Iul. I doe repent me, as it is an euill,And take the shame with ioy
Duke. There rest:Your partner (as I heare) must die to morrow,And I am going with instruction to him:Grace goe with you, Benedicite.
Enter.
Iul. Must die to morrow? oh iniurious LoueThat respits me a life, whose very comfortIs still a dying horror
Pro. 'Tis pitty of him.
Exeunt.
Scena Quarta.
Enter Angelo.
An. When I would pray, & think, I thinke, and prayTo seuerall subiects: heauen hath my empty words,Whilst my Inuention, hearing not my Tongue,Anchors on Isabell: heauen in my mouth,As if I did but onely chew his name,And in my heart the strong and swelling euillOf my conception: the state whereon I studiedIs like a good thing, being often readGrowne feard, and tedious: yea, my GrauitieWherein (let no man heare me) I take pride,Could I, with boote, change for an idle plumeWhich the ayre beats for vaine: oh place, oh forme,How often dost thou with thy case, thy habitWrench awe from fooles, and tye the wiser soulesTo thy false seeming? Blood, thou art blood,Let's write good Angell on the Deuills horne'Tis not the Deuills Crest: how now? who's there?
Enter Seruant.
Ser. One Isabell, a Sister, desires accesse to you
Ang. Teach her the way: oh, heauensWhy doe's my bloud thus muster to my heart,Making both it vnable for it selfe,And dispossessing all my other partsOf necessary fitnesse?So play the foolish throngs with one that swounds,Come all to help him, and so stop the ayreBy which hee should reuiue: and euen soThe generall subiect to a wel-wisht KingQuit their owne part, and in obsequious fondnesseCrowd to his presence, where their vn-taught loueMust needs appear offence: how now faire Maid.
Enter Isabella.
Isab. I am come to know your pleasure
An. That you might know it, wold much better please me,Then to demand what 'tis: your Brother cannot liue
Isab. Euen so: heauen keepe your Honor
Ang. Yet may he liue a while: and it may beAs long as you, or I: yet he must die
Isab. Vnder your Sentence?Ang. Yea
Isab. When, I beseech you: that in his Reprieue(Longer, or shorter) he may be so fittedThat his soule sicken not
Ang. Ha? fie, these filthy vices: It were as goodTo pardon him, that hath from nature stolneA man already made, as to remitTheir sawcie sweetnes, that do coyne heauens ImageIn stamps that are forbid: 'tis all as easie,Falsely to take away a life true made,As to put mettle in restrained meanesTo make a false one
Isab. 'Tis set downe so in heauen, but not in earth
Ang. Say you so: then I shall poze you quickly.Which had you rather, that the most iust LawNow tooke your brothers life, and to redeeme himGiue vp your body to such sweet vncleannesseAs she that he hath staind?Isab. Sir, beleeue this.I had rather giue my body, then my soule
Ang. I talke not of your soule: our compel'd sinsStand more for number, then for accompt
Isab. How say you?Ang. Nay Ile not warrant that: for I can speakeAgainst the thing I say: Answere to this,I (now the voyce of the recorded Law)Pronounce a sentence on your Brothers life,Might there not be a charitie in sinne,To saue this Brothers life?Isab. Please you to doo't,Ile take it as a perill to my soule,It is no sinne at all, but charitie
Ang. Pleas'd you to doo't, at perill of your souleWere equall poize of sinne, and charitie
Isab. That I do beg his life, if it be sinneHeauen let me beare it: you granting of my suit,If that be sin, Ile make it my Morne-praier,To haue it added to the faults of mine,And nothing of your answere
Ang. Nay, but heare me,Your sence pursues not mine: either you are ignorant,Or seeme so crafty; and that's not good
Isab. Let be ignorant, and in nothing good,But graciously to know I am no better
Ang. Thus wisdome wishes to appeare most bright,When it doth taxe it selfe: As these blacke MasquesProclaime an en-shield beauty ten times louderThen beauty could displaied: But marke me,To be receiued plaine, Ile speake more grosse:Your Brother is to dye
Isab. So
Ang. And his offence is so, as it appeares,Accountant to the Law, vpon that paine
Isab. True
Ang. Admit no other way to saue his life(As I subscribe not that, nor any other,But in the losse of question) that you, his Sister,Finding your selfe desir'd of such a person,Whose creadit with the Iudge, or owne great place,Could fetch your Brother from the ManaclesOf the all-building-Law: and that there wereNo earthly meane to saue him, but that eitherYou must lay downe the treasures of your body,To this supposed, or else to let him suffer:What would you doe?Isab. As much for my poore Brother, as my selfe;That is: were I vnder the tearmes of death,Th' impression of keene whips, I'ld weare as Rubies,And strip my selfe to death, as to a bed,That longing haue bin sicke for, ere I'ld yeeldMy body vp to shame
Ang. Then must your brother die
Isa. And 'twer the cheaper way:Better it were a brother dide at once,Then that a sister, by redeeming himShould die for euer
Ang. Were not you then as cruell as the Sentence,That you haue slander'd so?Isa. Ignomie in ransome, and free pardonAre of two houses: lawfull mercie,Is nothing kin to fowle redemption
Ang. You seem'd of late to make the Law a tirant,And rather prou'd the sliding of your brotherA merriment, then a vice
Isa. Oh pardon me my Lord, it oft fals outTo haue, what we would haue,We speake not what we meane;I something do excuse the thing I hate,For his aduantage that I dearely loue
Ang. We are all fraile
Isa. Else let my brother die,If not a fedarie but onely heOwe, and succeed thy weaknesse
Ang. Nay, women are fraile too
Isa. I, as the glasses where they view themselues,Which are as easie broke as they make formes:Women? Helpe heauen; men their creation marreIn profiting by them: Nay, call vs ten times fraile,For we are soft, as our complexions are,And credulous to false prints
Ang. I thinke it well:And from this testimonie of your owne sex(Since I suppose we are made to be no strongerThen faults may shake our frames) let me be bold;I do arrest your words. Be that you are,That is a woman; if you be more, you'r none.If you be one (as you are well exprestBy all externall warrants) shew it now,By putting on the destin'd Liuerie
Isa. I haue no tongue but one; gentle my Lord,Let me entreate you speake the former language
Ang. Plainlie conceiue I loue you
Isa. My brother did loue Iuliet,And you tell me that he shall die for't
Ang. He shall not Isabell if you giue me loue
Isa. I know your vertue hath a licence in't,Which seemes a little fouler then it is,To plucke on others
Ang. Beleeue me on mine Honor,My words expresse my purpose
Isa. Ha? Little honor, to be much beleeu'd,And most pernitious purpose: Seeming, seeming.I will proclaime thee Angelo, looke for't.Signe me a present pardon for my brother,Or with an out-stretcht throate Ile tell the world aloudWhat man thou art
Ang. Who will beleeue thee Isabell?My vnsoild name, th' austeerenesse of my life,My vouch against you, and my place i'th State,Will so your accusation ouer-weigh,That you shall stifle in your owne report,And smell of calumnie. I haue begun,And now I giue my sensuall race, the reine,Fit thy consent to my sharpe appetite,Lay by all nicetie, and prolixious blushesThat banish what they sue for: Redeeme thy brother,By yeelding vp thy bodie to my will,Or else he must not onelie die the death,But thy vnkindnesse shall his death draw outTo lingring sufferance: Answer me to morrow,Or by the affection that now guides me most,Ile proue a Tirant to him. As for you,Say what you can; my false, ore-weighs your true.
