I hope it is some pardon, or reprieve, (Exit Clau.

Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be execut For the most gentle Claudio.--Welcome, father. ed in the afternoon? Enter Duke.

Prov. A Bohemian born; but here nursed up and Duke. The best and wholesomest spirits of the night bred: one that is a prisoner nine years old.

Duke. How came it that the absent duke had not Envelop you, good provost! Who call'd here of late ?

either deliver'd him to his liberty, or executed him ? I Prov. None, since the curfew rung. Duke.

Not Isabel?

have heard, it was ever his manner to do so.

Prov. His friends still wrought reprieves for him : Prov. No.

And, indeed, his fact, till now in the government of Duke. They will then, ere't be long. Prov. What comfort is for Claudio ?

lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof. Duke.

There's some in hope.

Duke. Is it now apparent ? Prov. It is a bitter deputy.

Prov. Most manifest, and not denied by himself.

Duke. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison ! Duke. Not so, not so ; bis life is parallel'd

How seems he to be touch'd ? Even with the stroke and line of his great justice;

Prov. A man that apprehends death no more dreadHe doth with holy abstinence subulue That in himself, which he spurs on his power

fully, but as a drunken sleep ; careless, reckless, and To qualify in others: Were he meala

fearless of what's past, present, or to come; insensible With that which he corrects, then were lie tyrannous;

of mortality, and desperately mortal. But this being so, he's justo—[Knocking within.] Now

Duke. He wants advice. are they come.

(Prov. goes out.

Prov. He will hear none: he hath evermore had the This is a gentle provost : Seldom, when

liberty of the prison; give him leave to escape hence, he The steeled gaoler is the friend of men, —

would not: drunk many times a day, if not many days How now? what noise ? that spirit's possess ‘d with | entirely drunk. We have very often awakel him, as if haste,

to carry him to execution, and show'd him a seeming That wounds the unsisting postern with these strokes.

warrant for it: it hath not moved him at all.

Duke. More of him anon. There is written in your Provost returns, speaking to one at the door.

brow, provost, honesty and constancy; if I read it not Prov. There he must stay, until the officer

truly, my ancient skill beguiles me ; but, in the bold. Arise to let him in; he is call'd up.

ness of my cunning, I will lay myself in bazart. ClauDukc. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet, dio, whom here you have a warrant to execute, is no But he must die to-morrow?

greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sen Prov. None, sir, none.

tenced him: To make you understand this in a maniDuke. As near the dawning, provost, as it is,

fested effect, I crave but four days respite ; for the You shall hear more ere morning.

which you are to do me both a present and a dangerProv.

Happily,

ous courtesy. You something know ; yet, I believe, there comes Prov. Pray, sir, in what ? No countermand ; no such example have we :

Duke. In the delaying death. Besides, upon the very siege of justice,

Prov. Alack ! how may I do it ? having the hour Lord Angelo bath to the public ear

limited ; and an express command, under penalty, to Profess'd the contrary.

deliver his head in the view of Angelo? I may make Enter a Messenger.

my case as Claudio's, to cross this in the smallest. Duke. This is his lordship's man.

Duke. By the vow of mine order, I warrant you, if Prov. And here comes Claudio's pardon.

my instructions may be your guide. Let this Bastar. Mess. My lord hath sent you this note ; and by me,

dine be this morning executed, and his head borne te this further charge, that you swerve not from the small- | Angelo. est article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circum

Prov. Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover

the favour. stance. Good-morrow; for, as I take it, it is almost day. Prov. I shall obey him. [Erit Messenger.

Duke. O, death's a great disguiser : and you may

; Duke. [Aside.] This is his pardon ; purchas'd by add to it. Shave the head, and tie the beard ; and say, such sin,

it was the desire of the penitent to be so bared before For which the pardoner himself is in:

his death : You know, the course is common. If any Hence hath offence his quick celerity,

thing fall to you upon this, more than thanks and good When it is borne in high authority :

fortune, by the saint whom I profess, I will plead aWhen vice makes mercy, mercy's so extended, gainst it with my life. That, for the fault's love, is the offender friended. Prov. Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath. Now, sir, what news ?

