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Nombre de personnages parlants sur scène : ordre temporel et ordre croissant

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.. *Measure, for Measure from Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies. Published according to the true originall copies.*. Table des rôles
Rôle	Scènes	Répl.	Répl. moy.	Présence	Texte	Texte % prés.	Texte × pers.	Interlocution
[TOUS]	18 sc.	900 répl.	2,1 l.	1 883 l.	1 883 l.	18 %	10 533 l. (100 %)	5,6 pers.
First Gentleman	1 sc.	12 répl.	1,2 l.	67 l. (4 %)	15 l. (1 %)	23 %	334 l. (4 %)	5,0 pers.
Second Gentleman	1 sc.	9 répl.	0,6 l.	67 l. (4 %)	5 l. (1 %)	8 %	334 l. (4 %)	5,0 pers.
Abhorson	2 sc.	13 répl.	0,7 l.	268 l. (15 %)	9 l. (1 %)	4 %	1 728 l. (17 %)	6,5 pers.
Angelo	6 sc.	83 répl.	2,5 l.	905 l. (49 %)	211 l. (12 %)	24 %	5 579 l. (53 %)	6,2 pers.
Barnardine	1 sc.	7 répl.	1,3 l.	121 l. (7 %)	9 l. (1 %)	8 %	848 l. (9 %)	7,0 pers.
Mistress Overdone	2 sc.	15 répl.	1,3 l.	258 l. (14 %)	20 l. (2 %)	8 %	1 673 l. (16 %)	6,5 pers.
Boy	1 sc.	1 répl.	3,8 l.	50 l. (3 %)	4 l. (1 %)	8 %	199 l. (2 %)	4,0 pers.
Claudio	3 sc.	35 répl.	2,0 l.	398 l. (22 %)	70 l. (4 %)	18 %	1 831 l. (18 %)	4,6 pers.
Pompey	5 sc.	61 répl.	1,9 l.	711 l. (38 %)	116 l. (7 %)	17 %	4 694 l. (45 %)	6,6 pers.
Vincentio	10 sc.	194 répl.	3,0 l.	1 217 l. (65 %)	590 l. (32 %)	49 %	7 416 l. (71 %)	6,1 pers.
Elbow	2 sc.	28 répl.	1,8 l.	376 l. (20 %)	51 l. (3 %)	14 %	2 632 l. (25 %)	7,0 pers.
Escalus	5 sc.	78 répl.	1,6 l.	833 l. (45 %)	123 l. (7 %)	15 %	5 856 l. (56 %)	7,0 pers.
Friar Thomas	1 sc.	3 répl.	1,0 l.	39 l. (3 %)	3 l. (1 %)	9 %	77 l. (1 %)	2,0 pers.
Froth	1 sc.	8 répl.	0,6 l.	185 l. (10 %)	5 l. (1 %)	3 %	1 293 l. (13 %)	7,0 pers.
Isabella	8 sc.	129 répl.	2,1 l.	1 081 l. (58 %)	266 l. (15 %)	25 %	6 124 l. (59 %)	5,7 pers.
Juliet	1 sc.	7 répl.	0,8 l.	29 l. (2 %)	5 l. (1 %)	19 %	86 l. (1 %)	3,0 pers.
Justice	1 sc.	3 répl.	0,3 l.	185 l. (10 %)	1 l. (1 %)	1 %	1 293 l. (13 %)	7,0 pers.
Lucio	7 sc.	111 répl.	1,8 l.	1 006 l. (54 %)	202 l. (11 %)	21 %	6 548 l. (63 %)	6,5 pers.
Mariana	3 sc.	24 répl.	1,7 l.	436 l. (24 %)	40 l. (3 %)	10 %	3 235 l. (31 %)	7,4 pers.
Messenger	1 sc.	1 répl.	3,6 l.	147 l. (8 %)	4 l. (1 %)	3 %	880 l. (9 %)	6,0 pers.
Francisca	1 sc.	2 répl.	3,2 l.	63 l. (4 %)	6 l. (1 %)	11 %	188 l. (2 %)	3,0 pers.
Friar Peter	3 sc.	7 répl.	3,5 l.	396 l. (22 %)	25 l. (2 %)	7 %	3 056 l. (30 %)	7,7 pers.
Provost	9 sc.	66 répl.	1,5 l.	1 434 l. (77 %)	99 l. (6 %)	7 %	9 077 l. (87 %)	6,3 pers.
Servant	2 sc.	3 répl.	1,0 l.	264 l. (15 %)	3 l. (1 %)	2 %	1 062 l. (11 %)	4,0 pers.

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.. *Measure, for Measure from Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies. Published according to the true originall copies.*. Statistiques par relation
Relation		Scènes	Texte	Interlocution
First Gentleman Second Gentleman	6 l. (71 %) 3 répl. 1,9 l. 3 l. (30 %) 3 répl. 0,8 l.	1 sc.	8 l. (1 %)	5,0 pers.
First Gentleman Mistress Overdone	2 l. (68 %) 2 répl. 0,7 l. 1 l. (33 %) 1 répl. 0,7 l.	1 sc.	2 l. (1 %)	5,0 pers.
First Gentleman Lucio	8 l. (39 %) 7 répl. 1,1 l. 13 l. (62 %) 8 répl. 1,5 l.	1 sc.	20 l. (2 %)	5,0 pers.
Second Gentleman Mistress Overdone	1 l. (19 %) 1 répl. 0,4 l. 2 l. (82 %) 1 répl. 1,7 l.	1 sc.	2 l. (1 %)	5,0 pers.
Second Gentleman Lucio	3 l. (25 %) 5 répl. 0,5 l. 7 l. (76 %) 5 répl. 1,4 l.	1 sc.	9 l. (1 %)	5,0 pers.
Abhorson Barnardine	2 l. (58 %) 2 répl. 0,9 l. 2 l. (43 %) 2 répl. 0,7 l.	1 sc.	3 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Abhorson Pompey	5 l. (15 %) 8 répl. 0,6 l. 28 l. (86 %) 8 répl. 3,5 l.	2 sc.	32 l. (2 %)	6,5 pers.
Abhorson Provost	2 l. (17 %) 2 répl. 0,6 l. 7 l. (84 %) 3 répl. 2,1 l.	1 sc.	8 l. (1 %)	6,0 pers.
Angelo Pompey	2 l. (54 %) 1 répl. 1,4 l. 2 l. (47 %) 2 répl. 0,6 l.	1 sc.	3 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Angelo Vincentio	19 l. (32 %) 9 répl. 2,1 l. 41 l. (69 %) 10 répl. 4,1 l.	2 sc.	60 l. (4 %)	7,3 pers.
Angelo Elbow	3 l. (30 %) 3 répl. 0,8 l. 6 l. (71 %) 2 répl. 2,8 l.	1 sc.	8 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Angelo Escalus	44 l. (67 %) 11 répl. 3,9 l. 22 l. (34 %) 11 répl. 2,0 l.	4 sc.	65 l. (4 %)	7,0 pers.
Angelo Isabella	115 l. (57 %) 44 répl. 2,6 l. 87 l. (44 %) 41 répl. 2,1 l.	3 sc.	202 l. (11 %)	6,4 pers.
Angelo Lucio	3 l. (66 %) 4 répl. 0,7 l. 2 l. (35 %) 4 répl. 0,4 l.	2 sc.	4 l. (1 %)	7,2 pers.
Angelo Mariana	8 l. (38 %) 3 répl. 2,5 l. 13 l. (63 %) 3 répl. 4,2 l.	1 sc.	20 l. (2 %)	8,0 pers.
Angelo Provost	7 l. (39 %) 6 répl. 1,1 l. 11 l. (62 %) 8 répl. 1,3 l.	2 sc.	16 l. (1 %)	6,2 pers.
Angelo Servant	14 l. (89 %) 2 répl. 6,9 l. 2 l. (12 %) 2 répl. 0,9 l.	2 sc.	16 l. (1 %)	4,0 pers.
Barnardine Pompey	3 l. (56 %) 2 répl. 1,1 l. 2 l. (45 %) 2 répl. 0,8 l.	1 sc.	4 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Barnardine Vincentio	6 l. (60 %) 3 répl. 1,9 l. 4 l. (41 %) 3 répl. 1,3 l.	1 sc.	10 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Mistress Overdone Pompey	9 l. (42 %) 9 répl. 0,9 l. 12 l. (59 %) 9 répl. 1,3 l.	1 sc.	20 l. (2 %)	5,0 pers.
Mistress Overdone Escalus	6 l. (93 %) 2 répl. 3,0 l. 1 l. (8 %) 1 répl. 0,5 l.	1 sc.	6 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Mistress Overdone Lucio	4 l. (65 %) 2 répl. 1,7 l. 2 l. (36 %) 2 répl. 1,0 l.	1 sc.	5 l. (1 %)	5,0 pers.
Claudio Vincentio	4 l. (8 %) 3 répl. 1,2 l. 41 l. (93 %) 5 répl. 8,1 l.	1 sc.	44 l. (3 %)	4,0 pers.
Claudio Isabella	27 l. (39 %) 19 répl. 1,4 l. 43 l. (62 %) 17 répl. 2,5 l.	1 sc.	69 l. (4 %)	4,0 pers.
Claudio Lucio	37 l. (74 %) 10 répl. 3,7 l. 14 l. (27 %) 9 répl. 1,5 l.	1 sc.	50 l. (3 %)	3,0 pers.
Claudio Provost	4 l. (50 %) 3 répl. 1,2 l. 4 l. (51 %) 3 répl. 1,2 l.	2 sc.	7 l. (1 %)	5,2 pers.
Pompey Vincentio	2 l. (15 %) 1 répl. 1,1 l. 7 l. (86 %) 2 répl. 3,4 l.	1 sc.	8 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Pompey Elbow	8 l. (48 %) 4 répl. 1,8 l. 8 l. (53 %) 6 répl. 1,3 l.	2 sc.	15 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Pompey Escalus	30 l. (54 %) 20 répl. 1,5 l. 26 l. (47 %) 20 répl. 1,3 l.	1 sc.	55 l. (3 %)	7,0 pers.
Pompey Froth	19 l. (90 %) 5 répl. 3,6 l. 3 l. (11 %) 5 répl. 0,4 l.	1 sc.	20 l. (2 %)	7,0 pers.
Pompey Lucio	4 l. (33 %) 5 répl. 0,8 l. 9 l. (68 %) 3 répl. 2,7 l.	1 sc.	12 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Pompey Provost	14 l. (60 %) 5 répl. 2,7 l. 10 l. (41 %) 4 répl. 2,3 l.	1 sc.	22 l. (2 %)	6,0 pers.
Vincentio Elbow	6 l. (38 %) 3 répl. 1,9 l. 10 l. (63 %) 4 répl. 2,3 l.	1 sc.	15 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Vincentio Escalus	69 l. (70 %) 17 répl. 4,0 l. 31 l. (31 %) 16 répl. 1,9 l.	3 sc.	99 l. (6 %)	7,2 pers.
Vincentio Friar Thomas	36 l. (92 %) 4 répl. 8,9 l. 4 l. (9 %) 3 répl. 1,0 l.	1 sc.	39 l. (3 %)	2,0 pers.
Vincentio Isabella	123 l. (63 %) 37 répl. 3,3 l. 74 l. (38 %) 36 répl. 2,0 l.	4 sc.	196 l. (11 %)	6,5 pers.
Vincentio Juliet	12 l. (76 %) 7 répl. 1,6 l. 4 l. (25 %) 6 répl. 0,6 l.	1 sc.	15 l. (1 %)	3,0 pers.
Vincentio Lucio	89 l. (49 %) 44 répl. 2,0 l. 94 l. (52 %) 44 répl. 2,1 l.	3 sc.	182 l. (10 %)	7,5 pers.
Vincentio Mariana	43 l. (64 %) 16 répl. 2,6 l. 25 l. (37 %) 18 répl. 1,4 l.	2 sc.	67 l. (4 %)	7,5 pers.
Vincentio Friar Peter	26 l. (62 %) 5 répl. 5,1 l. 17 l. (39 %) 4 répl. 4,1 l.	2 sc.	42 l. (3 %)	7,8 pers.
Vincentio Provost	99 l. (61 %) 41 répl. 2,4 l. 66 l. (40 %) 42 répl. 1,6 l.	5 sc.	165 l. (9 %)	6,4 pers.
Elbow Escalus	28 l. (61 %) 14 répl. 2,0 l. 19 l. (40 %) 14 répl. 1,3 l.	1 sc.	46 l. (3 %)	7,0 pers.
Elbow Lucio	2 l. (25 %) 2 répl. 0,5 l. 4 l. (76 %) 3 répl. 1,0 l.	1 sc.	4 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Escalus Froth	5 l. (64 %) 3 répl. 1,5 l. 3 l. (37 %) 3 répl. 0,8 l.	1 sc.	7 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Escalus Justice	6 l. (86 %) 4 répl. 1,3 l. 1 l. (15 %) 3 répl. 0,3 l.	1 sc.	6 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Escalus Lucio	10 l. (54 %) 7 répl. 1,4 l. 9 l. (47 %) 8 répl. 1,0 l.	1 sc.	18 l. (1 %)	8,0 pers.
Escalus Provost	8 l. (83 %) 2 répl. 3,8 l. 2 l. (18 %) 1 répl. 1,6 l.	1 sc.	9 l. (1 %)	7,0 pers.
Isabella Lucio	45 l. (48 %) 25 répl. 1,8 l. 49 l. (53 %) 21 répl. 2,3 l.	3 sc.	93 l. (5 %)	6,7 pers.
Isabella Mariana	15 l. (97 %) 4 répl. 3,6 l. 1 l. (4 %) 2 répl. 0,3 l.	3 sc.	15 l. (1 %)	7,4 pers.
Isabella Francisca	2 l. (15 %) 2 répl. 0,5 l. 7 l. (86 %) 2 répl. 3,2 l.	1 sc.	7 l. (1 %)	3,0 pers.
Isabella Friar Peter	1 l. (9 %) 1 répl. 0,5 l. 6 l. (92 %) 2 répl. 2,6 l.	2 sc.	6 l. (1 %)	7,9 pers.
Isabella Provost	4 l. (82 %) 3 répl. 1,0 l. 1 l. (19 %) 2 répl. 0,4 l.	2 sc.	4 l. (1 %)	5,1 pers.
Juliet Provost	2 l. (86 %) 1 répl. 1,8 l. 1 l. (15 %) 1 répl. 0,3 l.	1 sc.	2 l. (1 %)	3,0 pers.
Lucio Mariana	1 l. (8 %) 1 répl. 0,2 l. 3 l. (93 %) 1 répl. 2,6 l.	1 sc.	3 l. (1 %)	8,0 pers.
Lucio Friar Peter	3 l. (44 %) 2 répl. 1,2 l. 4 l. (57 %) 1 répl. 3,2 l.	1 sc.	6 l. (1 %)	8,0 pers.
Messenger Provost	4 l. (87 %) 1 répl. 3,6 l. 1 l. (14 %) 1 répl. 0,6 l.	1 sc.	4 l. (1 %)	6,0 pers.

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.

Measure, for Measure from Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies. Published according to the true originall copies.

Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies

Bodleian First Folio, Arch. G c.7

Édition de Heminge, John, approximately 1556-1630 et Condell, Henry, -1627

Financement : Sprint for Shakespeare Crowdfunding

Financement : The second phase of the Bodleian First Folio project was made possible by a lead gift from Dr Geoffrey Eibl-Kaye and generous support from the Sallie Dickson Memorial Fund/Dallas Shakespeare Club Fund, Mr James Barber, and a private individual. The Bodleian Libraries are very grateful for this additional support, which brings new features to the digitized First Folio, enabling more efficient and intuitive use for all with an interest in Shakespeare, early modern drama, theatre and book history.

Autres contributions

Droeshout, Martin, 1601- : engraver.

Jaggard, Isaac, -1627 : printer.

Blount, Edward, fl. 1594-1632 : printer.

Jaggard, William, 1569-1623 : publisher.

Smethwicke, John, -1641 : publisher.

Aspley, William, -1640 : publisher.

Bodleian Digital Library Systems and Services : creation of electronic edition.

Invida Trans It Solutions PVT. LTD. : preliminary keying and encoding by.

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11 September 2014

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Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, 11 September 2014.

Source : Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies.: Published according to the true originall copies.Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragediesFirst FolioLondon, England: William Jaggard, Edward Blount, John Smethwicke16238 November 1623 (entered)Bodleian Library, Arch. G c.7S111228015592789

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{p. 61}

MEASVRE,
For Measure. §

Actus primus, Scena prima.

[Act 1, Scene 1] §

Enter Duke, Escalus, Lords.

Duke.

[1] EScalus.

Esc.

My Lord.

Duk.
Of Gouernment, the properties to vn­

                           (fold,
Would seeme in me t'affect speech &
                                    discourse,
5 Since I am put to know, that your owne Science
Exceedes (in that) the lists of all aduice
My strength can giue you: Then no more remaines
But that, to your sufficiency, as your worth is able,
And let them worke: The nature of our People,
10 Our Cities Institutions, and the
                                    Termes
For Common Iustice, y'are as pregnant in
As Art, and practise, hath inriched any
That we remember: There is our Commission,
From which, we would not haue you warpe; call hither,
15 I say, bid come before vs Angelo:
                        
What figure of vs thinke you, he will beare.
For you must know, we haue with speciall soule
Elected him our absence to supply;
Lent him our terror, drest him with our loue,
20 And giuen his Deputation all the Organs
Of our owne powre: What thinke you of it?

Esc.

If any in Vienna be of worth

To vndergoe such ample grace, and honour,

It is Lord Angelo.

Enter Angelo.

Duk.

25 Looke where he comes.

Ang.

Alwayes obedient to your Graces will,

I come to know your pleasure.

Duke.
Angelo:
There is a kinde of Character in thy life,
30 That to th'obseruer, doth thy history
Fully vnfold: Thy selfe, and thy belongings
Are not thine owne so proper, as to waste
Thy selfe vpon thy vertues; they on thee:
Heauen doth with vs, as we, with Torches doe,
35 Not light them for themselues: For if our vertues
Did not goe forth of vs, 'twere all alike
As if we had them not: Spirits are not finely touch'd,
But to fine issues: nor nature neuer lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence,
40 But like a thrifty goddesse, she determines
Her selfe the glory of a creditour,
Both thanks, and vse; but I do bend my speech
To one that can my part in him aduertise;
Hold therefore Angelo:
                        
45 In our remoue, be thou at full, our selfe:
Mortallitie and Mercie in Vienna
                        
Liue in thy tongue, and heart: Old Escalus
                        
Though first in question, is thy secondary.
Take thy Commission.

