(Exit. with child.

you well!

Both Barnardine and Clandio! Ere twice

Enter Lucio. The sun hath made his journal greeting to

Lucio. Good even! The under generation, you shall find

Friar, where is the provost? Your safety manifested.

Duke. Not within, sir. Prov. I am your free dependent.

Lucio. O, pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart, to Duke. Quick, despatch,

see thine eyes so red: thou must be patient: I am fain And send the head to Angelo !

[Exit Prov. to dine and sup with water and bran; I dare not for my Now will I write letters to Angelo.

| head fill my belly; one fruitful meal would set me to’t. The provost, he shall bear them,—whose contents But they say the duke will be here to-morrow. By my Shall witness to him, I am near at home

troth, Isabel, Nov'd thy brother: ifthe old fantastical And that, by great injunctions, I am bound

duke of dark corners had been at home, he had lived. To enter publicly. Him I'll desire

(Exit Isabella, To meet me at the consecrated fount,

Duke. Sir, the duke is marvellous little beholden to A league below the city; and from thence,

your reports; but the best is, he lives not in them. By cold gradation and weal-balanced form,

Lucio. Friar, thou knowest not the duke so well, as I We shall proceed with Angelo.

do: he's a better woodman than thou takest him for.

Duke.Well, you'll answer this one day.Fare ye well ! Re-enter Provost. Prov. Here is the head ; I'll carry it myself.

Lucio. Nay, tarry; I'll go along with thee; I can tell Duke. Convenient is it. Make a swift return;

thee pretty tales of the duke.

Duke. You have told me too many of him already, sir, For I would commune with you of such things, That want no ear but yours.

if they be true; if not true, none were enough. Prov. I'll make all speed.

Lucio. I was once before him for getting a wench Isab. (Within.] Peace, ho, be here !

Duke. Did you such a thing? Duke. The tongue of Isabel :-She's come to know,

Lucio. Yes, marry, did I :but was fain to forswear it; If yet her brother's pardon be come hither :

they would else have married me to the rotten medlar. But I will keep her ignorant of her good, To make her heavenly comforts of despair,

Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honest, Rest When it is least expected.

Lucio. By my troth, I'll go with thee to the lane's Enter ISABELLA.

end : if bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little of Isab. Ho, by your leave.

it.Nay, friar, I am a kind of bur, Ishall stick. Exeunt. Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious

SCENE IV.--A room in Angelo's house. daughter.

Enter Angelo and Escalus. Isab. The better, given me by so holy a man.

Escal. Every letter he hath writ, hath disvouch'd Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon ?

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

Ang. In most uneven and distracted manner. His

actions show much like to madness: pray heaven, his Isab. Nay, but it is not so.

wisdom be not tainted ! And why meet him at the gates, Duke. It is no other : Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience! "Escał. I guess not.

and re-deliver our authorities there? Isab. O, I will to him, and pluck out his eyes. Duke. You shall not be admitted to his sight.

Ang. And why should we proclaim it in an[hour be

fore his entering, that if any crave redress of injustice, Isab. Unhappy Claudio! Wretched Isabel! Injurious world! Most damned Angelo!

they should exhibit their petition sin the street? Duke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a jot:

Escal. He shows his reason for that: to have a disForbear it therefore; give your cause to heaven!

patch of complaints, and to deliver us from devices

hereafter, which shall then have no power to stand 'Mark what I say: which you shall find

against us. By every syllable a faithful verity: The duke comes home to-morrow;

Ang. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaim'd:

- nay, dry your Betimes i' the morn, l'II call you at your house: eyes ;

Give notice to such men of sort and suit,
One of our convent, and his confessor,

As are to meet him.
Gives me this instance. Already he hath carried
Notice to Escalus and Angelo

Escal. I shall, sir: fare you well!

(Exit. Who do prepare to meet him at the gates,

Ang. Good night! There to give up their power. If you can, pace your And dullto all proceedings. A deflower'd maid !

This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant, wisdom In that good path, that I would wish it go;

And by an eminent body,that enforc'd And you shall have your bosom on this wretch,

The law against it!- But that her tender shamc Grace of the duke, revenges to your heart,

Will not proclaim against her maiden loss, And general honour.

