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Human nature and the law often collide in Measure for Measure. As the play begins, the Duke of Vienna announces he is going away and puts his deputy Angelo in charge of the state. Angelo immediately enforces a law prohibiting sex outside of marriage, sentencing Claudio to death for sleeping with Juliet, Claudio’s now-pregnant fiancée.
Claudio’s sister Isabella, a novice nun, appeals to Angelo to save her brother. But the supposedly pure Angelo demands that Isabella sleep with him to save Claudio. To Claudio’s dismay, Isabella refuses.
The duke, who has remained in Vienna disguised as a friar, suggests that Angelo’s jilted fiancée, Mariana, could take Isabella’s place. Although the trick succeeds, Angelo orders Claudio beheaded anyway. The duke saves Claudio, but he tells Isabella that Claudio is dead.
The duke, resuming his identity, sentences Angelo to wed Mariana and then be put to death. But Mariana and Isabella plead for Angelo’s life. Revealing that Claudio is alive, the duke pardons Angelo and proposes to Isabella.
ACT 1
Scene 1
Would seem in me t’ affect speech and discourse ,
Since I am put to know that your own science
Exceeds , in that , the lists of all advice
My strength can give you . Then no more remains
But that , to your sufficiency , as your worth is able ,
And let them work . The nature of our people ,
Our city’s institutions , and the terms
For common justice , you’re as pregnant in
As art and practice hath enrichèd any
That we remember . There is our commission ,
From which we would not have you warp . — Call
hither ,
I say , bid come before us Angelo .
What figure of us think you he will bear ?
For you must know , we have with special soul
Elected him our absence to supply ,
Lent him our terror , dressed him with our love ,
[9] ACT 1. SC. 1 And given his deputation all the organs
Of our own power . What think you of it ?
To undergo such ample grace and honor ,
It is Lord Angelo .
I come to know your pleasure .
There is a kind of character in thy life
That to th’ observer doth thy history
Fully unfold . Thyself and thy belongings
Are not thine own so proper as to waste
Thyself upon thy virtues , they on thee .
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do ,
Not light them for themselves ; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us , ’twere all alike
As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touched
But to fine issues , nor nature never lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence
But , like a thrifty goddess , she determines
Herself the glory of a creditor ,
Both thanks and use . But I do bend my speech
To one that can my part in him advertise .
Hold , therefore , Angelo .
In our remove be thou at full ourself .
Mortality and mercy in Vienna
Live in thy tongue and heart . Old Escalus ,
Though first in question , is thy secondary .
Take thy commission .
Let there be some more test made of my mettle
[11] ACT 1. SC. 1 Before so noble and so great a figure
Be stamped upon it .
We have with a leavened and preparèd choice
Proceeded to you . Therefore , take your honors .
Our haste from hence is of so quick condition
That it prefers itself and leaves unquestioned
Matters of needful value . We shall write to you ,
As time and our concernings shall importune ,
How it goes with us , and do look to know
What doth befall you here . So fare you well .
To th’ hopeful execution do I leave you
Of your commissions .
That we may bring you something on the way .
Nor need you , on mine honor , have to do
With any scruple . Your scope is as mine own ,
So to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good . Give me your hand .
I’ll privily away . I love the people ,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes .
Though it do well , I do not relish well
Their loud applause and aves vehement ,
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it . Once more , fare you well .
To have free speech with you ; and it concerns me
To look into the bottom of my place .
[13] ACT 1. SC. 2 A power I have , but of what strength and nature
I am not yet instructed .
And we may soon our satisfaction have
Touching that point .
Scene 2
composition with the King of Hungary , why then all
the dukes fall upon the King .
the King of Hungary’s !
that went to sea with the ten commandments but
scraped one out of the table .
the Captain and all the rest from their functions !
They put forth to steal . There’s not a soldier of
us all that in the thanksgiving before meat do relish
the petition well that prays for peace .
grace was said .
[15]ACT 1. SC. 2
controversy ; as , for example , thou thyself art a
wicked villain , despite of all grace .
between us .
velvet . Thou art the list .
velvet ; thou ’rt a three-piled piece , I warrant thee . I
had as lief be a list of an English kersey as be piled ,
as thou art piled , for a French velvet . Do I speak
feelingly now ?
feeling of thy speech . I will , out of thine own
confession , learn to begin thy health , but , whilst I
live , forget to drink after thee .
have I not ?
art tainted or free .
comes ! I have purchased as many diseases under
her roof as come to —
me , but thou art full of error . I am sound .
as things that are hollow . Thy bones are hollow .
Impiety has made a feast of thee .
[17]ACT 1. SC. 2
hips has the most profound sciatica ?
carried to prison was worth five thousand of you all .
him carried away ; and , which is more , within these
three days his head to be chopped off .
Art thou sure of this ?
Julietta with child .
me two hours since , and he was ever precise in
promise-keeping .
near to the speech we had to such a purpose .
proclamation .
what with the gallows , and what with poverty , I am
custom-shrunk .
How now ? What’s the news with you ?
[19]ACT 1. SC. 2
You have not heard of the proclamation , have you ?
plucked down .
too , but that a wise burgher put in for them .
be pulled down ?
What shall become of me ?
clients . Though you change your place , you need
not change your trade . I’ll be your tapster still .
Courage . There will be pity taken on you . You that
have worn your eyes almost out in the service , you
will be considered .
withdraw .
to prison . And there’s Madam Juliet .
Bear me to prison , where I am committed .
But from Lord Angelo by special charge .
Make us pay down for our offense , by weight ,
[21] ACT 1. SC. 2 The words of heaven : on whom it will , it will ;
On whom it will not , so ; yet still ’tis just .
restraint ?
As surfeit is the father of much fast ,
So every scope by the immoderate use
Turns to restraint . Our natures do pursue ,
Like rats that raven down their proper bane ,
A thirsty evil , and when we drink , we die .
would send for certain of my creditors . And yet , to
say the truth , I had as lief have the foppery of
freedom as the mortality of imprisonment . What’s
thy offense , Claudio ?
so looked after ?
I got possession of Julietta’s bed .
You know the lady . She is fast my wife ,
Save that we do the denunciation lack
Of outward order . This we came not to
[23] ACT 1. SC. 2 Only for propagation of a dower
Remaining in the coffer of her friends ,
From whom we thought it meet to hide our love
Till time had made them for us . But it chances
The stealth of our most mutual entertainment
With character too gross is writ on Juliet .
And the new deputy now for the Duke —
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness ,
Or whether that the body public be
A horse whereon the governor doth ride ,
Who , newly in the seat , that it may know
He can command , lets it straight feel the spur ;
Whether the tyranny be in his place
Or in his eminence that fills it up ,
I stagger in — but this new governor
Awakes me all the enrollèd penalties
Which have , like unscoured armor , hung by th’ wall
So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round ,
And none of them been worn ; and for a name
Now puts the drowsy and neglected act
Freshly on me . ’Tis surely for a name .
thy shoulders that a milkmaid , if she be in love , may
sigh it off . Send after the Duke and appeal to him .
I prithee , Lucio , do me this kind service :
This day my sister should the cloister enter
And there receive her approbation .
Acquaint her with the danger of my state ;
Implore her , in my voice , that she make friends
To the strict deputy ; bid herself assay him .
I have great hope in that , for in her youth
[25] ACT 1. SC. 3 There is a prone and speechless dialect
Such as move men . Besides , she hath prosperous art
When she will play with reason and discourse ,
And well she can persuade .
the like , which else would stand under grievous
imposition , as for the enjoying of thy life , who I
would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a
game of tick-tack . I’ll to her .
Scene 3
Believe not that the dribbling dart of love
Can pierce a complete bosom . Why I desire thee
To give me secret harbor hath a purpose
More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends
Of burning youth .
How I have ever loved the life removed ,
And held in idle price to haunt assemblies
Where youth and cost witless bravery keeps .
I have delivered to Lord Angelo ,
A man of stricture and firm abstinence ,
My absolute power and place here in Vienna ,
And he supposes me traveled to Poland ,
For so I have strewed it in the common ear ,
[27] ACT 1. SC. 3 And so it is received . Now , pious sir ,
You will demand of me why I do this .
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds ,
Which for this fourteen years we have let slip ,
Even like an o’ergrown lion in a cave
That goes not out to prey . Now , as fond fathers ,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror , not to use — in time the rod
More mocked than feared — so our decrees ,
Dead to infliction , to themselves are dead ,
And liberty plucks justice by the nose ,
The baby beats the nurse , and quite athwart
Goes all decorum .
To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleased ,
And it in you more dreadful would have seemed
Than in Lord Angelo .
Sith ’twas my fault to give the people scope ,
’Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them
For what I bid them do ; for we bid this be done
When evil deeds have their permissive pass
And not the punishment . Therefore , indeed , my
father ,
I have on Angelo imposed the office ,
Who may in th’ ambush of my name strike home ,
And yet my nature never in the fight
To do in slander . And to behold his sway
I will , as ’twere a brother of your order ,
Visit both prince and people . Therefore I prithee
Supply me with the habit , and instruct me
How I may formally in person bear
[29] ACT 1. SC. 4 Like a true friar . More reasons for this action
At our more leisure shall I render you .
Only this one : Lord Angelo is precise ,
Stands at a guard with envy , scarce confesses
That his blood flows or that his appetite
Is more to bread than stone . Hence shall we see ,
If power change purpose , what our seemers be .
