Bawd.

Thus, what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty,

Enter Clown.

I am custom-shrunk. How now? what's the news with you?

Clow.

Yonder man is carry'd to prison.

Bawd.

Well, what has he done?

Clow.

A woman.

Bawd.

But what's his offence?

Clow.

Groping for trouts in a peculiar river.

Bawd.

What, is there a maid with child by him?

Clow.

No; but there's a woman with maid by him: You have not heard of the proclamation, have you?

Bawd.

What proclamation, man?

Clow.

All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be pluck'd down.

Bawd.

And what shall become of those in the city?

Clow.

They shall stand for seed: they had gone down too, but that a wise burgher put in for them.

Bawd.

But shall all our houses of resort in the suburbs be pull'd down?

Clow.

To the ground, mistress.

Bawd.

Why, here's a change indeed in the commonwealth! What shall become of me?

Clow.

Come; fear not you: good counsellors lack no clients: though you change your place, you need not change your trade; I'll be your tapster still: Courage; there will be pity taken on you: you that have worn your eyes almost out in the service, you will be consider'd.

Bawd.

What's to do here, Thomas tapster? ^note Let's withdraw.

Clow.

Here comes signior Claudio, led by the provost to prison: and there's madam Juliet.

SCENE III. The same. Enter Provost, Claudio, Juliet, and Officers; Lucio, and the two Gentlemen, following.

Clau.
Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to the world?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.

Prov.
I do it not in evil disposition,
But from lord Angelo ^note by special charge.

Clau.
Thus can the demi-god, authority,
Make us pay down for our offence by weight.
The words of heaven14Q0089: On whom it will, it will;
On whom it will not, so: yet still 'tis just.

Luci.
Why, how now, Claudio? whence comes this restraint?

Clau.
From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty:
As surfeit is the father of much fast,
So every scope by the immoderate use
Turns to restraint: Our natures do pursue,
Like rats that raven ^note down their proper bane,
A thirsty evil; and, when we drink, we dye.

Luci.

If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors: And yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom, as the morality ^note of imprisonment.— ^noteWhat's thy offence, Claudio?

Clau.
What, but to speak of, would offend again.

Luci.

What is it? murder?

Clau.
No.

Luci.
Lechery?

Clau.
Call it so.

Prov.
Away, sir, you must go.

Clau.
One word, good friend:—
Lucio, a word with you.

Luci.
A hundred, if they'll do you any good:—

Is lechery so look'd after?

Clau.
Thus stands it with me,—Upon a true contráct,
I got possession of Julietta's bed;
You know the lady; she is fast my wife,
Save that we do the denunciation lack
Of outward order: this we came not to,
Only for propagation ^note of a dower
Remaining in the coffer of her friends;
From whom we thought it meet to hide our love,
'Till time had made them for us. But it chances,
The stealth of our most mutual entertainment,
With character too gross, is writ on Juliet. ^note

Luci.
With child, perhaps?

Clau.
Unhappily, even so.
And the new deputy now for the duke,—
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness;
Or whether that the body publick be
A horse whereon the governor doth ride,
Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
He can command, lets it straight feel the spur:
Whether the tyranny be in his place,
Or in his eminence that fills it up,
I stagger in:—But this new governor
Awakes me all the enrolled penalties
Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall
So long, that nineteen zodiacks have gone round,
And none of them been worn; and, for a name,
Now puts the drowsy and neglected act
Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.

Luci.

I warrant, it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders, that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the duke, and appeal to him.

Clau.
I have done so, but he's not to be found.
I pr'ythee, Lucio, do me this kind service:
This day my sister should the cloister enter,
And there receive her approbation:
Acquaint her with the danger of my state;
Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends
To the strict deputy; bid herself assay him,
I have great hope in that: for in her youth
There is a prone and speechless dialect,
Such as moves ^note men; besides, she hath prosperous art,
When she will play with reason and discourse,
And well she can persuade.

Luci.

I pray ^note she may: as well for ^note the encouragement of the like, which else would stand under grievous ^note imposition; as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack. I'll to her.

Clau.
I thank you, good friend Lucio.

Luci.
Within two hours,— [Exit.

Clau.
Come, officer, away. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. A Cell. Enter Duke, and Friar Thomas.

Duke.
No, holy father, throw away that thought;
Believe not that the dribbling dart of love
Can pierce a compleat bosom: why I desire thee
To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose
More grave and wrinkl'd than the aims and ends
Of burning youth.

Friar.
May your grace speak of it?

Duke.
My holy sir, none better knows than you
How I have ever lov'd the life remov'd;

And held in idle price to haunt assemblies,
Where youth, and cost, and witless bravery keeps.
I have deliver'd to lord Angelo
(A man of stricture, and firm abstinence)
My absolute power and place here in Vienna,
And he supposes me travel'd to Poland;
For so ^note I have strew'd it in the common ear,
And so it is receiv'd: Now, pious sir,
You will demand of me, why I do this.

Friar.
Gladly, my lord.

Duke.
We have strict14Q0090 statutes, and most biting laws,
(The needful bits and curbs for head-strong steeds ^note)
Which for these fourteen years we have let sleep ^note;
Even like an o'er-grown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey: Now, as fond fathers
Having bound up the threat'ning twigs of birch
Only to stick it in their children's sight,
For terror, ^note not to use; in time the rod
Becomes more mock'd than fear'd: so our decrees,
Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead;
And liberty plucks justice by the nose;
The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart
Goes all decorum.

