Whichhadyourather，thatthemostjustlawNowtookyourbrother’slife；or，toredeemhim，GiveupyourbodytosuchsweetuncleannessAsshethathehathstain’d？ISABELLASir，believethis，Ihadrathergivemybodythanmysoul。ANGELOItalknotofyoursoul：ourcompell’dsinsStandmorefornumberthanforaccompt。ISABELLAHowsayyou？ANGELONay，I’llnotwarrantthat；forIcanspeakAgainstthethingIsay。Answertothis：
I，nowthevoiceoftherecordedlaw，Pronounceasentenceonyourbrother’slife：
MighttherenotbeacharityinsinTosavethisbrother’slife？ISABELLAPleaseyoutodo’t，I’lltakeitasaperiltomysoul，Itisnosinatall，butcharity。ANGELOPleasedyoutodo’tatperilofyoursoul，Wereequalpoiseofsinandcharity。ISABELLAThatIdobeghislife，ifitbesin，Heavenletmebearit！yougrantingofmysuit，Ifthatbesin，I’llmakeitmymornprayerTohaveitaddedtothefaultsofmine，Andnothingofyouranswer。ANGELONay，buthearme。
Yoursensepursuesnotmine：eitheryouareignorant，Orseemsocraftily；andthat’snotgood。ISABELLALetmebeignorant，andinnothinggood，ButgraciouslytoknowIamnobetter。ANGELOThuswisdomwishestoappearmostbrightWhenitdothtaxitself；astheseblackmasksProclaimanenshieldbeautytentimeslouderThanbeautycould，display’d。Butmarkme；
Tobereceivedplain，I’llspeakmoregross：
Yourbrotheristodie。ISABELLASo。ANGELOAndhisoffenceisso，asitappears，Accountanttothelawuponthatpain。ISABELLATrue。ANGELOAdmitnootherwaytosavehislife，——
AsIsubscribenotthat，noranyother，Butinthelossofquestion，——thatyou，hissister，Findingyourselfdesiredofsuchaperson，Whosecreditwiththejudge，orowngreatplace，CouldfetchyourbrotherfromthemanaclesOftheall-buildinglaw；andthattherewereNoearthlymeantosavehim，butthateitherYoumustlaydownthetreasuresofyourbodyTothissupposed，orelsetolethimsuffer；
Whatwouldyoudo？ISABELLAAsmuchformypoorbrotherasmyself：
Thatis，wereIunderthetermsofdeath，TheimpressionofkeenwhipsI’ldwearasrubies，Andstripmyselftodeath，astoabedThatlonginghavebeensickfor，ereI’ldyieldMybodyuptoshame。ANGELOThenmustyourbrotherdie。ISABELLAAnd’twerethecheaperway：
Betteritwereabrotherdiedatonce，Thanthatasister，byredeeminghim，Shoulddieforever。ANGELOWerenotyouthenascruelasthesentenceThatyouhaveslander’dso？ISABELLAIgnomyinransomandfreepardonAreoftwohouses：lawfulmercyIsnothingkintofoulredemption。ANGELOYouseem’doflatetomakethelawatyrant；
AndratherprovedtheslidingofyourbrotherAmerrimentthanavice。ISABELLAO，pardonme，mylord；itoftfallsout，Tohavewhatwewouldhave，wespeaknotwhatwemean：
IsomethingdoexcusethethingIhate，ForhisadvantagethatIdearlylove。ANGELOWeareallfrail。ISABELLAElseletmybrotherdie，Ifnotafeodary，butonlyheOweandsucceedthyweakness。ANGELONay，womenarefrailtoo。ISABELLAAy，astheglasseswheretheyviewthemselves；
Whichareaseasybrokeastheymakeforms。
Women！HelpHeaven！mentheircreationmarInprofitingbythem。Nay，callustentimesfrail；
Forwearesoftasourcomplexionsare，Andcreduloustofalseprints。ANGELOIthinkitwell：
Andfromthistestimonyofyourownsex，——
SinceIsupposewearemadetobenostrongerThanfaultsmayshakeourframes，——letmebebold；
Idoarrestyourwords。Bethatyouare，Thatis，awoman；ifyoubemore，you’renone；
Ifyoubeone，asyouarewellexpress’dByallexternalwarrants，showitnow，Byputtingonthedestinedlivery。ISABELLAIhavenotonguebutone：gentlemylord，Letmeentreatyouspeaktheformerlanguage。ANGELOPlainlyconceive，Iloveyou。ISABELLAMybrotherdidloveJuliet，Andyoutellmethatheshalldieforit。ANGELOHeshallnot，Isabel，ifyougivemelove。ISABELLAIknowyourvirtuehathalicencein’t，Whichseemsalittlefoulerthanitis，Topluckonothers。ANGELOBelieveme，onminehonour，Mywordsexpressmypurpose。ISABELLAHa！littlehonourtobemuchbelieved，Andmostperniciouspurpose！Seeming，seeming！
Iwillproclaimthee，Angelo；lookfor’t：
Signmeapresentpardonformybrother，Orwithanoutstretch’dthroatI’lltelltheworldaloudWhatmanthouart。ANGELOWhowillbelievethee，Isabel？
Myunsoil’dname，theausterenessofmylife，Myvouchagainstyou，andmyplacei’thestate，Willsoyouraccusationoverweigh，ThatyoushallstifleinyourownreportAndsmellofcalumny。Ihavebegun，AndnowIgivemysensualracetherein：
Fitthyconsenttomysharpappetite；
Laybyallnicetyandprolixiousblushes，Thatbanishwhattheysuefor；redeemthybrotherByyieldingupthybodytomywill；
Orelsehemustnotonlydiethedeath，ButthyunkindnessshallhisdeathdrawoutTolingeringsufferance。Answermeto-morrow，Or，bytheaffectionthatnowguidesmemost，I’llproveatyranttohim。Asforyou，Saywhatyoucan，myfalseo’erweighsyourtrue。
ExitISABELLATowhomshouldIcomplain？DidItellthis，Whowouldbelieveme？Operilousmouths，Thatbearinthemoneandtheself-sametongue，Eitherofcondemnationorapproof；
Biddingthelawmakecourt’sytotheirwill：
Hookingbothrightandwrongtotheappetite，Tofollowasitdraws！I’lltomybrother：
Thoughhehathfallenbypromptureoftheblood，Yethathheinhimsuchamindofhonour。
That，hadhetwentyheadstotenderdownOntwentybloodyblocks，he’ldyieldthemup，BeforehissistershouldherbodystoopTosuchabhorr’dpollution。
Then，Isabel，livechaste，and，brother，die：
Morethanourbrotherisourchastity。
I’lltellhimyetofAngelo’srequest，Andfithismindtodeath，forhissoul’srest。
ExitACTIIISCENEI。Aroomintheprison。EnterDUKEVINCENTIOdisguisedasbefore，CLAUDIO，andProvostDUKEVINCENTIOSothenyouhopeofpardonfromLordAngelo？CLAUDIOThemiserablehavenoothermedicineButonlyhope：
I’vehopetolive，andampreparedtodie。DUKEVINCENTIOBeabsolutefordeath；eitherdeathorlifeShalltherebybethesweeter。Reasonthuswithlife：