Scene 4
But rather wishing a more strict restraint
Upon the sisterhood , the votarists of Saint Clare .
Turn you the key and know his business of him .
You may ; I may not . You are yet unsworn .
When you have vowed , you must not speak with men
But in the presence of the Prioress .
Then , if you speak , you must not show your face ;
Or if you show your face , you must not speak .
He calls again . I pray you answer him .
[31]ACT 1. SC. 4
Proclaim you are no less . Can you so stead me
As bring me to the sight of Isabella ,
A novice of this place and the fair sister
To her unhappy brother , Claudio ?
The rather for I now must make you know
I am that Isabella , and his sister .
Not to be weary with you , he’s in prison .
He should receive his punishment in thanks :
He hath got his friend with child .
I would not , though ’tis my familiar sin
With maids to seem the lapwing and to jest ,
Tongue far from heart , play with all virgins so .
I hold you as a thing enskied and sainted ,
By your renouncement an immortal spirit ,
And to be talked with in sincerity
As with a saint .
Your brother and his lover have embraced ;
As those that feed grow full , as blossoming time
That from the seedness the bare fallow brings
[33] ACT 1. SC. 4 To teeming foison , even so her plenteous womb
Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry .
By vain though apt affection .
The Duke is very strangely gone from hence ;
Bore many gentlemen , myself being one ,
In hand , and hope of action ; but we do learn ,
By those that know the very nerves of state ,
His givings-out were of an infinite distance
From his true-meant design . Upon his place ,
And with full line of his authority ,
Governs Lord Angelo , a man whose blood
Is very snow-broth ; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of the sense ,
But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge
With profits of the mind : study and fast .
He — to give fear to use and liberty ,
Which have for long run by the hideous law
As mice by lions — hath picked out an act
Under whose heavy sense your brother’s life
Falls into forfeit . He arrests him on it ,
And follows close the rigor of the statute
To make him an example . All hope is gone
Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
To soften Angelo . And that’s my pith of business
’Twixt you and your poor brother .
Seek his life ?
[35]ACT 1. SC. 4
And , as I hear , the Provost hath a warrant
For ’s execution .
To do him good ?
And makes us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt . Go to Lord Angelo
And let him learn to know , when maidens sue
Men give like gods ; but when they weep and kneel ,
All their petitions are as freely theirs
As they themselves would owe them .
No longer staying but to give the Mother
Notice of my affair . I humbly thank you .
Commend me to my brother . Soon at night
I’ll send him certain word of my success .
[39]
ACT 2
Scene 1
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey ,
And let it keep one shape till custom make it
Their perch and not their terror .
Let us be keen and rather cut a little
Than fall and bruise to death . Alas , this gentleman
Whom I would save had a most noble father .
Let but your Honor know ,
Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue ,
That , in the working of your own affections ,
Had time cohered with place , or place with wishing ,
Or that the resolute acting of your blood
Could have attained th’ effect of your own purpose ,
Whether you had not sometime in your life
Erred in this point which now you censure him ,
And pulled the law upon you .
Another thing to fall . I not deny
The jury passing on the prisoner’s life
May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
Guiltier than him they try . What’s open made to
justice ,
[41] ACT 2. SC. 1 That justice seizes . What knows the laws
That thieves do pass on thieves ? ’Tis very pregnant ,
The jewel that we find , we stoop and take ’t
Because we see it ; but what we do not see ,
We tread upon and never think of it .
You may not so extenuate his offense
For I have had such faults ; but rather tell me ,
When I that censure him do so offend ,
Let mine own judgment pattern out my death ,
And nothing come in partial . Sir , he must die .
Be executed by nine tomorrow morning .
Bring him his confessor , let him be prepared ,
For that’s the utmost of his pilgrimage .
Some rise by sin and some by virtue fall .
Some run from brakes of ice and answer none ,
And some condemnèd for a fault alone .
and Pompey .
be good people in a commonweal that do nothing
but use their abuses in common houses , I know no
law . Bring them away .
the matter ?
[43]ACT 2. SC. 1
constable , and my name is Elbow . I do lean upon
justice , sir , and do bring in here before your good
Honor two notorious benefactors .
Are they not malefactors ?
they are , but precise villains they are , that I am sure
of , and void of all profanation in the world that
good Christians ought to have .
officer .
Elbow is your name ? Why dost thou not speak ,
Elbow ?
serves a bad woman , whose house , sir , was , as they
say , plucked down in the suburbs , and now she
professes a hothouse , which I think is a very ill
house too .
your Honor —
woman —
that this house , if it be not a bawd’s house , it is pity
of her life , for it is a naughty house .
woman cardinally given , might have been accused
[45] ACT 2. SC. 1 in fornication , adultery , and all uncleanliness
there .
she spit in his face , so she defied him .
not so .
man , prove it .
saving your Honor’s reverence , for stewed prunes .
Sir , we had but two in the house , which at that very
distant time stood , as it were , in a fruit dish , a dish
of some threepence ; your Honors have seen such
dishes ; they are not china dishes , but very good
dishes —
the right . But to the point : as I say , this Mistress
Elbow , being , as I say , with child , and being great-bellied ,
and longing , as I said , for prunes ; and
having but two in the dish , as I said , Master Froth
here , this very man , having eaten the rest , as I said ,
and , as I say , paying for them very honestly — for , as
you know , Master Froth , I could not give you threepence
again —
cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes —
remembered , that such a one and such a one were
past cure of the thing you wot of , unless they kept
very good diet , as I told you —
[47]ACT 2. SC. 1
what was done to Elbow’s wife that he hath cause to
complain of ? Come me to what was done to her .
leave . And I beseech you , look into Master Froth
here , sir , a man of fourscore pound a year , whose
father died at Hallowmas — was ’t not at Hallowmas ,
Master Froth ?
sir , sitting , as I say , in a lower chair , sir —
’Twas in the Bunch of Grapes , where indeed you
have a delight to sit , have you not ?
for winter .
When nights are longest there . I’ll take my leave ,
And leave you to the hearing of the cause ,
Hoping you’ll find good cause to whip them all .
Now , sir , come on . What was done to Elbow’s wife ,
once more ?
once .
this man did to my wife .
[49] ACT 2. SC. 1 face . — Good Master Froth , look upon his Honor .
’Tis for a good purpose . — Doth your Honor mark
his face ?
worst thing about him . Good , then , if his face be the
worst thing about him , how could Master Froth do
the Constable’s wife any harm ? I would know that
of your Honor .
it ?
house ; next , this is a respected fellow , and his
mistress is a respected woman .
person than any of us all .
time is yet to come that she was ever respected with
man , woman , or child .
married with her .
Is this true ?
thou wicked Hannibal ! I respected with her before I
was married to her ? — If ever I was respected with
her , or she with me , let not your Worship think me
the poor duke’s officer . — Prove this , thou wicked
Hannibal , or I’ll have mine action of batt’ry on thee .
your action of slander too .
[51] ACT 2. SC. 1 is ’t your Worship’s pleasure I shall do with this
wicked caitiff ?
in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst ,
let him continue in his courses till thou know’st
what they are .
Thou seest , thou wicked varlet , now , what’s
come upon thee . Thou art to continue now , thou
varlet , thou art to continue .
Master Froth , I would not have you acquainted with
tapsters ; they will draw you , Master Froth , and you
will hang them . Get you gone , and let me hear no
more of you .
never come into any room in a taphouse but I am
drawn in .
Come you hither to me , Master Tapster . What’s your
name , Master Tapster ?
[53]ACT 2. SC. 1
about you , so that in the beastliest sense you are
Pompey the Great . Pompey , you are partly a bawd ,
Pompey , howsoever you color it in being a tapster ,
are you not ? Come , tell me true . It shall be the
better for you .
bawd ? What do you think of the trade , Pompey ? Is it
a lawful trade ?
shall not be allowed in Vienna .
the youth of the city ?
then . If your Worship will take order for the drabs
and the knaves , you need not to fear the bawds .
you . It is but heading and hanging .
but for ten year together , you’ll be glad to give out a
commission for more heads . If this law hold in
Vienna ten year , I’ll rent the fairest house in it after
threepence a bay . If you live to see this come to
pass , say Pompey told you so .
your prophecy , hark you : I advise you let me not
find you before me again upon any complaint
whatsoever ; no , not for dwelling where you do . If I
do , Pompey , I shall beat you to your tent and prove
a shrewd Caesar to you . In plain dealing , Pompey , I
shall have you whipped . So , for this time , Pompey ,
fare you well .
[55] ACT 2. SC. 1
shall better determine .
Whip me ? No , no , let carman whip his jade .
The valiant heart’s not whipped out of his trade .
hither , Master Constable . How long have you been
in this place of constable ?
had continued in it some time . You say seven years
together ?
you wrong to put you so oft upon ’t . Are there not
men in your ward sufficient to serve it ?
they are chosen , they are glad to choose me for
them . I do it for some piece of money and go
through with all .
or seven , the most sufficient of your parish .
But there’s no remedy .
Mercy is not itself that oft looks so .
[57] ACT 2. SC. 2 Pardon is still the nurse of second woe .
But yet , poor Claudio . There is no remedy .
Come , sir .
Scene 2
I’ll tell him of you .
I’ll know
His pleasure . Maybe he will relent . Alas ,
He hath but as offended in a dream .
