Claud. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to the world? Bear me to prison, where I am committed.-(Act i. 2. 119-121.) Prov. I do it not in evil disposition, But from Lord Angelo by special charge. Claud. Thus can the demigod Authority Make us pay down for our offence by weight. The words of heaven:-on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 't is just. Re-enter LUCIO and two Gentlemen. Lucio. Why, how now, Claudio! whence comes this restraint? Claud. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, 1 Scope, license. 130 Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue, Like rats that ravin' down their proper2 bane, A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die. Laucio. 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 of imprisonment. What's thy offence, Claudio? Claud. What but to speak of would offend again. Lucio. What, is 't murder? Claud. No. Lucio. Lechery? 140 Lucio, a [Takes him aside. Lucio. A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so look'd after? Claud. Thus stands it with me:-upon a true contráct I got possession of Julietta's bed: 150 You know the lady; she is fast my wife, Claud. I prithee, Lucio, do me this kind service: When she will play with reason and discourse, 191 2 Proper, own. 5 Tickle, ticklish. * Denunciation, formal declaration. * Propagation, augmentation. VOL. V. • Prone, appealing. 20 The needful bits and curbs to headstrong That goes not out to prey. Now, as fond fathers, Having bound up the threatening twigs of birch, Only to stick it in their children's sight 29 To unloose this tied-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 't was my fault to give the people scope, "T would 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; 40 Lucio. Hail, virgin, if you be,--as those cheek-roses I would not-though 't is my familiar sin Isab. You do blaspheme the good in mocking me. Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth,2 't is thus: [Your brother and his lover have embrac'd: 1 Your story, ie your jest. 2 Fewness and truth, i.e. briefly and truly. 51 The duke is very strangely gone from hence; ness "Twixt you and your poor brother. Isab. Doth he so seek his life? 62 Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution. Isab. Alas, what poor ability's in me Assay the power you have. Our doubts are traitors, And make 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 freely theirs 81 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. Lucio. I take my leave of you. SCENE. I. A hall in Angelo's house. Enter ANGELO, ESCALUS, and a Justice; Provost, Officers and Attendants in waiting behind. Ang. We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, Ay, but yet Whom I would save, had a most noble father! Let but your honour know, Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue, That justice seizes: what knows the law That thieves do pass on thieves? T is very pregnant,8 8 Pregnant, evident. |