Duke.Peace be with you!Exeunt Escalus and Provost.He who the sword of heaven will bear245Should be as holy as severe;Pattern in himself to know,Grace to stand, and virtue go;More nor less to others payingThan byself-offencesweighing.III. 2250Shame to him whose cruel strikingKills for faults of his own liking!Twice treble shame on Angelo,To weed my vice and let his grow!O, what may man within him hide,255Though angel on the outward side!Howmaylikeness made in crimes,Making practiceon the times,To drawwith idle spiders’ stringsMost ponderous and substantial things!260Craft against vice I must apply:With Angelo to-night shall lieHis old betrothed but despised;So disguise shall, by the disguised,Pay with falsehood false exacting,265And perform an old contracting.Exit.ACT IV.IV. 1Scene I.The moated grange atSt Luke’s.EnterMarianaand aBoy.Boysings.Take, O, take those lips away,That so sweetly were forsworn;And those eyes, the break of day,Lights that do mislead the morn:5But my kissesbring again, bring again;Seals of love,butsealed in vain, sealed in vain.Mari.Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away:Here comes a man of comfort, whose adviceHath often still’d my brawling discontent.Exit Boy.EnterDukedisguised as before.10I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wishYou had not found me here so musical:Let me excuse me, and believe me so,My mirthitmuch displeased, but pleased my woe.Duke.’Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm15To make bad good, and good provoke to harm.I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promised here tomeet.Mari.You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day.EnterIsabella.20Duke.I do constantly believe you. The time is come even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little: may be I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself.Mari.I am always bound to you.Exit.Duke.Very well met, andwell come.IV. 125What is the news from this good Deputy?Isab.He hath a garden circummured with brick,Whose western side is with a vineyard back’d;And to that vineyard is a planched gate,That makes his opening with this bigger key:30This other doth command a little doorWhich from the vineyard to the garden leads;There have I made my promiseUpon the heavy middle of the nightTo call upon him.35Duke.But shall you on your knowledge find this way?Isab.I have ta’en a due and wary note upon’t:With whispering and most guilty diligence,Inaction all of precept, he did show meThe way twice o’er.Duke.Are there no other tokens40Between you ’greed concerning her observance?Isab.No, none, but only a repair i’ the dark;And that I have possess’d him my most stayCan be but brief; for I have made him knowI have a servant comes with me along,45That stays upon me, whose persuasion isI come about my brother.Duke.’Tis well borne up.I have not yet made known to MarianaA word of this. What, ho! within! come forth!Re-enterMariana.I pray you, be acquainted with this maid;She comes to do you good.IV. 150Isab.I do desire the like.Duke.Do you persuade yourself that I respect you?Mari.Good friar, I know you do, andhavefound it.Duke.Take, then, this your companion by the hand,Who hath a story ready for your ear.55I shall attend your leisure: but make haste;The vaporous night approaches.Mari.Will’t please you walk aside?Exeunt Mariana and Isabella.Duke.O place and greatness, millions of false eyesAre stuck upon thee! volumes of report60Run withthesefalse and most contrariousquestsUpon thy doings! thousandescapesof witMake thee the father oftheir idle dreams,And rack thee in their fancies!Re-enterMarianaandIsabella.Welcome, how agreed?Isab.She’ll take the enterprise upon her, father,If you advise it.65Duke.It isnot my consent,But my entreaty too.Isab.Little have you to sayWhen you depart from him, but, soft and low,‘Remember now my brother.’Mari.Fear me not.Duke.Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all.70He is your husband on a pre-contract:To bring you thus together, ’tis no sin,Sith that the justice of your title to himDoth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go:Our corn’s to reap, for yet our tithe’s to sow.Exeunt.IV. 2Scene II.A room in the prison.EnterProvostandPompey.Prov.Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man’s head?Pom.If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can; but if he be a married man, he’s his wife’s head, and I can never cut off a woman’s head.5Prov.Come, sir, leave me your snatches, and yield me a direct answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if you will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you from your gyves;10if not, you shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping, for you have been a notorious bawd.Pom.Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I15would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow partner.Prov.What, ho! Abhorson! Where’s Abhorson, there?EnterAbhorson.Abhor.Do you call, sir?Prov.Sirrah, here’s a fellow will help you to-morrow20in your execution. If you think it meet, compound with him by the year, and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the present, and dismiss him. He cannot plead his estimation with you; he hath been a bawd.Abhor.A bawd, sir? fie upon him! he will discreditIV. 225our mystery.Prov.Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale.Exit.Pom.Pray, sir, by your good favour,—for surely, sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging look,—30do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery?Abhor.Ay, sir; a mystery.Pom.Painting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery; and your whores, sir, being members of my occupation, using painting, do prove my occupation a mystery: but35what mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be hanged, I cannot imagine.Abhor.Sir, it is a mystery.Pom.Proof?Abhor.Every true man’s apparel fits your thief: if it40be too little for your thief, your true man thinks it big enough; if it be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it little enough: so every true man’s apparel fits your thief.Re-enterProvost.Prov.Are you agreed?Pom.Sir, I will serve him; for I do find your hangman45is a more penitent trade thanyourbawd; he doth oftener ask forgiveness.Prov.You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe to-morrow four o’clock.Abhor.Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in myIV. 250trade; follow.Pom.I do desire to learn, sir: and I hope, if you have occasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find meyare; for, truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn.55Prov.Call hither Barnardine and Claudio:Exeunt Pompey and Abhorson.The onehas my pity; not a jot the other,Being a murderer, though he were my brother.EnterClaudio.Look, here’s the warrant, Claudio, for thy death:’Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow60Thou must be made immortal. Where’s Barnardine?Claud.As fast lock’d up in sleep as guiltless labourWhen it lies starkly in the traveller’s bones:He will not wake.Prov.Who can do good on him?Well, go, prepareyourself. [Knocking within.] But, hark, what noise?—65Heaven give your spiritscomfort! [Exit Clandio.] By and by.—I hope it is some pardon or reprieveFor the most gentle Claudio.EnterDukedisguised as before.Welcome, father.Duke.The best and wholesomest spirits of the nightEnvelop you, good Provost! Who call’d here of late?70Prov.None, since the curfew rung.Duke.Not Isabel?Prov.No.Duke.Theywill, then, ere’t be long.Prov.What comfort is for Claudio?Duke.There’s some in hope.Prov.It is a bitter Deputy.IV. 275Duke.Not so, not so; his life is parallel’dEven with the stroke and line of his great justice:He doth with holy abstinence subdueThat in himself which he spurs on his powerTo qualify in others: were he meal’d with that80Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous;But this being so, he’s just.Knocking within.Now are they come.Exit Provost.This is a gentle provost: seldom whenThe steeled gaoler is the friend of men.Knocking within.How now! what noise? That spirit’s possessed with haste85That wounds theunsistingpostern with these strokes.Re-enterProvost.Prov.There he must stay until the officerArise to let him in: he is call’d up.Duke.Have you no countermand for Claudio yet,But he must die to-morrow?Prov.None, sir, none.90Duke.As near the dawning, provost, as it is,You shall hear more ere morning.Prov.HappilyYou something know; yet I believe there comesNo countermand; no such example have we:Besides, upon the very siege of justice95Lord Angelo hath to the public earProfess’d the contrary.Enter aMessenger.This is hislordship’sman.Duke.And here comes Claudio’s pardon.Mes.[Giving a paper] My lord hath sent you this note; and by me this further charge, that you swerve not from theIV. 2100smallest 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.Exit Messenger.Duke.[Aside] This is his pardon, purchased by such sinFor which the pardoner himself is in.105Hence hath offence his quick celerity,When it is borne in high authority:When vice makes mercy, mercy’s so extended,That for the fault’s love is the offender friended.Now, sir, what news?110Prov.I told you. Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting-on; methinks strangely, for he hath not used it before.Duke.Prayyou, let’s hear.Prov.[Reads]Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed115by 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 bedulyperformed; 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.120What say you to this, sir?Duke.What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in the afternoon?Prov.A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and bred; one that is a prisoner nine years old.IV. 2125Duke.How came it that the absent Duke had not either delivered 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 Angclo,130came not to an undoubtful proof.Duke.It isnow apparent?Prov.Most manifest, and not denied by himself.Duke.Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? how seems he to be touched?135Prov.A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep; careless,reckless, and fearless of what’s past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality, anddesperately mortal.Duke.He wants advice.140Prov.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 awaked him, as if to carry him to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant for it:145it hath not moved 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 hereIV. 2150you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make youunderstand 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 courtesy.155Prov.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,160to 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 borne to Angelo.Prov.Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover165the favour.Duke.O, death’s a great disguiser; and you may add to it. Shave the head, andtiethe beard; and say it was the desire of the penitent to be sobaredbefore his death: you know the course is common. If any thing fall to you170upon 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.IV. 2175Duke.