Ang.

50 Now good my Lord

Let there be some more test, made of my mettle,

Before so noble, and so great a figure

Be stamp't vpon it.

Duk.
No more euasion:
55 We haue with a leauen'd, and prepared choice
Proceeded to you; therefore take your honors:
Our haste from hence is of so quicke condition,
That it prefers it selfe, and leaues
                                    vnquestion'd
Matters of needfull value: We shall write to you
60 As time, and our concernings shall importune,
How it goes with vs, and doe looke to know
What doth befall you here. So fare you well:
To th' hopefull execution doe I leaue you,
Of your Commissions.

Ang.

65 Yet giue leaue (my Lord,)

That we may bring you something on the way.

Duk.
My haste may not admit it,
Nor neede you (on mine honor) haue to doe
With any scruple: your scope is as mine owne,
70 So to inforce, or qualifie the Lawes
As to your soule seemes good: Giue me your hand,
Ile priuily away: I loue the people,
But doe not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it doe well, I doe not rellish well
75 Their lowd applause, and Aues vehement:
Nor doe I thinke the man of safe discretion
That do's affect it. Once more fare you
                                    well.

Ang.

The heauens giue safety to your purposes.

Esc.

Lead forth, and bring you backe in happi
nesse.

Exit.

Duk.

80 I thanke you, fare you well.

Esc.
I shall desire you, Sir, to giue me leaue
To haue free speech with you; and it concernes me
To looke into the bottome of my place:
A powre I haue, but of what strength and nature,
85 I am not yet instructed.

Ang.

'Tis so with me: Let vs with‐draw together,

And we may soone our satisfaction haue

Touching that point.

Esc.

Ile wait vpon your honor.

Exeunt.

F Scœna

{p. 62} Measure for Measure.

Scena Secunda.

[Act 1, Scene 2] §

Enter Lucio, and two other Gentlemen.

Luc.

[90] If the Duke, with the other Dukes, come not to [l. 91] composition with the King of Hungary, why then all the [l. 92] Dukes fall vpon the King.

1. Gent.

[93] Heauen grant vs its peace, but not the King [l. 94] of Hungaries.

2. Gent.

[95] Amen.

Luc.

[96] Thou eonclude'st like the Sanctimonious Pirat, [l. 97] that went to sea with the ten Commandements, but [l. 98] scrap'd one out of the Table.

2. Gent.

[99] Thou shalt not Steale?

Luc.

[100] I, that he raz'd.

1. Gent.

[101] Why? 'twas a commandement, to command [l. 102] the Captaine and all the rest from their functions: they [l. 103] put forth to steale: There's not a Souldier of vs all, that [l. 104] in the thanks‑giuing before meate, do rallish the petition [l. 105] well, that praies for peace.

2. Gent.

[106] I neuer heard any Souldier dislike it.

Luc.

[107] I beleeue thee: for I thinke thou neuer was't [l. 108] where Grace was said.

2. Gent.

[109] No? a dozen times at least.

1. Gent.

[110] What? In meeter?

Luc.

[111] In any proportion. or in any language.

1. Gent.

[112] I thinke, or in any Religion.

Luc.

[113] I, why not? Grace, is Grace, despight of all con [l. 114] trouersie: as for example; Thou thy selfe art a wicked [l. 115] villaine, despight of all Grace.

1. Gent.

[116] Well: there went but a paire of sheeres betweene vs.

Luc.

[117] I grant: as there may between the Lists, and [l. 118] the Veluet. Thou art the List.

1. Gent.

[119] And thou the Veluet; thou art good veluet; [l. 120] thou'rt a three pild‐peece I warrant thee: I had as liefe [l. 121] be a Lyst of an English Kersey, as be pil'd, as thou art [l. 122] pil'd, for a French Veluet. Do I speake feelingly now?

Luc.

[123] I thinke thou do'st: and indeed with most pain [l. 124] full feeling of thy speech: I will, out of thine owne con [l. 125] fession, learne to begin thy health; but, whilst I liue for [l. 126] get to drinke after thee.

1. Gen.

[127] I think I haue done my selfe wrong, haue I not?

2. Gent.

[128] Yes, that thou hast; whether thou art tainted, [l. 129] or free.

Enter Bawde.

Luc.

130 Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes.

I haue purchas'd as many diseases vnder her Roofe,

As come to

2. Gent.

To what, I pray?

Luc.

Iudge

2. Gent.

135 To three thousand Dollours a yeare.

1. Gent.

I, and more.

Luc.

A French crowne more.

1. Gent.

[138] Thou art alwayes figuring diseases in me; but [l. 139] thou art full of error, I am sound.

Luc.

[140] Nay, not (as one would say) healthy: but so [l. 141] sound, as things that are hollow; thy bones are hollow; [l. 142] Impiety has made a feast of thee.

1. Gent.

[143] How now, which of your hips has the most [l. 144] profound Ciatica?

Bawd.

[145] Well, well: there's one yonder arrested, and [l. 146] carried to prison, was worth fiue thousand of you all.

2. Gent.

[147] Who's that I pray'thee?

Bawd.

[148] Marry Sir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio?

1. Gent.

[149] Claudio to prison? 'tis not so.

Bawd.

[150] Nay, but I know 'tis so: I saw him arrested: [l. 151] saw him carried away: and which is more, within these [l. 152] three daies his head to be chop'd off.

Luc.

[153] But, after all this fooling, I would not haue it so: [l. 154] Art thou sure of this?

Bawd.

[155] I am too sure of it: and it is for getting Madam [l. 156] Iulietta with childe.

Luc.

[157] Beleeue me this may be: he promis'd to meete [l. 158] me two howres since, and he was euer precise in promise [l. 159] keeping.

2. Gent.

[160] Besides you know, it drawes somthing neere [l. 161] to the speech we had to such a purpose.

1. Gent.

[162] But most of all agreeing with the proclamation.

Luc.

[163] Away: let's goe learne the truth of it.

Exit.

Bawd.

[164] Thus, what with the war; what with the sweat, [l. 165] what with the gallowes, and what with pouerty, I am [l. 166] Custom‑shrunke. How now? what's the newes [l. 167] with you.

Enter Clowne.

Clo.

[168] Yonder man is carried to prison.

Baw.

[169] Well: what has he done?

Clo.

[170] A Woman.

Baw.

[171] But what's his offence?

Clo.

[172] Groping for Trowts, in a peculiar Riuer.

Baw.

[173] What? is there a maid with child by him?

Clo.

[174] No: but there's a woman with maid by him: [l. 175] you haue not heard of the proclamation, haue you?

Baw.

[176] What proclamation, man?

Clow.

[177] All howses in the Suburbs of Vienna must bee [l. 178] pluck'd downe.

Bawd.

[179] And what shall become of those in the Citie?

Clow.

[180] They shall stand for seed: they had gon down [l. 181] to, but that a wise Burger put in for them.

Bawd.

[182] But shall all our houses of resort in the Sub [l. 183] urbs be puld downe?

Clow.

[184] To the ground, Mistris.

Bawd.

[185] Why heere's a change indeed in the Common [l. 186] wealth: what shall become of me?

Clow.

[187] Come: feare not you; good Counsellors lacke [l. 188] no Clients: though you change your place, you neede [l. 189] not change your Trade: Ile bee your Tapster still; cou [l. 190] rage, there will bee pitty taken on you; you that haue [l. 191] worne your eyes almost out in the seruice, you will bee [l. 192] considered.

Bawd.

[193] What's to doe heere, Thomas Tapster? let's [l. 194] withdraw?

Clo.

[195] Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the Prouost [l. 196] to prison: and there's Madam Iuliet.

Exeunt.

Scena Tertia.

[Act 1, Scene 2, cont.] §

Enter Prouost, Claudio, Iuliet, Officers, Lucio, & 2.Gent.

Cla.

Fellow, why do'st thou show me thus to th'world?

Beare me to prison, where I am committed.

Pro.

I do it not in euill disposition,

200 But from Lord Angelo by speciall charge.

Clau.

Thus can the demy‑god (Authority)

Make vs pay downe, for our offence, by waight

The words of heauen; on whom it will, it will,

On whom it will not (soe) yet still 'tis iust.

Luc.

205 Why how now Claudio? whence comes this res
(traint.

Cla.

From too much liberty, (my Lucio) Liberty

As surfet is the father of much fast,

So euery Scope by the immoderate vse

Turnes to restraint: Our Natures doe pursue

Like {p. 63} Measure for Measure.

210 Like Rats that rauyn downe their proper Bane,

A thirsty euill, and when we drinke, we die.

Luc.

[212] If I could speake so wisely vnder an arrest, I [l. 213] would send for certaine of my Creditors: and yet, to say [l. 214] the truth, I had as lief haue the foppery of freedome, as [l. 215] the mortality of imprisonment: what's thy offence, [l. 216] Claudio?

Cla.

What (but to speake of) would offend againe.

Luc.

What, is't murder?

Cla.

No.

Luc.

220 Lecherie?

Cla.

Call it so.

Pro.

Away, Sir, you must goe.

Cla.

One word, good friend:

Lucio, a word with you.

Luc.

225 A hundred:

If they'll doe you any good: Is Lechery so look'd after?

Cla.
Thus stands it with me: vpon a true contract
                        
I got possession of Iulietas bed,
You know the Lady, she is fast my wife,
230 Saue that we doe the denunciation lacke
Of outward Order. This we came not to,
Onely for propogation of a Dowre
Remaining in the Coffer of her friends,
From whom we
                                    thought it meet to hide our Loue
235 Till Time had made them for vs. But it chances
The stealth of our most mutuall entertainment
With Character too grosse, is writ on Iuliet.

Luc.

With childe, perhaps?

Cla.
Vnhappely, euen so.
240 And the new Deputie, now for the Duke,
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newnes,
Or whether that the body publique, be
A horse whereon the Gouernor doth ride,
Who newly in the Seate, that it may know
245 He can command; lets it strait feele the spur:
Whether the Tirranny be in his place,
Or in his Eminence that fills it vp
I stagger in: But this new Gouernor
Awakes me all the inrolled penalties
250 Which haue (like vn‑scowr'd Armor) hung by th'wall 
So long, that ninteene Zodiacks haue gone round,
And none of them beene worne; and for a name
Now puts the drowsie and neglected Act
Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.

Luc.

[255] I warrant it is: And thy head stands so tickle on [l. 256] thy shoulders, that a milkemaid, if she be in loue, may [l. 257] sigh it off: Send after the Duke, and appeale to him.

Cla.
I haue done so, but hee's not to be found.
I pre'thee (Lucio) doe me this kinde seruice:
260 This day, my sister should the Cloyster enter,
And there receiue her approbation.
Acquaint her with the danger of my state,
Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends
To the strict deputie: bid her selfe assay him,
265 I haue great hope in that: for in her youth
There is a prone and speechlesse dialect,
Such as moue men: beside, she hath prosperous Art
When she will play with reason, and discourse,
And well she can perswade.

Luc.

[270] I pray shee may; aswell for the encouragement [l. 271] of the like, which else would stand vnder greeuous im [l. 272] position: as for the enioying of thy life, who I would [l. 273] be sorry should bee thus foolishly lost, at a game of ticke [l. 274] tacke: Ile to her.

Cla.

[275] I thanke you good friend Lucio.

Luc.

[276] Within two houres.

Cla.

[277] Come Officer, away.

Exeunt.

Scena Quarta.

[Act 1, Scene 3] §

Enter Duke and Frier Thomas.

Duk.
No: holy Father, throw away that thought,
Beleeue not that the dribling dart of Loue
280 Can pierce a compleat bosome: why, I desire thee
To giue me secret harbour, hath a purpose
More graue, and wrinkled, then the aimes, and ends
Of burning youth.

Fri.

May your Grace speake of it?

Duk.
285 My holy Sir, none better knowes then you
How I haue euer lou'd the life remoued
And held in idle price, to haunt assemblies
Where youth, and cost, witlesse brauery keepes.
I haue deliuerd to Lord Angelo
                        
290 (A man of stricture and firme abstinence)
My absolute power, and place here in Uienna
                        
And he supposes me trauaild to Poland,
(For so I haue strewd it in the common eare)
And so it is receiu'd: Now (pious Sir)
295 You will demand of me, why I do this.

Fri.

Gladly, my Lord.

Duk.
We haue strict Statutes, and most biting Laws,
(The needfull bits and curbes to headstrong weedes,)
Which for this foureteene yeares, we haue let slip,
300 Euen like an ore7#x2011;growne Lyon in a Caue
That goes not out to prey: Now, as fond Fathers,
Hauing bound vp the threatning twigs of birch,
Onely to sticke it in their childrens sight,
For terror, not to vse: in time the rod
305 More mock'd, then fear'd: so our Decrees,
Dead to infliction, to themselues are dead,
And libertie, plucks Iustice by the nose;
The Baby beates the Nurse, and quite athwart
Goes all
                                    decorum.

Fri.

310 It rested in your Grace

To vnloose this tyde‑vp Iustice, when you pleas'd:

And it in you more dreadfull would haue seem'd

Then in Lord Angelo.

Duk.
I doe feare: too dreadfull:
315 Sith 'twas my fault, to giue the people scope,
'Twould be my tirrany to strike and gall them,
For what I bid them doe: For, we bid this be done
When euill deedes haue their permissiue passe,
And not the punishment: therefore indeede (my father)
320 I haue on Angelo impos'd the
                                    office,
Who may in th' ambush of my name, stri[..] home,
And yet, my nature neuer in the fight
To do in slander: And to behold his sway
I will, as 'twere a brother of your Order,
325 Visit both Prince, and People: Therefore I pre'thee
Supply me with the habit, and instruct me
How I may formally in person beare
Like a true Frier: Moe reasons for this
                                    action
At our more leysure, shall I render you;
330 Onely, this one: Lord Angelo is
                                    precise,
Stands at a guard with Enuie: scarce confesses
That his blood flowes: or that his appetite
Is more to bread then stone: hence shall we see

If power change purpose: what our Seemers be.

Exit.

F2 Scœna

{p. 64} Measure for Measure.

Scena Quinta.

[Act 1, Scene 4] §

Enter Isabell and Francisca a Nun.

Isa.

335 And haue you Nuns no farther priuiledges?

Nun.

Are not these large enough?

Isa.

Yes truely; I speake not as desiring more,

But rather wishing a more strict restraint

Vpon the Sisterhood, the Votarists of Saint Clare.

Lucio within.

Luc.

340 Hoa? peace be in this place.

Isa.

Who's that which cals?

Nun.
It is a mans voice: gentle Isabella
                        
Turne you the key, and know his businesse of him;
You may; I may not: you are yet vnsworne:
345 When you haue vowd, you must not speake with men,
But in
                                    the presence of the Prioresse;
Then if you speake, you must not show your face;
Or if you show your face, you must not speake.
He cals againe: I pray you answere him.

Isa.

350 Peace and prosperitie: who is't that cals?

Luc.
Haile Virgin, (if you be) as those cheeke‑Roses
Proclaime you are no lesse: can you so steed me,
As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
A Nouice of this place, and the faire Sister
355 To her vnhappie brother Claudio?

Isa.

Why her vnhappy Brother? Let me aske,

The rather for I now must make you know

I am that Isabella, and his Sister.

Luc.

Gentle & faire: your Brother kindly greets you;

360 Not to be weary with you; he's in prison.

Isa.

Woe me; for what?

Luc.

For that, which if my selfe might be his Iudge,

He should receiue his punishment, in thankes:

He hath got his friend with childe.

Isa.

365 Sir, make me not your storie.

Luc.
'Tis true; I would not, though 'tis my familiar
                                    sin,
With Maids to seeme the Lapwing, and to iest
Tongue, far from heart: play with all Virgins so:
I hold you as a thing en‑skied, and sainted,
370 By your renouncement, an imortall spirit
And to be talk'd with in sincerity,
As with a Saint.

Isa.

You doe blaspheme the good, in mocking me.

Luc.
Doe not beleeue it: fewnes, and truth; tis thus,
375 Your brother, and his louer haue embrac'd;
As those that feed, grow full: as blossoming Time
That from the seednes, the bare fallow brings
To teeming foyson: euen so her plenteous wombe
 Expresseth his full Tilth, and husbandry.

Isa.

380 Some o[.]e with childe by him? my cosen Iuliet?

Luc.

Is she your cosen?

Isa.

Adoptedly, as schoole‑maids change their names
By vaine, though apt affection.

Luc.

She it is.

Isa.

Oh, let him marry her.

Luc.
385 This is the point.
The Duke is very strangely gone from hence;
Bore many gentlemen (my selfe being one)
In hand, and hope of action: but we doe learne,
By those that know the very Nerues of State,
390 His giuing‑out, were of an infinite distance
From his true meant designe: vpon his place,
(And with full line of his authority)
Gouernes Lord Angelo; A man, whose
                                    blood
Is very snow‑broth: one, who neuer feeles
395 The wanton stings, and motions of the sence;
But doth rebate, and blunt his naturall edge
With profits of the minde: Studie, and fast
He (to giue feare to vse, and libertie,
Which haue, for long, run‑by the hideous law,
400 As Myce, by Lyons) hath pickt out an act,
Vnder whose heauy sence, your brothers life
Fals into forfeit: he arrests him on it,
And followes close the rigor of the Statute
To make him an example: all hope is gone,
405  Vnlesse you haue the grace, by your faire praier
To soften Angelo: And that's my
                                    pith of businesse
'Twixt you, and your poore brother.

Isa.

Doth he so,

Seeke his life?

Luc.

410 Has censur'd him already,

And as I heare, the Prouost hath a warrant

For's execution.

Isa.

Alas: what poore

Abilitie's in me, to doe him good.

Luc.

415 Assay the powre you haue.

Isa.

My power? alas, I doubt.

Luc.
Our doubts are traitors
And makes vs loose the good we oft might win,
By fearing to attempt: Goe to Lord Angelo
                        
420 And let him learne to know, when Maidens sue
Men giue like gods: but when they weepe and kneele,
All their petitions, are as freely theirs
As they themselues would owe them.

Isa.

Ile see what I can doe.

Luc.

425 But speedily.

Isa.
I will about it strait;
No longer staying, but to giue the Mother
Notice of my affaire: I humbly thanke you:
Commend me to my brother: soone at night
430 Ile send him certaine word of my successe.

Luc.

I take my leaue of you.