Friar.
It rested in your grace
To unloose this ty'd-up justice, when you pleas'd:
And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd,
Than in lord Angelo.

Duke.
I do fear, too dreadful:
Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope,
'Twould be my tyranny to strike, and gall them,
For what I bid them do: For we bid this be done,
When evil deeds have their permissive pass,

And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father,
I have on Angelo impos'd the office:
Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home;
And yet my nature never in the sight,
To do it slander ^note: And to behold his sway,
I will, as 'twere a brother of your order,
Visit both prince and people: therefore, I pr'ythee,
Supply me with the habit, and instruct me
How I may formally in person bear me
Like a true friar. More reasons for this action,
At our more ^note leisure, shall I render you;
Only this one,—Lord Angelo is precise;
Stands at a guard with envy; scarce confesses
That his blood flows, or that his appetite
Is more to bread than stone: Hence shall we see,
If power change purpose, what our seemers be. SCENE V. The Entrance of a Nunnery. Enter Isabell, and Francisca a Nun.

Isab.
And have you nuns no farther priviledges?

Fran.
Are not these large enough?

Isab.
Yes, truly: I speak not as desiring ^note more;
But rather wishing a more strict restraint
Upon the sisterhood, votarists ^note of saint Clare.

Luci. [within]
Ho! Peace be in this place!

Isab.
Who's that which calls?

Fran.
It is a man's voice: Gentle Isabella,
Turn you the key, and know his business of him;
You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn:
When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men,
But in the presence of the prioress:
Then if you speak, you must not show ^note your face;

Or, if you show ^note your face, you must not speak.
He calls again; I pray you, answer him. [veils.

Isab.
Peace, and prosperity! Who is't, that calls? Enter Lucio.

Luci.
Hail, virgin, if you be; as those cheek-roses
Proclaim you are no less! Can you so stead me,
As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
A novice of this place, and the fair sister
To her unhappy brother Claudio?

Isab.
Why her unhappy brother? let me ask;
The rather, for I now must make you know
I am that Isabella, and his sister.

Luci.
Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you:
Not to be weary with you, he's in prison.

Isab.
Woe me! For what?

Luci.
For that, which, if myself might be the judge,
He should receive his punishment in thanks:
He hath got his friend with child.

Isab.
Sir, make me not your story.

Luci.
Nay, 'tis true:
I would not (though 'tis my familiar sin
With maids to seem the lapwing, and to jest,
Tongue far from heart) play with all virgins so:
I hold you as a thing ensky'd, and sainted;
By your renouncement an immortal spirit;
And to be talk'd with in sincerity,
As with a saint.

Isab.
You do blaspheme the good, in mocking me.

Luci.
Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus:
Your brother and his lover have embrac'd:
As those that feed14Q0091 grow full; as blossoming time
Doth from ^note the seedness the bare fallow bring ^note

To teeming foyson; even so her plenteous womb
Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.

Isab.
Some one with child by him? My cousin Juliet?

Luci.
Is she your cousin?

Isab.
Adoptedly; as school-maids change their names,
By vain though apt affection.

Luci.
She it is.

Isab.
O, let him ^note marry her.

Luci.
This is the point.
The duke is very strangely gone from hence;
Bore many gentlemen, myself being one,
In hand, and hope of action: but we do learn,
By those that know the very nerves of state,
His givings-out ^note were of an infinite distance
From his true-meant design: Upon his place,
And with full line of his authority,
Governs lord Angelo: A man, whose blood
Is very snow-broth; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of the sense;
But doth rebate and blunt it's natural ^note edge
With profits of the mind, study and fast.
He (to give fear to use and liberty,
Which have, for long, run-by the hideous law,
As mice by lions) hath pick'd out an act,
Under whose heavy sense your brother's life
Falls into forfeit: he arrests him on it;
And follows close the rigour of the statute,
To make him an example: all hope is gone,
Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
To soften Angelo: and that's my pith
Of business betwixt you and your poor brother.

Isab.
Doth he so seek his life?

Luci.
Has censur'd him
Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath
A warrant for his execution.

Isab.
Alas, what poor ability's in me
To do him good?

Luci.
Assay the power you have.

Isab.
My power! Alas, I doubt,—

Luci.
Our doubts are traitors;
And make ^note us lose the good we oft might win,
By fearing to attempt: Go to lord Angelo;
And let him learn to know, when maidens sue,
Men give like gods; but when they weep and kneel,
All their petitions are as truly theirs ^note
As they themselves would owe them.

Isab.
I'll see what I can do.

Luci.
But speedily.

Isab.
I will about it straight;
No longer staying, but to give the mother
Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you:
Commend me to my brother: soon at night
I'll send him certain word of my success.

Luci.
I take my leave of you.

Isab.
Good sir, adieu. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE I. A Hall in Angelo's House. Enter Angelo, Escalus, and a Justice; ^note Provost, Officers, and others, ^note attending.

Ange.
We must not make a scare-crow of the law;
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,

And let it keep one shape, 'till custom make it
Their perch, and not their terror.

