2348Duk. My very worthy Cosen, fairely met,

2349Our old, and faithfull friend, we are glad to see you.

2350Ang. Esc. Happy returne be to your royall grace.

2351Duk. Many and harty thankings to you both:

2352We haue made enquiry of you, and we heare

2353Such goodnesse of your Iustice, that our soule

2354Cannot but yeeld you forth to publique thankes

2355Forerunning more requitall.

2356Ang. You make my bonds still greater.

2357Duk. Oh your desert speaks loud, & I should wrong it

2358To locke it in the wards of couert bosome

2359When it deserues with characters of brasse

2360A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time,

2361And razure of obliuion: Giue we your hand

2362And let the Subiect see, to make them know

2363That outward curtesies would faine proclaime

2364Fauours that keepe within: Come Escalus,

2365You must walke by vs, on our other hand:

2366And good supporters are you.

2368Peter. Now is your time

2369Speake loud, and kneele before him.

2370Isab. Iustice, O royall Duke, vaile your regard

2371Vpon a wrong'd (I would faine haue said a Maid)

2372Oh worthy Prince, dishonor not your eye

2373By throwing it on any other obiect,

2374Till you haue heard me, in my true complaint,

2375And giuen me Iustice, Iustice, Iustice, Iustice.

2376Duk. Relate your wrongs;

2377In what, by whom? be briefe:

2378Here is Lord Angelo shall giue you Iustice,

2379Reueale your selfe to him.

2380Isab. Oh worthy Duke,

2381You bid me seeke redemption of the diuell,

2382Heare me your selfe: for that which I must speake

2383Must either punish me, not being beleeu'd,

2384Or wring redresse from you:

2385Heare me: oh heare me, heere.

2386Ang. My Lord, her wits I feare me are not firme:

2387She hath bin a suitor to me, for her Brother

2388Cut off by course of Iustice.

2389Isab. By course of Iustice.

2390Ang. And she will speake most bitterly, and strange.

2391Isab. Most strange: but yet most truely wil I speake,

2392That Angelo's forsworne, is it not strange?

2393That Angelo's a murtherer, is't not strange?

2394That Angelo is an adulterous thiefe,

2395An hypocrite, a virgin violator,

2396Is it not strange? and strange?

2397Duke. Nay it is ten times strange?

2398Isa. It is not truer he is Angelo,

2399Then this is all as true, as it is strange;

2400Nay, it is ten times true, for truth is truth

2401To th' end of reckning.

2402Duke. Away with her: poore soule

2403She speakes this, in th' infirmity of sence.

2404Isa. Oh Prince, I coniure thee, as thou beleeu'st

2405There is another comfort, then this world,

2406That thou neglect me not, with that opinion

2407That I am touch'd with madnesse: make not impossible

2408That which but seemes vnlike, 'tis not impossible

2409But one, the wickedst caitiffe on the ground

2410May seeme as shie, as graue, as iust, as absolute:

2411As Angelo, euen so may Angelo

2412In all his dressings, caracts, titles, formes,

2413Be an arch-villaine: Beleeue it, royall Prince

2414If he be lesse, he's nothing, but he's more,

2415Had I more name for badnesse.

2416Duke. By mine honesty

2417If she be mad, as I beleeue no other,

2418Her madnesse hath the oddest frame of sense,

2419Such a dependancy of thing, on thing,

2420As ere I heard in madnesse.

2421Isab. Oh gracious Duke

2422Harpe not on that; nor do not banish reason

2423For inequality, but let your reason serue

2424To make the truth appeare, where it seemes hid,

2425And hide the false seemes true.

2426Duk. Many that are not mad

2427Haue sure more lacke of reason:

2428What would you say?

2429Isab. I am the Sister of one Claudio,

2430Condemnd vpon the Act of Fornication

2431To loose his head, condemn'd by Angelo,

2432I, (in probation of a Sisterhood)

2433Was sent to by my Brother; one Lucio

2434As then the Messenger.

2435Luc. That's I, and't like your Grace:

2436I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her,

2437To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo,

2438For her poore Brothers pardon.

2439Isab. That's he indeede.

2440Duk. You were not bid to speake.

2441Luc. No, my good Lord,

2442Nor wish'd to hold my peace.

2443Duk. I wish you now then,

2444Pray you take note of it: and when you haue

2445A businesse for your selfe: pray heauen you then

2446Be perfect.

2447Luc. I warrant your honor.

2448Duk. The warrant's for your selfe: take heede to't.

2449Isab. This Gentleman told somewhat of my Tale.