Isa.

Good sir, adieu.

Exeunt.

Actus Secundus. Scœna Prima.

[Act 2, Scene 1] §

Enter Angelo, Escalus, and seruants, Iustice.

Ang.

We must not make a scar‑crow of the Law,

Setting it vp to feare the Birds of prey,

435 And let it keepe one shape, till custome make it

Their pearch, and not their terror.

Esc.
I, but yet
Let vs be keene, and rather cut a little
Then fall, and bruise to death: alas, this gentleman
440 Whom I would saue, had a most noble father,
Let but your honour know
(Whom I beleeue to be most strait in vertue)
That in
                                    the working of your owne affections,
Had time coheard with Place, or place with wishing,
445 Or that the resolute acting of our blood
Could haue attaind th' effect of your owne
                                    purpose,
Whether you had not sometime in your life
Er'd in this point, which now you censure him,
And puld the Law vpon you.

Ang.

450 'Tis one thing to be tempted (Escalus)

Another {p. 65} Measure for Measure.

Another thing to fall: I not deny

The Iury passing on the Prisoners life

May in the sworne‑twelue haue a thiefe, or two

Guiltier then him they try; what's open made to Iustice,

455 That Iustice ceizes; What knowes the Lawes

That theeues do passe on theeues? 'Tis very pregnant,

The Iewell that we finde, we stoope, and take't,

Because we see it; but what we doe not see,

We tread vpon, and neuer thinke of it.

460 You may not so extenuate his offence,

For I haue had such faults; but rather tell me

When I, that censure him, do so offend,

Let mine owne Iudgement patterne out my death,

And nothing come in partiall. Sir, he must dye.

Enter Prouost.

Esc.

465 Be it as your wisedome will.

Ang.

Where is the Prouost?

Pro.

Here if it like your honour.

Ang.

See that Claudio

Be executed by nine to morrow morning,

470 Bring him his Confessor, let him be prepar'd,

For that's the vtmost of his pilgrimage.

Esc.

Well: heauen forgiue him; and forgiue vs all:

Some rise by sinne, and some by vertue fall:

Some run from brakes of Ice, and answere none,

475 And some condemned for a fault alone.

Enter Elbow, Froth, Clowne, Officers.

Elb.

[476] Come, bring them away: if these be good peo [l. 477] ple in a Common‑weale, that doe nothing but vse their [l. 478] abuses in common houses, I know no law: bring them away.

Ang.

[479] How now Sir, what's your name? And what's [l. 480] the matter?

Elb.

[481] If it please your honour, I am the poore [l. 482] Dukes Constable, and my name is Elbow; I doe leane vpon Ius [l. 483] tice Sir, and doe bring in here before your good honor, [l. 484] two notorious Benefactors.

Ang.

485 Benefactors? Well: What Benefactors are they?

Are they not Malefactors?

Elb.

[487] If it please your honour, I know not well what [l. 488] they are: But precise villaines they are, that I am sure of, [l. 489] and void of all prophanation in the world, that good [l. 490] Christians ought to haue.

Esc.

This comes off well: here's a wise Officer.

Ang.

[492] Goe to: What quality are they of? Elbow is [l. 493] your name? [l. 494] Why do'st thou not speake Elbow?

Clo.

[495] He cannot Sir: he's out at Elbow.

Ang.

[496] What are you Sir?

Elb.

[497] He Sir: a Tapster Sir: parcell Baud: one that [l. 498] serues a bad woman: whose house Sir was (as they say) [l. 499] pluckt downe in the Suborbs: and now shee professes a hotߛhouse; which, I thinke is a very ill house too.

Esc.

[500] How know you that?

Elb.

[501] My wife Sir? whom I detest before heauen, and [l. 502] your honour.

Esc.

[503] How? thy wife?

Elb.

[504] I Sir: whom I thanke heauen is an honest wo [l. 505] man.

Esc.

[506] Do'st thou detest her therefore?

Elb.

[507] I say sir, I will detest; my selfe also, as well as she, [l. 508] that this house, if it be not a Bauds house, it is pitty of her life, [l. 509] for it is a naughty house.

Esc.

[510] How do'st thou know that, Constable?

Elb.

[511] Marry sir, by my wife, who, if she had bin a wo [l. 512] man Cardinally giuen, might haue bin accus'd in forn [l. 513] ication, adultery, and all vncleanlinesse there.

Esc.

[514] By the womans meanes?

Elb.

[515] I sir, by Mistris Ouerߛdons meanes: but as she spit [l. 516] in his face, so she defide him.

Clo.

[517] Sir, if it please your honor, this is not so.

Elb.

[518] Proue it before these varlets here, thou honorable [l. 519] man, proue it.

Esc.

[520] Doe you heare how he misplaces?

Clo.

[521] Sir, she came in great with childe: and longing [l. 522] (sauing your honors reuerence) for stewd prewyns; sir, [l. 523] we had but two in the house, which at that very distant [l. 524] time stood, as it were in a fruit dish (a dish of some three [l. 525] pence; your honours haue seene such dishes) they are not [l. 526] China‑dishes, but very good dishes.

Esc.

[527] Go too: go too: no matter for the dish sir.

Clo.

[528] No indeede sir not of a pin; you are therein in [l. 529] the right: but, to the point: As I say, this Mistris Elbow, [l. 530] being (as I say) with childe, and being great bellied, and [l. 531] longing (as I said) for prewyns: and hauing but two in [l. 532] the dish (as I said) Master Froth here, this very man, ha [l. 533] uing eaten the rest (as I said) & (as I say) paying for them [l. 534] very honestly: for, as you know Master Froth, I could not [l. 535] giue you three pence againe.

Fro.

[536] No indeede.

Clo.

[537] Very well: you being then (if you be remem [l. 538] bred) cracking the stones of the foresaid prewyns.

Fro.

[539] I, so I did indeede.

Clo.

[540] Why, very well: I telling you then (if you be [l. 541] remembred) that such a one, and such a one, were past [l. 542] cure of the thing you wot of, vnlesse they kept very good [l. 543] diet, as I told you.

Fro.

[544] All this is true.

Clo.

[545] Why very well then.

Esc.

[546] Come: you are a tedious foole: to the purpose: [l. 547] what was done to Elbowes wife, that hee hath cause to [l. 548] complaine of? Come me to what was done to her.

Clo.

[549] Sir, your honor cannot come to that yet.

Esc.

[550] No sir, nor I meane it not.

Clo.

[551] Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honours [l. 552] leaue: And I beseech you, looke into Master Froth here [l. 553] sir, a man of foure‑score pound a yeare; whose father [l. 554] died at Hallowmas: Was't not at Hallowmas Master Froth?

Fro.

[555] Allhallond‑Eue.

Clo.

[556] Why very well: I hope here be truthes: he Sir, [l. 557] sitting (as I say) in a lower chaire, Sir, 'twas in the bunch [l. 558] of Grapes, where indeede you haue a delight to sit, haue [l. 559] you not?

Fro.

[560] I haue so, because it is an open roome, and good for winter.

Clo.

[561] Why very well then: I hope here be truthes.

Ang.

[562] This will last out a night in Russia [l. 563] When nights are longest there: Ile take my leaue, [l. 564] And leaue you to the hearing of the cause; [l. 565] Hoping youle finde good cause to whip them all.

Exit.

Esc.

[566] I thinke no lesse: good morrow to your Lord [l. 567] ship. Now Sir, come on: What was done to Elbowes [l. 568] wife, once more?

Clo.

[569] Once Sir? there was nothing done to her once.

Elb.

[570] I beseech you Sir, aske him what this man did to [l. 571] my wife.

Clo.

[572] I beseech your honor, aske me.

Esc.

[573] Well sir, what did this Gentleman to her?

Clo.

[574] I beseech you sir, looke in this Gentlemans face: [l. 575] good Master Froth looke vpon his honor; 'tis for a good [l. 576] purpose: doth your honor marke his face?

F3 Esc. I {p. 66} Measure for Measure.

Esc.

[577] I sir, very well.

Clo.

[578] Nay, I beseech you marke it well.

Esc.

[579] Well, I doe so.

Clo.

[580] Doth your honor see any harme in his face?

Esc.

[581] Why no.

Clo.

[582] Ile be supposd vpon a booke, his face is the worst [l. 583] thing about him: good then: if his face be the worst [l. 584] thing about him, how could Master Froth doe the Con [l. 585] stables wife any harme? I would know that of your [l. 586] honour.

Esc.

[587] He's in the right (Constable) what say you to it?

Elb.

[588] First, and it like you, the house is a respected [l. 589] house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his Mistris is [l. 590] a respected woman.

Clo.

[591] By this hand Sir, his wife is a more respected per [l. 592] son then any of vs all.

Elb.

[593] Varlet, thou lyest; thou lyest wicked varlet: the [l. 594] time is yet to come that shee was euer respected with [l. 595] man, woman, or childe.

Clo.

[596] Sir, she was respected with him, before he mar [l. 597] ried with her.

Esc.

[598] Which is the wiser here; Iustice or Iniquitie? Is [l. 599] this true?

Elb.

[600] O thou caytiffe: O thou varlet: O thou wick [l. 601] ed Hanniball; I respected with her, before I was married [l. 602] to her? If euer I was respected with her, or she with me, [l. 603] let not your worship thinke mee the poore Dukes Offi [l. 604] cer: proue this, thou wicked Hanniball, or ile haue [l. 605] mine action of battry on thee.

Esc.

[606] If he tooke you a box o'th' eare, you might haue [l. 607] your action of slander too.

Elb.

[608] Marry I thanke your good worship for it: what [l. 609] is't your Worships pleasure I shall doe with this wick [l. 610] ed Caitiffe?

Esc.

[611] Truly Officer, because he hath some offences in [l. 612] him, that thou wouldst discouer, if thou couldst, let him [l. 613] continue in his courses, till thou knowst what they are.

Elb.

[614] Marry I thanke your worship for it: Thou seest [l. 615] thou wicked varlet now, what's come vpon thee. Thou [l. 616] art to continue now thou Varlet, thou art to continue.

Esc.

[617] Where were you borne, friend?

Froth.

[618] Here in Vienna, Sir.

Esc.

[619] Are you of fourescore pounds a yeere?

Froth.

[620] Yes, and't please you sir.

Esc.

[621] So: what trade are you of, sir?

Clo.

[622] A Tapster, a poore widdowes Tapster.

Esc.

[623] Your Mistris name?

Clo.

[624] Mistris Ouer‑don.

Esc.

[625] Hath she had any more then one husband?

Clo.

[626] Nine, sir: Ouerߛdon by the last.

Esc.

[627] Nine? come hether to me, Master Froth; Master [l. 628] Froth, I would not haue you acquainted with Tapsters; [l. 629] they will draw you Master Froth, and you wil hang them: [l. 630] get you gon, and let me heare no more of you.

Fro.

[631] I thanke your worship: for mine owne part, I [l. 632] neuer come into any roome in a Tapߛhouse, but I am [l. 633] drawne in.

Esc.

[634] Well: no more of it Master Froth: farewell: [l. 635] Come you hether to me, Mr. Tapster: what's your [l. 636] name Mr. Tapster?

Clo.

[637] Pompey.

Esc.

[638] What else?

Clo.

[639] Bum, Sir.

Esc.

[640] Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about [l. 641] you, so that in the beastliest sence, you are Pompey the [l. 642] great; Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey; howso [l. 643] euer you colour it in being a Tapster, are you not? come, [l. 644] tell me true, it shall be the better for you.

Clo.

[645] Truly sir, I am a poore fellow that would liue.

Esc.

[646] How would you liue Pompey? by being a bawd? [l. 647] what doe you thinke of the trade Pompey? is it a lawfull [l. 648] trade?

Clo.

[649] If the Law would allow it, sir.

Esc.

[650] But the Law will not allow it Pompey; nor it shall [l. 651] not be allowed in Uienna.

Clo.

[652] Do's your Worship meane to geld and splay all [l. 653] the youth of the City?

Esc.

[654] No, Pompey.

Clo.

[655] Truely Sir, in my poore opinion they will too't [l. 656] then: if your worship will take order for the drabs and [l. 657] the knaues, you need not to feare the bawds.

Esc.

[658] There is pretty orders beginning I can tell you: [l. 659] It is but heading, and hanging.

Clo.

[660] If you head, and hang all that offend that way [l. 661] but for ten yeare together; you'll be glad to giue out a [l. 662] Commission for more heads: if this law hold in Vienna [l. 663] ten yeare, ile rent the fairest house in it after three pence [l. 664] a Bay: if you liue to see this come to passe, say Pompey [l. 665] told you so.

Esc.

[666] Thanke you good Pompey; and in requitall of [l. 667] your prophesie, harke you: I aduise you let me not finde [l. 668] you before me againe vpon any complaint whatsoeuer; [l. 669] no, not for dwelling where you doe: if I doe Pompey, I [l. 670] shall beat you to your Tent, and proue a shrewd Cæsar [l. 671] to you: in plaine dealing Pompey, I shall haue you whipt; [l. 672] so for this time, Pompey, fare you well.

Clo.

[673] I thanke your Worship for your good counsell; [l. 674] but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better [l. 675] determine. Whip me? no, no, let Carman whip his Iade, [l. 676] The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade.

Exit.

Esc.

[677] Come hether to me, Master Elbow: come hither [l. 678] Master Constable: how long haue you bin in this place [l. 679] of Constable?

Elb.

[680] Seuen yeere, and a halfe sir.

Esc.

[681] I thought by the readinesse in the office, you had [l. 682] continued in it some time: you say seauen yeares toge [l. 683] ther.

Elb.

[684] And a halfe sir.

Esc.

[685] Alas, it hath beene great paines to you: they do [l. 686] you wrong to put you so oft vpon't. Are there not men [l. 687] in your Ward sufficient to serue it?

Elb.

[688] 'Faith sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they [l. 689] are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it [l. 690] for some peece of money, and goe through with all.

Esc.

[691] Looke you bring mee in the names of some sixe [l. 692] or seuen, the most sufficient of your parish.

Elb.

[693] To your Worships house sir?

Esc.

[694] To my house: fare you well: what's a clocke, [l. 695] thinke you?

Iust.

[696] Eleuen, Sir.

Esc.

[697] I pray you home to dinner with me.

Iust.

[698] I humbly thanke you.

Esc.

It grieues me for the death of Claudio

700 But there's no remedie:

Iust.

Lord Angelo is seuere.

Esc.
It is but needfull.
Mercy is not it selfe, that oft lookes so,
Pardon is still the nurse of second woe:
705 But yet, poore Claudio; there is no
                                    remedie.
Come Sir.

Exeunt.

Scœna

{p. 67} Measure for Measure.

Scena Secunda.

[Act 2, Scene 2] §

Enter Prouost, Seruant.

Ser.

Hee's hearing of a Cause; he will come straight,

I'le tell him of you.

Pro.
'Pray you doe; Ile know
710 His pleasure, may be he will relent; alas
He hath but as offended in a dreame,
All Sects, all Ages smack of this vice,and he
To die for't?

Enter Angelo.

Ang.

Now, what's the matter Prouost?

Pro.

715 Is it your will Claudio shall die to morrow?

Ang.

Did not I tell thee yea? hadst thou not order?

Why do'st thou aske againe?

Pro.

Lest I might be too rash:

Vnder your good correction, I haue seene

720 When after execution, Iudgement hath

Repented ore his doome.

Ang.

Goe to; let that be mine,

Doe you your office, or giue vp your Place,

And you shall well be spar'd.

Pro.

725 I craue your Honours pardon:

What shall be done Sir, with the groaning Iuliet?

Shee's very neere her howre.

Ang.

Dispose of her

To some more fitter place; and that with speed.

Ser.

730 Here is the sister of the man condemn'd,

Desires accesse to you.

Ang.

Hath he a Sister?

Pro.

I my good Lord, a very vertuous maid,

And to be shortlie of a Sister‑hood,

735 If not alreadie.

Ang.

Well: let her be admitted,

See you the Fornicatresse be remou'd,

Let her haue needfull, but not lauish meanes,

There shall be order for't.

Enter Lucio and Isabella.

Pro.

740 'Saue your Honour.

Ang.

Stay a little while: y'are welcome: what's your
(will?

Isab.

I am a wofull Sutor to your Honour,

'Please but your Honor heare me.

Ang.

Well: what's your suite.

Isab.
745 There is a vice that most I doe abhorre,
And most desire should meet the blow of Iustice;
For which I would not plead, but that I must,
For which I must not plead, but that I am
At warre, twixt will, and will not.

Ang.

750 Well: the matter?

Isab.

I haue a brother is condemn'd to die,

I doe beseech you let it be his fault,

And not my brother.

Pro.

Heauen giue thee mouing graces.

Ang.
755 Condemne the fault, and not the actor of it,
Why euery fault's condemnd ere it be done:
Mine were the verie Cipher of a Function
To fine the faults, whose fine stands in record,
And let goe by the Actor:

Isab.

760 Oh iust, but seuere Law:

I had a brother then; heauen keepe your honour.

Luc.
Giue't not ore so: to him againe, entreat him,
Kneele downe before him, hang vpon his gowne,
You are too cold: if you should need a pin,
765 You could not with more tame a tongue desire it:
To him, I say.

Isab.

Must he needs die?

Ang.

Maiden, no remedie.

Isab.

Yes: I doe thinke that you might pardon him,

770 And neither heauen, nor man grieue at the mercy.

Ang.

I will not doe't.

Isab.

But can you if you would?

Ang.

Looke what I will not, that I cannot doe.

Isab.

But might you doe't & do the world no wrong

775 If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse,

As mine is to him?

Ang.

Hee's sentenc'd, tis too late.

Luc.

You are too cold.

Isab.
Too late? why no: I that doe speak a word
780 May call it againe: well, beleeue this
No ceremony that to great ones longs,
Not the Kings Crowne; nor the deputed sword,
The Marshalls Truncheon, nor the Iudges Robe
Become them with one halfe so good a grace
785 As mercie does: If he had bin as you, and you as he,
You would haue slipt like him, but he like you
Would not haue beene so sterne.

Ang.

Pray you be gone.

Isab.

I would to heauen I had your potencie,

790 And you were Isabell: should it then be thus?

No: I would tell what 'twere to be a Iudge,

And what a prisoner.

Luc.

I, touch him: there's the vaine.

Ang.

Your Brother is a forfeit of the Law,

795 And you but waste your words.

Isab.
Alas, alas:
Why all the soules that were, were forfeit once,
And he that might the vantage best haue tooke,
Found out the remedie: how would you be,
800 If he, which is the top of Iudgement, should
But iudge you, as you are? Oh, thinke on that,
And mercie then will breathe within your lips
Like man new made.

