Isab.Why,As all comforts are;most good, most good indeed.Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,Intends you for his swift ambassador,60Where you shall be an everlastingleiger:Therefore your best appointment make with speed;To-morrow youset on.Claud.Is there no remedy?Isab.None, but such remedy as, to save a head,Tocleave a heart in twain.Claud.But is there any?65Isab.Yes, brother, you may live:There is a devilish mercy in the judge,If you’ll implore it, that will free your life,But fetter you till death.Claud.Perpetual durance?Isab.Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint,70Thoughall the world’s vastidity you had,To a determined scope.Claud.But in what nature?Isab.In such a one as, you consenting to’t,Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,And leave you naked.Claud.Let me know the point.III. 175Isab.O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain,And six or seven winters more respectThan a perpetual honour. Darest thou die?75The sense of death is most in apprehension;And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,In corporal sufferance finds a pang as greatAs when a giant dies.Claud.Why give you me this shame?Think you Ican a resolution fetch80From flowerytenderness? If I must die,I will encounter darkness as a bride,And hug it in mine arms.Isab.There spake my brother; there my father’s graveDid utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:85Thou art too noble to conserve a lifeIn baseappliances. This outward-sainted deputy,Whose settled visage and deliberate wordNips youth i’ thehead, and follies doth emmewAsfalcondoth the fowl, is yet a devil;90Hisfilthwithin being cast, he would appearApondas deep as hell.Claud.TheprenzieAngelo!Isab.O, ’tis the cunning livery of hell,Thedamned’stbody to invest and coverInprenzieguards! Dost thou think, Claudio?—95If I would yield him my virginity,Thou mightst be freed.Claud.O heavens! it cannot be.Isab.Yes, he wouldgive’tthee,fromthis rank offence,So to offend him still. This night’s the timeThat I should do what I abhor to name,Or else thou diest to-morrow.III. 1100Claud.Thou shalt not do’t.Isab.O, were it but my life,I’ld throw it down for your deliveranceAs frankly as a pin.Claud.Thanks,dearIsabel.Isab.Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow.105Claud.Yes. Hasheaffections in him,That thus can make him bite the law by the nose,When he would force it? Sure, it is no sin;Or of the deadly seven it is the least.Isab.Which is the least?110Claud.If it were damnable, he being so wise,Whywould he for the momentary trickBe perdurably fined?—O Isabel!Isab.What says my brother?Claud.Death is a fearful thing.Isab.And shamed life a hateful.115Claud.Ay, but to die, and go we know not where;To lie in cold obstruction and to rot;This sensible warm motion to becomeA kneaded clod; and thedelightedspiritTo bathe in fiery floods, or toreside120In thrillingregionof thick-ribbed ice;To be imprison’d in the viewless winds,And blown with restless violence round aboutThe pendent world; or to be worse than worstOfthose that lawless and incertain thoughtIII. 1125Imaginehowling:—’tis too horrible!The weariest and most loathed worldly lifeThat age, ache,penury, andimprisonmentCan lay on nature is a paradiseTo what we fear of death.Isab.Alas, alas!130Claud.Sweet sister, let me live:What sin you do to save a brother’s life,Nature dispenses with the deed so farThat it becomes a virtue.Isab.O you beast!O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!135Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?Is’t not a kind of incest, to take lifeFrom thine own sister’s shame? What should I think?Heavenshieldmy mother play’d my father fair!For such a warped slip of wilderness140Ne’er issued from his blood. Take my defiance!Die, perish! Mightbut mybending downReprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:I’ll pray a thousand prayers for thy death,No word to save thee.Claud.Nay, hear me, Isabel.145Isab.O, fie, fie, fie!Thy sin’s not accidental, but a trade.Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd:’Tis best that thou diest quickly.Claud.O, hear me, Isabella!Re-enterDuke.Duke.Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.III. 1150Isab.What is your will?Duke.Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.Isab.I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be155stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile.Walks apart.Duke.Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures:160she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: do notsatisfyyour resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go165to your knees, and make ready.Claud.Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.Duke.Hold you there: farewell. [Exit Claudio.] Provost, a word with you!Re-enterProvost.170Prov.What’s your will, father?Duke.That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company.Prov.In good time.Exit Provost. Isabella comes forward.III. 1175Duke.The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: the goodness that ischeapin beauty makes beauty briefin goodness; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath madeto you, fortune hath conveyed to180my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?Isab.I am now going to resolvehim: I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully185born. But, O, how much is the good Duke deceived in Angelo! If ever he return and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government.Duke.That shall not be much amiss: yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial190of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on myadvisings: to the love I have in doing gooda remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may mostuprighteouslydo a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious195person; and much please the absent Duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business.Isab.Let me hear you speakfarther. I have spirit to do any thing that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit.Duke.Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. HaveIII. 