Duke.

Many that are not mad, Isab. One that I would were herc, friar Lodowick. Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would Duke. A ghostly father, belike: Who knows that you say?

Lodowick ? Isab. I am the sister of one Claudio,

Lucio. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling Condemn'd upon the act of fornication

friar? To lose his head; condemn’d by Angelo:

I do not like the man : had he been lay, my lord, 1, in probation of a sisterhood,

For certain words he spake against your grace Was sent to by my brother: One Lucio

In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly. As then the messenger;

Duke. Words against me? This' a good friar, Lucio. That's I, an't like your grace:

belike! I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her And to set on this wretched woman here To try her gracious fortune with lord sagelo, Against our substitute ! - Let this friar be found. For her poor brother's pardon.

Lucio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that Isab. That's he, indeed.

friar Duke. You were not bid to speak.

I saw them at the prison : a saucy friar, Lucio.

No, my good lord ; A very scurvy fellow. Nor wish'd to hold my peace.

F. Peter.

Blessed be your royal grace' Duke.

I wish you now then; I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Pray you, take note of it: and when you have Your royal ear abus'd: First, hath this woman A business for yourself, pray heaven, you then Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute ; Be perfect.

Who is as free from touch or soil with her, Lucio. I warrant your honour.

As she from one ungot. Duke. The warrant's for yourself ; take heed to it. Duke.

We did believe no less. Isab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale. Know you that friar Lodowick, that she speaks of ? Lucio. Right

F. Peter. I know him for a man divine and holy; Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler, To speak before your time. – Proceed.

As he's reported by this gentleman ; Isab.

I went. And, on my trust, a man that never yet To this pernicious caitiff deputy.

Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace. Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken.

Lucio. My lord, most villainously ; believe it. Isab.

Pardon it; F. Peter. Well, he in time may come to clear The phrase is to the matter.

himself; Duke. Mended again : the matter ; - Proceed. But at this instant he is sick, my lord,

Isab. In brief, - to set the needless process by, Of a strange fever: Upon his mere request, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneelid, (Being come to knowledge that there was complaint How he refellid me, and how I reply'd ;

Intended 'gainst lord Angelo,) came I bither, (For this was of much length,) the vile conclusion To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know

now begin with grief and shame to utter : Is true, and false ; and what he with his oath, He would not, but by gift of my chaste body And all probation, will make up full clear, To his concupiscible intemperate lust,

Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman; Release my brother; and, after much debatement, (To justify this worthy nobleman, My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, So vulgarly and personally accus’d,, And I did yield to him : But the next morn betimes, Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant

Till she herself confess it. For my poor brother's head.

Duke.

Good friar, let's hear it. Duke. This is most likely !

[ISABELLA is carried off, guarded; and Isab. O, that it were as like as it is true !

Mariana comes forward. Duke. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not Do you not smile at this, lord Angelo ? what thou speak'st;

O heaven! the vanity of wretched fools ! Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour, Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo; In hateful practice: First, his integrity

In this I'll be impartial; be you judge Stands without blemish :-next, it imports no reason, Of your own cause. — Is this the witness, friar ? "That with such vehemency he should pursue First, let her show her face; and, after, speak. Faults proper to himself: if he had so offended, Mari. Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face, He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself, Until my husband bid me. And not have cut him off: Some one hath set Duke.

What, are you married ? you on;

Mari. No, my lord. Confess the truth, and say by whose advice

Duke.

Are you a maid? Thou cam’st here to complain.

Mari.

No, my lord. Isab.

And is this all ? Duke. A widow then ? Then, oh, you blessed ministers above,

Mari.

Neither, my lord. Keep me in patience; and, with ripen'd time,

Duke.

Why, you Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up

Are nothing then: — Neither maid, widow, nor wife? In countenance ! - Heaven shield your grace from Lucio. My lord, she may be a punk; for many woe,

of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife. As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go!

Duke. Silence that fellow : I would, he had some Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone: - - An officer! so prison with her :- Shall we thus permit To prattle for himself. A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall

Lucio. Well, my lord. On him so near us? This needs must be a practice. Mar.. My lord, I do confess I nc'er was married • --Who knew of your intent, and coming hither ? And, I confess, besides, I am no maid :

:

cause

I have known my husband; yet my husband knows | That's seal'd in approbation ? - You, lord Escalus, not,

Sit with my cousin ; lend him your kind pains That ever he knew me.