All sects , all ages smack of this vice , and he
To die for ’t ?
Why dost thou ask again ?
Under your good correction , I have seen
When , after execution , judgment hath
Repented o’er his doom .
Do you your office , or give up your place
And you shall well be spared .
[59] ACT 2. SC. 2 What shall be done , sir , with the groaning Juliet ?
She’s very near her hour .
To some more fitter place , and that with speed .
Desires access to you .
And to be shortly of a sisterhood ,
If not already .
See you the fornicatress be removed .
Let her have needful but not lavish means .
There shall be order for ’t .
What’s your will ?
Please but your Honor hear me .
suit ?
And most desire should meet the blow of justice ,
For which I would not plead , but that I must ;
[61] ACT 2. SC. 2 For which I must not plead , but that I am
At war ’twixt will and will not .
I do beseech you let it be his fault
And not my brother .
graces .
Why , every fault’s condemned ere it be done .
Mine were the very cipher of a function
To fine the faults whose fine stands in record
And let go by the actor .
I had a brother , then . Heaven keep your Honor .
Kneel down before him , hang upon his gown .
You are too cold . If you should need a pin ,
You could not with more tame a tongue desire it .
To him , I say .
And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy .
[63] ACT 2. SC. 2 If so your heart were touched with that remorse
As mine is to him ?
May call it back again . Well believe this :
No ceremony that to great ones longs ,
Not the king’s crown , nor the deputed sword ,
The marshal’s truncheon , nor the judge’s robe
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does .
If he had been as you , and you as he ,
You would have slipped like him , but he like you
Would not have been so stern .
And you were Isabel . Should it then be thus ?
No . I would tell what ’twere to be a judge
And what a prisoner .
vein .
And you but waste your words .
Why all the souls that were were forfeit once ,
And He that might the vantage best have took
Found out the remedy . How would you be
If He which is the top of judgment should
But judge you as you are ? O , think on that ,
And mercy then will breathe within your lips
Like man new-made .
It is the law , not I , condemn your brother .
[65] ACT 2. SC. 2 Were he my kinsman , brother , or my son ,
It should be thus with him . He must die tomorrow .
He’s not prepared for death . Even for our kitchens
We kill the fowl of season . Shall we serve heaven
With less respect than we do minister
To our gross selves ? Good , good my lord , bethink
you .
Who is it that hath died for this offense ?
There’s many have committed it .
Those many had not dared to do that evil
If the first that did th’ edict infringe
Had answered for his deed . Now ’tis awake ,
Takes note of what is done , and , like a prophet ,
Looks in a glass that shows what future evils —
Either now , or by remissness new-conceived ,
And so in progress to be hatched and born —
Are now to have no successive degrees
But , ere they live , to end .
For then I pity those I do not know ,
Which a dismissed offense would after gall ,
And do him right that , answering one foul wrong ,
Lives not to act another . Be satisfied ;
Your brother dies tomorrow ; be content .
And he that suffers . O , it is excellent
To have a giant’s strength , but it is tyrannous
To use it like a giant .
[67]ACT 2. SC. 2
As Jove himself does , Jove would never be quiet ,
For every pelting , petty officer
Would use his heaven for thunder ,
Nothing but thunder . Merciful heaven ,
Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt
Splits the unwedgeable and gnarlèd oak ,
Than the soft myrtle . But man , proud man ,
Dressed in a little brief authority ,
Most ignorant of what he’s most assured ,
His glassy essence , like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep , who with our spleens
Would all themselves laugh mortal .
He’s coming . I perceive ’t .
Great men may jest with saints ; ’tis wit in them ,
But in the less , foul profanation .
Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy .
Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself
[69] ACT 2. SC. 2 That skins the vice o’ th’ top . Go to your bosom ,
Knock there , and ask your heart what it doth know
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 .
That my sense breeds with it .
Fare you well .
Or stones whose rate are either rich or poor
As fancy values them , but with true prayers
That shall be up at heaven and enter there
Ere sunrise , prayers from preservèd souls ,
From fasting maids whose minds are dedicate
To nothing temporal .
For I am that way going to temptation
Where prayers cross .
Shall I attend your Lordship ?
[71]ACT 2. SC. 2
What’s this ? What’s this ? Is this her fault or mine ?
The tempter or the tempted , who sins most , ha ?
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 modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman’s lightness ? Having waste ground
enough ,
Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary
And pitch our evils there ? O fie , fie , fie !
What dost thou , or what art thou , Angelo ?
Dost thou desire her foully for those things
That make her good ? O , let her brother live .
Thieves for their robbery have authority
When judges steal themselves . What , do I love her
That I desire to hear her speak again
And feast upon her eyes ? What is ’t I dream on ?
O cunning enemy that , to catch a saint ,
With saints dost bait thy hook . Most dangerous
Is that temptation that doth goad us on
To sin in loving virtue . Never could the strumpet
With all her double vigor , art and nature ,
Once stir my temper , but this virtuous maid
Subdues me quite . Ever till now
When men were fond , I smiled and wondered how .
[73]ACT 2. SC. 3
Scene 3
I come to visit the afflicted spirits
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 .
Look , here comes one , a gentlewoman of mine ,
Who , falling in the flaws of her own youth ,
Hath blistered her report . She is with child ,
And he that got it , sentenced — a young man ,
More fit to do another such offense
Than die for this .
And you shall be conducted .
[75] ACT 2. SC. 3 And try your penitence , if it be sound
Or hollowly put on .
Was mutually committed ?
As that the sin hath brought you to this shame ,
Which sorrow is always toward ourselves , not
heaven ,
Showing we would not spare heaven as we love it ,
But as we stand in fear —
And take the shame with joy .
Your partner , as I hear , must die tomorrow ,
And I am going with instruction to him .
Grace go with you . Benedicite .
That respites me a life , whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror .
[77]ACT 2. SC. 4
Scene 4
To several subjects . Heaven hath my empty words ,
Whilst my invention , hearing not my tongue ,
Anchors on Isabel . God in my mouth ,
As if I did but only chew His name ,
And in my heart the strong and swelling evil
Of my conception . The state whereon I studied
Is , like a good thing being often read ,
Grown sere and tedious . Yea , my gravity ,
Wherein — let no man hear me — I take pride ,
Could I with boot change for an idle plume
Which the air beats for vain . O place , O form ,
How often dost thou with thy case , thy habit ,
Wrench awe from fools , and tie the wiser souls
To thy false seeming ! Blood , thou art blood .
Let’s write ‘good angel’ on the devil’s horn .
’Tis not the devil’s crest . Knock within . How now ,
who’s there ?
Why does my blood thus muster to my heart ,
Making both it unable for itself
And dispossessing all my other parts
Of necessary fitness ?
So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons ,
Come all to help him , and so stop the air
By which he should revive . And even so
The general subject to a well-wished king
[79] ACT 2. SC. 4 Quit their own part , and in obsequious fondness
Crowd to his presence , where their untaught love
Must needs appear offense .
How now , fair maid ?
Than to demand what ’tis . Your brother cannot live .
As long as you or I . Yet he must die .
Longer or shorter , he may be so fitted
That his soul sicken not .
To pardon him that hath from nature stolen
A man already made , as to remit
Their saucy sweetness that do coin God’s image
In stamps that are forbid . ’Tis all as easy
Falsely to take away a life true made
As to put metal in restrainèd means
To make a false one .
Which had you rather , that the most just law
Now took your brother’s life , or , to redeem him ,
[81] ACT 2. SC. 4 Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness
As she that he hath stained ?
I had rather give my body than my soul .
Stand more for number than for accompt .
Against the thing I say . Answer to this :
I , now the voice of the recorded law ,
Pronounce a sentence on your brother’s life .
Might there not be a charity in sin
To save this brother’s life ?
I’ll take it as a peril to my soul ,
It is no sin at all , but charity .
Were equal poise of sin and charity .
Heaven let me bear it . You granting of my suit ,
If that be sin , I’ll make it my morn prayer
To have it added to the faults of mine
And nothing of your answer .
Your sense pursues not mine . Either you are
ignorant ,
Or seem so , crafty , and that’s not good .
But graciously to know I am no better .
[83] ACT 2. SC. 4 When it doth tax itself , as these black masks
Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder
Than beauty could , displayed . But mark me .
To be receivèd plain , I’ll speak more gross :
Your brother is to die .
Accountant to the law upon that pain .
As I subscribe not that , nor any other —
But , in the loss of question , that you , his sister ,
Finding yourself desired of such a person
Whose credit with the judge , or own great place ,
Could fetch your brother from the manacles
Of the all-binding law , and that there were
No earthly mean to save him but that either
You must lay down the treasures of your body
To this supposed , or else to let him suffer ,
What would you do ?
That is , were I under the terms of death ,
Th’ impression of keen whips I’d wear as rubies
And strip myself to death as to a bed
That longing have been sick for , ere I’d yield
My body up to shame .
Better it were a brother died at once
Than that a sister , by redeeming him ,
Should die forever .
That you have slandered so ?
[85]ACT 2. SC. 4
Are of two houses . Lawful mercy
Is nothing kin to foul redemption .
And rather proved the sliding of your brother
A merriment than a vice .
To have what we would have , we speak not what we
mean .
I something do excuse the thing I hate
For his advantage that I dearly love .
