Correction, and Instruction must both worke Ere 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 bee From 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 Cæsar? 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 say I 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 you take 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: other some, he is in Rome: but where is he thinke you? Duke. I know not where: but wheresoeuer, I wish him 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 mortality Can censure scape: Back-wounding calumnie The 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 now To vse it for my time: I am a brother
Of 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 faile he 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 strings
Most ponderous and substantiall things? Craft against vice, I must applie.
With Angelo to night shall lye
His old betroathed (but despised:)
So disguise shall by th’ disguised
Pay 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 aduice Hath often still’d my brawling discontent. I cry you mercie, Sir, and well could wish You 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 the
Heauy 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 me The way twice ore
Duk. Are there no other tokens
Betweene you ‘greed, concerning her obseruance? Isab. No: none but onely a repaire ith’ darke, And that I haue possest him, my most stay Can be but briefe: for I haue made him know, I haue a Seruant comes with me along
That 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 hand Who hath a storie readie for your eare:
I shall attend your leisure, but make haste The vaporous night approaches
Mar. Wilt please you walke aside.
Enter.
Duke. Oh Place, and greatnes: millions of false eies Are stucke vpon thee: volumes of report
Run with these false, and most contrarious Quest Vpon thy doings: thousand escapes of wit Make 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 say
When 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 him Doth 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 our mysterie
Pro. Goe too Sir, you waigh equallie: a feather will turne the Scale.
Enter.
Clo. Pray sir, by your good fauor: for surely sir, a good 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 Hangman is a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he doth oftner aske forgiuenesse
Pro. You sirrah, prouide your blocke and your Axe to morrow, foure a clocke
Abh. Come on (Bawd) I will instruct thee in my Trade: 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 morrow Thou 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 repreeue
For 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’d Euen with the stroke and line of his great Iustice: He doth with holie abstinence subdue
That in himselfe, which he spurres on his powre To qualifie in others: were he meal’d with that Which he corrects, then were he tirrannous, But this being so, he’s iust. Now are they come. This is a gentle Prouost, sildome when
The 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 Officer Arise 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. Happely
You something know: yet I beleeue there comes No countermand: no such example haue we: Besides, vpon the verie siege of Iustice, Lord Angelo hath to the publike eare
Profest 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 remisse In mine Office, awakens mee
With 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 executed by foure of the clocke, and in the afternoone Bernardine: For my better satisfaction, let mee haue Claudios head sent me by fiue. Let this be duely performed with a thought that more depends on it, then we must yet deliuer. Thus faile not to doe your Office, as you will answere it at your perill.
What say you to this Sir?
Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be executed in 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 Lord Angelo, 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 noyse there? 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 his Straw 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 your prayers: 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 you Looke 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 head Iust of his colour. What if we do omit
This Reprobate, til he were wel enclin’d, And satisfie the Deputie with the visage Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?
Duke. Oh, ’tis an accident that heauen prouides: Dispatch it presently, the houre drawes on Prefixt by Angelo: See this be done,
And sent according to command, whiles I Perswade 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 greeting To yond generation, you shal finde
Your safetie manifested
Pro. I am your free dependant.
Enter.
Duke. Quicke, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo Now wil I write Letters to Angelo,
(The Prouost he shal beare them) whose contents Shal witnesse to him I am neere at home: And that by great Iniunctions I am bound To enter publikely: him Ile desire
To 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 gracious daughter
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 finde
By euery sillable a faithful veritie. The Duke comes home to morrow: nay drie your eyes, One of our Couent, and his Confessor
Giues me this instance: Already he hath carried Notice 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 companie At Mariana’s house to night. Her cause, and yours Ile perfect him withall, and he shal bring you Before the Duke; and to the head of Angelo Accuse 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 eies With a light heart; trust not my holie Order If 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 beholding to your reports, but the best is, he liues not in them
Luc. Friar, thou knowest not the Duke so wel as I do: 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 sir if they be true: if not true, none were enough
Lucio. I was once before him for getting a Wench with 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 you well
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 vnpregnant And dull to all proceedings. A deflowred maid, And by an eminent body, that enforc’d
The Law against it? But that her tender shame Will 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 touch But it confounds the breather. He should haue liu’d, Saue that his riotous youth with dangerous sense Might in the times to come haue ta’ne reuenge By so receiuing a dishonor’d life
With 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.