IfIdolosethee，IdoloseathingThatnonebutfoolswouldkeep：abreaththouart，Serviletoalltheskyeyinfluences，Thatdostthishabitation，wherethoukeep’st，Hourlyafflict：merely，thouartdeath’sfool；
Forhimthoulabour’stbythyflighttoshunAndyetrunn’sttowardhimstill。Thouartnotnoble；
Foralltheaccommodationsthatthoubear’stArenursedbybaseness。Thou’rtbynomeansvaliant；
ForthoudostfearthesoftandtenderforkOfapoorworm。Thybestofrestissleep，Andthatthouoftprovokest；yetgrosslyfear’stThydeath，whichisnomore。Thouartnotthyself；
Forthouexist’stonmanyathousandgrainsThatissueoutofdust。Happythouartnot；
Forwhatthouhastnot，stillthoustrivesttoget，Andwhatthouhast，forget’st。Thouartnotcertain；
Forthycomplexionshiftstostrangeeffects，Afterthemoon。Ifthouartrich，thou’rtpoor；
For，likeanasswhosebackwithingotsbows，Thoubear’sthyheavyrichesbutajourney，Anddeathunloadsthee。Friendhastthounone；
Forthineownbowels，whichdocalltheesire，Themereeffusionofthyproperloins，Docursethegout，serpigo，andtherheum，Forendingtheenosooner。Thouhastnoryouthnorage，But，asitwere，anafter-dinner’ssleep，Dreamingonboth；forallthyblessedyouthBecomesasaged，anddothbegthealmsOfpalsiedeld；andwhenthouartoldandrich，Thouhastneitherheat，affection，limb，norbeauty，Tomakethyrichespleasant。What’syetinthisThatbearsthenameoflife？YetinthislifeLiehidmoethousanddeaths：yetdeathwefear，Thatmakestheseoddsalleven。CLAUDIOIhumblythankyou。
Tosuetolive，IfindIseektodie；
And，seekingdeath，findlife：letitcomeon。ISABELLA[Within]What，ho！Peacehere；graceandgoodcompany！ProvostWho’sthere？comein：thewishdeservesawelcome。DUKEVINCENTIODearsir，erelongI’llvisityouagain。CLAUDIOMostholysir，Ithankyou。
EnterISABELLAISABELLAMybusinessisawordortwowithClaudio。ProvostAndverywelcome。Look，signior，here’syoursister。DUKEVINCENTIOProvost，awordwithyou。ProvostAsmanyasyouplease。DUKEVINCENTIOBringmetohearthemspeak，whereImaybeconcealed。
ExeuntDUKEVINCENTIOandProvostCLAUDIONow，sister，what’sthecomfort？ISABELLAWhy，Asallcomfortsare；mostgood，mostgoodindeed。
LordAngelo，havingaffairstoheaven，Intendsyouforhisswiftambassador，Whereyoushallbeaneverlastingleiger：
Thereforeyourbestappointmentmakewithspeed；
To-morrowyouseton。CLAUDIOIstherenoremedy？ISABELLANone，butsuchremedyas，tosaveahead，Tocleaveaheartintwain。CLAUDIOButisthereany？ISABELLAYes，brother，youmaylive：
Thereisadevilishmercyinthejudge，Ifyou’llimploreit，thatwillfreeyourlife，Butfetteryoutilldeath。CLAUDIOPerpetualdurance？ISABELLAAy，just；perpetualdurance，arestraint，Thoughalltheworld’svastidityyouhad，Toadeterminedscope。CLAUDIOButinwhatnature？ISABELLAInsuchaoneas，youconsentingto’t，Wouldbarkyourhonourfromthattrunkyoubear，Andleaveyounaked。CLAUDIOLetmeknowthepoint。ISABELLAO，Idofearthee，Claudio；andIquake，Lestthouafeverouslifeshouldstentertain，AndsixorsevenwintersmorerespectThanaperpetualhonour。Darestthoudie？
Thesenseofdeathismostinapprehension；
Andthepoorbeetle，thatwetreadupon，IncorporalsufferancefindsapangasgreatAswhenagiantdies。CLAUDIOWhygiveyoumethisshame？
ThinkyouIcanaresolutionfetchFromflowerytenderness？IfImustdie，Iwillencounterdarknessasabride，Andhugitinminearms。ISABELLATherespakemybrother；theremyfather’sgraveDidutterforthavoice。Yes，thoumustdie：
ThouarttoonobletoconservealifeInbaseappliances。Thisoutward-sainteddeputy，WhosesettledvisageanddeliberatewordNipsyouthi’theheadandfolliesdothemmewAsfalcondoththefowl，isyetadevilHisfilthwithinbeingcast，hewouldappearApondasdeepashell。CLAUDIOTheprenzieAngelo！ISABELLAO，’tisthecunningliveryofhell，Thedamned’stbodytoinvestandcoverInprenzieguards！Dostthouthink，Claudio？
IfIwouldyieldhimmyvirginity，Thoumightstbefreed。CLAUDIOOheavens！itcannotbe。ISABELLAYes，hewouldgive’tthee，fromthisrankoffence，Sotooffendhimstill。Thisnight’sthetimeThatIshoulddowhatIabhortoname，Orelsethoudiestto-morrow。CLAUDIOThoushaltnotdo’t。ISABELLAO，wereitbutmylife，I’ldthrowitdownforyourdeliveranceAsfranklyasapin。CLAUDIOThanks，dearIsabel。ISABELLABeready，Claudio，foryourdeathtomorrow。CLAUDIOYes。Hasheaffectionsinhim，Thatthuscanmakehimbitethelawbythenose，Whenhewouldforceit？Sure，itisnosin，Orofthedeadlyseven，itistheleast。ISABELLAWhichistheleast？CLAUDIOIfitweredamnable，hebeingsowise，WhywouldheforthemomentarytrickBeperdurablyfined？OIsabel！ISABELLAWhatsaysmybrother？CLAUDIODeathisafearfulthing。ISABELLAAndshamedlifeahateful。CLAUDIOAy，buttodie，andgoweknownotwhere；
Tolieincoldobstructionandtorot；
ThissensiblewarmmotiontobecomeAkneadedclod；andthedelightedspiritTobatheinfieryfloods，ortoresideInthrillingregionofthick-ribbedice；
Tobeimprison’dintheviewlesswinds，AndblownwithrestlessviolenceroundaboutThependentworld；ortobeworsethanworstOfthosethatlawlessandincertainthoughtImaginehowling：’tistoohorrible！
TheweariestandmostloathedworldlylifeThatage，ache，penuryandimprisonmentCanlayonnatureisaparadiseTowhatwefearofdeath。ISABELLAAlas，alas！CLAUDIOSweetsister，letmelive：
Whatsinyoudotosaveabrother’slife，NaturedispenseswiththedeedsofarThatitbecomesavirtue。ISABELLAOyoubeast！
Ofaithlesscoward！Odishonestwretch！
Wiltthoubemadeamanoutofmyvice？
Is’tnotakindofincest，totakelifeFromthineownsister’sshame？WhatshouldI
think？
Heavenshieldmymotherplay’dmyfatherfair！
