Re-enter Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. Isab. I do, my lord. Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here, Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd (Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach, Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; We do condemn thee to the very block Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste; Away with him. Mari. husband: you with a Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, We do instate and widow you withal, To buy you a better husband. Mari. O, my dear lord, I crave no other, nor no better man. Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive. (1) Angelo's own tongue. A When I perceive, your grace, like power divine, But let my trial be mine own confession; Duke. Duke. Go, take her hence, and marry her instantly. Do you the office, friar; which consummate, Return him here again:-Go with him, Provost. [Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. Escal. My lord, I am more amaz'd at his dishonour, Than at the strangeness of it. Duke. Come hither, Isabel: Your friar is now your prince: As I was then Advertising, and holy to your business, Not changing heart with habit, I am still Attorney'd at your service. Isab. O, give me pardon, That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd Your unknown sovereignty. Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel : And now, dear maid, be you as free to us. Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart; And you may marvel, why I obscur'd myself, Labouring to save his life; and would not rather Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power, Than let him so be lost: O, most kind maid, It was the swift celerity of his death, Which I did think with slower foot came on, That brain'd my purpose: But, peace be with him! That life is better life, past fearing death, Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort, So happy is your brother. (1) Devices. (2) Following. (3) Attentive. Re-enter Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. Isab. I do, my lord. Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here, Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd brother (Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach, Most audible, even from his proper tongue, We do condemn thee to the very block Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste;Away with him. Mari. Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, We do instate and widow you withal, To buy you a better husband. Mari. O, my dear lord, I crave no other, nor no better man. Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive. (1) Angelo's own tongue. Mari. Gentle my liege, Duke. [Kneeling. You do but lose your labour: Away with him to death.-Now, sir, [To Lucio.] to you. Mari. O, my good lord!-Sweet Isabel, take my part; Lend me your knees, and all my life to come Duke. Against all sensel you do importune her: Mari. Isabel, Hold up your hands, say nothing, I'll speak all. Duke. He dies for Claudio's death. Most bounteous sir, [Kneeling. Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd, As if my brother liv'd: I partly think, A due sincerity govern'd his deeds, His act did not o'ertake his bad intent, And must be buried but as an intent That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subjects; Intents but merely thoughts. Mari. Merely, my lord. Duke. Your suit's unprofitable; stand up, I say.-I have bethought me of another fault: Provost, how came it, Claudio was beheaded (1) Reason and affection. Prov. It was commanded so. Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deed? sage. Duke. For which I do discharge you of your office: Give up your keys. Prov. Duke. What's he? His name is Barnardine. Duke. I would thou had'st done so by Claudio.Go, fetch him hither; let me look upon him. Exit Provost. Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise As you, lord Angelo, have stili appear'd, Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood, And lack of temper'd judgment afterward." "Ang. I am sorry, that such sorrow I procure : And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart, That I crave death more willingly than mercy : 'Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it. Re-enter Provost, Barnardine, Claudio, and Juliet. Duke. Which is that Barnardine? Prov. This, my lord. Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul, (1) Consideration. |