Exit
Isa. To whom should I complaine? Did I tell this,Who would beleeue me? O perilous mouthesThat beare in them, one and the selfesame tongue,Either of condemnation, or approofe,Bidding the Law make curtsie to their will,Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite,To follow as it drawes. Ile to my brother,Though he hath falne by prompture of the blood,Yet hath he in him such a minde of Honor,That had he twentie heads to tender downeOn twentie bloodie blockes, hee'ld yeeld them vp,Before his sister should her bodie stoopeTo such abhord pollution.Then Isabell liue chaste, and brother die;``More then our Brother, is our Chastitie.Ile tell him yet of Angelo's request,And fit his minde to death, for his soules rest.
Enter.
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
Enter Duke, Claudio, and Prouost.
Du. So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?Cla. The miserable haue no other medicineBut onely hope: I'haue hope to liue, and am prepar'd todie
Duke. Be absolute for death: either death or lifeShall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life:If I do loose thee, I do loose a thingThat none but fooles would keepe: a breath thou art,Seruile to all the skyie-influencesThat dost this habitation where thou keepstHourely afflict: Meerely, thou art deaths foole,For him thou labourst by thy flight to shun,And yet runst toward him still. Thou art not noble,For all th' accommodations that thou bearst,Are nurst by basenesse: Thou'rt by no meanes valiant,For thou dost feare the soft and tender forkeOf a poore worme: thy best of rest is sleepe,And that thou oft prouoakst, yet grosselie fearstThy death, which is no more. Thou art not thy selfe,For thou exists on manie a thousand grainesThat issue out of dust. Happie thou art not,For what thou hast not, still thou striu'st to get,And what thou hast forgetst. Thou art not certaine,For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,After the Moone: If thou art rich, thou'rt poore,For like an Asse, whose backe with Ingots bowes;Thou bearst thy heauie riches but a iournie,And death vnloads thee; Friend hast thou none.For thine owne bowels which do call thee, fireThe meere effusion of thy proper loinesDo curse the Gowt, Sapego, and the RheumeFor ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth, nor ageBut as it were an after-dinners sleepeDreaming on both, for all thy blessed youthBecomes as aged, and doth begge the almesOf palsied-Eld: and when thou art old, and richThou hast neither heate, affection, limbe, nor beautieTo make thy riches pleasant: what's yet in thisThat beares the name of life? Yet in this lifeLie hid moe thousand deaths; yet death we feareThat makes these oddes, all euen
Cla. I humblie thanke you.To sue to liue, I finde I seeke to die,And seeking death, finde life: Let it come on.
Enter Isabella.
Isab. What hoa? Peace heere; Grace, and good companie
Pro. Who's there? Come in, the wish deserues a welcome
Duke. Deere sir, ere long Ile visit you againe
Cla. Most holie Sir, I thanke you
Isa. My businesse is a word or two with Claudio
Pro. And verie welcom: looke Signior, here's your sister
Duke. Prouost, a word with you
Pro. As manie as you please
Duke. Bring them to heare me speak, where I may beconceal'd
Cla. Now sister, what's the comfort?Isa. Why,As all comforts are: most good, most good indeede,Lord Angelo hauing affaires to heauenIntends you for his swift Ambassador,Where you shall be an euerlasting Leiger;Therefore your best appointment make with speed,To Morrow you set on
Clau. Is there no remedie?Isa. None, but such remedie, as to saue a headTo cleaue a heart in twaine:Clau. But is there anie?Isa. Yes brother, you may liue;There is a diuellish mercie in the Iudge,If you'l implore it, that will free your life,But fetter you till death
Cla. Perpetuall durance?Isa. I iust, perpetuall durance, a restraintThrough all the worlds vastiditie you hadTo a determin'd scope
Clau. But in what nature?Isa. In such a one, as you consenting too't,Would barke your honor from that trunke you beare,And leaue you naked
Clau. Let me know the point
Isa. Oh, I do feare thee Claudio, and I quake,Least thou a feauorous life shouldst entertaine,And six or seuen winters more respectThen a perpetuall Honor. Dar'st thou die?The sence of death is most in apprehension,And the poore Beetle that we treade vponIn corporall sufferance, finds a pang as great,As when a Giant dies
Cla. Why giue you me this shame?Thinke you I can a resolution fetchFrom flowrie tendernesse? If I must die,I will encounter darknesse as a bride,And hugge it in mine armes
Isa. There spake my brother: there my fathers graueDid vtter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:Thou art too noble, to conserue a lifeIn base appliances. This outward sainted Deputie,Whose setled visage, and deliberate wordNips youth i'th head, and follies doth emmewAs Falcon doth the Fowle, is yet a diuell:His filth within being cast, he would appeareA pond, as deepe as hell
Cla. The prenzie, Angelo?Isa. Oh 'tis the cunning Liuerie of hell,The damnest bodie to inuest, and couerIn prenzie gardes; dost thou thinke Claudio,If I would yeeld him my virginitieThou might'st be freed?Cla. Oh heauens, it cannot be
Isa. Yes, he would giu't thee; from this rank offenceSo to offend him still. This night's the timeThat I should do what I abhorre to name,Or else thou diest to morrow
Clau. Thou shalt not do't
Isa. O, were it but my life,I'de throw it downe for your deliueranceAs frankely as a pin
Clau. Thankes deere Isabell
Isa. Be readie Claudio, for your death to morrow
Clau. Yes. Has he affections in him,That thus can make him bite the Law by th' nose,When he would force it? Sure it is no sinne,Or of the deadly seuen it is the least
Isa. Which is the least?Cla. If it were damnable, he being so wise,Why would he for the momentarie trickeBe perdurablie fin'de? Oh Isabell
Isa. What saies my brother?Cla. Death is a fearefull thing
Isa. And shamed life, a hatefull
Cla. I, but to die, and go we know not where,To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot,This sensible warme motion, to becomeA kneaded clod; And the delighted spiritTo bath in fierie floods, or to recideIn thrilling Region of thicke-ribbed Ice,To be imprison'd in the viewlesse windesAnd blowne with restlesse violence round aboutThe pendant world: or to be worse then worstOf those, that lawlesse and incertaine thought,Imagine howling, 'tis too horrible.The weariest, and most loathed worldly lifeThat Age, Ache, periury, and imprisonmentCan lay on nature, is a ParadiseTo what we feare of death
