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  • Title: Measure for Measure (Folio, 1623)
  • Editor: Kristin Lucas

    • Copyright Kristin Lucas. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Kristin Lucas
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Measure for Measure (Folio, 1623)

    MEASVRE,
    For Measure.
    1Actus primus, Scena prima.
    Enter Duke, Escalus, Lords.
    Duke.
    EScalus.
    5Esc. My Lord.
    Duk. Of Gouernment, the properties to vn- (fold,
    Would seeme in me t' affect speech & discourse,
    Since I am put to know, that your owne Science
    Exceedes (in that) the lists of all aduice
    10My strength can giue you: Then no more remaines
    But that, to your sufficiency, as your worth is able,
    And let them worke: The nature of our People,
    Our Cities Institutions, and the Termes
    For Common Iustice, y'are as pregnant in
    15As Art, and practise, hath inriched any
    That we remember: There is our Commission,
    From which, we would not haue you warpe; call hither,
    I say, bid come before vs Angelo:
    What figure of vs thinke you, he will beare.
    20For you must know, we haue with speciall soule
    Elected him our absence to supply;
    Lent him our terror, drest him with our loue,
    And giuen his Deputation all the Organs
    Of our owne powre: What thinke you of it?
    25Esc.If any in Vienna be of worth
    To vndergoe such ample grace, and honour,
    It is Lord Angelo.
    Enter Angelo.
    Duk.Looke where he comes.
    30Ang. Alwayes obedient to your Graces will,
    I come to know your pleasure.
    Duke. Angelo:
    There is a kinde of Character in thy life,
    That to th' obseruer, doth thy history
    35Fully vnfold: Thy selfe, and thy belongings
    Are not thine owne so proper, as to waste
    Thy selfe vpon thy vertues; they on thee :
    Heauen doth with vs, as we, with Torches doe,
    Not light them for themselues: For if our vertues
    40Did not goe forth of vs, 'twere all alike
    As if we had them not: Spirits are not finely tonch'd,
    But to fine issues: nor nature neuer lends
    The smallest scruple of her excellence,
    But like a thrifty goddesse, she determines
    45Her selfe the glory of a creditour,
    Both thanks, and vse; but I do bend my speech
    To one that can my part in him aduertise;
    Hold therefore Angelo:
    In our remoue, be thou at full, our selfe:
    50Mortallitie and Mercie in Vienna
    Liue in thy tongue, and heart: Old Escalus
    Though first in question, is thy secondary.
    Take thy Commission.
    Ang.Now good my Lord
    55Let there be some more test, made of my mettle,
    Before so noble, and so great a figure
    Be stamp't vpon it.
    Duk.No more euasion:
    We haue with a leauen'd, and prepared choice
    60Proceeded to you; therefore take your honors:
    Our haste from hence is of so quicke condition,
    That it prefers it selfe, and leaues vnquestion'd
    Matters of needfull value: We shall write to you
    As time, and our concernings shall importune,
    65How it goes with vs, and doe looke to know
    What doth befall you here. So fare you well:
    To th' hopefull execution doe I leaue you,
    Of your Commissions
    Ang.Yet giue leaue (my Lord,)
    70That we may bring you something on the way
    Duk.My haste may not admit it,
    Nor neede you (on mine honor) haue to doe
    With any scruple: your scope is as mine owne,
    So to inforce, or qualifie the Lawes
    75As to your soule seemes good: Giue me your hand,
    Ile priuily away: I loue the people,
    But doe not like to stage me to their eyes:
    Though it doe well, I doe not rellish well
    Their lowd applause, and Aues vehement:
    80Nor doe I thinke the man of safe discretion
    That do's affect it. Once more fare you well.
    Ang.The heauens giue safety to your purposes.
    Esc.Lead forth, and bring you backe in happi-
    nesse. Exit.
    85Duk. I thanke you, fare you well.
    Esc.I shall desire you, Sir, to giue me leaue
    To haue free speech with you; and it concernes me
    To looke into the bottome of my place :
    A powre I haue, but of what strength and nature,
    90I am not yet instructed.
    Ang.'Tis so with me: Let vs with-draw together,
    And we may soone our satisfaction haue
    Touching that point.
    Esc.Ile wait vpon your honor. Exeunt.
    Measure for Measure.
    95Scena Secunda.
    Enter Lucio, and two other Gentlemen.
    Luc. If the Duke, with the other Dukes, come not to
    composition with the King of Hungary, why then all the
    Dukes fall vpon the King.
    1001. Gent. Heauen grant vs its peace, but not the King
    of Hungaries.
    2. Gent. Amen.
    Luc. Thou conclud'st like the Sanctimonious Pirat,
    that went to sea with the ten Commandements, but
    105scrap'd one out of the Table.
    2. Gent. Thou shalt not Steale?
    Luc. I, that he raz'd.
    1. Gent. Why? 'twas a commandement, to command
    the Captaine and all the rest from their functions: they
    110put forth to steale: There's not a Souldier of vs all, that
    in the thanks-giuing before meate, do rallish the petition
    well, that praies for peace.
    2. Gent. I neuer heard any Souldier dislike it.
    Luc. I beleeue thee: for I thinke thou neuer was't
    115where Grace was said.
    2. Gent. No? a dozen times at least.
    1. Gent. What? In meeter?
    Luc. In any proportion. or in any language.
    1. Gent. I thinke, or in any Religion.
    120Luc. I, why not? Grace, is Grace, despight of all con-
    trouersie: as for example; Thou thy selfe art a wicked
    villaine, despight of all Grace.
    1. Gent. Well: there went but a paire of sheeres be-
    tweene vs.
    125Luc. I grant: as there may betweene the Lists, and
    the Veluet. Thou art the List.
    1. Gent. And thou the Veluet; thou art good veluet;
    thou'rt a three pild-peece I warrant thee: I had as liefe
    be a Lyst of an English Kersey, as be pil'd, as thou art
    130pil'd, for a French Veluet. Do I speake feelingly now?
    Luc. I thinke thou do'st: and indeed with most pain-
    full feeling of thy speech: I will, out of thine owne con-
    fession, learne to begin thy health; but, whilst I liue for-
    get to drinke after thee.
    1351. Gen. I think I haue done my selfe wrong, haue I not?
    2. Gent. Yes, that thou hast; whether thou art tainted,
    or free.Enter Bawde.
    Luc. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes.
    I haue purchas'd as many diseases vnder her Roofe,
    140As come to
    2. Gent. To what, I pray?
    Luc. Iudge.
    2. Gent. To three thousand Dollours a yeare.
    1. Gent. I, and more.
    145Luc. A French crowne more.
    1. Gent. Thou art alwayes figuring diseases in me; but
    thou art full of error, I am sound.
    Luc. Nay, not (as one would say) healthy: but so
    sound, as things that are hollow; thy bones are hollow;
    150Impiety has made a feast of thee.
    1. Gent. How now, which of your hips has the most
    profound Ciatica?
    Bawd. Well, well: there's one yonder arrested, and
    carried to prison, was worth fiue thousand of you all.
    1552. Gent. Who's that I pray'thee?
    Bawd. Marry Sir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio.
    1. Gent. Claudio to prison? 'tis not so.
    Bawd. Nay, but I know 'tis so: I saw him arrested:
    saw him carried away: and which is more, within these
    160three daies his head to be chop'd off.
    Luc. But, after all this fooling, I would not haue it so:
    Art thou sure of this?
    Bawd. I am too sure of it: and it is for getting Madam
    Iulietta with childe.
    165Luc. Beleeue me this may be: he promis'd to meete
    me two howres since, and he was euer precise in promise
    keeping.
    2. Gent. Besides you know, it drawes somthing neere
    to the speech we had to such a purpose.
    1701. Gent. But most of all agreeing with the proclamatiō.
    Luc. Away: let's goe learne the truth of it. Exit.
    Bawd. Thus, what with the war; what with the sweat,
    what with the gallowes, and what with pouerty, I am
    Custom-shrunke. How now? what's the newes with
    175you.Enter Clowne.
    Clo. Yonder man is carried to prison.
    Baw. Well: what has he done?
    Clo. A Woman.
    Baw. But what's his offence?
    180Clo. Groping for Trowts, in a peculiar Riuer.
    Baw. What? is there a maid with child by him?
    Clo. No: but there's a woman with maid by him :
    you haue not heard of the proclamation, haue you?
    Baw. What proclamation, man?
    185Clow. All howses in the Suburbs of Vienna must bee
    pluck'd downe.
    Bawd. And what shall become of those in the Citie?
    Clow. They shall stand for seed: they had gon down
    to, but that a wise Burger put in for them.
    190Bawd. But shall all our houses of resort in the Sub-
    urbs be puld downe?
    Clow. To the ground, Mistris.
    Bawd. Why heere's a change indeed in the Common-
    wealth: what shall become of me?
    195Clow. Come: feare not you; good Counsellors lacke
    no Clients: though you change your place, you neede
    not change your Trade: Ile bee your Tapster still; cou-
    rage, there will bee pitty taken on you; you that haue
    worne your eyes almost out in the seruice, you will bee
    200considered.
    Bawd. What's to doe heere, Thomas Tapster? let's
    withdraw?
    Clo. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the Prouost
    to prison: and there's Madam Iuliet. Exeunt.
    205Scena Tertia.
    Enter Prouost, Claudio, Iuliet, Officers, Lucio, & 2. Gent.
    Cla. Fellow, why do'st thou show me thus to th' world?
    Beare me to prison, where I am committed.
    Pro. I do it not in euill disposition,
    210But from Lord Angelo by speciall charge.
    Clau. Thus can the demy-god (Authority)
    Make vs pay downe, for our offence, by waight
    The words of heauen; on whom it will, it will,
    On whom it will not (soe) yet still 'tis iust.
    215Luc. Why how now Claudio? whence comes this re-(straint.
    Cla. From too much liberty, (my Lucio) Liberty
    As surfet is the father of much fast,
    So euery Scope by the immoderate vse
    Turnes to restraint: Our Natures doe pursue
    Like
    Measure for Measure. 63
    220Like Rats that rauyn downe their proper Bane,
    A thirsty euill, and when we drinke, we die.
    Luc. If I could speake so wisely vnder an arrest, I
    would send for certaine of my Creditors: and yet, to say
    the truth, I had as lief haue the foppery of freedome, as
    225the mortality of imprisonment: what's thy offence,
    Claudio?
    Cla. What (but to speake of) would offend againe.
    Luc. What, is't murder?
    Cla. No.
    230Luc. Lecherie?
    Cla. Call it so.
    Pro. Away, Sir, you must goe.
    Cla. One word, good friend:
    Lucio, a word with you.
    235Luc. A hundred:
    If they'll doe you any good: Is Lechery so look'd after?