1200you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the great soldier who miscarried at sea?Isab.I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.Duke.Sheshould this Angelo have married;wasaffianced205to herbyoath,andthe nuptial appointed: between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble210and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural; with him, the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo.Isab.Can this be so? did Angelo so leave her?215Duke.Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour: infew, bestowedher onher own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he,a marbleto hertears, is washed with them, but relents not.220Isab.What a merit were it in death to take this poormaid from the world! What corruption in this life, that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she avail?Duke.It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps youIII. 1225from dishonour in doing it.Isab.Show me how, good father.Duke.This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection: his unjustunkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment230in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and235silence in it; and the place answer to convenience. This beinggranted in course,—and now follows all,—we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place; if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense: and here, by240this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt Deputyscaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceitfromreproof. What think245you of it?Isab.The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.Duke.It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to hisIII. 1250bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke’s: there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.Isab.I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well,255good father.Exeunt severally.III. 2Scene II.The street before the prison.Enter, on one side,Dukedisguised as before; on the other,Elbow, andOfficerswithPompey.Elb.Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard.Duke.O heavens! what stuff is here?5Pom.’Twas never merry world since, of twousuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allowedby order of law a furred gownto keep him warm; and furred withfox and lamb-skinstoo, to signify, that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing.10Elb.Come your way, sir. ’Bless you, goodfatherfriar.Duke.And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir?Elb.Marry, sir, he hath offended the law: and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him,15sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the Deputy.Duke.Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd!The evil that thou causest to be done,That is thy means to live. Do thou but thinkWhat ’tis to cram a maw or clothe a back20From such a filthy vice: say to thyself,From their abominable and beastly touchesI drink, Ieat, array myself, and live.Canst thou believe thy living is a life,So stinkingly depending?Go mend, go mend.III. 225Pom.Indeed, itdoesstink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir, I would prove—Duke.Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin,Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer:Correction and instruction must both work30Ere this rude beast will profit.Elb.He must before the Deputy, sir; he has given him warning: the Deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand.35Duke.That we were all, as some would seem to be,From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!Elb.His neck will come to yourwaist,—a cord, sir.Pom.I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here’s a gentleman and a friend of mine.EnterLucio.40Lucio.How now, noble Pompey! What, at thewheelsof Caesar? art thou led in triumph? What, is there none of Pygmalion’s images, newly made woman, to be had now, for putting the hand in the pocket and extractingitclutched? What reply, ha? What sayest thou tothis tune,45matter and method? Is’t not drowned i’ the last rain, ha? What sayest thou,Trot? Is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how? The trick of it?Duke.Still thus, and thus; still worse!III. 250Lucio.How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she still, ha?Pom.Troth, sir, she hath eaten up allherbeef, and she is herself in the tub.Lucio.Why, ’tis good; it is the right of it; it must be55so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd: an unshunned consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?Pom.Yes, faith, sir.Lucio.Why, ’tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell: go,60say I sent thee thither. For debt, Pompey? or how?Elb.For being a bawd, for being a bawd.Lucio.Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, ’tis his right: bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity too; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey.65Commend me to the prison, Pompey: you will turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the house.Pom.I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.Lucio.No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase yourbondage: if70you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu, trusty Pompey. ’Bless you, friar.Duke.And you.Lucio.Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha?Elb.Come your ways, sir; come.III. 275Pom.You will not bail me, then, sir?Lucio.Then, Pompey, nor now. What news abroad, friar? what news?Elb.Come your ways, sir; come.Lucio.Go to kennel, Pompey; go. [Exeunt Elbow,80Pompey and Officers.] What news, friar, of the Duke?Duke.I know none. Can you tell me of any?Lucio.Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you?Duke.I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him85well.Lucio.It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to’t.90Duke.He does well in’t.Lucio.A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar.Duke.It is toogenerala vice, and severity must cure it.95Lucio.Yes, in good sooth, the vice is ofa greatkindred; it is well allied: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down. They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman afterthisdownright way of creation: is it true, think you?III. 2100Duke.How should he be made, then?Lucio.Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that, when he makes water, his urine is congealed ice; that I know to be true: and heis a motion generative;105that’s infallible.Duke.You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace.Lucio.Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the Duke that is absent have done this? Ere he110would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand: he had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy.Duke.I never heard the absent Duke muchdetected115for women; he was not inclined that way.Lucio.O, sir, you are deceived.Duke.’Tis not possible.Lucio.Who, not the Duke? yes, your beggar of fifty; and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish: the Duke120had crotchets in him. He would be drunk too; that let me inform you.Duke.You do him wrong, surely.Lucio.Sir, I was an inward of his. Ashyfellow was the Duke: and I believe I know the cause of hisIII. 2125withdrawing.Duke.What,Iprithee, might be the cause?Lucio.No, pardon; ’tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, the greater file of the subject held the Duke to be wise.130Duke.Wise! why, no question but he was.Lucio.A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.Duke.Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation.135Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, and he shall appear, to the envious, a scholar, a statesman and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or if your knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice.140Lucio.Sir, I know him, and I love him.Duke.Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge withdearerlove.Lucio.Come, sir, I know what I know.Duke.I can hardly believe that, since you know not145what you speak. But, if ever the Duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name?III. 2150Lucio.Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke.Duke.He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.Lucio.I fear you not.155Duke.O, you hope the Duke will return no more; or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do youlittleharm; you’ll forswear thisagain.Lucio.I’ll be hanged first: thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die160to-morrow or no?Duke.Why should he die, sir?Lucio.Why? For filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would the Duke we talk of were returned again: this ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency;165sparrows must not build in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous. The Duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light: would he were returned! Marry,this Claudiois condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar: I prithee, pray for170me. The Duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays.He’s not past it yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though shesmeltbrown bread and garlic: say that Isaidso. Farewell.Exit.Duke.No might nor greatness in mortalityIII. 2175Can censure ’scape; back-wounding calumnyThe whitest virtue strikes. What king so strongCan tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?But who comes here?EnterEscalus, Provost, andOfficerswithMistress Overdone.Escal.Go; away with her to prison!180Mrs Ov.Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man; good my lord.Escal.Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind! This would make mercyswearand play the tyrant.185Prov.A bawd of eleven years’ continuance, may it please your honour.Mrs Ov.My lord, this is one Lucio’s information against me. Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child byhim in the Duke’s time; he promised her marriage: his190child is a year and a quarter old, come Philip and Jacob: I have kept it myself; and see how he goes about to abuse me!Escal.That fellow is a fellow of much license: let him be called before us. Away with her to prison! Go195to; no more words. [Exeunt Officers with Mistress Ov.] Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered; Claudio must die to-morrow: let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation. If my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.III. 2200Prov.So please you, this friar hath been with him, and advised him for the entertainment of death.Escal.Goodeven, good father.Duke.Bliss and goodness on you!Escal.Of whence are you?205Duke.Not of this country, though my chance is nowTo use it for my time: I am a brotherOf gracious order, late come from theSeeIn special business from his Holiness.Escal.What news abroad i’ the world?210Duke.None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request;and it is asdangerous to be aged in any kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in anyundertaking. Thereis scarce truth enough alive to make societies215secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurst:— much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day’s news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the Duke?Escal.One that, above all other strifes, contended220especiallyto know himself.Duke.What pleasure was he given to?Escal.Rather rejoicing to see another merry, thanmerry at any thing which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. But leave we him to hisIII. 2225events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.Duke.He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to230the determination of justice: yet had he framed to himself, by the instruction of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I, by my goodleisure, have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die.Escal.You have paid the heavensyour function, and235the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have laboured for the poor gentleman to the extremest shore of my modesty: but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forced me to tell him he is indeed Justice.Duke.If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding,240it shall become him well; wherein if he chance to fail, he hath sentenced himself.Escal.I am going to visit the prisoner. Fare you well.
