A man of Clatidio's years; his beard and head
Just of his colour. What if we do omit
This reprobate till he were well inclin'd;
And satisfy the deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine. more like to Claudio?

Duke. O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides 1
Despatch it presently : the hour draws on
Prefix'd by Angelo; sec this be done.
And sent according to command, whiles I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.

Prov. This shall lie 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 t

Duke. Let this be done;—put them in secret holds, Both Barnardine and Claudio: ere twice The sun hath made his journal greeting to The under generation, you shall find Your safety manifested.

Prov. 1 am your free dependant.

Duke. Quick, despatch, and send the head to
Angelo. [Exit Provost

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 publicly: him I'll desire
To meet me at the consecrated fount,
A league below the city; and from thence.
By cold gradation, and weal-balanc'd form,
We shaliproceed with Angelo.

Re-enter Provost.

Prov. Here is the head; III carry it myself.

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. [Ext/.

I sab. [ IVithin. J Peace, ho. be here!

Duke. The tongue of Isabel. She's come to know Tf yet her brother's pardon be come hither: But I will keep her ignorant of her good. To make her heavenly comforts of despair, When it is least expected.

Enter Isabel,

Isab. Ho, by your leave. [daughter.

Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious

Isab. The better, given ine by so holy a man. Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon f

Duke. He hath relcas'd him, Isabel, from the world: His head is off, and sent to Angelo.

Isab. Nay, but it is not so,

Duke. It is no other:

Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience.

Isab. O, I will to him. and pluck out his eyes!

Duke. You shall not be admitted to his sight.

Isab. Unhappy Claudio I Wretched Isabel! Injurious world I Most damned Angelo I

Duke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a jot:
Forbear it therefore; give your cause to heaven.
Mark what I say, which you shall find
By every syllable a faithful verity:
The duke comes home to-morrow;—nay, dry your
One of our convent, and his confessor, f eyes

Gives me this instance : already he hath carried
Notice to Escalus and Angelo;
Who do prepare to meet him at the gates.
There to give up their power. If you can, pace your
In that good path that I would wish it go; [wisdom
And you shall have your bosom on this wretch,
Grace of the duke, revenges to your heart,
And general honour.

Isab. I am directed by you.

Duke. This letter, then, to friar Teter give; Tis that he sent me of the duke's return: Say, by this token. I desire his company At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause, and yours, III perfect him withal: and he shall bring you Before the duke; and to the head of Angelo Accuse him home and home. For my poor self, I am combined by a sacred vow, And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter. Command these fretting waters from your eyes With a light heart: trust not my holy order. If I pervert your course.—Who's here?

Enler Lucio.

Lucia. Good even!

Friar, where is the provost T

Lucio. O pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart to sec thine eyes so red : thou must be patient. I am fain to dine and sup with water and bran; I dare not for my head fill my belly; one fruitful meal would set me to't. But they say. the duke will be here to-morrow. By my troth, Isabel. I loved thy brother: if the old fantastical duke of dark corners had been at home, he had lived. [Exit Isabella.

Duke. Sir. the duke is marvellous little beholden to your reports; but the best is, he lives not in them.

Lturio. Friar, thou knowest not the duke so veil as I do: he's a better woodman than thou takest him for. [well. Duke, Well, youll answer this one day. Fare ye Lucia. Nay, tarry: I'll go along with thee: I can tell thee pretty tales of the duke.

Duke. Vou have told me too many of him already, sir, if they be true : if not true, none were enough. Lucio. I was once before him for getting a wench Duke. Did you such a thingt [with child.

Lucio. Yes, marry, did I: but I was fain to forswear it; they would else have married me to the rotten medlar.

Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honest. Rest you well.

Lucio. By my troth. 111 go with thee to the lane's end : if bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little of it. Nay. friar, I ain a kind of burr; I shall stick.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.—A Room in Angelo's House. Enter Angelo and Escalus. Eseal. Every letter he hath writ hath disvouched other.