Duke. Were you sworn to the duke, or to the deputy ? Prov. I told you: Lord Angelo, belike, thinking me

Prov. To him, and to his substitutes. remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted Duke. You will think you have made no offence, if putting on: methinks, strangely; for he hath not used the duke avouch the justice of your dealing? it before.

Prov. But what likelihood is in that ? Duke. 'Pray you, let's hear.

Duke. Not a resemblance, but a certainty.

Yet Prov. [Reads.] Whatsoever you may hear to the con- since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, trory, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock; and, nor my persuasion, can with ease attempt you, I will in the afternoon, Barnardine: for my better satisfac- go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you. tion, let me hare Claudio's head scnt me by five. Let Look you, sir, here is the hand and seal of the duke. this be duly perform d; with a thought, that more de

You know the character, I doubt not; and the siguet pends on it than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to

is not strange to you. do your office, as you will answer it on your peril.

Prov. I know them both. What ay :ou to this, sir ?

Duke. The contents of this is the return of the duke ;

;

you shall anon over-read it at your pleasure ; where | Duke. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how you shall find, within these two days he will be bere. hastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, This is a thing, that Angelo knows not : for he this comfort you, and pray with you. very day receives letters of strange tenor ; perchance, Barn. Friar, not I; I have been drinking hard all of the duke's death ; perchance, entering into some night, and I will have more time to prepare me, or monastery; but, by chance, nothing of what is writ.- they shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd : Put consent to die this day, that's certain. not yourself into amazement, how these things should

Duke. O, sir, you must: and therefore, I beseech be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known.

you, look forward on the journey you shall go. Call your executioner, and off with Barnardine's head:

Barn. I swear, I will not die to-day for any man's I will give him a present shrift, and advise bim for a

persuasion. better place. Yet you are amazed ; but this shall ab- Duke. But hear you,sulately resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear

Barn. Not a word; if you have any thing to say to down.

[Exeunt.

me, come to my ward; for thence will not I today. SCENE III.- Another Room in the same. Enter

[Eait.

Enter Provost.
Clown.

Duke. Unfit to live, or die: 0, gravel heart!
Clown. I am as well acquainted here, as I was in our

After him, fellows; bring him to the block.house of profession: one would think, it were mistress

[E.re. Abhor. and Clown. Overdone's own house, for here be many of her old Prov. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner? customers. First, here's young master Rash; he's in

Duke. A creature unprepar'd, unmeet for death; for a commodity of brown paper and old ginger, nine

And, to transport him in the mind he is, score and seventeen pounds ; of which he made five

Were damnable. marks, ready money : marry, then, ginger was not

Prov. Here in the prison, father, mueh in request, for the old women were all dead.

There died this morning of a cruel fever Thes is there here one master Caper, at the suit of

One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate, master Three-pile the mercer, for some four suits of || A man of Claudio's years ; his beard, and head, peach-colour'd satin, which now peaches him a beggar. | Just of his colour: What if we do dmit Then have we here young Dizy, and young master

This reprobate, till he were well inclined; Deep-vow, and master Copper-spur,and master Starvelekey the rapier and dagger-man, and young Drop-heir of Ragozine, more like to Claudio ?

And satisfy the deputy with the visage that killd lusty Pudding, and master Forthright the

Duke. 0, 'tis an accident that heaven provides! tiler, and brave master Shoe-tie the great traveller, | Despatch it presently; the hour draws on and wild Half-cann that stabb'd Pots, and, I think, | Prefix'd by Angelo : See, this be done, ferty more; all great doers in our trade, and are now

And sent according to command ; whiles I for the Lord's sake.

Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
Enter Abhorson.

Prov. This shall be done, good father, presently. Bhor. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.

But Barnardine must die this afternoon : Clown. Master Barnardine! you must rise and be And how shall we continue Claudio, kang d, master Bartardine.

To save me from the danger that might come, Asker. What, ho, Barnardine!!

If he were known alive? Barn. (Wihin.) A pox o' your throats! Who makes Duke. Let this be done ;-Put them in secret holds, that noise there? What are you?