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, norpersuasion180can 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.185Duke.The contents of this is the return of the Duke: you shall anon over-read it at your pleasure; where youshall find, within these two days he will be here. This is a thingthatAngelo knows not; for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour; perchance of the Duke’s190death; perchance entering into some monastery; but, by chance, nothing of what iswrit. Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known. Call your executioner, and off with195Barnardine’s head: I will give him a present shrift and advise him for a better place. Yet you are amazed; but this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear dawn.Exeunt.IV. 3Scene III.Another room in the same.EnterPompey.Pom.I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of profession: one would think it were Mistress Overdone’s own house, for here be many of her old customers. First, here’s young Master Rash; he’s in for a commodity5of brownpaperand old ginger, nine-score and seventeen pounds; of which he made five marks, ready money: marry, then ginger was not much in request, for the old women were all dead. Then is there here one Master Caper, at the suit of Master Three-pile the mercer, for some four10suits of peach-coloured satin, which now peaches him a beggar. Then have we here youngDizy, and young Master Deep-vow, and Master Copper-spur, and Master Starve-lackey the rapier and dagger man, and young Drop-heir that killed lusty Pudding, and MasterForthlightthe15tilter, and brave MasterShootythe great traveller, and wild Half-can that stabbed Pots, and, I think, forty more;all great doers in our trade, andare now‘for the Lord’s sake.’EnterAbhorson.Abhor.Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.20Pom.Master Barnardine! you must rise and be hanged, Master Barnardine!Abhor.What, ho, Barnardine!Bar.[Within] A pox o’ your throats! Who makes that noise there? What are you?IV. 325Pom.Yourfriends, sir; the hangman. You must be so good, sir, to rise and be put to death.Bar.[Within] Away, you rogue, away! I am sleepy.Abhor.Tell him he must awake, and that quickly too.Pom.Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are30executed, and sleep afterwards.Abhor.Go in to him, and fetch him out.Pom.He is coming, sir, he is coming; I hearhisstraw rustle.Abhor.Is the axe upon the block, sirrah?35Pom.Very ready, sir.EnterBarnardine.Bar.How now, Abhorson? what’s the news with you?Abhor.Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your prayers; for, look you, the warrant’s come.Bar.You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I am40not fitted for ’t.Pom.O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all night, and is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleep the sounder all the next day.Abhor.Look you, sir; here comes your ghostly father:45do we jest now, think you?EnterDukedisguised as before.Duke.Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing howhastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you and pray with you.Bar.Friar, notI: Ihave been drinking hard all night,IV. 350and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that’s certain.Duke.O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech youLook forward on the journey you shall go.55Bar.I swear I will not die to-day for any man’s persuasion.Duke.Buthearyou.Bar.Not a word: if you have any thing to say to me, come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day.Exit.60Duke.Unfit to live or die: Ogravel heart!After him, fellows; bring him to the block.Exeunt Abhorson and Pompey.Re-enterProvost.Prov.Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner?Duke.A creature unprepared, unmeet for death;And to transport him in the mind he isWere damnable.65Prov.Here in the prison, father,There died this morning of a cruel feverOne Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,A man of Claudio’s years; his beard and headJust ofhiscolour. What if wedoomit70This reprobate till he were well inclined;And satisfy the Deputy with the visageOf Ragozine, more like to Claudio?Duke.O, ’tis an accident that heaven provides!Dispatch it presently; the hour draws onIV. 375Prefix’d by Angelo: see this be done,And sent according to command;whilesIPersuade this rude wretch willingly to die.Prov.This shall be done, good father, presently.But Barnardine must die this afternoon:80And how shall we continue Claudio,To save me from the danger that might comeIf 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 greeting85Tothe undergeneration, you shall findYour safetymanifested.Prov.I am your free dependant.Duke.Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo.Exit Provost.Now will I write letters to Angelo,—90The provost, he shall bear them,—whose contentsShall witness to him I am near at home,And that, by great injunctions, I am boundTo enter publicly: him I’ll desireTo meet me at the consecrated fount,95A league below the city; and from thence,By cold gradation andwell-balanced form,We shall proceed with Angelo.Re-enterProvost.Prov.Here is the head; I’ll carry it myself.Duke.Convenient is it. Make a swift return;IV. 3100For I would commune with you of such thingsThat want no ear but yours.Prov.I’ll make all speed.Exit.Isab.[Within] Peace, ho, be here!Duke.The tongue of Isabel.She’s cometo knowIf yet her brother’s pardon be come hither:105But I will keep her ignorant of her good,To make her heavenlycomfortsof despair,When it is least expected.EnterIsabella.Isab.Ho,by your leave!Duke.Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.Isab.The better, given me by so holy a man.110Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother’s pardon?