Aug. In most uneven and distracted manner. His actions show much like to madness: pray heaven his wisdom be not tainted! And why meet hun at the gates, and redeliver our authorities there?

Eseal. I guess not.

Aug. And why should we proclaim it in an hour before his entering, that if any crave redress ofinjustice, they should exhibit their petitions in the street?

Eseal. He shows his reason for that;—to have a despatch of complaints, and to deliver us from devices hereafter, which shall then have no power to stand against us.

A Hg. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaimed:
Betimes t' the morn I'll call you at your house;
Give notice to such men of sort and suit
As are to meet him.

Eseal. I shall, sir: fare you well.

Aug. Good night— [Exeunt Escalus.

This deed unshapes ine quite, makes me unpregnant,
And dull to all proceedings. A deflower'd maid I
And by an eminent body, that enfore'd
The law against it! But that her tender shame
Will not proclaim against her maiden loss.
How might she tongue ine! Yet reason dares her No;
For my authority bears so credent bulk.
That no particular scandal once can touch,
But it confounds the breather. He should have liv'd.
Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense.
Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge.
By so receiving a dishonour'd life,
W ith ransom of such shame. Would yet he had liv'd I
Alack t when one.? our grace we have forgot.
Nothing goes right: we would, and we would not.

[Exit.

SCENE V.—Fields without the Town. Enter Duke, in his oivn habit, and Friar Peter. Duke. These letters at fit time deliver me.

[Giving letters. The provost knows our purpose, and our plot. The matter being afoot, keep your instruction. And hold you ever to our special drift. Though sometimes you do blench from this to that. As cause doth minister. Go, call at Flavius' house, And tell him where I stay : give the like notice To Valentinus. Rowland, and to Crassus, And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate; But send me Flavius first. F. Piter. It shall be speeded well. [Exit,

Enter Varrius. Duke. 1 think thee, Varrius; thou hast made good haste:

Come, we will walk. There's other of our friends Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius. [Exeunt.

SCENE VI.—Street near the City Gate.
Enter Isabella and Mariana.

Isab. To speak so indirectly, I am loth:
I would say the truth; but to accuse him so,
That is your part : yet I'm advis'd to do it;
He says, to veil full purpose.

Mart. Be rul'd by him.

/sad. Besides, he tells me, that if peradventure
He speak against me on the adverse side.
I should not think it strange; for 'tis a physic
That's bitter to sweet end.

Man', I would, friar Peter—

/sad. O, peace I the friar is come.

Enter Friar Peter.

F. Peter. Come; I have found you out a stand most fit.
Where you may have such vantage on the duke,
He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets
The generous and gravest citizens [sounded;

Have hent the gates, and very nea/ upon
The duke is ent* ring: therefore hence, away. [Exeunt.

ACT V.

SCENE \.—A public Place near the City Gate. Mariana, "veiled, Isabella, and Friar Peter, at a distance. Enter from one side, Duke, Varrius, Lords; from the other, Angelo. Escalus, Lucio, Provost, Officers, and Citizens. Duke. My very worthy cousin, fairly met :— Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you. Ang. and Escal. Happy return be to your royal grace 1

Duke. Many and hearty fhankings to you both. We have made inquiry of you; and we near Such goodness of your justice, that our soul Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks, Forerunning more requital.

Ang. You make my bonds still greater.

Duke. O, your desert speaks loud; and I should wrong it,

To lock it in the wards of covert bosom.
When it deserves, with characters of brass,
A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time.
And razure of ohlivion. Give me your hand.
And let the subject see, to make them know
That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
Favours that keep within.—Come, Escalus;
You must walk by us on our other hand ;—
And good supporters are you.

Friar Peter and Isabella come forward. F. Peter. Now is your time: speak loud, and kneel before him.

/sab. Justice. O royal duke I Vail your regard
Upon a wrong'd, I'd fain have said, a maid 1
O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye
By throwing it on any other object.
Till you have heard me in my true complaint,
And given me justice, justice, justice, justice I

Duke. Relate your wrongs; in what ? by whom? Be Here is lord Angelo shall give you justice: [brief; Reveal yourself to him.