Ang.

Be you content, (faire Maid)

805 It is the Law, not I, condemne your brother,

Were he my kinsman, brother, or my sonne,

It should be thus with him: he must die to morrow.

Isab.
To morrow? oh, that's sodaine,
Spare him, spare him:
810 Hee's not prepar'd for death; euen for our
                                    kitchins
We kill the fowle of season: shall we serue heauen
With lesse respect then we doe minister
To our grosse‑selues? good, good my Lord, bethink you;
Who is it that hath di'd for this offence?
815 There's many haue committed it.

Luc.

I, well said.

Ang.
The Law hath not bin dead, thogh it hath slept
Those many had not dar'd to doe that euill
If the first;, that did th'Edict
                                    infringe
820 Had answer'd for his deed. Now 'tis awake,
Takes note of what is done, and like a Prophet
Lookes in a glasse that shewes what future euils
Either now, or by remissenesse, new conceiu'd,
And so in progresse to be hatch'd, and borne,
825 Are now to haue no successiue degrees,
But here they liue to end.

Isab.

Yet shew some pittie.

Ang.

I shew it most of all, when I show Iustice;

For then I pittie those I doe not know,

830 Which a dismis'd offence, would after gaule

And {p. 68} Measure for Measure.

And doe him right, that answering one foule wrong

Liues not to act another. Be satisfied;

Your Brother dies to morrow; be content.

Isab.

So you must be the first that giues this sentence,

835 And hee, that suffers: Oh, it is excellent

To haue a Giants strength: but it is tyrannous

To vse it like a Giant.

Luc.

That's well said.

Isab.
Could great men thunder
840 As Ioue himselfe do's, Ioue would neuer be quiet,
For euery pelting petty Officer
Would vse his heauen for thunder;
Nothing but thunder: Mercifull heauen,
Thou rather with thy sharpe and sulpherous bolt
845 Splits the vn‑wedgable and gnarled Oke,
Then the soft Mertill: But man, proud man,
Drest in a little briefe authoritie,
Most ignorant of what he's most
                                    assur'd,
(His glassie Essence) like an angry Ape
850 Plaies such phantastique tricks before high heauen,
As makes the Angels weepe: who with our spleenes,
Would all themselues laugh mortall.

Luc.

Oh, to him, to him wench: he will relent,

Hee's comming: I perceiue't.

Pro.

855 Pray heauen she win him.

Isab.

We cannot weigh our brother with our selfe,

Great men may iest with Saints: tis wit in them,

But in the lesse fowle prophanation.

Luc.

Thou'rt i'th right (Girle) more o'that.

Isab.

860 That in the Captaine's but a chollericke word,

Which in the Souldier is flat blasphemie.

Luc.

Art auis'd o'that? more on't.

Ang.

Why doe you put these sayings vpon me?

Isab.
Because Authoritie, though it erre like others,
865 Hath yet a kinde of medicine in it selfe
That skins the vice o'th top; goe to your bosome,
Knock there, and aske your heart what it doth know
That's like my brothers fault: if it confesse
A naturall guiltinesse, such as is his,
870 Let it not sound a thought vpon your tongue
Against my brothers life.

Ang.

Shee speakes, and 'tis such sence

That my Sence breeds with it; fare you well.

Isab.

Gentle my Lord, turne backe.

Ang.

875 I will bethinke me: come againe to morrow.

Isa.

Hark, how Ile bribe you: good my Lord turn back.

Ang.

How? bribe me?

Is.

I, with such gifts that heauen shall share with you.

Luc.

You had mar'd all else.

Isab.
880 Not with fond Sickles of the tested‑gold,
Or Stones, whose rate are either rich, or poore
As fancie values them: but with true prayers,
That shall be vp at heauen, and enter there
Ere Sunne rise: prayers from preserued soules,
885 From fasting Maides, whose mindes are dedicate
To nothing temporall.

Ang.

Well: come to me to morrow.

Luc.

Goe to: 'tis well; away.

Isab.

Heauen keepe your honour safe.

Ang.

890 Amen.

For I am that way going to temptation,

Where prayers crosse.

Isab.

At what hower to morrow,

Shall I attend your Lordship?

Ang.

895 At any time 'fore‑noone.

Isab.

'Saue your Honour.

Ang.
From thee: euen from thy vertue.
What's this? what's this? is this her fault, or
                                    mine?
The Tempter, or the Tempted, who sins most? ha?
900 Not she: nor doth she tempt: but it is I,
That, lying by the Violet in the Sunne,
Doe as the Carrion do's, not as the flowre,
Corrupt with vertuous season: Can it be,
That Modesty may more betray our Sence
905 Then womans lightnesse? hauing waste ground enough,
Shall we desire to raze the Sanctuary
And pitch our euils there? oh fie, fie, fie:
What dost thou? or what art thou Angelo?
                        
Dost thou desire her fowly, for those things
910 That make her good? oh, let her brother liue:
Theeues for their robbery haue authority,
When Iudges steale themselues: what, doe I loue her,
That I desire to heare her speake againe?
And feast vpon her eyes? what is't I dreame on?
915 Oh cunning enemy, that to catch a Saint,
With Saints dost bait thy hooke: most dangerous
Is that temptation, that doth goad vs on
To sinne, in louing vertue: neuer could the Strumpet
With all her double vigor, Art, and Nature
920 Once stir my temper: but this vertuous Maid
Subdues me quite: Euer till now
When men were fond, I smild, and wondred how.

Exit.

Scena Tertia.

[Act 2, Scene 3] §

Enter Duke and Prouost.

Duke.

Haile to you, Prouost, so I thinke you are.

Pro.

I am the Prouost: whats your will, good Frier?

Duke.
925 Bound by my charity, and my blest order,
I come to visite the afflicted spirits
Here in the prison: doe me the common right
To let me see them: and to make me know
The nature of their crimes, that I may minister
930 To them accordingly.

Pro.

I would do more then that, if more were needfull

Enter Iuliet.

Looke here comes one: a Gentlewoman of mine,

Who falling in the flawes of her owne youth,

Hath blisterd her report: She is with childe,

935 And he that got it, sentenc'd: a yong man,

More fit to doe another such offence,

Then dye for this.

Duk.

When must he dye?

Pro.

As I do thinke to morrow.

940 I haue prouided for you, stay a while

And you shall be conducted.

Duk.

Repent you (faire one) of the sin you carry?

Iul.

I doe; and beare the shame most patiently.

Du.

Ile teach you how you shal araign your conscience

945 And try your penitence, if it be sound,

Or hollowly put on.

Iul.

Ile gladly learne.

Duk.

Loue you the man that wrong'd you?

Iul.

Yes, as I loue the woman that wrong'd him.

Duk.

950 So then it seemes your most offence full act

Was mutually committed.

Iul.

Mutually.

Duk.

Then was your sin of heauier kinde then his.

Iul.

I doe confesse it, and repent it (Father.)

Du. 'Tis {p. 69} Measure for Measure.

Duk.
955 'Tis meet so (daughter) but least you do repent
As that the sin hath brought you to this shame,
Which sorrow is alwaies toward our selues, not heauen,
Showing we would not spare heauen, as we loue it,
But as we stand in feare.

Iul.

960 I doe repent me, as it is an euill,

And take the shame with ioy.

Duke.

There rest:

Your partner (as I heare) must die to morrow,

And I am going with instruction to him:

965 Grace goe with you, Benedicite.

Exit.

Iul.

Must die to morrow? oh iniurious Loue

That respits me a life, whose very comfort

Is still a dying horror.

Pro.

'Tis pitty of him.

Exeunt.

Scena Quarta.

[Act 2, Scene 4] §

Enter Angelo.

An.
970 When I would pray, & think, I thinke, and pray
To seuerall subiects: heauen hath my empty words,
Whilst my Inuention, hearing not my Tongue,
Anchors on Isabell: heauen in my
                                    mouth,
As if I did but onely chew his name,
975 And in my heart the strong and swelling euill
Of my conception: the state whereon I studied
Is like a good thing, being often read
Growne feard, and tedious: yea, my Grauitie
Wherein (let no man heare me) I take pride,
980 Could I, with boote, change for an idle plume
Which the ayre beats for vaine: oh place, oh forme,
How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit
Wrench awe from fooles, and tye the wiser soules
To thy false seeming? Blood, thou art blood,
985 Let's write good Angell on the Deuills horne
'Tis not the Deuills Crest: how now? who's
                                    there?

Enter Seruant.

Ser.

One Isabell, a Sister, desires accesse to you.

Ang.
Teach her the way: oh, heauens
Why doe's my bloud thus muster to my heart,
990 Making both it vnable for it selfe,
And dispossessing all my other parts
Of necessary fitnesse?
So play the foolish throngs with one that swounds,
Come all to help him, and so stop the ayre
995 By which hee should reuiue: and euen so
The generall subiect to a wel‑wisht King
Quit their owne part, and in obsequious fondnesse
Crowd to his presence, where their vn‑taught loue
Must needs appear offence: how now faire Maid.

Enter Isabella.

Isab.

1000 I am come to know your pleasure.

An.

That you might know it, wold much better please
(me,

Then to demand what 'tis: your Brother cannot liue.

Isab.

Euen so: heauen keepe your Honor.

Ang.

Yet may he liue a while: and it may be

1005 As long as you, or I: yet he must die.

Isab.

Vnder your Sentence?

Ang.

Yea.

Isab.

When, I beseech you: that in his Reprieue

(Longer, or shorter) he may be so fitted

1010 That his soule sicken not.

Ang.
Ha? fie, these filthy vices: It were as good
To pardon him, that hath from nature stolne
A man already made, as to remit
Their sawcie sweetnes, that do coyne heauens Image
1015 In stamps
                                    that are forbid: 'tis all as easie,
Falsely to take away a life true made,
As to put mettle in restrained meanes
To make a false one.

Isab.

'Tis set downe so in heauen, but not in earth.

Ang.
1020 Say you so: then I shall poze you quickly.
Which had you rather, that the most iust Law
Now tooke your brothers life, and to redeeme him
Giue vp your body to such sweet vncleannesse
As she that he hath staind?

Isab.

1025 Sir, beleeue this.

I had rather giue my body, then my soule.

Ang.

I talke not of your soule: our compel'd sins

Stand more for number, then for accompt.

Isab.

How say you?

Ang.
1030 Nay Ile not warrant that: for I can speake
Against the thing I say: Answere to this,
I (now the voyce of the recorded Law)
Pronounce a sentence on your Brothers life,
Might there not be a charitie in sinne,
1035 To saue this Brothers life?

Isab.

Please you to doo't,

Ile take it as a perill to my soule,

It is no sinne at all, but charitie.

Ang.

Pleas'd you to doo't, at perill of your soule

1040 Were equall poize of sinne, and charitie.

Isab.
That I do beg his life, if it be sinne
Heauen let me beare it: you granting of my suit,
If that be sin, Ile make it my Morne‑praier,
To haue it added to the faults of mine,
1045 And nothing of your answere.

Ang.

Nay, but heare me,

Your sence pursues not mine: either you are ignorant,

Or seeme so crafty; and that's not good.

Isab.

Let be ignorant, and in nothing good,

1050 But graciously to know I am no better.

Ang.
Thus wisdome wishes to appeare most bright,
When it doth taxe it selfe: As these blacke Masques
Proclaime an en‑shield beauty ten times louder
Then beauty could displaied: But marke me,
1055 To be receiued plaine, Ile speake more grosse:
Your Brother is to dye.

Isab.

So.

Ang.

And his offence is so, as it appeares,

Accountant to the Law, vpon that paine.

Isab.

1060 True.

Ang.
Admit no other way to saue his life
(As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
But in the losse of question) that you, his
                                    Sister,
Finding your selfe desir'd of such a person,
1065 Whose creadit with the Iudge, or owne great place,
Could fetch your Brother from the Manacles
Of the all‑building‑Law: and that there were
No earthly meane to saue him, but that either
You must lay downe the treasures of your body,
1070 To this supposed, or else to let him suffer:
What would you doe?

Isab.
As much for my poore Brother, as my selfe;
That is: were I vnder the tearmes of death,
Th'impression of keene whips, I'ld weare as
                                    Rubies,
1075 And strip my selfe to death, as to a bed,
That longing haue bin sicke for, ere I'ld yeeld
My body vp to shame.

Ang. That {p. 70} Measure for Measure.

Ang.

Then must your brother die.

Isa.

And 'twer the cheaper way:

1080 Better it were a brother dide at once,

Then that a sister, by redeeming him

Should die for euer.

Ang.

Were not you then as cruell as the Sentence,

That you haue slander'd so?

Isa.

1085 Ignomie in ransome, and free pardon

Are of two houses: lawfull mercie,

Is nothing kin to fowle redemption.

Ang.

You seem'd of late to make the Law a tirant,

And rather prou'd the sliding of your brother

1090 A merriment, then a vice.

Isa.
Oh pardon me my Lord, it oft fals out
To haue, what we would haue,
We speake not what vve meane;
I something do excuse the thing I hate,
1095 For his aduantage that I dearely loue.

Ang.

We are all fraile.

Isa.

Else let my brother die,

If not a fedarie but onely he

Owe, and succeed thy weaknesse.

Ang.

1100 Nay, women are fraile too.

Isa.
I, as the glasses where they view themselues,
Which are as easie broke as they make formes:
Women? Helpe heauen; men their creation marre
In profiting by them: Nay, call vs ten times fraile,
1105 For we are soft, as our complexions are,
And credulous to false prints.

Ang.
I thinke it well:
And from this testimonie of your owne sex
(Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger
1110 Then faults may shake our frames) let me be bold;
I do arrest your words. Be that you are,
That is a woman; if you be more, you'r none.
If you be one (as you are well exprest
By all externall warrants) shew it now,
1115 By putting on the destin'd Liuerie.

Isa.

I haue no tongue but one; gentle my Lord,

Let me entreate you speake the former language.

Ang.

Plainlie conceiue I loue you.

Isa.

My brother did loue Iuliet,

1120 And you tell me that he shall die for't.

Ang.

He shall not Isabell if you giue me loue.

Isa.

I know your vertue hath a licence in't,

Which seemes a little fouler then it is,

To plucke on others.

Ang.

1125 Beleeue me on mine Honor,

My words expresse my purpose.

Isa.
Ha? Little honor, to be much beleeu'd,
And most pernitious purpose: Seeming, seeming.
I will proclaime thee Angelo, looke
                                    for't.
1130 Signe me a present pardon for my brother,
Or with an out‑stretcht throate Ile tell the world aloud
What man thou art.

Ang.
Who will beleeue thee Isabell?
                        
My vnsoild name, th' austeerenesse of my life,
1135 My vouch against you, and my place i'th State,
Will so your accusation ouer‑weigh,
That you shall stifle in your owne reporr,
And smell of calumnie. I haue begun,
And now I giue my sensuall race, the reine,
1140 Fit thy consent to my sharpe appetite,
Lay by all nicetie, and prolixious blushes
That banish what they sue for: Redeeme thy brother,
By yeelding vp thy bodie to my will,
Or else he must not onelie die the death,
1145 But thy vnkindnesse shall his death draw out
To lingring sufferance: Answer me to morrow,
Or by the affection that now guides me most,
Ile proue a Tirant to him. As for you,
Say what you can; my false, ore‑weighs your true.

Exit.

Isa.
1150 To whom should I complaine? Did I tell this,
Who would beleeue me? O perilous mouthes
That beare in them, one and the selfesame tongue,
Either of condemnation, or approofe,
Bidding the Law make curtsie to their will,
1155 Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite,
To follow as it drawes. Ile to my brother,
Though he hath falne by prompture of the blood,
Yet hath he in him such a minde of Honor,
That had he twentie heads to tender downe
1160 On twentie bloodie blockes, hee'ld yeeld them vp,
Before his sister should her bodie stoope
To such abhord pollution.
Then Isabell liue chaste, and
                                    brother die;
“More then our Brother, is our Chastitie.
1165 Ile tell him yet of Angelo's
                                    request,
And fit his minde to death, for his soules rest.

Exit.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

[Act 3, Scene 1] §

Enter Duke, Claudio, and Prouost.

Du.

So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?

Cla.

The miserable haue no other medicine

But onely hope: I'haue hope to liue, and am prepar'd to
die.

Duke.
1170 Be absolute for death: either death or life
Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life:
If I do loose thee, I do loose a thing
That none but fooles would keepe: a breath thou art,
Seruile to all the skyie‑influences
1175 That dost this habitation where thou keepst
Hourely afflict: Meerely, thou art deaths foole,
For him thou labourst by thy flight to shun,
And yet runst toward him still. Thou art not
                                    noble,
For all th' accommodations that thou bearst,
1180 Are nurst by basenesse: Thou'rt by no meanes
                                    valiant,
For thou dost feare the soft and tender forke
Of a poore worme: thy best of rest is sleepe,
And that thou oft prouoakst, yet grosselie
                                    fearst;
Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thy selfe,
1185 For thou exists on manie a thousand graines
That issue out of dust. Happie thou art not,
For what thou hast not, still thou
                                    striu'st to get,
And what thou hast forgetst. Thou art not
                                    certaine,
For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,
1190 After the Moone: If thou art rich, thou'rt poore,
For like an Asse, whose backe with Ingots bowes;
Thou bearst thy heauie riches but a iournie,
And death vnloads thee; Friend hast thou none.
For thine owne bowels which do call thee, fire
1195 The meere effusion of thy proper loines
Do curse the Gowt, Sapego, and the Rheume
For ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth, nor age
But as it were an after‑dinners sleepe
Dreaming on both, for all thy blessed youth
1200 Becomes as aged, and doth begge the almes
Of palsied‑Eld: and when thou art old, and rich
Thou{p. 71}Measure for Measure.Thou hast; neither heate, affection, limbe,
                                    nor beautie
To make thy riches pleasant: what's yet in this
That beares the name of life? Yet in this life
1205 Lie hid moe thousand deaths; yet death we feare
That makes these oddes, all euen.

Cla.

I humblie thanke you.

To sue to liue, I finde I seeke to die,

And seeking death, finde life: Let it come on.

Enter Isabella.

Isab.

1210 What hoa? Peace heere; Grace, and good com
panie.

Pro.

Who's there? Come in, the wish deserues a
welcome.

Duke.

Deere sir, ere long Ile visit you againe.

Cla.

