Escalus, and Attendants.
Duke.
Escalus,—
Esca.
My lord.
Duke.
Of government the properties to unfold,
Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse;
Since I am not to note know, that your own science
Exceeds, in that, the lists of all advice
My strength can give you: Then no more remains,14Q0086
But that to your sufficiency, as your worth is able,
And let them work. The nature of our people,
Our city's institutions, and the terms
For common justice, you are as pregnant in
As art and practice hath enriched any
That we remember: There &dagger2; is our commission,
From which we would not have you warp.—Call hither,
I say, bid come before us Angelo.—
[Exit an Attendant.
What figure of us think you he will bear?
-- 4 --
For you must know, we have with special soul
Elected him our absence to supply;
Lent him our terror, drest him with our love;
And given his deputation all the organs
Of our own power: What think you of it?
Esca.
If any in Vienna be of worth
To undergo such ample grace and honour,
It is lord Angelo.
Enter Angelo.
Duke.
Look where he comes.
Ange.
Always obedient to your grace's will,
I come to know your pleasure note.
Duke.
Angelo,
There is a kind of character in thy life,
That, to the observer, note doth thy history
Fully unfold: Thy self and thy belongings
Are not thine own so proper, as to waste
Thy self upon thy virtues, they on thee:
Heaven doth with us, as we with torches do;
Not light them for themselves: for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike
As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd,
But to fine issues: nor nature never lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence,
But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
Herself, the glory of a creditor,
Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech14Q0087
To one that can my part in him advertise: note
Hold therefore, Angelo:
[tendering the Commission.
In our remove, be thou at full our self;
Mortality and mercy in Vienna
Live in thy tongue and heart: Old Escalus,
-- 5 --
Though first in question, is thy secondary:
Take thy commission.
Ange.
Now, good my lord,
Let there be some more test made of my metal,
Before so noble and so great a figure
Be stamp'd upon't.
Duke.
No more evasion:
We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice
Proceeded to you; therefore take &dagger2; your honours.
Our haste from hence is of so quick condition,
That it prefers itself, and leaves unquestion'd
Matters of needful value: We shall write to you,
As time and our concernings shall impórtune,
How it goes with us; and do look to know
What doth befal you here. So, fare you well:
To the hopeful execution do I leave you
Of your commissions. note
Ange.
Yet, give leave, my lord,
That we may bring you something on the way.
Duke.
My haste may not admit it;
Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do
With any scruple: your scope is as mine own;
So to inforce, or qualify the laws,
As to your soul seems good: Give me your hand;
I'll privily away: I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause, and aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion,
That does affect it. Once more, fare you well.
Ange.
The heavens give safety to your purposes!
Esca.
Lead forth, and bring you back in happiness!
-- 6 --
Duke.
I thank you: Fare you well.
[Exeunt Duke note and Attendants.
Esca.
I shall desire you, sir, to give me leave
To have free speech with you; and it concerns me
To look into the bottom of my place:
A power I have; but of what strength and nature
I am not yet instructed.
Ange.
'Tis so with me: Let us withdraw together,
And we may soon our satisfaction have
Touching that point.
Esca.
I'll wait upon your honour. note
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
A Street.
Enter Lucio, and two Gentlemen.
Luci.
If the duke, with the other dukes, come not
to composition with the king of Hungary, why then
all the dukes fall upon the king.
1. Gen.
Heaven grant us it's peace, but not the king
of Hungary's!
2. Gen.
Amen.
Luci.
Thou conclud'st like the sanctimonious pirate,
that went to sea with the ten commandments, but
scrap'd one out of the table.
2. Gen.
Thou shalt not steal?
Luci.
Ay, that he raz'd.
1. Gen.
Why, 'twas a commandment to command
the captain and all the rest from their functions; they
put forth to steal: There's not a soldier of us all, that,
in the thanksgiving before meat, does note relish the petition
well that prays for peace.
2. Gen.
I never heard any soldier dislike it.
Luci.
I believe thee; for, I think, thou never wast
-- 7 --
where grace was said.
2. Gen.
No? a dozen times at least.
1. Gen.
What, in metre?
Luci.
In any proportion?14Q0088 or in any language?
1. Gen.
I think, or in any religion?
Luci.
Ay! why not? Grace is grace, despight of
all controversy: As for example; Thou thy self art a
wicked villain, despight of all grace.
1. Gen.
Well, there went but a pair of sheers between
us.
Luci.
I grant; as there may between the lists and
the velvet: Thou art the list.
1. Gen.
And thou the velvet: thou art good velvet;
thou'rt a three-pil'd piece, I warrant thee: I had as
lief be a list of English kersey, as be pil'd, as thou
art pil'd, for a French velvet. Do I speak feelingly
now?
Luci.
I think note thou dost; and, indeed, with most
painful feeling of thy speech: I will, out of thine own
confession, learn to begin thy health; but, whilst I
live, forget to drink after thee.
1. Gen.
I think, I have done my self wrong; have note I not?
2. Gen.
Yes, that thou hast; whether thou art tainted,
or free.
Enter Bawd, at a distance.
Luci.
Behold, behold, where madam Mitigation
comes! I have purchas'd as many diseases under her
roof, as come to—
2. Gen.
To what, I pray?
Luci.
Judge.
2. Gen.
To three thousand dolours a year.
1. Gen.
Ay, and more.
-- 8 --
Luci.
A French crown more.
1. Gen.
Thou art always figuring diseases in me:
but thou art full of error; I am sound.
Luci.
Nay, not, as one would say, healthy; but
so sound, as things that are hollow: thy bones are
hollow; impiety has made a feast of thee.
1. Gen.
How now? [to the Bawd.] Which of your
hips has the most profound sciatica? note
Bawd.
Well, well; there's one yonder arrested, and
carry'd to prison, was worth five thousand of you
all.
2. Gen.
Who's that, I pr'ythee?
Bawd.
Marry, sir, that's Claudio, signior Claudio.
1. Gen.
Claudio to prison! 'tis not so.
Bawd.
Nay, but I know 'tis so: I saw him arrested;
saw him carry'd away; and, which is more, within
these three days his head's to be chop'd off.
Luci.
But, after all this fooling, I would not have
it so: Art thou sure of this?
Bawd.
I am too sure of it: and it is for getting
madam Julietta with child.
Luci.
Believe me, this may be: he promis'd to
meet me two hours since; and he was ever precise in
promise-keeping.
2. Gen.
Besides, you know it draws something near
to the speech we had to such a purpose.
1. Gen.
But most of all agreeing with the proclamation.
Luci.
Away; let's go learn the truth of it.
[Exeunt Lucio, and Gentlemen.
Bawd.
Thus, what with the war, what with the
sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty,
-- 9 --
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.
[Exeunt.
-- 10 --
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:—
-- 11 --
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.
-- 12 --
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;
-- 13 --
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,
-- 14 --
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;
-- 15 --
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
-- 16 --
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?
-- 17 --
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.
Edward Capell [1767], Mr William Shakespeare his comedies, histories, and tragedies, set out by himself in quarto, or by the Players his Fellows in folio, and now faithfully republish'd from those Editions in ten Volumes octavo; with an introduction: Whereunto will be added, in some other Volumes, notes, critical and explanatory, and a Body of Various Readings entire (Printed by Dryden Leach, for J. and R. Tonson [etc.], London) [word count] [S10601].