Isa. Alas, alas
Cla. Sweet Sister, let me liue.What sinne you do, to saue a brothers life,Nature dispenses with the deede so farre,That it becomes a vertue
Isa. Oh you beast,Oh faithlesse Coward, oh dishonest wretch,Wilt thou be made a man, out of my vice?Is't not a kinde of Incest, to take lifeFrom thine owne sisters shame? What should I thinke,Heauen shield my Mother plaid my Father faire:For such a warped slip of wildernesseNere issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance,Die, perish: Might but my bending downeRepreeue thee from thy fate, it should proceede.Ile pray a thousand praiers for thy death,No word to saue thee
Cla. Nay heare me Isabell
Isa. Oh fie, fie, fie:Thy sinn's not accidentall, but a Trade;Mercy to thee would proue it selfe a Bawd,'Tis best that thou diest quickly
Cla. Oh heare me Isabella
Duk. Vouchsafe a word, yong sister, but one word
Isa. What is your Will
Duk. Might you dispense with your leysure, I would by and by haue some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require, is likewise your owne benefit
Isa. I haue no superfluous leysure, my stay must be stolen out of other affaires: but I will attend you a while
Duke. Son, I haue ouer-heard what hath past between you & your sister. Angelo had neuer the purpose to corrupt her; onely he hath made an assay of her vertue, to practise his iudgement with the disposition of natures. She (hauing the truth of honour in her) hath made him that gracious deniall, which he is most glad to receiue: I am Confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true, therfore prepare your selfe to death: do not satisfie your resolution with hopes that are fallible, to morrow you must die, goe to your knees, and make ready
Cla. Let me ask my sister pardon, I am so out of louewith life, that I will sue to be rid of it
Duke. Hold you there: farewell: Prouost, a wordwith you
Pro. What's your will (father?)Duk. That now you are come, you wil be gone: leaueme a while with the Maid, my minde promises with myhabit, no losse shall touch her by my company
Pro. In good time.
Enter.
Duk. The hand that hath made you faire, hath made you good: the goodnes that is cheape in beauty, makes beauty briefe in goodnes; but grace being the soule of your complexion, shall keepe the body of it euer faire: the assault that Angelo hath made to you, Fortune hath conuaid to my vnderstanding; and but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo: how will you doe to content this Substitute, and to saue your Brother? Isab. I am now going to resolue him: I had rather my brother die by the Law, then my sonne should be vnlawfullie borne. But (oh) how much is the good Duke deceiu'd in Angelo: if euer he returne, and I can speake to him, I will open my lips in vaine, or discouer his gouernment
Duke. That shall not be much amisse: yet, as the matter now stands, he will auoid your accusation: he made triall of you onelie. Therefore fasten your eare on my aduisings, to the loue I haue in doing good; a remedie presents it selfe. I doe make my selfe beleeue that you may most vprighteously do a poor wronged Lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry Law; doe no staine to your owne gracious person, and much please the absent Duke, if peraduenture he shall euer returne to haue hearing of this businesse
Isab. Let me heare you speake farther; I haue spirit to do any thing that appeares not fowle in the truth of my spirit
Duke. Vertue is bold, and goodnes neuer fearefull: Haue you not heard speake of Mariana the sister of Fredericke the great Souldier, who miscarried at Sea? Isa. I haue heard of the Lady, and good words went with her name
Duke. Shee should this Angelo haue married: was affianced to her oath, and the nuptiall appointed: between which time of the contract, and limit of the solemnitie, her brother Fredericke was wrackt at Sea, hauing in that perished vessell, the dowry of his sister: but marke how heauily this befell to the poore Gentlewoman, there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his loue toward her, euer most kinde and naturall: with him the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage dowry: with both, her combynate-husband, this well-seeming Angelo
Isab. Can this be so? did Angelo so leaue her? Duke. Left her in her teares, & dried not one of them with his comfort: swallowed his vowes whole, pretending in her, discoueries of dishonor: in few, bestow'd her on her owne lamentation, which she yet weares for his sake: and he, a marble to her teares, is washed with them, but relents not
Isab. What a merit were it in death to take this poore maid from the world? what corruption in this life, that it will let this man liue? But how out of this can shee auaile? Duke. It is a rupture that you may easily heale: and the cure of it not onely saues your brother, but keepes you from dishonor in doing it
Isab. Shew me how (good Father.) Duk. This fore-named Maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection: his vniust vnkindenesse (that in all reason should haue quenched her loue) hath (like an impediment in the Current) made it more violent and vnruly: Goe you to Angelo, answere his requiring with a plausible obedience, agree with his demands to the point: onely referre your selfe to this aduantage; first, that your stay with him may not be long: that the time may haue all shadow, and silence in it: and the place answere to conuenience: this being granted in course, and now followes all: wee shall aduise this wronged maid to steed vp your appointment, goe in your place: if the encounter acknowledge it selfe heereafter, it may compell him to her recompence; and heere, by this is your brother saued, your honor vntainted, the poore Mariana aduantaged, and the corrupt Deputy scaled. The Maid will I frame, and make fit for his attempt: if you thinke well to carry this as you may, the doublenes of the benefit defends the deceit from reproofe. What thinke you of it? Isab. The image of it giues me content already, and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection
Duk. It lies much in your holding vp: haste you speedily to Angelo, if for this night he intreat you to his bed, giue him promise of satisfaction: I will presently to S[aint]. Lukes, there at the moated-Grange recides this deiected Mariana; at that place call vpon me, and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly
Isab. I thank you for this comfort: fare you well good father.
Enter.
Enter Elbow, Clowne, Officers.
Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needes buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall haue all the world drinke browne & white bastard
Duk. Oh heauens, what stuffe is heere
Clow. Twas neuer merry world since of two vsuries the merriest was put downe, and the worser allow'd by order of Law; a fur'd gowne to keepe him warme; and furd with Foxe and Lamb-skins too, to signifie, that craft being richer then Innocency, stands for the facing
Elb. Come your way sir: 'blesse you good FatherFrier
Duk. 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 Theefe too Sir: for wee haue found vpon him Sir, a strange Pick-lock, which we haue sent to the Deputie
Duke. Fie, sirrah, a Bawd, a wicked bawd,The euill that thou causest to be done,That is thy meanes to liue. Do thou but thinkeWhat 'tis to cram a maw, or cloath a backeFrom such a filthie vice: say to thy selfe,From their abhominable and beastly touchesI drinke, I eate away my selfe, and liue:Canst thou beleeue thy liuing is a life,So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend
Clo. Indeed, it do's stinke in some sort, Sir:But yet Sir I would proue
Duke. Nay, if the diuell haue giuen thee proofs for sinThou wilt proue his. Take him to prison Officer:Correction, and Instruction must both workeEre this rude beast will profit
Elb. He must before the Deputy Sir, he ha's giuen him warning: the Deputy cannot abide a Whore-master: if he be a Whore-monger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand
Duke. That we were all, as some would seeme to beeFrom our faults, as faults from seeming free.
Enter Lucio.
Elb. His necke will come to your wast, a Cord sir
Clo. I spy comfort, I cry baile: Here's a Gentleman, and a friend of mine
Luc. How now noble Pompey? What, at the wheels of Cęsar? Art thou led in triumph? What is there none of Pigmalions Images newly made woman to bee had now, for putting the hand in the pocket, and extracting clutch'd? What reply? Ha? What saist thou to this Tune, Matter, and Method? Is't not drown'd i'th last raine? Ha? What saist thou Trot? Is the world as it was Man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? Or how? The tricke of it? Duke. Still thus, and thus: still worse? Luc. How doth my deere Morsell, thy Mistris? Procures she still? Ha? Clo. Troth sir, shee hath eaten vp all her beefe, and she is her selfe in the tub
Luc. Why 'tis good: It is the right of it: it must be so. Euer your fresh Whore, and your pouder'd Baud, an vnshun'd consequence, it must be so. Art going to prison Pompey? Clo. Yes faith sir
Luc. Why 'tis not amisse Pompey: farewell: goe sayI sent thee thether: for debt Pompey? Or how?Elb. For being a baud, for being a baud
Luc. Well, then imprison him: If imprisonment be the due of a baud, why 'tis his right. Baud is he doubtlesse, and of antiquity too: Baud borne. Farwell good Pompey: Commend me to the prison Pompey, you will turne good husband now Pompey, you will keepe the house
Clo. I hope Sir, your good Worship wil be my baile?Luc. No indeed wil I not Pompey, it is not the wear:I will pray (Pompey) to encrease your bondage if youtake it not patiently: Why, your mettle is the more:Adieu trustie Pompey.Blesse you Friar
Duke. And you
Luc. Do's Bridget paint still, Pompey? Ha?Elb. Come your waies sir, come
Clo. You will not baile me then Sir?Luc. Then Pompey, nor now: what newes abroad Frier?What newes?Elb. Come your waies sir, come
Luc. Goe to kennell (Pompey) goe:What newes Frier of the Duke?Duke. I know none: can you tell me of any?Luc. Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia: othersome, he is in Rome: but where is he thinke you?Duke. I know not where: but wheresoeuer, I wishhim well
Luc. It was a mad fantasticall tricke of him to steale from the State, and vsurpe the beggerie hee was neuer borne to: Lord Angelo Dukes it well in his absence: he puts transgression too't
Duke. He do's well in't
Luc. A little more lenitie to Lecherie would doe no harme in him: Something too crabbed that way, Frier
Duk. It is too general a vice, and seueritie must cure it
Luc. Yes in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it is well allied, but it is impossible to extirpe it quite, Frier, till eating and drinking be put downe. They say this Angelo was not made by Man and Woman, after this downe-right way of Creation: is it true, thinke you? Duke. How should he be made then? Luc. Some report, a Sea-maid spawn'd him. Some, that he was begot betweene two Stock-fishes. But it is certaine, that when he makes water, his Vrine is congeal'd ice, that I know to bee true: and he is a motion generatiue, that's infallible
Duke. You are pleasant sir, and speake apace
Luc. Why, what a ruthlesse thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a Cod-peece, to take away the life of a man? Would the Duke that is absent haue done this? Ere he would haue hang'd a man for the getting a hundred Bastards, he would haue paide for the Nursing a thousand. He had some feeling of the sport, hee knew the seruice, and that instructed him to mercie
Duke. I neuer heard the absent Duke much detected for Women, he was not enclin'd that way
Luc. Oh Sir, you are deceiu'd
Duke. 'Tis not possible
Luc. Who, not the Duke? Yes, your beggar of fifty: and his vse was, to put a ducket in her Clack-dish; the Duke had Crochets in him. Hee would be drunke too, that let me informe you
Duke. You do him wrong, surely
Luc. Sir, I was an inward of his: a shie fellow was the Duke, and I beleeue I know the cause of his withdrawing
Duke. What (I prethee) might be the cause? Luc. No, pardon: 'Tis a secret must bee lockt within the teeth and the lippes: but this I can let you vnderstand, the greater file of the subiect held the Duke to be wise
Duke. Wise? Why no question but he was
Luc. A very superficiall, ignorant, vnweighing fellow Duke. Either this is Enuie in you, Folly, or mistaking: The very streame of his life, and the businesse he hath helmed, must vppon a warranted neede, giue him a better proclamation. Let him be but testimonied in his owne bringings forth, and hee shall appeare to the enuious, a Scholler, a Statesman, and a Soldier: therefore you speake vnskilfully: or, if your knowledge bee more, it is much darkned in your malice
Luc. Sir, I know him, and I loue him
Duke. Loue talkes with better knowledge, & knowledge with deare loue
Luc. Come Sir, I know what I know
Duke. I can hardly beleeue that, since you know not what you speake. But if euer the Duke returne (as our praiers are he may) let mee desire you to make your answer before him: if it bee honest you haue spoke, you haue courage to maintaine it; I am bound to call vppon you, and I pray you your name? Luc. Sir my name is Lucio, wel known to the Duke
Duke. He shall know you better Sir, if I may liue to report you
Luc. I feare you not
Duke. O, you hope the Duke will returne no more: or you imagine me to vnhurtfull an opposite: but indeed I can doe you little harme: You'll for-sweare this againe? Luc. Ile be hang'd first: Thou art deceiu'd in mee Friar. But no more of this: Canst thou tell if Claudio die to morrow, or no? Duke. Why should he die Sir? Luc. Why? For filling a bottle with a Tunne-dish: I would the Duke we talke of were return'd againe: this vngenitur'd Agent will vn-people the Prouince with Continencie. Sparrowes must not build in his house-eeues, because they are lecherous: The Duke yet would haue darke deeds darkelie answered, hee would neuer bring them to light: would hee were return'd. Marrie this Claudio is condemned for vntrussing. Farwell good Friar, I prethee pray for me: The Duke (I say to thee againe) would eate Mutton on Fridaies. He's now past it, yet (and I say to thee) hee would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt browne-bread and Garlicke: say that I said so: Farewell.