Duke.Peace be with you!Exeunt Escalus and Provost.He who the sword of heaven will bear245Should be as holy as severe;Pattern in himself to know,Grace to stand, and virtue go;More nor less to others payingThan byself-offencesweighing.III. 2250Shame to him whose cruel strikingKills for faults of his own liking!Twice treble shame on Angelo,To weed my vice and let his grow!O, what may man within him hide,255Though angel on the outward side!Howmaylikeness made in crimes,Making practiceon the times,To drawwith idle spiders’ stringsMost ponderous and substantial things!260Craft against vice I must apply:With Angelo to-night shall lieHis old betrothed but despised;So disguise shall, by the disguised,Pay with falsehood false exacting,265And perform an old contracting.Exit.
Duke.Peace be with you!
Exeunt Escalus and Provost.
He who the sword of heaven will bear
245Should be as holy as severe;
Pattern in himself to know,
Grace to stand, and virtue go;
More nor less to others paying
Than byself-offencesweighing.
III. 2250Shame to him whose cruel striking
Kills for faults of his own liking!
Twice treble shame on Angelo,
To weed my vice and let his grow!
O, what may man within him hide,
255Though angel on the outward side!
Howmaylikeness made in crimes,
Making practiceon the times,
To drawwith idle spiders’ strings
Most ponderous and substantial things!
260Craft against vice I must apply:
With Angelo to-night shall lie
His old betrothed but despised;
So disguise shall, by the disguised,
Pay with falsehood false exacting,
265And perform an old contracting.Exit.
Take, O, take those lips away,That so sweetly were forsworn;And those eyes, the break of day,Lights that do mislead the morn:5But my kissesbring again, bring again;Seals of love,butsealed in vain, sealed in vain.
Take, O, take those lips away,
That so sweetly were forsworn;
And those eyes, the break of day,
Lights that do mislead the morn:
5But my kissesbring again, bring again;
Seals of love,butsealed in vain, sealed in vain.
Mari.Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away:Here comes a man of comfort, whose adviceHath often still’d my brawling discontent.
Mari.Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away:
Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice
Hath often still’d my brawling discontent.
Exit Boy.
10I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wishYou had not found me here so musical:Let me excuse me, and believe me so,My mirthitmuch displeased, but pleased my woe.
10I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish
You had not found me here so musical:
Let me excuse me, and believe me so,
My mirthitmuch displeased, but pleased my woe.
Duke.’Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm15To make bad good, and good provoke to harm.
Duke.’Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm
15To make bad good, and good provoke to harm.
I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promised here tomeet.
Mari.You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day.
20Duke.I do constantly believe you. The time is come even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little: may be I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself.
Mari.I am always bound to you.Exit.
Duke.Very well met, andwell come.IV. 125What is the news from this good Deputy?
Duke.Very well met, andwell come.
IV. 125What is the news from this good Deputy?
Isab.He hath a garden circummured with brick,Whose western side is with a vineyard back’d;And to that vineyard is a planched gate,That makes his opening with this bigger key:30This other doth command a little doorWhich from the vineyard to the garden leads;There have I made my promiseUpon the heavy middle of the nightTo call upon him.