ForsuchawarpedslipofwildernessNe’erissuedfromhisblood。Takemydefiance！
Die，perish！MightbutmybendingdownReprievetheefromthyfate，itshouldproceed：
I’llprayathousandprayersforthydeath，Nowordtosavethee。CLAUDIONay，hearme，Isabel。ISABELLAO，fie，fie，fie！
Thysin’snotaccidental，butatrade。
Mercytotheewouldproveitselfabawd：
’Tisbestthoudiestquickly。CLAUDIOOhearme，Isabella！
Re-enterDUKEVINCENTIODUKEVINCENTIOVouchsafeaword，youngsister，butoneword。ISABELLAWhatisyourwill？DUKEVINCENTIOMightyoudispensewithyourleisure，Iwouldbyandbyhavesomespeechwithyou：thesatisfactionI
wouldrequireislikewiseyourownbenefit。ISABELLAIhavenosuperfluousleisure；mystaymustbestolenoutofotheraffairs；butIwillattendyouawhile。
WalksapartDUKEVINCENTIOSon，Ihaveoverheardwhathathpassedbetweenyouandyoursister。Angelohadneverthepurposetocorrupther；onlyhehathmadeanessayofhervirtuetopractisehisjudgmentwiththedispositionofnatures：she，havingthetruthofhonourinher，hathmadehimthatgraciousdenialwhichheismostgladtoreceive。IamconfessortoAngelo，andI
knowthistobetrue；thereforeprepareyourselftodeath：donotsatisfyyourresolutionwithhopesthatarefallible：tomorrowyoumustdie；gotoyourkneesandmakeready。CLAUDIOLetmeaskmysisterpardon。IamsooutoflovewithlifethatIwillsuetoberidofit。DUKEVINCENTIOHoldyouthere：farewell。
ExitCLAUDIO
Provost，awordwithyou！
Re-enterProvostProvostWhat’syourwill，fatherDUKEVINCENTIOThatnowyouarecome，youwillbegone。
Leavemeawhilewiththemaid：mymindpromiseswithmyhabitnolossshalltouchherbymycompany。ProvostIngoodtime。
ExitProvost。ISABELLAcomesforwardDUKEVINCENTIOThehandthathathmadeyoufairhathmadeyougood：
thegoodnessthatischeapinbeautymakesbeautybriefingoodness；butgrace，beingthesoulofyourcomplexion，shallkeepthebodyofiteverfair。TheassaultthatAngelohathmadetoyou，fortunehathconveyedtomyunderstanding；and，butthatfrailtyhathexamplesforhisfalling，I
shouldwonderatAngelo。Howwillyoudotocontentthissubstitute，andtosaveyourbrother？ISABELLAIamnowgoingtoresolvehim：Ihadrathermybrotherdiebythelawthanmysonshouldbeunlawfullyborn。But，O，howmuchisthegooddukedeceivedinAngelo！IfeverhereturnandIcanspeaktohim，Iwillopenmylipsinvain，ordiscoverhisgovernment。DUKEVINCENTIOThatshallnotbemuchamiss：Yet，asthematternowstands，hewillavoidyouraccusation；hemadetrialofyouonly。Thereforefastenyourearonmyadvisings：totheloveIhaveindoinggoodaremedypresentsitself。Idomakemyselfbelievethatyoumaymostuprighteouslydoapoorwrongedladyameritedbenefit；redeemyourbrotherfromtheangrylaw；donostaintoyourowngraciousperson；andmuchpleasetheabsentduke，ifperadventureheshalleverreturntohavehearingofthisbusiness。ISABELLALetmehearyouspeakfarther。Ihavespirittodoanythingthatappearsnotfoulinthetruthofmyspirit。DUKEVINCENTIOVirtueisbold，andgoodnessneverfearful。
HaveyounotheardspeakofMariana，thesisterofFrederickthegreatsoldierwhomiscarriedatsea？ISABELLAIhaveheardofthelady，andgoodwordswentwithhername。DUKEVINCENTIOSheshouldthisAngelohavemarried；
wasaffiancedtoherbyoath，andthenuptialappointed：betweenwhichtimeofthecontractandlimitofthesolemnity，herbrotherFrederickwaswreckedatsea，havinginthatperishedvesselthedowryofhissister。Butmarkhowheavilythisbefelltothepoorgentlewoman：thereshelostanobleandrenownedbrother，inhislovetowardherevermostkindandnatural；withhim，theportionandsinewofherfortune，hermarriage-dowry；withboth，hercombinatehusband，thiswell-seemingAngelo。ISABELLACanthisbeso？didAngelosoleaveher？DUKEVINCENTIOLeftherinhertears，anddriednotoneofthemwithhiscomfort；swallowedhisvowswhole，pretendinginherdiscoveriesofdishonour：infew，bestowedheronherownlamentation，whichsheyetwearsforhissake；andhe，amarbletohertears，iswashedwiththem，butrelentsnot。ISABELLAWhatameritwereitindeathtotakethispoormaidfromtheworld！Whatcorruptioninthislife，thatitwillletthismanlive！Buthowoutofthiscansheavail？DUKEVINCENTIOItisarupturethatyoumayeasilyheal：
andthecureofitnotonlysavesyourbrother，butkeepsyoufromdishonourindoingit。ISABELLAShowmehow，goodfather。DUKEVINCENTIOThisforenamedmaidhathyetinherthecontinuanceofherfirstaffection：hisunjustunkindness，thatinallreasonshouldhavequenchedherlove，hath，likeanimpedimentinthecurrent，madeitmoreviolentandunruly。GoyoutoAngelo；answerhisrequiringwithaplausibleobedience；agreewithhisdemandstothepoint；onlyreferyourselftothisadvantage，first，thatyourstaywithhimmaynotbelong；thatthetimemayhaveallshadowandsilenceinit；andtheplaceanswertoconvenience。
Thisbeinggrantedincourse，——andnowfollowsall，——weshalladvisethiswrongedmaidtosteadupyourappointment，goinyourplace；iftheencounteracknowledgeitselfhereafter，itmaycompelhimtoherrecompense：andhere，bythis，isyourbrothersaved，yourhonouruntainted，thepoorMarianaadvantaged，andthecorruptdeputyscaled。ThemaidwillIframeandmakefitforhisattempt。Ifyouthinkwelltocarrythisasyoumay，thedoublenessofthebenefitdefendsthedeceitfromreproof。
Whatthinkyouofit？ISABELLATheimageofitgivesmecontentalready；
andI
trustitwillgrowtoamostprosperousperfection。DUKEVINCENTIOItliesmuchinyourholdingup。HasteyouspeedilytoAngelo：ifforthisnightheentreatyoutohisbed，givehimpromiseofsatisfaction。IwillpresentlytoSaintLuke’s：there，atthemoatedgrange，residesthisdejectedMariana。Atthatplacecalluponme；anddispatchwithAngelo，thatitmaybequickly。ISABELLAIthankyouforthiscomfort。Fareyouwell，goodfather。
