Duke.

This is his lordship's man.

Prov.

And here comes Claudio's pardon.

Mess.

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.

Prov.

I shall obey him.

Duke.
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 born 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?

Prov.

I told you: lord Angelo, be-like 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 the letter.

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 the afternoon?

Prov.

A Bohemian born; but here nurst 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.

Prov.

His friends still wrought reprieves for him; and indeed his fact, 'till now in the government of lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof.

Duke.

Is it now apparent?

Prov.

Most manifest, and not deny'd by himself.

Duke.

Hath he born himself penitently in prison? how seems he to be touch'd?

Prov.

A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully, but as a drunken sleep; careless, rechless, and fearless of what's past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality, and desperately mortal.

Duke.

He wants advice.

Prov.

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 shew'd him a seeming warrant for it; it hath not mov'd 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 my self 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 courtesie.

Prov.

Pray, Sir, in what?

Duke.

In the delaying death.

Prov.

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 born to Angelo.

Prov.

Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover the favour.

Duke.

Oh, 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 barb'd before his death; you know the course is common. If any thing 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.

Prov.

Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath.

Duke.

Were you sworn to the Duke, or to the deputy?

Prov.

To him, and to his substitutes.

Duke.

You will think you have made no offence, if the Duke avouch the justice of your dealing?

Prov.

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 my 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.

Prov.

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 which Angelo knows not; for he this very day receives letters of strange tenor, perchance of the Duke's death, perchance of his entering into some monastery, but by chance nothing of what is writ. Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd; put not your self into amazement how these things should be; all difficulties are but easie 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.

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