    Cla. Thus stands it with me: vpon a true contract
    I got possession of Iulietas bed,
    You know the Lady, she is fast my wife,
    240Saue that we doe the denunciation lacke
    Of outward Order. This we came not to,
    Onely for propogation of a Dowre
    Remaining in the Coffer of her friends,
    From whom we thought it meet to hide our Loue
    245Till Time had made them for vs. But it chances
    The stealth of our most mutuall entertainment
    With Character too grosse, is writ on Iuliet.
    Luc. With childe, perhaps?
    Cla. Vnhappely, euen so.
    250And the new Deputie, now for the Duke,
    Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newnes,
    Or whether that the body publique, be
    A horse whereon the Gouernor doth ride,
    Who newly in the Seate, that it may know
    255He can command; lets it strait feele the spur:
    Whether the Tirranny be in his place,
    Or in his Eminence that fills it vp
    I stagger in: But this new Gouernor
    Awakes me all the inrolled penalties
    260Which haue (like vn-scowr'd Armor) hung by th' wall
    So long, that ninteene Zodiacks haue gone round,
    And none of them beene worne; and for a name
    Now puts the drowsie and neglected Act
    Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.
    265Luc. I warrant it is: And thy head stands so tickle on
    thy shoulders, that a milke-maid, if she be in loue, may
    sigh it off: Send after the Duke, and appeale to him.
    Cla. I haue done so, but hee's not to be found.
    I pre'thee ( Lucio) doe me this kinde seruice :
    270This day, my sister should the Cloyster enter,
    And there receiue her approbation.
    Acquaint her with the danger of my state,
    Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends
    To the strict deputie: bid her selfe assay him,
    275I haue great hope in that: for in her youth
    There is a prone and speechlesse dialect,
    Such as moue men: beside, she hath prosperous Art
    When she will play with reason, and discourse,
    And well she can perswade.
    280Luc. I pray shee may; aswell for the encouragement
    of the like, which else would stand vnder greeuous im-
    position: as for the enioying of thy life, who I would be
    sorry should bee thus foolishly lost, at a game of ticke-
    tacke: Ile to her.
    285Cla. I thanke you good friend Lucio.
    Luc. Within two houres.
    Cla. Come Officer, away. Exeunt.
    Scena Quarta.
    Enter Duke and Frier Thomas.
    290Duk. No: holy Father, throw away that thought,
    Beleeue not that the dribling dart of Loue
    Can pierce a compleat bosome: why, I desire thee
    To giue me secret harbour, hath a purpose
    More graue, and wrinkled, then the aimes, and ends
    295Of burning youth.
    Fri. May your Grace speake of it?
    Duk. My holy Sir, none better knowes then you
    How I haue euer lou'd the life remoued
    And held in idle price, to haunt assemblies
    300Where youth, and cost, witlesse brauery keepes.
    I haue deliuerd to Lord Angelo
    (A man of stricture and firme abstinence)
    My absolute power, and place here in Vienna,
    And he supposes me trauaild to Poland,
    305(For so I haue strewd it in the common eare)
    And so it is receiu'd: Now (pious Sir)
    You will demand of me, why I do this.
    Fri. Gladly, my Lord.
    Duk. We haue strict Statutes, and most biting Laws,
    310(The needfull bits and curbes to headstrong weedes,)
    Which for this foureteene yeares, we haue let slip,
    Euen like an ore-growne Lyon in a Caue
    That goes not out to prey: Now, as fond Fathers,
    Hauing bound vp the threatning twigs of birch,
    315Onely to sticke it in their childrens sight,
    For terror, not to vse: in time the rod
    More mock'd, then fear'd: so our Decrees,
    Dead to infliction, to themselues are dead,
    And libertie, plucks Iustice by the nose;
    320The Baby beates the Nurse, and quite athwart
    Goes all decorum.
    Fri. It rested in your Grace
    To vnloose this tyde-vp Iustice, when you pleas'd:
    And it in you more dreadfull would haue seem'd
    325Then in Lord Angelo.
    Duk. I doe feare: too dreadfull:
    Sith 'twas my fault, to giue the people scope,
    'Twould be my tirrany to strike and gall them,
    For what I bid them doe: For, we bid this be done
    330When euill deedes haue their permissiue passe,
    And not the punishment: therefore indeede (my father)
    I haue on Angelo impos'd the office,
    Who may in th' ambush of my name, strike home,
    And yet, my nature neuer in the sight
    335To do in slander: And to behold his sway
    I will, as 'twere a brother of your Order,
    Visit both Prince, and People: Therefore I pre'thee
    Supply me with the habit, and instruct me
    How I may formally in person beare
    340Like a true Frier: Moe reasons for this action
    At our more leysure, shall I render you;
    Onely, this one: Lord Angelo is precise,
    Stands at a guard with Enuie: scarce confesses
    That his blood flowes: or that his appetite
    345Is more to bread then stone: hence shall we see
    If power change purpose: what our Seemers be. Exit.
    F2 Scoena
    64Measure for Measure.
    Scena Quinta.
    Enter Isabell and Francisca a Nun.
    Isa. And haue you Nuns no farther priuiledges?
    350Nun. Are not these large enough?
    Isa. Yes truely; I speake not as desiring more,
    But rather wishing a more strict restraint
    Vpon the Sisterhood, the Votarists of Saint Clare.
    Lucio within.
    355Luc. Hoa? peace be in this place.
    Isa. Who's that which cals?
    Nun. It is a mans voice: gentle Isabella
    Turne you the key, and know his businesse of him;
    You may; I may not: you are yet vnsworne:
    360When you haue vowd, you must not speake with men,
    But in the presence of the Prioresse;
    Then if you speake, you must not show your face;
    Or if you show your face, you must not speake:
    He cals againe: I pray you answere him.
    365Isa. Peace and prosperitie: who is't that cals?
    Luc. Haile Virgin, (if you be) as those cheeke-Roses
    Proclaime you are no lesse: can you so steed me,
    As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
    A Nouice of this place, and the faire Sister
    370To her vnhappie brother Claudio?
    Isa. Why her vnhappy Brother? Let me aske,
    The rather for I now must make you know
    I am that Isabella, and his Sister.
    Luc. Gentle & faire: your Brother kindly greets you;
    375Not to be weary with you; he's in prison.
    Isa. Woe me; for what?
    Luc. For that, which if my selfe might be his Iudge,
    He should receiue his punishment, in thankes:
    He hath got his friend with childe.
    380Isa. Sir, make me not your storie.
    Luc. 'Tis true; I would not, though 'tis my familiar sin,
    With Maids to seeme the Lapwing, and to iest
    Tongue, far from heart: play with all Virgins so:
    I hold you as a thing en-skied, and sainted,
    385By your renouncement, an imortall spirit
    And to be talk'd with in sincerity,
    As with a Saint.
    Isa. You doe blaspheme the good, in mocking me.
    Luc. Doe not beleeue it: fewnes, and truth; tis thus,
    390Your brother, and his louer haue embrac'd;
    As those that feed, grow full: as blossoming Time
    That from the seednes, the bare fallow brings
    To teeming foyson: euen so her plenteous wombe
    Expresseth his full Tilth, and husbandry.
    395Isa. Some one with childe by him? my cosen Iuliet?
    Luc. Is she your cosen?
    Isa. Adoptedly, as schoole-maids change their names
    By vaine, though apt affection.
    Luc. She it is.
    400Isa. Oh, let him marry her.
    Luc. This is the point.
    The Duke is very strangely gone from hence;
    Bore many gentlemen (my selfe being one)
    In hand, and hope of action: but we doe learne,
    405By those that know the very Nerues of State,
    His giuing-out, were of an infinite distance
    From his true meant designe: vpon his place,
    (And with full line of his authority)
    Gouernes Lord Angelo; A man, whose blood
    410Is very snow-broth: one, who neuer feeles
    The wanton stings, and motions of the sence;
    But doth rebate, and blunt his naturall edge
    With profits of the minde: Studie, and fast
    He (to giue feare to vse, and libertie,
    415Which haue, for long, run-by the hideous law,
    As Myce, by Lyons) hath pickt out an act,
    Vnder whose heauy sence, your brothers life
    Fals into forfeit : he arrests him on it,
    And followes close the rigor of the Statute
    420To make him an example: all hope is gone,
    Vnlesse you haue the grace, by your faire praier
    To soften Angelo: And that's my pith of businesse
    'Twixt you, and your poore brother.
    Isa. Doth he so,
    425Seeke his life?
    Luc. Has censur'd him already,
    And as I heare, the Prouost hath a warrant
    For's execution.
    Isa. Alas: what poore
    430Abilitie's in me, to doe him good.
    Luc. Assay the powre you haue.
    Isa. My power? alas, I doubt.
    Luc. Our doubts are traitors
    And makes vs loose the good we oft might win,
    435By fearing to attempt: Goe to Lord Angelo
    And let him learne to know, when Maidens sue
    Men giue like gods: but when they weepe and kneele,
    All their petitions, are as freely theirs
    As they themselues would owe them.
    440Isa. Ile see what I can doe.
    Luc. But speedily.
    Isa. I will about it strait;
    No longer staying, but to giue the Mother
    Notice of my affaire: I humbly thanke you:
    445Commend me to my brother: soone at night
    Ile send him certaine word of my successe.
    Luc. I take my leaue of you.
    Isa. Good sir, adieu. Exeunt.
    Actus Secundus. Scoena Prima.
    450Enter Angelo, Escalus, and seruants, Iustice.
    Ang. We must not make a scar-crow of the Law,
    Setting it vp to feare the Birds of prey,
    And let it keepe one shape, till custome make it
    Their pearch, and not their terror.
    455Esc. I, but yet
    Let vs be keene, and rather cut a little
    Then fall, and bruise to death: alas, this gentleman
    Whom I would saue, had a most noble father,
    Let but your honour know
    460(Whom I beleeue to be most strait in vertue)
    That in the working of your owne affections,
    Had time coheard with Place, or place with wishing,
    Or that the resolute acting of our blood
    Could haue attaind th' effect of your owne purpose,
    465Whether you had not sometime in your life
    Er'd in this point, which now you censure him,
    And puld the Law vpon you.
    Ang. 'Tis one thing to be tempted ( Escalus)
    Another
    Measure for Measure. 65
    Another thing to fall: I not deny
    470The Iury passing on the Prisoners life
    May in the sworne-twelue haue a thiefe, or two
    Guiltier then him they try; what's open made to Iustice,
    That Iustice ceizes; What knowes the Lawes
    That theeues do passe on theeues? 'Tis very pregnant,
    475The Iewell that we finde, we stoope, and take't,
    Because we see it; but what we doe not see,
    We tread vpon, and neuer thinke of it.