2450Luc. Right.

2451Duk. It may be right, but you are i'the wrong

2452To speake before your time: proceed,

2453Isab. I went

2454To this pernicious Caitiffe Deputie.

2455Duk. That's somewhat madly spoken.

2456Isab. Pardon it,

2457The phrase is to the matter.

2458Duke. Mended againe: the matter: proceed.

2459Isab. In briefe, to set the needlesse processe by:

2460How I perswaded, how I praid, and kneel'd,

2461How he refeld me, and how I replide

2462(For this was of much length) the vild conclusion

2463I now begin with griefe, and shame to vtter.

2464He would not, but by gift of my chaste body

2465To his concupiscible intemperate lust

2466Release my brother; and after much debatement,

2467My sisterly remorse, confutes mine honour,

2468And I did yeeld to him: But the next morne betimes,

2469His purpose surfetting, he sends a warrant

2470For my poore brothers head.

2471Duke. This is most likely.

2472Isab. Oh that it were as like as it is true.

2473Duk. By heauen (fond wretch) y^u knowst not what thou (speak'st,

2474Or else thou art suborn'd against his honor

2475In hatefull practise: first his Integritie

2476Stands without blemish: next it imports no reason,

2477That with such vehemency he should pursue

2478Faults proper to himselfe: if he had so offended

2479He would haue waigh'd thy brother by himselfe,

2480And not haue cut him off: some one hath set you on:

2481Confesse the truth, and say by whose aduice

2482Thou cam'st heere to complaine.

2483Isab. And is this all?

2484Then oh you blessed Ministers aboue

2485Keepe me in patience, and with ripened time

2486Vnfold the euill, which is heere wrapt vp

2487In countenance: heauen shield your Grace from woe,

2488As I thus wrong'd, hence vnbeleeued goe.

2489Duke. I know you'ld faine be gone: An Officer:

2490To prison with her: Shall we thus permit

2491A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall,

2492On him so neere vs? This needs must be a practise:

2493Who knew of your intent and comming hither?

2494Isa. One that I would were heere, Frier Lodowick.

2495Duk. A ghostly Father, belike:

2496Who knowes that Lodowicke?

2497Luc. My Lord, I know him, 'tis a medling Fryer,

2498I doe not like the man: had he been Lay my Lord,

2499For certaine words he spake against your Grace

2500In your retirment, I had swing'd him soundly.

2501Duke. Words against mee? this 'a good Fryer belike

2502And to set on this wretched woman here

2503Against our Substitute: Let this Fryer be found.

2504Luc. But yesternight my Lord, she and that Fryer

2505I saw them at the prison: a sawcy Fryar,

2506A very scuruy fellow.

2507Peter. Blessed be your Royall Grace:

2508I haue stood by my Lord, and I haue heard

2509Your royall eare abus'd: first hath this woman

2510Most wrongfully accus'd your Substitute,

2511Who is as free from touch, or soyle with her

2512As she from one vngot.

2513Duke. We did beleeue no lesse.

2514Know you that Frier Lodowick that she speakes of?

2515Peter. I know him for a man diuine and holy,

2516Not scuruy, nor a temporary medler

2517As he's reported by this Gentleman:

2518And on my trust, a man that neuer yet

2519Did (as he vouches) mis-report your Grace.

2520Luc. My Lord, most villanously, beleeue it.

2521Peter. Well: he in time may come to cleere himselfe;

2522But at this instant he is sicke, my Lord:

2523Of a strange Feauor: vpon his meere request

2524Being come to knowledge, that there was complaint

2525Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo, came I hether

2526To speake as from his mouth, what he doth know

2527Is true, and false: And what he with his oath

2528And all probation will make vp full cleare

2529Whensoeuer he's conuented: First for this woman,

2530To iustifie this worthy Noble man

2531So vulgarly and personally accus'd,

2532Her shall you heare disproued to her eyes,

2533Till she her selfe confesse it.

2534Duk. Good Frier, let's heare it:

2535Doe you not smile at this, Lord Angelo?

2536Oh heauen, the vanity of wretched fooles.

2537Giue vs some seates, Come cosen Angelo,

2538In this I'll be impartiall: be you Iudge

2539Of your owne Cause: Is this the Witnes Frier?

2541First, let her shew your face, and after, speake.

2542Mar. Pardon my Lord, I will not shew my face

2543Vntill my husband bid me.

2544Duke. What, are you married?

2545Mar. No my Lord.

2546Duke. Are you a Maid?