How might she tongue me?Yet reason dares her?-no: Isab. Iam directed by yon.

For my authority bears a credent bulk, Duke. This letter then to friar Peter give;

That no particular scandal once can touch, "Tis that he sent me of the duke's return.

Butit confounds the breather. He should have liv’d, Say, by this token, I desire his company

Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense, At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause, and yours, By so receiving a dishonour'd life,

Might, in the times to come, have ta'en revenge, I'll perfect him withal; and he shall bring you Before the duke; and to the head of Angelo

With ransom of such shai:se. 'Would yet he had liv'd! Accuse him home, and home. For my poor self,

Alack, when once our grace we have forgot, I am combined by a sacred vow,

Nothing goes right; we would, and we would not.[Exit. And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter :

SCENE V.-Fields without the town. Command these fretting waters from your eyes

Enter Duke in his own habit, and Friar Peter. With a light heart; trust not my holy order,

Duke. These letters at fit time deliver me! If I pervert your course.- Who's here?

(Giving letters.

a

a

The provost knows our purpose and our plot. And given me, justice, justice, justice, justice !
The matter being afoot, keep your instruction, Duke. Relate your wrongs ! In what? By whom? Be
And hold you ever to our special drift;

brief!
Though sometimes you do blench from this to that, Here is lord Angelo shall give you justice;
As cause doth minister. Go, call at Flavius' house, Reveal yourself to him!
And tell him where I stay: give the like notice Isab. O, worthy duke,
To Valentinus, Rowland, and to Crassus,

You bid me seek redemption of the devil.
And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate; Hear me yourself: for that, which I must speak,
But send me Flavius first!

Must either punish me, not being believ'd, F. Peter. It shall be speeded well. [Exit Friar. Or wring redress from you: hear me, o, hear me, here! Enter VARRIUS.

Ang. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm: Duke. I thank thee, Varrius ; thou hast made good She hath been a suitor to me for her brother, haste:

Cut off by course of justice.
Come, we will walk. There's other of our friends Isab. By course of justice!
Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius. (Exeunt. Ang. And she will speak most bitterly, and strange.

Isab. Most strange, butyet most truly, will I speak:
SCENE VI.—Street near the city gate. That Angelo's forsworn; is it not strange?
Enter Isabella and Mariana.

That Angelo's a murderer; is't not strange?
Isab. To speak so indirectly, I am loath ;

That Angelo is an adulterous thief, I would say the truth ; but to accuse him so,

An hypocrite, a virgin violator, That is your part: yet I'm advis'd to do it;

Is it not strange, and strange? He says, to veil full purpose.

Duke. Nay, ten times strange. Mari. Berul'd by him!

Isab. It is not truer, he is Angelo,
Isab. Besides, he tells me, that, if peradventure Than this is all as true, as it is strange :
He speak against me on the adverse side,

Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth
I should not think it strange; for’tis a physic, To the end of reckoning:
That's bitter to sweet end.

Duke. Away with her!-- Poor soul,
Mari. I would, friar Peter-

She speaks this in the infirmity of sense. Isab. O, peace! the friar is come.

Isab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'st Enter Friar Peter.

There is another comfort than this world, F. Peter. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit, That thou neglect me not, with that opinion Where you may have such vantage on the duke, That I am touch'd with madness: make not impossible He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets That which but seems unlike: 'tis not impossible, sounded;

But one, the wicked'st caitill on the ground, The generous and gravest citizens

May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute,
Have hent the gates, and very near upon

As Angelo; even so may Angelo,
The duke is ent'ring; therefore hence, away ![Exeunt. In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms,

Be an arch-villain : believe it, royal prince,

If he be less, he's nothing; but he's more,
ACT

Had I more name for badness.
SCENEI.- A public place near the city gate. Duke. By mine honesty,
Mariana, (veiled,) ISABELLA, and Petek, at a distance. If she be mad, (as I believe no other,)
Enter at opposite dours, Duke, Varrius, Lords; Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
Angelo, Escalus, Lucio, Provost, Officers, and Such a dependency of thing on thing,
Citizens.