    You may not so extenuate his offence,
    For I haue had such faults; but rather tell me
    480When I, that censure him, do so offend,
    Let mine owne Iudgement patterne out my death,
    And nothing come in partiall. Sir, he must dye.
    Enter Prouost.
    Esc. Be it as your wisedome will.
    485Ang. Where is the Prouost?
    Pro. Here if it like your honour.
    Ang. See that Claudio
    Be executed by nine to morrow morning,
    Bring him his Confessor, let him be prepar'd,
    490For that's the vtmost of his pilgrimage.
    Esc. Well: heauen forgiue him; and forgiue vs all :
    Some rise by sinne, and some by vertue fall:
    Some run from brakes of Ice, and answere none,
    And some condemned for a fault alone.
    495Enter Elbow, Froth, Clowne, Officers.
    Elb. Come, bring them away: if these be good peo-
    ple in a Common-weale, that doe nothing but vse their
    abuses in common houses, I know no law : bring them
    away.
    500Ang. How now Sir, what's your name? And what's
    the matter?
    Elb. If it please your honour, I am the poore Dukes
    Constable, and my name is Elbow; I doe leane vpon Iu-
    stice Sir, and doe bring in here before your good honor,
    505two notorious Benefactors.
    Ang. Benefactors? Well: What Benefactors are they?
    Are they not Malefactors?
    Elb. If it please your honour, I know not well what
    they are: But precise villaines they are, that I am sure of,
    510and void of all prophanation in the world, that good
    Christians ought to haue.
    Esc. This comes off well: here's a wise Officer.
    Ang. Goe to: What quality are they of? Elbow is
    your name?
    515Why do'st thou not speake Elbow?
    Clo. He cannot Sir: he's out at Elbow.
    Ang. What are you Sir?
    Elb. He Sir: a Tapster Sir: parcell Baud: one that
    serues a bad woman: whose house Sir was (as they say)
    520pluckt downe in the Suborbs: and now shee professes a
    hot-house; which, I thinke is a very ill house too.
    Esc. How know you that?
    Elb. My wife Sir? whom I detest before heauen, and
    your honour.
    525Esc. How? thy wife?
    Elb. I Sir: whom I thanke heauen is an honest wo-
    man.
    Esc. Do'st thou detest her therefore?
    Elb. I say sir, I will detest my selfe also, as well as she,
    530that this house, if it be not a Bauds house, it is pitty of her
    life, for it is a naughty house.
    Esc. How do'st thou know that, Constable?
    Elb. Marry sir, by my wife, who, if she had bin a wo-
    man Cardinally giuen, might haue bin accus'd in forni-
    535cation, adultery, and all vncleanlinesse there.
    Esc. By the womans meanes?
    Elb. I sir, by Mistris Ouer-dons meanes: but as she spit
    in his face, so she defide him.
    Clo. Sir, if it please your honor, this is not so.
    540Elb. Proue it before these varlets here, thou honora-
    ble man, proue it.
    Esc. Doe you heare how he misplaces?
    Clo. Sir, she came in great with childe: and longing
    (sauing your honors reuerence) for stewd prewyns; sir,
    545we had but two in the house, which at that very distant
    time stood, as it were in a fruit dish (a dish of some three
    pence; your honours haue seene such dishes) they are not
    China-dishes, but very good dishes.
    Esc. Go too: go too: no matter for the dish sir.
    550Clo. No indeede sir not of a pin; you are therein in
    the right: but, to the point: As I say, this Mistris Elbow,
    being (as I say) with childe, and being great bellied, and
    longing (as I said) for prewyns: and hauing but two in
    the dish (as I said) Master Froth here, this very man, ha-
    555uing eaten the rest (as I said) & (as I say) paying for them
    very honestly: for, as you know Master Froth, I could not
    giue you three pence againe.
    Fro. No indeede.
    Clo. Very well: you being then (if you be remem-
    560bred) cracking the stones of the foresaid prewyns.
    Fro. I, so I did indeede.
    Clo. Why, very well: I telling you then (if you be
    remembred) that such a one, and such a one, were past
    cure of the thing you wot of, vnlesse they kept very good
    565diet, as I told you.
    Fro. All this is true.
    Clo. Why very well then.
    Esc. Come: you are a tedious foole: to the purpose:
    what was done to Elbowes wife, that hee hath cause to
    570complaine of? Come me to what was done to her.
    Clo. Sir, your honor cannot come to that yet.
    Esc. No sir, nor I meane it not.
    Clo. Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honours
    leaue: And I beseech you, looke into Master Froth here
    575sir, a man of foure-score pound a yeare; whose father
    died at Hallowmas: Was't not at Hallowmas Master
    Froth?
    Fro. Allhallond-Eue.
    Clo. Why very well: I hope here be truthes: he Sir,
    580sitting (as I say) in a lower chaire, Sir, 'twas in the bunch
    of Grapes, where indeede you haue a delight to sit, haue
    you not?
    Fro. I haue so, because it is an open roome, and good
    for winter.
    585Clo. Why very well then: I hope here be truthes.
    Ang. This will last out a night in Russia
    When nights are longest there: Ile take my leaue,
    And leaue you to the hearing of the cause;
    Hoping youle finde good cause to whip them all. Exit.
    590Esc. I thinke no lesse: good morrow to your Lord-
    ship. Now Sir, come on: What was done to Elbowes
    wife, once more?
    Clo. Once Sir? there was nothing done to her once.
    Elb. I beseech you Sir, aske him what this man did to
    595my wife.
    Clo. I beseech your honor, aske me.
    Esc. Well sir, what did this Gentleman to her?
    Clo. I beseech you sir, looke in this Gentlemans face:
    good Master Froth looke vpon his honor; 'tis for a good
    600purpose: doth your honor marke his face?
    F3 Esc. I
    66Measure for Measure.
    Esc. I sir, very well.
    Clo. Nay, I beseech you marke it well.
    Esc. Well, I doe so.
    Clo. Doth your honor see any harme in his face?
    605Esc. Why no.
    Clo. Ile be supposd vpon a booke, his face is the worst
    thing about him: good then: if his face be the worst
    thing about him, how could Master Froth doe the Con-
    stables wife any harme? I would know that of your
    610honour.
    Esc. He's in the right (Constable) what say you to it?
    Elb. First, and it like you, the house is a respected
    house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his Mistris is
    a respected woman.
    615Clo. By this hand Sir, his wife is a more respected per-
    son then any of vs all.
    Elb. Varlet, thou lyest; thou lyest wicked varlet: the
    time is yet to come that shee was euer respected with
    man, woman, or childe.
    620Clo. Sir, she was respected with him, before he mar-
    ried with her.
    Esc. Which is the wiser here; Iustice or Iniquitie? Is
    this true?
    Elb. O thou caytiffe: O thou varlet: O thou wick-
    625ed Hanniball; I respected with her, before I was married
    to her? If euer I was respected with her, or she with me,
    let not your worship thinke mee the poore Dukes Offi-
    cer: proue this, thou wicked Hanniball, or ile haue
    mine action of battry on thee.
    630Esc. If he tooke you a box o'th' eare, you might haue
    your action of slander too.
    Elb. Marry I thanke your good worship for it: what
    is't your Worships pleasure I shall doe with this wick-
    ed Caitiffe?
    635Esc. Truly Officer, because he hath some offences in
    him, that thou wouldst discouer, if thou couldst, let him
    continue in his courses, till thou knowst what they are.
    Elb. Marry I thanke your worship for it: Thou seest
    thou wicked varlet now, what's come vpon thee. Thou
    640art to continue now thou Varlet, thou art to continue.
    Esc. Where were you borne, friend?
    Froth. Here in Vienna, Sir.
    Esc. Are you of fourescore pounds a yeere?
    Froth. Yes, and't please you sir.
    645Esc. So: what trade are you of, sir?
    Clo. A Tapster, a poore widdowes Tapster.
    Esc. Your Mistris name?
    Clo. Mistris Ouer- don.
    Esc. Hath she had any more then one husband?
    650Clo. Nine, sir: Ouer-don by the last.
    Esc. Nine? come hether to me, Master Froth; Master
    Froth, I would not haue you acquainted with Tapsters;
    they will draw you Master Froth, and you wil hang them:
    get you gon, and let me heare no more of you.
    655Fro. I thanke your worship: for mine owne part, I
    neuer come into any roome in a Tap-house, but I am
    drawne in.
    Esc. Well: no more of it Master Froth: farewell:
    Come you hether to me, M. Tapster: what's your name
    660Mr. Tapster?
    Clo. Pompey.
    Esc. What else?
    Clo. Bum, Sir.
    Esc. Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about
    665you, so that in the beastliest sence, you are Pompey the
    great; Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey; howso-
    euer you colour it in being a Tapster, are you not? come,
    tell me true, it shall be the better for you.
    Clo. Truly sir, I am a poore fellow that would liue.
    670Esc. How would you liue Pompey? by being a bawd?
    what doe you thinke of the trade Pompey? is it a lawfull
    trade?
    Clo. If the Law would allow it, sir.
    Esc. But the Law will not allow it Pompey; nor it
    675shall not be allowed in Vienna.
    Clo. Do's your Worship meane to geld and splay all
    the youth of the City?
    Esc. No, Pompey.
    Clo. Truely Sir, in my poore opinion they will too't
    680then: if your worship will take order for the drabs and
    the knaues, you need not to feare the bawds.
    Esc. There is pretty orders beginning I can tell you:
    It is but heading, and hanging.
    Clo. If you head, and hang all that offend that way
    685but for ten yeare together; you'll be glad to giue out a
    Commission for more heads: if this law hold in Vienna
    ten yeare, ile rent the fairest house in it after three pence
    a Bay: if you liue to see this come to passe, say Pompey
    told you so.
    690Esc. Thanke you good Pompey; and in requitall of
    your prophesie, harke you: I aduise you let me not finde
    you before me againe vpon any complaint whatsoeuer;
    no, not for dwelling where you doe: if I doe Pompey, I
    shall beat you to your Tent, and proue a shrewd Casar
    695to you: in plaine dealing Pompey, I shall haue you whipt;
    so for this time, Pompey, fare you well.
    Clo. I thanke your Worship for your good counsell;
    but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better
    determine. Whip me? no, no, let Carman whip his Iade,
    700The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade. Exit.
    Esc. Come hether to me, Master Elbow: come hither
    Master Constable: how long haue you bin in this place
    of Constable?
    Elb. Seuen yeere, and a halfe sir.
    705Esc. I thought by the readinesse in the office, you had
    continued in it some time: you say seauen yeares toge-
    ther.
    Elb. And a halfe sir.