2547Mar. No my Lord.

2548Duk. A Widow then?

2549Mar. Neither, my Lord.

2550Duk. Why you are nothing then: neither Maid, Wi-

2551dow, nor Wife?

2552Luc. My Lord, she may be a Puncke: for many of

2553them, are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife.

2554Duk. Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause

2555to prattle for himselfe.

2556Luc. Well my Lord.

2557Mar. My Lord, I doe confesse I nere was married,

2558And I confesse besides, I am no Maid,

2559I haue known my husband, yet my husband

2560Knowes not, that euer he knew me.

2561Luc. He was drunk then, my Lord, it can be no better.

2562Duk. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so to.

2563Luc. Well, my Lord.

2564Duk. This is no witnesse for Lord Angelo.

2565Mar. Now I come to't, my Lord.

2566Shee that accuses him of Fornication,

2567In selfe-same manner, doth accuse my husband,

2568And charges him, my Lord, with such a time,

2569When I'le depose I had him in mine Armes

2570With all th' effect of Loue.

2571Ang. Charges she moe then me?

2572Mar. Not that I know.

2573Duk. No? you say your husband.

2574Mar. Why iust, my Lord, and that is Angelo,

2575Who thinkes he knowes, that he nere knew my body,

2576But knows, he thinkes, that he knowes Isabels.

2577Ang. This is a strange abuse: Let's see thy face.

2578Mar. My husband bids me, now I will vnmaske.

2579This is that face, thou cruell Angelo

2580Which once thou sworst, was worth the looking on:

2581This is the hand, which with a vowd contract

2582Was fast belockt in thine: This is the body

2583That tooke away the match from Isabell,

2584And did supply thee at thy garden-house

2585In her Imagin'd person.

2586Duke. Know you this woman?

2587Luc. Carnallie she saies.

2588Duk. Sirha, no more.

2589Luc. Enoug my Lord.

2590Ang. My Lord, I must confesse, I know this woman,

2591And fiue yeres since there was some speech of marriage

2592Betwixt my selfe, and her: which was broke off,

2593Partly for that her promis'd proportions

2594Came short of Composition: But in chiefe

2595For that her reputation was dis-valued

2596In leuitie: Since which time of fiue yeres

2597I neuer spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her

2598Vpon my faith, and honor.

2599Mar. Noble Prince,

2600As there comes light from heauen, and words frō breath,

2601As there is sence in truth, and truth in vertue,

2602I am affianced this mans wife, as strongly

2603As words could make vp vowes: And my good Lord,

2604But Tuesday night last gon, in's garden house,

2605He knew me as a wife. As this is true,

2606Let me in safety raise me from my knees,

2607Or else for euer be confixed here

2608A Marble Monument.

2609Ang. I did but smile till now,

2610Now, good my Lord, giue me the scope of Iustice,

2611My patience here is touch'd: I doe perceiue

2612These poore informall women, are no more

2613But instruments of some more mightier member

2614That sets them on. Let me haue way, my Lord

2615To finde this practise out.

2616Duke. I, with my heart,

2617And punish them to your height of pleasure.

2618Thou foolish Frier, and thou pernicious woman

2619Compact with her that's gone: thinkst thou, thy oathes,

2620Though they would swear downe each particular Saint,

2621Were testimonies against his worth, and credit

2622That's seald in approbation? you, Lord Escalus

2623Sit with my Cozen, lend him your kinde paines

2624To finde out this abuse, whence 'tis deriu'd.

2625There is another Frier that set them on,

2626Let him be sent for.

2627Peter. Would he were here, my Lord, for he indeed

2628Hath set the women on to this Complaint;

2629Your Prouost knowes the place where he abides,

2630And he may fetch him.

2631Duke. Goe, doe it instantly:

2632And you, my noble and well-warranted Cosen

2633Whom it concernes to heare this matter forth,

2634Doe with your iniuries as seemes you best

2635In any chastisement; I for a while

2636Will leaue you; but stir not you till you haue

2637Well determin'd vpon these Slanderers. Exit.

2638Esc. My Lord, wee'll doe it throughly: Signior Lu-

2639cio, did not you say you knew that Frier Lodowick to be a

2640dishonest person?

2641Luc. Cucullus non facit Monachum, honest in nothing

2642but in his Clothes, and one that hath spoke most villa-

2643nous speeches of the Duke.

2644Esc. We shall intreat you to abide heere till he come,

2645and inforce them against him: we shall finde this Frier a

2646notable fellow.

2647Luc. As any in Vienna, on my word.