Enter.
Duke. No might, nor greatnesse in mortalityCan censure scape: Back-wounding calumnieThe whitest vertue strikes. What King so strong,Can tie the gall vp in the slanderous tong?But who comes heere?
Enter Escalus, Prouost, and Bawd.
Esc. Go, away with her to prison
Bawd. Good my Lord be good to mee, your Honor is accounted a mercifull man: good my Lord
Esc. Double, and trebble admonition, and still forfeite in the same kinde? This would make mercy sweare and play the Tirant
Pro. A Bawd of eleuen yeares continuance, may it please your Honor
Bawd. My Lord, this is one Lucio's information against me, Mistris Kate Keepe-downe was with childe by him in the Dukes time, he promis'd her marriage: his Childe is a yeere and a quarter olde come Philip and Iacob: I haue kept it my selfe; and see how hee goes about to abuse me
Esc. That fellow is a fellow of much License: Let him be call'd before vs, Away with her to prison: Goe too, no more words. Prouost, my Brother Angelo will not be alter'd, Claudio must die to morrow: Let him be furnish'd with Diuines, and haue all charitable preparation. If my brother wrought by my pitie, it should not be so with him
Pro. So please you, this Friar hath beene with him, and aduis'd him for th' entertainment of death
Esc. Good' euen, good Father
Duke. Blisse, and goodnesse on you
Esc. Of whence are you?Duke. Not of this Countrie, though my chance is nowTo vse it for my time: I am a brotherOf gracious Order, late come from the Sea,In speciall businesse from his Holinesse
Esc. What newes abroad i'th World? Duke. None, but that there is so great a Feauor on goodnesse, that the dissolution of it must cure it. Noueltie is onely in request, and as it is as dangerous to be aged in any kinde of course, as it is vertuous to be constant in any vndertaking. There is scarse truth enough aliue to make Societies secure, but Securitie enough to make Fellowships accurst: Much vpon this riddle runs the wisedome of the world: This newes is old enough, yet it is euerie daies newes. I pray you Sir, of what disposition was the Duke? Esc. One, that aboue all other strifes, Contended especially to know himselfe
Duke. What pleasure was he giuen to? Esc. Rather reioycing to see another merry, then merrie at anie thing which profest to make him reioice. A Gentleman of all temperance. But leaue wee him to his euents, with a praier they may proue prosperous, & let me desire to know, how you finde Claudio prepar'd? I am made to vnderstand, that you haue lent him visitation
Duke. He professes to haue receiued no sinister measure from his Iudge, but most willingly humbles himselfe to the determination of Iustice: yet had he framed to himselfe (by the instruction of his frailty) manie deceyuing promises of life, which I (by my good leisure) haue discredited to him, and now is he resolu'd to die
Esc. You haue paid the heauens your Function, and the prisoner the verie debt of your Calling. I haue labour'd for the poore Gentleman, to the extremest shore of my modestie, but my brother-Iustice haue I found so seuere, that he hath forc'd me to tell him, hee is indeede Iustice
Duke. If his owne life,Answere the straitnesse of his proceeding,It shall become him well: wherein if he chance to failehe hath sentenc'd himselfe
Esc I am going to visit the prisoner, Fare you well
Duke. Peace be with you.He who the sword of Heauen will beare,Should be as holy, as seueare:Patterne in himselfe to know,Grace to stand, and Vertue go:More, nor lesse to others paying,Then by selfe-offences weighing.Shame to him, whose cruell striking,Kils for faults of his owne liking:Twice trebble shame on Angelo,To weede my vice, and let his grow.Oh, what may Man within him hide,Though Angel on the outward side?How may likenesse made in crimes,Making practise on the Times,To draw with ydle Spiders stringsMost ponderous and substantiall things?Craft against vice, I must applie.With Angelo to night shall lyeHis old betroathed (but despised:)So disguise shall by th' disguisedPay with falshood, false exacting,And performe an olde contracting.
Exit
Actus Quartus. Scoena Prima.
Enter Mariana, and Boy singing.
Song.
Take, oh take those lips away, that so sweetly were forsworne, And those eyes: the breake of day lights that doe mislead the Morne; But my kisses bring againe, bring againe, Seales of loue, but seal'd in vaine, seal'd in vaine.
Enter Duke.
Mar. Breake off thy song, and haste thee quick away,Here comes a man of comfort, whose aduiceHath often still'd my brawling discontent.I cry you mercie, Sir, and well could wishYou had not found me here so musicall.Let me excuse me, and beleeue me so,My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe
Duk. 'Tis good; though Musick oft hath such a charme To make bad, good; and good prouoake to harme. I pray you tell me, hath any body enquir'd for mee here to day; much vpon this time haue I promis'd here to meete
Mar. You haue not bin enquir'd after: I haue sat here all day.
Enter Isabell.
Duk. I doe constantly beleeue you: the time is come euen now. I shall craue your forbearance a little, may be I will call vpon you anone for some aduantage to your selfe
Mar. I am alwayes bound to you.
Enter.
Duk. Very well met, and well come:What is the newes from this good Deputie?Isab. He hath a Garden circummur'd with Bricke,Whose westerne side is with a Vineyard back't;And to that Vineyard is a planched gate,That makes his opening with this bigger Key:This other doth command a little doore,Which from the Vineyard to the Garden leades,There haue I made my promise, vpon theHeauy midle of the night, to call vpon him
Duk. But shall you on your knowledge find this way?Isab. I haue t'ane a due, and wary note vpon't,With whispering, and most guiltie diligence,In action all of precept, he did show meThe way twice ore
Duk. Are there no other tokensBetweene you 'greed, concerning her obseruance?Isab. No: none but onely a repaire ith' darke,And that I haue possest him, my most stayCan be but briefe: for I haue made him know,I haue a Seruant comes with me alongThat staies vpon me; whose perswasion is,I come about my Brother
Duk. 'Tis well borne vp.I haue not yet made knowne to Mariana
Enter Mariana.
