That Angelo is an adulterous thief, Isab. It is not truer he is Angelo, Duke. Away with her:-Poor soul, Isab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'st That I am touch'd with madness: make not impossible In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms, Duke. By mine honesty, If she be mad, (as I believe no other,) Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense, Isab. O gracious duke, Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason To make the truth appear where it seems hid, Duke. Many that are not mad, Have, sure, more lack of reason.-What would you say? To lose his head: condemn'd by Angelo: I, in probation of a sisterhood, Was sent to by my brother: one Lucio As then the messenger; Lucio. That's I, an 't like your grace: I came to her from Claudio, and desired her To try her gracious fortune with lord Angelo, Isab. That's he, indeed. Duke. You were not bid to speak. Lucio. No, my good lord; Nor wish'd to hold my peace. Duke. I wish you now, then; Pray you, take note of it: and when you have A business for yourself, pray heaven you then Be perfect. Lucio. I warrant your honour. Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it. Isab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale. Lucio. Right. Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong To speak before your time.-Proceed. Isab. I went To this pernicious caitiff deputy. Duke. That's somewhat inadly spoken. Isab. Pardon it; The phrase is to the matter. Duke. Mended again: the matter;-Proceed. Isab. In brief,-to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, and how I replied, (For this was of much length,)-the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter: He would not, but by gift of my chaste body To his concupiscible intemperate lust, Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes, Duke. This is most likely! Isab. O, that it were as like as it is true! Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour, And not have cut him off: some one hath set you on; Isab. And is this all? Then, oh, you blessed ministers above, Keep me in patience; and, with ripen'd time, Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up In countenance !-Heaven shield your grace from woe, As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go! Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone:-An officer ! To prison with her:-Shall we thus permit A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.Who knew of your intent, and coming hither? Isab. One that I would were here, friar Lodowick. Duke. A ghostly father, belike:-Who knows that Lodowick? Lucio. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling friar; I do not like the man: had he been lay, my lord, For certain words he spake against your grace In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly. Duke. Words against me? This, a good friar, belike! And to set on this wretched woman here Against our substitute!-Let this friar be found. Lucio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar I saw them at the prison: a saucy friar, A very scurvy fellow. F. Peter. Bless'd be your royal grace! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Duke. We did believe no less. Know you that friar Lodowick, that she speaks of F. Peter. I know him for a man divine and holy; Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler, As he's reported by this gentleman; And, on my trust, a man that never yet Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace. Lucio. My lord, most villanously; believe it. F. Peter. Well, he in time may come to clear himself But at this instant he is sick, my lord, Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request, To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know Is true, and false; and what he with his oath, And all probation, will make up full clear, Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman, (To justify this worthy nobleman, So vulgarly and personally accused.) Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes, Till she herself confess it. Duke. Good friar, let's hear it. [ISABELLA is carried off, guarded; and MARIANA Do you not smile at this, lord Angelo?- Of your own cause.-Is this the witness, friar? Duke. What, are you married? Duke. Are you a maid? Mari. No, my lord. Duke. A widow, then? Are nothing then-Neither maid, widow, nor wife? Lucio. My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife. Duke. Silence that fellow: I would, he had some To prattle for himself. Lucio. Well, my lord. [cause Mari. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married; And I confess, besides, I am no maid: I have known my husband; yet my husband knows not That ever he knew me. Lucio. He was drunk, then, my lord; it can be no better. Duke. For the benefit of silence, 'would thou wert so too. Lucio. Well, my lord. Duke. This is no witness for lord Angelo. She that accuses him of fornication, In self-same manner doth accuse my husband; And charges him, my lord, with such a time, When I'll depose I had him in mine arms, With all the effect of love. Ang. Charges she more than me? And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin, Will leave you; but stir not you, till you have well Esoul. Mylord, we'll do it thoroughly. [Exit Duke.]Signior Lucio, did not you say, you knew that friar Lodowick to be a dishonest person? Lucio. "Cucullus non facit monachum:" honest in nothing, but in his clothes; and one that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the duke. Ereal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he come, and enforce them against him: we shall find this friar a notable fellow. Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word. Escal. Call that same Isabel here once again.-[To an Attendant.] I would speak with her. Pray you, my lord, give me leave to question; you shall see how I'll handle her. Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report. Lucio. Marry, Sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she would sooner confess; perchance, publicly she'll be ashamed. Re-enter Officers, with ISABELLA; the Duke, in the Friar's habit, and Provost. Escal. I will go darkly to work with her. Lucio. That's the way; for women are light at midnight. Escal. Come, Sir: did you set these women on to slander lord Angelo? they have confess'd you did. Duke. 'Tis false. Escal. How! know you where you are? Duke. Respect to your great place! and let the devil Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne:Where is the duke? 'tis he should hear me speak. Escal. The duke's in us; and we will hear you speak: Look you speak justly. Duke. Boldly, at least:-But, O, poor souls, Thus to retort your manifest appeal, Lucio. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of. To call him villain? And then to glance from him to the duke himself; To the rack with him:-We'll touze you joint by joint, Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he Nor here provincial: my business in this state Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble, Escal. Slander to the state! Away with him to prison. Ang. What can you vouch against him, signior Lucio? Is this the man that you did tell us of? Lucio. 'Tis he, my lord.-Come hither, goodman bald-pate do you know me? Duke. I remember you, Sir, by the sound of your voice: I met you at the prison, in the absence of the duke. Lucio. O, did you so? And do you remember what you said of the duke? Duke. Most notedly, Sir. Lucio. Do you so, Sir? And was the duke a fleshmonger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him to be? Duke. You must, Sir, change persons with me, cre you make that my report: you, indeed, spoke so of him; and much more, much worse. Lucio. O thou damnable fellow! did not I pluck thee by the nose, for thy speeches? Duke. I protest, I love the duke as I love myself. Ang. Hark! how the villain would close now, after his treasonable abuses. Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal:Away with him to prison:-Where is the provost?-Away with him to prison; lay bolts enough upon him: let him speak no more:-Away with those giglots too, and with the other confederate companion. [The Provost lays hands on the Duke. Duke. Stay, Sir; stay a while. Ang. What! resists he? Help him, Lucio. Lucio. Come, Sir; come, Sir; come, Sir; foh, Sir. Why, you bald-pated lying rascal! you must be hooded, must you? Shew your knave's visage, with a pox to you! show your sheep-biting face, and be hang'd an hour! Will't not off? [Pulls of the Friar's hood, and discovers the Duke. Duke. Thou art the first knave that e'er made a duke. First, provost, let me bail these gentle three:- Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging. down.- We'll borrow place of him:-Sir, by your leave. Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence, Rely upon it till my tale be heard, And hold no longer out. Ang. O my dread lord, I should be guiltier than my guiltiness, To think I can be undiscernible, When I perceive your grace, like power divine, Duke. Come hither, Mariana:- Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman? Ang. I was, my lord. Duke. Go take her hence, and marry her instantly.Do you the office, friar; which consummate, Return him here again:-Go with him, provost. [Exeunt ANGELO, MARIANA, PETER, an! Provost. Escal. My lord, I am more amazed at his dishonour, Than at the strangeness of it. Duke. Come hither, Isabel: Your friar is now your prince. As I was then Not changing heart with habit, I am still Isab. O, give me pardon, That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel: Re-enter ANGELO, MARIANA, PETER, and Provost. Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here, For Mariana's sake: but as he adjudged your brother, (Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach, Most audible, even from his proper tongue, "An Angelo for Claudio, death for death." Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Which though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage: Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste;Away with him. Mari. O, my most gracious lord, I hope you will not mock me with a husband! Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband: Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, We do instate and widow you withal, To buy you a better husband. Mari. O, my dear lord, I crave no other, nor no better man. Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive. Duke. You do but lose your labour; [Kneeling. Away with him to death.-Now, Sir, to you. [To Lucio. Duke. Against all sense you do impórtune her. Mari. Isabel, Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me; Hold up your hauds, say nothing, I'll speak all. Prov. His name is Barnardine. [Exit Provost. Ang I am sorry, that such sorrow I procure: Re-enter Provost, BARNARDINE, CLAUDIO, and JULIET. Duke. There was a friar told me of this man :-- That apprehends no further than this world, And squar'st thy life according. Thou'rt condemn'd: And pray thee, take this mercy to provide I leave him to your hand.