    Esc. Alas, it hath beene great paines to you: they do
    710you wrong to put you so oft vpon't. Are there not men
    in your Ward sufficient to serue it?
    Elb. 'Faith sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they
    are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it
    for some peece of money, and goe through with all.
    715Esc. Looke you bring mee in the names of some sixe
    or seuen, the most sufficient of your parish.
    Elb. To your Worships house sir?
    Esc. To my house: fare you well: what's a clocke,
    thinke you?
    720Iust. Eleuen, Sir.
    Esc. I pray you home to dinner with me.
    Iust. I humbly thanke you.
    Esc. It grieues me for the death of Claudio
    But there's no remedie:
    725Iust. Lord Angelo is seuere.
    Esc. It is but needfull.
    Mercy is not it selfe, that oft lookes so,
    Pardon is still the nurse of second woe:
    But yet, poore Claudio; there is no remedie.
    730Come Sir. Exeunt.
    Scoena
    Measure for Measure. 67
    Scena Secunda.
    Enter Prouost, Seruant.
    Ser. Hee's hearing of a Cause; he will come straight,
    I'le tell him of you.
    735Pro. 'Pray you doe; Ile know
    His pleasure, may be he will relent; alas
    He hath but as offended in a dreame,
    All Sects, all Ages smack of this vice, and he
    To die for't?
    740Enter Angelo.
    Ang. Now, what's the matter Prouost?
    Pro. Is it your will Claudio shall die to morrow?
    Ang. Did not I tell thee yea? hadst thou not order?
    Why do'st thou aske againe?
    745Pro. Lest I might be too rash:
    Vnder your good correction I haue seene
    When after execution, Iudgement hath
    Repented ore his doome.
    Ang. Goe to; let that be mine,
    750Doe you your office, or giue vp your Place,
    And you shall well be spar'd.
    Pro. I craue your Honours pardon:
    What shall be done Sir, with the groaning Iuliet?
    Shee's very neere her howre.
    755Ang. Dispose of her
    To some more fitter place; and that with speed.
    Ser. Here is the sister of the man condemn'd,
    Desires accesse to you.
    Ang. Hath he a Sister?
    760Pro. I my good Lord, a very vertuous maid,
    And to be shortlie of a Sister-hood,
    If not alreadie.
    Ang. Well: let her be admitted,
    See you the Fornicatresse be remou'd,
    765Let her haue needfull, but not lauish meanes,
    There shall be order for't.
    Enter Lucio and Isabella.
    Pro. 'Saue your Honour.
    Ang. Stay a little while: y'are welcome: what's your (will?
    770Isab. I am a wofull Sutor to your Honour,
    'Please but your Honor heare me.
    Ang. Well: what's your suite.
    Isab. There is a vice that most I doe abhorre,
    And most desire should meet the blow of Iustice;
    775For which I would not plead, but that I must,
    For which I must not plead, but that I am
    At warre, twixt will, and will not.
    Ang. Well: the matter?
    Isab. I haue a brother is condemn'd to die,
    780I doe beseech you let it be his fault,
    And not my brother.
    Pro. Heauen giue thee mouing graces.
    Ang. Condemne the fault, and not the actor of it,
    Why euery fault's condemnd ere it be done:
    785Mine were the verie Cipher of a Function
    To fine the faults, whose fine stands in record,
    And let goe by the Actor :
    Isab. Oh iust, but seuere Law:
    I had a brother then; heauen keepe your honour.
    790Luc. Giue't not ore so: to him againe, entreat him,
    Kneele downe before him, hang vpon his gowne,
    You are too cold: if you should need a pin,
    You could not with more tame a tongue desire it:
    To him, I say.
    795Isab. Must he needs die?
    Ang. Maiden, no remedie.
    Isab. Yes: I doe thinke that you might pardon him,
    And neither heauen, nor man grieue at the mercy.
    Ang. I will not doe't.
    800Isab. But can you if you would?
    Ang. Looke what I will not, that I cannot doe.
    Isab. But might you doe't & do the world no wrong
    If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse,
    As mine is to him?
    805Ang. Hee's sentenc'd, tis too late.
    Luc. You are too cold.
    Isab. Too late? why no: I that doe speak a word
    May call it againe: well, beleeue this
    No ceremony that to great ones longs,
    810Not the Kings Crowne; nor the deputed sword,
    The Marshalls Truncheon, nor the Iudges Robe
    Become them with one halfe so good a grace
    As mercie does: If he had bin as you, and you as he,
    You would haue slipt like him, but he like you
    815Would not haue beene so sterne.
    Ang. Pray you be gone.
    Isab. I would to heauen I had your potencie,
    And you were Isabell: should it then be thus?
    No: I would tell what 'twere to be a Iudge,
    820And what a prisoner.
    Luc. I, touch him: there's the veine.
    Ang. Your Brother is a forfeit of the Law,
    And you but waste your words.
    Isab. Alas, alas:
    825Why all the soules that were, were forfeit once,
    And he that might the vantage best haue tooke,
    Found out the remedie: how would you be,
    If he, which is the top of Iudgement, should
    But iudge you, as you are? Oh, thinke on that,
    830And mercie then will breathe within your lips
    Like man new made.
    Ang. Be you content, (faire Maid)
    It is the Law, not I, condemne your brother,
    Were he my kinsman, brother, or my sonne,
    835It should be thus with him: he must die to morrow.
    Isab. To morrow? oh, that's sodaine,
    Spare him, spare him:
    Hee's not prepar'd for death; euen for our kitchins
    We kill the fowle of season: shall we serue heauen
    840With lesse respect then we doe minister
    To our grosse-selues? good, good my Lord, bethink you;
    Who is it that hath di'd for this offence?
    There's many haue committed it.
    Luc. I, well said.
    845Ang. The Law hath not bin dead, thogh it hath slept
    Those many had not dar'd to doe that euill
    If the first, that did th' Edict infringe
    Had answer'd for his deed. Now 'tis awake,
    Takes note of what is done, and like a Prophet
    850Lookes in a glasse that shewes what future euils
    Either now, or by remissenesse, new conceiu'd,
    And so in progresse to be hatch'd, and borne,
    Are now to haue no successiue degrees,
    But here they liue to end.
    855Isab. Yet shew some pittie.
    Ang. I shew it most of all, when I show Iustice;
    For then I pittie those I doe not know,
    Which a dismis'd offence, would after gaule
    And
    68Measure for Measure.
    And doe him right, that answering one foule wrong
    860Liues not to act another. Be satisfied;
    Your Brother dies to morrow; be content.
    Isab. So you must be ye first that giues this sentence,
    And hee, that suffers: Oh, it is excellent
    To haue a Giants strength: but it is tyrannous
    865To vse it like a Giant.
    Luc. That's well said.
    Isab. Could great men thunder
    As Ioue himselfe do's, Ioue would neuer be quiet,
    For euery pelting petty Officer
    870Would vse his heauen for thunder;
    Nothing but thunder: Mercifull heauen,
    Thou rather with thy sharpe and sulpherous bolt
    Splits the vn-wedgable and gnarled Oke,
    Then the soft Mertill: But man, proud man,
    875Drest in a little briefe authoritie,
    Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd,
    (His glassie Essence) like an angry Ape
    Plaies such phantastique tricks before high heauen,
    As makes the Angels weepe: who with our spleenes,
    880Would all themselues laugh mortall.
    Luc. Oh, to him, to him wench: he will relent,
    Hee's comming: I perceiue't.
    Pro. Pray heauen she win him.
    Isab. We cannot weigh our brother with our selfe,
    885Great men may iest with Saints: tis wit in them,
    But in the lesse fowle prophanation.
    Luc. Thou'rt i'th right (Girle) more o'that.
    Isab. That in the Captaine's but a chollericke word,
    Which in the Souldier is flat blasphemie.
    890Luc. Art auis'd o'that? more on't.
    Ang. Why doe you put these sayings vpon me?
    Isab. Because Authoritie, though it erre like others,
    Hath yet a kinde of medicine in it selfe
    That skins the vice o'th top; goe to your bosome,
    895Knock there, and aske your heart what it doth know
    That's like my brothers fault: if it confesse
    A naturall guiltinesse, such as is his,
    Let it not sound a thought vpon your tongue
    Against my brothers life.
    900Ang. Shee speakes, and 'tis such sence
    That my Sence breeds with it; fare you well.
    Isab. Gentle my Lord, turne backe.
    Ang. I will bethinke me: come againe to morrow.
    Isa. Hark, how Ile bribe you: good my Lord turn back.
    905Ang. How? bribe me?
    Is. I, with such gifts that heauen shall share with you.
    Luc. You had mar'd all else.
    Isab. Not with fond Sickles of the tested-gold,
    Or Stones, whose rate are either rich, or poore
    910As fancie values them: but with true prayers,
    That shall be vp at heauen, and enter there
    Ere Sunne rise: prayers from preserued soules,
    From fasting Maides, whose mindes are dedicate
    To nothing temporall.
    915Ang. Well: come to me to morrow.
    Luc. Goe to: 'tis well; away.
    Isab. Heauen keepe your honour safe.
    Ang. Amen.
    For I am that way going to temptation,
    920Where prayers crosse.
    Isab. At what hower to morrow,
    Shall I attend your Lordship?
    Ang. At any time 'fore-noone.
    Isab. 'Saue your Honour.
    925Ang. From thee: euen from thy vertue.
    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 Sunne,
    930Doe as the Carrion do's, not as the flowre,
    Corrupt with vertuous season: Can it be,
    That Modesty may more betray our Sence
    Then womans lightnesse? hauing waste ground enough,
    Shall we desire to raze the Sanctuary
    935And pitch our euils there? oh fie, fie, fie:
    What dost thou? or what art thou Angelo?
    Dost thou desire her fowly, for those things
    That make her good? oh, let her brother liue :
    Theeues for their robbery haue authority,
    940When Iudges steale themselues: what, doe I loue her,
    That I desire to heare her speake againe?
    And feast vpon her eyes? what is't I dreame on?
    Oh cunning enemy, that to catch a Saint,
    With Saints dost bait thy hooke: most dangerous
    945Is that temptation, that doth goad vs on
    To sinne, in louing vertue: neuer could the Strumpet
    With all her double vigor, Art, and Nature
    Once stir my temper: but this vertuous Maid
    Subdues me quite: Euer till now
    950When men were fond, I smild, and wondred how. Exit.
    Scena Tertia.
    Enter Duke and Prouost.
    Duke. Haile to you, Prouost, so I thinke you are.
    Pro. I am the Prouost: whats your will, good Frier?
    955Duke. Bound by my charity, and my blest order,
    I come to visite the afflicted spirits
    Here in the prison: doe me the common right
    To let me see them: and to make me know
    The nature of their crimes, that I may minister
    960To them accordingly.