To find out this abuse, whence 'tis deriv’d, Lucio. He was drunk then, my lord; it can be There is another friar that set them on; no better.

Let him be sent for. Duke. For the benefit of silence, would thou F. Peter. Would he were here, my lord ; for he wert so too.

indeed, Lucio. Well, my lord.

Hath set the women on to this complaint : Duke. This is no witness for lord Angelo. Your provost knows the place where he abides, Mari. Now I come to't, my lord :

And he may fetch him. She, that accuses him of fornication,

Duke. Go, do it instantly. [Exit Provost. In self-same manner doth accuse my husband ; And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin, And charges him, my lord, with such a time, Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth, When I'll depose I had him in mine arms,

Do with your injuries as seems you best, With all the effect of love.

In any chastisement: I for a while Ang.

Charges she more han me? Will leave you ; but stir not you, till you have well Mari. Not that I know.

Determined upon these slanderers. Duke.

No? you say, your husband. Escal. My lord, we'll do it thoroughly. -[Exit. Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo, DUKE.) Signior Lucio, did not you say, you knew Who thinks, he knows, that he ne'er knew my body, that friar Lodowick to be a dishonest person? But knows, he thinks, that he knows Isabel's.

Lucio. Cucullus non facit monachum: honest in Ang. This is a strange abuse :-Let's see thy face. nothing, but in his clothes ; and one that hath spoke Mari. My husband bids me; now I will unmask. most villainous speeches of the duke.

(Unveiling. Escal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,

come, and enforce them against him : we shall find Which, once thou swor’st, was worth the looking on: this friar a notable fellow. This is the hand, which, with a vow'd contract, Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word. Was fast belock'd in thine : this is the body

Escal. Call that same Isabel here once again; That took away the match from Isabel,

[To an Attendant.] I would speak with her : Pray And did supply thee at thy garden-house,

you, my lord, give me leave to question ; you slalt In her imagin'd person.

see how I'll handle her. Duke.

Know you this woman? Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report. Lucio. Carnally, she says.

Escal. Say you? Duke.

Sirrah, no more. Lucio. Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her Lucio. Enough, my lord.

privately, she would sooner confess: perchance, pubAng. My lord, I must confess, I know this lickly she'll be ashamed.

woman ; And, five years since, there was some speech of Re-enter Officers, with ISABELLA ; the Duke, in the marriage

Friar's habit, and Provost. Betwixt myself and her ; which was broke off, Escal. I will go darkly to work with her. Partly, for that ber promised proportions

Lucio. That's the way; for women are light at Came short of composition ; but, in chief,

midnight. For that her reputation was disvalued

Escal. Come on mistress : [To Isabella) here's In levity: since which time of five years,

a gentlewoman denies all that you have said. I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her, Lucio. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke Upon my faith and honour.

of; here with the provost. Mari.

Noble prince,

Escal. In very good time: - speak not you to As there comes light from heaven, and words from him, till we call upon you. breath,

Lucio. Mum. As there is sense in trụth, and truth in virtue, Escal. Come, sir : Did you set these women on I am affianc'd this man's wife, as strongly

to slander lord Angelo ? they have confess'd you did. As words could make up vows : and, my good lord, Duke. 'Tis false. But Tuesday night last gone, in his garden-house, Escai. How! know you where you are? He knew me as a wife : As this is true

Duke. Respect to your great place! and let the Let me in safety raise me from my knees;

devil Or else for ever be confixed here,

Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne : A marble monument!

Where is the duke ? 'tis he should hear me speak. Ang.

I did but smile till now; Escal. The duke's in us; and we will hear you Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice;

speak : My patience here is touch'd: I do perceive, Look, you speak justly. These poor informal women are no more

Duke. Boldly, at least : But, 0, poor souls, But instruments of some more mightier member, Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox ? That sets them on : Let me have way, my lord, Good night to your redress. Is the duke gone? To find this practice out.

Then is your cause gone too.

The duke's unjust, Duke.