Isab.Why,As all comforts are;most good, most good indeed.Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,Intends you for his swift ambassador,60Where you shall be an everlastingleiger:Therefore your best appointment make with speed;To-morrow youset on.
Isab.Why,
As all comforts are;most good, most good indeed.
Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,
Intends you for his swift ambassador,
60Where you shall be an everlastingleiger:
Therefore your best appointment make with speed;
To-morrow youset on.
Claud.
Is there no remedy?
Isab.None, but such remedy as, to save a head,Tocleave a heart in twain.
Isab.None, but such remedy as, to save a head,
Tocleave a heart in twain.
Claud.
But is there any?
65Isab.Yes, brother, you may live:There is a devilish mercy in the judge,If you’ll implore it, that will free your life,But fetter you till death.
65Isab.Yes, brother, you may live:
There is a devilish mercy in the judge,
If you’ll implore it, that will free your life,
But fetter you till death.
Claud.
Perpetual durance?
Isab.Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint,70Thoughall the world’s vastidity you had,To a determined scope.
Isab.Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint,
70Thoughall the world’s vastidity you had,
To a determined scope.
Claud.
But in what nature?
Isab.In such a one as, you consenting to’t,Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,And leave you naked.
Isab.In such a one as, you consenting to’t,
Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,
And leave you naked.
Claud.
Let me know the point.
III. 175Isab.O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain,And six or seven winters more respectThan a perpetual honour. Darest thou die?75The sense of death is most in apprehension;And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,In corporal sufferance finds a pang as greatAs when a giant dies.
III. 175Isab.O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,
Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain,
And six or seven winters more respect
Than a perpetual honour. Darest thou die?
75The sense of death is most in apprehension;
And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dies.
Claud.Why give you me this shame?Think you Ican a resolution fetch80From flowerytenderness? If I must die,I will encounter darkness as a bride,And hug it in mine arms.
Claud.
Why give you me this shame?
Think you Ican a resolution fetch
80From flowerytenderness? If I must die,
I will encounter darkness as a bride,
And hug it in mine arms.
Isab.There spake my brother; there my father’s graveDid utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:85Thou art too noble to conserve a lifeIn baseappliances. This outward-sainted deputy,Whose settled visage and deliberate wordNips youth i’ thehead, and follies doth emmewAsfalcondoth the fowl, is yet a devil;90Hisfilthwithin being cast, he would appearApondas deep as hell.
Isab.There spake my brother; there my father’s grave
Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:
85Thou art too noble to conserve a life
In baseappliances. This outward-sainted deputy,
Whose settled visage and deliberate word
Nips youth i’ thehead, and follies doth emmew
Asfalcondoth the fowl, is yet a devil;
90Hisfilthwithin being cast, he would appear
Apondas deep as hell.
Claud.
TheprenzieAngelo!
Isab.O, ’tis the cunning livery of hell,Thedamned’stbody to invest and coverInprenzieguards! Dost thou think, Claudio?—95If I would yield him my virginity,Thou mightst be freed.
Isab.O, ’tis the cunning livery of hell,
Thedamned’stbody to invest and cover
Inprenzieguards! Dost thou think, Claudio?—
95If I would yield him my virginity,
Thou mightst be freed.
Claud.
O heavens! it cannot be.
Isab.Yes, he wouldgive’tthee,fromthis rank offence,So to offend him still. This night’s the timeThat I should do what I abhor to name,Or else thou diest to-morrow.
Isab.Yes, he wouldgive’tthee,fromthis rank offence,
So to offend him still. This night’s the time
That I should do what I abhor to name,
Or else thou diest to-morrow.
III. 1100Claud.
Thou shalt not do’t.
Isab.O, were it but my life,I’ld throw it down for your deliveranceAs frankly as a pin.
Isab.O, were it but my life,
I’ld throw it down for your deliverance
As frankly as a pin.
Claud.
Thanks,dearIsabel.
Isab.Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow.
105Claud.Yes. Hasheaffections in him,That thus can make him bite the law by the nose,When he would force it? Sure, it is no sin;Or of the deadly seven it is the least.
105Claud.Yes. Hasheaffections in him,
That thus can make him bite the law by the nose,
When he would force it? Sure, it is no sin;
Or of the deadly seven it is the least.