Enter.
Scena Quinta.
Enter Duke and Frier Peter.
Duke. These Letters at fit time deliuer me, The Prouost knowes our purpose and our plot, The matter being a foote, keepe your instruction And hold you euer to our speciall drift, Though sometimes you doe blench from this to that As cause doth minister: Goe call at Flauia’s house, And tell him where I stay: giue the like notice To Valencius, Rowland, and to Crassus,
And bid them bring the Trumpets to the gate: But send me Flauius first
Peter. It shall be speeded well.
Enter Varrius.
Duke. I thank thee Varrius, thou hast made good hast, Come, we will walke: There’s other of our friends Will greet vs heere anon: my gentle Varrius.
Exeunt.
Scena Sexta.
Enter Isabella and Mariana.
Isab. To speake so indirectly I am loath, I would say the truth, but to accuse him so That is your part, yet I am aduis’d to doe it, He saies, to vaile full purpose
Mar. Be rul’d by him
Isab. Besides he tells me, that if peraduenture He speake against me on the aduerse side, I should not thinke it strange, for ’tis a physicke That’s bitter, to sweet end.
Enter Peter.
Mar. I would Frier Peter
Isab. Oh peace, the Frier is come
Peter. Come I haue found you out a stand most fit, Where you may haue such vantage on the Duke He shall not passe you:
Twice haue the Trumpets sounded.
The generous, and grauest Citizens
Haue hent the gates, and very neere vpon The Duke is entring:
Therefore hence away.
Exeunt.
Actus Quintus. Scoena Prima.
Enter Duke, Varrius, Lords, Angelo, Esculus, Lucio, Citizens at seuerall
doores.
Duk. My very worthy Cosen, fairely met, Our old, and faithfull friend, we are glad to see you
Ang. Esc. Happy returne be to your royall grace
Duk. Many and harty thankings to you both: We haue made enquiry of you, and we heare Such goodnesse of your Iustice, that our soule Cannot but yeeld you forth to publique thankes Forerunning more requitall
Ang. You make my bonds still greater
Duk. Oh your desert speaks loud, & I should wrong it To locke it in the wards of couert bosome When it deserues with characters of brasse A forted residence ‘gainst the tooth of time, And razure of obliuion: Giue we your hand And let the Subiect see, to make them know That outward curtesies would faine proclaime Fauours that keepe within: Come Escalus, You must walke by vs, on our other hand: And good supporters are you.
Enter Peter and Isabella.
Peter. Now is your time
Speake loud, and kneele before him
Isab. Iustice, O royall Duke, vaile your regard Vpon a wrong’d (I would faine haue said a Maid) Oh worthy Prince, dishonor not your eye
By throwing it on any other obiect, Till you haue heard me, in my true complaint, And giuen me Iustice, Iustice, Iustice, Iustice
Duk. Relate your wrongs;
In what, by whom? be briefe:
Here is Lord Angelo shall giue you Iustice, Reueale your selfe to him
Isab. Oh worthy Duke,
You bid me seeke redemption of the diuell, Heare me your selfe: for that which I must speake Must either punish me, not being beleeu’d, Or wring redresse from you:
Heare me: oh heare me, heere
Ang. My Lord, her wits I feare me are not firme: She hath bin a suitor to me, for her Brother Cut off by course of Iustice
Isab. By course of Iustice
Ang. And she will speake most bitterly, and strange
Isab. Most strange: but yet most truely wil I speake, That Angelo’s forsworne, is it not strange? That Angelo’s a murtherer, is’t not strange? That Angelo is an adulterous thiefe,
An hypocrite, a virgin violator,
Is it not strange? and strange?