/sab. O worthy duke,

You bid ine seek redemption of the devil:
Hear ine yourself; for that which I must speak,
Must either punish me, not being believ'd.
Or wring redress from you: hear me, O, hear me, here I

Ang. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm:
She hath been a suitor to me for her brother.
Cut off by course of justice,—

/sab. By course of justice 1

Ang. And she will speak most bitterly, and strange.

/sab. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak: That Angelo's forsworn; is it not strange t That Angelo's a murderer: is't not strange I That Angelo is an adulterous thief. A hypocrite, a virgin-violator; Is it not strange, and strange?

Dukr. Nay, it is ten times strange.

/sab. It is not truer he is Angelo,
Than this is all as true as it is strange:
Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth
To th* end of reckoning.

Duke. * Away with her,—poor soul,

She speaks this in th' infirmity of sense.

/sab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'st There is another comfort than this world,

That thou neglect me not, wtth that opinion
That I aiutouch'd with madness: make not impossible
That which but seems unlike; 'tis not impossible,
But one, the wicked'st caitiff on the ground,
May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute
As Angelo; even so may Angelo,
In all his dressings, charncts. titles, f'irms,

Be an arch-villain : believe it, royal prince: 'he's

Duke. By mine honesty,

If he be less, he's nothing; but he's more, Had I more name for badm

If she be mad,—as I believe no other, -
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
Such a dependency of thing on thing,
As e'er I heard in madness.

/sab. O gracious duke,

Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason
For inequality; but let your reason serve
To make the truth appear where it seems hid,
And hide the false.'seems true.

Duke. Many that are not mad,

Have, sure, more lack of reason.—What would you /sab. I am the sister of one Claudio, [say I

Condemn'd upon the act of fornication
To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo.
I, in probation of a sisterhood,
Was sent to by my brother; one Lucio
As then the messenger,—

Lucio. That's I, an't like your grace;

I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo,
For her poor brother's pardon.
/sab. That's he indeed.

Duke. You were not bid to speak.
Lucio. No, my good lord.

Nor wish'd to hold my peace.

Duke. I wish you now, then;

Pray you, take note of it: and when you have
A business for yourself, pray heaven, you then
Be perfect.
Lueio. I warrant your honour.
Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it,
/sab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale,—
Lucio. Right.

Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong. To speak before your time.—Proceed.

/sab. I went

To this pernicious caitiff deputy,—

Duke. That *s somewhat madly spoken.

/sab. Pardon It;

The phrase is to the matter.

Duke. Mended again. The matter;—proceed.

/sab. In brief,—to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, an d how I replied, (For this was of much length.)—the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter: He would not, but by gift of iny chaste body To his concupiscible intemperate lust. Release my brother; and, after much debatement. My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant For iny poor brothers head.

Duke. This is most likely 1

/sab. O, that it were as like as it is true!

Duke. By heaven, fond wretch'. thou know'st not what thou speak'st, Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour In hateful practice. First, his integrity Stands without blemish: next, it imports no reason That with such vehemency he should pursue Faults proper to himself: if he had so offended. He would nave weigh d thy brother by himself. And not have cut him off. Some one hath set you on: Confess the truth, and say hy whose advice Thou cam'st here to complain.

/sab. And is this all?

Then, O! you blessed ministers above.
Keep me in patience ; and, with ripen'd time,
Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
In countenance !—Heaven shield your grace from woe.
As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelievcd go!

Duke. I know you'd fain be gone.— An officer 1
To prison with her !—Shall we thus permit
A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.—
Who knew of your intent, and coming hither?

Jsab. One that I would were here, friar Lodowick. Duke. A ghostly father, belike.—Who knows that I-odowick?

Lucio. My lord, I know him ; 'tis a meddling friar; 1 do not like the man : had he been lay, my lord. For certain words he spake against your grace In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly.