Isab.Which is the least?
110Claud.If it were damnable, he being so wise,Whywould he for the momentary trickBe perdurably fined?—O Isabel!
110Claud.If it were damnable, he being so wise,
Whywould he for the momentary trick
Be perdurably fined?—O Isabel!
Isab.What says my brother?
Claud.
Death is a fearful thing.
Isab.And shamed life a hateful.
115Claud.Ay, but to die, and go we know not where;To lie in cold obstruction and to rot;This sensible warm motion to becomeA kneaded clod; and thedelightedspiritTo bathe in fiery floods, or toreside120In thrillingregionof thick-ribbed ice;To be imprison’d in the viewless winds,And blown with restless violence round aboutThe pendent world; or to be worse than worstOfthose that lawless and incertain thoughtIII. 1125Imaginehowling:—’tis too horrible!The weariest and most loathed worldly lifeThat age, ache,penury, andimprisonmentCan lay on nature is a paradiseTo what we fear of death.
115Claud.Ay, but to die, and go we know not where;
To lie in cold obstruction and to rot;
This sensible warm motion to become
A kneaded clod; and thedelightedspirit
To bathe in fiery floods, or toreside
120In thrillingregionof thick-ribbed ice;
To be imprison’d in the viewless winds,
And blown with restless violence round about
The pendent world; or to be worse than worst
Ofthose that lawless and incertain thought
III. 1125Imaginehowling:—’tis too horrible!
The weariest and most loathed worldly life
That age, ache,penury, andimprisonment
Can lay on nature is a paradise
To what we fear of death.
Isab.Alas, alas!
130Claud.Sweet sister, let me live:What sin you do to save a brother’s life,Nature dispenses with the deed so farThat it becomes a virtue.
130Claud.
Sweet sister, let me live:
What sin you do to save a brother’s life,
Nature dispenses with the deed so far
That it becomes a virtue.
Isab.O you beast!O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!135Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?Is’t not a kind of incest, to take lifeFrom thine own sister’s shame? What should I think?Heavenshieldmy mother play’d my father fair!For such a warped slip of wilderness140Ne’er issued from his blood. Take my defiance!Die, perish! Mightbut mybending downReprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:I’ll pray a thousand prayers for thy death,No word to save thee.
Isab.
O you beast!
O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!
135Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?
Is’t not a kind of incest, to take life
From thine own sister’s shame? What should I think?
Heavenshieldmy mother play’d my father fair!
For such a warped slip of wilderness
140Ne’er issued from his blood. Take my defiance!
Die, perish! Mightbut mybending down
Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:
I’ll pray a thousand prayers for thy death,
No word to save thee.
Claud.Nay, hear me, Isabel.
145Isab.O, fie, fie, fie!Thy sin’s not accidental, but a trade.Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd:’Tis best that thou diest quickly.
145Isab.
O, fie, fie, fie!
Thy sin’s not accidental, but a trade.
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd:
’Tis best that thou diest quickly.
Claud.
O, hear me, Isabella!
Duke.Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.
III. 1150Isab.What is your will?
Duke.Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.
Isab.I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be155stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile.Walks apart.
Duke.Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures:160she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: do notsatisfyyour resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go165to your knees, and make ready.
Claud.Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.
Duke.Hold you there: farewell. [Exit Claudio.] Provost, a word with you!
170Prov.What’s your will, father?
Duke.That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company.
Prov.In good time.
Exit Provost. Isabella comes forward.
III. 1175Duke.The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: the goodness that ischeapin beauty makes beauty briefin goodness; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath madeto you, fortune hath conveyed to180my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?
Isab.I am now going to resolvehim: I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully185born. But, O, how much is the good Duke deceived in Angelo! If ever he return and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government.
Duke.That shall not be much amiss: yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial190of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on myadvisings: to the love I have in doing gooda remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may mostuprighteouslydo a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious195person; and much please the absent Duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business.
Isab.Let me hear you speakfarther. I have spirit to do any thing that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit.
Duke.Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. HaveIII. 1200you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the great soldier who miscarried at sea?
Isab.I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.
Duke.Sheshould this Angelo have married;wasaffianced205to herbyoath,andthe nuptial appointed: between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble210and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural; with him, the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo.