Isab.He hath a garden circummured with brick,
Whose western side is with a vineyard back’d;
And to that vineyard is a planched gate,
That makes his opening with this bigger key:
30This other doth command a little door
Which from the vineyard to the garden leads;
There have I made my promise
Upon the heavy middle of the night
To call upon him.
35Duke.But shall you on your knowledge find this way?
Isab.I have ta’en a due and wary note upon’t:With whispering and most guilty diligence,Inaction all of precept, he did show meThe way twice o’er.
Isab.I have ta’en a due and wary note upon’t:
With whispering and most guilty diligence,
Inaction all of precept, he did show me
The way twice o’er.
Duke.Are there no other tokens40Between you ’greed concerning her observance?
Duke.
Are there no other tokens
40Between you ’greed concerning her observance?
Isab.No, none, but only a repair i’ the dark;And that I have possess’d him my most stayCan be but brief; for I have made him knowI have a servant comes with me along,45That stays upon me, whose persuasion isI come about my brother.
Isab.No, none, but only a repair i’ the dark;
And that I have possess’d him my most stay
Can be but brief; for I have made him know
I have a servant comes with me along,
45That stays upon me, whose persuasion is
I come about my brother.
Duke.’Tis well borne up.I have not yet made known to MarianaA word of this. What, ho! within! come forth!Re-enterMariana.I pray you, be acquainted with this maid;She comes to do you good.
Duke.
’Tis well borne up.
I have not yet made known to Mariana
A word of this. What, ho! within! come forth!
I pray you, be acquainted with this maid;
She comes to do you good.
IV. 150Isab.
I do desire the like.
Duke.Do you persuade yourself that I respect you?
Mari.Good friar, I know you do, andhavefound it.
Duke.Take, then, this your companion by the hand,Who hath a story ready for your ear.55I shall attend your leisure: but make haste;The vaporous night approaches.
Duke.Take, then, this your companion by the hand,
Who hath a story ready for your ear.
55I shall attend your leisure: but make haste;
The vaporous night approaches.
Mari.Will’t please you walk aside?
Exeunt Mariana and Isabella.
Duke.O place and greatness, millions of false eyesAre stuck upon thee! volumes of report60Run withthesefalse and most contrariousquestsUpon thy doings! thousandescapesof witMake thee the father oftheir idle dreams,And rack thee in their fancies!Re-enterMarianaandIsabella.Welcome, how agreed?
Duke.O place and greatness, millions of false eyes
Are stuck upon thee! volumes of report
60Run withthesefalse and most contrariousquests
Upon thy doings! thousandescapesof wit
Make thee the father oftheir idle dreams,
And rack thee in their fancies!
Welcome, how agreed?
Isab.She’ll take the enterprise upon her, father,If you advise it.
Isab.She’ll take the enterprise upon her, father,
If you advise it.
65Duke.It isnot my consent,But my entreaty too.
65Duke.
It isnot my consent,
But my entreaty too.
Isab.Little have you to sayWhen you depart from him, but, soft and low,‘Remember now my brother.’
Isab.
Little have you to say
When you depart from him, but, soft and low,
‘Remember now my brother.’
Mari.
Fear me not.
Duke.Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all.70He is your husband on a pre-contract:To bring you thus together, ’tis no sin,Sith that the justice of your title to himDoth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go:Our corn’s to reap, for yet our tithe’s to sow.
Duke.Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all.
70He is your husband on a pre-contract:
To bring you thus together, ’tis no sin,
Sith that the justice of your title to him
Doth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go:
Our corn’s to reap, for yet our tithe’s to sow.
Exeunt.
Prov.Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man’s head?
Pom.If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can; but if he be a married man, he’s his wife’s head, and I can never cut off a woman’s head.
5Prov.Come, sir, leave me your snatches, and yield me a direct answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if you will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you from your gyves;10if not, you shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping, for you have been a notorious bawd.
Pom.Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I15would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow partner.
Prov.What, ho! Abhorson! Where’s Abhorson, there?
Abhor.Do you call, sir?
Prov.Sirrah, here’s a fellow will help you to-morrow20in your execution. If you think it meet, compound with him by the year, and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the present, and dismiss him. He cannot plead his estimation with you; he hath been a bawd.
Abhor.A bawd, sir? fie upon him! he will discreditIV. 225our mystery.
Prov.Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale.Exit.