Duke. Words against me! This'a good friar, belike! And to set on this wretched woman ncre Against our substitute !—Let this friar be found.

Lucio.—But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar. I saw them at the prison: a saucy friar, A very scurvy fellow.

F. Peter. Bless'd be your royal grace!

I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard
Your royal ear abus'd. First, hath this woman
Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute.
Who is as free from touch or soil with her,
As she from one ungot.

Duke. We did believe no less.

Know you that friar Lodowick, that she speaks of?

F. Peter. 1 know him for a man divine and holy: Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler. As he's reported by this gentleman; And, on my trust, a man that never yet Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace.

Lucio. My lord, most villainously; believe it.

F. Peter. Well, he in time may come to clear himself; But at this instant he is sick, my lord. Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request,— Being come to knowledge that there was complaint Intended 'gainst lordAngelo,—came I hither, To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know Is true, and false; and what he, with his oath And all probation, wiil make up full clear. Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman; (To justify this worthy nobleman, So vulgarly and personally accus'd,) Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes, Till she herself confess it.

Duke. Good friar, let's hear it.

[Isabella is carried off'guarded; and Mariana comes forward. Do you not smile at this, lord Angelo ?—

0 heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!—
Give us some seats.—Come, cousin Angelo;
In this I'll be impartial: be you judge

Of your own cause.—Is this the witness, friarf
First, let her show her face, and after speak.

Mart, Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face, Until my husband bid me.

Duke. What, are you married?

Mart'. No, my lord.

Duke. Are you a maid?

Mart. No, my lord.

Duke. A widow, then?

Mart. Neither, my lord.

Duke. Why, you

Are nothing, then :—neither maid, widow, nor wife?

Lucio. My lord, she may be a prink; for many of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife.

Duke. Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause To prattle for himself.

Lucio. Well, iny lord.

Atari. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married; And I confess, besides, 1 am no maid:

1 have known my husband ; yet iny husband knows not That ever he knew me. [better.

Lucio. He was drunk, then, my lord: it can be no

Duke. For the benefit of silence, 'would thou wert

Lucio. Well, my lord. [so too.

Duke. This is no witness for lord Angelo.

Mari. Now I come to't, my lord:
She that accuses him of fornication,
In self-same manner doth accuse my husband;
And charges him, my lord, with such a time,
When, I'll depose, I had him in mine arms,
With ail th" effect of love.

A fig. Chargesshc more than me?

jifari. Not that I know.

Duke. No? you say, your husband.

Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo, Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body; But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's.

Aug. This is a strange abuse.—Let's see thy face.

Mart. My husband bids me; now I will unmask.

[ Unveiling.

This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,

Which once thou swor'st was worth the looking on;

This is the hand, which, with a vow'd contract.
Was fast belock'd in thine; this is the body
That t6ok away the match from Isabel,
And did supply thee at thy garden-house
In her imagin'd person.

Duke. Know you this woman I

Lucio. Carnally, she says.

Duke. Sirrah, no more E

Lucio. Enough, my lord.

Aug. My lord, I must confess, I know this woman; And hve years since there was some speech of marBetwixt myself and her; which was broke off, [riage Partly, for that her promised proportions Came short of composition; but, in chief. For that her reputation was disvalued f n levity: since which time, of five years I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her. Upon my faith and honour.

Mari. , Noble prince, [breath.

As there comes light from heaven, and words from
As there is sense in truth, and truth in virtue,
[ am amane'd this man's wife, as strongly
As words could make up vows: and, my goo.1 lord,
But Tuesday night last gone, in's garden-house,
He knew ine as a wife. As this is true,
Let me in safety raise me from my knees;
Or else for ever be confixed here,
A marble monument 1

Ang. - I did but smile till now:

Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice;
My patience here is touch'd. I do perceive.
These poor informal women are no more
But instruments of some more mightier membei
That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord.
To find this practice out.