Both Barnardine and Claudio: Ere twice Clown. Your friends, sir; the hangman : You must The sun hath made his journal greeting to be s good, sir, to rise and be put to death.

The under generation, you shall find Barn. (Within.] Away, you rogue, away; I am Your safety manifested. sleepy.

Prov. I am your free dependant. 45h9r. Tell him, he must awake, and that quickly Duke.

Quick, despatch,

And send the head to Angelo. [Exit Provost. Clown. Pray, master Barnardine, awake till you are Now will I write letters to Angelo,executed, and sleep afterwards.

The provost, he shall bear them,--whose contents Abher. Go in to him, and fetch him out.

Shall witness to him, I am near at home; Clown. He is coming, sir, he is coming ; I hear his And that, by great injunctions, I am bound traw rustle.

To enter publicly: him I'U desire
Enter Barnardine.

To meet me at the consecrated fount,
Abhar. Is the axe upon the block, sirrah?

A league below the city; and from thence, Clonen. Very ready, sir.

By cold gradation and weal-balanced form, Barn. How now, Abhorson ? what's the news with

We shall proceed with Angelo. you?

Re-enter Provost. Abhor. Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into Prov. Here is the head ; I'll carry it myself. your prayers; for, look you, the warrant's come. Duke. Convenient is it: Make a swift return;

Bari. You rogue, I have been drinking all night, I For I would commune with you of such things, an not fittel for't.

That want no ear but yours. Cleron. O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all Prov.

I'll make all speed. [Erit. night, and is hang d betimes in the morning, may sleep Isab. [1ł"ithin.] Peace, ho, be here! the sounder all the next day.

Duke. The tongue of Isabel :-She's come to know, Enter Duke.

If yet her brother's pardon be come hither: Abher. Look you, sir, here comes your ghostly fa- But I will keep her ignorant of her good, ter: Do we jest now, think you?

To make her heavenly comforts of despair,

too.

you

When it is least expected.

Duke. Did you such a thing?
Enter Isabella.

Lucio. Yes, marry did I: but I was fain to forswear

it; they would else bave married me to the roiten Isab. Ho, by your leave.

medlar. Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious

Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honest: Rest daughter. Isab. The better, given me by so holy a man.

you well.

Lucio. By my troth, I'll go with thee to the lane's Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon ? Duke. He hath releas'd him, Isabel, from the world ; l of it: Nay, friar, I am a kind of burr, I shall stick.

end: if bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little His head is off, and sent to Angelo. Isah. Nay, but it is not so.

[Exeunt. Duke. It is no other:

SCENE IV.-A room in Angelo's house. Enter AnShow your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience.

gelo and Escalus. Isab. O, I will to him, and pluck out his eyes.

Esca. Every leller he hath writ hath disvonch'd Duke. You shall not be admitted to his sight.

other. Isab. Unhappy Claudio! Wretched Isabel !

Ang. In most uneven and distracted manner. His Injurious world! Most damned Angelo !

actions show much like to madness: pray heaven, his Duke. This por hurts him, nor profits you a jot: wisdom be not tainted! And why meet him at the Forbear it therefore ; give your cause to heaven.

gates, and re-deliver our authorities there? Mark what I say; which shall find

Esca. I guess not. By every syllable, a faithful verity:

Ang. And why should we proclaim it in an hour be The duke comes home to-morrow :-nay, dry your fore his entering, that, if any crave redress of injus eyes;

ice, they should exhibit their petitions in the street ? One of our convent, and his confessor,

Esca. He shows his reason for that: to have a desGives me this instance: Already he hath carried

patch of complaints ; and to deliver us from devices Notice to Escalus and Angelo ;

hereafter, which shall then have no power to stand Who do prepare to meet him at the gates,

against us. There to give up their power. If you can, pace your Ang. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaimd: wisdom

Betimes i' the morn, I'll call you at your house: In that good path that I would wish it go;

Give notice to such men of sort and suit, And you shall have your bosom on this wretch,

As are to meet him. Grace of the duke, revenges to your heart,

Esca.