-What muffled fellow's that? [Unmufles CLAUDIO. Duke. If he be like your brother, for his sake, [To ISABELLA. Is he pardon'd; and, for your lovely sake, Look that you love your wife; her worth, worth yours. I find an apt remission in myself: And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon ; You, sirrah, [To LUCIO] that knew me for a fool, a coward, That you extol me thus? Lucio. 'Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick. If you will hang me for it, you may; but I had rather it would please you, I might be whipp'd. Duke. Whipp'd first, Sir, and hang'd after.Proclaim it, provost, round about the city; If any woman's wrong'd by this lewd fellow, (As I have heard him swear himself, there's one Whom he begot with child,) let her appear, And he shall marry her: the nuptial finish'd, Let him be whipp'd and hang'd. Lucio. I beseech your highness, do not marry me to a whore! Your highness said, even now, I made you a duke; good my lord, do not recompense me, in making me a cuckold. Duke. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her. ACT I. SCENE I-A Hall in the DUKE's Palace. Enter Duke, ÆGEON, Jailer, Officer, and other Ege. Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall, The enmity and discord, which of late Have seal'd his rigorous statutes with their bloods,- If any, born at Ephesus, be seen Come to the bay of Ephesus, he dies, His goods confiscate to the duke's dispose; Ege. Yet this my comfort; when your words are done, Ege. A heavier task could not have been imposed, Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable: Yet, that the world may witness, that my end Was wrought by nature, not by vile offence, I'll utter what my sorrow gives me leave. In Syracusa was I born; and wed Unto a woman, happy but for me, And by me too, had not our hap been bad. With her I lived in joy; our wealth increased, By prosperous voyages I often made To Epidamnum, till my factor's death; There she had not been long, but she became And, which was strange, the one so like the other, A poor mean woman was delivered Of such a burden, male twins, both alike: We came aboard: A league from Epidamnum had we sail'd, Did but convey unto our fearful minds A doubtful warrant of immediate death; Which, though myself would gladly have embraced, Weeping before for what she saw must come, But ere they came,-0, let me say no more! Duke. Nay, forward, old man, do not break off so; For we may pity, though not pardon thee. Ege. O, had the gods done so, I had not now For, ere the ships could meet by twice five leagues, Our helpful ship was splitted in the midst, So that, in this unjust divorce of us, And therefore homeward did they bend their course.- Duke. And, for the sake of them thou sorrowest for, Do me the favour to dilate at full What hath befallen of them, and thee, till now. Ege. My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care, Duke. Hapless Egeon, whom the fates have mark'd To bear the extremity of dire mishap! Now, trust me, were it not against our laws, And live; if not, then thou art doom'd to die :- Jail. I will, my lord. Age. Hopeless, and helpless, doth geon wend, But to procrastinate his lifeless end. SCENE II.-A public Place. [Exeunt. Enter ANTIPHOLUS and DROMIO of Syracuse, Mer. Therefore, give out you are of Epidamnum, Ant. S. Go bear it to the Centaur, where we host, And stay there, Dromio, till I come to thee. Within this hour it will be dinner-time: Till that, I'll view the manners of the town, Peruse the traders, gaze upon the buildings, And then return, and sleep within mine inn; For with long travel I am stiff and weary. Get thee away. Dro. S. Many a man would take you at your word, Mer. I am invited, Sir, to certain merchants, Ant. S. Farewell till then: I will go lose myself, Mer. Sr, I commend you to your own content. [Exit Merchant. Ant. S. He that commends me to mine own content, Commends me to the thing I cannot get. I to the world am like a drop of water, That in the ocean seeks another drop; Who, falling there to find his fellow forth, Unseen, inquisitive, confounds himself: So I, to find a mother, and a brother, In quest of them, unhappy, lose myself. Enter DROMIO of Ephesus. [late: Here comes the almanack of my true date.- Ant. S. Stop in your wind, Sir; tell me this, I pray; Ant. 8. I am not in a sportive humour now: Tell me, and dally not, where is the money? We being strangers here, how dar'st thou trust So great a charge from thine own custody? Dro. E. I pray you, jest, Sir, as you sit at dinner: I from my mistress come to you in post; If I return, I shall be post indeed; For she will score your fault upon my pate. Ant. S. Come, Dromio, come, these jests are out of Ant. S. Now, as I am a Christian, answer me, In what safe place you have bestow'd my money; Or I will break that merry sconce of yours, That stands on tricks when I am undisposed: Where are the thousand marks thou hadst of me? Dro. E. I have some marks of yours upon my pate, Some of my mistress' marks upon my shoulders, But not a thousand marks between you both.If I should pay your worship those again, Perchance you will not bear them patiently. Ant. S. Thy mistress' marks! what mistress, slave, hast thou? Dro. E. Your worship's wife, my mistress at the Phoenix; She that doth fast till you come home to dinner, Nay, an you will not, Sir, I'll take my heels. zit DROMIO R. Ant. S. Upon my life, by some device other, The villain is o'er-raught of all my money. They say this town is full of cozenage; As, nimble jugglers that deceive the eye; Dark working sorcerers that change the mind; Soul-killing witches that deform the body; Disguised cheaters, prating mountebanks, And many such like liberties of sin: If it prove so, I will be gone the sooner. I'll to the Centaur, to go seek this slave; I greatly fear my money is not safe. ACT II. SCENE I.-A public Place. Enter ADRIANA and LUCIANA. [Exit. Adr. Neither my husband, nor the slave return'd, That in such haste I sent to seek his master! |