Duke. Nay it is ten times strange? Isa. It is not truer he is Angelo,
Then this is all as true, as it is strange; Nay, it is ten times true, for truth is truth To th’ end of reckning
Duke. Away with her: poore soule
She speakes this, in th’ infirmity of sence
Isa. Oh Prince, I coniure thee, as thou beleeu’st There is another comfort, then this world, That thou neglect me not, with that opinion That I am touch’d with madnesse: make not impossible That which but seemes vnlike, ’tis not impossible But one, the wickedst caitiffe on the ground May seeme as shie, as graue, as iust, as absolute: As Angelo, euen so may Angelo
In all his dressings, caracts, titles, formes, Be an arch-villaine: Beleeue it, royall Prince If he be lesse, he’s nothing, but he’s more, Had I more name for badnesse
Duke. By mine honesty
If she be mad, as I beleeue no other, Her madnesse hath the oddest frame of sense, Such a dependancy of thing, on thing,
As ere I heard in madnesse
Isab. Oh gracious Duke
Harpe not on that; nor do not banish reason For inequality, but let your reason serue To make the truth appeare, where it seemes hid, And hide the false seemes true
Duk. Many that are not mad
Haue sure more lacke of reason:
What would you say?
Isab. I am the Sister of one Claudio, Condemnd vpon the Act of Fornication
To loose his head, condemn’d by Angelo, I, (in probation of a Sisterhood)
Was sent to by my Brother; one Lucio As then the Messenger
Luc. That’s I, and’t like your Grace: I came to her from Claudio, and desir’d her, To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo, For her poore Brothers pardon
Isab. That’s he indeede
Duk. You were not bid to speake
Luc. No, my good Lord,
Nor wish’d to hold my peace
Duk. I wish you now then,
Pray you take note of it: and when you haue A businesse for your selfe: pray heauen you then Be perfect
Luc. I warrant your honor
Duk. The warrant’s for your selfe: take heede to’t
Isab. This Gentleman told somewhat of my Tale
Luc. Right
Duk. It may be right, but you are i’the wrong To speake before your time: proceed,
Isab. I went
To this pernicious Caitiffe Deputie
Duk. That’s somewhat madly spoken
Isab. Pardon it,
The phrase is to the matter
Duke. Mended againe: the matter: proceed
Isab. In briefe, to set the needlesse processe by: How I perswaded, how I praid, and kneel’d, How he refeld me, and how I replide
(For this was of much length) the vild conclusion I now begin with griefe, and shame to vtter. 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 yeeld to him: But the next morne betimes, His purpose surfetting, he sends a warrant For my poore brothers head
Duke. This is most likely
Isab. Oh that it were as like as it is true
Duk. By heauen (fond wretch) y knowst not what thou speak’st, Or else thou art suborn’d against his honor In hatefull practise: first his Integritie Stands without blemish: next it imports no reason, That with such vehemency he should pursue Faults proper to himselfe: if he had so offended He would haue waigh’d thy brother by himselfe, And not haue cut him off: some one hath set you on: Confesse the truth, and say by whose aduice Thou cam’st heere to complaine
Isab. And is this all?
Then oh you blessed Ministers aboue Keepe me in patience, and with ripened time Vnfold the euill, which is heere wrapt vp In countenance: heauen shield your Grace from woe, As I thus wrong’d, hence vnbeleeued goe
Duke. I know you’ld faine be gone: An Officer: To prison with her: Shall we thus permit A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall, On him so neere vs? This needs must be a practise: Who knew of your intent and comming hither? Isa. One that I would were heere, Frier Lodowick
Duk. A ghostly Father, belike:
Who knowes that Lodowicke?
Luc. My Lord, I know him, ’tis a medling Fryer, I doe not like the man: had he been Lay my Lord, For certaine words he spake against your Grace In your retirment, I had swing’d him soundly
Duke. Words against mee? this’ a good Fryer belike And to set on this wretched woman here
Against our Substitute: Let this Fryer be found
Luc. But yesternight my Lord, she and that Fryer I saw them at the prison: a sawcy Fryar, A very scuruy fellow
Peter. Blessed be your Royall Grace: I haue stood by my Lord, and I haue heard Your royall eare abus’d: first hath this woman Most wrongfully accus’d your Substitute, Who is as free from touch, or soyle with her As she from one vngot
Duke. We did beleeue no lesse.