ExeuntseverallySCENEII。Thestreetbeforetheprison。Enter，ononeside，DUKEVINCENTIOdisguisedasbefore；
ontheother，ELBOW，andOfficerswithPOMPEYELBOWNay，iftherebenoremedyforit，butthatyouwillneedsbuyandsellmenandwomenlikebeasts，weshallhavealltheworlddrinkbrownandwhitebastard。DUKEVINCENTIOOheavens！whatstuffisherePOMPEY’Twasnevermerryworldsince，oftwousuries，themerriestwasputdown，andtheworserallowedbyorderoflawafurredgowntokeephimwarm；andfurredwithfoxandlamb-skinstoo，tosignify，thatcraft，beingricherthaninnocency，standsforthefacing。ELBOWComeyourway，sir。’Blessyou，goodfatherfriar。DUKEVINCENTIOAndyou，goodbrotherfather。Whatoffencehaththismanmadeyou，sir？ELBOWMarry，sir，hehathoffendedthelaw：
and，sir，wetakehimtobeathieftoo，sir；forwehavefounduponhim，sir，astrangepicklock，whichwehavesenttothedeputy。DUKEVINCENTIOFie，sirrah！abawd，awickedbawd！
Theevilthatthoucausesttobedone，Thatisthymeanstolive。DothoubutthinkWhat’tistocramamaworclotheabackFromsuchafilthyvice：saytothyself，FromtheirabominableandbeastlytouchesIdrink，Ieat，arraymyself，andlive。
Canstthoubelievethylivingisalife，Sostinkinglydepending？Gomend，gomend。POMPEYIndeed，itdoesstinkinsomesort，sir；
butyet，sir，Iwouldprove——DUKEVINCENTIONay，ifthedevilhavegiventheeproofsforsin，Thouwiltprovehis。Takehimtoprison，officer：
CorrectionandinstructionmustbothworkErethisrudebeastwillprofit。ELBOWHemustbeforethedeputy，sir；hehasgivenhimwarning：thedeputycannotabideawhoremaster：
ifhebeawhoremonger，andcomesbeforehim，hewereasgoodgoamileonhiserrand。DUKEVINCENTIOThatwewereall，assomewouldseemtobe，Fromourfaults，asfaultsfromseeming，free！ELBOWHisneckwillcometoyourwaist，——acord，sir。POMPEYIspycomfort；Icrybail。Here’sagentlemanandafriendofmine。
EnterLUCIOLUCIOHownow，noblePompey！What，atthewheelsofCaesar？artthouledintriumph？What，istherenoneofPygmalion’simages，newlymadewoman，tobehadnow，forputtingthehandinthepocketandextractingitclutch’d？Whatreply，ha？Whatsayestthoutothistune，matterandmethod？Is’tnotdrownedi’thelastrain，ha？Whatsayestthou，Trot？Istheworldasitwas，man？Whichistheway？Isitsad，andfewwords？orhow？Thetrickofit？DUKEVINCENTIOStillthus，andthus；stillworse！LUCIOHowdothmydearmorsel，thymistress？
Procuresshestill，ha？POMPEYTroth，sir，shehatheatenupallherbeef，andsheisherselfinthetub。LUCIOWhy，’tisgood；itistherightofit；
itmustbeso：everyourfreshwhoreandyourpowderedbawd：
anunshunnedconsequence；itmustbeso。Artgoingtoprison，Pompey？POMPEYYes，faith，sir。LUCIOWhy，’tisnotamiss，Pompey。Farewell：
go，sayI
senttheethither。Fordebt，Pompey？orhow？ELBOWForbeingabawd，forbeingabawd。LUCIOWell，then，imprisonhim：ifimprisonmentbethedueofabawd，why，’tishisright：bawdishedoubtless，andofantiquitytoo；bawd-born。
Farewell，goodPompey。Commendmetotheprison，Pompey：youwillturngoodhusbandnow，Pompey；
youwillkeepthehouse。POMPEYIhope，sir，yourgoodworshipwillbemybail。LUCIONo，indeed，willInot，Pompey；itisnotthewear。
Iwillpray，Pompey，toincreaseyourbondage：
Ifyoutakeitnotpatiently，why，yourmettleisthemore。Adieu，trustyPompey。’Blessyou，friar。DUKEVINCENTIOAndyou。LUCIODoesBridgetpaintstill，Pompey，ha？ELBOWComeyourways，sir；come。POMPEYYouwillnotbailme，then，sir？LUCIOThen，Pompey，nornow。Whatnewsabroad，friar？
whatnews？ELBOWComeyourways，sir；come。LUCIOGotokennel，Pompey；go。
ExeuntELBOW，POMPEYandOfficersWhatnews，friar，oftheduke？DUKEVINCENTIOIknownone。Canyoutellmeofany？LUCIOSomesayheiswiththeEmperorofRussia；
othersome，heisinRome：butwhereishe，thinkyou？DUKEVINCENTIOIknownotwhere；butwheresoever，Iwishhimwell。LUCIOItwasamadfantasticaltrickofhimtostealfromthestate，andusurpthebeggaryhewasneverbornto。LordAngelodukesitwellinhisabsence；
heputstransgressionto’t。DUKEVINCENTIOHedoeswellin’t。LUCIOAlittlemorelenitytolecherywoulddonoharminhim：somethingtoocrabbedthatway，friar。DUKEVINCENTIOItistoogeneralavice，andseveritymustcureit。LUCIOYes，ingoodsooth，theviceisofagreatkindred；
itiswellallied：butitisimpossibletoextirpitquite，friar，tilleatinganddrinkingbeputdown。TheysaythisAngelowasnotmadebymanandwomanafterthisdownrightwayofcreation：isittrue，thinkyou？DUKEVINCENTIOHowshouldhebemade，then？LUCIOSomereportasea-maidspawnedhim；some，thathewasbegotbetweentwostock-fishes。Butitiscertainthatwhenhemakeswaterhisurineiscongealedice；thatIknowtobetrue：andheisamotiongenerative；that’sinfallible。DUKEVINCENTIOYouarepleasant，sir，andspeakapace。LUCIOWhy，whataruthlessthingisthisinhim，fortherebellionofacodpiecetotakeawaythelifeofaman！Wouldthedukethatisabsenthavedonethis？
Erehewouldhavehangedamanforthegettingahundredbastards，hewouldhavepaidforthenursingathousand：hehadsomefeelingofthesport：
heknewtheservice，andthatinstructedhimtomercy。DUKEVINCENTIOIneverheardtheabsentdukemuchdetectedforwomen；hewasnotinclinedthatway。LUCIOO，sir，youaredeceived。DUKEVINCENTIO’Tisnotpossible。LUCIOWho，nottheduke？yes，yourbeggaroffifty；andhisusewastoputaducatinherclack-dish：
thedukehadcrotchetsinhim。Hewouldbedrunktoo；
thatletmeinformyou。DUKEVINCENTIOYoudohimwrong，surely。LUCIOSir，Iwasaninwardofhis。Ashyfellowwastheduke：andIbelieveIknowthecauseofhiswithdrawing。DUKEVINCENTIOWhat，Iprithee，mightbethecause？LUCIONo，pardon；’tisasecretmustbelockedwithintheteethandthelips：butthisIcanletyouunderstand，thegreaterfileofthesubjectheldtheduketobewise。DUKEVINCENTIOWise！why，noquestionbuthewas。LUCIOAverysuperficial，ignorant，unweighingfellow。DUKEVINCENTIOEitherthisistheenvyinyou，folly，ormistaking：