Duke. Ay, with my heart;

And punish them unto your height of pleasure.—
Thou foolish friar; and thou pernicious woman,
Compact with her that's gone, think'st thou thy oaths,
Though they would swear down each particular saint,
Were testimonies against his worth and qredit,
That's seal'd in approbation?—Vou, lord Escalus,
Sit with my cousin; lend him your kind pains
To find out this abuse, whence 'tis derived.—
There is another friar that set them on;
Let him be sent for.

F. Peter. Would he were here, my lord 1 for he,
Hath set the women on to this complaint. [indeed.
Your provost knows the place where he abides,
And he may fetch him.

Duke. Go do it instantly.— [Exit Provost.

And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin,
Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth.
Do with your injuries as seemsyou best,
In any chastisement: I for a while
Wilt leave you ; but stir not you, till you have well
Determined upon these slanderers.

Escal. My lord, we *11 do it thoroughly.—

{Exit Duke.

Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that friar
Lodowick to be a dishonest person?

Lucio. Cucullus noM facit monachum : honest in nothing, but in his clothes ; and one that hath spoke most vilkinous speeches of the duke.

Escal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he rome,i and enforce them against him: we shall find this friar a notable fellow.

Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word.

Escal. [To an Attendant.] Call that same Isabel here once again: I would speak with her. [Exit Attendant.] Pray you, my lord, give me leave to ques* tion; you shall see how I'll handle her.

Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report,

Escal. Say you?

Lucio. Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she would sooner confess : perchance, publicly she'll be ashamed.

Escal. I will go darkly to work with her. [night,

Lucio. That's the way; for women are light at mid

Re-enter Officers 7vith Isabella, Duke, as a friar, and Provost.

Escal. [To Isab.] Come on, mistress: here's a gentlewoman denies all that you have said.

Lucio. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of; here, with the provost.

Escal. In very good time:—speak not you to him, till we call upon you.

Lucio. Mum.

Escal. Come, sir, did you set these women on to slander Lord Angelo? they have confessed you did. Duke. 'Tis false.

Escal. How! know you where you are? [devil

Duke. Respect to your great place! and let the Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne :— Where is the duke? 'tis he should hear me speak.

Escal. The duke 's in us; and we will near you Look you speak justly. [speak:

Duke. Boldiy, at least.—But, O, poor souls I

Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox?
Good night to your redress. Is the duke gone?
Then is your cause gone too. The duke s unjust,
Thus to retort your manifest appeal.
And put your trial in the villain's mouth
Which here you come to accuse.

Lucio. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of.

Escal. Why, thou unrevorend and unhallow'd friar 1
Is't not enough, thou hast suborn'd these women
To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth.
And in the witness ot his proper ear,
To call him villain? and then to glance from him
To the duke himself, to tax him with injustice ?—
Take him hence; to the rack with him I—We H
touze you

Joint by joint, but we will know his purpose.—
What I unjust?

Duke. Be not so hot; the duke
Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he
Dare rack his own: his subject am I not.
Nor here provincial. My business in this state
Made me a looker-on here in Vienna,
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble,
Till it o'er-run the stew: laws for all faults;
But faults so countenanc*d, that the strong statutes
Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop,
As much in mock as mark. [prison I

Escal. Slander to the state 1—Away with niin to

Ang. What can you vouch against him, signior Is this the man that you did tell us of? [Lucio?

Luci&. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither, goodman bald-pate: do you know me?

Duke. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice: I met you at the prison, in the absence of the duke.

Lucio. O, did you so? And do you remember what you said of the duke?

Duke. Most notedly, sir.

Lucio. Do you so, sir? And was the duke a fleshmonger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him to be?

Duke. You must, sir, change persons with me, ere you make that my report: you, indeed, spoke so of him; and much more, much worse.

Lucio. O thou damnable fellow 1 Did not I pluck thee by the nose, for thy speeches/

Duke. I protest, I love the duke as I love myself.

Aug. Hark how the villain would close now, after his treasonable abuses.

Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal.— Away with him to prison I—Where is the provost t— Away with him to prison I Lay bolts enough on him: let him speak no more.—Away with those gtglots too, and with ihe other confederate companion!

[ The Provost lays hands on the Duke.

Duke. Stay, sir; stop awhile.

Aug. What I resists lie? Help him, Lucio.

Lucio. Come, sir: come, sir; come, sir; fohl sir. Why. you bald-pated,lying rascal I you must be hooded, must you? show your knave's visage, with a pox to you! show your sheep-biting face, and be hanged an hour! Will t not off?

[Pulls off thefriar's hood, and discovers the Duke.

Duke. Thou art the first knave that e'er made a
Duke.—

First. Provost. let me bail these gentle fhree.-"-
[To Lucio,] Sneak not away, sir; for the friar and you
Must have a word anon.—Lay hold on him.
Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging.
Duke. [To Lscalus.] What you have spoke, I par-
don; sit you down:—
Well borrow place of him.—f To Angelo.] Sir, by your
leave.

Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
That yet can do thee office? If thou hast,
Rely upon it till my tale be heard,
Ana hold no longer out.

I A rtf. O my dread lord,

I should be guiltier than my giulti»ess.
To think I can be undiscemible.
When I perceive your grace, like power divine.
Hath look'd upon my passes. Then, good prime,
No longer session hold upon my shame.
But let my trial be mine own confession:
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death.
Is all the grace 1 beg.

Duke. Come hither, Mariana.—

Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman?
Aug. I was, my lord.

Duke. Go take h«r hence, and marry her instantly.
Do you the office, friar; which consummate,
Return him here again.—Go with him, provost.
[Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Friar Peter, and Provost

Escal. My lord, 1 am more amaz'd at his dishonour. Than at the strangeness of it.

Duke. Come hither, Isabel.

Your friar is now your prince: as I was then
Advertising and holy to your business.
Not changing heart with habit, I am still
Attorney'd at your service.

/sab. O, give me pardon.

That I, your vassal, have employ"d and pain'd
Your unknown sovereignty I

Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel:

And now, dear maid, be you as free to us.
Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart;
And you may marvel why I obscur'd myself,
Labouring to save his life, and would not rather
Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power.
Than let them so be lost. O most kind maid.
It was the swift celerity of his death,
Which 1 did think with slower foot came on.
That brain'd my purpose: but. peace be with him I
That life is better life, past fearing death.
Than that which lives to fear. Make it your comfort.
So happy is your brother.

/sab. I do, my lord.

Reenter Angelo, Mariana, Friar Peter, and Provost.

Duke. For this new-married man approaching here* Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd Your well-defended honour, you must pardon For Mariana's sake: but, as he adjudg d your brother, (Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach Thereon dependent, for your brother's life,) The very mercy of the law cries out Most audible, even from his proper tongue, "An Angelo for Claudio, death for death l" Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure. Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested; Which, though thou woitldst deny, denies thee vanWe do condemn the^ to the very block [tage;

Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste.— Away with him,

Mari. O, my most gracious lord,

E hope you will not mock me with a husband.

Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband: Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, I thouglit your marriage fit; else imputation. For that he knew you, might reproach your life. And choke your good to come. For his possessions, ''-' -nigh by confiscation they are ours,

o instate and widow you withal, To buy you a better husband.

Mari. O. my dear lord,

1 crave no other, nor no better man.
Duke, Never crave him: we are definitive.

Mari. [A'neeluig.] Gentle my liege,—

Duke. You do but lose your labour.— lyou. Away with him to death I—[ To Lucio. 1 Now, sir, to

Mari. O, my good lord!-—Sweet Isabel, take my Lend me your knees, and, all my life to come, [part: I'll lend you all my life to do you-service.

Duke. Against all sense you do importune her:
Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact.
Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break,
And take her hence in horror.

Mari. Isabel,
Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me:
Hold up your hands, say nothing,—I'll speak all.
They say host men are mouldccTout of faults;
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a tittle bad: so may my husband.
O, Isabel! will you not lend a knee?