Most holie Sir, I thanke you.

Isa.

My businesse is a word or two with Claudio.

Pro.

1215 And verie welcom: looke Signior, here's your sister.

Duke.

Prouost, a word with you.

Pro.

As manie as you please.

Duke.

Bring them to heare me speak, where I may be
conceal'd.

Cla.

Now sister, what's the comfort?

Isa.
1220 Why,
As all comforts are: most good, most good
                                    indeede,
Lord Angelo hauing affaires to
                                    heauen
Intends you for his swift Ambassador,
Where you shall be an euerlasting Leiger;
1225 Therefore your best appointment make with speed,
To Morrow you set on.

Clau.

Is there no remedie?

Isa.

None, but such remedie, as to saue a head

To cleaue a heart in twaine:

Clau.

1230 But is there anie?

Isa.

Yes brother, you may liue;

There is a diuellish mercie in the Iudge,

If you'l implore it, that will free your life,

But fetter you till death.

Cla.

1235 Perpetuall durance?

Isa.

I iust, perpetuall durance, a restraint

Through all the worlds vastiditie you had

To a determin'd scope.

Clau.

But in what nature?

Isa.

1240 In such a one, as you consenting too't,

Would barke your honor from that trunke you beare,

And leaue you naked.

Clau.

Let me know the point.

Isa.
Oh, I do feare thee Claudio, and I
                                    quake,
1245 Least thou a feauorous life shouldst entertaine,
And six or seuen winters more respect
                        
Then a perpetuall Honor. Dar'st thou die?
The sence of death is most in apprehension,
And the poore Beetle that we treade vpon
1250 In corporall sufferance, finds a pang as great,
As when a Giant dies.

Cla.
Why giue you me this shame?
Thinke you I can a resolution fetch
From flowrie tendernesse? If I must die,
1255 I will encounter darknesse as a bride,
And hugge it in mine armes.

Isa.
There spake my brother: there my fathers graue
Did vtter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die:
Thou art too noble, to conserue a life
1260 In base appliances. This outward sainted Deputie,
Whose setled visage, and deliberate word
Nips youth i'th head, and follies doth emmew
As Falcon doth the Fowle, is yet a diuell:
His filth within being cast, he would appeare
1265 A pond, as deepe as hell.

Cla.

The prenzie, Angelo?

Isa.
Oh 'tis the cunning Liuerie of hell,
The damnest bodie to inuest, and couer
In prenzie gardes; dost thou thinke Claudio,
1270 If I would yeeld him my virginitie
Thou might'st be freed?

Cla.

Oh heauens, it cannot be.

Isa.

Yes, he would giu't thee; from this rank offence

So to offend him still. This night's the time

1275 That I should do what I abhorre to name,

Or else thou diest to morrow.

Clau.

Thou shalt not do't.

Isa.

O, were it but my life,

I'de throw it downe for your deliuerance

1280 As frankely as a pin.

Clau.

Thankes deere Isabell.

Isa.

Be readie Claudio, for your death to morrow.

Clau.

Yes. Has he affections in him,

That thus can make him bite the Law by th'nose,

1285 When he would force it? Sure it is no sinne,

Or of the deadly seuen it is the least.

Isa.

Which is the least?

Cla.

If it were damnable, he being so wise,

Why would he for the momentarie tricke

1290 Be perdurablie fin'de? Oh Isabell.

Isa.

What saies my brother?

Cla.

Death is a fearefull thing.

Isa.

And shamed life, a hatefull.

Cla.
I, but to die, and go we know not where,
1295 To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot,
This sensible warme motion, to become
A kneaded clod; And the delighted spirit
To bath in fierie floods, or to recide
In thrilling Region of thicke‑ribbed Ice,
1300 To be imprison'd in the viewlesse windes
And blowne with restlesse violence round about
The pendant world: or to be worse then worst
Of those, that lawlesse and incertaine thought,
Imagine howling, 'tis too horrible.
1305 The weariest, and most loathed worldly life
That Age, Ache, periury, and imprisonment
Can lay on nature, is a Paradise
To what we feare of death.

Isa.

Alas, alas.

Cla.

1310 Sweet Sister, let me liue.

What sinne you do, to saue a brothers life,

Nature dispenses with the deede so farre,

That it becomes a vertue.

Isa.
Oh you beast,
1315 Oh faithlesse Coward, oh dishonest wretch,
Wilt thou be made a man, out of my vice?
Is't not a kinde of Incest, to take life
From thine owne sisters shame? What should I thinke,
Heauen shield my Mother plaid my Father faire:
1320 For such a warped slip of wildernesse
Nere issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance,
Die, perish: Might but my bending downe
Repreeue thee from thy fate, it should proceede.
Ile pray a thousand praiers for thy death,
1325 No word to saue thee.

Cla.

Nay heare me Isabell.

Isa.

Oh fie, fie, fie:

Thy sinn's not accidentall, but a Trade;

Mercie {p. 72} Measure for Measure.

Mercy to thee would proue it selfe a Bawd,

1330 'Tis best that thou diest quickly.

Cla.

Oh heare me Isabella.

Duk.

Vouchsafe a word, yong sister, but one word.

Isa.

What is your Will.

Duk.

[1334] Might you dispense with your leysure, I would [l. 1335] by and by haue some speech with you: the satisfaction I [l. 1336] would require, is likewise your owne benefit.

Isa.

[1337] I haue no superfluous leysure, my stay must be [l. 1338] stolen out of other affaires: but I will attend you a while.

Duke.

[1339] Son, I haue ouer‑heard what hath past between [l. 1340] you & your sister. Angelo had neuer the purpose to cor [l. 1341] rupt her; onely he hath made an assay of her vertue, to practise his iudgement with the disposition of natures. [l. 1342] She (hauing the truth of honour in her) hath made him [l. 1343] that gracious deniall, which he is most glad to receiue: I [l. 1344] am Confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true, ther [l. 1345] fore prepare your selfe to death: do not satisfie your res [l. 1346] olution with hopes that are fallible, to morrow you [l. 1347] must die, goe to your knees, and make ready.

Cla.

[1348] Let me ask my sister pardon, I am so out of loue [l. 1349] with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.

Duke.

[1350] Hold you there: farewell: Prouost, a word [l. 1351] with you.

Pro.

[1352] What's your will (father?)

Duk.

[1353] That now you are come, you wil be gone: leaue [l. 1354] me a while with the Maid, my minde promises with my [l. 1355] habit, no losse shall touch her by my company.

Pro.

[1356] In good time.

Exit.

Duk.

[1357] The hand that hath made you faire, hath made [l. 1358] you good: the goodnes that is cheape in beauty, makes [l. 1359] beauty briefe in goodnes; but grace being the soule of [l. 1360] your complexion, shall keepe the body of it euer faire: [l. 1361] the assault that Angelo hath made to you, Fortune hath [l. 1362] conuaid to my vnderstanding; and but that frailty hath [l. 1363] examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo: how [l. 1364] will you doe to content this Substitute, and to saue your [l. 1365] Brother?

Isab.

[1366] I am now going to resolue him: I had rather [l. 1367] my brother die by the Law, then my sonne should be vn [l. 1368] lawfullie borne. But (oh) how much is the good Duke [l. 1369] deceiu'd in Angelo: if euer he returne, and I can speake [l. 1370] to him, I will open my lips in vaine, or discouer his go [l. 1371] uernment

Duke.

[1372] That shall not be much amisse: yet, as the ma [l. 1373] tter now stands, he will auoid your accusation: he made [l. 1374] triall of you onelie. Therefore fasten your eare on my [l. 1375] aduisings, to the loue I haue in doing good; a remedie [l. 1376] presents it selfe. I doe make my selfe beleeue that you [l. 1377] may most vprighteously do a poor wronged Lady a me [l. 1378] rited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry Law; [l. 1379] doe no staine to your owne gracious person, and much [l. 1380] please the absent Duke, if peraduenture he shall euer re [l. 1381] turne to haue hearing of this businesse.

Isab.

[1382] Let me heare you speake farther; I haue spirit to [l. 1383] do any thing that appeares not fowle in the truth of my [l. 1384] spirit.

Duke.

[1385] Vertue is bold, and goodnes neuer fearefull: [l. 1386] Haue you not heard speake of Mariana the sister of Fre [l. 1387] dericke the great Souldier, who miscarried at Sea?

Isa.

[1388] I haue heard of the Lady, and good words went [l. 1389] with her name.

Duke.

[1390] Shee should this Angelo haue married: was af [l. 1391] fianced to her oath, and the nuptiall appointed: between [l. 1392] which time of the contract, and limit of the solemnitie, [l. 1393] her brother Fredericke was wrackt at Sea, hauing in that [l. 1394] perished vessell, the dowry of his sister: but marke how [l. 1395] heauily this befell to the poore Gentlewoman, there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his loue toward [l. 1396] her, euer most kinde and naturall: with him the portion [l. 1397] and sinew of her fortune, her marriage dowry: with [l. 1398] both, her combynate‑husband, this [l. 1399] well‑seeming Angelo.

Isab.

[1400] Can this be so? did Angelo so leaue her?

Duke.

[1401] Left her in her teares, & dried not one of them with [l. 1402] his comfort: swallowed his vowes whole, prete [l. 1403] nding in her, discoueries of dishonor: in few, bestow'd [l. 1404] her on her owne lamentation, which she yet weares for [l. 1405] his sake: and he, a marble to her teares, is washed with [l. 1406] them, but relents not.

Isab.

[1407] What a merit were it in death to take this poore [l. 1408] maid from the world? what corruption in this life, that [l. 1409] it will let this man liue? But how out of this can shee a [l. 1410] uaile?

Duke.

[1411] It is a rupture that you may easily heale: and the [l. 1412] cure of it not onely saues your brother, but keepes you [l. 1413] from dishonor in doing it.

Isab.

[1414] Shew me how (good Father.)

Duk.

[1415] This fore‑named Maid hath yet in her the con [l. 1416] tinuance of her first affection: his vniust vnkindenesse [l. 1417] (that in all reason should haue quenched her loue) hath [l. 1418] (like an impediment in the Current) made it more vio [l. 1419] lent and vnruly: Goe you to Angelo, answere his req [l. 1420] uiring with a plausible obedience, agree with his demands [l. 1421] to the point: onely referre your selfe to this aduantage; [l. 1422] first, that your stay with him may not be long: that the [l. 1423] time may haue all shadow, and silence in it: and the place [l. 1424] answere to conuenience: this being granted in course, [l. 1425] and now followes all: wee shall aduise this wronged [l. 1426] maid to steed vp your appointment, goe in your place: [l. 1427] if the encounter acknowledge it selfe heereafter, it may [l. 1428] compell him to her recompence; and heere, by this is [l. 1429] your brother saued, your honor vntainted, the poore [l. 1430] Mariana aduantaged, and the corrupt Deputy scaled. [l. 1431] The Maid will I frame, and make fit for his attempt: if [l. 1432] you thinke well to carry this as you may, the doublenes [l. 1433] of the benefit defends the deceit from reproofe. [l. 1434] What thinke you of it?

Isab.

[1435] The image of it giues me content already, and I [l. 1436] trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.

Duk.

[1437] It lies much in your holding vp: haste you spee [l. 1438] dily to Angelo, if for this night he intreat you to his bed, [l. 1439] giue him promise of satisfaction: I will presently to S. Lukes, [l. 1440] there at the moated‑Grange recides this deie [l. 1441] cted Mariana; at that place call vpon me, and [l. 1442] dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.

Isab.

[1443] I thank you for this comfort: fare you well good [l. 1444] father.

Exit.

[Act 3, Scene 2] §

Enter Elbow, Clowne, Officers.

Elb.

[1445] Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you [l. 1446] will needes buy and sell men and women like beasts, we [l. 1447] shall haue all the world drinke browne & white bastard.

Duk.

[1448] Oh heauens, what stuffe is heere.

Clow.

[1449] Twas neuer merry world since of two vsuries [l. 1450] the merriest was put downe, and the worser allow'd by [l. 1451] order of Law; a fur'd gowne to keepe him warme; and [l. 1452] furd with Foxe and Lamb‑skins too, to signifie, that craft [l. 1453] being richer then Innocency, stands for the facing.

Elb.

[1454] Come your way sir: 'blesse you good Father [l. 1455] Frier.

Duk.

[1456] And you good Brother Father; what offence [l. 1457] hath this man made you, Sir?

Elb. Marry {p. 73} Measure for Measure.

Elb.

[1458] Marry Sir, he hath offended the Law; and Sir, [l. 1459] we take him to be a Theefe too Sir: for wee haue found [l. 1460] vpon him Sir, a strange Pick‑lock, which we haue sent [l. 1461] to the Deputie.

Duke.
Fie, sirrah, a Bawd, a wicked bawd,
The euill that thou causest to be done,
That is thy meanes to liue. Do thou but thinke 
1465 What 'tis to cram a maw, or cloath a backe
From such a filthie vice: say to thy selfe,
From their abhominable and beastly touches
I drinke, I eate away my selfe, and liue:
Canst thou beleeue thy liuing is a life,
1470 So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend.

Clo.

[1471] Indeed, it do's stinke in some sort, Sir: [l. 1472] But yet Sir I would proue.

Duke.

[1473] Nay, if the diuell haue giuen thee proofs for sin [l. 1474] Thou wilt proue his. Take him to prison Officer: [l. 1475] Correction, and Instruction must both worke [l. 1476] Ere this rude beast will profit.

Elb.

[1477] He must before the Deputy Sir, he ha's giuen [l. 1478] him warning: the Deputy cannot abide a Whoreߛma [l. 1479] ster: if he be a Whore‑monger, and comes before him, [l. 1480] he were as good go a mile on his errand.

Duke.

[1481] That we were all, as some would seeme to bee [l. 1482] From our faults, as faults from seeming free.

Enter Lucio.

Elb.

[1483] His necke will come to your wast, a Cord sir.

Clo.

[1484] I spy comfort, I cry baile: Here's a Gentleman, [l. 1485] and a friend of mine.

Luc.

[1486] How now noble Pompey? What, at the wheels [l. 1487] of Cæsar? Art thou led in triumph? What is there none [l. 1488] of Pigmalions Images newly made woman to bee had [l. 1489] now, for putting the hand in the pocket, and extracting [l. 1490] clutch'd? What reply? Ha? What saist thou to this [l. 1491] Tune, Matter, and Method? Is't not drown'd i'th last [l. 1492] raine? Ha? What saist thou Trot? Is the world as it was [l. 1493] Man? Which is the vvay? Is it sad, and few words? [l. 1494] Or how? The tricke of it?

Duke.

[1495] Still thus, and thus: still vvorse?

Luc.

[1496] How doth my deere Morsell, thy Mistris? Pro [l. 1497] cures she still? Ha?

Clo.

[1498] Troth sir, shee hath eaten vp all her beefe, and [l. 1499] she is her selfe in the tub.

Luc.

[1500] Why 'tis good: It is the right of it: it must be [l. 1501] so. Euer your fresh Whore and your pouder'd Baud, an [l. 1502] vnshun'd consequence, it must be so. Art going to pri [l. 1503] son Pompey?

Clo.

[1504] Yes faith sir.

Luc.

[1505] Why 'tis not amisse Pompey: farewell: goe say [l. 1506] I sent thee thether: for debt Pompey? Or how?

Elb.

[1507] For being a baud, for being a baud.

Luc.

[1508] Well, then imprison him: If imprisonment be [l. 1509] the due of a baud, why 'tis his right. Baud is he doubt [l. 1510] lesse, and of antiquity too: Baud borne. Farwell good [l. 1511] Pompey: Commend me to the prison Pompey, you vvill [l. 1512] turne good husband now Pompey, you will keepe the [l. 1513] house.

Clo.

[1514] I hope Sir, your good Worship wil be my baile?

Luc.

[1515] No indeed wil I not Pompey, it is not the wear: [l. 1516] I will pray (Pompey) to encrease your bondage if you [l. 1517] take it not patiently: Why, your mettle is the more: [l. 1518] Adieu trustie Pompey. [l. 1519] Blesse you Friar.

Duke.

[1520] And you.

Luc.

[1521] Do's Bridget paint still, Pompey? Ha?

Elb.

[1522] Come your waies sir, come.

Clo.

[1523] You will not baile me then Sir?

Luc.

[1524] Then Pompey, nor now: what newes abroad Fr [l. 1525] ier? What newes?

Elb.

[1526] Come your waies sir, come.

Luc.

[1527] Goe to kennell (Pompey) goe: What newes Frier of the Duke?

Duke.

[1528] I know none: can you tell me of any?

Luc.

[1529] Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia: other [l. 1530] some, he is in Rome: but where is he thinke you?

Duke.

[1531] I know not where: but wheresoeuer, I wish him well.

Luc.

[1532] It was a mad fantasticall tricke of him to steale [l. 1533] from the State, and vsurpe the beggerie hee was neuer [l. 1534] borne to: Lord Angelo Dukes it well in his absence: [l. 1535] he puts transgression too't.

Duke.

[1536] He do's well in't.

Luc.

[1537] A little more lenitie to Lecherie would doe no [l. 1538] harme in him: Something too crabbed that way, Frier.

Duk.

[1539] It is too general a vice, and seueritie must cure it.

Luc.

[1540] Yes in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; [l. 1541] it is well allied, but it is impossible to extirpe it quite, [l. 1542] Frier, till eating and drinking be put downe. They say [l. 1543] this Angelo vvas not made by Man and Woman, after [l. 1544] this downe‑right way of Creation: is it true, thinke [l. 1545] you?

Duke.

[1546] How should he be made then?

Luc.

[1547] Some report, a Sea‑maid spawn'd him. Some, [l. 1548] that he vvas begot betweene two Stock‑fishes. But it [l. 1549] is certaine, that when he makes water, his Vrine is con [l. 1550] geal'd ice, that I know to bee true: and he is a motion [l. 1551] generatiue, that's infallible.

Duke.

[1552] You are pleasant sir, and speake apace.

Luc.

[1553] Why, what a ruthlesse thing is this in him, for [l. 1554] the rebellion of a Cod‑peece, to take away the life of a [l. 1555] man? Would the Duke that is absent haue done this? Ere [l. 1556] he would haue hang'd a man for the getting a hun [l. 1557] dred Bastards, he vvould haue paide for the Nursing [l. 1558] a thousand. He had some feeling of the sport, hee knew [l. 1559] the seruice, and that instructed him to mercie.

Duke.

[1560] I neuer heard the absent Duke much detected [l. 1561] for Women, he was not enclin'd that vvay.