Know you that Frier Lodowick that she speakes of? Peter. I know him for a man diuine and holy, Not scuruy, nor a temporary medler
As he’s reported by this Gentleman: And on my trust, a man that neuer yet
Did (as he vouches) mis-report your Grace
Luc. My Lord, most villanously, beleeue it
Peter. Well: he in time may come to cleere himselfe; But at this instant he is sicke, my Lord: Of a strange Feauor: vpon his meere request Being come to knowledge, that there was complaint Intended ‘gainst Lord Angelo, came I hether To speake as from his mouth, what he doth know Is true, and false: And what he with his oath And all probation will make vp full cleare Whensoeuer he’s conuented: First for this woman, To iustifie this worthy Noble man
So vulgarly and personally accus’d, Her shall you heare disproued to her eyes, Till she her selfe confesse it
Duk. Good Frier, let’s heare it:
Doe you not smile at this, Lord Angelo? Oh heauen, the vanity of wretched fooles. Giue vs some seates, Come cosen Angelo,
In this I’ll be impartiall: be you Iudge Of your owne Cause: Is this the Witnes Frier?
Enter Mariana.
First, let her shew your face, and after, speake
Mar. Pardon my Lord, I will not shew my face Vntill my husband bid me
Duke. What, are you married?
Mar. No my Lord
Duke. Are you a Maid?
Mar. No my Lord
Duk. A Widow then?
Mar. Neither, my Lord
Duk. Why you are nothing then: neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife?
Luc. My Lord, she may be a Puncke: for many of them, are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife
Duk. Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause to prattle for himselfe
Luc. Well my Lord
Mar. My Lord, I doe confesse I nere was married, And I confesse besides, I am no Maid,
I haue known my husband, yet my husband Knowes not, that euer he knew me
Luc. He was drunk then, my Lord, it can be no better
Duk. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so to
Luc. Well, my Lord
Duk. This is no witnesse for Lord Angelo
Mar. Now I come to’t, my Lord.
Shee that accuses him of Fornication, In selfe-same manner, doth accuse my husband, And charges him, my Lord, with such a time, When I’le depose I had him in mine Armes With all th’ effect of Loue
Ang. Charges she moe then me?
Mar. Not that I know
Duk. No? you say your husband
Mar. Why iust, my Lord, and that is Angelo, Who thinkes he knowes, that he nere knew my body, But knows, he thinkes, that he knowes Isabels
Ang. This is a strange abuse: Let’s see thy face
Mar. My husband bids me, now I will vnmaske. This is that face, thou cruell Angelo
Which once thou sworst, was worth the looking on: This is the hand, which with a vowd contract Was fast belockt in thine: This is the body That tooke away the match from Isabell,
And did supply thee at thy garden-house In her Imagin’d person
Duke. Know you this woman?
Luc. Carnallie she saies
Duk. Sirha, no more
Luc. Enough my Lord
Ang. My Lord, I must confesse, I know this woman, And fiue yeres since there was some speech of marriage Betwixt my selfe, and her: which was broke off, Partly for that her promis’d proportions Came short of Composition: But in chiefe For that her reputation was dis-valued
In leuitie: Since which time of fiue yeres I neuer spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her Vpon my faith, and honor
Mar. Noble Prince,
As there comes light from heauen, and words fro[m] breath, As there is sence in truth, and truth in vertue, I am affianced this mans wife, as strongly As words could make vp vowes: And my good Lord, But Tuesday night last gon, in’s garden house, He knew me as a wife. As this is true,
Let me in safety raise me from my knees, Or else for euer be confixed here
A Marble Monument
Ang. I did but smile till now,
Now, good my Lord, giue me the scope of Iustice, My patience here is touch’d: I doe perceiue These poore informall women, are no more But instruments of some more mightier member That sets them on. Let me haue way, my Lord To finde this practise out
Duke. I, with my heart,
And punish them to your height of pleasure. Thou foolish Frier, and thou pernicious woman Compact with her that’s gone: thinkst thou, thy oathes, Though they would swear downe each particular Saint, Were testimonies against his worth, and credit That’s seald in approbation? you, Lord Escalus Sit with my Cozen, lend him your kinde paines To finde out this abuse, whence ’tis deriu’d. There is another Frier that set them on, Let him be sent for
Peter. Would he were here, my Lord, for he indeed Hath set the women on to this Complaint; Your Prouost knowes the place where he abides, And he may fetch him
Duke. Goe, doe it instantly:
And you, my noble and well-warranted Cosen Whom it concernes to heare this matter forth, Doe with your iniuries as seemes you best In any chastisement; I for a while
Will leaue you; but stir not you till you haue Well determin’d vpon these Slanderers.
Enter.