2648Esc. Call that same Isabell here once againe, I would

2649speake with her: pray you, my Lord, giue mee leaue to

2650question, you shall see how Ile handle her.

2651Luc. Not better then he, by her owne report.

2652Esc. Say you?

2653Luc. Marry sir, I thinke, if you handled her priuately

2654She would sooner confesse, perchance publikely she'll be

2655asham'd.

2656 Enter Duke, Prouost, Isabella..

2657Esc. I will goe darkely to worke with her.

2658Luc. That's the way: for women are light at mid-

2659night.

2660Esc. Come on Mistris, here's a Gentlewoman,

2661Denies all that you haue said.

2662Luc. My Lord, here comes the rascall I spoke of,

2663Here, with the Prouost.

2664Esc. In very good time: speake not you to him, till

2665we call vpon you.

2666Luc. Mum.

2667Esc. Come Sir, did you set these women on to slan-

2668der Lord Angelo? they haue confes'd you did.

2669Duk. 'Tis false.

2670Esc. How? Know you where you are?

2671Duk. Respect to your great place; and let the diuell

2672Be sometime honour'd, for his burning throne.

2673Where is the Duke? 'tis he should heare me speake.

2674Esc. The Duke's in vs: and we will heare you speake,

2675Looke you speake iustly.

2676Duk. Boldly, at least. But oh poore soules,

2677Come you to seeke the Lamb here of the Fox;

2678Good night to your redresse: Is the Duke gone?

2679Then is your cause gone too: The Duke's vniust,

2680Thus to retort your manifest Appeale,

2681And put your triall in the villaines mouth,

2682Which here you come to accuse.

2683Luc. This is the rascall: this is he I spoke of.

2684Esc. Why thou vnreuerend, and vnhallowed Fryer:

2685Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these women,

2686To accuse this worthy man? but in foule mouth,

2687And in the witnesse of his proper eare,

2688To call him villaine; and then to glance from him,

2689To th' Duke himselfe, to taxe him with Iniustice?

2690Take him hence; to th' racke with him: we'll towze you

2691Ioynt by ioynt, but we will know his purpose:

2692What? vniust?

2693Duk. Be not so hot: the Duke dare

2694No more stretch this finger of mine, then he

2695Dare racke his owne : his Subiect am I not,

2696Nor here Prouinciall: My businesse in this State

2697Made me a looker on here in Vienna,

2698Where I haue seene corruption boyle and bubble,

2699Till it ore-run the Stew : Lawes, for all faults,

2700But faults so countenanc'd, that the strong Statutes

2701Stand like the forfeites in a Barbers shop,

2702As much in mocke, as marke.

2703Esc. Slander to th' State:

2704Away with him to prison.

2705Ang. What can you vouch against him Signior Lucio?

2706Is this the man you did tell vs of?

2707Luc. 'Tis he, my Lord: come hither goodman bald-pate,

2708doe you know me?

2709Duk. I remember you Sir, by the sound of your voice,

2710I met you at the Prison, in the absence of the Duke.

2711Luc. Oh, did you so? and do you remember what you

2712said of the Duke.

2713Duk. Most notedly Sir.

2714Luc. Do you so Sir: And was the Duke a flesh-mon-

2715ger, a foole, and a coward, as you then reported him

2716to be?

2717Duk. You must (Sir) change persons with me, ere you

2718make that my report: you indeede spoke so of him, and

2719much more, much worse.

2720Luc. Oh thou damnable fellow: did I not plucke thee

2721by the nose, for thy speeches?

2722Duk. I protest, I loue the Duke, as I loue my selfe.

2723Ang. Harke how the villaine would close now, after

2724his treasonable abuses.

2725Esc. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withall: Away

2726with him to prison: Where is the Prouost? away with

2727him to prison: lay bolts enough vpon him: let him speak

2728no more: away with those Giglets too, and with the o-

2729ther confederate companion.

2730Duk. Stay Sir, stay a while.

2731Ang. What, resists he? helpe him Lucio.

2732Luc. Come sir, come sir, come sir: foh sir, why you

2733bald-pated lying rascall : you must be hooded must you?

2734show your knaues visage with a poxe to you: show your

2735sheepe-biting face, and be hang'd an houre: Will't

2736not off?

2737Duk. Thou art the first knaue, that ere mad'st a Duke.

2738First Prouost, let me bayle these gentle three:

2739Sneake not away Sir, for the Fryer, and you,

2740Must haue a word anon: lay hold on him.

2741Luc. This may proue worse then hanging.