Luc.

[1562] Oh Sir, you are deceiu'd.

Duke.

[1563] 'Tis not possible.

Luc.

[1564] Who, not the Duke? Yes, your beggar of fifty: [l. 1565] and his vse was, to put a ducket in her Clack‑dish; the [l. 1566] Duke had Crochets in him. Hee would be drunke too, [l. 1567] that let me informe you.

Duke.

[1568] You do him wrong, surely.

Luc.

[1569] Sir, I vvas an inward of his: a shie fellow vvas [l. 1570] the Duke, and I beleeue I know the cause of his vvith [l. 1571] drawing.

Duke.

[1572] What (I prethee) might be the cause?

Luc.

[1573] No, pardon: 'Tis a secret must bee lockt with [l. 1574] in the teeth and the lippes: but this I can let you vnder [l. 1575] stand, the greater file of the subiect held the Duke to be [l. 1576] vvise.

Duke.

[1577] Wise? Why no question but he was.

Luc.

[1578] A very superficiall, ignorant, vnweighing fellow

Duke.

[1579] Either this is Enuie in you, Folly, or mista [l. 1580] king: The very streame of his life, and the businesse he [l. 1581] hath helmed, must vppon a warranted neede, giue him [l. 1582] a better proclamation. Let him be but testimonied in [l. 1583] his owne bringings forth, and hee shall appeare to the [l. 1584] enuious, a Scholler, a Statesman, and a Soldier: there [l. 1585] fore you speake vnskilfully: or, if your knowledge bee [l. 1586] more, it is much darkned in your malice.

G Luc. {p. 74} Measure for Measure.

Luc.

[1587] Sir, I know him, and I loue him.

Duke.

[1588] Loue talkes with better knowledge, & know [l. 1589] ledge with deare loue.

Luc.

[1590] Come Sir, I know what I know.

Duke.

[1591] I can hardly beleeue that, since you know not [l. 1592] what you speake. But if euer the Duke returne (as our [l. 1593] praiers are he may) let mee desire you to make your an [l. 1594] swer before him: if it bee honest you haue spoke, you [l. 1595] haue courage to maintaine it; I am bound to call vppon [l. 1596] you, and I pray you your name?

Luc.

[1597] Sir my name is Lucio, wel known to the Duke.

Duke.

[1598] He shall know you better Sir, if I may liue [l. 1599] to report you.

Luc.

[1600] I feare you not.

Duke.

[1601] O, you hope the Duke will returne no more: [l. 1602] or you imagine me to vnhurtfull an opposite: but indeed [l. 1603] I can doe you little harme: You'll for‑sweare this a [l. 1604] gaine?

Luc.

[1605] Ile be hang'd first: Thou art deceiu'd in mee Friar. [l. 1606] But no more of this: Canst thou tell if Claudio [l. 1607] die to morrow, or no?

Duke.

[1608] Why should he die Sir?

Luc.

[1609] Why? For filling a bottle with a Tunne‐dish: [l. 1610] I would the Duke we talke of were return'd againe: this [l. 1611] vngenitur'd Agent will vn‑people the Prouince with [l. 1612] Continencie. Sparrowes must not build in his house‑ [l. 1613] eeues, because they are lecherous: The Duke yet would [l. 1614] haue darke deeds darkelie answered, hee would neuer [l. 1615] bring them to light: would hee were return'd. Marrie [l. 1616] this Claudio is condemned for vntrussing. Farwell good [l. 1617] Friar, I prethee pray for me: The Duke (I say to thee [l. 1618] againe) would eate Mutton on Fridaies. He's now past [l. 1619] it, yet (and I say to thee) hee would mouth with a beg [l. 1620] gar, though she smelt browne‑bread and Garlicke: say [l. 1621] that I said so: Farewell.

Exit.

Duke.
No might, nor greatnesse in mortality
Can censure scape: Back‑wounding calumnie
The whitest vertue strikes. What King so strong,
1625 Can tie the gall vp in the slanderous tong?
But who comes heere?

Enter Escalus, Prouost, and Bawd.

Esc.

[1627] Go, away with her to prison.

Bawd.

[1628] Good my Lord be good to mee, your Honor [l. 1629] is accounted a mercifull man: good my Lord.

Esc.

[1630] Double, and trebble admonition, and still for [l. 1631] feite in the same kinde? This would make mercy sweare [l. 1632] and play the Tirant.

Pro.

[1633] A Bawd of eleuen yeares continuance, may it please your Honor.

Bawd.

[1634] My Lord, this is one Lucio's information a [l. 1635] gainst me, Mistris Kate Keepe‑downe was with childe by [l. 1636] him in the Dukes time, he promis'd her marriage: his [l. 1637] Childe is a yeere and a quarter olde come Philip and Ia [l. 1638] cob: I haue kept it my selfe; and see how hee goes about [l. 1639] to abuse me.

Esc.

[1640] That fellow is a fellow of much License: Let [l. 1641] him be call'd before vs, Away with her to prison: Goe [l. 1642] too, no more words. Prouost, my Brother Angelo will [l. 1643] not be alter'd, Claudio must die to morrow: Let him be [l. 1644] furnish'd with Diuines, and haue all charitable prepara [l. 1645] tion. If my brother wrought by my pitie, it should not [l. 1646] be so with him.

Pro.

[1647] So please you, this Friar hath beene with him, [l. 1648] and aduis'd him for th' entertainment of death.

Esc.

[1649] Good'euen, good Father.

Duke.

[1650] Blisse, and goodnesse on you.

Esc.

[1651] Of whence are you?

Duke.

Not of this Countrie, though my chance is now

To vse it for my time: I am a brother

Of gracious Order, late come from the Sea,

1655 In speciall businesse from his Holinesse.

Esc.

[1656] What newes abroad i'th World?

Duke.

[1657] None, but that there is so great a Feauor on [l. 1658] goodnesse, that the dissolution of it must cure it. No [l. 1659] ueltie is onely in request, and as it is as dangerous to be [l. 1660] aged in any kinde of course, as it is vertuous to be con [l. 1661] stant in any vndertaking. There is scarse truth enough [l. 1662] aliue to make Societies secure, but Securitie enough to [l. 1663] make Fellowships accurst: Much vpon this riddle runs [l. 1664] the wisedome of the world. This newes is old enough, [l. 1665] yet it is euerie daies newes. I pray you Sir, of what dis [l. 1666] position was the Duke?

Esc.

One, that aboue all other strifes,

Contended especially to know himselfe.

Duke.

[1669] What pleasure was he giuen to?

Esc.

[1670] Rather reioycing to see another merry, then [l. 1671] merrie at anie thing which profest to make him reioice. [l. 1672] A Gentleman of all temperance. But leaue wee him to [l. 1673] his euents, with a praier they may proue prosperous, & [l. 1674] let me desire to know, how you finde Claudio prepar'd? [l. 1675] I am made to vnderstand, that you haue lent him visita [l. 1676] tion.

Duke.

[1677] He professes to haue receiued no sinister mea [l. 1678] sure from his Iudge, but most willingly humbles him [l. 1679] selfe to the determination of Iustice: yet had he framed [l. 1680] to himselfe (by the instruction of his frailty) manie de [l. 1681] ceyuing promises of life, which I (by my good leisure) [l. 1682] haue discredited to him, and now is he resolu'd to die.

Esc.

[1683] You haue paid the heauens your Function, and [l. 1684] the prisoner the verie debt of your Calling. I haue la [l. 1685] bour'd for the poore Gentleman, to the extremest shore [l. 1686] of my modestie, but my brother‑Iustice haue I found so [l. 1687] seuere, that he hath forc'd me to tell him, hee is indeede [l. 1688] Iustice.

Duke.

If his owne life,

1690 Answere the straitnesse of his proceeding,

It shall become him well: wherein if he chance to faile

he hath sentenc'd himselfe.

Esc.

I am going to visit the prisoner, Fare you well.

Duke.
Peace be with you.
1695 He who the sword of Heauen will beare,
Should be as holy, as seueare:
Patterne in himselfe to know,
Grace to stand, and Vertue go:
More, nor lesse to others paying,
1700 Then by selfe‑offences weighing.
Shame to him, whose cruell striking,
Kils for faults of his owne liking:
Twice trebble shame on Angelo,
To vveede my vice, and let his grow.
1705 Oh, what may Man within him hide,
Though Angel on the outward side?
How may likenesse made in crimes,
Making practise on the Times,
To draw with ydle Spiders strings
1710 Most ponderous and substantiall things?
Craft against vice, I must applie.
With Angelo to night shall lye
His old betroathed (but despised:)
So disguise shall by th'disguised
1715 Pay with falshood, false exacting,
And performe an olde contracting.

Exit.

Actus

{p. 75} Measure for Measure.

Actus Quartus, Scœna prima.

[Act 4, Scene 1] §

Enter Mariana, and Boy singing.

Song.
Take, oh take those lips away,
that so sweetly were forsworne,
And those eyes: the breake of day 
1720 lights that doe mislead the Morne;
But my kisses bring againe, bring againe,
Seales of loue, but seal'd in vaine, seal'd in vaine.

Enter Duke.

Mar.
Breake off thy song, and haste thee quick away,
Here comes a man of comfort, whose aduice
1725 Hath often still'd my brawling discontent.
I cry you mercie, Sir, and well could wish
You had not found me here so musicall.
Let me excuse me, and beleeue me so,
My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my
                                    woe.

Duk.

1730 'Tis good; though Musick oft hath such a charme

To make bad, good; and good prouoake to harme.

[1732] I pray you tell me, hath any body enquir'd for mee here [l. 1733] to day; much vpon this time haue I promis'd here [l. 1734] to meete.

Mar.

[1735] You haue not bin enquir'd after: I haue sat [l. 1736] here all day.

Enter Isabell.

Duk.

[1737] I doe constantly beleeue you: the time is come [l. 1738] euen now. I shall craue your forbearance a little, may be [l. 1739] I will call vpon you anone for some aduantage to your [l. 1740] selfe.

Mar.

[1741] I am alwayes bound to you.

Exit.

Duk.

Very well met, and well come:

What is the newes from this good Deputie?

Isab.
He hath a Garden circummur'd with Bricke,
1745 Whose westerne side is with a Vineyard back't;
And to that Vineyard is a planched gate,
That makes his opening with this bigger Key:
This other doth command a little doore,
Which from the Vineyard to the Garden leades,
1750 There haue I made my promise, vpon the
Heauy midle of the night, to call vpon him.

Duk.

But shall you on your knowledge find this way?

Isab.

I haue t'ane a due, and wary note vpon't,

With whispering, and most guiltie diligence,

1755 In action all of precept, he did show me

The way twice ore.

Duk.

Are there no other tokens

Betweene you 'greed, concerning her obseruance?

Isab.
No: none but onely a repaire ith'darke,
1760 And that I haue possest him, my most stay
Can be but briefe: for I haue made him know,
I haue a Seruant comes with me along
That staies vpon me; whose perswasion is,
I come about my Brother.

Duk.

1765 'Tis well borne vp.

I haue not yet made knowne to Mariana

Enter Mariana.

A word of this: what hoa, within; come forth,

I pray you be acquainted with this Maid,

She comes to doe you good.

Isab.

1770 I doe desire the like.

Duk.

Do you perswade your selfe that I respect you?

Mar.

Good Frier, I know you do, and haue found it.

Duke.

Take then this your companion by the hand

Who hath a storie readie for your eare:

1775 I shall attend your leisure, but make haste

The vaporous night approaches.

Mar.

Wilt please you walke aside.

Exit.

Duke.
Oh Place, and greatnes: millions of false eies
Are stucke vpon thee: volumes of report
1780 Run with these false, and most contrarious Quest
Vpon thy doings: thousand escapes of wit
Make thee the father of their idle dreame,
And racke thee in their fancies. Welcome, how agreed?

Enter Mariana and Isabella.

Isab.

Shee'll take the enterprize vpon her father,

1785 If you aduise it.

Duke.

It is not my consent,

But my entreaty too.

Isa.

Little haue you to say

When you depart from him, but soft and low,

1790 Remember now my brother.

Mar.

Feare me not.

Duk.
Nor gentle daughter, feare you not at all:
He is your husband on a pre‑contract:
To bring you thus together 'tis no sinne,
1795 Sith that the Iustice of your title to him
Doth flourish the deceit. Come, let vs goe,
Our Corne's to reape, for yet our Tithes to sow.

Exeunt.

Scena Secunda.

[Act 4, Scene 2] §

Enter Prouost and Clowne.

Pro.

[1798] Come hither sirha; can you cut off a mans head?

Clo.

If the man be a Bachelor Sir, I can:

1800 But if he be a married man, he's his wiues head,

And I can neuer cut off a womans head.

Pro.

[1802] Come sir, leaue me your snatches, and yeeld mee [l. 1803] a direct answere. To morrow morning are to die Clau [l. 1804] dio and Barnardine: heere is in our prison a common exe [l. 1805] cutioner, who in his office lacks a helper, if you will take [l. 1806] it on you to assist him, it shall redeeme you from your [l. 1807] Gyues: if not, you shall haue your full time of imprison [l. 1808] ment, and your deliuerance with an vnpittied whipping; [l. 1809] for you haue beene a notorious bawd.

Clo.

[1810] Sir, I haue beene an vnlawfull bawd, time out of [l. 1811] minde, but yet I will bee content to be a lawfull hang [l. 1812] man: I would bee glad to receiue some instruction from [l. 1813] my fellow partner.

Pro.

[1814] What hoa, Abhorson: where's Abhorson there?

Enter Abhorson.

Abh.

[1815] Doe you call sir?

Pro.

[1816] Sirha, here's a fellow will helpe you to morrow [l. 1817] in your execution: if you thinke it meet, compound with [l. 1818] him by the yeere, and let him abide here with you, if not, [l. 1819] vse him for the present, and dismisse him, hee cannot [l. 1820] plead his estimation with you: he hath beene a Bawd.

Abh.

[1821] A Bawd Sir? fie vpon him, he will discredit our [l. 1822] mysterie.

Pro.

[1823] Goe too Sir, you waigh equallie: a feather will [l. 1824] turne the Scale.

Exit.

Clo.

[1825] Pray sir, by your good fauor: for surely sir, a [l. 1826] good fauor you haue, but that you haue a hanging look: [l. 1827] Doe you call sir, your occupation a Mysterie?

G2 Abh. I, {p. 76} Measure for Measure.

Abh.

[1828] I Sir, a Misterie.

Clo.

[1829] Painting Sir, I haue heard say, is a Misterie; and [l. 1830] your Whores sir, being members of my occupation, v [l. 1831] sing painting, do proue my Occupation, a Misterie: but [l. 1832] what Misterie there should be in hanging, if I should [l. 1833] be hang'd, I cannot imagine.

Abh.

[1834] Sir, it is a Misterie.

Clo.

[1835] Proofe.

Abh.

[1836] Euerie true mans apparrell fits your Theefe.

Clo.

[1837] If it be too little for your theefe, your true man [l. 1838] thinkes it bigge enough. If it bee too bigge for your [l. 1839] Theefe, your Theefe thinkes it little enough: So euerie [l. 1840] true mans apparrell fits your Theefe.

Enter Prouost.

Pro.

[1841] Are you agreed?

Clo.

[1842] Sir, I will serue him: For I do finde your Hang [l. 1843] man is a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he doth [l. 1844] oftner aske forgiuenesse

Pro.

[1845] You sirrah, prouide your blocke and your Axe [l. 1846] to morrow, foure a clocke.

Abh.

[1847] Come on (Bawd) I will instruct thee in my [l. 1848] Trade: follow.

Clo.

[1849] I do desire to learne sir: and I hope, if you haue [l. 1850] occasion to vse me for your owne turne, you shall finde [l. 1851] me y'are. For truly sir, for your kindnesse, I owe you [l. 1852] a good turne.

Exit.

Pro.

Call hether Barnardine and Claudio:

Th'one has my pitie; not a iot the other,

1855 Being a Murtherer, though he were my brother.

Enter Claudio.

Looke, here's the Warrant Claudio, for thy death,

'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to morrow

Thou must be made immortall. Where's Barnardine?

Cla.

As fast lock'd vp in sleepe, as guiltlesse labour,

1860 When it lies starkely in the Trauellers bones,

He will not wake.

Pro.
Who can do good on him?
Well, go, prepare your selfe. But harke, what noise?
Heauen giue your spirits comfort: by, and by,
1865 I hope it is some pardon, or repreeue
For the most gentle Claudio. Welcome Father.

Enter Duke.

Duke.

The best, and wholsomst spirits of the night,

Inuellop you, good Prouost: who call'd heere of late?

Pro.

None since the Curphew rung.

Duke.

1870 Not Isabell?

Pro.

No.

Duke.

They will then er't be long.

Pro.

What comfort is for Claudio?

Duke.

There's some in hope.

Pro.

1875 It is a bitter Deputie.

Duke.
Not so, not so: his life is paralel'd
Euen with the stroke and line of his great
                                    Iustice:
He doth with holie abstinence subdue
That in himselfe, which he spurres on his powre
1880 To qualifie in others: were he meal'd with that
Which he corrects, then were he tirrannous,
But this being so, he's iust. Now are they come.
This is a gentle Prouost, sildome when
The steeled Gaoler is the friend of men:
1885 How now? what noise? That spirit's possest with hast,
That wounds th'vnsisting Posterne with these
                                    strokes.

Pro.

There he must stay vntil the Officer

Arise to let him in: he is call'd vp.

Duke.

Haue you no countermand for Claudio yet?

1890 But he must die to morrow?

Pro.

None Sir, none.

Duke.

As neere the dawning Prouost, as it is,

You shall heare more ere Morning.

Pro.
Happely
1895 You something know: yet I beleeue there comes
No countermand: no such example haue we:
Besides, vpon the verie siege of Iustice,
Lord Angelo hath to the publike eare
Profest the contrarie.

Enter a Messenger.

Duke.

1900 This is his Lords man.

Pro.

And heere comes Claudio's pardon.

Mess.
 My Lord hath sent you this note,
And by mee this further charge;
That you swerue not from the smallest Article of it,
1905 Neither in time, matter, or other circumstance.
Good morrow: for as I take it, it is almost day.

Pro.

I shall obey him.

Duke.
This is his Pardon purchas'd by such sin,
For which the Pardoner himselfe is in:
1910 Hence hath offence his quicke celeritie,
When it is borne in high Authority.
When Vice makes Mercie; Mercie's so extended,
That for the faults loue, is th'offender
                                    friended.
Now Sir, what newes?