A word of this: what hoa, within; come forth,I pray you be acquainted with this Maid,She comes to doe you good
Isab. I doe desire the like
Duk. Do you perswade your selfe that I respect you?Mar. Good Frier, I know you do, and haue found it
Duke. Take then this your companion by the handWho hath a storie readie for your eare:I shall attend your leisure, but make hasteThe vaporous night approaches
Mar. Wilt please you walke aside.
Enter.
Duke. Oh Place, and greatnes: millions of false eiesAre stucke vpon thee: volumes of reportRun with these false, and most contrarious QuestVpon thy doings: thousand escapes of witMake thee the father of their idle dreame,And racke thee in their fancies. Welcome, how agreed?
Enter Mariana and Isabella.
Isab. Shee'll take the enterprize vpon her father,If you aduise it
Duke. It is not my consent,But my entreaty too
Isa. Little haue you to sayWhen you depart from him, but soft and low,Remember now my brother
Mar. Feare me not
Duk. Nor gentle daughter, feare you not at all:He is your husband on a pre-contract:To bring you thus together 'tis no sinne,Sith that the Iustice of your title to himDoth flourish the deceit. Come, let vs goe,Our Corne's to reape, for yet our Tithes to sow.
Exeunt.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Prouost and Clowne.
Pro. Come hither sirha; can you cut off a mans head?Clo. If the man be a Bachelor Sir, I can:But if he be a married man, he's his wiues head,And I can neuer cut off a womans head
Pro. Come sir, leaue me your snatches, and yeeld mee a direct answere. To morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine: heere 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 redeeme you from your Gyues: if not, you shall haue your full time of imprisonment, and your deliuerance with an vnpittied whipping; for you haue beene a notorious bawd
Clo. Sir, I haue beene an vnlawfull bawd, time out of minde, but yet I will bee content to be a lawfull hangman: I would bee glad to receiue some instruction from my fellow partner
Pro. What hoa, Abhorson: where's Abhorson there?
Enter Abhorson.
Abh. Doe you call sir? Pro. Sirha, here's a fellow will helpe you to morrow in your execution: if you thinke it meet, compound with him by the yeere, and let him abide here with you, if not, vse him for the present, and dismisse him, hee cannot plead his estimation with you: he hath beene a Bawd
Abh. A Bawd Sir? fie vpon him, he will discredit ourmysterie
Pro. Goe too Sir, you waigh equallie: a feather willturne the Scale.
Enter.
Clo. Pray sir, by your good fauor: for surely sir, agood fauor you haue, but that you haue a hanging look:Doe you call sir, your occupation a Mysterie?Abh. I Sir, a Misterie
Clo. Painting Sir, I haue heard say, is a Misterie; and your Whores sir, being members of my occupation, vsing painting, do proue my Occupation, a Misterie: but what Misterie there should be in hanging, if I should be hang'd, I cannot imagine
Abh. Sir, it is a Misterie
Clo. Proofe
Abh. Euerie true mans apparrell fits your Theefe
Clo. If it be too little for your theefe, your true man thinkes it bigge enough. If it bee too bigge for your Theefe, your Theefe thinkes it little enough: So euerie true mans apparrell fits your Theefe. Enter Prouost.
Pro. Are you agreed?Clo. Sir, I will serue him: For I do finde your Hangmanis a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he dothoftner aske forgiuenesse
Pro. You sirrah, prouide your blocke and your Axeto morrow, foure a clocke
Abh. Come on (Bawd) I will instruct thee in myTrade: follow
Clo. I do desire to learne sir: and I hope, if you haue occasion to vse me for your owne turne, you shall finde me y'are. For truly sir, for your kindnesse, I owe you a good turne.
Exit
Pro. Call hether Barnardine and Claudio:Th' one has my pitie; not a iot the other,Being a Murtherer, though he were my brother.
Enter Claudio.
Looke, here's the Warrant Claudio, for thy death,'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to morrowThou must be made immortall. Where's Barnardine?Cla. As fast lock'd vp in sleepe, as guiltlesse labour,When it lies starkely in the Trauellers bones,He will not wake
Pro. Who can do good on him?Well, go, prepare your selfe. But harke, what noise?Heauen giue your spirits comfort: by, and by,I hope it is some pardon, or repreeueFor the most gentle Claudio. Welcome Father.
Enter Duke.
Duke. The best, and wholsomst spirits of the night,Inuellop you, good Prouost: who call'd heere of late?Pro. None since the Curphew rung
Duke. Not Isabell?Pro. No
Duke. They will then er't be long
Pro. What comfort is for Claudio?Duke. There's some in hope
Pro. It is a bitter Deputie
Duke. Not so, not so: his life is paralel'dEuen with the stroke and line of his great Iustice:He doth with holie abstinence subdueThat in himselfe, which he spurres on his powreTo qualifie in others: were he meal'd with thatWhich he corrects, then were he tirrannous,But this being so, he's iust. Now are they come.This is a gentle Prouost, sildome whenThe steeled Gaoler is the friend of men:How now? what noise? That spirit's possest with hast,That wounds th' vnsisting Posterne with these strokes
Pro. There he must stay vntil the OfficerArise to let him in: he is call'd vp
Duke. Haue you no countermand for Claudio yet?But he must die to morrow?Pro. None Sir, none
Duke. As neere the dawning Prouost, as it is,You shall heare more ere Morning
Pro. HappelyYou something know: yet I beleeue there comesNo countermand: no such example haue we:Besides, vpon the verie siege of Iustice,Lord Angelo hath to the publike eareProfest the contrarie.
Enter a Messenger.
Duke. This is his Lords man
Pro. And heere comes Claudio's pardon
Mess. My Lord hath sent you this note,And by mee this further charge;That you swerue not from the smallest Article of it,Neither in time, matter, or other circumstance.Good morrow: for as I take it, it is almost day
Pro. I shall obey him
Duke. This is his Pardon purchas'd by such sin,For which the Pardoner himselfe is in:Hence hath offence his quicke celeritie,When it is borne in high Authority.When Vice makes Mercie; Mercie's so extended,That for the faults loue, is th' offender friended.Now Sir, what newes?Pro. I told you:Lord Angelo (be-like) thinking me remisseIn mine Office, awakens meeWith this vnwonted putting on, methinks strangely:For he hath not vs'd it before
Duk. Pray you let's heare.