theverystreamofhislifeandthebusinesshehathhelmedmustuponawarrantedneedgivehimabetterproclamation。Lethimbebuttestimoniedinhisownbringings-forth，andheshallappeartotheenviousascholar，astatesmanandasoldier。
Thereforeyouspeakunskilfully：orifyourknowledgebemoreitismuchdarkenedinyourmalice。LUCIOSir，Iknowhim，andIlovehim。DUKEVINCENTIOLovetalkswithbetterknowledge，andknowledgewithdearerlove。LUCIOCome，sir，IknowwhatIknow。DUKEVINCENTIOIcanhardlybelievethat，sinceyouknownotwhatyouspeak。But，ifeverthedukereturn，asourprayersarehemay，letmedesireyoutomakeyouranswerbeforehim。Ifitbehonestyouhavespoke，youhavecouragetomaintainit：Iamboundtocalluponyou；and，Iprayyou，yourname？LUCIOSir，mynameisLucio；wellknowntotheduke。DUKEVINCENTIOHeshallknowyoubetter，sir，ifImaylivetoreportyou。LUCIOIfearyounot。DUKEVINCENTIOO，youhopethedukewillreturnnomore；
oryouimaginemetoounhurtfulanopposite。ButindeedI
candoyoulittleharm；you’llforswearthisagain。LUCIOI’llbehangedfirst：thouartdeceivedinme，friar。Butnomoreofthis。CanstthoutellifClaudiodieto-morroworno？DUKEVINCENTIOWhyshouldhedie，sir？LUCIOWhy？Forfillingabottlewithatundish。
Iwouldthedukewetalkofwerereturnedagain：theungenituredagentwillunpeopletheprovincewithcontinency；sparrowsmustnotbuildinhishouse-eaves，becausetheyarelecherous。Thedukeyetwouldhavedarkdeedsdarklyanswered；hewouldneverbringthemtolight：wouldhewerereturned！
Marry，thisClaudioiscondemnedforuntrussing。
Farewell，goodfriar：Iprithee，prayforme。
Theduke，Isaytotheeagain，wouldeatmuttononFridays。He’snotpastityet，andIsaytothee，hewouldmouthwithabeggar，thoughshesmeltbrownbreadandgarlic：saythatIsaidso。Farewell。
ExitDUKEVINCENTIONomightnorgreatnessinmortalityCancensure’scape；back-woundingcalumnyThewhitestvirtuestrikes。WhatkingsostrongCantiethegallupintheslanderoustongue？
Butwhocomeshere？
EnterESCALUS，Provost，andOfficerswithMISTRESSOVERDONEESCALUSGo；awaywithhertoprison！MISTRESSOVERDONEGoodmylord，begoodtome；yourhonourisaccountedamercifulman；goodmylord。ESCALUSDoubleandtrebleadmonition，andstillforfeitinthesamekind！Thiswouldmakemercyswearandplaythetyrant。ProvostAbawdofelevenyears’continuance，mayitpleaseyourhonour。MISTRESSOVERDONEMylord，thisisoneLucio’sinformationagainstme。
MistressKateKeepdownwaswithchildbyhimintheduke’stime；hepromisedhermarriage：hischildisayearandaquarterold，comePhilipandJacob：
Ihavekeptitmyself；andseehowhegoesabouttoabuseme！ESCALUSThatfellowisafellowofmuchlicence：
lethimbecalledbeforeus。Awaywithhertoprison！Goto；
nomorewords。
ExeuntOfficerswithMISTRESSOVERDONE
Provost，mybrotherAngelowillnotbealtered；
Claudiomustdieto-morrow：lethimbefurnishedwithdivines，andhaveallcharitablepreparation。
ifmybrotherwroughtbymypity，itshouldnotbesowithhim。ProvostSopleaseyou，thisfriarhathbeenwithhim，andadvisedhimfortheentertainmentofdeath。ESCALUSGoodeven，goodfather。DUKEVINCENTIOBlissandgoodnessonyou！ESCALUSOfwhenceareyou？DUKEVINCENTIONotofthiscountry，thoughmychanceisnowTouseitformytime：IamabrotherOfgraciousorder，latecomefromtheSeeInspecialbusinessfromhisholiness。ESCALUSWhatnewsabroadi’theworld？DUKEVINCENTIONone，butthatthereissogreatafeverongoodness，thatthedissolutionofitmustcureit：
noveltyisonlyinrequest；anditisasdangeroustobeagedinanykindofcourse，asitisvirtuoustobeconstantinanyundertaking。Thereisscarcetruthenoughalivetomakesocietiessecure；
butsecurityenoughtomakefellowshipsaccurst：
muchuponthisriddlerunsthewisdomoftheworld。
Thisnewsisoldenough，yetitiseveryday’snews。
I
prayyou，sir，ofwhatdispositionwastheduke？ESCALUSOnethat，aboveallotherstrifes，contendedespeciallytoknowhimself。DUKEVINCENTIOWhatpleasurewashegivento？ESCALUSRatherrejoicingtoseeanothermerry，thanmerryatanythingwhichprofessedtomakehimrejoice：
agentlemanofalltemperance。Butleavewehimtohisevents，withaprayertheymayproveprosperous；
andletmedesiretoknowhowyoufindClaudioprepared。Iammadetounderstandthatyouhavelenthimvisitation。DUKEVINCENTIOHeprofessestohavereceivednosinistermeasurefromhisjudge，butmostwillinglyhumbleshimselftothedeterminationofjustice：yethadheframedtohimself，bytheinstructionofhisfrailty，manydeceivingpromisesoflife；whichIbymygoodleisurehavediscreditedtohim，andnowisheresolvedtodie。ESCALUSYouhavepaidtheheavensyourfunction，andtheprisonertheverydebtofyourcalling。Ihavelabouredforthepoorgentlemantotheextremestshoreofmymodesty：butmybrotherjusticehaveI
foundsosevere，thathehathforcedmetotellhimheisindeedJustice。DUKEVINCENTIOIfhisownlifeanswerthestraitnessofhisproceeding，itshallbecomehimwell；whereinifhechancetofail，hehathsentencedhimself。ESCALUSIamgoingtovisittheprisoner。Fareyouwell。DUKEVINCENTIOPeacebewithyou！
ExeuntESCALUSandProvostHewhotheswordofheavenwillbearShouldbeasholyassevere；
Patterninhimselftoknow，Gracetostand，andvirtuego；
MorenorlesstootherspayingThanbyself-offencesweighing。
ShametohimwhosecruelstrikingKillsforfaultsofhisownliking！
TwicetrebleshameonAngelo，Toweedmyviceandlethisgrow！
O，whatmaymanwithinhimhide，Thoughangelontheoutwardside！