Pom.Pray, sir, by your good favour,—for surely, sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging look,—30do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery?
Abhor.Ay, sir; a mystery.
Pom.Painting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery; and your whores, sir, being members of my occupation, using painting, do prove my occupation a mystery: but35what mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be hanged, I cannot imagine.
Abhor.Sir, it is a mystery.
Pom.Proof?
Abhor.Every true man’s apparel fits your thief: if it40be too little for your thief, your true man thinks it big enough; if it be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it little enough: so every true man’s apparel fits your thief.
Prov.Are you agreed?
Pom.Sir, I will serve him; for I do find your hangman45is a more penitent trade thanyourbawd; he doth oftener ask forgiveness.
Prov.You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe to-morrow four o’clock.
Abhor.Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in myIV. 250trade; follow.
Pom.I do desire to learn, sir: and I hope, if you have occasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find meyare; for, truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn.
55Prov.Call hither Barnardine and Claudio:Exeunt Pompey and Abhorson.The onehas my pity; not a jot the other,Being a murderer, though he were my brother.EnterClaudio.Look, here’s the warrant, Claudio, for thy death:’Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow60Thou must be made immortal. Where’s Barnardine?
55Prov.Call hither Barnardine and Claudio:
Exeunt Pompey and Abhorson.
The onehas my pity; not a jot the other,
Being a murderer, though he were my brother.
Look, here’s the warrant, Claudio, for thy death:
’Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow
60Thou must be made immortal. Where’s Barnardine?
Claud.As fast lock’d up in sleep as guiltless labourWhen it lies starkly in the traveller’s bones:He will not wake.
Claud.As fast lock’d up in sleep as guiltless labour
When it lies starkly in the traveller’s bones:
He will not wake.
Prov.Who can do good on him?Well, go, prepareyourself. [Knocking within.] But, hark, what noise?—65Heaven give your spiritscomfort! [Exit Clandio.] By and by.—I hope it is some pardon or reprieveFor the most gentle Claudio.EnterDukedisguised as before.Welcome, father.
Prov.
Who can do good on him?
Well, go, prepareyourself. [Knocking within.] But, hark, what noise?—
65Heaven give your spiritscomfort! [Exit Clandio.] By and by.—
I hope it is some pardon or reprieve
For the most gentle Claudio.
Welcome, father.
Duke.The best and wholesomest spirits of the nightEnvelop you, good Provost! Who call’d here of late?
Duke.The best and wholesomest spirits of the night
Envelop you, good Provost! Who call’d here of late?
70Prov.None, since the curfew rung.
Duke.Not Isabel?
Prov.
No.
Duke.
Theywill, then, ere’t be long.
Prov.What comfort is for Claudio?
Duke.There’s some in hope.
Prov.
It is a bitter Deputy.
IV. 275Duke.Not so, not so; his life is parallel’dEven with the stroke and line of his great justice:He doth with holy abstinence subdueThat in himself which he spurs on his powerTo qualify in others: were he meal’d with that80Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous;But this being so, he’s just.Knocking within.Now are they come.Exit Provost.This is a gentle provost: seldom whenThe steeled gaoler is the friend of men.Knocking within.How now! what noise? That spirit’s possessed with haste85That wounds theunsistingpostern with these strokes.
IV. 275Duke.Not so, not so; his life is parallel’d
Even with the stroke and line of his great justice:
He doth with holy abstinence subdue
That in himself which he spurs on his power
To qualify in others: were he meal’d with that
80Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous;
But this being so, he’s just.Knocking within.
Now are they come.
Exit Provost.
This is a gentle provost: seldom when
The steeled gaoler is the friend of men.Knocking within.
How now! what noise? That spirit’s possessed with haste
85That wounds theunsistingpostern with these strokes.
Prov.There he must stay until the officerArise to let him in: he is call’d up.
Prov.There he must stay until the officer
Arise to let him in: he is call’d up.
Duke.Have you no countermand for Claudio yet,But he must die to-morrow?
Duke.Have you no countermand for Claudio yet,
But he must die to-morrow?
Prov.
None, sir, none.
90Duke.As near the dawning, provost, as it is,You shall hear more ere morning.
90Duke.As near the dawning, provost, as it is,
You shall hear more ere morning.