The Letter.
Whatsoeuer you may heare to the contrary, let Claudio be executedby foure of the clocke, and in the afternoone Bernardine:For my better satisfaction, let mee haue Claudioshead sent me by fiue. Let this be duely performed with athought that more depends on it, then we must yet deliuer.Thus faile not to doe your Office, as you will answere it atyour perill.What say you to this Sir?Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be executedin th' afternoone?Pro. A Bohemian borne: But here nurst vp & bred,One that is a prisoner nine yeeres old
Duke. How came it, that the absent Duke had not either deliuer'd him to his libertie, or executed him? I haue heard it was euer his manner to do so
Pro. His friends still wrought Repreeues for him:And indeed his fact till now in the gouernment of LordAngelo, came not to an vndoubtfull proofe
Duke. It is now apparant?Pro. Most manifest, and not denied by himselfe
Duke. Hath he borne himselfe penitently in prison? How seemes he to be touch'd? Pro. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully, but as a drunken sleepe, carelesse, wreaklesse, and fearelesse of what's past, present, or to come: insensible of mortality, and desperately mortall
Duke. He wants aduice
Pro. He wil heare none: he hath euermore had the liberty of the prison: giue him leaue to escape hence, hee would not. Drunke many times a day, if not many daies entirely drunke. We haue verie oft awak'd him, as if to carrie him to execution, and shew'd him a seeming warrant for it, it hath not moued him at all
Duke. More of him anon: There is written in your brow Prouost, honesty and constancie; if I reade it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me: but in the boldnes of my cunning, I will lay my selfe in hazard: Claudio, whom heere you haue warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the Law, then Angelo who hath sentenc'd him. To make you vnderstand this in a manifested effect, I craue but foure daies respit: for the which, you are to do me both a present, and a dangerous courtesie
Pro. Pray Sir, in what?Duke. In the delaying death
Pro. Alacke, how may I do it? Hauing the houre limited, and an expresse command, vnder penaltie, to deliuer his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as Claudio's, to crosse 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
Pro. Angelo hath seene them both,And will discouer the fauour
Duke. Oh, death's a great disguiser, and you may adde to it; Shaue the head, and tie the beard, and say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bar'de before his death: you know the course is common. If any thing fall to you vpon this, more then thankes and good fortune, by the Saint whom I professe, I will plead against it with my life
Pro. Pardon me, good Father, it is against my oath
Duke. Were you sworne to the Duke, or to the Deputie?Pro. To him, and to his Substitutes
Duke. You will thinke you haue made no offence, if the Duke auouch the iustice of your dealing? Pro. But what likelihood is in that? Duke. Not a resemblance, but a certainty; yet since I see you fearfull, that neither my coate, integrity, nor perswasion, can with ease attempt you, I wil go further then I meant, to plucke all feares out of you. Looke you Sir, heere is the hand and Seale of the Duke: you know the Charracter I doubt not, and the Signet is not strange to you? Pro. I know them both
Duke. The Contents of this, is the returne of the Duke; you shall anon ouer-reade it at your pleasure: where you shall finde within these two daies, he wil be heere. This is a thing that Angelo knowes not, for hee this very day receiues letters of strange tenor, perchance of the Dukes death, perchance entering into some Monasterie, but by chance nothing of what is writ. Looke, th' vnfolding Starre calles vp the Shepheard; put not your selfe into amazement, how these things should be; all difficulties are but easie when they are knowne. Call your executioner, and off with Barnardines head: I will giue him a present shrift, and aduise him for a better place. Yet you are amaz'd, but this shall absolutely resolue you: Come away, it is almost cleere dawne.
Enter.
Scena Tertia.
Enter Clowne.
Clo. I am as well acquainted heere, as I was in our house of profession: one would thinke it were Mistris Ouerdons owne house, for heere be manie of her olde Customers. First, here's yong Mr Rash, hee's in for a commoditie of browne paper, and olde Ginger, nine score and seuenteene pounds, of which hee made fiue Markes readie money: marrie then, Ginger was not much in request, for the olde Women were all dead. Then is there heere one Mr Caper, at the suite of Master Three-Pile the Mercer, for some foure suites of Peachcolour'd Satten, which now peaches him a beggar. Then haue we heere, yong Dizie, and yong Mr Deepevow, and Mr Copperspurre, and Mr Starue-Lackey the Rapier and dagger man, and yong Drop-heire that kild lustie Pudding, and Mr Forthlight the Tilter, and braue Mr Shootie the great Traueller, and wilde Halfe-Canne that stabb'd Pots, and I thinke fortie more, all great doers in our Trade, and are now for the Lords sake.
Enter Abhorson.
Abh. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hether
Clo. Mr Barnardine, you must rise and be hang'd,Mr Barnardine
Abh. What hoa Barnardine.
Barnardine within.
Bar. A pox o'your throats: who makes that noysethere? What are you?Clo. Your friends Sir, the Hangman:You must be so good Sir to rise, and be put to death
Bar. Away you Rogue, away, I am sleepie
Abh. Tell him he must awake,And that quickly too
Clo. Pray Master Barnardine, awake till you are executed,and sleepe afterwards
Ab. Go in to him, and fetch him out
Clo. He is comming Sir, he is comming: I heare hisStraw russle.
Enter Barnardine.
Abh. Is the Axe vpon the blocke, sirrah?Clo. Verie readie Sir
Bar. How now Abhorson?What's the newes with you?Abh. Truly Sir, I would desire you to clap into yourprayers: for looke you, the Warrants come
Bar. You Rogue, I haue bin drinking all night,I am not fitted for't
Clo. Oh, the better Sir: for he that drinkes all night, and is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleepe the sounder all the next day.
Enter Duke.
Abh. Looke you Sir, heere comes your ghostly Father: do we iest now thinke you? Duke. Sir, induced by my charitie, and hearing how hastily you are to depart, I am come to aduise you, Comfort you, and pray with you
Bar. Friar, not I: I haue bin drinking hard all night, and I will haue more time to prepare mee, or they shall beat out my braines with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that's certaine
Duke. Oh sir, you must: and therefore I beseech youLooke forward on the iournie you shall go
Bar. I sweare I will not die to day for anie mans perswasion
Duke. But heare you:Bar. Not a word: if you haue anie thing to say to me,come to my Ward: for thence will not I to day.