Esca.
Ay, but yet
Let us be keen, and rather cut a little,
Than fall, and bruise to death: Alas, this gentleman,
Whom I would save, had a most noble father:
Let but your honour know14Q0092 (whom I believe
To be most strait in virtue) and consider
This, In ^note the working of your own affections,
Had time coher'd with place, or place with wishing,
Or that the resolute acting of your blood ^note
Could have attain'd the effect of your own purpose,
Whether you had not some time in your life
Err'd in this point which now you censure him for,
And pull'd the law upon you.

Ange.
'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus,
Another thing to fall. I not deny,
The jury, passing on the prisoner's life,
May, in the sworn twelve, have a thief or two
Guiltier than him they try: What's open made to justice,
That justice seises on: What know ^note the laws,
That thieves do pass on thieves? 'Tis very pregnant,
The jewel that we find, we stoop, and take it,
Because we see it; but what we do not see,
We tread upon, and never think of it.
You may not so extenuate his offence,
For I have had such faults; but rather tell me,
When I that censure him do so offend,
Let mine own judgment pattern out my death,
And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must dye.

Esca.
Be it as your wisdom will.

Ange.
Where is the provost?

Prov.
Here, if it like your honour.

Ange.
See that Claudio
Be executed by nine to-morrow morning:
Bring him his confessor, let him be prepar'd;
For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage. [Exit Provost.

Esca.
Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall:
Some run from14Q0093 brakes of justice, answer ^note none;
And some condemned for a fault alone. Enter Elbow, Froth, Clown, Officers, &c.

Elbo.

Come, bring them away: if these be good people in a common-weal, that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law: bring them away.

Ange.

How now, sir! What's your name? and what's the matter?

Elbo.

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.

Ange.

Benefactors? Well; what benefactors are they? are they not malefactors?

Elbo.

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 prophanation in the world, that good christians ought to have.

Esca.

This comes off well&dotup; here's a wise officer&dotup;

Ange.

Go to; What quality are they of? Elbow is your name? Why dost thou not speak, Elbow?

Clow.

He cannot, sir; he's out at elbow.

Ange.

What are you, sir?

Elbo.

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.

Esca.

How know you that?

Elbo.

My wife, sir, whom I detest before heaven and your honour,—

Esca.

How! thy wife?

Elbo.

Ay, sir; whom, I thank heaven, is an honest woman;—

Esca.

Dost thou detest her therefore?

Elbo.

I say, sir, I will detest my self 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.

Esca.

How dost thou know that, constable?

Elbo.

Marry, sir, by my wife; who, if she had been a woman cardinally given, might have been accus'd in fornication, adultery, and all uncleanness there.

Esca.

By the woman's means?

Elbo.

Ay, sir, by mistress Overdone's means: but as she spit in his face, so she defy'd him.

Clow.

Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.

Elbo.

Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable man, prove it.

Esca. [to Ange.]

Do you hear how he misplaces?

Clow.

Sir, she came in great with child; and longing (saving your honours' reverence) for stew'd pruins; sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant ^note 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.

Esca.

Go to, go to; no matter for the dish, sir.

Clow.

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-belly'd, and longing, as I said, for pruins; and having but two in ^note 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.

Clow.

Very well: you being then, if you be remember'd, cracking the stones of the foresaid pruins;

Froth.

Ay, so I did, indeed.

Clow.

Why, very well: I telling you then, if you be remember'd, 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.

Clow.

Why, very well then:

Esca.

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.

Clow.

Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.

Esca.

No, sir, nor I mean it not.

Clow.

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 dy'd at Hallowmas:—Was't not at Hallowmas, master Froth?

Froth.

All-hallond eve.

Clow.

Why, very well; I hope, here be truths:— He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir,14Q0094—'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.

Clow.
Why, very well then; I hope, here be truths.

Ange.
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.

Esca.

I think no less: Good morrow to your lordship.

Now, sir, come on: What was done to Elbow's wife, once more?

Clow.

Once, sir? there was nothing done to her once.

Elbo.

I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife.

Clow.

I beseech your honour, ask me.

Esca.

Well, sir; What did this gentleman to her?

Clow.

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?

Esca.

Ay, sir very well.

Clow.

Nay, I beseech you, mark it well.

Esca.

Well, I do so.

Clow.

Doth your honour see any harm in his face?

Esca.

Why, no.

Clow.

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.

Esca.

He's in the right, constable: What say you to it?

Elbo.

First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman.

Clow.

By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected person than any of us all.

Elbo.

Varlet, thou ly'st; thou ly'st, wicked varlet: the time is yet to come, that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child.

Clow.

Sir, she was respected with him before he marry'd with her.

Esca.

Which is the wiser here? justice, or iniquity? —Is this true?

Elbo.

O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! I respected with her before I was marry'd 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 battery on thee.

Esca.

If he took you a box o'the ear, you might have your action of slander too.

Elbo.

Marry, I thank your good worship for it: What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff?

Esca.

Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him, that thou would'st discover if thou could'st, let him continue in his courses, 'till thou know'st what they are.

Elbo.

Marry, I thank your worship for it:—Thou

seest, ^note thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee; thou art to continue now, thou varlet, thou art to continue.

Esca.

Where were you born, friend?

Froth.

Here in Vienna, sir.

Esca.

Are you of fourscore pounds a year?

Froth.

Yes, an't please you, sir.

Esca.

So.—What trade are you of, sir?

Clow.

A tapster; a poor widow's tapster.

Esca.

Your mistress's name?

Clow.

Mistress Overdone.

Esca.

Hath she had any more than one husband?

Clow.