2742Duk. What you haue spoke, I pardon: sit you downe,

2743We'll borrow place of him; Sir, by your leaue:

2744Ha'st thou or word, or wit, or impudence,

2745That yet can doe thee office? If thou ha'st

2746Rely vpon it, till my tale be heard,

2747And hold no longer out.

2748Ang. Oh, my dread Lord,

2749I should be guiltier then my guiltinesse,

2750To thinke I can be vndiscerneable,

2751When I perceiue your grace, like powre diuine,

2752Hath look'd vpon my passes. Then good Prince,

2753No longer Session hold vpon my shame,

2754But let my Triall, be mine owne Confession:

2755Immediate sentence then, and sequent death,

2756Is all the grace I beg.

2757Duk. Come hither Mariana,

2758Say: was't thou ere contracted to this woman?

2759Ang. I was my Lord.

2760Duk. Goe take her hence, and marry her instantly.

2761Doe you the office ( Fryer) which consummate,

2762Returne him here againe: goe with him Prouost. Exit.

2763Esc. My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his dishonor,

2764Then at the strangenesse of it.

2765Duk. Come hither Isabell,

2766Your Frier is now your Prince: As I was then

2767Aduertysing, and holy to your businesse,

2768(Not changing heart with habit) I am still,

2769Atturnied at your seruice.

2770Isab. Oh giue me pardon

2771That I, your vassaile, haue imploid, and pain'd

2772Your vnknowne Soueraigntie.

2773Duk. You are pardon'd Isabell:

2774And now, deere Maide, be you as free to vs.

2775Your Brothers death I know sits at your heart:

2776And you may maruaile, why I obscur'd my selfe,

2777Labouring to saue his life: and would not rather

2778Make rash remonstrance of my hidden powre,

2779Then let him so be lost: oh most kinde Maid,

2780It was the swift celeritie of his death,

2781Which I did thinke, with slower foot came on,

2782That brain'd my purpose: but peace be with him,

2783That life is better life past fearing death,

2784Then that which liues to feare: make it your comfort,

2785So happy is your Brother.

2787Isab. I doe my Lord.

2788Duk. For this new-maried man, approaching here,

2789Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd

2790Your well defended honor: you must pardon

2791For Mariana's sake: But as he adiudg'd your Brother,

2792Being criminall, in double violation

2793Of sacred Chastitie, and of promise-breach,

2794Thereon dependant for your Brothers life,

2795The very mercy of the Law cries out

2796Most audible, euen from his proper tongue.

2797An Angelo for Claudio, death for death :

2798Haste still paies haste, and leasure, answers leasure;

2799Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure:

2800Then Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested;

2801Which though thou would'st deny, denies thee vantage.

2802We doe condemne thee to the very Blocke

2803Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste.

2804Away with him.

2805Mar. Oh my most gracious Lord,

2806I hope you will not mocke me with a husband?

2807Duk. It is your husband mock't you with a husband,

2808Consenting to the safe-guard of your honor,

2809I thought your marriage fit: else Imputation,

2810For that he knew you, might reproach your life,

2811And choake your good to come: For his Possessions,

2812Although by confutation they are ours;

2813We doe en-state, and widow you with all,

2814To buy you a better husband.

2815Mar. Oh my deere Lord,

2816I craue no other, nor no better man.

2817Duke. Neuer craue him, we are definitiue.

2818Mar. Gentle my Liege.

2819Duke. You doe but loose your labour.

2820Away with him to death: Now Sir, to you.

2821Mar. Oh my good Lord, sweet Isabell, take my part,

2822Lend me your knees, and all my life to come,

2823I'll lend you all my life to doe you seruice.

2824Duke. Against all sence you doe importune her,

2825Should she kneele downe, in mercie of this fact,

2826Her Brothers ghost, his paued bed would breake,

2827And take her hence in horror.

2828Mar. Isabell:

2829Sweet Isabel, doe yet but kneele by me,

2830Hold vp your hands, say nothing: I'll speake all.

2831They say best men are moulded out of faults,

2832And for the most, become much more the better

2833For being a little bad: So may my husband.

2834Oh Isabel: will you not lend a knee?

2835Duke. He dies for Claudio's death.

2836Isab. Most bounteous Sir.

2837Looke if it please you, on this man condemn'd,

2838As if my Brother liu'd: I partly thinke,

2839A due sinceritie gouerned his deedes,

2840Till he did looke on me: Since it is so,

2841Let him not die: my Brother had but Iustice,

2842In that he did the thing for which he dide.