Howmaylikenessmadeincrimes，Makingpractiseonthetimes，Todrawwithidlespiders’stringsMostponderousandsubstantialthings！
CraftagainstviceImustapply：
WithAngeloto-nightshalllieHisoldbetrothedbutdespised；
Sodisguiseshall，bythedisguised，Paywithfalsehoodfalseexacting，Andperformanoldcontracting。
ExitACTIVSCENEI。ThemoatedgrangeatST。LUKE’s。EnterMARIANAandaBoyBoysingsTake，O，takethoselipsaway，Thatsosweetlywereforsworn；
Andthoseeyes，thebreakofday，Lightsthatdomisleadthemorn：
Butmykissesbringagain，bringagain；
Sealsoflove，butsealedinvain，sealedinvain。MARIANABreakoffthysong，andhastetheequickaway：
Herecomesamanofcomfort，whoseadviceHathoftenstill’dmybrawlingdiscontent。
ExitBoyEnterDUKEVINCENTIOdisguisedasbeforeIcryyoumercy，sir；andwellcouldwishYouhadnotfoundmeheresomusical：
Letmeexcuseme，andbelievemeso，Mymirthitmuchdispleased，butpleasedmywoe。DUKEVINCENTIO’Tisgood；thoughmusicofthathsuchacharmTomakebadgood，andgoodprovoketoharm。
Ipray，you，tellme，hathanybodyinquiredformehereto-day？muchuponthistimehaveIpromisedheretomeet。MARIANAYouhavenotbeeninquiredafter：
Ihavesathereallday。
EnterISABELLADUKEVINCENTIOIdoconstantlybelieveyou。Thetimeiscomeevennow。Ishallcraveyourforbearancealittle：
maybeIwillcalluponyouanon，forsomeadvantagetoyourself。MARIANAIamalwaysboundtoyou。
ExitDUKEVINCENTIOVerywellmet，andwellcome。
Whatisthenewsfromthisgooddeputy？ISABELLAHehathagardencircummuredwithbrick，Whosewesternsideiswithavineyardback’d；
Andtothatvineyardisaplanchedgate，Thatmakeshisopeningwiththisbiggerkey：
ThisotherdothcommandalittledoorWhichfromthevineyardtothegardenleads；
TherehaveImademypromiseUpontheheavymiddleofthenightTocalluponhim。DUKEVINCENTIOButshallyouonyourknowledgefindthisway？ISABELLAIhaveta’enadueandwarynoteupon’t：
Withwhisperingandmostguiltydiligence，Inactionallofprecept，hedidshowmeThewaytwiceo’er。DUKEVINCENTIOAretherenoothertokensBetweenyou’greedconcerningherobservance？ISABELLANo，none，butonlyarepairi’thedark；
AndthatIhavepossess’dhimmymoststayCanbebutbrief；forIhavemadehimknowIhaveaservantcomeswithmealong，Thatstaysuponme，whosepersuasionisIcomeaboutmybrother。DUKEVINCENTIO’Tiswellborneup。
IhavenotyetmadeknowntoMarianaAwordofthis。What，ho！within！comeforth！
Re-enterMARIANA
Iprayyou，beacquaintedwiththismaid；
Shecomestodoyougood。ISABELLAIdodesirethelike。DUKEVINCENTIODoyoupersuadeyourselfthatIrespectyou？MARIANAGoodfriar，Iknowyoudo，andhavefoundit。DUKEVINCENTIOTake，then，thisyourcompanionbythehand，Whohathastoryreadyforyourear。
Ishallattendyourleisure：butmakehaste；
Thevaporousnightapproaches。MARIANAWill’tpleaseyouwalkaside？
ExeuntMARIANAandISABELLADUKEVINCENTIOOplaceandgreatness！millionsoffalseeyesArestuckuponthee：volumesofreportRunwiththesefalseandmostcontrariousquestsUponthydoings：thousandescapesofwitMaketheethefatheroftheiridledreamsAndracktheeintheirfancies。
Re-enterMARIANAandISABELLA
Welcome，howagreed？ISABELLAShe’lltaketheenterpriseuponher，father，Ifyouadviseit。DUKEVINCENTIOItisnotmyconsent，Butmyentreatytoo。ISABELLALittlehaveyoutosayWhenyoudepartfromhim，but，softandlow，’Remembernowmybrother。’MARIANAFearmenot。DUKEVINCENTIONor，gentledaughter，fearyounotatall。
Heisyourhusbandonapre-contract：
Tobringyouthustogether，’tisnosin，SiththatthejusticeofyourtitletohimDothflourishthedeceit。Come，letusgo：
Ourcorn’storeap，foryetourtithe’stosow。
ExeuntSCENEII。Aroomintheprison。EnterProvostandPOMPEYProvostComehither，sirrah。Canyoucutoffaman’shead？POMPEYIfthemanbeabachelor，sir，Ican；butifhebeamarriedman，he’shiswife’shead，andIcannevercutoffawoman’shead。ProvostCome，sir，leavemeyoursnatches，andyieldmeadirectanswer。To-morrowmorningaretodieClaudioandBarnardine。Hereisinourprisonacommonexecutioner，whoinhisofficelacksahelper：
ifyouwilltakeitonyoutoassisthim，itshallredeemyoufromyourgyves；ifnot，youshallhaveyourfulltimeofimprisonmentandyourdeliverancewithanunpitiedwhipping，foryouhavebeenanotoriousbawd。POMPEYSir，Ihavebeenanunlawfulbawdtimeoutofmind；
butyetIwillbecontenttobealawfulhangman。
I
wouldbegladtoreceivesomeinstructionfrommyfellowpartner。ProvostWhat，ho！Abhorson！Where’sAbhorson，there？
EnterABHORSONABHORSONDoyoucall，sir？ProvostSirrah，here’safellowwillhelpyouto-morrowinyourexecution。Ifyouthinkitmeet，compoundwithhimbytheyear，andlethimabideherewithyou；
ifnot，usehimforthepresentanddismisshim。
Hecannotpleadhisestimationwithyou；hehathbeenabawd。ABHORSONAbawd，sir？fieuponhim！hewilldiscreditourmystery。ProvostGoto，sir；youweighequally；afeatherwillturnthescale。
ExitPOMPEYPray，sir，byyourgoodfavour，——forsurely，sir，agoodfavouryouhave，butthatyouhaveahanginglook，——doyoucall，sir，youroccupationamystery？ABHORSONAy，sir；amysteryPOMPEYPainting，sir，Ihaveheardsay，isamystery；andyourwhores，sir，beingmembersofmyoccupation，usingpainting，doprovemyoccupationamystery：
butwhatmysterythereshouldbeinhanging，ifI
shouldbehanged，Icannotimagine。ABHORSONSir，itisamystery。POMPEYProof？ABHORSONEverytrueman’sapparelfitsyourthief：
ifitbetoolittleforyourthief，yourtruemanthinksitbigenough；ifitbetoobigforyourthief，yourthiefthinksitlittleenough：soeverytrueman’sapparelfitsyourthief。