    Pro. I would do more then that, if more were needfull
    Enter Iuliet.
    Looke here comes one: a Gentlewoman of mine,
    Who falling in the flawes of her owne youth,
    965Hath blisterd her report: She is with childe,
    And he that got it, sentenc'd: a yong man,
    More fit to doe another such offence,
    Then dye for this.
    Duk. When must he dye?
    970Pro. As I do thinke to morrow.
    I haue prouided for you, stay a while
    And you shall be conducted.
    Duk. Repent you (faire one) of the sin you carry?
    Iul. I doe; and beare the shame most patiently.
    975Du. Ile teach you how you shal araign your conscieñce
    And try your penitence, if it be sound,
    Or hollowly put on.
    Iul. Ile gladly learne.
    Duk. Loue you the man that wrong'd you?
    980Iul. Yes, as I loue the woman that wrong'd him.
    Duk. So then it seemes your most offence full act
    Was mutually committed.
    Iul. Mutually.
    Duk. Then was your sin of heauier kinde then his.
    985Iul. I doe confesse it, and repent it (Father.)
    Du. 'Tis
    Measure for Measure. 69
    Duk. 'Tis meet so (daughter) but least you do repent
    As that the sin hath brought you to this shame,
    Which sorrow is alwaies toward our selues, not heauen,
    Showing we would not spare heauen, as we loue it,
    990But as we stand in feare.
    Iul. I doe repent me, as it is an euill,
    And take the shame with ioy.
    Duke. There rest:
    Your partner (as I heare) must die to morrow,
    995And I am going with instruction to him:
    Grace goe with you, Benedicite. Exit.
    Iul. Must die to morrow? oh iniurious Loue
    That respits me a life, whose very comfort
    Is still a dying horror.
    1000Pro. 'Tis pitty of him. Exeunt.
    Scena Quarta.
    Enter Angelo.
    An. When I would pray, & think, I thinke, and pray
    To seuerall subiects: heauen hath my empty words,
    1005Whilst my Inuention, hearing not my Tongue,
    Anchors on Isabell: heauen in my mouth,
    As if I did but onely chew his name,
    And in my heart the strong and swelling euill
    Of my conception: the state whereon I studied
    1010Is like a good thing, being often read
    Growne feard, and tedious: yea, my Grauitie
    Wherein (let no man heare me) I take pride,
    Could I, with boote, change for an idle plume
    Which the ayre beats for vaine: oh place, oh forme,
    1015How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit
    Wrench awe from fooles, and tye the wiser soules
    To thy false seeming? Blood, thou art blood,
    Let's write good Angell on the Deuills horne
    'Tis not the Deuills Crest: how now? who's there?
    1020Enter Seruant.
    Ser. One Isabell, a Sister, desires accesse to you.
    Ang. Teach her the way: oh, heauens
    Why doe's my bloud thus muster to my heart,
    Making both it vnable for it selfe,
    1025And dispossessing all my other parts
    Of necessary fitnesse?
    So play the foolish throngs with one that swounds,
    Come all to help him, and so stop the ayre
    By which hee should reuiue: and euen so
    1030The generall subiect to a wel-wisht King
    Quit their owne part, and in obsequious fondnesse
    Crowd to his presence, where their vn-taught loue
    Must needs appear offence: how now faire Maid.
    Enter Isabella.
    1035Isab. I am come to know your pleasure.
    An. That you might know it, wold much better please (me,
    Then to demand what 'tis: your Brother cannot liue.
    Isab. Euen so: heauen keepe your Honor.
    Ang. Yet may he liue a while : and it may be
    1040As long as you, or I: yet he must die.
    Isab. Vnder your Sentence?
    Ang. Yea.
    Isab. When, I beseech you: that in his Reprieue
    (Longer, or shorter) he may be so fitted
    1045That his soule sicken not.
    Ang. Ha? fie, these filthy vices: It were as good
    To pardon him, that hath from nature stolne
    A man already made, as to remit
    Their sawcie sweetnes, that do coyne heauens Image
    1050In stamps that are forbid: 'tis all as easie,
    Falsely to take away a life true made,
    As to put mettle in restrained meanes
    To make a false one.
    Isab. 'Tis set downe so in heauen, but not in earth.
    1055Ang. Say you so: then I shall poze you quickly.
    Which had you rather, that the most iust Law
    Now tooke your brothers life, and to redeeme him
    Giue vp your body to such sweet vncleannesse
    As she that he hath staind?
    1060Isab. Sir, beleeue this.
    I had rather giue my body, then my soule.
    Ang. I talke not of your soule: our compel'd sins
    Stand more for number, then for accompt.
    Isab. How say you?
    1065Ang. Nay Ile not warrant that : for I can speake
    Against the thing I say: Answere to this,
    I (now the voyce of the recorded Law)
    Pronounce a sentence on your Brothers life,
    Might there not be a charitie in sinne,
    1070To saue this Brothers life?
    Isab. Please you to doo't,
    Ile take it as a perill to my soule,
    It is no sinne at all, but charitie.
    Ang. Pleas'd you to doo't, at perill of your soule
    1075Were equall poize of sinne, and charitie.
    Isab. That I do beg his life, if it be sinne
    Heauen let me beare it: you granting of my suit,
    If that be sin, Ile make it my Morne-praier,
    To haue it added to the faults of mine,
    1080And nothing of your answere.
    Ang. Nay, but heare me,
    Your sence pursues not mine: either you are ignorant,
    Or seeme so crafty; and that's not good.
    Isab. Let be ignorant, and in nothing good,
    1085But graciously to know I am no better.
    Ang. Thus wisdome wishes to appeare most bright,
    When it doth taxe it selfe: As these blacke Masques
    Proclaime an en-shield beauty ten times louder
    Then beauty could displaied: But marke me,
    1090To be receiued plaine, Ile speake more grosse:
    Your Brother is to dye.
    Isab. So.
    Ang. And his offence is so, as it appeares,
    Accountant to the Law, vpon that paine.
    1095Isab. True.
    Ang. Admit no other way to saue his life
    (As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
    But in the losse of question) that you, his Sister,
    Finding your selfe desir'd of such a person,
    1100Whose creadit with the Iudge, or owne great place,
    Could fetch your Brother from the Manacles
    Of the all-building-Law: and that there were
    No earthly meane to saue him, but that either
    You must lay downe the treasures of your body,
    1105To this supposed, or else to let him suffer:
    What would you doe?
    Isab. As much for my poore Brother, as my selfe;
    That is: were I vnder the tearmes of death,
    Th' impression of keene whips, I'ld weare as Rubies,
    1110And strip my selfe to death, as to a bed,
    That longing haue bin sicke for, ere I'ld yeeld
    My body vp to shame.
    Ang. That
    70Measure for Measure.
    Ang. Then must your brother die.
    Isa. And 'twer the cheaper way:
    1115Better it were a brother dide at once,
    Then that a sister, by redeeming him
    Should die for euer.
    Ang. Were not you then as cruell as the Sentence,
    That you haue slander'd so?
    1120Isa. Ignomie in ransome, and free pardon
    Are of two houses: lawfull mercie,
    Is nothing kin to fowle redemption.
    Ang. You seem'd of late to make the Law a tirant,
    And rather prou'd the sliding of your brother
    1125A merriment, then a vice.
    Isa. Oh pardon me my Lord, it oft fals out
    To haue, what we would haue,
    We speake not what vve meane;
    I something do excuse the thing I hate,
    1130For his aduantage that I dearely loue.
    Ang. We are all fraile.
    Isa. Else let my brother die,
    If not a fedarie but onely he
    Owe, and succeed thy weaknesse.
    1135Ang. Nay, women are fraile too.
    Isa. I, as the glasses where they view themselues,
    Which are as easie broke as they make formes:
    Women? Helpe heauen; men their creation marre
    In profiting by them: Nay, call vs ten times fraile,
    1140For we are soft, as our complexions are,
    And credulous to false prints.
    Ang. I thinke it well:
    And from this testimonie of your owne sex
    (Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger
    1145Then faults may shake our frames) let me be bold;
    I do arrest your words. Be that you are,
    That is a woman; if you be more, you'r none.
    If you be one (as you are well exprest
    By all externall warrants) shew it now,
    1150By putting on the destin'd Liuerie.
    Isa. I haue no tongue but one; gentle my Lord,
    Let me entreate you speake the former language.
    Ang. Plainlie conceiue I loue you.
    Isa. My brother did loue Iuliet,
    1155And you tell me that he shall die for't.
    Ang. He shall not Isabell if you giue me loue.
    Isa. I know your vertue hath a licence in't,
    Which seemes a little fouler then it is,
    To plucke on others.
    1160Ang. Beleeue me on mine Honor,
    My words expresse my purpose.
    Isa. Ha? Little honor, to be much beleeu'd,
    And most pernitious purpose: Seeming, seeming.
    I will proclaime thee Angelo, looke for't.
    1165Signe me a present pardon for my brother,
    Or with an out-stretcht throate Ile tell the world aloud
    What man thou art.
    Ang. Who will beleeue thee Isabell?
    My vnsoild name, th' austeerenesse of my life,
    1170My vouch against you, and my place i'th State,
    Will so your accusation ouer-weigh,
    That you shall stifle in your owne reporr,
    And smell of calumnie. I haue begun,
    And now I giue my sensuall race, the reine,
    1175Fit thy consent to my sharpe appetite,
    Lay by all nicetie, and prolixious blushes
    That banish what they sue for: Redeeme thy brother,
    By yeelding vp thy bodie to my will,
    Or else he must not onelie die the death,
    1180But thy vnkindnesse shall his death draw out
    To lingring sufferance: Answer me to morrow,
    Or by the affection that now guides me most,
    Ile proue a Tirant to him. As for you,
    Say what you can; my false, ore-weighs your true. Exit
    1185Isa. To whom should I complaine? Did I tell this,
    Who would beleeue me? O perilous mouthes
    That beare in them, one and the selfesame tongue,
    Either of condemnation, or approofe,
    Bidding the Law make curtsie to their will,
    1190Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite,
    To follow as it drawes. Ile to my brother,
    Though he hath falne by prompture of the blood,
    Yet hath he in him such a minde of Honor,
    That had he twentie heads to tender downe
    1195On twentie bloodie blockes, hee'ld yeeld them vp,
    Before his sister should her bodie stoope
    To such abhord pollution.
    Then Isabell liue chaste, and brother die;
    "More then our Brother, is our Chastitie.
    1200Ile tell him yet of Angelo's request,
    And fit his minde to death, for his soules rest. Exit.
    Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
    Enter Duke, Claudio, and Prouost.