Nine, sir; Overdone by the last.

Esca.

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.

Esca.

Well; no more of it, master Froth: farewel. —Come you hither to me, master tapster: What's your name, master tapster?

Clow.

Pompey.

Esca.

What else?

Clow.

Bum, sir.

Esca.

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 ^note a tapster; Are you not? come, tell me true; it shall be the better for you.

Clow.

Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow, that would live.

Esca.

How would you live, Pompey? by being a bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? is it a lawful trade?

Clow.

If the law would allow it, sir.

Esca.

But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allow'd in Vienna.

Clow.

Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth in the city?

Esca.

No, Pompey.

Clow.

Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then: If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, ^note you need not to fear the bawds.

Esca.

There are pretty orders beginning, I can tell you: it is but heading and hanging.

Clow.

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 years, ^note I'll rent the fairest house in it after three-pence a bay: If you live to see this come to pass, say, Pompey told you so.

Esca.

Thank you, good Pompey: and, in requital of your prophesy, 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 Cæsar to you; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt: so, for this time, Pompey, fare you well.

Clow.

I thank your worship for your good counsel; 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.

Esca.

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

Elbo.

Seven year and a half, sir.

Esca.

I thought, by the readiness in the office, you had continu'd in it some time; You say, seven years together?

Elbo.

And a half, sir.

Esca.

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?

Elbo.

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 mony, ^note and go through with all.

Esca.

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

Elbo.

To your worship's house, sir?

Esca.

To my house: Fare you well.—What's o'clock, think you?

Just.

Eleven, sir.

Esca.
I pray you, go home ^note to dinner with me.

Just.
I humbly thank you.

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

Just.
Lord Angelo is severe.

Esca.
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's no remedy.—

Come, sir. [Exeunt. SCENE II. A Room in the same. Enter a Servant, and Provost.

Serv.
He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight:
I'll tell him of you.

Prov.
Pray you do. [Exit Serv.] I'll know
His pleasure; may be, he'll relent: Alas,
He hath but as offended in a dream!
All sects, all ages smack of this vice; and he
To dye for it! Enter Angelo.

Ange.
Now, what's the matter, provost?

Prov.
Is it your will Claudio shall dye to-morrow?

Ange.
Did not I tell thee, yea? had'st thou not order?
Why dost thou ask again?

Prov.
Lest I might be too rash:
Under your good correction, I have seen,
When, after execution, judgment hath
Repented o'er his doom.

Ange.
Go to; let that be mine:
Do you your office, or give up your place,
And you shall well be spar'd.

Prov.
I crave your honour's pardon.
What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet?
She's very near her hour.

Ange.
Dispose of her
To some more fitter place; and that with speed. Re-enter Servant.

Serv.
Here is the sister of the man condemn'd,
Desires access to you.

Ange.
Hath he a sister?

Prov.
Ay, my good lord, a very virtuous maid;
And to be shortly of a sisterhood,
If not already.

Ange.
Well, let her be admitted.— [Exit Servant.
See you the fornicatress be remov'd;
Let her have needful, but not lavish means;
There shall be order for it. Enter Isabella, and Lucio.

Prov.
Save your honour!

Ange.
Stay a little while.—You're welcome: What's your will?

Isab.
I am a woful suitor to your honour,
Please but your honour hear me.

Ange.
Well, what's your suit?

Isab.
There is a vice, that most I do abhor,
And most desire should meet the blow of justice;
For which I would not plead, but that I must;
For which I must not plead, but that I am
At war, 'twixt will, and will not.

Ange.
Well; the matter?

Isab.
I have a brother is condemn'd to dye:
I do beseech you,let it be his fault,
And not my brother.

Prov.
Heaven give thee moving graces!

Ange.
Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it!
Why, every fault's condemn'd, ere it be done:
Mine were the very cypher of a function,
To find the ^note faults,14Q0095 whose fine stands in record,
And let go by the actor.

Isab.
O just, but severe law!
I had a brother then.—Heaven keep your honour!

Luci.
Give't not o'er so: to him again, intreat him,
Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown;

You are too cold: if you should need a pin,
You could not with more tame a tongue desire it:
To him, I say.

Isab.
Must he needs dye?

Ange.
Maiden, no remedy.

Isab.
Yes; I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven, nor man, grieve at the mercy.

Ange.
I will not do't.

Isab.
But can you, if you would?

Ange.
Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.

Isab.
But might you do't, and do the world no wrong,
If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse
As mine is to him?

Ange.
He's sentenc'd; 'tis too late.

Luci.
You are too cold.

Isab.
Too late? why, no; I, that do speak a word,
May call it back again: Well, believe this,14Q0096
No ceremony that to great ones 'longs,
Not the king's crown, nor the deputed sword,
The marshal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does:
If he had been as you, and you as he,
You would have slipt, like him; but he, like you,
Would not have been so stern.

Ange.
Pray you, be gone.

Isab.
I would to heaven I had your potency,
And you were Isabell! should it then be thus?
No; I would tell what 'twere to be judge, ^note
And what a prisoner.

Luci.
Ay, touch him: there's the vein.

Ange.
Your brother is a forfeit of the law,

And you but waste your words.