Ase'er I heard in madness.
Duke. My very worthy cousin, fairly met!-

Isab. O, gracious duke,
Our old and faithful friend, weare glad to see you. Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason
Ang. and Escal. Happy return beto your royal grace! For inequality: but let your reason serve
Duke. Many and hearty thankings to you both! To make the truth appear, where it seems hid;
We have made inquiry of you ; and we hear And hide the false, seems true!
Such goodness of your justice, that our soul

Duke. Many that are not mad,
Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks,

Have, sure, more lack of reason.— What would you Forerunning more requital.

say? Ang. You make my bonds still greater.

Isab. I am the sister of one Clandio, Duke. 0, your desert speaks loud; and I should Condemn’d upon the act of fornication wrong it,

To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo: To lock it in the wards of covert bosom,

1, in probation of a sisterhood, When it deserves with characters of brass

Was sent to by my brother: one Lucio
A forted residence, 'gainst the tooth of time, As then the messenger ;-
And razure of oblivion. Give me your hand,

Lucio. That's I, an't like your grace:
And let the subject see, to make them know,

I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her That outward courtesies would fain proclaim To try her gracious fortune with lord Angelo Favours that keep within.-Come, Escalus !

For her poor brother's pardon. You must walk by us on our other hand;

Isab. That's he, indeed.
And good supporters are you.

Duke. You were not bid to speak.
Peter and Isabella come forward.

Lucio. No, my good lord; P. Peter. Now is your time; speak loud, and kneel Nor wish'd to hold my peace. before him !

Duke. I wish you now then ;
Isab. Justice, O royal duke! Vail your regard Pray you, take note ofit: and when you have
Upon a wrong'd, l'a fain have said, a maid! A business for yourself, pray heaven, you then
O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye

Be perfect!
By throwing it on any other object,

Lucio. I warrant your honour. Till you have heard me in my true complaint,

Duke. The warrant's for yourself: take heed to it!

a

Isab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale. F. Peter. Well, he in time may come to clear himself;
Lucio. Right.

But at this instant he is sick, my lord,
Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request,
To speak before your time.- Proceed!

(Being come to knowledge that there was complaint Isab. I went

Intended’gainst lord Angelo,) came I hither, To this pernicious caitiff deputy.

To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken.

Is true, and false; and what he with his oath, Isab. Pardon it;

And all probation, will make up full clear,
The phrase is to the matter.

Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman;
Duke. Mended again: the matter:—Proceed! (To justify this worthy nobleman,
Isab. In brief, - to set the ncedless process by, So vulgarly and personally accus’d,)
How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneelid, Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes,
How he refelld me, and how I reply'd;

Till she herself confess it.
(For this was of much length,) the vile conclusion Duke. Good friar, let's hearit.-
I now begin with grief and shame to utter:

[Isabella is carried off, guarded; and Mariana He would not, but by gift of'my chaste body

comes forward. To his concupiscible intemperate lust,

Do you not smile at this, lord Angelo?-
Release my brother; and, after much debatement, O heaven! the vanity of wretched fools !
My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,

Give us some seats !--Come, cousin Angelo;
And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes, In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant

Of your own cause.—Is this the witness, friar?
For my poor brother's head.

First, let her show her face; and, after, speak. Duke. This is most likely!

Mari. Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face, Isab. O, that it were as like, as it is true!

Until my husband bid me. Duke. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not Duke. What are you married ? what thou speak'st;

Mari. No, my lord. Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour,

Duke. Are you a maid? In hateful practice. First, his integrity

Mari. No, my lord. Stands without blemish:-next, it imports no reason,

Duke. A widow then? That with such vehemency he should pursue

Mari. Neither, my lord.
Faults proper to himself :'if he had so offended,

Duke. Why, you
He would have weigh'd thy brother by himsell, Are nothing then:-neither maid, widow, nor wife?
And not have cut him off. Some one hath set you on: Lucio. My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them
Confess the truth, and say by whose advice

are neither maid, widow, nor wife. Thou cam’st here to complain.