    Du. So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
    1205Cla. The miserable haue no other medicine
    But onely hope: I'haue hope to liue, and am prepar'd to
    die.
    Duke. Be absolute for death: either death or life
    Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life:
    1210If I do loose thee, I do loose a thing
    That none but fooles would keepe: a breath thou art,
    Seruile to all the skyie-influences
    That dost this habitation where thou keepst
    Hourely afflict: Meerely, thou art deaths foole,
    1215For him thou labourst by thy flight to shun,
    And yet runst toward him still. Thou art not noble,
    For all th' accommodations that thou bearst,
    Are nurst by basenesse: Thou'rt by no meanes valiant,
    For thou dost feare the soft and tender forke
    1220Of a poore worme: thy best of rest is sleepe,
    And that thou oft prouoakst, yet grosselie fearst
    Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thy selfe,
    For thou exists on manie a thousand graines
    That issue out of dust. Happie thou art not,
    1225For what thou hast not, still thou striu'st to get,
    And what thou hast forgetst. Thou art not certaine,
    For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,
    After the Moone: If thou art rich, thou'rt poore,
    For like an Asse, whose backe with Ingots bowes;
    1230Thou bearst thy heauie riches but a iournie,
    And death vnloads thee; Friend hast thou none.
    For thine owne bowels which do call thee, fire
    The meere effusion of thy proper loines
    Do curse the Gowt, Sapego, and the Rheume
    1235For ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth, nor age
    But as it were an after-dinners sleepe
    Dreaming on both, for all thy blessed youth
    Becomes as aged, and doth begge the almes
    Of palsied-Eld: and when thou art old, and rich
    Thou
    Measure for Measure. 71
    1240Thou hast neither heate, affection, limbe, nor beautie
    To make thy riches pleasant: what's yet in this
    That beares the name of life? Yet in this life
    Lie hid moe thousand deaths; yet death we feare
    That makes these oddes, all euen.
    1245Cla. I humblie thanke you.
    To sue to liue, I finde I seeke to die,
    And seeking death, finde life: Let it come on.
    Enter Isabella.
    Isab. What hoa? Peace heere; Grace, and good com-
    1250panie.
    Pro. Who's there? Come in, the wish deserues a
    welcome.
    Duke. Deere sir, ere long Ile visit you againe.
    Cla. Most holie Sir, I thanke you.
    1255Isa. My businesse is a word or two with Claudio.
    Pro. And verie welcom: looke Signior, here's your
    sister.
    Duke. Prouost, a word with you.
    Pro. As manie as you please.
    1260Duke. Bring them to heare me speak, where I may be
    conceal'd.
    Cla. Now sister, what's the comfort?
    Isa. Why,
    As all comforts are: most good, most good indeede,
    1265Lord Angelo hauing affaires to heauen
    Intends you for his swift Ambassador,
    Where you shall be an euerlasting Leiger;
    Therefore your best appointment make with speed,
    To Morrow you set on.
    1270Clau. Is there no remedie?
    Isa. None, but such remedie, as to saue a head
    To cleaue a heart in twaine:
    Clau. But is there anie?
    Isa. Yes brother, you may liue;
    1275There is a diuellish mercie in the Iudge,
    If you'l implore it, that will free your life,
    But fetter you till death.
    Cla. Perpetuall durance?
    Isa. I iust, perpetuall durance, a restraint
    1280Through all the worlds vastiditie you had
    To a determin'd scope.
    Clau. But in what nature?
    Isa. In such a one, as you consenting too't,
    Would barke your honor from that trunke you beare,
    1285And leaue you naked.
    Clau. Let me know the point.
    Isa. Oh, I do feare thee Claudio, and I quake,
    Least thou a feauorous life shouldst entertaine,
    And six or seuen winters more respect
    1290Then a perpetuall Honor. Dar'st thou die?
    The sence of death is most in apprehension,
    And the poore Beetle that we treade vpon
    In corporall sufferance, finds a pang as great,
    As when a Giant dies.
    1295Cla. Why giue you me this shame?
    Thinke you I can a resolution fetch
    From flowrie tendernesse? If I must die,
    I will encounter darknesse as a bride,
    And hugge it in mine armes.
    1300Isa. There spake my brother: there my fathers graue
    Did vtter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:
    Thou art too noble, to conserue a life
    In base appliances. This outward sainted Deputie,
    Whose setled visage, and deliberate word
    1305Nips youth i'th head, and follies doth emmew
    As Falcon doth the Fowle, is yet a diuell:
    His filth within being cast, he would appeare
    A pond, as deepe as hell.
    Cla. The prenzie, Angelo?
    1310Isa. Oh 'tis the cunning Liuerie of hell,
    The damnest bodie to inuest, and couer
    In prenzie gardes; dost thou thinke Claudio,
    If I would yeeld him my virginitie
    Thou might'st be freed?
    1315Cla. Oh heauens, it cannot be.
    Isa. Yes, he would giu't thee; from this rank offence
    So to offend him still. This night's the time
    That I should do what I abhorre to name,
    Or else thou diest to morrow.
    1320Clau. Thou shalt not do't.
    Isa. O, were it but my life,
    I'de throw it downe for your deliuerance
    As frankely as a pin.
    Clau. Thankes deere Isabell.
    1325Isa. Be readie Claudio, for your death to morrow.
    Clau. Yes. Has he affections in him,
    That thus can make him bite the Law by th' nose,
    When he would force it? Sure it is no sinne,
    Or of the deadly seuen it is the least.
    1330Isa. Which is the least?
    Cla. If it were damnable, he being so wise,
    Why would he for the momentarie tricke
    Be perdurablie fin'de? Oh Isabell.
    Isa. What saies my brother?
    1335Cla. Death is a fearefull thing.
    Isa. And shamed life, a hatefull.
    Cla. I, but to die, and go we know not where,
    To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot,
    This sensible warme motion, to become
    1340A kneaded clod; And the delighted spirit
    To bath in fierie floods, or to recide
    In thrilling Region of thicke-ribbed Ice,
    To be imprison'd in the viewlesse windes
    And blowne with restlesse violence round about
    1345The pendant world: or to be worse then worst
    Of those, that lawlesse and incertaine thought,
    Imagine howling, 'tis too horrible.
    The weariest, and most loathed worldly life
    That Age, Ache, periury, and imprisonment
    1350Can lay on nature, is a Paradise
    To what we feare of death.
    Isa. Alas, alas.
    Cla. Sweet Sister, let me liue.
    What sinne you do, to saue a brothers life,
    1355Nature dispenses with the deede so farre,
    That it becomes a vertue.
    Isa. Oh you beast,
    Oh faithlesse Coward, oh dishonest wretch,
    Wilt thou be made a man, out of my vice?
    1360Is't not a kinde of Incest, to take life
    From thine owne sisters shame? What should I thinke,
    Heauen shield my Mother plaid my Father faire:
    For such a warped slip of wildernesse
    Nere issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance,
    1365Die, perish: Might but my bending downe
    Repreeue thee from thy fate, it should proceede.
    Ile pray a thousand praiers for thy death,
    No word to saue thee.
    Cla. Nay heare me Isabell.
    1370Isa. Oh fie, fie, fie:
    Thy sinn's not accidentall, but a Trade;
    Mercie
    72Measure for Measure.
    Mercy to thee would proue it selfe a Bawd,
    'Tis best that thou diest quickly.
    Cla. Oh heare me Isabella.
    1375Duk. Vouchsafe a word, yong sister, but one word.
    Isa. What is your Will.
    Duk. Might you dispense with your leysure, I would
    by and by haue some speech with you : the satisfaction I
    would require, is likewise your owne benefit.
    1380Isa. I haue no superfluous leysure, my stay must be
    stolen out of other affaires : but I will attend you a while.
    Duke. Son, I haue ouer-heard what hath past between
    you & your sister. Angelo had neuer the purpose to cor-
    rupt her; onely he hath made an assay of her vertue, to
    1385practise his iudgement with the disposition of natures.
    She (hauing the truth of honour in her) hath made him
    that gracious deniall, which he is most glad to receiue: I
    am Confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true, ther-
    fore prepare your selfe to death: do not satisfie your re-
    1390solution with hopes that are fallible, to morrow you
    must die, goe to your knees, and make ready.
    Cla. Let me ask my sister pardon, I am so out of loue
    with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.
    Duke. Hold you there: farewell: Prouost, a word
    1395with you.
    Pro. What's your will (father?)
    Duk. That now you are come, you wil be gone : leaue
    me a while with the Maid, my minde promises with my
    habit, no losse shall touch her by my company.
    1400Pro. In good time. Exit.
    Duk. The hand that hath made you faire, hath made
    you good : the goodnes that is cheape in beauty, makes
    beauty briefe in goodnes; but grace being the soule of
    your complexion, shall keepe the body of it euer faire:
    1405the assault that Angelo hath made to you, Fortune hath
    conuaid to my vnderstanding; and but that frailty hath
    examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo: how
    will you doe to content this Substitute, and to saue your
    Brother?
    1410Isab. I am now going to resolue him: I had rather
    my brother die by the Law, then my sonne should be vn-
    lawfullie borne. But (oh) how much is the good Duke
    deceiu'd in Angelo: if euer he returne, and I can speake
    to him, I will open my lips in vaine, or discouer his go-
    1415uernment.
    Duke. That shall not be much amisse: yet, as the mat-
    ter now stands, he will auoid your accusation: he made
    triall of you onelie. Therefore fasten your eare on my
    aduisings, to the loue I haue in doing good; a remedie
    1420presents it selfe. I doe make my selfe beleeue that you
    may most vprighteously do a poor wronged Lady a me-
    rited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry Law;
    doe no staine to your owne gracious person, and much
    please the absent Duke, if peraduenture he shall euer re-
    1425turne to haue hearing of this businesse.
    Isab. Let me heare you speake farther; I haue spirit to
    do any thing that appeares not fowle in the truth of my
    spirit.
    Duke. Vertue is bold, and goodnes neuer fearefull:
    1430Haue you not heard speake of Mariana the sister of Fre-
    dericke the great Souldier, who miscarried at Sea?
    Isa. I haue heard of the Lady, and good words went
    with her name.
    Duke. Shee should this Angelo haue married : was af-
    1435fianced to her oath, and the nuptiall appointed: between
    which time of the contract, and limit of the solemnitie,
    her brother Fredericke was wrackt at Sea, hauing in that
    perished vessell, the dowry of his sister: but marke how
    heauily this befell to the poore Gentlewoman, there she
    1440lost a noble and renowned brother, in his loue toward
    her, euer most kinde and naturall: with him the portion
    and sinew of her fortune, her marriage dowry: with
    both, her combynate-husband, this well-seeming
    Angelo.
    1445Isab. Can this be so? did Angelo so leaue her?