If not a fedary but only he
Owe and succeed thy weakness .
Which are as easy broke as they make forms .
Women — help , heaven — men their creation mar
In profiting by them . Nay , call us ten times frail ,
For we are soft as our complexions are ,
And credulous to false prints .
And from this testimony of your own sex ,
Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger
Than 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’re none .
If you be one , as you are well expressed
By all external warrants , show it now
By putting on the destined livery .
[87]ACT 2. SC. 4
Let me entreat you speak the former language .
And you tell me that he shall die for ’t .
Which seems a little fouler than it is
To pluck on others .
My words express my purpose .
And most pernicious purpose . Seeming , seeming !
I will proclaim thee , Angelo , look for ’t .
Sign me a present pardon for my brother
Or with an outstretched throat I’ll tell the world
aloud
What man thou art .
My unsoiled name , th’ austereness of my life ,
My vouch against you , and my place i’ th’ state
Will so your accusation overweigh
That you shall stifle in your own report
And smell of calumny . I have begun ,
And now I give my sensual race the rein .
Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite ;
Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes
That banish what they sue for . Redeem thy brother
By yielding up thy body to my will ,
Or else he must not only die the death ,
But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
To ling’ring sufferance . Answer me tomorrow ,
[89] ACT 2. SC. 4 Or by the affection that now guides me most ,
I’ll prove a tyrant to him . As for you ,
Say what you can , my false o’erweighs your true .
Who would believe me ? O , perilous mouths ,
That bear in them one and the selfsame tongue ,
Either of condemnation or approof ,
Bidding the law make curtsy to their will ,
Hooking both right and wrong to th’ appetite ,
To follow as it draws . I’ll to my brother .
Though he hath fall’n by prompture of the blood ,
Yet hath he in him such a mind of honor
That , had he twenty heads to tender down
On twenty bloody blocks , he’d yield them up
Before his sister should her body stoop
To such abhorred pollution .
Then , Isabel , live chaste , and , brother , die .
More than our brother is our chastity .
I’ll tell him yet of Angelo’s request ,
And fit his mind to death , for his soul’s rest .
[93]
ACT 3
Scene 1
But only hope .
I have hope to live and am prepared to die .
Shall thereby be the sweeter . Reason thus with life :
If I do lose thee , I do lose a thing
That none but fools would keep . A breath thou art ,
Servile to all the skyey influences
That doth this habitation where thou keep’st
Hourly afflict . Merely , thou art death’s fool ,
For him thou labor’st by thy flight to shun ,
And yet runn’st toward him still . Thou art not noble ,
For all th’ accommodations that thou bear’st
Are nursed by baseness . Thou ’rt by no means
valiant ,
For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
Of a poor worm . Thy best of rest is sleep ,
And that thou oft provok’st , yet grossly fear’st
Thy death , which is no more . Thou art not thyself ,
For thou exists on many a thousand grains
[95] ACT 3. SC. 1 That issue out of dust . Happy thou art not ,
For what thou hast not , still thou striv’st to get ,
And what thou hast , forget’st . Thou art not certain ,
For thy complexion shifts to strange effects
After the moon . If thou art rich , thou ’rt poor ,
For , like an ass whose back with ingots bows ,
Thou bear’st thy heavy riches but a journey ,
And death unloads thee . Friend hast thou none ,
For thine own bowels which do call thee sire ,
The mere effusion of thy proper loins ,
Do curse the gout , serpigo , and the rheum
For ending thee no sooner . Thou hast nor youth nor
age ,
But as it were an after-dinner’s sleep
Dreaming on both , for all thy blessèd youth
Becomes as agèd and doth beg the alms
Of palsied eld ; and when thou art old and rich ,
Thou hast neither heat , affection , limb , nor beauty
To make thy riches pleasant . What’s yet in this
That bears the name of life ? Yet in this life
Lie hid more thousand deaths ; yet death we fear ,
That makes these odds all even .
To sue to live , I find I seek to die ,
And seeking death , find life . Let it come on .
[97]ACT 3. SC. 1
sister .
concealed .
As all comforts are , most good , most good indeed .
Lord Angelo , having affairs to heaven ,
Intends you for his swift ambassador ,
Where you shall be an everlasting leiger ;
Therefore your best appointment make with speed .
Tomorrow you set on .
To cleave a heart in twain .
There is a devilish mercy in the judge ,
If you’ll implore it , that will free your life
But fetter you till death .
Though all the world’s vastidity you had ,
To a determined scope .
Would bark your honor from that trunk you bear
And leave you naked .
[99]ACT 3. SC. 1
point .
Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain ,
And six or seven winters more respect
Than a perpetual honor . Dar’st thou die ?
The sense of death is most in apprehension ,
And the poor beetle that we tread upon
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dies .
Think you I can a resolution fetch
From flowery tenderness ? If I must die ,
I will encounter darkness as a bride ,
And hug it in mine arms .
Did utter forth a voice . Yes , thou must die .
Thou art too noble to conserve a life
In base appliances . This outward-sainted deputy —
Whose settled visage and deliberate word
Nips youth i’ th’ head , and follies doth enew
As falcon doth the fowl — is yet a devil .
His filth within being cast , he would appear
A pond as deep as hell .
The damned’st body to invest and cover
In prenzie guards . Dost thou think , Claudio ,
If I would yield him my virginity
Thou mightst be freed ?
So to offend him still . This night’s the time
[101] ACT 3. SC. 1 That I should do what I abhor to name ,
Or else thou diest tomorrow .
I’d throw it down for your deliverance
As frankly as a pin .
That thus can make him bite the law by th’ nose ,
When he would force it ? Sure it is no sin ,
Or of the deadly seven it is the least .
Why would he for the momentary trick
Be perdurably fined ? O , Isabel —
To lie in cold obstruction and to rot ,
This sensible warm motion to become
A kneaded clod ; and the delighted spirit
To bathe in fiery floods , or to reside
In thrilling region of thick-ribbèd ice ,
To be imprisoned in the viewless winds
And blown with restless violence round about
The pendent world ; or to be worse than worst
Of those that lawless and incertain thought
Imagine howling — ’tis too horrible .
The weariest and most loathèd worldly life
That age , ache , penury , and imprisonment
[103] ACT 3. SC. 1 Can lay on nature is a paradise
To what we fear of death .
What sin you do to save a brother’s life ,
Nature dispenses with the deed so far
That it becomes a virtue .
O faithless coward , O dishonest wretch ,
Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice ?
Is ’t not a kind of incest to take life
From thine own sister’s shame ? What should I think ?
Heaven shield my mother played my father fair ,
For such a warpèd slip of wilderness
Ne’er issued from his blood . Take my defiance ;
Die , perish . Might but my bending down
Reprieve thee from thy fate , it should proceed .
I’ll pray a thousand prayers for thy death ,
No word to save thee .
Thy sin’s not accidental , but a trade .
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd .
’Tis best that thou diest quickly .
would by and by have some speech with you . The
satisfaction I would require is likewise your own
benefit .
[105] ACT 3. SC. 1 be stolen out of other affairs , but I will attend you
awhile .
what hath passed between you and your
sister . Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her ;
only he hath made an assay of her virtue , to practice
his judgment with the disposition of natures . She ,
having the truth of honor 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 . Tomorrow you must die . Go to your knees
and make ready .
love with life that I will sue to be rid of it .
word with you .
gone . Leave me awhile with the maid . My mind
promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by
my company .
you fair hath made you good . The goodness that is
cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness ,
but grace , being the soul of your complexion , shall
keep the body of it ever fair . The assault that Angelo
hath made to you , fortune hath conveyed to my
understanding ; and but that frailty hath examples
for his falling , I should wonder at Angelo . How will
you do to content this substitute and to save your
brother ?
[107]ACT 3. SC. 1
my brother die by the law than my son should be
unlawfully born . But , O , how much is the good
duke deceived in Angelo ! If ever he return , and I
can speak to him , I will open my lips in vain , or
discover his government .
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 .
do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my
spirit .
fearful . Have you not heard speak of Mariana , the
sister of Frederick , the great soldier who miscarried
at sea ?
went with her name .
was affianced to her oath , and the nuptial appointed .
Between which time of the contract and
limit of the solemnity , her brother Frederick was
wracked at sea , having in that perished vessel the
dowry of his sister . But mark how heavily this befell
to the poor gentlewoman . There she lost a 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
[109] ACT 3. SC. 1 both , her combinate husband , this well-seeming
Angelo .
of them with his comfort , swallowed his vows
whole , pretending in her discoveries of dishonor ; 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 .
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 ?
and the cure of it not only saves your brother , but
keeps you from dishonor in doing it .
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 a plausible obedience ,
agree with his demands to the point . Only
refer yourself to this advantage : first , that your stay
with him may not be long , that the time may have all
shadow and silence in it , and the place answer to
convenience . This being granted in course , and
now follows all : we shall advise this wronged maid
to stead up your appointment , go in your place . If
the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter , it may
compel him to her recompense ; and here , by this , is
your brother saved , your honor untainted , the poor
Mariana advantaged , and the corrupt deputy
scaled . The maid will I frame and make fit for his
attempt . If you think well to carry this as you may ,
[111] ACT 3. SC. 2 the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit
from reproof . What think you of it ?