Ay, with my heart; Thus to retort your manifest appeal And punish them unto your height of pleasure. - And put your trial in the villain's mouth, Thou foolish friar; and thou pernicious woman, Which here you come to accuse. Compact with her that's gone! think'st thou, thy Lucio. This is the rascal ; this is he I spoke of. oaths,

Escal. Why, thou unreverend and unhallow's Though they would swear down each particular saint,

friar Were testimonies against his worth and credit, Is't not enough, thou hast suborn'd these women,

To accuse this worthy man; but, in foul mouth, I should be guilder than my guiltiness,
And in the witness of his proper ear,

To think I can be undiscernible,
To call him villain ?

When I perceive, your grace, like power divine,
And then to glance from him to the duke himself ; Hath look’d upon my passes; Then, good prince,
To tax him with injustice? Take him hence; No longer session hold upon my shame,
To the rack with him :- We'll touze you joint by But let my trial be mine own confession:
joint,

Immediate sentence then, and sequent deau,
But we will know this purpose : - What ! unjust? Is all the grace I beg.
Duke. Be not so hot; the duke

Duke.

Come hither, Mariana : Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman? Dare rack his own; his subject am I not,

Ang. I was, my lord. Nor here provincial : My business in this state Duke. Go take her hence, and inarry her, inMade me a looker-on here in Vienna,

stantly. Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble, Do you the office, friar ;

which consummate, Till it o'er-run the stew : laws, for all faults ; Return him here again :

- Go with him, provost. But faults so countenanc'd, that the strong statutes (Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and Provost. Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop,

Escal. My lord, I am more amazed at his disAs much in mock as mark.

honour, Escal. Slander to the state! Away with him to Than at the strangeness of it. prison.

Duke.

Come hither, Isabel : Ing. What can you vouch against him, signior Your friar is now your prince: As I was then Lucio ?

Advertising, and holy to your business, Is this the man that you did tell us of ?

Not changing heart with habit, I am still Lucio. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither good-man Attorney'd at your service. bald-pate: Do you know me ?

Isab.

O give me pardon, Duke. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd voice · I met you at the prison, in the absence of Your unknown sovereignty. the duke.

Duke.

You are pardon'd, Isabel : Lucio. O did you so? And do you remember And now, dear maid, be you as free to us. what you said of the duke?

Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart; Duke. Most notedly, sir.

And you may marvel, why I obscur'd myself, Lucio. Do you, so, sir? And was the duke a Labouring to save his life ; and would not rather fesh-monger, a fool, and a coward, as you then re- Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power, ported him to be ?

Than let him so be lost : O most kind maid, Duke. You must, sir, change persons with me, It was the swift celerity of his death, ere you make that my report : you, indeed, spoke Which I did think with slower foot came on, so of him; and much more, much worse.

That brain'd my purpose: But, peace be with him! Lucio. O thou damnable fellow ! Did not I pluck That life is better life, past fearing death, thee by the nose, for thy speeches ?

Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort, Duke. I protest, I love the duke, as I love myself. So happy is your brother.

Ang. Hark! how the villain would close now, after his treasonable abuses.

Re-enter ANGELO, MARIANA, PETER, and Provost. Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal : Isab.

I do, my lord. Away with him to prison : Where is the provost ?

Duke. For this new-married man, approaching -Away with him to prison ; lay bolts enough upon

here, him : let him speak no more: – Away with those Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd giglots too, and with the other confederate com- Your well defended honour, you must pardon panion. [The Provost lays hands on the Duke. For Mariana's sake : but as he adjudg'd your Duke. Stay, sir ; stay awhile.

brother, Ang. What! resists he! Help him, Lucio. (Being criminal, in double violation

Lucio. Come, sir ; come, sir ; come, sir ; foh, sir : Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach, Why, you bald-pated, lying rascal! you must be Thereon dependent, for your brother's life,) hooded, must you ? Show your knave's visage, with The very mercy of the law cries out a pox to you! show your sheep-biting face, and be Most audible, even from his proper tongue, bang'd an hour! Will't not off?

An Angelo for Claudio, death for death. [Pulls off the Friar's hood, and discovers the Duke. Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure ; Duke. Thou art the first knave, that e'er made a Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure. duke.

Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested : First, provost, let me bail these gentle three : Which though thou would'st deny, denies thee Sneak not away, sir;[to Lucio. ) for the friar and you

vantage : Must have a word anon: - - lay hold on him. We do condemn thee to the very block

Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging. Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like Duke. What you have spoke, I pardon ; sit you

haste ; down.

[To EscaLUS. Away with him. We'll borrow place of him Sir, by your leave : Mari.

0, my most gracious lord, [To ANGELO. I hope you will not mock me with a husband ! Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence,

Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a That yet can do thee office? If thou hast,

husband : Rely upon it till my tale be heard,

Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, And hold no longer out.

I thought your marriage fit; else imputation., Ang.

O my dread lora, For that he knew you, might reproach your life.

a

to you.

SO,

And choke your good to come: for his possessions, Re-enter Provost, Barna KDINE, CLAUDIO, and Although by confiscation they are ours,

JULIET. We do instate and widow you withal,

Duke. Which is thirt Barnardine? To buy you a better husband.

Prov.

This, my lord. Mari.

O, my dear lord, Duke. There was a friar told me of this man :I crave no other, nor no better man.

Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul, Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive.

That apprehends no further than this world, Mari. Gentle, my liege,

[Kneeling. And squar’st thy life according. Thou’rt condemn’d: Duke.

You do but lose your labour ; | But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all ; Away with him to death. — Now, sir, [to Lucio.] And pray thee, take this mercy to provide

For better times to come: Friar, advise him ; Mari. O, my good lord ! Sweet Isabel, take I leave him to your hand. - What muffled fellow's my part ;

that? Lend me your knees, and all my life to come

Prov. This is another prisoner, that I sav'd, I'll lend you all my life to do you service.

That should have died when Claudio lost his head Duke. Against all sense you do impórtune her: As like almost to Claudio, as himself. Should she kneel down, in mercy of this fact,

[Unmuffles Claudio. Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break, Duke. If he be like your brother, (to Isabella.] And take her hence in horror.

for his sake Mari.

Isabel,

Is he pardon'd; And, for your lovely sake, Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me;

Give me your hand, and say you will be mine, Hold up your hands, say nothing, I'll speak all. He is my brother too : But fitter time for that. They say, best men are moulded out of faults;

By this, lord Angelo perceives he's safe ; And, for the most, become much more the better Methinks, I see a quick’ning in his eye: For being a little bad: so may my husband. Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well : 0, Isabel ! will you not lend a knee?

Look that you love your wife; her worth, worth Duke. He dies for Claudio's death.

yours. Isab.

Most bounteous sir, I find an apt remission in myself :

[Kneeling. | And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon :: Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd.

You, sirrah, (to Lucio.) that knew me for a fool, As if my brother liv’d: I partly think,

a coward, A due sincerity govern’d his deeds,

One all of luxury, an ass, a madman;
Till he did look on me; since it is

Wherein have I so deserv'd of you,
Let him not die: My brother had but justice. That you extol me thus ?
In that he did the thing for which he died :

Lucio. 'Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to For Angelo,

the trick: If you will hang me for it, you may, but I His act did not o'ertake his bad intent;

had rather it would please you, I might be whipp'd. And must be buried but as an intent

Duke. Whipp'd first, sir, and hang'd after, That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subjects ; | Proclaim it, provost, round about the city; Intents but merely thoughts.

If any woman's wrong'd by this lewd fellow, Mari.

Merely, my lord. (As I have heard him swear himself, there's one Duke. Your suit's unprofitable; stand

up, I say.-- Whom he begot with child,) let her appear, I have bethought me of another fault:

And he shall marry her : the nuptial finish'd,
Provost, how came it, Claudio was beheaded Let him be whipp'd and hang'd.
At an unusual hour ?

Lucio. I beseech your highness, do not marry me
Prov.
It was commanded so.

to a whore! Your highness said even now, I made Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deed ? you a duke; good my lord, do not recompense me, Prov. No, my good lord; it was by private in making me a cuckold. message.

Duke. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her Duke. For which I do discharge you of your office: Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithal Give up your keys.