Isab.
Alas, alas!
Why, all the souls that were, were forfeit once;
And he, that might the vantage best have took,
Found out the remedy: How would you be,
If he, which is the top of judgment, should
But judge you, as you are? O, think on that;
And mercy then will breath within your lips,
Like man new made.14Q0097

Ange.
Be you content, fair maid;
It is the law, not I, condemns ^note your brother:
Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son,
It should be thus with him; he must dye to-morrow.

Isab.
To-morrow? o, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him;
He's not prepar'd for death! Even for our kitchens
We kill the fowl of season; shall we serve heaven
With less respect than we do minister
To our gross selves? Good, good my lord, bethink you;
Who is it that hath dy'd for this offence?
There's many have committed it.

Luci.
Ay, well said.

Ange.
The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept:
Those many had not dar'd to do that evil,
If he, the first that did the edíct infringe,
Had answer'd for his deed: now 'tis awake;
Takes note of what is done; and, like a prophet,
Looks in a glass, that shews what future evils
(Or new, or ^note by remissness new conceiv'd,
And so in progress to be hatch'd and born)
Are now to have no súccessive degrees,
But, ere they ^note live, to end.

Isab.
Yet shew some ^note pity.

Ange.
I shew it most of all, when I show justice:
For then I pity those I do not know,
Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall;
And do him right, that, answering one foul wrong,
Lives not to act another. Be satisfy'd;
Your brother dyes to-morrow; be content.

Isab.
So you must be the first, that gives this sentence;
And he, that suffers: O, it is excellent
To have a giant's strength; but it is tyranous ^note
To use it like a giant.

Luci.
That's well said.

Isab.
Could great men thunder,
As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be ^note quiet;
For every pelting petty officer
Would use his heaven for thunder; nothing but thunder:—
Merciful heaven,
Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt
Split'st ^note the unwedgeable and gnarled oak
Than the soft myrtle: o, but ^note man, proud man,14Q0098
(Drest in a little brief authority;
Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd,
His glassy essence) like an angry ape,
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven,
As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,
Would all themselves laugh mortal.

Luci.
O, to him, to him, wench: he will relent;
He's coming; I perceive't.

Prov.
Pray heaven ^note she win him!

Isab.
We cannot weigh our brother with yourself: ^note
Great men may jest with saints: 'tis wit in them;
But, in the less, foul prophanation.

Luci.
Thou'rt i'the right, girl; more o'that.

Isab.
That in the captain's but a choleric word,
Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy.

Luci.
Art avis'd o'that? more on't.

Ange.
Why do you put these sayings upon me?

Isab.
Because authority, though it err like others,
Hath yet a kind of medicine ^note in itself,
That skins the vice o'the top: Go to your bosom;
Knock there; and ask your heart, what it doth know
That's like my brother's fault: if it confess
A natural guiltiness, such as is his,
Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue ^note
Against my brother's life.

&clquo;Ange.
&clquo;She speaks; and 'tis&crquo;
&clquo;Such sense, that my sense breeds with it.&crquo; Fare you well.

Isab.
Gentle my lord, turn back.

Ange.
I will bethink me: Come again to-morrow.

Isab.
Hark how I'll bribe you: Good my lord, turn back.

Ange.
How! bribe me?

Isab.
Ay, with such gifts, that heaven shall share with you.

Luci.
You had mar'd all else.

Isab.
Not with fond shekles of the tested gold,
Or stones, whose rates ^note are either rich or poor
As fancy values them: but with true prayers,
That shall be up at heaven, and enter there,
Ere sun-rise; prayers from preserved souls,
From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate
To nothing temporal.

Ange.
Well; come to me to-morrow.

Luci.
Go to; 'tis well; away.

Isab.
Heaven keep your honour safe!

&clquo;Ange.
&clquo;Amen:&crquo;
&clquo;For I am that way going to temptation,&crquo;

&clquo;Where prayers cross.&crquo;

Isab.
At what hour to-morrow
Shall I attend your lordship?

Ange.
At any time 'fore noon.

Isab.
Save your honour! [Exeunt Provost, Lucio, and Isabella.

Ange.
From thee; even from thy virtue!—
What's this? what's this? Is this her fault, or mine?
The tempter, or the tempted, who sins most? Ha!
Not she; nor doth she tempt: but it is I,
That lying, with the ^note violet, in the sun,
Do, as the carrion does, not as the flower,
Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be,
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness? having waste ground enough,
Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary,
And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie!
What dost thou? or what art thou, Angelo?
Dost thou desire her foully, for those things
That make her good? O, let her brother live:
Thieves for their robbery have authority,
When judges steal themselves. What, do I love her,
That I desire to hear her speak again,
And feast upon her eyes? what is't I dream on?
O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook! most dangerous
Is that temptation, that doth goad us on
To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet,
With all her double vigour, art and nature,
Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid
Subdues me quite:—Ever 'till ^note now,
When men were fond, I smil'd, and wonder'd how.

SCENE III. A Room in a Prison. Enter Duke, habited like a Friar; and Provost.

Duke.
Hail to you, provost! so, I think, you are.

Prov.
I am the provost: What's your will, good friar?

Duke.
Bound by my charity, and my blest order,
I come to visit the afflicted spirits
Here in the prison: do me the common right
To let me see them; and to make me know
The nature of their crimes, that I may minister
To them accordingly.

Prov.
I would do more than that, if more were needful. Enter Juliet.
Look, here comes one; a gentlewoman of mine,
Who falling in the flames of ^note her own youth,
Hath blister'd her report: She is with child;
And he that got it, sentenc'd: a young man,
More fit to do another such offence,
Than dye for this.