    Duke. Left her in her teares, & dried not one of them
    with his comfort: swallowed his vowes whole, preten-
    ding in her, discoueries of dishonor: in few, bestow'd
    her on her owne lamentation, which she yet weares for
    1450his sake: and he, a marble to her teares, is washed with
    them, but relents not.
    Isab. What a merit were it in death to take this poore
    maid from the world? what corruption in this life, that
    it will let this man liue? But how out of this can shee a-
    1455uaile?
    Duke. It is a rupture that you may easily heale: and the
    cure of it not onely saues your brother, but keepes you
    from dishonor in doing it.
    Isab. Shew me how (good Father.)
    1460Duk. This fore-named Maid hath yet in her the con-
    tinuance of her first affection: his vniust vnkindenesse
    (that in all reason should haue quenched her loue) hath
    (like an impediment in the Current) made it more vio-
    lent and vnruly: Goe you to Angelo, answere his requi-
    1465ring with a plausible obedience, agree with his demands
    to the point: onely referre your selfe to this aduantage;
    first, that your stay with him may not be long : that the
    time may haue all shadow, and silence in it: and the place
    answere to conuenience : this being granted in course,
    1470and now followes all: wee shall aduise this wronged
    maid to steed vp your appointment, goe in your place:
    if the encounter acknowledge it selfe heereafter, it may
    compell him to her recompence; and heere, by this is
    your brother saued, your honor vntainted, the poore
    1475Mariana aduantaged, and the corrupt Deputy scaled.
    The Maid will I frame, and make fit for his attempt: if
    you thinke well to carry this as you may, the doublenes
    of the benefit defends the deceit from reproofe. What
    thinke you of it?
    1480Isab. The image of it giues me content already, and I
    trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.
    Duk. It lies much in your holding vp: haste you spee-
    dily to Angelo, if for this night he intreat you to his bed,
    giue him promise of satisfaction: I will presently to S.
    1485Lukes, there at the moated-Grange recides this deie-
    cted Mariana; at that place call vpon me, and dispatch
    with Angelo, that it may be quickly.
    Isab. I thank you for this comfort: fare you well good
    father. Exit.
    1490Enter Elbow, Clowne, Officers.
    Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you
    will needes buy and sell men and women like beasts, we
    shall haue all the world drinke browne & white bastard.
    Duk. Oh heauens, what stuffe is heere.
    1495Clow. Twas neuer merry world since of two vsuries
    the merriest was put downe, and the worser allow'd by
    order of Law; a fur'd gowne to keepe him warme; and
    furd with Foxe and Lamb-skins too, to signifie, that craft
    being richer then Innocency, stands for the facing.
    1500Elb. Come your way sir : 'blesse you good Father
    Frier.
    Duk. And you good Brother Father; what offence
    hath this man made you, Sir?
    Elb. Marry
    Measure for Measure. 73
    Elb. Marry Sir, he hath offended the Law; and Sir,
    1505we take him to be a Theefe too Sir: for wee haue found
    vpon him Sir, a strange Pick-lock, which we haue sent
    to the Deputie.
    Duke. Fie, sirrah, a Bawd, a wicked bawd,
    The euill that thou causest to be done,
    1510That is thy meanes to liue. Do thou but thinke
    What 'tis to cram a maw, or cloath a backe
    From such a filthie vice: say to thy selfe,
    From their abhominable and beastly touches
    I drinke, I eate away my selfe, and liue:
    1515Canst thou beleeue thy liuing is a life,
    So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend.
    Clo. Indeed, it do's stinke in some sort, Sir:
    But yet Sir I would proue.
    Duke. Nay, if the diuell haue giuen thee proofs for sin
    1520Thou wilt proue his. Take him to prison Officer:
    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-ma-
    1525ster: 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.
    1530Elb. 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 Casar? Art thou led in triumph? What is there none
    1535of 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
    1540Man? Which is the vvay? Is it sad, and few words?
    Or how? The tricke of it?
    Duke. Still thus, and thus: still vvorse?
    Luc. How doth my deere Morsell, thy Mistris? Pro-
    cures she still? Ha?
    1545Clo. 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 pri-
    1550son 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.
    1555Luc. Well, then imprison him: If imprisonment be
    the due of a baud, why 'tis his right. Baud is he doubt-
    lesse, and of antiquity too: Baud borne. Farwell good
    Pompey: Commend me to the prison Pompey, you will
    turne good husband now Pompey, you vvill keepe the
    1560house.
    Clo. I hope Sir, your good Worship wil be my baile?
    Luc. No indeed vvil 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:
    1565Adieu trustie Pompey.
    Blesse you Friar.
    Duke. And you.
    Luc. Do's Bridget paint still, Pompey? Ha?
    Elb. Come your waies sir, come.
    1570Clo. You will not baile me then Sir?
    Luc. Then Pompey, nor now: what newes abroad Fri-
    er? What newes?
    Elb. Come your waies sir, come.
    Luc. Goe to kennell ( Pompey) goe:
    1575What 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
    1580him 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.
    1585Duke. 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;
    1590it is vvell allied, but it is impossible to extirpe it quite,
    Frier, till eating and drinking be put downe. They say
    this Angelo vvas not made by Man and Woman, after
    this downe-right vvay of Creation: is it true, thinke
    you?
    1595Duke. How should he be made then?
    Luc. Some report, a Sea-maid spawn'd him. Some,
    that he vvas begot betweene two Stock-fishes. But it
    is certaine, that when he makes water, his Vrine is con-
    geal'd ice, that I know to bee true: and he is a motion
    1600generatiue, 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?
    1605Ere he vvould haue hang'd a man for the getting a hun-
    dred Bastards, he vvould 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
    1610for Women, he was not enclin'd that vvay.
    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
    1615Duke had Crochets in him. Hee would be drunke too,
    that let me informe you.
    Duke. You do him wrong, surely.
    Luc. Sir, I vvas an inward of his: a shie fellow vvas
    the Duke, and I beleeue I know the cause of his vvith-
    1620drawing.
    Duke. What (I prethee) might be the cause?
    Luc. No, pardon: 'Tis a secret must bee lockt with-
    in the teeth and the lippes: but this I can let you vnder-
    stand, the greater file of the subiect held the Duke to be
    1625vvise.
    Duke. Wise? Why no question but he was.
    Luc. A very superficiall, ignorant, vnweighing fellow
    Duke. Either this is Enuie in you, Folly, or mista-
    king: The very streame of his life, and the businesse he
    1630hath 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: there-
    fore you speake vnskilfully: or, if your knowledge bee
    1635more, it is much darkned in your malice.
    G Luc.
    74Measure for Measure.
    Luc. Sir, I know him, and I loue him.
    Duke. Loue talkes with better knowledge, & know-
    ledge with deare loue.
    Luc. Come Sir, I know what I know.
    1640Duke. 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 an-
    swer before him: if it bee honest you haue spoke, you
    haue courage to maintaine it; I am bound to call vppon
    1645you, 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.
    1650Duke. 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 a-
    gaine?
    Luc. Ile be hang'd first: Thou art deceiu'd in mee
    1655Friar. 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
    1660vngenitur'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
    1665this 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 beg-
    gar, though she smelt browne-bread and Garlicke: say
    1670that I said so: Farewell. Exit.
    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?
    1675But 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.
    1680Esc. Double, and trebble admonition, and still for-
    feite 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.
    1685Bawd. My Lord, this is one Lucio's information a-
    gainst 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 Ia-
    cob: I haue kept it my selfe; and see how hee goes about
    1690to 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
    1695furnish'd with Diuines, and haue all charitable prepara-
    tion. 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.
    1700Esc. 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
    1705Of 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. No-
    1710ueltie is onely in request, and as it is as dangerous to be
    aged in any kinde of course, as it is vertuous to be con-
    stant 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
    1715the wisedome of the world: This newes is old enough,
    yet it is euerie daies newes. I pray you Sir, of what dis-
    position was the Duke?
    Esc. One, that aboue all other strifes,
    Contended especially to know himselfe.
    1720Duke. 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, &
    1725let me desire to know, how you finde Claudio prepar'd?
    I am made to vnderstand, that you haue lent him visita-
    tion.
    Duke. He professes to haue receiued no sinister mea-
    sure from his Iudge, but most willingly humbles him-
    1730selfe to the determination of Iustice: yet had he framed
    to himselfe (by the instruction of his frailty) manie de-
    ceyuing 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
    1735the prisoner the verie debt of your Calling. I haue la-
    bour'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.
    1740Duke. 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.
    1745Duke. 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:
    1750More, 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,
    1755To vveede 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,
    1760To 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:)
    1765So disguise shall by th' disguised
    Pay with falshood, false exacting,
    And performe an olde contracting. Exit
    Actus
    Measure for Measure. 75
    Actus Quartus. Scoena Prima.
    Enter Mariana, and Boy singing.
    1770 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,
    1775 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.
    1780I 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
    1785To 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
    1790here 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
    1795selfe.
    Mar. I am alwayes bound to you. Exit.
    Duk. Very well met, and well come:
    What is the newes from this good Deputie?
    Isab. He hath a Garden circummur'd with Bricke,
    1800Whose 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,
    1805There 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,
    1810In 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,
    1815And 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.
    1820Duk. '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,
    1825She 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
    1830Who 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. Exit.
    Duke. Oh Place, and greatnes: millions of false eies
    1835Are 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?
    1840Enter 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.
    1845Isa. 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:
    1850He 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.
    1855Scena 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,
    1860And 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 Clau-
    dio and Barnardine: heere is in our prison a common exe-
    cutioner, who in his office lacks a helper, if you will take
    1865it on you to assist him, it shall redeeme you from your
    Gyues: if not, you shall haue your full time of imprison-
    ment, 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
    1870minde, but yet I will bee content to be a lawfull hang-
    man: I would bee glad to receiue some instruction from
    my fellow partner.
    Pro. What hoa, Abhorson: where's Abhorson there?
    Enter Abhorson.
    1875Abh. 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
    1880plead 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. Exit.
    1885Clo. 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?
    G2 Abh. I
    76Measure for Measure.
    Abh. I Sir, a Misterie.
    Clo. Painting Sir, I haue heard say, is a Misterie; and
    1890your Whores sir, being members of my occupation, v-
    sing 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.
    1895Clo. 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
    1900true mans apparrell fits your Theefe.
    Enter Prouost.
    Pro. Are you agreed?
    Clo. Sir, I will serue him: For I do finde your Hang-
    man is a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he doth
    1905oftner 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.
    1910Clo. 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:
    1915Th' 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
    1920Thou 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?
    1925Well, 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.
    1930Duke. 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.
    1935Duke. 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
    1940Euen 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,
    1945But 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.
