽That yet can do thee office? If thou hast,
聽聽聽聽Rely upon it till my tale be heard,
聽聽聽聽And hold no longer out.
聽聽ANGELO. O my dread lord,
聽聽聽聽I should be guiltier than my guiltiness,
聽聽聽聽To think I can be undiscernible,
聽聽聽聽When I perceive your Grace, like pow'r divine,
聽聽聽聽Hath look'd upon my passes. Then, good Prince,
聽聽聽聽No longer session hold upon my shame,
聽聽聽聽But let my trial be mine own confession;
聽聽聽聽Immediate sentence then, and sequent death,
聽聽聽聽Is all the grace I beg.
聽聽DUKE. Come hither, Mariana.
聽聽聽聽Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman?
聽聽ANGELO. I was, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. Go, take her hence and marry her instantly.
聽聽聽聽Do you the office, friar; which consummate,
聽聽聽聽Return him here again. Go with him, Provost.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt ANGELO, MARIANA, FRIAR PETER, and PROVOST
聽聽ESCALUS. My lord, I am more amaz'd at his dishonour
聽聽聽聽Than at the strangeness of it.
聽聽DUKE. Come hither, Isabel.
聽聽聽聽Your friar is now your prince. As I was then
聽聽聽聽Advertising and holy to your business,
聽聽聽聽Not changing heart with habit, I am still
聽聽聽聽Attorney'd at your service.
聽聽ISABELLA. O, give me pardon,
聽聽聽聽That I, your vassal have employ'd and pain'd
聽聽聽聽Your unknown sovereignty.
聽聽DUKE. You are pardon'd, Isabel.
聽聽聽聽And now, dear maid, be you as free to us.
聽聽聽聽Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart;
聽聽聽聽And you may marvel why I obscur'd myself,
聽聽聽聽Labouring to save his life, and would not rather
聽聽聽聽Make rash remonstrance of my hidden pow'r
聽聽聽聽Than let him so be lost. O most kind maid,
聽聽聽聽It was the swift celerity of his death,
聽聽聽聽Which I did think with slower foot came on,
聽聽聽聽That brain'd my purpose. But peace be with him!
聽聽聽聽That life is better life, past fearing death,
聽聽聽聽Than that which lives to fear. Make it your comfort,
聽聽聽聽So happy is your brother.
聽聽ISABELLA. I do, my lord.

Re-enter ANGELO, MARIANA, FRIAR PETER, and PROVOST

聽聽DUKE. For this new-married man approaching here,
聽聽聽聽Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd
聽聽聽聽Your well-defended honour, you must pardon
聽聽聽聽For Mariana's sake; but as he adjudg'd your brother-
聽聽聽聽Being criminal in double violation
聽聽聽聽Of sacred chastity and of promise-breach,
聽聽聽聽Thereon dependent, for your brother's life-
聽聽聽聽The very mercy of the law cries out
聽聽聽聽Most audible, even from his proper tongue,
聽聽聽聽'An Angelo for Claudio, death for death!'
聽聽聽聽Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure;
聽聽聽聽Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure.
聽聽聽聽Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested,
聽聽聽聽Which, though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage.
聽聽聽聽We do condemn thee to the very block
聽聽聽聽Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste.
聽聽聽聽Away with him!
聽聽MARIANA. O my most gracious lord,
聽聽聽聽I hope you will not mock me with a husband.
聽聽DUKE. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband.
聽聽聽聽Consenting to the safeguard of your honour,
聽聽聽聽I thought your marriage fit; else imputation,
聽聽聽聽For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
聽聽聽聽And choke your good to come. For his possessions,
聽聽聽聽Although by confiscation they are ours,
聽聽聽聽We do instate and widow you withal
聽聽聽聽To buy you a better husband.
聽聽MARIANA. O my dear lord,
聽聽聽聽I crave no other, nor no better man.
聽聽DUKE. Never crave him; we are definitive.
聽聽MARIANA. Gentle my liege- [Kneeling]
聽聽DUKE. You do but lose your labour.
聽聽聽聽Away with him to death! [To LUCIO] Now, sir, to you.
聽聽MARIANA. O my good lord! Sweet Isabel, take my part;
聽聽聽聽Lend me your knees, and all my life to come
聽聽聽聽I'll lend you all my life to do you service.
聽聽DUKE. Against all sense you do importune her.
聽聽聽聽Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact,
聽聽聽聽Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break,
聽聽聽聽And take her hence in horror.
聽聽MARIANA. Isabel,
聽聽聽聽Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me;
聽聽聽聽Hold up your hands, say nothing; I'll speak all.
聽聽聽聽They say best men moulded out of faults;
聽聽聽聽And, for the most, become much more the better
聽聽聽聽For being a little bad; so may my husband.
聽聽聽聽O Isabel, will you not lend a knee?
聽聽DUKE. He dies for Claudio's death.
聽聽ISABELLA. [Kneeling] Most bounteous sir,
聽聽聽聽Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd,
聽聽聽聽As if my brother liv'd. I partly think
聽聽聽聽A due sincerity govern'd his deeds
聽聽聽聽Till he did look on me; since it is so,
聽聽聽聽Let him not die. My brother had but justice,
聽聽聽聽In that he did the thing for which he died;
聽聽聽聽For Angelo,
聽聽聽聽His act did not o'ertake his bad intent,
聽聽聽聽And must be buried but as an intent
聽聽聽聽That perish'd by the way. Thoughts are no subjects;
聽聽聽聽Intents but merely thoughts.
聽聽MARIANA. Merely, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. Your suit's unprofitable; stand up, I say.
聽聽聽聽I have bethought me of another fault.
聽聽聽聽Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded
聽聽聽聽At an unusual hour?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. It was commanded so.
聽聽DUKE. Had you a special warrant for the deed?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. No, my good lord; it was by private message.
聽聽DUKE. For which I do discharge you of your office;
聽聽聽聽Give up your keys.
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. Pardon me, noble lord;
聽聽聽聽I thought it was a fault, but knew it not;
聽聽聽聽Yet did repent me, after more advice;
聽聽聽聽For testimony whereof, one in the prison,
聽聽聽聽That should by private order else have died,
聽聽聽聽I have reserv'd alive.
聽聽DUKE. What's he?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. His name is Barnardine.
聽聽DUKE. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio.
聽聽聽聽Go fetch him hither; let me look upon him. Exit PROVOST
聽聽ESCALUS. I am sorry one so learned and so wise
聽聽聽聽As you, Lord Angelo, have still appear'd,
聽聽聽聽Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
聽聽聽聽And lack of temper'd judgment afterward.
聽聽ANGELO. I am sorry that such sorrow I procure;
聽聽聽聽And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
聽聽聽聽That I crave death more willingly than mercy;
聽聽聽聽'Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it.

聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Re-enter PROVOST, with BARNARDINE, CLAUDIO (muffled)
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽and JULIET

聽聽DUKE. Which is that Barnardine?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. This, my lord.
聽聽DUKE. There was a friar told me of this man.
聽聽聽聽Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul,
聽聽聽聽That apprehends no further than this world,
聽聽聽聽And squar'st thy life according. Thou'rt condemn'd;
聽聽聽聽But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all,
聽聽聽聽And pray thee take this mercy to provide
聽聽聽聽For better times to come. Friar, advise him;
聽聽聽聽I leave him to your hand. What muffl'd fellow's that?
听听笔搁翱痴翱厂罢. This is another prisoner that I sav'd,
聽聽聽聽Who should have died when Claudio lost his head;
聽聽聽聽As like almost to Claudio as himself. [Unmuffles CLAUDIO]
聽聽DUKE. [To ISABELLA] If he be like your brother, for his sake
聽聽聽聽Is he pardon'd; and for your lovely sake,
聽聽聽聽Give me your hand and say you will be mine,
聽聽聽聽He is my brother too. But fitter time for that.
聽聽聽聽By this Lord Angelo perceives he's safe;
聽聽聽聽Methinks I see a quick'ning in his eye.
聽聽聽聽Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well.
聽聽聽聽Look that you love your wife; her worth worth yours.
聽聽聽聽I find an apt remission in myself;
聽聽聽聽And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon.
聽聽聽聽[To Lucio] You, sirrah, that knew me for a fool, a coward,
聽聽聽聽One all of luxury, an ass, a madman!
聽聽聽聽Wherein have I so deserv'd of you
聽聽聽聽That you extol me thus?
聽聽LUCIO. Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick.
聽聽聽聽If you will hang me for it, you may; but I had rather it
would
聽聽聽聽please you I might be whipt.
聽聽DUKE. Whipt first, sir, and hang'd after.
聽聽聽聽Proclaim it, Provost, round about the city,
聽聽聽聽If any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow-
聽聽聽聽As I have heard him swear himself there's one
聽聽聽聽Whom he begot with child, let her appear,
聽聽聽聽And he shall marry her. The nuptial finish'd,
聽聽聽聽Let him be whipt and hang'd.
聽聽LUCIO. I beseech your Highness, do not marry me to a whore.
Your
聽聽聽聽Highness said even now I made you a duke; good my lord, do
not
聽聽聽聽recompense me in making me a cuckold.
聽聽DUKE. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her.
聽聽聽聽Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithal
聽聽聽聽Remit thy other forfeits. Take him to prison;
聽聽聽聽And see our pleasure herein executed.
聽聽LUCIO. Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death,
whipping,
聽聽聽聽and hanging.
聽聽DUKE. Slandering a prince deserves it.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽Exeunt OFFICERS with LUCIO
聽聽聽聽She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you restore.
聽聽聽聽Joy to you, Mariana! Love her, Angelo;
聽聽聽聽I have confess'd her, and I know her virtue.
聽聽聽聽Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness;
聽聽聽聽There's more behind that is more gratulate.
聽聽聽聽Thanks, Provost, for thy care and secrecy;
聽聽聽聽We shall employ thee in a worthier place.
聽聽聽聽Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home
聽聽聽聽The head of Ragozine for Claudio's:
聽聽聽聽Th' offence pardons itself. Dear Isabel,
聽聽聽聽I have a motion much imports your good;
聽聽聽聽Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline,
聽聽聽聽What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.
聽聽聽聽So, bring us to our palace, where we'll show
聽聽聽聽What's yet behind that's meet you all should know.
听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听贰虫别耻苍迟