Duke.
When must he dye?

Prov.
As I do think, to-morrow.—
I have provided for you; [to Juli.] stay a while,
And you shall be conducted.

Duke.
Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?

Juli.
I do; and bear the shame most patiently.

Duke.
I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience;
And try your penitence, if it be sound,
Or hollowly put on.

Juli.
I'll gladly learn.

Duke.
Love you the man that wrong'd you?

Juli.
Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him.

Duke.
So then, it seems, your most offenceful act

Was mutually committed.

Juli.
Mutually.

Duke.
Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.

Juli.
I do confess it, and repent it, father.

Duke.
'Tis meet so, daughter: But lest you do repent
As that the sin hath brought you to this shame,—
Which sorrow is always toward ourselves, not heaven;
Showing we would not spare heaven,14Q0099 as we love it,
But as we stand in fear,—

Juli.
I do repent me, as it is an evil;
And take the shame with joy.

Duke.
There rest.
Your partner, as I hear, must dye to-morrow,
And I am going with instruction to him:
So grace go with you! Benedicite! [Exit.

Juli.
Must dye to-morrow!—O injurious love,
That respites me a life whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror!

Prov.
'Tis pity of him. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. A Room in Angelo's House. Enter Angelo.

Ange.
When I would pray and think, I think and pray
To several subjects: heaven hath my empty words;
Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue,
Anchors on Isabell: heaven is in my mouth,
As if I did but only chew it's name;
And in my heart, the strong and swelling evil
Of my conception: The state, whereon I study'd,
Is like a good thing, being often read,
Grown fear'd und ^note tedious; yea, my gravity,
Wherein (let no man hear me) I take pride,

Could I, with boot, change for an idle plume,
Which the air beats for vain: O place! o form!
How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit,
Wrench awe from fools, and tye the wiser souls
To thy false seeming? Blood, thou art blood:14Q0100
Let's write good angel on the devil's horn, Enter Servant.
'Tis not the devil's crest:—How now? who's there?

Serv.
One Isabell, a sister, desires access to you.

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

Isab.
I am come to know your pleasure.

Ange.
That you might know it, would much better please me,
Than to demand what 'tis. Your brother cannot live.

Isab.
Even so?—Heaven keep your honour!

Ange.
Yet may he live a while; and, it may be,
As long as you, or I: Yet he must dye.

Isab.
Under your sentence?

Ange.
Yea.

Isab.
When, I beseech you? that in his reprieve,

Longer, or shorter, he may be so fitted
That his soul sicken not.

Ange.
Ha! Fie, these filthy vices! It were as good
To pardon him that hath from nature stolen
A man already made, as to remit
Their sawcy sweetness, that do coin heaven's image
In stamps that are forbid: 'tis all as easy
Falsely to take away a life true made,
As to put mettle in restrained means
To make a false one.

Isab.
'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth.

Ange.
Say you so? then I shall poze you quickly.
Which had you rather, That the most just law
Now took your brother's life; or to ^note redeem him,
Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness,
As she that he hath stain'd?

Isab.
Sir, believe this,
I had rather give my body than my soul.

Ange.
I talk not of your soul; Our compell'd sins
Stand more for number than account ^note.

Isab.
How say you?

Ange.
Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak
Against the thing I say. Answer to this,—
I, now the voice of the recorded law,
Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life:
Might there not be a charity in sin,
To save this brother's life?

Isab.
Please you to do't,
I'll take it as a peril to my soul,
It is no sin at all, but charity.

Ange.
Pleas'd you to do't, at peril of your soul,
Were equal poize of sin and charity.

Isab.
That I do beg his life, if it be sin,
Heaven, let me bear it! you, granting of my suit,
If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer
To have it added to the faults of mine,
And nothing of your answer.

Ange.
Nay, but hear me:
Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant,
Or seem so craftily; ^note and that's not good.

Isab.
Let me be ^note ignorant, and in nothing good,
But graciously to know I am no better.

Ange.
Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright,
When it doth tax itself: as these † black masks
Proclaim an enshield' beauty ten times louder
Than beauty could display'd.—But mark me;
To be received plain, I'll speak more gross:
Your brother is to dye:

Isab.
So.

Ange.
And his offence is so, as it appears
Accountant to the law upon that pain:

Isab.
True.

Ange.
Admit no other way14Q0101 to save his life,
(As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
But in the loss of question) that you his sister,
Finding yourself desir'd of such a person,
Whose credit with the judge, or own great place,
Could fetch your brother from the manacles
Of the all-binding ^note law; and that there were
No earthly mean to save him, but that either
You must lay down the treasures of your body
To this supposed, or else let ^note him suffer;
What would you do?

Isab.
As much for my poor brother, as myself:

That is, Were I under the terms of death,
The impression of keen whips I'd wear as rubies,
And strip myself to death, as to a bed
That longing I have been sick for, ere I'd yield
My body up to shame.

Ange.
Then must your brother dye.

Isab.
And 'twere the cheaper way:
Better it were a brother dy'd at once,
Then ^note that a sister, by redeeming him,
Should dye for ever.

Ange.
Were not you then as cruel as the sentence
That you have slander'd so?

Isab.
An ignominious ^note ransom ^note, and free pardon,
Are of two houses: lawful mercy, sure,
Is nothing kin to foul redemption.

