Lucio. Ay, well said. Ang. The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept: Those many had not dar'd to do that evil, Are now to have no súccessive degrees, But, where they live, to end. Isab. Yet show some pity. Ang. I show it most of all, when I show justice; For then I pity those I do not know, Lives not to act another. Be satisfied; And he, that suffers: O, it is excellent Lucio. That's well said. Isab. Could great men thunder As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be quiet, Thou rather, with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt, Split'st the unwedgeable and gnarledt oak, Lucio. O, to him, to him, wench: he will reHe's coming, I perceive't. [lent; Prov. Pray heaven, she win him! Isab. We cannot weigh our brother with ourself: [them; Great men may jest with saints: 'tis wit in But, in the less, foul profanation. Lucio. Thou'rt in the right, girl; more o' that. Isub. That in the captain's but a choleric word, Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy. Lucio. Art advis'd o' that? more on't. Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself, That skins the vice o' the top: Go to your bosom; [know Knock there; and ask your heart, what it doth That's like my brother's fault: if it confess A natural guiltiness, such as is his, Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue Against my brother's life. Ang. She speaks, and 'tis Such sense, that my sense breeds with it.- Isab. Gentle my lord, turn back. Ang. I will bethink me:-Come again to morrow. Isab. Hark, how I'll bribe you: Good my lord, turn back. Ang. How! bribe me? Lucio. You had marr'd all, clse. Isab. Not with fond shekels of the tested gold, Or stones, whose rates are either rich, or poor, As fancy values them: but with true prayers, That shall be up at heaven, and euter there, Ere sunrise; prayers from preserved souls, From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate To nothing temporal. Ang. Well: come to me To-morrow. Lucio. Go to; it is well; away. [Aside to ISABELLA. Isab. Heaven keep your honour safe! Ang. Amen: for I Am that way going to temptation, Isab. At what hour to-morrow [Aside. [Exeunt Lucio, ISABELLA, and PROVOST. Ang. From thee; even from thy virtue !— What's this? what's this? Is this her fault, or mine? [Ha. The tempter, or the tempted, who sins most? Not she; nor doth she tempt: but it is I, That lying by the violet, in the sun, Do, as the carrion does, not as the flower, Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be, That inodesty may more betray our sense Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough, Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary, That I desire to hear her speak again, SCENE III-A Room in a Prison. Enter DUKE, habited like a Friar, and Provost. Duke. Hail to you, provost! so, I think vou are. Prov. I am the provost: What's your will, good friar? Duke. Bound by my charity, and my bless'd I come to visit the afflicted spirits [order, Here in the prison: do me the common right To let me see them; and to make me know The nature of their crimes, that I may minister To them accordingly. Prov. I would do more than that, if more were needful. Enter JULIET. Look, here comes one; a gentlewoman of mine, Isa. Ay, with such gifts, that heaven shall And he that got it, sentenc'd: a young man share with you. See 2 Kings x 27. More fit to do another such offence, Duke. When must he die? [To JULIET. Duke. Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry? Juliet. I do; and bear the shame most patiently. Duke. I'll teach you how you shall arraign And try your penitence, if it be sound, Juliet. I'll gladly learn. Duke. Love you the man that wrong'd you? Duke. So then, it seems, your most offenceful Duke. Then was your sin of heavier kind Juliet. I do confess it, and repent it, father. Duke. 'Tis meet so, daughter: But lest you do repent, As that the sin hath brought you to this shame,- Showing, we'd not spare heaven, as we love Juliet. I do repent me, as it is an evil; Duke. There rest. [it, Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow, [Exit. Juliet. Must die to-morrow! O, injurious That respites me a life, whose very comfort Prov. 'Tis pity of him. [Exeunt. SCENE IV-A Room in ANGELO's House. and pray Ang. When I would pray and think, I think Let's write good angel on the devil's horn, Ang. Yea. Isab. When, I beseech you? that in his re- Longer, or shorter, he may so be fitted, Ang. Ha! Fie, these filthy vices! It were as To pardon him, that hath from nature stolen Isab. 'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth. I had rather give my body than my soul. [sins Ang. Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can Against the thing I say. Answer to this;- Isab. Please you to do't, Heaven, let me bear it! you granting of my If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer [iguorant, Ang. Nay, but hear me: Isab. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing When it doth tax itself: as these black masks Spare to offend heaven. + Profit. Than beauty could displayed.—But mark me; To be received plain, I'll speak more gross: Your brother is to die. Isab. So. Ang. And his offence is so, as it appears Ang. Admit no other way to save his life, (As I subscribet not that, nor any other, But in the loss of question,t) that you, his sister, Finding yourself desir'd of such a person, Whose credit with the judge, or own great place, Could fetch your brother from the manacles Isab. As much for my poor brother, as myself: Ang. Then must your brother die. Isab. And 'twere the cheaper way: Better it were, a brother died at once, Than that a sister, by redeeming him, Should die for ever. Ang. Were not you then as cruel as the senThat you have slander'd so? [tence Isub. Ignomy in ransom, and free pardon, Are of two houses: lawful mercy is Nothing akin to foul redemption. Ang. You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant; And rather prov'd the sliding of your brother A merriment than a vice. Isab. O, pardon me, my lord; it oft falls out, To have what we'd have, we speak not what bold; I do arrest your words; Be that you are, Tab. I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord, Leab. I know, your virtue hath a licence in't, +Pamity. + Agree to. t Conversation. gnominy. Associate. Own. ** Impressions. Which seems a little fouler than it is, To pluck on others. Ang. Believe me, on mine honour, My words express my purpose. Isub. Ha! little honour to be much believ'd, And most pernicious purpose!-Seeming, seem ing!