I shall, sir; fare you well. [Erit. And general honour.

Ang. Good night.-
Isab.
I am directed by yoll.

This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant, Duke. This letter then to friar Peter give;

And duil to all proceedings. A deflower'd maid! 'Tis that he sent me of the duke's return:

And by an eminent body, that enforc'd Say, by this token, I desire his company

The law against it !-But that her tender shame At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause, and yours,

Will not proclaim against her maiden loss, I'll perfect him withal; and he shall bring you

How might she tongue me? Yet reason dares her?Before the duke; and to the head of Angelo

no: Accuse him home, and home. For my poor self,

For my authority bears a credent bulk, I am combined by a sacred vow,

That no particular scandal once can touch, And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter:

But it con founds the breather. He should have liv'd, Command these fretting waters from your eyes Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense, With a light heart; trust not my holy order,

Might, in the times to come, have ta'en revenge,
If I pervert your course. Who's here?

By so receiving a dishonour'd life,
Enter Lucio.

With ransom of such shame. 'Would yet he had

Liv'd!

Good even !
Lucio.
Friar, where is the provost?

Alack, when once our grace we have forgot,
Duke.
Not within, sir.

Nothing goes right; we would, and we would not.
Lucio. O, pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart

[Exit. to see thine eyes so red: thou must be patient: I am SCENE V.-Fields without the Toron. Enter Duke in fain to dine and sup with water and bran; I dare not

his own habit, and Friar Peter. for my head fill my belly; one fruitful meal would set Duke. These letters at fit time deliver me. me to't: But they say the duke will be here tomorrow.

[Giving letters. By my troth, Isabel, I lov'd thy brother: if the old The provost knows our purpose, and our plot. fantastical duke of dark-corners had been at home, he The matter being afoot, keep your instruction, bad lived.

[Exit Isab. And hold you ever to our special drift; Duke. Sir, the duke is marvellous little beholdin 10 | Though sometimes you do blench from this to that, your reports ; but the best is, he lives not in them. As cause doth minister. Go, call at Flavius' house,

Lucio. Friar, thou knowest not the duke so well as And tell him where I stay! give the like notice I do: he's a better woodman than thou takest him for. To Valentinus, Rowland, and to Crassus,

Duke. Well, you'll answer this one day. Fare ye And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate; nell.

But send me Flavius first. Luio. Nay, tarry ; I'll go along with thee; I can Peter. It shall be speeded well. [Eait Friar, tell thee pretty tales of the duhe.

Enter Varrius. Dukr. You have told me too many of him already, Duke. I thank thee, Varrius; thou hast made good sir, if they be trne; if not true, none were epoughi.

baste: Lucio. I was once before him for getting a wench Come, we will walk: There's other of our frier:ds with child.

Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius.[arunt.

81 SCENE II.-Street near the City Gate. Enter Isabel- Ang. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm : la and Mariana.

She hath been a suitor to me for her brother, 1ss. To speak so indirectly, I am loth;

Cut off by course of justice.

Isab. I would say the truth: but to aecuse him

By course of justice! so, That is your part: yet I'm advis'd to do it;

Ang. And she will speak most bitterly, and strange. Hass, to veil full purpose.

Isab. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak:
Mori.
Be ruid by him.

That Angelo's forsworn ; is it not strange?
lich. Besides, he tells me, that, if peradventure

That Angelo's a murderer ; is't not strange? He speak against me on the adverse side,

That Angelo is an adulterous thief, I should not think it strange; for 'tis a physic,

An hypocrite, a virgin-violator ; That's bitter to sweet end.

Is it not strange, and strange?

Duke.
Nari. I would, friar Peter,

Nay, ten times strange.
Ises.
O, peace; the friar is come.

Isab. It is not truer he is Angelo,

Than this is all as true as it is strange :
Enter Friar Peter.

Nay, it is ten times true ; for truth is truth
Peter. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit, To the end of reekoning.
Where you may have such vantage on the duke,

Duke.