Pro.
1915 I told you:
Lord Angelo (be‑like) thinking me
                                    remisse
In mine Office, awakens mee
With this vnwonted putting on, methinks strangely:
For he hath not vs'd it before.

Duk.

1920 Pray you let's heare.

The Letter.

[1921] Whatsoeuer you may heare to the contrary, let Claudio be ex [l. 1922] ecuted by foure of the clocke, and in the afternoone Bernar [l. 1923] dine: For my better satisfaction, let mee haue Claudios [l. 1924] head sent me by fiue. Let this be duely performed with a [l. 1925] thought that more depends on it, then we must yet deliuer. [l. 1926] Thus faile not to doe your Office, as you will answere it at [l. 1927] your perill.

[1928] What say you to this Sir?

Duke.

[1929] What is that Barnardine, who is to be execu [l. 1930] ted in th'afternoone?

Pro.

A Bohemian borne: But here nurst vp & bred,

One that is a prisoner nine yeeres old.

Duke.

[1933] How came it, that the absent Duke had not [l. 1934] either deliuer'd him to his libertie, or executed him? I [l. 1935] haue heard it was euer his manner to do so.

Pro.

His friends still wrought Repreeues for him:

And indeed his fact till now in the gouernment of Lord

Angelo, came not to an vndoubtfull proofe.

Duke.

[1939] It is now apparant?

Pro.

[1940] Most manifest, and not denied by himself.

Duke.

Hath he borne himselfe penitently in prison?

How seemes he to be touch'd?

Pro.

[1943] A man that apprehends death no more dread [l. 1944] fully, but as a drunken sleepe, carelesse, wreaklesse, and [l. 1945] fearelesse of what's past, present, or to come: insensible [l. 1946] of mortality, and desperately mortall.

Duke.

[1947] He wants aduice.

Pro.

[1948] He wil heare none: he hath euermore had the li [l. 1949] berty of the prison: giue him leaue to escape hence, hee [l. 1950] would not. Drunke many times a day, if not many daies [l. 1951] entirely drunke. We haue verie oft awak'd him, as if to [l. 1952] carrie him to execution, and shew'd him a seeming war [l. 1953] rant for it, it hath not moued him at all.

Duke. {p. 77} Measure for Measure.

Duke.

[1954] More of him anon: There is written in your [l. 1955] brow Prouost, honesty and constancie; if I reade it not [l. 1956] truly, my ancient skill beguiles me: but in the boldnes [l. 1957] of my cunning, I will lay my selfe in hazard: Claudio, [l. 1958] whom heere you haue warrant to execute, is no greater [l. 1959] forfeit to the Law, then Angelo who hath sentenc'd him. [l. 1960] To make you vnderstand this in a manifested effect, I [l. 1961] craue but foure daies respit: for the which, you are to [l. 1962] do me both a present, and a dangerous courtesie.

Pro.

[1963] Pray Sir, in what?

Duke.

[1964] In the delaying death.

Pro.

[1965] Alacke, how may I do it? Hauing the houre li [l. 1966] mited, and an expresse command, vnder penaltie, to de [l. 1967] liuer his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my [l. 1968] case as Claudio's, to crosse this in the smallest.

Duke.

By the vow of mine Order, I warrant you,

1970 If my instructions may be your guide,

Let this Barnardine be this morning executed,

And his head borne to Angelo.

Pro.

Angelo hath seene them both,

And will discouer the fauour.

Duke.

[1975] Oh, death's a great disguiser, and you may [l. 1976] adde to it; Shaue the head, and tie the beard, and say it [l. 1977] was the desire of the penitent to be so bar'de before his [l. 1978] death: you know the course is common. If any thing [l. 1979] fall to you vpon this, more then thankes and good for [l. 1980] tune, by the Saint whom I professe, I will plead against [l. 1981] it with my life.

Pro.

[1982] Pardon me, good Father, it is against my oath.

Duke.

[1983] Were you sworne to the Duke, or to the De [l. 1984] putie?

Pro.

[1985] To him, and to his Substitutes.

Duke.

[1986] You will thinke you haue made no offence, if [l. 1987] the Duke auouch the iustice of your dealing?

Pro.

[1988] But what likelihood is in that?

Duke.

[1989] Not a resemblance, but a certainty; yet since [l. 1990] I see you fearfull, that neither my coate, integrity, nor [l. 1991] perswasion, can with ease attempt you, I wil go further [l. 1992] then I meant, to plucke all feares out of you. Looke [l. 1993] you Sir, heere is the hand and Seale of the Duke: you [l. 1994] know the Charracter I doubt not, and the Signet is not [l. 1995] strange to you?

Pro.

[1996] I know them both.

Duke.

[1997] The Contents of this, is the returne of the [l. 1998] Duke; you shall anon ouer‑reade it at your pleasure: [l. 1999] where you shall finde within these two daies, he wil be [l. 2000] heere. This is a thing that Angelo knowes not, for hee [l. 2001] this very day receiues letters of strange tenor, perchance [l. 2002] of the Dukes death, perchance entering into some Monasterie, [l. 2003] but by chance nothing of what is writ. Looke, [l. 2004] th' vnfolding Starre calles vp the Shepheard; put not [l. 2005] your selfe into amazement, how these things should be; [l. 2006] all difficulties are but easie when they are knowne. Call [l. 2007] your executioner, and off with Barnardines head: I will [l. 2008] giue him a present shrift, and aduise him for a better [l. 2009] place. Yet you are amaz'd, but this shall absolutely re [l. 2010] solue you: Come away, it is almost cleere dawne.

Exit.

Scena Tertia.

[Act 4, Scene 3] §

Enter Clowne.

Clo.

[2011] I am as well acquainted heere, as I was in our [l. 2012] house of profession: one would thinke it vvere Mistris [l. 2013] Ouer‑dons owne house, for heere be manie of her olde [l. 2014] Customers. First, here's yong Mr Rash, hee's in for a [l. 2015] commoditie of browne paper, and olde Ginger, nine [l. 2016] score and seuenteene pounds, of which hee made fiue [l. 2017] Markes readie money: marrie then, Ginger was not [l. 2018] much in request, for the olde Women were all dead. [l. 2019] Then is there heere one Mr Caper, at the suite of Master [l. 2020] Three‑Pile the Mercer, for some foure suites of Peach‑ [l. 2021] colour'd Satten, which now peaches him a beggar. [l. 2022] Then haue vve heere, yong Dizie, and yong Mr Deepe‑ [l. 2023] vow, and Mr Copperspurre, and Mr Starue‑Lackey the Ra [l. 2024] pier and dagger man, and yong Drop‑heire that kild lu [l. 2025] stie Pudding, and Mr Forthlight the Tilter, and braue Mr [l. 2026] Shootie the great Traueller, and wilde Halfe‑Canne that [l. 2027] stabb'd Pots, and I thinke fortie more, all great doers in [l. 2028] our Trade, and are now for the Lords sake.

Enter Abhorson.

Abh.

Sirrah, bring Barnardine hether.

Clo.

2030 Mr Barnardine, you must rise and be hang'd,

Mr Barnardine.

Abh.

What hoa Barnardine.

Barnardine within.

Bar.

[2033] A pox o'your throats: who makes that noyse [l. 2034] there? What are you?

Clo.

2035 Your friends Sir, the Hangman:

You must be so good Sir to rise, and be put to death.

Bar.

[2037] Away you Rogue, away, I am sleepie.

Abh.

Tell him he must awake,

And that quickly too.

Clo.

[2040] Pray Master Barnardine, awake till you are ex [l. 2041] ecuted, and sleepe afterwards.

Ab.

[2042] Go in to him, and fetch him out.

Clo.

[2043] He is comming Sir, he is comming: I heare his [l. 2044] Straw russle.

Enter Barnardine.

Abh.

2045 Is the Axe vpon the blocke, sirrah?

Clo.

Verie readie Sir.

Bar.

How now Abhorson?

What's the newes vvith you?

Abh.

[2049] Truly Sir, I would desire you to clap into your [l. 2050] prayers: for looke you, the Warrants come.

Bar.

You Rogue, I haue bin drinking all night,

I am not fitted for't.

Clo.

[2053] Oh, the better Sir: for he that drinkes all night, [l. 2054] and is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleepe the [l. 2055] sounder all the next day.

Enter Duke.

Abh.

[2056] Looke you Sir, heere comes your ghostly Fa [l. 2057] ther: do we iest now thinke you?

Duke.

[2058] Sir, induced by my charitie, and hearing how [l. 2059] hastily you are to depart, I am come to aduise you, [l. 2060] Comfort you, and pray with you.

Bar.

[2061] Friar, not I: I haue bin drinking hard all night, [l. 2062] and I will haue more time to prepare mee, or they shall [l. 2063] beat out my braines with billets: I will not consent to [l. 2064] die this day, that's certaine.

Duke.

[2065] Oh sir, you must: and therefore I beseech you [l. 2066] Looke forward on the iournie you shall go.

Bar.

[2067] I sweare I will not die to day for anie mans per [l. 2068] swasion.

Duke.

[2069] But heare you:

Bar.

[2070] Not a word: if you haue anie thing to say to me, [l. 2071] come to my Ward: for thence will not I to day.

Exit.

Enter Prouost.

Duke.

Vnfit to liue, or die: oh grauell heart.

G3 After {p. 78} Measure for Measure.

After him (Fellowes) bring him to the blocke.

Pro.

Now Sir, how do you finde the prisoner?

Duke.

2075 A creature vnpre‑par'd, vnmeet for death,

And to transport him in the minde he is,

Were damnable.

Pro.
Heere in the prison, Father,
There died this morning of a cruell Feauor,
2080 One Ragozine, a most notorious
                                    Pirate,
A man of Claudio's yeares: his
                                    beard, and head
Iust of his colour. What if we do omit
This Reprobate, til he were wel enclin'd,
And satisfie the Deputie with the visage
2085 Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?

Duke.
Oh, 'tis an accident that heauen prouides:
Dispatch it presently, the houre drawes on
Prefixt by Angelo: See this be done,
And sent according to command, whiles I
2090 Perswade this rude wretch willingly to die.

Pro.
This shall be done (good Father) presently:
But Barnardine must die this
                                    afternoone,
And how shall we continue Claudio,
To saue me from the danger that might come,
2095 If he were knowne aliue?

Duke.
Let this be done,
Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine
                                    and Claudio,
Ere twice the Sun hath made his iournall greeting
To yond generation, you shal finde
2100 Your safetie manifested.

Pro.

I am your free dependant.

Exit.

Duke.
Quicke, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo
Now wil I write Letters to Angelo,
(The Prouost he shal beare them) whose contents
2105 Shal witnesse to him I am neere at home:
And that by great Iniunctions I am bound
To enter publikely: him Ile desire
To meet me at the consecrated Fount,
A League below the Citie: and from thence,
2110 By cold gradation, and weale‑ballanc'd forme.
We shal proceed with Angelo.

Enter Prouost.

Pro.

Heere is the head, Ile carrie it my selfe.

Duke.

Conuenient is it: Make a swift returne,

For I would commune with you of such things,

2115 That want no eare but yours.

Pro.

Ile make all speede.

Exit.

Isabell within.

Isa.

Peace hoa, be heere.

Duke.
The tongue of Isabell. She's come
                                    to know,
If yet her brothers pardon be come hither:
2120 But I will keepe her ignorant of her good,
To make her heauenly comforts of dispaire,
When it is least expected.

Enter Isabella.

Isa.

Hoa, by your leaue.

Duke.

Good morning to you, faire, and gracious
daughter.

Isa.

2125 The better giuen me by so holy a man,

Hath yet the Deputie sent my brothers pardon?

Duke.

He hath releasd him, Isabell, from the world,

His head is off, and sent to Angelo.

Isa.

Nay, but it is not so.

Duke.

2130 It is no other,

Shew your wisedome daughter in your close patience.

Isa.

Oh, I wil to him, and plucke out his eies.

Duk.

You shal not be admitted to his sight.

Isa.

Vnhappie Claudio, wretched Isabell,

2135 Iniurious world, most damned Angelo.

Duke.
This nor hurts him, nor profits you a iot,
Forbeare it therefore, giue your cause to heauen.
Marke what I say, which you shal finde
By euery sillable a faithful veritie.
2140 The Duke comes home to morrow: nay drie your eyes,
One of our Couent, and his Confessor
Giues me this instance: Already he hath carried
Notice to Escalus and Angelo,
Who do prepare to meete him at the gates,
2145 There to giue vp their powre: If you can pace your wis­
                                    

                           (dome,
In that good path that I would wish it go,
And you shal haue your bosome on this wretch,
Grace of the Duke, reuenges to your heart,
And general Honor.

Isa.

2150 I am directed by you.

Duk.
This Letter then to Friar Peter giue,
'Tis that he sent me of the Dukes returne:
Say, by this token, I desire his companie
At Mariana's house to night. Her
                                    cause, and yours
2155 Ile perfect him withall, and he shal bring you
Before the Duke; and to the head of Angelo
                        
Accuse him home and home. For my poore selfe,
I am combined by a sacred Vow,
And shall be absent. Wend you with this Letter:
2160 Command these fretting waters from your eies
With a light heart; trust not my holie Order
If I peruert your course: whose heere?

Enter Lucio.

Luc.

Good'euen;

Frier, where's the Prouost?

Duke.

[2165] Not within Sir.

Luc.

[2166] Oh prettie Isabella, I am pale at mine heart, to [l. 2167] see thine eyes so red: thou must be patient; I am faine [l. 2168] to dine and sup with water and bran: I dare not for my [l. 2169] head fill my belly. One fruitful Meale would set mee [l. 2170] too't: but they say the Duke will be heere to Morrow. [l. 2171] By my troth Isabell I lou'd thy brother, if the olde fan [l. 2172] tastical Duke of darke corners had bene at home, he had liued.

Duke.

[2173] Sir, the Duke is marueilous little beholding [l. 2174] to your reports, but the best is, he liues not in them.

Luc.

[2175] Friar, thou knowest not the Duke so wel as I [l. 2176] do: he's a better woodman then thou tak'st him for.

Duke.

[2177] Well: you'l answer this one day. Fare ye well.

Luc.

Nay tarrie, Ile go along with thee,

I can tel thee pretty tales of the Duke.

Duke.

[2180] You haue told me too many of him already sir [l. 2181] if they be true: if not true, none were enough.

Lucio.

[2182] I was once before him for getting a Wench [l. 2183] with childe.

Duke.

[2184] Did you such a thing?

Luc.

2185 Yes marrie did I; but I was faine to forswear it,

They would else haue married me to the rotten Medler.

Duke.

[2187] Sir your company is fairer then honest, rest you [l. 2188] well.

Lucio.

[2189] By my troth Ile go with thee to the lanes end: [l. 2190] if baudy talke offend you, wee'l haue very litle of it: nay [l. 2191] Friar, I am a kind of Burre, I shal sticke.

Exeunt

Scena Quarta.

[Act 4, Scene 4] §

Enter Angelo & Escalus.

Esc.

[2192] Euery Letter he hath writ, hath disuouch'd other.

Ang. {p. 79} Measure for Measure.

An.

[2193] In most vneuen and distracted manner, his actions [l. 2194] show much like to madnesse, pray heauen his wisedome [l. 2195] bee not tainted: and why meet him at the gates and re [l. 2196] liuer ou rauthorities there?

Esc.

[2197] I ghesse not.

Ang.

[2198] And why should wee proclaime it in an howre [l. 2199] before his entring, that if any craue redresse of iniustice, [l. 2200] they should exhibit their petitions in the street?

Esc.

[2201] He showes his reason for that: to haue a dispatch [l. 2202] of Complaints, and to deliuer vs from deuices heere [l. 2203] after, which shall then haue no power to stand against [l. 2204] vs.

Ang.

[2205] Well: I beseech you let it bee proclaim'd be [l. 2206] times i'th' morne, Ile call you at your house: giue notice [l. 2207] to such men of sort and suite as are to meete him.

Esc.

[2208] I shall sir: fareyouwell.

Exit.

Ang.
Good night.
2210 This deede vnshapes me quite, makes me vnpregnant
And dull to all proceedings. A deflowred maid,
And by an eminent body, that enforc'd
The Law against it? But that her tender shame
Will not proclaime against her maiden losse,
2215 How might she tongue me? yet reason dares her no,
For my Authority beares of a credent bulke,
That no particular scandall once can touch
But it confounds the breather. He should haue liu'd,
Saue that his riotous youth with dangerous sense
2220 Might in the times to come haue ta'ne reuenge
By so receiuing a dishonor'd life
With ransome of such shame: would yet he had liued.
Alack, when once our grace we haue forgot,
Nothing goes right, we would, and we would not.

Exit.

Scena Quinta.

[Act 4, Scene 5] §

Enter Duke and Frier Peter.

Duke.
2225 These Letters at fit time deliuer me,
The Prouost knowes our purpose and our plot,
The matter being a foote, keepe your instruction
And hold you euer to our speciall drift;,
Though sometimes you doe blench from this to that
2230 As cause doth minister: Goe call at Flauia's house,
And tell him where I stay: giue the like notice
To Valencius, Rowland, and to Crassus,
And bid them bring the Trumpets to the gate:
But send me Flauius first.

Peter.

2235 It shall be speeded well.

Enter Varrius.

Duke.

I thank thee Varrius, thou hast made good hast,

Come, we will walke: There's other of our friends

Will greet vs heere anon: my gentle Uarrius.

Exeunt.

Scena Sexta.

[Act 4, Scene 6] §

Enter Isabella and Mariana.

Isab.

To speake so indirectly I am loath,

2240 I would say the truth, but to accuse him so

That is your part, yet I am aduis'd to doe it,

He saies, to vaile full purpose.

Mar.

Be rul'd by him.

Isab.

Besides he tells me, that if peraduenture

2245 He speake against me on the aduerse side,

I should not thinke it strange, for 'tis a physicke

That's bitter, to sweet end.

Enter Peter.

Mar.

I would Frier Peter

Isab.

Oh peace, the Frier is come.

Peter.
2250 Come I haue found you out a stand most fit,
Where you may haue such vantage on the Duke
                        
He shall not passe you:
Twice haue the Trumpets sounded.
The generous, and grauest Citizens
2255 Haue hent the gates, and very neere vpon
The Duke is entring:
Therefore hence away.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus. Scœna Prima.

[Act 5, Scene 1] §

Enter Duke, Uarrius, Lords, Angelo, Esculus, Lucio,
Citizens at seuerall doores.

