Escal.

Come hither to me, master Elbow; come hither, master constable; how long have you been in this place of constable?

Elb.

Seven years and a half, Sir.

Escal.

I thought, by your readiness in the office, you had continued in it some time: you say seven years together?

Elb.

And a half, Sir.

Escal.

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?

Elb.

Faith, Sir, few of any wit in such matters; as they are chosen, they are glad to chuse me for them. I do it for some piece of mony, and go through with all.

Escal.

Look you, bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish.

Elb.

To your worship's house, Sir?

Escal.

To my house; fare you well. What's a clock, think you?

Just.

Eleven, Sir.

Escal.

I pray you, home to dinner with me.

Just.

I humbly thank you.

Escal.
It grieves me for the death of Claudio:
But there's no remedy.

Just.
Lord Angelo is severe.

Escal.
It is but needful:
Mercy is not it self, that oft looks so;
Pardon is still the nurse of second woe:

But yet, poor Claudio! there's no remedy.
Come, Sir. [Exeunt.

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