I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection .
you speedily to Angelo . If for this night he entreat
you to his bed , give him promise of satisfaction . I
will presently to Saint Luke’s . There at the moated
grange resides this dejected Mariana . At that place
call upon me , and dispatch with Angelo that it may
be quickly .
good father .
Scene 2
but that you will needs buy and sell men and
women like beasts , we shall have all the world drink
brown and white bastard .
the merriest was put down , and the worser allowed
by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm ,
and furred with fox and lambskins too , to signify
that craft , being richer than innocency , stands for
the facing .
friar .
offense hath this man made you , sir ?
we take him to be a thief too , sir , for we have found
[113] ACT 3. SC. 2 upon him , sir , a strange picklock , which we have
sent to the Deputy .
The evil that thou causest to be done ,
That is thy means to live . Do thou but think
What ’tis to cram a maw or clothe a back
From such a filthy vice ; say to thyself ,
From their abominable and beastly touches
I drink , I eat , array myself , and live .
Canst thou believe thy living is a life ,
So stinkingly depending ? Go mend , go mend .
sir , I would prove —
Thou wilt prove his . — Take him to prison , officer .
Correction and instruction must both work
Ere this rude beast will profit .
him warning . The Deputy cannot abide a whoremaster .
If he be a whoremonger and comes before
him , he were as good go a mile on his errand .
From our faults , as faults from seeming , free .
and a friend of mine .
Caesar ? Art thou led in triumph ? What , is there
none of Pygmalion’s images , newly made woman ,
to be had now , for putting the hand in the pocket
and extracting it clutched ? What reply , ha ? What
[115] ACT 3. SC. 2 sayst thou to this tune , matter , and method ? Is ’t not
drowned i’ th’ last rain , ha ? What sayst thou , trot ? Is
the world as it was , man ? Which is the way ? Is it sad
and few words ? Or how ? The trick of it ?
mistress ? Procures she still , ha ?
she is herself in the tub .
Ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd , an
unshunned consequence ; it must be so . Art going to
prison , Pompey ?
sent thee thither . For debt , Pompey ? Or how ?
the due of a bawd , why , ’tis his right . Bawd is he ,
doubtless , and of antiquity too . Bawd born . —
Farewell , good Pompey . Commend me to the prison ,
Pompey . You will turn good husband now ,
Pompey ; you will keep the house .
wear . I will pray , Pompey , to increase your bondage .
If you take it not patiently , why , your mettle is
the more . Adieu , trusty Pompey . — Bless you , friar .
ha ?
friar ? What news ?
[117]ACT 3. SC. 2
What news , friar , of the Duke ?
other some , he is in Rome . But where is he , think
you ?
wish him well .
from the state and usurp the beggary he was never
born to . Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence .
He puts transgression to ’t .
in him . Something too crabbed that way , friar .
must cure it .
it is well allied , but it is impossible to extirp it quite ,
friar , till eating and drinking be put down . They say
this Angelo was not made by man and woman after
this downright way of creation . Is it true , think
you ?
that he was begot between two stockfishes . But it is
certain that when he makes water , his urine is
congealed ice ; that I know to be true . And he is a
motion generative , that’s infallible .
rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a
man ! Would the duke that is absent have done this ?
Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting
a hundred bastards , he would have paid for the
[119] ACT 3. SC. 2 nursing a thousand . He had some feeling of the
sport , he knew the service , and that instructed him
to mercy .
detected for women . He was not inclined that way .
and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish . The
Duke had crotchets in him . He would be drunk too ,
that let me inform you .
Duke , and I believe I know the cause of his
withdrawing .
the teeth and the lips . But this I can let you
understand : the greater file of the subject held the
Duke to be wise .
mistaking . The very stream of his life and the
business he hath helmed must , upon a warranted
need , give him a better proclamation . Let him be
but testimonied in his own bringings-forth , and he
shall appear to the envious a scholar , a statesman ,
and a soldier . Therefore you speak unskillfully . Or ,
if your knowledge be more , it is much darkened in
your malice .
knowledge with dearer love .
[121] ACT 3. SC. 2 know not what you speak . But if ever the Duke
return , as our prayers are he may , let me desire you
to make your answer before him . If it be honest you
have spoke , you have courage to maintain it . I am
bound to call upon you , and , I pray you , your name ?
live to report you .
more , or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite .
But indeed I can do you little harm ; you’ll
forswear this again .
friar . But no more of this . Canst thou tell if Claudio
die tomorrow or no ?
the Duke we talk of were returned again . This
ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with
continency . Sparrows must not build in his house
eaves , because they are lecherous . The Duke yet
would have dark deeds darkly answered . He would
never bring them to light Would he were returned .
Marry , this Claudio is condemned for untrussing .
Farewell , good friar . I prithee pray for me . The
Duke , I say to thee again , would eat mutton on
Fridays . He’s now past it , yet — and I say to thee —
he would mouth with a beggar though she smelt
brown bread and garlic . Say that I said so . Farewell .
Can censure scape . Back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes . What king so strong
[123] ACT 3. SC. 2 Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue ?
But who comes here ?
Overdone , a Bawd .
accounted a merciful man , good my lord .
in the same kind ? This would make mercy
swear and play the tyrant .
please your Honor .
against me . Mistress Kate Keepdown was
with child by him in the Duke’s time ; he promised
her marriage . His child is a year and a quarter old
come Philip and Jacob . I have kept it myself , and see
how he goes about to abuse me .
him be called before us . Away with her to prison . —
Go to , no more words .
Provost , my brother Angelo will not be altered .
Claudio must die tomorrow . Let him be furnished
with divines and have all charitable preparation . If
my brother wrought by my pity , it should not be so
with him .
and advised him for th’ entertainment of death .
To use it for my time . I am a brother
[125] ACT 3. SC. 2 Of gracious order , late come from the See
In special business from his Holiness .
on goodness that the dissolution of it must cure it .
Novelty is only in request , and it is as dangerous to
be aged in any kind of course as it is virtuous to be
constant in any undertaking . There is scarce truth
enough alive to make societies secure , but security
enough to make fellowships accursed . Much upon
this riddle runs the wisdom of the world . This news
is old enough , yet it is every day’s news . I pray you ,
sir , of what disposition was the Duke ?
especially to know himself .
merry at anything which professed to make him
rejoice — a gentleman of all temperance . But leave
we him to his events , with a prayer they may prove
prosperous , and let me desire to know how you find
Claudio prepared . I am made to understand that
you have lent him visitation .
sinister measure from his judge but most willingly
humbles himself to the determination of justice . Yet
had he framed to himself , by the instruction of his
frailty , many deceiving promises of life , which I , by
my good leisure , have discredited to him , and now
is he resolved to die .
the prisoner the very debt of your calling . I have
labored for the poor gentleman to the extremest
shore of my modesty , but my brother justice have I
found so severe that he hath forced me to tell him
he is indeed Justice .
[127]ACT 3. SC. 2
his proceeding , it shall become him well ; wherein if
he chance to fail , he hath sentenced himself .
Should be as holy as severe ,
Pattern in himself to know ,
Grace to stand , and virtue go ;
More nor less to others paying
Than by self-offenses weighing .
Shame to him whose cruel striking
Kills for faults of his own liking .
Twice treble shame on Angelo ,
To weed my vice , and let his grow .
O , what may man within him hide ,
Though angel on the outward side !
How may likeness made in crimes ,
Making practice on the times ,
To draw with idle spiders’ strings
Most ponderous and substantial things .
Craft against vice I must apply .
With Angelo tonight shall lie
His old betrothèd but despisèd .
So disguise shall , by th’ disguisèd ,
Pay with falsehood false exacting
And perform an old contracting .
[131]
ACT 4
Scene 1
Song .
That so sweetly were forsworn ,
And those eyes , the break of day ,
Lights that do mislead the morn .
But my kisses bring again , bring again ,
Seals of love , but sealed in vain , sealed in vain .
Here comes a man of comfort , whose advice
Hath often stilled my brawling discontent .
I cry you mercy , sir , and well could wish
You had not found me here so musical .
Let me excuse me , and believe me so ,
My mirth it much displeased , but pleased my woe .
To make bad good and good provoke to harm .
I pray you tell me , hath anybody inquired for me
[133] ACT 4. SC. 1 here today ? Much upon this time have I promised
here to meet .
here all day .
come even now . I shall crave your forbearance a
little . Maybe I will call upon you anon for some
advantage to yourself .
What is the news from this good deputy ?
Whose western side is with a vineyard backed ;
And to that vineyard is a planchèd gate
That makes his opening with this bigger key .
This other doth command a little door
Which from the vineyard to the garden leads .
There have I made my promise , upon the
Heavy middle of the night , to call upon him .
With whispering and most guilty diligence ,
In action all of precept , he did show me
The way twice o’er .
Between you ’greed concerning her observance ?
And that I have possessed him my most stay
Can be but brief , for I have made him know
I have a servant comes with me along
[135] ACT 4. SC. 1 That stays upon me , whose persuasion is
I come about my brother .
I have not yet made known to Mariana
A word of this . — What ho , within ; come forth .
maid .
She comes to do you good .
Who hath a story ready for your ear .
I shall attend your leisure . But make haste .
The vaporous night approaches .
Are stuck upon thee ; volumes of report
Run with these false , and , most contrarious , quest
Upon thy doings ; thousand escapes of wit
Make thee the father of their idle dream
And rack thee in their fancies .
If you advise it .
[137]ACT 4. SC. 2
But my entreaty too .