Esc. My Lord, wee’ll doe it throughly: Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that Frier Lodowick to be a dishonest person?
Luc. Cucullus non facit Monachum, honest in nothing but in his Clothes, and one that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the Duke
Esc. We shall intreat you to abide heere till he come, and inforce them against him: we shall finde this Frier a notable fellow
Luc. As any in Vienna, on my word
Esc. Call that same Isabell here once againe, I would speake with her: pray you, my Lord, giue mee leaue to question, you shall see how Ile handle her
Luc. Not better then he, by her owne report
Esc. Say you?
Luc. Marry sir, I thinke, if you handled her priuately She would sooner confesse, perchance publikely she’ll be asham’d.
Enter Duke, Prouost, Isabella
Esc. I will goe darkely to worke with her
Luc. That’s the way: for women are light at midnight
Esc. Come on Mistris, here’s a Gentlewoman, Denies all that you haue said
Luc. My Lord, here comes the rascall I spoke of, Here, with the Prouost
Esc. In very good time: speake not you to him, till we call vpon you
Luc. Mum
Esc. Come Sir, did you set these women on to slander Lord Angelo? they haue confes’d you did
Duk. ‘Tis false
Esc. How? Know you where you are?
Duk. Respect to your great place; and let the diuell Be sometime honour’d, for his burning throne. Where is the Duke? ’tis he should heare me speake
Esc. The Duke’s in vs: and we will heare you speake, Looke you speake iustly
Duk. Boldly, at least. But oh poore soules, Come you to seeke the Lamb here of the Fox; Good night to your redresse: Is the Duke gone? Then is your cause gone too: The Duke’s vniust, Thus to retort your manifest Appeale,
And put your triall in the villaines mouth, Which here you come to accuse
Luc. This is the rascall: this is he I spoke of
Esc. Why thou vnreuerend, and vnhallowed Fryer: Is’t not enough thou hast suborn’d these women, To accuse this worthy man? but in foule mouth, And in the witnesse of his proper eare,
To call him villaine; and then to glance from him, To th’Duke himselfe, to taxe him with Iniustice? Take him hence; to th’ racke with him: we’ll towze you Ioynt by ioynt, but we will know his purpose: What? vniust?
Duk. Be not so hot: the Duke dare
No more stretch this finger of mine, then he Dare racke his owne: his Subiect am I not, Nor here Prouinciall: My businesse in this State Made me a looker on here in Vienna,
Where I haue seene corruption boyle and bubble, Till it ore-run the Stew: Lawes, for all faults, But faults so countenanc’d, that the strong Statutes Stand like the forfeites in a Barbers shop, As much in mocke, as marke
Esc. Slander to th’ State:
Away with him to prison
Ang. What can you vouch against him Signior Lucio? Is this the man you did tell vs of?
Luc. ‘Tis he, my Lord: come hither goodman bald-pate, doe you know me?
Duk. I remember you Sir, by the sound of your voice, I met you at the Prison, in the absence of the Duke
Luc. Oh, did you so? and do you remember what you said of the Duke
Duk. Most notedly Sir
Luc. Do you so Sir: And was the Duke a flesh-monger, a foole, and a coward, as you then reported him to be?
Duk. You must (Sir) change persons with me, ere you make that my report: you indeede spoke so of him, and much more, much worse
Luc. Oh thou damnable fellow: did I not plucke thee by the nose, for thy speeches?
Duk. I protest, I loue the Duke, as I loue my selfe
Ang. Harke how the villaine would close now, after his treasonable abuses
Esc. Such a fellow is not to be talk’d withall: Away with him to prison: Where is the Prouost? away with him to prison: lay bolts enough vpon him: let him speak no more: away with those Giglets too, and with the other confederate companion
Duk. Stay Sir, stay a while
Ang. What, resists he? helpe him Lucio
Luc. Come sir, come sir, come sir: foh sir, why you bald-pated lying rascall: you must be hooded must you? show your knaues visage with a poxe to you: show your sheepe-biting face, and be hang’d an houre: Will’t not off?
