[DRAMATIS PERSONÆ] VINCENTIO, the Duke. ANGELO, the Deputy. ESCALUS, an ancient Lord. LUCIO, a fantastic. Two other like gentlemen. Provost. THOMAS,} PETER, [A Justice.] two friars. [VARRIUS.] ELBOW, a simple constable. FROTH, a foolish gentleman. [POMPEY,] Clown [servant to Mistress Overdone]. ABHORSON, an executioner. BARNARDINE, a dissolute prisoner. ISABELLA, sister to Claudio. MARIANA, betrothed to Angelo. JULIET, beloved of Claudio. FRANCISCA, a nun. MISTRESS OVERDONE, a bawd. [Lords, Officers, Citizens, Boy, and Attendants.] SCENE: Vienna. Measure for Measure ACT FIRST SCENE I [An apartment in the Duke's palace.] Enter Duke, Escalus, Lords [and Attendants]. Duke. Escalus. Escal. My lord. Duke. Of government the properties to unfold 5 Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse, My strength can give you. Then no more remains, as your worth is able, And let them work. The nature of our people, 10 For common justice, you're as pregnant in As art and practice hath enriched any That we remember. There is our commission, From which we would not have you warp. Call hither, I say, bid come before us Angelo. 15 [Exit an attendant.] What figure of us think you he will bear? For you must know, we have with special soul Lent him our terror, dress'd him with our love, 20 Escal. If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour, Duke. Enter Angelo. Look where he comes. 25 25 Ang. Always obedient to your Grace's will, Duke. Angelo, There is a kind of character in thy life, 30 35 As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd Ang. But to fine issues, nor Nature never lends Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech To one that can my part in him advertise. Hold therefore, Angelo : In our remove be thou at full ourself. Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart. Old Escalus, Though first in question, is thy secondary. Now, good my lord, Be stamp'd upon it. Duke. No more evasion. 40 45 50 We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice you, As time and our concernings shall importune, 60 |