    1950Pro. 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.
    1955Duke. 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:
    1960Besides, 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.
    1965Pro. 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.
    1970Good 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,
    1975When 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:
    1980Lord 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.
    1985 The Letter.
    Whatsoeuer you may heare to the contrary, let Claudio be ex-
    ecuted by foure of the clocke, and in the afternoone Bernar-
    dine: For my better satisfaction, let mee haue Claudios
    head sent me by fiue. Let this be duely performed with a
    1990 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 execu-
    1995ted 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
    2000haue 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?
    2005Pro. 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 dread-
    fully, but as a drunken sleepe, carelesse, wreaklesse, and
    2010fearelesse 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 li-
    berty of the prison: giue him leaue to escape hence, hee
    2015would 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 war-
    rant for it, it hath not moued him at all.
    Duke.
    Measure for Measure. 77
    Duke. More of him anon: There is written in your
    2020brow 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.
    2025To 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.
    2030Pro. Alacke, how may I do it? Hauing the houre li-
    mited, and an expresse command, vnder penaltie, to de-
    liuer 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,
    2035If 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.
    2040Duke. 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 for-
    2045tune, 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 De-
    putie?
    2050Pro. 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
    2055I 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
    2060strange 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
    2065heere. 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 Mo-
    nasterie, but by chance nothing of what is writ. Looke,
    th' vnfolding Starre calles vp the Shepheard; put not
    2070your 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 re-
    2075solue you: Come away, it is almost cleere dawne. Exit.
    Scena Tertia.
    Enter Clowne.
    Clo. I am as well acquainted heere, as I was in our
    house of profession: one would thinke it vvere Mistris
    2080Ouer-dons 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
    2085much in request, for the olde Women vvere all dead.
    Then is there heere one Mr Caper, at the suite of Master
    Three-Pile the Mercer, for some foure suites of Peach-
    colour'd Satten, which now peaches him a beggar.
    Then haue vve heere, yong Dizie, and yong M Deepe-
    2090vow, and M Copperspurre, and M Starue-Lackey the Ra-
    pier and dagger man, and yong Drop-heire that kild lu-
    stie Pudding, and M Forthlight the Tilter, and braue M
    Shootie the great Traueller, and wilde Halfe-Canne that
    stabb'd Pots, and I thinke fortie more, all great doers in
    2095our Trade, and are now for the Lords sake.
    Enter Abhorson.
    Abh. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hether.
    Clo. M Barnardine, you must rise and be hang'd,
    M Barnardine.
    2100Abh. 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:
    2105You 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 ex-
    2110ecuted, 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.
    2115Abh. Is the Axe vpon the blocke, sirrah?
    Clo. Verie readie Sir.
    Bar. How now Abhorson?
    What's the newes vvith you?
    Abh. Truly Sir, I would desire you to clap into your
    2120prayers: 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
    2125sounder all the next day.
    Enter Duke.
    Abh. Looke you Sir, heere comes your ghostly Fa-
    ther: do we iest now thinke you?
    Duke. Sir, induced by my charitie, and hearing how
    2130hastily 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
    2135die 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 per-
    swasion.
    2140Duke. 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.
    2145Duke. Vnfit to liue, or die: oh grauell heart.
    G3 After
    78Measure for Measure.
    After him (Fellowes) bring him to the blocke.
    Pro. Now Sir, how do you finde the prisoner?
    Duke. A creature vnpre-par'd, vnmeet for death,
    And to transport him in the minde he is,
    2150Were 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
    2155Iust 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:
    2160Dispatch 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:
    2165But 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,
    2170Put 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. Exit.
    2175Duke. 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
    2180To 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.
    2185Enter 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.
    2190Pro. 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:
    2195But 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.
    2200Duke. 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,
    2205His 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.
    2210Duk. 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,
    2215Marke 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
    2220Notice to Escalus and Angelo,
    Who do prepare to meete him at the gates,
    There to giue vp their powre: If you can pace your wis-(dome,
    In that good path that I would wish it go,
    And you shal haue your bosome on this wretch,
    2225Grace 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:
    2230Say, 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,
    2235I 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?
    2240Enter Lucio.
    Luc. Good' euen;
    Frier, where's the Prouost?
    Duke. Not within Sir.
    Luc. Oh prettie Isabella, I am pale at mine heart, to
    2245see 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 fan-
    2250tastical 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
    2255do: 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
    2260if 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,
    2265They 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
    2270Friar, 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.
    Ang.
    Measure for Measure. 79
    An. In most vneuen and distracted manner, his actions
    2275show much like to madnesse, pray heauen his wisedome
    bee not tainted: and why meet him at the gates and de-
    liuer our authorities there?
    Esc. I ghesse not.
    Ang. And why should wee proclaime it in an howre
    2280before 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 heere-
    after, which shall then haue no power to stand against
    2285vs.
    Ang. Well: I beseech you let it bee proclaim'd be-
    times 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. Exit.
    2290Ang. 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
    2295Will 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,
    2300Saue 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,
    2305Nothing goes right, we would, and we would not. Exit.
    Scena Quinta.
    Enter Duke and Frier Peter.
    Duke. These Letters at fit time deliuer me,
    The Prouost knowes our purpose and our plot,
    2310The 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
    2315To 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.
    2320Duke. 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.
    2325Isab. 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.
    2330Isab. 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.
    2335Mar. 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:
    2340Twice 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.
    2345Actus 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.
    2350Ang. 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
    2355Forerunning 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
    2360A 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,
    2365You 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.
    2370Isab. 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,
    2375And 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.
    2380Isab. 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:
    2385Heare 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.
    2390Ang. And she will speake most bitterly, and strange.
    Isab. Most
    80Measure for Measure.
    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,
    2395An 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;
    2400Nay, 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
    2405There 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
    2410May 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,
    2415Had 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,
    2420As 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,
    2425And 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,
    2430Condemnd 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.
    2435Luc. 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.
    2440Duk. 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
    2445A 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.
    2450Luc. 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.
    2455Duk. 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:
    2460How 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
    2465To 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
    2470For 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) yu knowst not what thou (speak'st,
    Or else thou art suborn'd against his honor
    2475In 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,
    2480And 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
    2485Keepe 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:
    2490To 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.
    2495Duk. 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
    2500In 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
    2505I 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
    2510Most 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?
    2515Peter. 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.
    2520Luc. 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
    Measure for Measure. 81
    Of a strange Feauor: vpon his meere request
    Being come to knowledge, that there was complaint
    2525Intended '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,
    2530To 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:
    2535Doe 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?
    2540Enter 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?
    2545Mar. No my Lord.
    Duke. Are you a Maid?
    Mar. No my Lord.
    Duk. A Widow then?
    Mar. Neither, my Lord.
    2550Duk. Why you are nothing then: neither Maid, Wi-
    dow, 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
    2555to 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
    2560Knowes 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.
    2565Mar. 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
    2570With 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,
    2575Who 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
    2580Which 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
    2585In her Imagin'd person.
    Duke. Know you this woman?
    Luc. Carnallie she saies.
    Duk. Sirha, no more.
    Luc. Enoug my Lord.
    2590Ang. 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
    2595For 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,
    2600As there comes light from heauen, and words frō 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,
    2605He 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,
    2610Now, 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
    2615To 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,
    2620Though 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.
    2625There 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,
    2630And 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
    2635In any chastisement; I for a while
    Will leaue you; but stir not you till you haue
    Well determin'd vpon these Slanderers. Exit.
    Esc. My Lord, wee'll doe it throughly: Signior Lu-
    cio, did not you say you knew that Frier Lodowick to be a
    2640dishonest person?
    Luc. Cucullus non facit Monachum, honest in nothing
    but in his Clothes, and one that hath spoke most villa-
    nous speeches of the Duke.
    Esc. We shall intreat you to abide heere till he come,
    2645and 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
    2650question, 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
    shee
    82Measure for Measure.
    She would sooner confesse, perchance publikely she'll be
    2655asham'd.
    Enter Duke, Prouost, Isabella..
    Esc. I will goe darkely to worke with her.
    Luc. That's the way: for women are light at mid-
    night.
    2660Esc. 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
    2665we call vpon you.
    Luc. Mum.
    Esc. Come Sir, did you set these women on to slan-
    der Lord Angelo? they haue confes'd you did.
    Duk. 'Tis false.
    2670Esc. 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,
    2675Looke 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,
    2680Thus 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:
    2685Is'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?
    2690Take 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
    2695Dare 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,
    2700But 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.
    2705Ang. 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,
    2710I 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-mon-
    2715ger, 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.
    2720Luc. 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.
    2725Esc. 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 o-
    ther confederate companion.
    2730Duk. 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
    2735sheepe-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,
    2740Must 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,
    2745That 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,
    2750To 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:
    2755Immediate 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.
    2760Duk. Goe take her hence, and marry her instantly.
    Doe you the office ( Fryer) which consummate,
    Returne him here againe: goe with him Prouost. Exit.
    Esc. My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his dishonor,
    Then at the strangenesse of it.
    2765Duk. 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.
    2770Isab. 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.
    2775Your 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,
    2780It 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
    Measure for Measure. 83
    2785So 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
    2790Your 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,
    2795The 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:
    2800Then 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.
    2805Mar. 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,
    2810For 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.
    2815Mar. 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.
    2820Away 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,
    2825Should 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,
    2830Hold 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?
    2835Duke. 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,
    2840Till 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
    2845That 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.
    2850Prouost, 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.
    2855Duk. 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,
    2860For 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.
    2865Duke. 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
    2870And 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.
    2875Enter 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
    2880That 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,
    2885I 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
    2890Is 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:
    2895Well 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,
    2900One 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 ra-
    2905ther 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
    2910whom 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
    2915Duke, good my Lord do not recompence me, in making
    me a Cuckold.
    Duk. Vpon
    84Measure for Measure.
    Duke. Vpon mine honor thou shalt marrie her.
    Thy slanders I forgiue, and therewithall
    Remit thy other forfeits: take him to prison,
    2920And 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.
    2925Ioy 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,
    2930We 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,
    2935Whereto 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.
    2940Angelo, the Deputie.
    Escalus, an ancient Lord.
    Claudio, a yong Gentleman.
    Lucio, a fantastique.
    2. Other like Gentlemen.
    2945Prouost.
    Thomas. }
    Peter. } 2. Friers.
    Elbow, a simple Constable.
    Froth, a foolish Gentleman.
    2950Clowne.
    Abhorson, an Executioner.
    Barnardine, a dissolute prisoner.
    Isabella, sister tp Claudio.
    Mariana, betrothed to Angelo.
    2955Iuliet, beloved of Claudio.
    Fransisca, a Nun.
    Mistris Ouer-don, a Bawd.
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