Isab.Can this be so? did Angelo so leave her?
215Duke.Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour: infew, bestowedher onher own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he,a marbleto hertears, is washed with them, but relents not.
220Isab.What a merit were it in death to take this poormaid from the world! What corruption in this life, that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she avail?
Duke.It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps youIII. 1225from dishonour in doing it.
Isab.Show me how, good father.
Duke.This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection: his unjustunkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment230in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and235silence in it; and the place answer to convenience. This beinggranted in course,—and now follows all,—we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place; if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense: and here, by240this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt Deputyscaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceitfromreproof. What think245you of it?
Isab.The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.
Duke.It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to hisIII. 1250bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke’s: there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.
Isab.I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well,255good father.
Exeunt severally.
Elb.Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard.
Duke.O heavens! what stuff is here?
5Pom.’Twas never merry world since, of twousuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allowedby order of law a furred gownto keep him warm; and furred withfox and lamb-skinstoo, to signify, that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing.
10Elb.Come your way, sir. ’Bless you, goodfatherfriar.
Duke.And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir?
Elb.Marry, sir, he hath offended the law: and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him,15sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the Deputy.
Duke.Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd!The evil that thou causest to be done,That is thy means to live. Do thou but thinkWhat ’tis to cram a maw or clothe a back20From such a filthy vice: say to thyself,From their abominable and beastly touchesI drink, Ieat, array myself, and live.Canst thou believe thy living is a life,So stinkingly depending?Go mend, go mend.
Duke.Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd!
The evil that thou causest to be done,
That is thy means to live. Do thou but think
What ’tis to cram a maw or clothe a back
20From such a filthy vice: say to thyself,
From their abominable and beastly touches
I drink, Ieat, array myself, and live.
Canst thou believe thy living is a life,
So stinkingly depending?Go mend, go mend.
III. 225Pom.Indeed, itdoesstink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir, I would prove—
Duke.Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin,Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer:Correction and instruction must both work30Ere this rude beast will profit.
Duke.Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin,
Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer:
Correction and instruction must both work
30Ere this rude beast will profit.
Elb.He must before the Deputy, sir; he has given him warning: the Deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand.
35Duke.That we were all, as some would seem to be,From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!
35Duke.That we were all, as some would seem to be,
From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!
Elb.His neck will come to yourwaist,—a cord, sir.
Pom.I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here’s a gentleman and a friend of mine.
40Lucio.How now, noble Pompey! What, at thewheelsof Caesar? art thou led in triumph? What, is there none of Pygmalion’s images, newly made woman, to be had now, for putting the hand in the pocket and extractingitclutched? What reply, ha? What sayest thou tothis tune,45matter and method? Is’t not drowned i’ the last rain, ha? What sayest thou,Trot? Is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how? The trick of it?
Duke.Still thus, and thus; still worse!
III. 250Lucio.How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she still, ha?
Pom.Troth, sir, she hath eaten up allherbeef, and she is herself in the tub.
Lucio.Why, ’tis good; it is the right of it; it must be55so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd: an unshunned consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?
Pom.Yes, faith, sir.
Lucio.Why, ’tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell: go,60say I sent thee thither. For debt, Pompey? or how?
Elb.For being a bawd, for being a bawd.
Lucio.Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, ’tis his right: bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity too; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey.65Commend me to the prison, Pompey: you will turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the house.
Pom.I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.
Lucio.No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase yourbondage: if70you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu, trusty Pompey. ’Bless you, friar.
Duke.And you.
Lucio.Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha?
Elb.Come your ways, sir; come.
III. 275Pom.You will not bail me, then, sir?
Lucio.Then, Pompey, nor now. What news abroad, friar? what news?
Elb.Come your ways, sir; come.
Lucio.Go to kennel, Pompey; go. [Exeunt Elbow,80Pompey and Officers.] What news, friar, of the Duke?
Duke.I know none. Can you tell me of any?
Lucio.Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you?
Duke.I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him85well.
Lucio.It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to’t.
90Duke.He does well in’t.
Lucio.A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar.
Duke.It is toogenerala vice, and severity must cure it.
95Lucio.Yes, in good sooth, the vice is ofa greatkindred; it is well allied: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down. They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman afterthisdownright way of creation: is it true, think you?