When you depart from him , but , soft and low ,
‘Remember now my brother .’
He is your husband on a precontract .
To bring you thus together ’tis no sin ,
Sith that the justice of your title to him
Doth flourish the deceit . Come , let us go .
Our corn’s to reap , for yet our tithe’s to sow .
Scene 2
head ?
a married man , he’s his wife’s head , and I can never
cut off a woman’s head .
me a direct answer . Tomorrow morning are to die
Claudio and Barnardine . Here 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 redeem you from your gyves ; if not , you shall
have your full time of imprisonment and your
deliverance with an unpitied whipping , for you have
been a notorious bawd .
mind , but yet I will be content to be a lawful
[139] ACT 4. SC. 2 hangman . I would be glad to receive some instruction
from my fellow partner .
there ?
in your execution . If you think it meet , compound
with him by the year and let him abide here
with you ; if not , use him for the present and dismiss
him . He cannot plead his estimation with you ; he
hath been a bawd .
our mystery .
turn the scale .
good favor you have , but that you have a hanging
look — do you call , sir , your occupation a mystery ?
and your whores , sir , being members of my occupation ,
using painting , do prove my occupation a
mystery ; but what mystery there should be in hanging ,
if I should be hanged , I cannot imagine .
be too little for your thief , your true man thinks it
big enough ; if it be too big for your thief , your thief
thinks it little enough . So every true man’s apparel
fits your thief .
[141]ACT 4. SC. 2
is a more penitent trade than your bawd . He
doth oftener ask forgiveness .
and your axe tomorrow , four o’clock .
thee in my trade . Follow .
occasion to use me for your own turn , you shall find
me yare . For truly , sir , for your kindness , I owe
you a good turn .
Th’ one has my pity ; not a jot the other ,
Being a murderer , though he were my brother .
Look , here’s the warrant , Claudio , for thy death .
’Tis now dead midnight , and by eight tomorrow
Thou must be made immortal . Where’s Barnardine ?
When it lies starkly in the traveler’s bones .
He will not wake .
Well , go , prepare yourself . Knock within . But hark ,
what noise ? —
Heaven give your spirits comfort . Claudio exits ,
with Officer . Knock within . By and by ! —
I hope it is some pardon or reprieve
For the most gentle Claudio .
Welcome , father .
[143]ACT 4. SC. 2
Envelop you , good provost . Who called here of late ?
Even with the stroke and line of his great justice .
He doth with holy abstinence subdue
That in himself which he spurs on his power
To qualify in others . Were he mealed with that
Which he corrects , then were he tyrannous ,
But this being so , he’s just . Knock within . Now are
they come .
This is a gentle provost . Seldom when
The steelèd jailer is the friend of men .
How now , what noise ? That spirit’s possessed with
haste
That wounds th’ unsisting postern with these strokes .
Arise to let him in . He is called up .
But he must die tomorrow ?
[145]ACT 4. SC. 2
You shall hear more ere morning .
You something know , yet I believe there comes
No countermand . No such example have we .
Besides , upon the very siege of justice
Lord Angelo hath to the public ear
Professed the contrary .
This is his Lordship’s man .
you this note , and by me this further charge : that
you swerve 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 .
For which the pardoner himself is in .
Hence hath offense his quick celerity
When it is borne in high authority .
When vice makes mercy , mercy’s so extended
That for the fault’s love is th’ offender friended .
remiss in mine office , awakens me with this unwonted
putting-on , methinks strangely ; for he hath
not used it before .
be executed by four of the clock , and in the afternoon
[147] ACT 4. SC. 2 Barnardine . For my better satisfaction , let me have
Claudio’s head sent me by five . Let this be duly
performed with a thought that more depends on it
than we must yet deliver . Thus fail not to do your
office , as you will answer it at your peril .
What say you to this , sir ?
executed in th’ afternoon ?
bred ; one that is a prisoner nine years old .
not either delivered him to his liberty , or executed
him ? I have heard it was ever his manner to do so .
and indeed his fact , till now in the government of
Lord Angelo , came not to an undoubtful proof .
prison ? How seems he to be touched ?
but as a drunken sleep ; careless , reckless , and
fearless of what’s past , present , or to come ; insensible
of mortality and desperately mortal .
liberty of the prison ; give him leave to escape
hence , he would not . Drunk many times a day , if not
many days entirely drunk . We have very oft awaked
him , as if to carry him to execution , and showed
him a seeming warrant for it . It hath not moved him
at all .
your brow , provost , honesty and constancy ; if I read
it not truly , my ancient skill beguiles me . But in the
boldness of my cunning , I will lay myself in hazard .
[149] ACT 4. SC. 2 Claudio , whom here you have warrant to execute , is
no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo , who hath
sentenced him . To make you understand this in a
manifested effect , I crave but four days’ respite , for
the which you are to do me both a present and a
dangerous courtesy .
limited , and an express command , under penalty ,
to deliver his head in the view of Angelo ? I may
make my case as Claudio’s , to cross this in the
smallest .
you , if my instructions may be your guide . Let this
Barnardine be this morning executed and his head
borne to Angelo .
the favor .
may add to it . Shave the head and tie the beard , and
say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bared
before his death . You know the course is common .
If anything fall to you upon this , more than thanks
and good fortune , by the saint whom I profess , I
will plead against it with my life .
Deputy ?
offense if the Duke avouch the justice of your
dealing ?
since I see you fearful , that neither my coat , integrity ,
[151] ACT 4. SC. 3 nor persuasion can with ease attempt you , I will
go further than I meant , to pluck all fears out of
you . Look you , sir , here is the hand and seal of the
Duke . He shows the Provost a paper . You know the
character , I doubt not , and the signet is not strange
to you .
Duke ; you shall anon overread it at your pleasure ,
where you shall find within these two days he will
be here . This is a thing that Angelo knows not , for
he this very day receives letters of strange tenor ,
perchance of the Duke’s death , perchance entering
into some monastery , but by chance nothing of
what is writ . Look , th’ unfolding star calls up the
shepherd . Put not yourself into amazement how
these things should be . All difficulties are but easy
when they are known . Call your executioner , and
off with Barnardine’s head . I will give him a present
shrift , and advise him for a better place . Yet you are
amazed , but this shall absolutely resolve you .
Come away ; it is almost clear dawn .
Scene 3
house of profession . One would think it were Mistress
Overdone’s own house , for here be many of
her old customers . First , here’s young Master Rash .
He’s in for a commodity of brown paper and old
ginger , ninescore and seventeen pounds , of which
he made five marks ready money . Marry , then
[153] ACT 4. SC. 3 ginger was not much in request , for the old women
were all dead . Then is there here one Master Caper ,
at the suit of Master Three-pile the mercer , for some
four suits of peach-colored satin , which now
peaches him a beggar . Then have we here young
Dizzy and young Master Deep-vow , and Master
Copper-spur and Master Starve-lackey the rapier-and-dagger
man , and young Drop-heir that killed
lusty Pudding , and Master Forth-light the tilter , and
brave Master Shoe-tie the great traveler , and wild
Half-can that stabbed Pots , and I think forty more ,
all great doers in our trade , and are now ‘for the
Lord’s sake .’
and be hanged , Master Barnardine .
that noise there ? What are you ?
sir , the hangman . You must be so good , sir , to rise
and be put to death .
sleepy .
that quickly too .
you are executed , and sleep afterwards .
straw rustle .
[155]ACT 4. SC. 3
with you ?
your prayers , for , look you , the warrant’s come .
I am not fitted for ’t .
and is hanged betimes in the morning may sleep the
sounder all the next day .
your ghostly father . Do we jest now , think you ?
charity , and hearing how hastily you are to depart , I
am come to advise you , comfort you , and pray with
you .
night , and I will have more time to prepare me , or
they shall beat out my brains with billets . I will not
consent to die this day , that’s certain .
beseech you look forward on the journey you shall
go .
persuasion .
me , come to my ward , for thence will not I today .
After him , fellows ; bring him to the block .
[157]ACT 4. SC. 3
And to transport him in the mind he is
Were damnable .
There died this morning of a cruel fever
One Ragozine , a most notorious pirate ,
A man of Claudio’s years , his beard and head
Just of his color . What if we do omit
This reprobate till he were well inclined ,
And satisfy the Deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine , more like to Claudio ?
Dispatch it presently . The hour draws on
Prefixed by Angelo . See this be done
And sent according to command , whiles I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die .
But Barnardine must die this afternoon ,
And how shall we continue Claudio ,
To save me from the danger that might come
If he were known alive ?
Put them in secret holds , both Barnardine and
Claudio .
Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
To yonder generation , you shall find
Your safety manifested .
[159]ACT 4. SC. 3
The Provost he shall bear them — whose contents
Shall witness to him I am near at home
And that by great injunctions I am bound
To enter publicly . Him I’ll desire
To meet me at the consecrated fount
A league below the city ; and from thence ,
By cold gradation and well-balanced form ,
We shall proceed with Angelo .
For I would commune with you of such things
That want no ear but yours .
If yet her brother’s pardon be come hither .
But I will keep her ignorant of her good
To make her heavenly comforts of despair
When it is least expected .
Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother’s pardon ?
[161]ACT 4. SC. 3
His head is off , and sent to Angelo .
Show your wisdom , daughter , in your close patience .
Injurious world , most damnèd Angelo !