Duke. He di^rs for Claudio's death.

/sab. \Knee.liH}!.\ Most bounteous sir,

Look, it it please you, on this man condemned,
As if my brother hv'd. I partly think,
A due sincerity govern'd his deeds,
Till he did look on me: since it is so,
Let him not die. My brother had hut just.
In that he did the thing for which he died:
For Angelo,
His act did not o'ertake his bad intent;
And must be buried but as an intent
That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subjects;
Intents but merely thoughts.

Mart. Merely, my lord.

Duke. Your suit's unprofitable ; stand up, I say.— I have bethought me of another fault.— Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded At an unusual hour?

Prov. It was commanded so.

Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deedf

Prov. No, my good lord; it was by private message.

Duke. For which I do discharge you of your office; Give up your keys.

Prov. Pardon me, noble lord j

X thought it was a fault, but knew it not [
Yet did repent me, after more advice:
For testimony whereof, one in the prison.
That should by private order else have died,
I have reserv'd alive.

Duke. What's he 1

Prov. His name is Barnardine.

Duke. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio.— Go, fetch him hither; let me look upon him.

[Exit Provost.

Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise
As you, lord Angelo, have still appear'd,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood,
And lack of temper'd judgment afterward.

Ang. I am sorry that such sorrow I procure:
And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart.
That I crave death more willingly than mercy;
Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it.

Re-enter Provost, -with Barnardine, Claudio, muffled, and Juliet.

Duke. Which is that Barnardine?

Prov. This, my lord.

Duke. There was a friar told me of this man. Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul, That apprehends no further than this world. And squar'st thy life according. Thou 'rt condemned: But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all; And pray thee, take this mercy to provide For better times to come.—Fnar, advise him; I leave him to your hand.—What muffled fellow's that f

Prov. This is another prisoner that I sav'd,

That should have died when Claudio lost his head; As like almost to Claudio as himself.

\Unmuffles Claudio. Duke. I To Isabella. ] If he be like your brother, for his sake

Is he pardon'd; and, for your lovely sake.
Give me your hand, and say you will be mine.
He is my brother too :—but fitter time for that.
By this, lord Angelo perceives he's safe:
Methinks I see a quick'ning in his eye-
Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well:
Look that you love your wife; her worth, worth
I find an apt remission in myself; (yours.—

And yet here's one in place 1 cannot pardon;—
[ To Lucio. ] You, surah, that knew me for a fool, a
coward,

One all of luxury, an ass, a madman;
Wherein have 1 so deserv'd of you.
That you extol me thus?

Lucio. 'Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick. If you will hang me for it, you may; but I had rather it would please you I might be whipped.

Duke. Whipp'd first, sir, and hang'd after.—
Proclaim it, provost, round about the city,
If any woman's wrong'd by this lewd fellow,
(As I have heard him swear, himself, there's one
Whom he begot with child,) let her appear.
And he shall marry her: the nuptial finish'd.
Let him be whipp d and hang'd.

Lucio. 1 beseech your highness, do not marry me to a whore I Your highness said even now. I made y on a duke: good my lord, do not recompense me in making me a cuckold.

Duke. Upon mine honour, thou shall marry her.
Thy slanders 1 forgive ; and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits.—Take him to prison;
And see our pleasure herein executed.

Lucio. Marrying a punk, iny lord, is pressing to death, whipping, and hanging.

Duke. Slandering a prince deserves it.— She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you restore.— Toy to you. Mariana I—love her, Angelo:

have confess'd her, and 1 know her virtue.— Thanks, good friend Hscalus, forthymuch goodness; There's more behind that is more gratulate.— Thanks, provost, for thy care and secrecy; We shall employ thee in a worthier place.— Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home The head of Ragozine for Claudio's: The offence pardons itself.—Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good; Whereto if you 11 a willing ear incline. What's mine is yours, ana what is yoursis mine.— So, bring us to our palace; where well show What's yet behind, that's meet you all shootci know.