Duke.Silence that fellow! I would, he had some cause Isab. And is this all?

To prattle for himself. Then, oh, you blessed ministers above,

Lucio. Well, my lord. Keep me in patience; and, with ripen’d time,

Mari. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married;
Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up

And, I conless, besides, I am no maid :
In countenance !--Heaven shield your grace from woe, I have known my husband; yet my husband knows not,
As I, thus wrong’d, hence unbelieved go!

That ever he knew me.
Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone!-- An officer ! Lucio. He was drunk then, my lord; it can be no
To prison with her.-Shall we thus permit

better. A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall

Duke. For the benefit of silence, 'would thon wert
On him so near as ? This needs must be a practice.

so too.
-Who knew of your intent, and coming hither? Lucio. Well, my lord.
Isab. One that I would were here, friar Lodowick. Duke. This is no witness for lord Angelo.
Duke. A ghostly father, belike:-who knows that Mari. Now I come to't, my lord:
Lodowick?

She, that accuses him of fornication,
Lucio. My lord, I know him: 'tis a meddling friar. In self-same manner doth accuse my husband ;
I do not like the man: had he been lay, my lord, And charges him, my lord, with such a time,
For certain words he spake against your grace

When I'll deposes had him in mine arms,
In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly. With all the effect of love.
Duke. Words against me? This’a good friar, belike! Ang. Charges she more than me?
And to set on this wretched woman here

Mari. Not that I know.
Against our substitute!--Let this friar be found ! Duke. No? you say, your husband.
Lucio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo,
I saw them at the prison : a saucy friar,

Who thinks, he knows, that he ne'er knew my body,
A very scurvy fellow.

But knows, he thinks, that he knows Isabel's. F. Peter. Blessed be your royal grace!

Ang. This is a strange abuse. -Let's see thy face! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard

Mari. My husband bids me; now I will unniask. Your royal ear abus’d: First, hath this woman

(Unveiling Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute;

This is that face, thou cruel Angelo, Who is as free from touch or soil with her,

Which, once thou swor'st, was worth the looking or: As she from one ungot.

This is the hand, which, with a vow'd covtract, Duke. We did believe no less.

Was fast belock'd in thine: this is the body,
Know you that friar Lodowick, that she speaks of ? That took away the match from Isabel,

F. Peter. I know him for a man divine and holy; And did supply thee at thy garden-honse
Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler,

In her imagin’d person.
As he's reported by this gentleman;

Duke. Know you this woman? And, on my trust, a man that never yet

Lucio. Carnally, she says. Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace.

Duke. Sirrah, no more! Lucio. My lord, most villainously; believe it! Lucio. Enough, my lord.

Ang. My lord, I must confess, I know this woman; Lucio. That's the way; for women are light at midAnd, five years since, there was some speech of mar- night. riage

Escal. Come on, mistress! (To Isabella.] here's a Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off, gentlewoman denies all that you have said. Partly, for that her promised proportions

Lucio. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of; Came short of composition; but, in chief,

here with the provost. For that her reputation was disvalued

Escal.In very good time: speak not you to him, till we In levity: since which time, of five years,

Lucio. Mum.

call upon you. I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her, Escal. Come, sir: Did you set these women on to Upon my faith and honour.

slander Lord Angelo ? they have confess’d, you did. Mari. Noble prince,

Duke. 'Tis false. As there comes light from heaven, and words from Escal. How! know you where you are? breath,

Duke. Respect to your great place! and let the devil As there is sense in truth, and truth in virtue,

Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne:I am affianc'd this man's wife, as strongly

Where is the duke? 'tis he should hear me speak. As words could make up vows: and, my good lord, Escal. The duke's in us; and we will hear you speak : But Tuesday night last gone, in his garden-house, Look, you speak justly. He knew me as a wife. As this is true,

Duke. Boldly, at least.—But, 0, poor souls, Let me in safety raise me from my knees,

Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox? Or else for ever be confixed here,

Good night to your redress! Is the duke gone? A marble monument!