Forbear it , therefore ; give your cause to heaven .
Mark what I say , which you shall find
By every syllable a faithful verity .
The Duke comes home tomorrow — nay , dry your
eyes .
One of our convent , and his confessor ,
Gives me this instance . Already he hath carried
Notice to Escalus and Angelo ,
Who do prepare to meet him at the gates ,
There to give up their power . If you can , pace your
wisdom
In that good path that I would wish it go ,
And you shall have your bosom on this wretch ,
Grace of the Duke , revenges to your heart ,
And general honor .
’Tis that he sent me of the Duke’s return .
Say , by this token , I desire his company
[163] ACT 4. SC. 3 At Mariana’s house tonight . Her cause and yours
I’ll perfect him withal , and he shall bring you
Before the Duke , and to the head of Angelo
Accuse him home and home . For my poor self ,
I am combinèd by a sacred vow
And shall be absent . Wend you with this letter .
Command these fretting waters from your eyes
With a light heart . Trust not my holy order
If I pervert your course . — Who’s here ?
thine eyes so red . Thou must be patient . I am fain to
dine and sup with water and bran . I dare not for my
head fill my belly . One fruitful meal would set me to
’t . But they say the Duke will be here tomorrow . By
my troth , Isabel , I loved thy brother . If the old
fantastical duke of dark corners had been at home ,
he had lived .
to your reports , but the best is , he lives not
in them .
He’s a better woodman than thou tak’st him for .
you well .
pretty tales of the Duke .
already , sir , if they be true ; if not true , none were
enough .
child .
[165]ACT 4. SC. 4
They would else have married me to the rotten
medlar .
Rest you well .
bawdy talk offend you , we’ll have very little of it .
Nay , friar , I am a kind of burr . I shall stick .
Scene 4
other .
actions show much like to madness . Pray heaven his
wisdom be not tainted . And why meet him at the
gates and deliver our authorities there ?
before his entering , that if any crave redress of
injustice , they should exhibit their petitions in the
street ?
of complaints , and to deliver us from devices
hereafter , which shall then have no power to stand
against us .
Betimes i’ th’ morn , I’ll call you at your house . Give
notice to such men of sort and suit as are to meet
him .
[167]ACT 4. SC. 5
This deed unshapes me quite , makes me unpregnant
And dull to all proceedings . A deflowered maid ,
And by an eminent body that enforced
The law against it . But that her tender shame
Will not proclaim against her maiden loss ,
How might she tongue me ! Yet reason dares her no ,
For my authority bears of a credent bulk
That no particular scandal once can touch
But it confounds the breather . He should have lived ,
Save that his riotous youth with dangerous sense
Might in the times to come have ta’en revenge
By so receiving a dishonored life
With ransom of such shame . Would yet he had lived .
Alack , when once our grace we have forgot ,
Nothing goes right . We would , and we would not .
Scene 5
The Provost knows our purpose and our plot .
The matter being afoot , keep your instruction
And hold you ever to our special drift ,
Though sometimes you do blench from this to that
As cause doth minister . Go call at Flavius’ house
And tell him where I stay . Give the like notice
To Valencius , Rowland , and to Crassus ,
And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate .
But send me Flavius first .
[169]ACT 4. SC. 6
Come , we will walk . There’s other of our friends
Will greet us here anon . My gentle Varrius .
Scene 6
I would say the truth , but to accuse him so
That is your part ; yet I am advised to do it ,
He says , to veil full purpose .
He speak against me on the adverse side ,
I should not think it strange , for ’tis a physic
That’s bitter to sweet end .
Where you may have such vantage on the Duke
He shall not pass you . Twice have the trumpets
sounded .
The generous and gravest citizens
Have hent the gates , and very near upon
The Duke is entering . Therefore hence , away .
[173]
ACT 5
Scene 1
Provost , Officers , and Citizens at several doors .
glad to see you .
We have made inquiry of you , and we hear
Such goodness of your justice that our soul
Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks ,
Forerunning more requital .
To lock it in the wards of covert bosom
When it deserves with characters of brass
A forted residence ’gainst the tooth of time
And razure of oblivion . Give me your hand
And let the subject see , to make them know
That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
Favors that keep within . — Come , Escalus ,
[175] ACT 5. SC. 1 You must walk by us on our other hand .
And good supporters are you .
Upon a wronged — I would fain have said , a maid .
O worthy prince , dishonor not your eye
By throwing it on any other object
Till you have heard me in my true complaint
And given me justice , justice , justice , justice .
Here is Lord Angelo shall give you justice .
Reveal yourself to him .
You bid me seek redemption of the devil .
Hear me yourself , for that which I must speak
Must either punish me , not being believed ,
Or wring redress from you . Hear me , O hear me ,
here .
She hath been a suitor to me for her brother
Cut off by course of justice .
That Angelo’s forsworn , is it not strange ?
That Angelo’s a murderer , is ’t not strange ?
That Angelo is an adulterous thief ,
[177] ACT 5. SC. 1 An hypocrite , a virgin-violator ,
Is it not strange , and strange ?
Than this is all as true as it is strange .
Nay , it is ten times true , for truth is truth
To th’ end of reck’ning .
She speaks this in th’ infirmity of sense .
There is another comfort than this world ,
That thou neglect me not with that opinion
That I am touched with madness . Make not
impossible
That which but seems unlike . ’Tis not impossible
But one , the wicked’st caitiff on the ground ,
May seem as shy , as grave , as just , as absolute
As Angelo . Even so may Angelo ,
In all his dressings , caracts , titles , forms ,
Be an archvillain . Believe it , royal prince ,
If he be less , he’s nothing , but he’s more ,
Had I more name for badness .
If she be mad — as I believe no other —
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense ,
Such a dependency of thing on thing ,
As e’er I heard in madness .
Harp not on that ; nor do not banish reason
For inequality , but let your reason serve
To make the truth appear where it seems hid ,
And hide the false seems true .
Have , sure , more lack of reason . What would you
say ?
[179]ACT 5. SC. 1
Condemned upon the act of fornication
To lose his head , condemned by Angelo .
I , in probation of a sisterhood ,
Was sent to by my brother ; one Lucio
As then the messenger —
I came to her from Claudio and desired her
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo
For her poor brother’s pardon .
Nor wished to hold my peace .
Pray you take note of it , and when you have
A business for yourself , pray heaven you then
Be perfect .
To speak before your time . — Proceed .
To this pernicious caitiff deputy —
The phrase is to the matter .
[181]ACT 5. SC. 1
How I persuaded , how I prayed and kneeled ,
How he refelled 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 honor ,
And I did yield to him . But the next morn betimes ,
His purpose surfeiting , he sends a warrant
For my poor brother’s head .
thou speak’st ,
Or else thou art suborned against his honor
In hateful practice . First , his integrity
Stands without blemish ; next , it imports no reason
That with such vehemency he should pursue
Faults proper to himself . If he had so offended ,
He would have weighed thy brother by himself
And not have cut him off . Someone hath set you on .
Confess the truth , and say by whose advice
Thou cam’st here to complain .
Then , O you blessèd ministers above ,
Keep me in patience , and with ripened time
Unfold the evil which is here wrapped up
In countenance . Heaven shield your Grace from
woe ,
[183] ACT 5. SC. 1 As I , thus wronged , hence unbelievèd go .
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 ?
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 swinged him soundly .
And to set on this wretched woman here
Against our substitute ! Let this friar be found .
I saw them at the prison . A saucy friar ,
A very scurvy fellow .
I have stood by , my lord , and I have heard
Your royal ear abused . First hath this woman
Most wrongfully accused your substitute ,
Who is as free from touch or soil with her
As she from one ungot .
Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of ?
[185] ACT 5. SC. 1 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 .
But at this instant he is sick , my lord ,
Of a strange fever . Upon his mere request ,
Being come to knowledge that there was complaint
Intended ’gainst Lord Angelo , came I hither
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 disprovèd to her eyes
Till she herself confess it .
Do you not smile at this , Lord Angelo ?
O heaven , the vanity of wretched fools ! —
Give us some seats . — Come , cousin Angelo ,
In this I’ll be impartial . Be you judge
Of your own cause .
Is this the witness , friar ?
First , let her show her face , and after speak .
Until my husband bid me .
[187]ACT 5. SC. 1
nor wife ?
are neither maid , widow , nor wife .
to prattle for himself .
And I confess besides I am no maid .
I have known my husband , yet my husband
Knows not that ever he knew me .
too .
She that accuses him of fornication
In selfsame 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 th’ effect of love .
Who thinks he knows that he ne’er knew my body ,
But knows , he thinks , that he knows Isabel’s .
[189]ACT 5. SC. 1
This is that face , thou cruel Angelo ,
Which once thou swor’st was worth the looking on .
This is the hand which , with a vowed contract ,
Was fast belocked in thine . This is the body
That took away the match from Isabel
And did supply thee at thy garden house
In her imagined person .
And five years since there was some speech of
marriage
Betwixt myself and her , which was broke off ,
Partly for that her promisèd proportions
Came short of composition , but in chief
For that her reputation was disvalued
In levity . Since which time of five years
I never spake with her , saw her , nor heard from her ,
Upon my faith and honor .
As there comes light from heaven and words from
breath ,
As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue ,
I am affianced this man’s wife as strongly
As words could make up vows . And , my good lord ,
But Tuesday night last gone 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 forever be confixèd here
A marble monument .