Away with her:-Poor soul, He shall not pass you; Twice have the trumpets She speaks this in the infirmity of sense. sounded;

Isab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'st The generous and gravest citizens

There is another comfort than this world, Have hent the gates, and very near upon

That thou neglect me not, with that opinion The duke is ent'ring; therefore hence, away. (Exe. || That I am touch'd with madness : make not impossible

:
That which but seems unlike : 'tis not impossible,
But one, the wicked'st caitiff on the ground,

May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute,
ACT V.

As Angelo; even so may Angelo,
SCENE 1.- A public place near the City Gate. Ma- In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms,

riana (veiled,) Isabella, and Peter, at a distance. Be an arch villain : believe it, royal prince, Enter et opposite doors, Duke, Varrius, Lords ; An- If he be less, he's nothing ; but he's more, pik, Esealus, Lucio, Provost, Officers, and Citizens. Had I more name for badness.

Duke.

By mine honesty,
Duke.

If she be mad, (as I believe no other)
MY very worthy cousin, fairly met :-

Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you. Such a dependency of thing on thing,
Ang. t Excl. Happy return be to your royal grace !

As e'er I heard in madness.
Dukt. Many and hearty thankings to you both.

Isab.

O, gracious duke, We have made inquiry of you ; and we bear

Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason Sari goodness of your justice, that our soul

For inequality : but let your reason serve Cantot but yield you forth to public thanks,

To make the truth appear, where it seems hid ; Yarerunning more requital.

And hide the false, seems true. Ang. You make my bonds still greater.

Duke.

Many that are not mad, Duke. 0, your desert speaks loud; and I should

Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would you say? wrong it,

Isab. I am the sister of one Claudio, To leek it in the wards of covert bosom,

Condemnd upon the act of fornication When is deserves with characters of brass

To lose his head ; condemn’d by Angelo: A forted residence, 'gainst the tooth of time,

I, in probation of a sisterhood, And azure of oblivion : Give me your hand,

Was sent to by my brother: One Lucio April be the subject see, to make them know

As then the messenger ;That otwad courtesies would fain proclaim

Lucio.

That's I, an't like your grace: Favours that keep within.-Come, Escalus;

I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her You must walk by us on our other hand ;

To try her gracious fortune with lord Angelo,
And good supporters are you.

For her poor brother's pardon.
Peter and Isabella come forward.

Isab.

That's he, indeed. Peter. Now is your time; speak loud, and kneel Duke. You were not bid to speak. before him.

Lucio.

No, my good lord ; Lests. Justice, royal duke! Vail your regard

Nor wish'd to hold my peace. Upon a wrongid, I'd fain have said, a maid !

Duke.

I wish you now then; O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye

Pray you, take note of it: and when you have
By throwing it on any other object,

A business for yourself, pray heaven, you then
Till you have heard me in my true complaint, Be perfect.
And gives me, justice, justice, justice, justice!

Lucio, I warrant your honour.
Duke. Relate your wrong: In what? By whom? Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it.
Be brief:

Isab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale.
Here is lord Angelo shall give you justice;

Lucio. Right. Reveal yourself to him.

Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong lah. O, worthy duke,

To speak before your time.- Proceed. You bid me seek redemption of the devil:

Isaab.

I went
Hear me your if; for that which I must speak To this pernicious caitiff deputy_
Most either punish me, not being believ'd,

Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken. | Oparing rodreas from you: hear me, O, hear here

1

The phinse is to the matter.

Duke. Mended again: the matter ;-Proceed.

Isab. In brief,-to set the needless process by,
How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneelid,
How he refelld me, and how I reply'd ;
(For this was of much length.) the vile conclusion
I now begin with grief and shame to utter:
He wouid not, but by gift of my chaste body
To his concupiscible intemperate lust,
Release my brother; and, after much debatement,
My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,
And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes
His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant
For my poor brother's head.
Duke.

This is most likely!
Isab. O, that it were as like, as it is true !
Duke. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not

what thou speak'st;
Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour,
In hateful practice: First, his integrity
Stands without blemish :-next, it imports no reason,
That with such vehemency he should pursue
Faults proper to himself: if he had so offended,
He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself,
And not have cut him off': Some one hath set you on;
Confess the truth, and say by whose advice
Thou cam'st here to complain?
Isab.

