Duke.
Unfit to live, or die: oh, gravel heart!
After him, fellows: bring him to the block.

Prov.
Now, Sir, how do you find the prisoner?

Duke.
A creature unprepar'd, unmeet for death;
And, to transport him in the mind he is,
Were damnable.

Prov.
Here in the prison, father,
There dy'd this morning of a cruel fever
One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,
A man of Claudio's years; his beard, and head,
Just of his colour: What if we omit
This reprobate, 'till he were well inclin'd;
And satisfie the deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?

Duke.
O, 'tis an accident, that heav'n provides:
Dispatch it presently; the hour draws on
Prefixt by Angelo: see, this be done,
And sent according to command; while I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.

Prov.
This shall be done, good father, presently:
But Barnardine must die this afternoon:
And how shall we continue Claudio,
To save me from the danger that might come,
If he were known alive?

Duke.
Let this be done;
Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio:
Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
(a) ^noteTo th' under generation, you shall find
Your safety manifested.

Prov.
I am your free dependent.

Duke.
Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo. [Exit Provost.
Now will I write letters to Angelo,
(The Provost, he shall bear them;) whose contents
Shall witness to him, I am near at home;
And that, by great injunctions, I am bound
To enter publickly: him I'll desire
To meet me at the consecrated fount,
A league below the city; and from thence,
By cold gradation and weal-balanced form,
We shall proceed with Angelo. Enter Provost.

Prov.
Here is the head, I'll carry it myself.

Duke.
Convenient is it: make a swift return;
For I will commune with you of such things,
That want no ears but yours.

Prov.
I'll make all speed. [Exit.

Isab. [within.]
Peace, hoa, be here!

Duke.
The tongue of Isabel.—She comes to know,
If yet her brother's pardon be come hither:
But I will keep her ign'rant of her good,
To make her heav'nly comforts of despair,
When it is least expected.

Previous section

Next section