2843For Angelo, his Act did not ore-take his bad intent,

2844And must be buried but as an intent

2845That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subiects

2846Intents, but meerely thoughts.

2847Mar. Meerely my Lord.

2848Duk. Your suite's vnprofitable: stand vp I say:

2849I haue bethought me of another fault.

2850Prouost, how came it Claudio was beheaded

2851At an vnusuall howre?

2852Pro. It was commanded so.

2853Duke. Had you a speciall warrant for the deed?

2854Pro. No my good Lord: it was by priuate message.

2855Duk. For which I doe discharge you of your office,

2856Giue vp your keyes.

2857Pro. Pardon me, noble Lord,

2858I thought it was a fault, but knew it not,

2859Yet did repent me after more aduice,

2860For testimony whereof, one in the prison

2861That should by priuate order else haue dide,

2862I haue reseru'd aliue.

2863Duk. What's he?

2864Pro. His name is Barnardine.

2865Duke. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio:

2866Goe fetch him hither, let me looke vpon him.

2867Esc. I am sorry, one so learned, and so wise

2868As you, Lord Angelo, haue stil appear'd,

2869Should slip so grosselie, both in the heat of bloud

2870And lacke of temper'd iudgement afterward.

2871Ang. I am sorrie, that such sorrow I procure,

2872And so deepe sticks it in my penitent heart,

2873That I craue death more willingly then mercy,

2874'Tis my deseruing, and I doe entreat it.

2876Duke. Which is that Barnardine?

2877Pro. This my Lord.

2878Duke. There was a Friar told me of this man.

2879Sirha, thou art said to haue a stubborne soule

2880That apprehends no further then this world,

2881And squar'st thy life according: Thou'rt condemn'd,

2882But for those earthly faults, I quit them all,

2883And pray thee take this mercie to prouide

2884For better times to come: Frier aduise him,

2885I leaue him to your hand. What muffeld fellow's that?

2886Pro. This is another prisoner that I sau'd,

2887Who should haue di'd when Claudio lost his head,

2888As like almost to Claudio, as himselfe.

2889Duke. If he be like your brother, for his sake

2890Is he pardon'd, and for your louelie sake

2891Giue me your hand, and say you will be mine,

2892He is my brother too: But fitter time for that:

2893By this Lord Angelo perceiues he's safe,

2894Methinkes I see a quickning in his eye:

2895Well Angelo, your euill quits you well.

2896Looke that you loue your wife: her worth, worth yours

2897I finde an apt remission in my selfe:

2898And yet heere's one in place I cannot pardon,

2899You sirha, that knew me for a foole, a Coward,

2900One all of Luxurie, an asse, a mad man:

2901Wherein haue I so deseru'd of you

2902That you extoll me thus?

2903Luc. 'Faith my Lord, I spoke it but according to the

2904trick: if you will hang me for it you may: but I had ra-

2905ther it would please you, I might be whipt.

2906Duke. Whipt first, sir, and hang'd after.

2907Proclaime it Prouost round about the Citie,

2908If any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow

2909(As I haue heard him sweare himselfe there's one

2910whom he begot with childe) let her appeare,

2911And he shall marry her: the nuptiall finish'd,

2912Let him be whipt and hang'd.

2913Luc. I beseech your Highnesse doe not marry me to

2914a Whore: your Highnesse said euen now I made you a

2915Duke, good my Lord do not recompence me, in making

2916me a Cuckold.

2917Duke. Vpon mine honor thou shalt marrie her.

2918Thy slanders I forgiue, and therewithall

2919Remit thy other forfeits: take him to prison,

2920And see our pleasure herein executed.

2921Luc. Marrying a punke my Lord, is pressing to death,

2922Whipping and hanging.

2923Duke. Slandering a Prince deserues it.

2924She Claudio that you wrong'd, looke you restore.

2925Ioy to you Mariana, loue her Angelo:

2926I haue confes'd her, and I know her vertue.

2927Thanks good friend, Escalus, for thy much goodnesse,

2928There's more behinde that is more gratulate.

2929Thanks Prouost for thy care, and secrecie,

2930We shall imploy thee in a worthier place.

2931Forgiue him Angelo, that brought you home

2932The head of Ragozine for Claudio's,

2933Th' offence pardons it selfe. Deere Isabell,

2934I haue a motion much imports your good,

2935Whereto if you'll a willing eare incline;

2936What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.

2937So bring vs to our Pallace, where wee'll show

2938What's yet behinde, that meete you all should know.