* I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't: Ang. Who will believe thee, Isabel? this, Who would believe me? O perilous mouths, That bear in them one and the self-same tongue Either of condemnation or approof! Bidding the law make court'sy to their will; Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour, Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die : And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. ACT III. [Exit. SCENE I-A Room in the Prison. Enter DUKE, CLAUDIO, and PROVOST. Duke. So, then you hope of pardon from lord Angelo? Claud. The miserable have no other medicine, But only hope: I have hope to live, and am prepar'd to die. Duke. Be absolutes for death; either death, Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with or life, [life,If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing That none but fools would keep: a breath thou (Servile to all the skiey influences,) That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st, Hourly afflict: merely, thou art death's fool; For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun, And yet run'st toward him still: Thou art not noble ; [art, For all the ccommodations that thou bear'st, Are nurs'd in baseness: Thou art by no means valian., For thou dost fea. The soft and tender fork * Hypocrisy. + Reluctant. Attestation Determined that thou v provok'st; yet grossly fear'st death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself; For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,* nor age; But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep, Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor Enter ISABElla. [fear, Isab. What, ho! Peace here; grace and good company! Prov. Who's there? come in: the wish deserves a welcome. Duke. Dear Sir, ere long I'll visit you again. Prov. And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your sister. Duke. Provost, a word with you. Duke. Bring them to speak, where I may be conceal'd, Yet hear them. [Exeunt DUKE and PROVOST. Claud. Now, sister, what's the comfort? Isab. Why, as all comforts are; most good in deed: Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Claud. Is there no remedy? [speed; Isab. None, but such remedy, as to save a To cleave a heart in twain. Claud. But is there any? [head, Isab. Yes, brother, you may live; Claud. Perpetual durance? Isab. Ay, just, perpetual durance; a restraint, Though all the world's vastidity¶ you had. To a determin'd scope. Claud. But in what nature! Isab. In such a one as (you consenting to't) Would bark your honour from that trunk you And leave you naked. Claud. Let me know the point. * Affects, affections. Old age. Resident. 1 Vastness of extent. [bear, + Leprous eruptions." Preparation. Isab. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake Think you I can a resolution fetch Isab. There spake my brother; there my Did utter forth a voice! Yes, thou must die: Thou art too noble to conserve a life In base appliances. This outward-sainted de puty, Whose settled visage and deliberate word Claud. The princely Angelo? Isub. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell, The damned'st body to invest and cover In princely guards! Dost thou think, Claudio, If I would yield him my virginity, Thou might'st be freed. Claud. O, heavens! it cannot be. Isab. Yes, he would give it thee, from this rank offence, So to offend him still: This night's the time Claud. Thou shalt not do't. Claud. Thanks, dear Isabel. Isab. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to morrow. Claud. Yes.-Has he affections 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? Claud. If it were damnable, he, being so wise, Isab. What says my brother? Claud. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where ; To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot: Isab. Alas! alas! Claud. 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! D, faithless coward! (), dishonest wretch ! Claud. Nay, Hear me, Isabel. Isab. O, fie, fie, fie! Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade :+ Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd: Claud. O hear me, Isabella. Re-enter Duke. [Going. Duke. Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word. Isab. What is your will? Duke. Might you dispense with your leisure, 1 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 be stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you a while. Duke. [To CLAUDIO, aside.] Son, I have overheard what hath past between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an essay of her virtue, to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures: she, 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 not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go to your knees, and make ready. Claud. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am 80 out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it. Duke. Holds you there: Farewell. Re-enter PRovost. Provost, a word with you. Prot. What's your will, father? Duke. That now you are come, you will be gone: Leave me a while with the maid; my mind promises with my habit, no loss shall touch her by my company. Prov. In good time. Duke. That shall not be much amiss: Yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial of you only.-Therefore, fasten your ear on my advisings; to the love I have in doing good, a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe, that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent duke, if, peradventure, he shall ever return to have hearing of this business. Isab. Let me hear you speak further; 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. Have you 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. Her should this Angelo have married was affianced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed: between which time of the contract, and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perish'd vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark, how heavily this befel to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble and 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? Duke. Left her in her tears, and dry'd not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending, in her, discoveries of dishonour: in few, bestowed her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not. Isab. What a merit were it in death, to take this poor maid 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 you from dishonour in doing it. Isub. Show me how, good father. Duke. This fore-named maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection; his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with [Exit PROVOST. a plausible obedience; agree with his demands Duke. The hand that hath made you fair, to the point: only refert yourself to this adhath made you good: the goodness, that is vantage,-first, that your stay with him may theap in beauty, makes beauty brief in good- not be long; that the time may have all shadow ness; but grace, being the soul of your com- and silence in it; and the place answer to conplexion, should keep the body of it ever fair.venience: this being granted in course, now The assault, that Angelo hath made to you, follows all. We shall advise this wronged fortune hath convey'd to my understanding; maid to stead up your appointment, go in your and, but that frailty hath examples for his fall-place; if the encounter acknowledge itself ing, I should wonder at Angelo. How would hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense: you do to content this substitute, and to save and here, by this, is your brother saved, your your brother? honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. 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 deceit from reproof. What think you of it? Isab. I am now going to resolve him: I had rather my brother die by the law, than my son should be unlawfully born. But O, how inuch is the good duke deceived in Angelo! If ever be return, and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government. • Wildness. + Refusal. 1 Continue in that resolution. An established habit. The Isab. The image of it gives me content Over-reach |