Exit
Enter Prouost.
Duke. Vnfit to liue, or die: oh grauell heart.After him (Fellowes) bring him to the blocke
Pro. Now Sir, how do you finde the prisoner?Duke. A creature vnprepar'd, vnmeet for death,And to transport him in the minde he is,Were damnable
Pro. Heere in the prison, Father,There died this morning of a cruell Feauor,One Ragozine, a most notorious Pirate,A man of Claudio's yeares: his beard, and headIust of his colour. What if we do omitThis Reprobate, til he were wel enclin'd,And satisfie the Deputie with the visageOf Ragozine, more like to Claudio?Duke. Oh, 'tis an accident that heauen prouides:Dispatch it presently, the houre drawes onPrefixt by Angelo: See this be done,And sent according to command, whiles IPerswade this rude wretch willingly to die
Pro. This shall be done (good Father) presently:But Barnardine must die this afternoone,And how shall we continue Claudio,To saue me from the danger that might come,If he were knowne aliue?Duke. Let this be done,Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio,Ere twice the Sun hath made his iournall greetingTo yond generation, you shal findeYour safetie manifested
Pro. I am your free dependant.
Enter.
Duke. Quicke, dispatch, and send the head to AngeloNow wil I write Letters to Angelo,(The Prouost he shal beare them) whose contentsShal witnesse to him I am neere at home:And that by great Iniunctions I am boundTo enter publikely: him Ile desireTo meet me at the consecrated Fount,A League below the Citie: and from thence,By cold gradation, and weale-ballanc'd forme.We shal proceed with Angelo.
Enter Prouost.
Pro. Heere is the head, Ile carrie it my selfe
Duke. Conuenient is it: Make a swift returne,For I would commune with you of such things,That want no eare but yours
Pro. Ile make all speede.
Exit
Isabell within.
Isa. Peace hoa, be heere
Duke. The tongue of Isabell. She's come to know,If yet her brothers pardon be come hither:But I will keepe her ignorant of her good,To make her heauenly comforts of dispaire,When it is least expected.
Enter Isabella.
Isa. Hoa, by your leaue
Duke. Good morning to you, faire, and graciousdaughter
Isa. The better giuen me by so holy a man,Hath yet the Deputie sent my brothers pardon?Duke. He hath releasd him, Isabell, from the world,His head is off, and sent to Angelo
Isa. Nay, but it is not so
Duke. It is no other,Shew your wisedome daughter in your close patience
Isa. Oh, I wil to him, and plucke out his eies
Duk. You shal not be admitted to his sight
Isa. Vnhappie Claudio, wretched Isabell,Iniurious world, most damned Angelo
Duke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a iot,Forbeare it therefore, giue your cause to heauen.Marke what I say, which you shal findeBy euery sillable a faithful veritie.The Duke comes home to morrow: nay drie your eyes,One of our Couent, and his ConfessorGiues me this instance: Already he hath carriedNotice to Escalus and Angelo,Who do prepare to meete him at the gates,There to giue vp their powre: If you can pace your wisdome,In that good path that I would wish it go,And you shal haue your bosome on this wretch,Grace of the Duke, reuenges to your heart,And general Honor
Isa. I am directed by you
Duk. This Letter then to Friar Peter giue,'Tis that he sent me of the Dukes returne:Say, by this token, I desire his companieAt Mariana's house to night. Her cause, and yoursIle perfect him withall, and he shal bring youBefore the Duke; and to the head of AngeloAccuse him home and home. For my poore selfe,I am combined by a sacred Vow,And shall be absent. Wend you with this Letter:Command these fretting waters from your eiesWith a light heart; trust not my holie OrderIf I peruert your course: whose heere?
Enter Lucio.
Luc. Good' euen;Frier, where's the Prouost?Duke. Not within Sir
Luc. Oh prettie Isabella, I am pale at mine heart, to see thine eyes so red: thou must be patient; I am faine to dine and sup with water and bran: I dare not for my head fill my belly. One fruitful Meale would set mee too't: but they say the Duke will be heere to Morrow. By my troth Isabell I lou'd thy brother, if the olde fantastical Duke of darke corners had bene at home, he had liued
Duke. Sir, the Duke is marueilous little beholdingto your reports, but the best is, he liues not in them
Luc. Friar, thou knowest not the Duke so wel as Ido: he's a better woodman then thou tak'st him for
Duke. Well: you'l answer this one day. Fare ye well
Luc. Nay tarrie, Ile go along with thee,I can tel thee pretty tales of the Duke
Duke. You haue told me too many of him already sirif they be true: if not true, none were enough
Lucio. I was once before him for getting a Wenchwith childe
Duke. Did you such a thing?Luc. Yes marrie did I; but I was faine to forswear it,They would else haue married me to the rotten Medler
Duke. Sir your company is fairer then honest, rest youwell
Lucio. By my troth Ile go with thee to the lanes end: if baudy talke offend you, wee'l haue very litle of it: nay Friar, I am a kind of Burre, I shal sticke.
Exeunt.
Scena Quarta.
Enter Angelo & Escalus.
Esc. Euery Letter he hath writ, hath disuouch'd other
An. In most vneuen and distracted manner, his actions show much like to madnesse, pray heauen his wisedome bee not tainted: and why meet him at the gates and deliuer our authorities there? Esc. I ghesse not
Ang. And why should wee proclaime it in an howre before his entring, that if any craue redresse of iniustice, they should exhibit their petitions in the street? Esc. He showes his reason for that: to haue a dispatch of Complaints, and to deliuer vs from deuices heereafter, which shall then haue no power to stand against vs
Ang. Well: I beseech you let it bee proclaim'd betimes i'th' morne, Ile call you at your house: giue notice to such men of sort and suite as are to meete him
Esc. I shall sir: fareyouwell.
Enter.
Ang. Good night.This deede vnshapes me quite, makes me vnpregnantAnd dull to all proceedings. A deflowred maid,And by an eminent body, that enforc'dThe Law against it? But that her tender shameWill not proclaime against her maiden losse,How might she tongue me? yet reason dares her no,For my Authority beares of a credent bulke,That no particular scandall once can touchBut it confounds the breather. He should haue liu'd,Saue that his riotous youth with dangerous senseMight in the times to come haue ta'ne reuengeBy so receiuing a dishonor'd lifeWith ransome of such shame: would yet he had liued.Alack, when once our grace we haue forgot,Nothing goes right, we would, and we would not.