And is this all ?
Then, oh, you blessed ministers above,
Keep me in patience; and, with ripep'd time,
Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
In countenance !-Heaven shield your grace from woe,
As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go!

Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone :-An officer !
To prison with her :-Shall we thus permit
A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.
-Who knew of your intent, and coming hither?

Isab. One that I would were here, friar Lodowick.
Duke. A ghostly father, belike :-Who knows that

Lodowick?
Lucio. My lord, I know him ; 'tis a meddling friar;
I do not like the man: had he been lay, my lord,
For certain words be spake against your grace
In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly.

Duke. Words against me? This'a good friar, belike!
And to set on this wretched woman here
Against our substitute!-Let this friar be found.

Lucio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar
I saw them at the prison : a sawcy friar,
A very scurvy fellow,
Peter.

Blessed be your royal grace !
I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard
Your royal ear abusd. First, liath this woman
Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute ;
Who is as free from touch or soil with her,
As she from one ungot.
Duke.

We did believe no less.
Know you that friar Lodowick, that she speaks of?

Peter. I know him for a man divine and holy ;
Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler,
As he is reported by this gentleinan ;
And, on my trust, a man that never yet
Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace.

Lucio. My lord, most villanously ; believe it.

Peter. Well, he in time may come to clear himself ; But at this instant he is sick, my lord, Of a strange fever : Upon his mere request, (Being come to knowledge that there was complaint latended 'gainst lord Augelo,) wame I hither,

To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know
Is true, and false; and what he with his oath,
And all probation, will make up full clear,
Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman ;
(To justify this worthy nobleman,
So vulgarly and personally accus’d.)
Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes,
Till she herself confess it.
Duke. Good friar, let's hear it. [Isab. is carried

Coff, guarded; and Mariana comes forward.
Do you not smile at this, lord Angelo ?-
O heaven ! the vanity of wretched fools
Give us some stats.-Come, cousin Angelo ;
In this I'll be impartial ; be you judge
of your own cause, --Is this the witness, friar?
First, let her show her face ; and, after, speak.

Mari. Pardon, my lord ; I will not show my face,
Until my husband bid me.
Duke.

What are you married ?
Mari. No, my lord,
Duke.

Are you a maid ?
Mari.

No, my lord.
Duke. A widow then ?
Mari.

Neither, my lord.
Duke.

Why, you
Are nothing then : Neither maid, widow, nor wife?

Lucio. My lord, she may be a punk ; for many of
them are neither maid, widow, nor wife.
Duke. Silence that fellow : I would, he had some

cause
To prattle for himself.

Lucio. Well, my lord.

Mari. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married ;
And, I confess, besides, I am no maid :
I have known my husband; yet my husband knows not,
That ever he knew me.
Lucio. He was drunk, then, my lord ; it can be no

;
better.
Duke. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert

so too.
Lucio. Well, my lord.
Duke. This is no witness for lord Angelo.

Mari. Now I come toʻt, my lord :
She, that accuses him of fornication,
In self-same manner doth accuse my husband ;
And charges him, my lord, with such a time,
When I'll depose I had him in mine arms,
With all the effect of love.
Ang.

Charges she more than me?
Mari. Not that I know.
Duke.

No ? you say, your husband.
Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo,
Who thinks, he knows, that he ne'er knew my body,
But knows, be thinks, that he knows Isabel's.

Ang. This is a strange abuse :-Let's see thy face.
Mari. My husband bids me ; now I will unmask.

[Unveiling.
This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,
Which, once thou sworost, was worth the looking on :
This is the hand, which, with a vow'd contract,
Was fast belock'd in thine : this is the body
That took away the match from Isabel,
And did supply thee at thy garden-house,
In her imagin'd person.
Duke.

Know you this woman ?
Lucio. Carnally, she says.
Duke.

Sirrah, no more.
Lucio. Enough, my lord.

Ang. My lord, I must confess, I know this woman;
And, five years since, there was some speech of marriage