Re-enterProvostProvostAreyouagreed？POMPEYSir，Iwillservehim；forIdofindyourhangmanisamorepenitenttradethanyourbawd；hedothofteneraskforgiveness。ProvostYou，sirrah，provideyourblockandyouraxeto-morrowfouro’clock。ABHORSONComeon，bawd；Iwillinstructtheeinmytrade；follow。POMPEYIdodesiretolearn，sir：andIhope，ifyouhaveoccasiontousemeforyourownturn，youshallfindmeyare；fortruly，sir，foryourkindnessIoweyouagoodturn。ProvostCallhitherBarnardineandClaudio：
ExeuntPOMPEYandABHORSON
Theonehasmypity；notajottheother，Beingamurderer，thoughheweremybrother。
EnterCLAUDIO
Look，here’sthewarrant，Claudio，forthydeath：
’Tisnowdeadmidnight，andbyeightto-morrowThoumustbemadeimmortal。Where’sBarnardine？CLAUDIOAsfastlock’dupinsleepasguiltlesslabourWhenitliesstarklyinthetraveller’sbones：
Hewillnotwake。ProvostWhocandogoodonhim？
Well，go，prepareyourself。
KnockingwithinBut，hark，whatnoise？
Heavengiveyourspiritscomfort！
ExitCLAUDIO
Byandby。
IhopeitissomepardonorreprieveForthemostgentleClaudio。
EnterDUKEVINCENTIOdisguisedasbeforeWelcomefather。DUKEVINCENTIOThebestandwholesomestspirtsofthenightEnvelopeyou，goodProvost！Whocall’dhereoflate？ProvostNone，sincethecurfewrung。DUKEVINCENTIONotIsabel？ProvostNo。DUKEVINCENTIOTheywill，then，ere’tbelong。ProvostWhatcomfortisforClaudio？DUKEVINCENTIOThere’ssomeinhope。ProvostItisabitterdeputy。DUKEVINCENTIONotso，notso；hislifeisparallel’dEvenwiththestrokeandlineofhisgreatjustice：
HedothwithholyabstinencesubdueThatinhimselfwhichhespursonhispowerToqualifyinothers：werehemeal’dwiththatWhichhecorrects，thenwerehetyrannous；
Butthisbeingso，he’sjust。
KnockingwithinNowaretheycome。
ExitProvostThisisagentleprovost：seldomwhenThesteeledgaoleristhefriendofmen。
KnockingwithinHownow！whatnoise？Thatspirit’spossessedwithhasteThatwoundstheunsistingposternwiththesestrokes。
Re-enterProvostProvostTherehemuststayuntiltheofficerArisetolethimin：heiscall’dup。DUKEVINCENTIOHaveyounocountermandforClaudioyet，Buthemustdieto-morrow？ProvostNone，sir，none。DUKEVINCENTIOAsnearthedawning，provost，asitis，Youshallhearmoreeremorning。ProvostHappilyYousomethingknow；yetIbelievetherecomesNocountermand；nosuchexamplehavewe：
Besides，upontheverysiegeofjusticeLordAngelohathtothepublicearProfess’dthecontrary。
EnteraMessengerThisishislordship’sman。DUKEVINCENTIOAndherecomesClaudio’spardon。Messenger[Givingapaper]
Mylordhathsentyouthisnote；andbymethisfurthercharge，thatyouswervenotfromthesmallestarticleofit，neitherintime，matter，orothercircumstance。Goodmorrow；for，asItakeit，itisalmostday。ProvostIshallobeyhim。
ExitMessengerDUKEVINCENTIO[Aside]Thisishispardon，purchasedbysuchsinForwhichthepardonerhimselfisin。
Hencehathoffencehisquickcelerity，Whenitisborninhighauthority：
Whenvicemakesmercy，mercy’ssoextended，Thatforthefault’sloveistheoffenderfriended。
Now，sir，whatnews？ProvostItoldyou。LordAngelo，belikethinkingmeremissinmineoffice，awakensmewiththisunwontedputting-on；methinksstrangely，forhehathnotuseditbefore。DUKEVINCENTIOPrayyou，let’shear。Provost[Reads]
’Whatsoeveryoumayheartothecontrary，letClaudiobeexecutedbyfouroftheclock；andintheafternoonBarnardine：formybettersatisfaction，letmehaveClaudio’sheadsentmebyfive。Letthisbedulyperformed；withathoughtthatmoredependsonitthanwemustyetdeliver。Thusfailnottodoyouroffice，asyouwillansweritatyourperil。’
Whatsayyoutothis，sir？DUKEVINCENTIOWhatisthatBarnardinewhoistobeexecutedintheafternoon？ProvostABohemianborn，butherenursedunandbred；onethatisaprisonernineyearsold。DUKEVINCENTIOHowcameitthattheabsentdukehadnoteitherdeliveredhimtohislibertyorexecutedhim？
I
havehearditwaseverhismannertodoso。ProvostHisfriendsstillwroughtreprievesforhim：and，indeed，hisfact，tillnowinthegovernmentofLordAngelo，camenottoanundoubtfulproof。DUKEVINCENTIOItisnowapparent？ProvostMostmanifest，andnotdeniedbyhimself。DUKEVINCENTIOHathhebornhimselfpenitentlyinprison？
howseemshetobetouched？ProvostAmanthatapprehendsdeathnomoredreadfullybutasadrunkensleep；careless，reckless，andfearlessofwhat’spast，present，ortocome；insensibleofmortality，anddesperatelymortal。DUKEVINCENTIOHewantsadvice。ProvostHewillhearnone：hehathevermorehadthelibertyoftheprison；givehimleavetoescapehence，hewouldnot：drunkmanytimesaday，ifnotmanydaysentirelydrunk。Wehaveveryoftawakedhim，asiftocarryhimtoexecution，andshowedhimaseemingwarrantforit：ithathnotmovedhimatall。DUKEVINCENTIOMoreofhimanon。Thereiswritteninyourbrow，provost，honestyandconstancy：ifIreaditnottruly，myancientskillbeguilesme；but，intheboldnessofmycunning，Iwilllaymyselfinhazard。
Claudio，whomhereyouhavewarranttoexecute，isnogreaterforfeittothelawthanAngelowhohathsentencedhim。Tomakeyouunderstandthisinamanifestedeffect，Icravebutfourdays’respite；
forthewhichyouaretodomebothapresentandadangerouscourtesy。ProvostPray，sir，inwhat？DUKEVINCENTIOInthedelayingdeath。ProvostAlack，howmayIdoit，havingthehourlimited，andanexpresscommand，underpenalty，todeliverhisheadintheviewofAngelo？ImaymakemycaseasClaudio’s，tocrossthisinthesmallest。DUKEVINCENTIOBythevowofmineorderIwarrantyou，ifmyinstructionsmaybeyourguide。LetthisBarnardinebethismorningexecuted，andhisheadborntoAngelo。ProvostAngelohathseenthemboth，andwilldiscoverthefavour。DUKEVINCENTIOO，death’sagreatdisguiser；andyoumayaddtoit。