Prov.HappilyYou something know; yet I believe there comesNo countermand; no such example have we:Besides, upon the very siege of justice95Lord Angelo hath to the public earProfess’d the contrary.Enter aMessenger.This is hislordship’sman.
Prov.
Happily
You something know; yet I believe there comes
No countermand; no such example have we:
Besides, upon the very siege of justice
95Lord Angelo hath to the public ear
Profess’d the contrary.
This is hislordship’sman.
Duke.And here comes Claudio’s pardon.
Mes.[Giving a paper] My lord hath sent you this note; and by me this further charge, that you swerve not from theIV. 2100smallest 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.
Exit Messenger.
Duke.[Aside] This is his pardon, purchased by such sinFor which the pardoner himself is in.105Hence hath offence his quick celerity,When it is borne in high authority:When vice makes mercy, mercy’s so extended,That for the fault’s love is the offender friended.Now, sir, what news?
Duke.[Aside] This is his pardon, purchased by such sin
For which the pardoner himself is in.
105Hence hath offence his quick celerity,
When it is borne in high authority:
When vice makes mercy, mercy’s so extended,
That for the fault’s love is the offender friended.
Now, sir, what news?
110Prov.I told you. Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting-on; methinks strangely, for he hath not used it before.
Duke.Prayyou, let’s hear.
Prov.[Reads]
Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed115by 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 bedulyperformed; 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.
120What say you to this, sir?
Duke.What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in the afternoon?
Prov.A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and bred; one that is a prisoner nine years old.
IV. 2125Duke.How came it that the absent Duke had not either delivered 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 Angclo,130came not to an undoubtful proof.
Duke.It isnow apparent?
Prov.Most manifest, and not denied by himself.
Duke.Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? how seems he to be touched?
135Prov.A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep; careless,reckless, and fearless of what’s past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality, anddesperately mortal.
Duke.He wants advice.
140Prov.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 awaked him, as if to carry him to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant for it:145it hath not moved 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 hereIV. 2150you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make youunderstand 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 courtesy.
155Prov.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,160to 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 borne to Angelo.
Prov.Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover165the favour.
Duke.O, death’s a great disguiser; and you may add to it. Shave the head, andtiethe beard; and say it was the desire of the penitent to be sobaredbefore his death: you know the course is common. If any thing fall to you170upon 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.
IV. 2175Duke.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, norpersuasion180can 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.
185Duke.The contents of this is the return of the Duke: you shall anon over-read it at your pleasure; where youshall find, within these two days he will be here. This is a thingthatAngelo knows not; for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour; perchance of the Duke’s190death; perchance entering into some monastery; but, by chance, nothing of what iswrit. Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known. Call your executioner, and off with195Barnardine’s head: I will give him a present shrift and advise him for a better place. Yet you are amazed; but this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear dawn.
Exeunt.
Pom.I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of profession: one would think it were Mistress Overdone’s own house, for here be many of her old customers. First, here’s young Master Rash; he’s in for a commodity5of brownpaperand old ginger, nine-score and seventeen pounds; of which he made five marks, ready money: marry, then ginger was not much in request, for the old women were all dead. Then is there here one Master Caper, at the suit of Master Three-pile the mercer, for some four10suits of peach-coloured satin, which now peaches him a beggar. Then have we here youngDizy, and young Master Deep-vow, and Master Copper-spur, and Master Starve-lackey the rapier and dagger man, and young Drop-heir that killed lusty Pudding, and MasterForthlightthe15tilter, and brave MasterShootythe great traveller, and wild Half-can that stabbed Pots, and, I think, forty more;all great doers in our trade, andare now‘for the Lord’s sake.’
Abhor.Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.
20Pom.Master Barnardine! you must rise and be hanged, Master Barnardine!
Abhor.What, ho, Barnardine!
Bar.[Within] A pox o’ your throats! Who makes that noise there? What are you?
IV. 325Pom.Yourfriends, sir; the hangman. You must be so good, sir, to rise and be put to death.
Bar.[Within] Away, you rogue, away! I am sleepy.
Abhor.Tell him he must awake, and that quickly too.
Pom.Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are30executed, and sleep afterwards.
Abhor.Go in to him, and fetch him out.