Remit thy other forfeits :- - Take him to prison : Prov. Pardon me, noble lord :

And see our pleasure herein executed. I thought it was a fault, but knew it not ;

Lucio. Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to Yet did repent me, after more advice :

death, whipping, and hanging. For testimony whereof, one in the prison,

Duke. Slandering a prince deserves it.
That should by private order else have died, She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you restore. —
I have reserv'd alive.

Joy to you, Mariana ! — love her, Angelo;
Duke.
What's he?

I have confess'd her, and I know her virtue, -
Prov.

His name is Barnardine. Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness: Duke. I would thou had'st done so by Claudio, - There's more behind, that is more gratulate. Go, fetch him hither; let me look upon him. Thanks, provost, for thy care, and secrecy ;

[Erit Provost.

We shall employ thee in a worthier place : Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise

Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home As you, lord Angelo, have still appear'd,

The head of Ragozine for Claudio's; Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood, The offence pardons itself. — Dear Isabel, And lack of temper'd judgment afterward.

I have a motion much imports your good ; Ang. I am sorry, that such sorrow I procure : Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart,

What's mine is your's and what is your's is mine : That I crave death more willingly than mercy ; So, bring us to our palace; where we'll show "Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it.

What's yet behind, that's meet you all should know

Ereunt.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon

A Serton. Don John, his bastard brother.

A Friar.
Claudio, a young lord of Florence, favourite to

A Boy.
Don Pedro.
BENEDICK, a young lord of Padua, favourite likewise
of Don Pedro.

|'HERO, daughter to Leonato. LEONATO, governor of Messina.

BEATRICE, niece to Leonato. VANTONIO, his brother.

MARGARET,
BALTHAZAR, servant to Don Pedro.

NURSULA,
BORACHIO,
CONRADE,

followers of Don John. DOGBERRY,

Messengers, Watch, and Attendants VERGES, two foolish officers.

SCENE, - MESSINA.

} gentlewomen attending on Hera

ACT I,

he was.

SCENE I. — Before Leonato's House.

much better is it to weep at joy, than to joy at weep

ing? Enter Leonato, Hero, BEATRICE, and others, with

Beat. I pray you, is signior Montanto returned a Messenger.

from the wars, or no ? Leon. I learn in this letter, that Don Pedro of Mess. I know none of that name, Irdy; there was Arragon comes this night to Messina.

none such in the army of any sort. Mess. He is very near by this; he was not three Leon. What is he that you ask for, niece ? leagues off when I left him.

Hero. My cousin means signior Benedick of Leon. How many gentlemen have you lost in

Padua. this action?

Mess. O, he is returned, and as pleasant as ever Mess. But few of any sort, and none of name.

Leon. A victory is twice itself, when the achiever Beat. He set up his bills here in Messina, and brings home full numbers. I find here, that Don challenged Cupid at the flight: and my uncle's fool, Pedro hath bestowed much honour on a young Flo- reading the challenge, subscribed for Cupid, and rentine, called Claudio.

challenged him at the bird-bolt. — I pray you, how Mess. Much deserved on his part, and equally many hath he killed and eaten in these wars? But remembered by Don Pedro : He hath borne him- how many hath he killed ? for, indeed, I promised self beyond the promise of his age; doing, in the to eat all of his killing. figure of a lamb, the feats of a lion : he hath, indeed, Leon. Faith, niece, you tax signior Benedick too better bettered expectation, than you must expect of much; but he'll be meet with you, I doubt it tot. me to tell you how.

Mess. He hath done good service, lady, in these Leon. He hath an uncle here in Messina will be very much glad of it.

Beat. You had musty victual, and he hath holp Mess. I have already delivered him letters, and to eat it: he is a very valiant trencher-man, he hath there appears much joy in him ; even so much, that an excellent stomach. joy could not show itself modest enough, without a Mess. And a good soldier too, lady. badge of bitterness.

Beat. And a good soldier to a lady;- But what Leon. Did he break out into tears ?

is he to a lord ? Mess. In great measure.

Mess. A lord to a lord, a man to a man; stuffed Leon. A kind overflow of kindness : There are with all honourable virtues. ar faces truer than those that are so washed. How Beat. It is so, indeed: he is no less than a

111

wars.