Duk. Thou art the first knaue, that ere mad’st a Duke. First Prouost, let me bayle these gentle three: Sneake not away Sir, for the Fryer, and you, Must haue a word anon: lay hold on him
Luc. This may proue worse then hanging
Duk. What you haue spoke, I pardon: sit you downe, We’ll borrow place of him; Sir, by your leaue: Ha’st thou or word, or wit, or impudence, That yet can doe thee office? If thou ha’st Rely vpon it, till my tale be heard,
And hold no longer out
Ang. Oh, my dread Lord,
I should be guiltier then my guiltinesse, To thinke I can be vndiscerneable,
When I perceiue your grace, like powre diuine, Hath look’d vpon my passes. Then good Prince, No longer Session hold vpon my shame,
But let my Triall, be mine owne Confession: Immediate sentence then, and sequent death, Is all the grace I beg
Duk. Come hither Mariana,
Say: was’t thou ere contracted to this woman? Ang. I was my Lord
Duk. Goe take her hence, and marry her instantly. Doe you the office (Fryer) which consummate, Returne him here againe: goe with him Prouost.
Enter.
Esc. My Lord, I am more amaz’d at his dishonor, Then at the strangenesse of it
Duk. Come hither Isabell,
Your Frier is now your Prince: As I was then Aduertysing, and holy to your businesse, (Not changing heart with habit) I am still, Atturnied at your seruice
Isab. Oh giue me pardon
That I, your vassaile, haue imploid, and pain’d Your vnknowne Soueraigntie
Duk. You are pardon’d Isabell:
And now, deere Maide, be you as free to vs. Your Brothers death I know sits at your heart: And you may maruaile, why I obscur’d my selfe, Labouring to saue his life: and would not rather Make rash remonstrance of my hidden powre, Then let him so be lost: oh most kinde Maid, It was the swift celeritie of his death, Which I did thinke, with slower foot came on, That brain’d my purpose: but peace be with him, That life is better life past fearing death, Then that which liues to feare: make it your comfort, So happy is your Brother.
Enter Angelo, Maria, Peter, Prouost.
Isab. I doe my Lord
Duk. For this new-maried man, approaching here, Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong’d
Your well defended honor: you must pardon For Mariana’s sake: But as he adiudg’d your Brother, Being criminall, in double violation
Of sacred Chastitie, and of promise-breach, Thereon dependant for your Brothers life, The very mercy of the Law cries out
Most audible, euen from his proper tongue. An Angelo for Claudio, death for death:
Haste still paies haste, and leasure, answers leasure; Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure: Then Angelo, thy fault’s thus manifested; Which though thou would’st deny, denies thee vantage. We doe condemne thee to the very Blocke
Where Claudio stoop’d to death, and with like haste. Away with him
Mar. Oh my most gracious Lord,
I hope you will not mocke me with a husband? Duk. It is your husband mock’t you with a husband, Consenting to the safe-guard of your honor, I thought your marriage fit: else Imputation, For that he knew you, might reproach your life, And choake your good to come: For his Possessions, Although by confutation they are ours;
We doe en-state, and widow you with all, To buy you a better husband
Mar. Oh my deere Lord,
I craue no other, nor no better man
Duke. Neuer craue him, we are definitiue
Mar. Gentle my Liege
Duke. You doe but loose your labour. Away with him to death: Now Sir, to you
Mar. Oh my good Lord, sweet Isabell, take my part, Lend me your knees, and all my life to come, I’ll lend you all my life to doe you seruice
Duke. Against all sence you doe importune her, Should she kneele downe, in mercie of this fact, Her Brothers ghost, his paued bed would breake, And take her hence in horror
Mar. Isabell:
Sweet Isabel, doe yet but kneele by me, Hold vp your hands, say nothing: I’ll speake all. They say best men are moulded out of faults, And for the most, become much more the better For being a little bad: So may my husband. Oh Isabel: will you not lend a knee?
Duke. He dies for Claudio’s death
Isab. Most bounteous Sir.
Looke if it please you, on this man condemn’d, As if my Brother liu’d: I partly thinke, A due sinceritie gouerned his deedes,
Till he did looke on me: Since it is so, Let him not die: my Brother had but Iustice, In that he did the thing for which he dide. For Angelo, his Act did not ore-take his bad intent, And must be buried but as an intent
That perish’d by the way: thoughts are no subiects Intents, but meerely thoughts
Mar. Meerely my Lord
Duk. Your suite’s vnprofitable: stand vp I say: I haue bethought me of another fault.