Pom.He is coming, sir, he is coming; I hearhisstraw rustle.
Abhor.Is the axe upon the block, sirrah?
35Pom.Very ready, sir.
Bar.How now, Abhorson? what’s the news with you?
Abhor.Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your prayers; for, look you, the warrant’s come.
Bar.You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I am40not fitted for ’t.
Pom.O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all night, and is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleep the sounder all the next day.
Abhor.Look you, sir; here comes your ghostly father:45do we jest now, think you?
Duke.Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing howhastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you and pray with you.
Bar.Friar, notI: Ihave been drinking hard all night,IV. 350and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that’s certain.
Duke.O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech youLook forward on the journey you shall go.
Duke.O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech you
Look forward on the journey you shall go.
55Bar.I swear I will not die to-day for any man’s persuasion.
Duke.Buthearyou.
Bar.Not a word: if you have any thing to say to me, come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day.Exit.
60Duke.Unfit to live or die: Ogravel heart!After him, fellows; bring him to the block.
60Duke.Unfit to live or die: Ogravel heart!
After him, fellows; bring him to the block.
Exeunt Abhorson and Pompey.
Prov.Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner?
Duke.A creature unprepared, unmeet for death;And to transport him in the mind he isWere damnable.
Duke.A creature unprepared, unmeet for death;
And to transport him in the mind he is
Were damnable.
65Prov.Here in the prison, father,There died this morning of a cruel feverOne Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,A man of Claudio’s years; his beard and headJust ofhiscolour. What if wedoomit70This reprobate till he were well inclined;And satisfy the Deputy with the visageOf Ragozine, more like to Claudio?
65Prov.
Here in the prison, father,
There died this morning of a cruel fever
One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,
A man of Claudio’s years; his beard and head
Just ofhiscolour. What if wedoomit
70This reprobate till he were well inclined;
And satisfy the Deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?
Duke.O, ’tis an accident that heaven provides!Dispatch it presently; the hour draws onIV. 375Prefix’d by Angelo: see this be done,And sent according to command;whilesIPersuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
Duke.O, ’tis an accident that heaven provides!
Dispatch it presently; the hour draws on
IV. 375Prefix’d by Angelo: see this be done,
And sent according to command;whilesI
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
Prov.This shall be done, good father, presently.But Barnardine must die this afternoon:80And how shall we continue Claudio,To save me from the danger that might comeIf he were known alive?
Prov.This shall be done, good father, presently.
But Barnardine must die this afternoon:
80And 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 greeting85Tothe undergeneration, you shall findYour safetymanifested.
Duke.
Let this be done.
Put them in secret holds,both Barnardine and Claudio:
Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
85Tothe undergeneration, you shall find
Your safetymanifested.
Prov.I am your free dependant.
Duke.Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo.Exit Provost.Now will I write letters to Angelo,—90The provost, he shall bear them,—whose contentsShall witness to him I am near at home,And that, by great injunctions, I am boundTo enter publicly: him I’ll desireTo meet me at the consecrated fount,95A league below the city; and from thence,By cold gradation andwell-balanced form,We shall proceed with Angelo.
Duke.Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo.
Exit Provost.
Now will I write letters to Angelo,—
90The 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,
95A league below the city; and from thence,
By cold gradation andwell-balanced form,
We shall proceed with Angelo.
Prov.Here is the head; I’ll carry it myself.
Duke.Convenient is it. Make a swift return;IV. 3100For I would commune with you of such thingsThat want no ear but yours.
Duke.Convenient is it. Make a swift return;
IV. 3100For I would commune with you of such things
That want no ear but yours.
Prov.
I’ll make all speed.Exit.
Isab.[Within] Peace, ho, be here!
Duke.The tongue of Isabel.She’s cometo knowIf yet her brother’s pardon be come hither:105But I will keep her ignorant of her good,To make her heavenlycomfortsof despair,When it is least expected.
Duke.The tongue of Isabel.She’s cometo know
If yet her brother’s pardon be come hither:
105But I will keep her ignorant of her good,
To make her heavenlycomfortsof despair,
When it is least expected.
Isab.
Ho,by your leave!
Duke.Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.
Isab.The better, given me by so holy a man.110Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother’s pardon?
Isab.The better, given me by so holy a man.
110Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother’s pardon?