III. 2100Duke.How should he be made, then?
Lucio.Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that, when he makes water, his urine is congealed ice; that I know to be true: and heis a motion generative;105that’s infallible.
Duke.You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace.
Lucio.Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the Duke that is absent have done this? Ere he110would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand: he had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy.
Duke.I never heard the absent Duke muchdetected115for women; he was not inclined that way.
Lucio.O, sir, you are deceived.
Duke.’Tis not possible.
Lucio.Who, not the Duke? yes, your beggar of fifty; and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish: the Duke120had crotchets in him. He would be drunk too; that let me inform you.
Duke.You do him wrong, surely.
Lucio.Sir, I was an inward of his. Ashyfellow was the Duke: and I believe I know the cause of hisIII. 2125withdrawing.
Duke.What,Iprithee, might be the cause?
Lucio.No, pardon; ’tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, the greater file of the subject held the Duke to be wise.
130Duke.Wise! why, no question but he was.
Lucio.A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.
Duke.Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation.135Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, and he shall appear, to the envious, a scholar, a statesman and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or if your knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice.
140Lucio.Sir, I know him, and I love him.
Duke.Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge withdearerlove.
Lucio.Come, sir, I know what I know.
Duke.I can hardly believe that, since you know not145what you speak. But, if ever the Duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name?
III. 2150Lucio.Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke.
Duke.He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.
Lucio.I fear you not.
155Duke.O, you hope the Duke will return no more; or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do youlittleharm; you’ll forswear thisagain.
Lucio.I’ll be hanged first: thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die160to-morrow or no?
Duke.Why should he die, sir?
Lucio.Why? For filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would the Duke we talk of were returned again: this ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency;165sparrows must not build in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous. The Duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light: would he were returned! Marry,this Claudiois condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar: I prithee, pray for170me. The Duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays.He’s not past it yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though shesmeltbrown bread and garlic: say that Isaidso. Farewell.Exit.
Duke.No might nor greatness in mortalityIII. 2175Can censure ’scape; back-wounding calumnyThe whitest virtue strikes. What king so strongCan tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?But who comes here?
Duke.No might nor greatness in mortality
III. 2175Can censure ’scape; back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong
Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?
But who comes here?
Escal.Go; away with her to prison!
180Mrs Ov.Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man; good my lord.
Escal.Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind! This would make mercyswearand play the tyrant.
185Prov.A bawd of eleven years’ continuance, may it please your honour.
Mrs Ov.My lord, this is one Lucio’s information against me. Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child byhim in the Duke’s time; he promised her marriage: his190child is a year and a quarter old, come Philip and Jacob: I have kept it myself; and see how he goes about to abuse me!
Escal.That fellow is a fellow of much license: let him be called before us. Away with her to prison! Go195to; no more words. [Exeunt Officers with Mistress Ov.] Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered; Claudio must die to-morrow: let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation. If my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.
III. 2200Prov.So please you, this friar hath been with him, and advised him for the entertainment of death.
Escal.Goodeven, good father.
Duke.Bliss and goodness on you!
Escal.Of whence are you?
205Duke.Not of this country, though my chance is nowTo use it for my time: I am a brotherOf gracious order, late come from theSeeIn special business from his Holiness.
205Duke.Not of this country, though my chance is now
To use it for my time: I am a brother
Of gracious order, late come from theSee
In special business from his Holiness.
Escal.What news abroad i’ the world?
210Duke.None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request;and it is asdangerous to be aged in any kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in anyundertaking. Thereis scarce truth enough alive to make societies215secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurst:— much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day’s news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the Duke?
Escal.One that, above all other strifes, contended220especiallyto know himself.
Duke.What pleasure was he given to?
Escal.Rather rejoicing to see another merry, thanmerry at any thing which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. But leave we him to hisIII. 2225events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.
Duke.He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to230the determination of justice: yet had he framed to himself, by the instruction of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I, by my goodleisure, have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die.
Escal.You have paid the heavensyour function, and235the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have laboured for the poor gentleman to the extremest shore of my modesty: but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forced me to tell him he is indeed Justice.
Duke.If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding,240it shall become him well; wherein if he chance to fail, he hath sentenced himself.
Escal.I am going to visit the prisoner. Fare you well.