[191]ACT 5. SC. 1
Now , good my lord , give me the scope of justice .
My patience here is touched . I do perceive
These poor informal women are no more
But instruments of some more mightier member
That sets them on . Let me have way , my lord ,
To find this practice out .
And punish them to your height of pleasure . —
Thou foolish friar , and thou pernicious woman ,
Compact with her that’s gone , think’st thou thy
oaths ,
Though they would swear down each particular
saint ,
Were testimonies against his worth and credit
That’s sealed in approbation ? — You , Lord Escalus ,
Sit with my cousin ; lend him your kind pains
To find out this abuse , whence ’tis derived .
There is another friar that set them on .
Let him be sent for .
Hath set the women on to this complaint ;
Your provost knows the place where he abides ,
And he may fetch him .
cousin ,
Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth ,
Do with your injuries as seems you best
In any chastisement . I for a while
Will leave you ; but stir not you till you have
Well determined upon these slanderers .
[193] ACT 5. SC. 1 Signior Lucio , did not you say you knew that Friar
Lodowick to be a dishonest person ?
but in his clothes , and one that hath spoke most
villainous speeches of the Duke .
come , and enforce them against him . We shall find
this friar a notable fellow .
speak with her .
question . You shall see how I’ll handle her .
she would sooner confess ; perchance publicly she’ll
be ashamed .
with Officers .
denies all that you have said .
with the Provost .
we call upon you .
these women on to slander Lord Angelo ? They have
confessed you did .
[195]ACT 5. SC. 1
Be sometime honored for his burning throne .
Where is the Duke ? ’Tis he should hear me speak .
Look you speak justly .
Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox ?
Good night to your redress . Is the Duke gone ?
Then is your cause gone too . The Duke’s unjust
Thus to retort your manifest appeal ,
And put your trial in the villain’s mouth
Which here you come to accuse .
Is ’t not enough thou hast suborned these women
To accuse this worthy man , but , in foul mouth
And in the witness of his proper ear ,
To call him villain ? And then to glance from him
To th’ Duke himself , to tax him with injustice ? —
Take him hence . To th’ rack with him . We’ll touse
him
Joint by joint , but we will know his purpose .
What ? ‘Unjust’ ?
Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he
Dare rack his own . His subject am I not ,
Nor here provincial . My business in this state
Made me a looker-on here in Vienna ,
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble
Till it o’errun the stew . Laws for all faults ,
But faults so countenanced that the strong statutes
[197] ACT 5. SC. 1 Stand like the forfeits in a barber’s shop ,
As much in mock as mark .
Away with him to prison .
Is this the man that you did tell us of ?
Do you know me ?
your voice . I met you at the prison in the absence of
the Duke .
said of the Duke ?
a fool , and a coward , as you then reported him to
be ?
ere you make that my report . You indeed spoke so
of him , and much more , much worse .
the nose for thy speeches ?
myself .
his treasonable abuses !
with him to prison . Where is the Provost ? Provost
comes forward . Away with him to prison . Lay bolts
enough upon him . Let him speak no more . Away
with those giglets too , and with the other confederate
companion .
[199] ACT 5. SC. 1 come , sir . Foh , sir ! Why you bald-pated , lying rascal ,
you must be hooded , must you ? Show your knave’s
visage , with a pox to you ! Show your sheep-biting
face , and be hanged an hour ! Will ’t not off ?
First , provost , let me bail these gentle three .
you
Must have a word anon . — Lay hold on him .
We’ll borrow place of him .
leave .
Hast thou or word , or wit , or impudence
That yet can do thee office ? If thou hast ,
Rely upon it till my tale be heard ,
And hold no longer out .
I should be guiltier than my guiltiness
To think I can be undiscernible ,
When I perceive your Grace , like power divine ,
Hath looked upon my passes . Then , good prince ,
No longer session hold upon my shame ,
But let my trial be mine own confession .
Immediate sentence then and sequent death
Is all the grace I beg .
woman ?
[201] ACT 5. SC. 1
consummate ,
Return him here again . — Go with him , provost .
Than at the strangeness of it .
Your friar is now your prince . As I was then
Advertising and holy to your business ,
Not changing heart with habit , I am still
Attorneyed at your service .
That I , your vassal , have employed and pained
Your unknown sovereignty .
Isabel .
And now , dear maid , be you as free to us .
Your brother’s death , I know , sits at your heart ,
And you may marvel why I obscured myself ,
Laboring to save his life , and would not rather
Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power
Than let him so be lost . O most kind maid ,
It was the swift celerity of his death ,
Which I did think with slower foot came on ,
That brained my purpose . But peace be with him .
That life is better life past fearing death
Than that which lives to fear . Make it your comfort ,
So happy is your brother .
Whose salt imagination yet hath wronged
Your well-defended honor , you must pardon
[203] ACT 5. SC. 1 For Mariana’s sake . But as he adjudged your
brother —
Being criminal in double violation
Of sacred chastity and of promise-breach
Thereon dependent for your brother’s life —
The very mercy of the law cries out
Most audible , even from his proper tongue ,
‘An Angelo for Claudio , death for death .’
Haste still pays haste , and leisure answers leisure ;
Like doth quit like , and measure still for
measure . —
Then , Angelo , thy fault’s thus manifested ,
Which , though thou wouldst deny , denies thee
vantage .
We do condemn thee to the very block
Where Claudio stooped to death , and with like
haste . —
Away with him .
I hope you will not mock me with a husband .
Consenting to the safeguard of your honor ,
I thought your marriage fit . Else imputation ,
For that he knew you , might reproach your life
And choke your good to come . For his possessions ,
Although by confiscation they are ours ,
We do instate and widow you with all
To buy you a better husband .
I crave no other nor no better man .
[205] ACT 5. SC. 1 Away with him to death .
you .
Lend me your knees , and all my life to come
I’ll lend you all my life to do you service .
Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact ,
Her brother’s ghost his pavèd bed would break
And take her hence in horror .
Sweet Isabel , do yet but kneel by me ,
Hold up your hands , say nothing . I’ll speak all .
They say best men are molded out of faults ,
And , for the most , become much more the better
For being a little bad . So may my husband .
O Isabel , will you not lend a knee ?
Look , if it please you , on this man condemned
As if my brother lived . I partly think
A due sincerity governed his deeds
Till he did look on me . Since it is so ,
Let him not die . My brother had but justice ,
In that he did the thing for which he died .
For Angelo ,
His act did not o’ertake his bad intent ,
And must be buried but as an intent
That perished by the way . Thoughts are no subjects ,
Intents but merely thoughts .
I have bethought me of another fault . —
[207] ACT 5. SC. 1 Provost , how came it Claudio was beheaded
At an unusual hour ?
Give up your keys .
I thought it was a fault , but knew it not ,
Yet did repent me after more advice ,
For testimony whereof , one in the prison
That should by private order else have died ,
I have reserved alive .
Go fetch him hither . Let me look upon him .
As you , Lord Angelo , have still appeared ,
Should slip so grossly , both in the heat of blood
And lack of tempered judgment afterward .
And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
That I crave death more willingly than mercy .
’Tis my deserving , and I do entreat it .
and Juliet .
[209]ACT 5. SC. 1
lord .
Sirrah , thou art said to have a stubborn soul
That apprehends no further than this world ,
And squar’st thy life according . Thou ’rt condemned .
But , for those earthly faults , I quit them all ,
And pray thee take this mercy to provide
For better times to come . — Friar , advise him .
I leave him to your hand . — What muffled fellow’s
that ?
Who should have died when Claudio lost his head ,
As like almost to Claudio as himself .
Is he pardoned ; and for your lovely sake ,
Give me your hand and say you will be mine ,
He is my brother too . But fitter time for that .
By this Lord Angelo perceives he’s safe ;
Methinks I see a quick’ning in his eye . —
Well , Angelo , your evil quits you well .
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 .
coward ,
One all of luxury , an ass , a madman .
Wherein have I so deserved of you
That you extol me thus ?
trick . If you will hang me for it , you may , but I had
rather it would please you I might be whipped .
[211]ACT 5. SC. 1
Proclaim it , provost , round about the city ,
If any woman wronged 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 finished ,
Let him be whipped and hanged .
whore . Your Highness said even now I made you a
duke . Good my lord , do not recompense me in
making me a cuckold .
Thy slanders I forgive and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits . — Take him to prison ,
And see our pleasure herein executed .
whipping , and hanging .
She , Claudio , that you wronged , look you restore . —
Joy to you , Mariana . — Love her , Angelo .
I have confessed her , and I know her virtue . —
Thanks , good friend Escalus , for thy much goodness .
There’s more behind that is more gratulate . —
Thanks , provost , for thy care and secrecy .
We shall employ thee in a worthier place . —
Forgive him , Angelo , that brought you home
The head of Ragozine for Claudio’s .
Th’ offense pardons itself . — Dear Isabel ,
I have a motion much imports your good ,
Whereto if you’ll a willing ear incline ,
What’s mine is yours , and what is yours is mine . —
So , bring us to our palace , where we’ll show
What’s yet behind that’s meet you all should know .
Appendix A
- Lizenz
-
CC BY 4.0
Link zur Lizenz
- Zitationsvorschlag für diese Edition
- TextGrid Repository (2025). Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The Folger Digital Texts in TextGrid. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0016-84AA-3