To call him villain? And then to glance from him to the duke himself; But we will know this purpose :-What! unjust? Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he Nor here provincial: My business in this state Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble, As much in mock as mark. Escal. Slander to the state! Away with him to prison. Ang. What can you vouch against him, signior Lucio? Is this the man that you did tell us of? Lucio. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither, goodman bald-pate: Do you know me? Duke. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice: I met you at the prison, in the absence of the duke. Lucio. O, did you so? And do you remember what you said of the duke? Duke. Most notedly, sir. Lucio. Do you so, sir? And was the duke a fleshmonger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him to be? Duke. You must, sir, change persons with me, ere you make that my report: you, indeed, spoke so of him; and much more, much worse. Lucio. O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck thee by the nose, for thy speeches? Duke. I protest I love the duke, as I love myself. Accountable. Ang. Hark! how the villain would close now, after his treasonable abuses. Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal:Away with him to prison:-Where is the provost? Away with him to prison; lay belts enough upon him; let him speak no more. Away with those giglots* too, and with the other confederate companion. [The Provost lays hands on the Duke. Duke. Stay, sir; stay a while. Ang. What! resists he? Help him, Lucio. Lucio. Come, sir; come, sir; come, sir; foh, sir: Why, you bald-pated, lying rascal! you must be hooded, must you? Show your knave's visage, with a pox to you! show your sheep-biting face, and be hang'd an hour! Will't not off? [Pulls off the friar's hood, and discovers the Duke. Duke. Thou art the first knave, that e'er made a duke. First, provost, let me bail these gentle three: you Must have a word anon :-lay hold on him. Lucio, This may prove worse than hanging. down. [To Escalus. We'll borrow place of him:-Sir, by your leave: [To Angelo. Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence, And hold no longer out. Ang. . O my dread lord, I should be guiltier than my guiltiness, To think I can be undiscernible, When I perceive, your grace, like power divine, Hath looked upon my passes: Then, good prince, * Wantons. † Service. + Devices. No longer session hold upon my shame, Duke. Come hither, Mariana :— Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman? Ang. I was, my lord. Duke. Go, take her hence, and marry her instantly Do you the office, friar; which consummate, [Exeunt Angelo, Marina, Peter, and Provost. Escal. My lord, I am more amaz'd at his disho nour, Than at the strangeness of it. Duke. Come hither, Isabel: Your friar is now your prince: As I was then Advértisingt, and holy to your business, Not changing heart with habit, I am still Isab. O, give me pardon, That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel: And now, dear maid, be you as free to us. That brain'd my purpose: But, peace be with him! Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort, So happy is your brother. 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 Your well-defended honour, you must pardon Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach, Most audible, even from his proper* tongue, Which though thou would'st deny, denies thee van. tage: We do condenin thee to the very block Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste;Away with him. Mari. O, my most gracious lord, Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband: Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, For that he knew you, might reproach your life, And choke your good to come: for his possessions, Although by confiscation they are ours, We do instate and widow you 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. *Angelo's own tongue. [Kneeling. Mari. Gentle my liege,Duke. 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 sense you do importune her: Mari. Isabel, Most bounteous sir, Let him not die: My brother had but justice, For Angelo, 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 Reason and affection. |