Then is your cause gone too. The duke's unjust, Ang. I did but smile till now;

Thus to retort your manifest appeal, Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice; And put your trial in the villain's mouth, My patience here is touch'd. I do perceive,

Which here you come to accnse. These poor informal women are no more

Lucio. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of. But instruments of some more mightier member, Escal. Why, thou unreverend and unhallow'd friar! That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord, Is't not enough, thou hast suborn’d these women To find this practice out.

To accuse this worthy man; but, in foul mouth, Duke. Ay, with my heart;

And in the witness of his proper ear, And punish them unto your height of pleasure. To call him villain? Thoni foolish friar; and thou pernicious woman, And then to glance from him to the duke himself; Compact with her that's gone! thinkst thon, thy oaths, To tax him with injustice?- Take him hence; Though they would swear down each particular saint, To the rack with him !- We'll touze you joint by joint, Were testimonies against his worth and credit, But we will know this purpose :-what! unjust? That's seal'd in approbation? - You, lord Escalus, Duke. Be not so hot! the duke Sit with my cousin; lend him your kind pains Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he To find out this abuse, whence'tis deriv'd !

Dare rack his own; his subject am I not, There is another friar that set them on;

Nor here provincial : my business in this state Let him be sent for.

Made me a looker-on here in Vienna, F. Peter. Would he were here, my lord; for he, in- Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble, deed,

Tillit o'er-run the stew: laws for all faults; Hath set the women on to this complaint:

But faults so countenanc'd, that the strong statutes Your provost knows the place where he abides, Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, And he may fetch him.

As much in mock as mark. Duket Go, do it instantly!- [Exit Provost. Escal. Slander to the state ! Away with him to prison! And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin, Ang. What can you vouch against him, siguior Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth,

Lucio ? Do with your injuries as seems you best,

Is this the man that you did tell us of ? In any chastisement: I for a while

Lucio. 'Tis he, my lord. — Come hither, good-man Will leave you; but stir not you, till you have well bald-pate! Do you know me? Determined upon these slanderers.

Duke. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your Escal. My lord, we'll do it thoroughly. – [Exit voice: I met you at the prison, in the absence of the Duke. Signior Lucio, did not you say, you knew duke. that friar Lodowick to be a dishonest person ? Lucio. O, did you so? And do you remember what

Lucio. Cucullus non facit monachum: honest in you said of the duke? nothing, but in his clothes; and one that hath spoke Duke. Most notedly, sir. most villainous speeches of the duke.

Lucio. Do you so, sir? And was the duke a fleshEscal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he monger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported come, and enforce them against him: we shall find him to be? this friar a notable fellow.

Duke. You must, sir, change persons with me, ere Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word.

you make that my report : you, indeed, spoke so of Escal. Call that same Isabel here once again! [To him; and much more, much worse. an Attendant.] I would speak with her. Pray you, Lucio. O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck' my lord, give me leave to question; you shall see how thee by the nose, for thy speeches? I'll handle her.

Duke. I protest I love the duke, as I love myself. Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report. Ang. Hark! how the villain would close now, after Escal. Say you?

his treasonable abuses. Lucio. Marry, sir, I think, if yon handled her pri-Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal :vately, she would sooner confess; perchance, pu- Away with him to prison ! - Where is the provost?“ blicly she'll be ashamed.

Away with him to prison ; lay bolts enough upon him; Re-enter Officers, with ISABELLA; the Duke in let him speak no more!-- Away with those giglots too, the Friar's habit, and Provost.

and with the other confederate companion ! Escal. I will go darkly to work with her.

[The Provost lays hands on the Duke.

a

Duke. Stay, sir; stay a while !

Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Ang. What! resists he ?-Help him, Lucio ! Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure. Lucio.Come,sir! come,sir!come sir! foh,sir!Why,you Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested; bald-pated, lying rascal! you must be hooded, must Which though thou would'st deny, denies thee van you? show your knave's visage, with a pox to you! tage: show your sheep-biting face, and be hang'd an hour ! We do condemn thee to the very block, Will't not off?

[Pulls off the Friar's hood, Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste;

and discovers the Duke. Away with him! Duke. Thou art the first knave, that e'er made a Mari. O, my most gracious lord, duke.

