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 pyrate,
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

To yonder generation, you shall find
Your safety manifested.

Prov.
I am your free dependant.

Duke.
Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo. [Exit Prov.
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 well-ballanc'd form,
We shall proceed with Angelo. Enter Provost.

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

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

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

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