Ange.
You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant;
And rather prov'd the sliding of your brother
A merriment than a vice.

Isab.
O, pardon me, my lord; it oft falls out,
To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean:
I something do excuse the thing I hate,
For his advantage that I dearly love.

Ange.
We are all frail.

Isab.
Else let my brother dye,
If not a feodary, but only he,
Owe, and succeed to, weakness ^note.14Q0102

Ange.
Nay, women are frail too.

Isab.
Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves;
Which are as easy broke as they make forms.
Women?—Help, heaven!—men their creation mar
In profiting by them: Nay, call us ten times frail;
For we are soft as our complexions are,

And credulous to false prints.

Ange.
I think it well:
And from this testimony of your own sex,
(Since, I suppose, we are made to be no stronger
Than faults may shake our frames) let me be bold,—
I do arrest your words; Be that you are,
That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none;
If you be one, (as you are well express'd
By all external warrants) shew it now,
By putting on the destin'd livery.

Isab.
I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord,
Let me intreat you, speak the former language.

Ange.
Plainly conceive, I love you.

Isab.
My brother did love Juliet;
And you tell me, that he shall dye for it.

Ange.
He shall not Isabell, if you give me love.

Isab.
I know, your virtue hath a licence in't,
Which seems a little fouler than it is,
To pluck on others.

Ange.
Believe me, on mine honour,
My words express my purpose.

Isab.
Ha! little honour to be much believ'd,
And most pernicious purpose! Seeming! seeming!—
I will proclaim thee, Angelo, look for't:
Sign me a present pardon for my brother,
Or, with an out-stretcht throat, I'll tell the world
Aloud, what man thou art.

Ange.
Who will believe thee, Isabell?
My unsoil'd name, the austereness of my life,
My vouch against you, and my place i'the state,
Will so your accusation overweigh,
That you shall stifle in your own report,

And smell of calumny. I have begun;
And now I give my sensual race the rein:
Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite;
Lay by all nicety, and prolixious blushes,
That banish what they sue for; redeem thy brother,
By yielding up thy body to my will;
Or else he must not only die the death,
But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
To ling'ring sufferance: answer me to-morrow,
Or, by the affection that now guides me most,
I'll prove a tyrant to him: As for you,
Say what you can; my false o'erweighs you true. [Exit Angelo.

Isab.
To whom should I complain? Did I tell this,
Who would believe me? O perilous mouths,
That bear in them one and the self-same tongue
Either of condemnation or approof!
Bidding the law make court'sy to their will;
Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite,
To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother:
Though he hath fallen ^note by prompture of the blood,
Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour,
That had he twenty heads to tender down
On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yield them up,
Before his sister should her body stoop
To such abhor'd pollution.
Then, Isabell, live chast; and, brother, dye:
More than our brother is our chastity.
I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request;
And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. [Exit.

ACT III. SCENE I. A Room in the Prison. Enter Duke, and Claudio; Provost, at a distance, attending.

Duke.
So then you hope of pardon from lord Angelo?

Clau.
The miserable have no other medicine,
But only hope:
I have hope to live, and am prepar'd to dye.

Duke.
Be absolute for death; either death, or life,
Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life,14Q0103—
If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing
That none but fools would keep: a breath thou art,
Servile to all the skiey influences
That do this ^note habitation, where thou keep'st,
Hourly afflict: meerly, thou art death's fool;
For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun,
And yet run'st toward him still: Thou art not noble;
For all the accommodations, that thou bear'st,
Are nurs'd by baseness: Thou'rt by no means valiant;
For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
Of a poor worm: Thy best of rest is sleep;
And that thou oft provok'st; yet grosly fear'st
Thy death, which is no more: Thou art not thyself;
For thou exist'st ^note on many a thousand grains
That issue out of dust: Happy thou art not;
For what thou hast not, still thou striv'st to get;
And what thou hast, forget'st: Thou art not certain;
For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,
After the moon: If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;

For, like an ass, whose back with ingots bows,
Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey,
And death unloads thee: Friend hast thou none;
For thine own bowels, which do call thee sire,
The meer effusion of thy proper loins,
Do curse the gout, serpigo ^note, and the rheum,
For ending thee no sooner: Thou hast nor youth, nor age;
But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep,
Dreaming on both: for all thy blessed youth
Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms
Of palsy'd eld; and when thou art old, and rich,
Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty,
To make thy riches pleasant. What's in ^note this,
That bears the name of life? Yet in this life
Lye hid more thousand deaths: yet death we fear,
That makes these odds all even.

Clau.
I humbly thank you.
To sue to live, I find, I seek to dye;
And, seeking death, find life: Let it come on.

Isab. [within]
What, ho! Peace here; grace, and good company!

Prov.
Who's there? Come in: the wish deserves a welcome. Enter Isabella.

Duke.
Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again.

Clau.
Most holy sir, I thank you.

Isab.
My business is a word or two with Claudio.

Prov.
And very welcome.—Look, signior, here's your sister.

Duke.
Provost, a word with you. [drawing him aside.

Prov.
As many as you please.

Duke.
Bring me to stand14Q0104 where I may be conceal'd
Yet hear them speak. [Exeunt Duke, and Provost.

Clau.
Now, sister, what's the comfort?

Isab.
Why, as all comforts are, most good indeed:
Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,
Intends you for his swift embassador;
Where you shall be an everlasting ledger:
Therefore your best appointment make with speed;
To-morrow you set on.