I hope you will not mock me with a husband ! First, provost, let me bailthese gentle three:- Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband: Sneak not away, sir ; (To Lucio.) for the friar and you consenting to the safeguard of your honour, Must have a word anon:- - lay hold on him!

I thought your mariage fit; else imputation, Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging, For that he knew you, might reproach your life, Duke.' What you have spoke, I pardon; sit you And choke your good to come: for his possessions, down.

{To Escalus. Although by confiscation they are ours, We'll borrow place of him:-Sir, by your leave! Wedo instate and widow you withal,

[To Angelo. To buy you a better husband. Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence,

Mari. O, my dear lord, That vet can do thee office? If thou hast,

I crave no other, nor no better man. Rely upon it till my tale be heard,

Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive! And hold no longer out.

Mari, Gentle my liege,

[Kneeling. Ang. O my dread lord,

Duke. You do but lose your labour: I should be guiltier, than my guiltiness,

Away with him to death !- Now,sir,[To Lucio.] to you. To think I can be undiscernible,

Mari. O, my good lord !---Sweet Isabel, take my part; When I perceive, your grace, like power divine, Lend me your knees, and all my life to come Hath look'd upon my passes. Then, good prince, l'lllend you, all my life to do you service! No longer session hold upon my shame,

Duke. Against all sense you do importune her: Butlet my trial be mine own confession;

Should she kneel down, in mercy of this fact, Immediate sentence then, and sequent death, Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break, Is all the grace I beg.

And take her hencein horror.
Duke. Come hither, Mariana !--

Mari. Isabel,
Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman? Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me!
Ång. I was, my lord.

Hold up your hands, say nothing, I'll speak all !
Duke. Go, take her hence,and marry her instantly! They say, best men are moulded out of faults;
Do
you

the office, friar; which consummate, And, for the most, become much more the better Return him here again. -Go with him, Provost. For being a little bad: so may my husband.

[Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. O, Isabel ! will you not lend a knee? Escal. My lord, I am more amaz’d at his dishonour, Duke. He dies for Claudio's death. Than at the strangeness of it.

Isab. Most bounteous sir,

Kneeling Duke. Come kither, Isabel !

Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd, Your friar is now your prince. As I was then

As if my brother livd: I partly think, Advertising, and holy to your business,

A due sincerity govern'd his deeds, Not changing heart with habit, I am still

Till he did look on me; since it is so, Attorney'd at

Let him not die! My brother had but justice, Isab. O, give me pardon,

In that he did the thing for which he died: That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd

For Angelo, Your unknown sovereignty.

His act did not o'ertake his bad intent, Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel :

And must be buried but as an intent, And now, dear maid, be you as free to us!

That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subjects; Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart; Intents but merely thoughts. And you may marvel, why I obscur'd myself,

Mari. Merely, my lord. Labouring to save his life, and would not rather Duke. Your suit's unprofitable; stand up, I say ! Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power, I have bethought me of another fault:Than let him so be lost. O, most kind maid,

Provost, how came it, Claudio was beheaded It was the swift celerity of his death,

At an unusual hour?
Which I did think with slower foot came on,

Prov. It was commanded so.
That brain'd my purpose! But, peace be with him! Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deed ?
That life is better life, past fearing death,

Prov. No, my good lord; it was by private message. Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort, Duke. For which I do discharge you of your office: So happy is your brother.

Give up your keys !
Re-enter ANGELO, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. Prov. Pardon ine, noble lord !
Isab, I do, mylord.

I thought it was a fault, but knew it not;
Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here, Yet did repent me, after more advise:
Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd

For testimony whereof, one in the prison,
Your well-defended honour, you must pardon That should by private order else have died,
For Mariana's sake: but as he adjudg'd your brother, I have reserv'd alive.
(Being criminal in double violation

Duke. What's he?
Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach,

Prov. His name is Barnardine. Thereon dependent, for your brother's life,)

Duke. I would thou had'st done so by Claudio.The very mercy of the law cries out

Go, fetch him hither; let me look upon him! Most audible, even from his proper tongue,

(Exit Provost. An Angelo for Claudio, death for death.

Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise

your service.

.