Prouost, how came it Claudio was beheaded At an vnusuall howre?
Pro. It was commanded so
Duke. Had you a speciall warrant for the deed? Pro. No my good Lord: it was by priuate message
Duk. For which I doe discharge you of your office, Giue vp your keyes
Pro. Pardon me, noble Lord,
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not, Yet did repent me after more aduice,
For testimony whereof, one in the prison That should by priuate order else haue dide, I haue reseru’d aliue
Duk. What’s he?
Pro. His name is Barnardine
Duke. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio: Goe fetch him hither, let me looke vpon him
Esc. I am sorry, one so learned, and so wise As you, Lord Angelo, haue stil appear’d, Should slip so grosselie, both in the heat of bloud And lacke of temper’d iudgement afterward
Ang. I am sorrie, that such sorrow I procure, And so deepe sticks it in my penitent heart, That I craue death more willingly then mercy, ‘Tis my deseruing, and I doe entreat it.
Enter Barnardine and Prouost, Claudio, Iulietta.
Duke. Which is that Barnardine?
Pro. This my Lord
Duke. There was a Friar told me of this man. Sirha, thou art said to haue a stubborne soule That apprehends no further then this world, And squar’st thy life according: Thou’rt condemn’d, But for those earthly faults, I quit them all, And pray thee take this mercie to prouide For better times to come: Frier aduise him, I leaue him to your hand. What muffeld fellow’s that? Pro. This is another prisoner that I sau’d, Who should haue di’d when Claudio lost his head, As like almost to Claudio, as himselfe
Duke. If he be like your brother, for his sake Is he pardon’d, and for your louelie sake Giue me your hand, and say you will be mine, He is my brother too: But fitter time for that: By this Lord Angelo perceiues he’s safe, Methinkes I see a quickning in his eye:
Well Angelo, your euill quits you well. Looke that you loue your wife: her worth, worth yours I finde an apt remission in my selfe:
And yet heere’s one in place I cannot pardon, You sirha, that knew me for a foole, a Coward, One all of Luxurie, an asse, a mad man:
Wherein haue I so deseru’d of you
That you extoll me thus?
Luc. ‘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 whipt
Duke. Whipt first, sir, and hang’d after. Proclaime it Prouost round about the Citie, If any woman wrong’d by this lewd fellow (As I haue heard him sweare himselfe there’s one whom he begot with childe) let her appeare, And he shall marry her: the nuptiall finish’d, Let him be whipt and hang’d
Luc. I beseech your Highnesse doe not marry me to a Whore: your Highnesse said euen now I made you a Duke, good my Lord do not recompence me, in making me a Cuckold
Duke. Vpon mine honor thou shalt marrie her. Thy slanders I forgiue, and therewithall Remit thy other forfeits: take him to prison, And see our pleasure herein executed
Luc. Marrying a punke my Lord, is pressing to death, Whipping and hanging
Duke. Slandering a Prince deserues it. She Claudio that you wrong’d, looke you restore. Ioy to you Mariana, loue her Angelo:
I haue confes’d her, and I know her vertue. Thanks good friend, Escalus, for thy much goodnesse, There’s more behinde that is more gratulate. Thanks Prouost for thy care, and secrecie, We shall imploy thee in a worthier place. Forgiue him Angelo, that brought you home The head of Ragozine for Claudio’s,
Th’ offence pardons it selfe. Deere Isabell, I haue a motion much imports your good,
Whereto if you’ll a willing eare incline; What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. So bring vs to our Pallace, where wee’ll show What’s yet behinde, that meete you all should know.
The Scene Vienna.
The names of all the Actors.
Vincentio: the Duke.
Angelo, the Deputie.
Escalus, an ancient Lord.
Claudio, a yong Gentleman.
Lucio, a fantastique.
2. Other like Gentlemen.
Prouost.
Thomas. 2. Friers.
Peter.
Elbow, a simple Constable.
Froth, a foolish Gentleman.
Clowne.
Abhorson, an Executioner.
Barnardine, a dissolute prisoner.
Isabella, sister to Claudio.
Mariana, betrothed to Angelo.
Iuliet, beloued of Claudio.
Francisca, a Nun.
Mistris Ouer-don, a Bawd.
FINIS. MEASVRE, For Measure.