Shavethehead，andtiethebeard；andsayitwasthedesireofthepenitenttobesobaredbeforehisdeath：youknowthecourseiscommon。Ifanythingfalltoyouuponthis，morethanthanksandgoodfortune，bythesaintwhomIprofess，Iwillpleadagainstitwithmylife。ProvostPardonme，goodfather；itisagainstmyoath。DUKEVINCENTIOWereyousworntotheduke，ortothedeputy？ProvostTohim，andtohissubstitutes。DUKEVINCENTIOYouwillthinkyouhavemadenooffence，ifthedukeavouchthejusticeofyourdealing？ProvostButwhatlikelihoodisinthat？DUKEVINCENTIONotaresemblance，butacertainty。YetsinceIseeyoufearful，thatneithermycoat，integrity，norpersuasioncanwitheaseattemptyou，IwillgofurtherthanImeant，topluckallfearsoutofyou。
Lookyou，sir，hereisthehandandsealoftheduke：youknowthecharacter，Idoubtnot；andthesignetisnotstrangetoyou。ProvostIknowthemboth。DUKEVINCENTIOThecontentsofthisisthereturnoftheduke：youshallanonover-readitatyourpleasure；whereyoushallfind，withinthesetwodayshewillbehere。
ThisisathingthatAngeloknowsnot；forhethisverydayreceiveslettersofstrangetenor；
perchanceoftheduke’sdeath；perchanceenteringintosomemonastery；but，bychance，nothingofwhatiswrit。Look，theunfoldingstarcallsuptheshepherd。Putnotyourselfintoamazementhowthesethingsshouldbe：alldifficultiesarebuteasywhentheyareknown。Callyourexecutioner，andoffwithBarnardine’shead：Iwillgivehimapresentshriftandadvisehimforabetterplace。Yetyouareamazed；butthisshallabsolutelyresolveyou。
Comeaway；itisalmostcleardawn。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Anotherroominthesame。EnterPOMPEYPOMPEYIamaswellacquaintedhereasIwasinourhouseofprofession：onewouldthinkitwereMistressOverdone’sownhouse，forherebemanyofheroldcustomers。First，here’syoungMasterRash；he’sinforacommodityofbrownpaperandoldginger，ninescoreandseventeenpounds；ofwhichhemadefivemarks，readymoney：marry，thengingerwasnotmuchinrequest，fortheoldwomenwerealldead。
ThenistherehereoneMasterCaper，atthesuitofMasterThree-pilethemercer，forsomefoursuitsofpeach-colouredsatin，whichnowpeacheshimabeggar。ThenhavewehereyoungDizy，andyoungMasterDeep-vow，andMasterCopperspur，andMasterStarve-lackeytherapieranddaggerman，andyoungDrop-heirthatkilledlustyPudding，andMasterForthlightthetilter，andbraveMasterShootythegreattraveller，andwildHalf-canthatstabbedPots，and，Ithink，fortymore；allgreatdoersinourtrade，andarenow’fortheLord’ssake。’
EnterABHORSONABHORSONSirrah，bringBarnardinehither。POMPEYMasterBarnardine！youmustriseandbehanged。
MasterBarnardine！ABHORSONWhat，ho，Barnardine！BARNARDINE[Within]Apoxo’yourthroats！Whomakesthatnoisethere？Whatareyou？POMPEYYourfriends，sir；thehangman。Youmustbesogood，sir，toriseandbeputtodeath。BARNARDINE[Within]Away，yourogue，away！Iamsleepy。ABHORSONTellhimhemustawake，andthatquicklytoo。POMPEYPray，MasterBarnardine，awaketillyouareexecuted，andsleepafterwards。ABHORSONGointohim，andfetchhimout。POMPEYHeiscoming，sir，heiscoming；Ihearhisstrawrustle。ABHORSONIstheaxeupontheblock，sirrah？POMPEYVeryready，sir。
EnterBARNARDINEBARNARDINEHownow，Abhorson？what’sthenewswithyou？ABHORSONTruly，sir，Iwoulddesireyoutoclapintoyourprayers；for，lookyou，thewarrant’scome。BARNARDINEYourogue，Ihavebeendrinkingallnight；
Iamnotfittedfor’t。POMPEYO，thebetter，sir；forhethatdrinksallnight，andishangedbetimesinthemorning，maysleepthesounderallthenextday。ABHORSONLookyou，sir；herecomesyourghostlyfather：dowejestnow，thinkyou？
EnterDUKEVINCENTIOdisguisedasbeforeDUKEVINCENTIOSir，inducedbymycharity，andhearinghowhastilyyouaretodepart，Iamcometoadviseyou，comfortyouandpraywithyou。BARNARDINEFriar，notIIhavebeendrinkinghardallnight，andIwillhavemoretimetoprepareme，ortheyshallbeatoutmybrainswithbillets：Iwillnotconsenttodiethisday，that’scertain。DUKEVINCENTIOO，sir，youmust：andthereforeIbeseechyouLookforwardonthejourneyyoushallgo。BARNARDINEIswearIwillnotdieto-dayforanyman’spersuasion。DUKEVINCENTIOButhearyou。BARNARDINENotaword：ifyouhaveanythingtosaytome，cometomyward；forthencewillnotIto-day。
ExitDUKEVINCENTIOUnfittoliveordie：Ogravelheart！
Afterhim，fellows；bringhimtotheblock。
ExeuntABHORSONandPOMPEY
Re-enterProvostProvostNow，sir，howdoyoufindtheprisoner？DUKEVINCENTIOAcreatureunprepared，unmeetfordeath；
AndtotransporthiminthemindheisWeredamnable。ProvostHereintheprison，father，TherediedthismorningofacruelfeverOneRagozine，amostnotoriouspirate，AmanofClaudio’syears；hisbeardandheadJustofhiscolour。WhatifwedoomitThisreprobatetillhewerewellinclined；
AndsatisfythedeputywiththevisageOfRagozine，moreliketoClaudio？DUKEVINCENTIOO，’tisanaccidentthatheavenprovides！
Dispatchitpresently；thehourdrawsonPrefix’dbyAngelo：seethisbedone，Andsentaccordingtocommand；whilesI
Persuadethisrudewretchwillinglytodie。ProvostThisshallbedone，goodfather，presently。
ButBarnardinemustdiethisafternoon：
AndhowshallwecontinueClaudio，TosavemefromthedangerthatmightcomeIfhewereknownalive？DUKEVINCENTIOLetthisbedone。
Puttheminsecretholds，bothBarnardineandClaudio：
EretwicethesunhathmadehisjournalgreetingTotheundergeneration，youshallfindYoursafetymanifested。ProvostIamyourfreedependant。DUKEVINCENTIOQuick，dispatch，andsendtheheadtoAngelo。
ExitProvostNowwillIwriteletterstoAngelo，——
Theprovost，heshallbearthem，whosecontentsShallwitnesstohimIamnearathome，Andthat，bygreatinjunctions，IamboundToenterpublicly：himI’lldesireTomeetmeattheconsecratedfountAleaguebelowthecity；andfromthence，Bycoldgradationandwell-balancedform，WeshallproceedwithAngelo。