Clau.
Is there no remedy?

Isab.
None, but such remedy, as, to save a head,
To cleave a heart in twain.

Clau.
But is there any?

Isab.
Yes, brother, you may live;
There is a devilish mercy in the judge,
If you'll implore it, that will free your life,
But fetter you 'till death.

Clau.
Perpetual durance?

Isab.
Ay, just, perpetual durance; a restraint,
Though ^note all the world's vastidity you had,
To a determin'd scope.

Clau.
But in what nature?

Isab.
In such a one, as you, consenting to't,
Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,
And leave you naked.

Clau.
Let me know the point.

Isab.
O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,
Lest thou a feverous life should'st entertain,
And six or seven winters more respect
Than a perpetual honour. Dar'st thou dye?
The sense of death is most in apprehension;
And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dyes.

Clau.
Why give you me this shame?

Think you I can a resolution fetch
From flowery tenderness? If I must dye,
I will encounter darkness as a bride,
And hug it in mine arms.

Isab.
There spake my brother; there my father's grave
Did utter forth a voice! Yes, thou must dye:
Thou art too noble to conserve a life
In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy,—
Whose settl'd visage and deliberate word
Nips youth i' the head, and follies doth emmew
As falcon doth the fowl,—is yet a devil;
His filth within being cast, he would appear
A pond as deep as hell.

Clau.
The princely Angelo?

Isab.
O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell,
The damned'st ^note body to invest and cover
In princely gards! Dost thou think, Claudio,
If I would yield him my virginity,
Thou might'st be free'd?

Clau.
O heavens! it cannot be.

Isab.
Yes, he would give thee,14Q0105 for this ^note rank offence,
So to offend him still: This night's the time
That I should do what I abhor to name,
Or else thou dy'st to-morrow.

Clau.
Thou shalt not do't.

Isab.
O, were it but my life,
I'd throw it down for your deliverance
As frankly as a pin.

Clau.
Thanks, dear Isabell.

Isab.
Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow.

Clau.
Yes.—Has he affections in him,
That thus can make him bite the law by the nose,

When he would 'force it? Sure, it is no sin;
Or of the deadly seven it is the least.

Isab.
Which is the least?

Clau.
If it were damnable, he, being so wise,
Why, would he for the momentary trick
Be perdurably fin'd?—O Isabell!

Isab.
What says my brother?

Clau.
Death is a fearful thing.

Isab.
And shamed life a hateful.

Clau.
Ay, but to dye,14Q0106 and go we know not where;
To lye in cold obstruction, and to rot;
This sensible warm motion to become
A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit
To bath in fiery floods, or to reside ^note
In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice;
To be imprison'd in the viewless winds,
And blown with restless violence round about
The pendant world; or to be worse than worst
Of those, that lawless and incertain thought,—
Imagine howling,—'tis too horrible!
The weariest and most loathed worldly life,
That age, ach, penury, and ^note imprisonment
Can lay on nature, is a paradise
To what we fear of death.

Isab.
Alas, alas!

Clau.
Sweet sister, let me live:
What sin you do to save a brother's life,
Nature dispenses with the deed so far,
That it becomes a virtue.

Isab.
O you beast!
O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!
Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?

Is't not a kind of incest, to take life
From thine own sister's shame? What should I think?
Heaven shield, my mother play'd my father fair!
For such a warped slip of wilderness
Ne'er issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance;
Dye; perish: might but my bending down
Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:
I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death,
No word to save thee.

Clau.
Nay, hear me, Isabell.

Isab.
O, fie, fie, fie!
Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade:
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd:
'Tis best that thou dy'st quickly. [going.

Clau.
O, hear me, Isabella. Re-enter Duke.

Duke.
Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.

Isab.
What is your will?

Duke.

Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.

Isab.

I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs: but I will attend you a while.

Duke.

Son, I have over-hear'd ^note what hath pass'd between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue, to practise his judgment in the disposition of natures: she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial, which he is most glad to receive: I am confessor to Angelo,

and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: Do not falsify your ^note resolution14Q0107 with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must dye; go to your knees, and make ready.

Clau.

Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.

Duke.

Hold you there: Farewel.

Provost, a word with you.

Prov.

What's your will, father?

Duke.

That ^note 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.

Prov.

In good time.

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, ^note 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?

Isab.

I am now going to resolve him: I had rather my brother dye 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.

Isab.

Let me hear you speak farther: I have spirit to do any thing 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 miscarry'd at sea?

Isab.

I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.

Duke.

Her should ^note this Angelo have marry'd; was affianc'd to her by oath, ^note 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 befel 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.

Isab.

Can this be so? Did Angelo so leave her?

Duke.

Left her in her tears, and dry'd not one of them with his comfort; swallow'd his vows whole, pretending, in her, discoveries of dishonour: in few, bestow'd her ^note on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, ^note is washed with them, but relents not.

Isab.

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.

Isab.

Shew me how, good father.

Duke.

This fore-named 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, now ^note 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 recompence: 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?

Isab.

The image of it gives me content already; and, I trust, it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.

Duke.

It lyes much in your holding up: Haste you speedily to Angelo; if for this night he intreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction: I will presently to saint Luke's; there at the moated grange resides ^note this dejected Mariana: at that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.

Isab.

I thank you for this comfort: Fare you well, good father.