Duk.

My very worthy Cosen, fairely met,

Our old, and faithfull friend, we are glad to see you.

Ang. Esc.

2260 Happy returne be to your royall grace.

Duk.
Many and harty thankings to you both:
We haue made enquiry of you, and we heare
Such goodnesse of your Iustice, that our soule
Cannot but yeeld you forth to publique thankes
2265 Forerunning more requitall.

Ang.

You make my bonds still greater.

Duk.
Oh your desert speaks loud, & I should wrong it
To locke it in the wards of couert bosome
When it deserues with characters of brasse
2270 A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time,
And razure of obliuion: Giue we your hand
And let the Subiect see, to make them know
That outward curtesies would faine proclaime
Fauours that keepe within: Come Escalus,
2275 You must walke by vs, on our other hand:
Andgood supporters are you.

Enter Peter and Isabella.

Peter.

Now is your time

Speake loud, and kneele before him.

Isab.
Iustice, O royall Duke, vaile your
                                    regard
2280 Vpon a wrong'd (I would faine haue said a Maid)
Oh worthy Prince, dishonor not your eye
By throwing it on any other obiect,
Till you haue heard me, in my true complaint,
And giuen me Iustice, Iustice, Iustice,
                                    Iustice.

Duk.

2285 Relate your wrongs;

In what, by whom? be briefe:

Here is Lord Angelo shall giue you Iustice,

Reueale your selfe to him.

Isab.
Oh worthy Duke,
2290 You bid me seeke redemption of the diuell,
Heare me your selfe: for that which I must speake
Must either punish me, not being beleeu'd,
Or wring redresse from you:
Heare me: oh heare me, heere.

Ang.

2295 My Lord, her wits I feare me are not firme:

She hath bin a suitor to me, for her Brother

Cut off by course of Iustice.

Isab.

By course of Iustice.

Ang.

And she will speake most bitterly, and strange.

Isab. Most {p. 80} Measure for Measure.

Isab.
2300 Most strange: but yet most truely wil I speake,
That Angelo's forsworne, is it not
                                    strange?
That Angelo's a murtherer,
                                    is't not strange?
That Angelo is an adulterous thiefe,
An hypocrite, a virgin violator,
2305 Is it not strange? and strange?

Duke.

Nay it is ten times strange?

Isa.

It is not truer he is Angelo,

Then this is all as true, as it is strange;

Nay, it is ten times true, for truth is truth

2310 To th' end of reckning.

Duke.

Away with her: poore soule

She speakes this, in th'infirmity of sence.

Isa.
Oh Prince, I coniure thee, as thou beleeu'st
There is another comfort, then this world,
2315 That thou neglect me not, with that opinion
That I am touch'd with madnesse: make not impossible
That which but seemes vnlike, 'tis not impossible
But one, the wickedst caitiffe on the ground
May seeme as shie, as graue, as iust, as absolute:
2320 As Angelo, euen so may Angelo
                        
In all his dressings, caracts, titles, formes,
Be an arch‑villaine: Beleeue it, royall Prince
If he be lesse, he's nothing, but he's more,
Had I more name for badnesse.

Duke.
2325 By mine honesty
If she be mad, as I beleeue no other,
Her madnesse hath the oddest frame of sense,
Such a dependancy of thing, on thing,
As ere I heard in madnesse.

Isab.
2330 Oh gracious Duke
                        
Harpe not on that; nor do not banish reason
For inequality, but let your reason serue
To make the truth appeare, where it seemes hid,
And hide the false seemes true.

Duk.

2335 Many that are not mad

Haue sure more lacke of reason:

What would you say?

Isab.
I am the Sister of one Claudio,
Condemnd vpon the Act of Fornication
2340 To loose his head, condemn'd by Angelo,
I, (in probation of a Sisterhood)
Was sent to by my Brother; one Lucio
                        
As then the Messenger.

Luc.

That's I, and't like your Grace:

2345 I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her,

To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo,

For her poore Brothers pardon.

Isab.

That's he indeede.

Duk.

You were not bid to speake.

Luc.

2350 No, my good Lord,

Nor wish'd to hold my peace.

Duk.

I wish you now then,

Pray you take note of it: and when you haue

A businesse for your selfe: pray heauen you then

2355 Be perfect.

Luc.

I warrant your honor.

Duk.

The warrant's for your selfe: take heede to't.

Isab.

This Gentleman told somewhat of my Tale.

Luc.

Right.

Duk.

2360 It may be right, but you are i'the wrong

To speake before your time: proceed,

Isab.

I went

To this pernicious Caitiffe Deputie.

Duk.

That's somewhat madly spoken.

Isab.

2365 Pardon it.

The phrase is to the matter.

Duke.

Mended againe: the matter: proceed.

Isab.
In briefe, to set the needlesse processe by:
How I perswaded, how I praid, and kneel'd,
2370 How he refeld me, and how I replide
(For this was of much length) the vild conclusion
I now begin with griefe, and shame to vtter.
He would not, but by gift of my chaste body
To his concupiscible intemperate lust
2375 Release my brother; and after much debatement,
My sisterly remorse, confutes mine honour,
And I did yeeld to him: But the next morne betimes,
His purpose surfetting, he sends a warrant
For my poore brothers head.

Duke.

2380 This is most likely.

Isab.

Oh that it were as like as it i[.] true.

Duk.
By heauen (fond wretch) yu knowst not what thou 

                           (speak'st,
Or else thou art suborn'd against his honor
In hatefull practise: first his Integritie
2385 Stands without blemish: next it imports no reason,
That with such vehemency he should pursue
Faults proper to himselfe: if he had so offended
He would haue waigh'd thy brother by himselfe,
And not haue cut him off: some one hath set you on:
2390 Confesse the truth, and say by whose aduice
Thou cam'st heere to complaine.

Isab.
And is this all?
Then oh you blessed Ministers aboue
Keepe me in patience, and with ripened time
2395 Vnfold the euill, which is heere wrapt vp
In countenance: heauen shield your Grace from woe,
As I thus wrong'd, hence vnbeleeued goe.

Duke.
I know you'ld faine be gone: An Officer:
To prison with her: Shall we thus permit
2400 A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall,
On him so neere vs? This needs must be a practise;
Who knew of your intent and comming hither?

Isa.

One that I would were heere, Frier Lodowick.

Duk.

A ghostly Father, belike:

2405 Who knowes that Lodowicke?

Luc.

My Lord, I know him, 'tis a medling Fryer,

I doe not like the man: had he been Lay my Lord,

For certaine words he spake against your Grace

In your retirment, I had swing'd him soundly.

Duke.

2410 Words against mee? this 'a good Fryer belike

And to set on this wretched woman here

Against our Substitute: Let this Fryer be found.

Luc.

But yesternight my Lord, she and that Fryer

I saw them at the prison: a sawcy Fryar,

2415 A very scuruy fellow.

Peter.
Blessed be your Royall Grace:
I haue stood by my Lord, and I haue heard
Your royall eare abus'd: first hath this woman
Most wrongfully accus'd your Substitute,
2420 Who is as free from touch, or soyle with her
As she from one vngot.

Duke.

We did beleeue no lesse.

Know you that Frier Lodowick that she speakes of?

Peter.
I know him for a man diuine and holy,
2425 Not scuruy, nor a temporary medler
As he's reported by this Gentleman:
And on my trust, a man that neuer yet
Did (as he vouches) mis‑report your Grace.

Luc.

My Lord, most villanously, beleeue it.

Peter.

2430 Well: he in time may come to cleere himselfe;

But at this instant he is sicke, my Lord:

Of {p. 81} Measure for Measure.

Of a strange Feauor: vpon his meere request

Being come to knowledge, that there was complaint

Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo, [..] I hether

2435 To speake as from his mouth, what he doth know

Is true, and false: And what he with his oath

And all probation will make vp full cleare

Whensoeuer he's conuented: First for this woman,

To iustifie this worthy Noble man

2440 So vulgarly and personally accus'd,

Her shall you heare disproued to her eyes,

Till she her selfe confesse it.

Duk.
Good Frier, let's heare it:
Doe you not smile at this, Lord Angelo?
2445 Oh heauen, the vanity of wretched fooles.
Giue vs some seates, Come cosen Angelo,
In this I'll be impartiall: be you Iudge
Of your owne Cause: Is this the Witnes Frier?

Enter Mariana.

First, let her shew your face, and after, speake.

Mar.

Pardon my Lord, I will not shew my face

2450 Vntill my husband bid me.

Duke.

What, are you married?

Mar.

No my Lord.

Duke.

Are you a Maid?

Mar.

No my Lord.

Duk.

2455 A Widow then?

Mar.

Neither, my Lord.

Duk.

Why you are nothing then: neither Maid, Wi‑
dow, nor Wife?

Luc.

[2458] My Lord, she may be a Puncke: for many of [l. 2459] them, are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife.

Duk.

[2460] Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause [l. 2461] to prattle for himselfe.

Luc.

Well my Lord.

Mar.

My Lord, I doe confesse I nere was married,

And I confesse besides, I am no Maid,

2465 I haue known my husband, yet my husband

Knowes not, that euer he knew me.

Luc.

He was drunk then, my Lord, it can be no better.

Duk.

For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so to.

Luc.

Well, my Lord.

Duk.

2470 This is no witnesse for Lord Angelo.

Mar.
Now I come to't, my Lord.
Shee that accuses him of Fornication,
In selfe‑same manner, doth accuse my husband,
And charges him, my Lord, with such a time,
2475 When I'le depose I had him in mine Armes
With all th'effect of Loue.

Ang.

Charges she moe then me?

Mar.

Not that I know.

Duk.

No? you say your husband.

Mar.

2480 Why iust, my Lord, and that is Angelo,

Who thinkes he knowes, that he nere knew my body,

But knows, he thinkes, that he knowes Isabels.

Ang.

This is a strange abuse: Let's see thy face.

Mar.
My husband bids me, now I will vnmaske.
2485 This is that face, thou cruell Angelo
                        
Which once thou sworst, was worth the looking on:
This is the hand, which with a vowd contract
                        
Was fast belockt in thine: This is the body
That tooke away the match from Isabell,
2490 And did supply thee at thy garden‑house
In her Imagin'd person.

Duke.

Know you this woman?

Luc.

Carnallie she saies.

Duk.

Sirha, no more.

Luc.

2495 Enough my Lord.

Ang.
My Lord, I must confesse, I know this woman,
And fiue yeres since there was some speech of marriage
Betwixt my selfe, and her: which was broke off,
Partly for that her promis'd proportions
2500 Came short of Composition: But in chiefe
For that her reputation was dis‑valued
In leuitie: Since which time of fiue yeres
I neuer spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her
Vpon my faith, and honor.

Mar.
2505 Noble Prince,
As there comes light from heauen, and words from breath,
As there is sence in truth, and truth in vertue,
I am affianced this mans wife, as strongly
As words could make vp vowes: And my good Lord,
2510 But Tuesday night last gon, in's garden house[.]
He knew me as a wife. As this is true,
Let me in safety raise me from my knees,
Or else for euer be confixed here
A Marble Monument.

Ang.
2515 I did but smile till now,
Now, good my Lord, giue me the scope of Iustice,
My patience here is touch'd: I doe perceiue
These poore informall women, are no more
But instruments of some more mightier member
2520 That sets them on. Let me haue way, my Lord
To finde this practise out.

Duke.
I, with my heart,
And punish them to your height of pleasure.
Thou foolish Frier, and thou pernicious woman
2525 Compact with her that's gone: thinkst thou,
                                    thy oathes,
Though they would swear downe each particular Saint,
Were testimonies against his worth, and credit
That's seald in approbation? you, Lord Escalus
                        
Sit with my Cozen, lend him your kinde paines
2530 To finde out this abuse, whence 'tis deriu'd.
There is another Frier that set them on,
Let him be sent for.

Peter.

Would he were here, my Lord, for he indeed

Hath set the women on to this Complaint;

2535 Your Prouost knowes the place where he abides,

And he may fetch him.

Duke.
Goe, doe it instantly:
And you, my noble and well‑warranted Cosen
Whom it concernes to heare this matter forth,
2540 Doe with your iniuries as seemes you best
In any chastisement; I for a while
Will leaue you; but stir not you till you haue
Well determin'd vpon these Slanderers.

Exit.

Esc.

[2544] My Lord, wee'll doe it throughly: Signior Lu [l. 2545] cio, did not you say you knew that Frier Lodowick to be a [l. 2546] dishonest person?

Luc.

[2547] Cucullus non facit Monachum, honest in nothing [l. 2548] but in his Clothes, and one that hath spoke most villa [l. 2549] nous speeches of the Duke.

Esc.

[2550] We shall intreat you to abide heere till he come, [l. 2551] and inforce them against him: we shall finde this Frier a [l. 2552] notable fellow.

Luc.

[2553] As any in Vienna, on my word.

Esc.

[2554] Call that same Isabell here once againe, I would [l. 2555] speake with her: pray you, my Lord, giue mee leaue to [l. 2556] question, you shall see how Ile handle her.

Luc.

[2557] Not better then he, by her owne report.

Esc.

[2558] Say you?

Luc.

[2559] Marry sir, I thinke, if you handled her priuately shee {p. 82} Measure for Measure. [l. 2560] She would sooner confesse, perchance publikely she'll be [l. 2561] asham'd.

Enter Duke, Prouost, Isabella.

Esc.

I will goe darkely to worke with her.

Luc.

That's the way: for women are light at mid
night.

Esc.

Come on Mistris, here's a Gentlewoman,

2565 Denies all that you haue said.

Luc.

My Lord, here comes the rascall I spoke of,

Here, with the Prouost.

Esc.

In very good time: speake not you to him, till
we call vpon you.

Luc.

Mum.

Esc.

2570 Come Sir, did you set these women on to slan
der Lord Angelo? they haue confes'd you did.

Duk.

'Tis false.

Esc.

How? Know you where you are?

Duk.

Respect to your great place; and let the diuell

Be sometime honour'd, for his burning throne.

2575 Where is the Duke? 'tis he should heare me speake.

Esc.

The Duke's in vs: and we will heare you speake,

Looke you speake iustly.

Duk.
Boldly, at least. But oh poore soules,
Come you to seeke the Lamb here of the Fox;
2580 Good night to your redresse: Is the Duke
                                    gone?
Then is your cause gone too: The Duke's vniust,
Thus to retort your manifest Appeale,
And put your triall in the villaines mouth,
Which here you come to accuse.

Luc.

2585 This is the rascall: this is he I spoke of.

Esc.
Why thou vnreuerend, and vnhallowed Fryer:
Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these
                                    women,
To accuse this worthy man? but in foule mouth,
And in the witnesse of his proper eare,
2590 To call him villaine; and then to glance from him,
To th'Duke himselfe, to taxe him
                                    with Iniustice?
Take him hence; to th' racke with him: we'll towze
                                    you
Ioynt by ioynt, but we will know his purpose:
What? vniust?

Duk.
2595 Be not so hot: the Duke dare
No more stretch this finger of mine, then he
Dare racke his owne: his Subiect am I not,
Nor here Prouinciall: My businesse in this State
Made me a looker on here in Vienna,
2600 Where I haue seene corruption boyle and bubble,
Till it ore‑run the Stew: Lawes, for all faults,
But faults so countenanc'd, that the strong Statutes
Stand like the forfeites in a Barbers shop,
As much in mocke, as marke.

Esc.

2605 Slander to th'State:

Away with him to prison.

Ang.

What can you vouch against him Signior Lucio?

Is this the man you did tell vs of?

Luc.

[2609] 'Tis he, my Lord: come hither goodman bald‑ [l. 2610] pate, doe you know me?

Duk.

[2611] I remember you Sir, by the sound of your voice, [l. 2612] I met you at the Prison, in the absence of the Duke.

Luc.

[2613] Oh, did you so? and do you remember what you [l. 2614] said of the Duke.

Duk.

[2615] Most notedly Sir.

Luc.

[2616] Do you so Sir: And was the Duke a flesh‑mon [l. 2617] ger, a foole, and a coward, as you then reported him [l. 2618] to be?

Duk.

[2619] You must (Sir) change persons with me, ere you [l. 2620] make that my report: you indeede spoke so of him, and [l. 2621] much more, much worse.

Luc.

[2622] Oh thou damnable fellow: did I not plucke thee [l. 2623] by the nose, for thy spe[..]hes?

Duk.

[2624] I protest, I loue the Duke, as I loue my selfe.

Ang.

[2625] Harke how the villaine would close now, after [l. 2626] his treasonable abuses.

Esc.

[2627] Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withall: Away [l. 2628] with him to prison: Where is the Prouost? away with [l. 2629] him to prison: lay bolts enough vpon him: let him speak [l. 2630] no more: away with those Giglets too, and with the o [l. 2631] ther confederate companion.

Duk.

[2632] Stay Sir, stay a while.

Ang.

[2633] What, resists he? helpe him Lucio.

Luc.

[2634] Come sir, come sir, come sir: foh sir, why you [l. 2635] bald‑pated lying rascall: you must be hooded must you? [l. 2636] show your knaues visage with a poxe to you: show your [l. 2637] sheepe‑biting face, and be hang'd an houre: Will't [l. 2638] not off?

Duk.

Thou art the first knaue, that ere mad'st a Duke.

2640 First Prouost, let me bayle these gentle three:

Sneake not away Sir, for the Fryer, and you,

Must haue a word anon: lay hold on him.

Luc.

This may proue worse then hanging.

Duk.
What you haue spoke, I pardon: sit you downe,
2645 We'll borrow place of him; Sir, by your leaue:
Ha'st thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
That yet can doe thee office? If thou
                                    ha'st
Rely vpon it, till my tale be heard,
And hold no longer out.

Ang.
2650 Oh, my dread Lord,
I should be guiltier then my guiltinesse,
To thinke I can be vndiscerneable,
When I perceiue your grace, like powre diuine,
Hath look'd vpon my passes. Then good Prince,
2655 No longer Session hold vpon my shame,
But let my Triall, be mine owne Confession:
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death,
Is all the grace I beg.

Duk.

Come hither Mariana,

2660 Say: was't thou ere contracted to this woman?

Ang.

I was my Lord.

Duk.

Goe take her hence, and marry her instantly.

Doe you the office (Fryer) which consummate,

Returne him here againe: goe with him Prouost.

Exit.

Esc.

2665 My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his dishonor,

Then at the strangenesse of it.

Duk.
Come hither Isabell,
Your Frier is now your Prince: As I was
                                    then
Aduertysing, and holy to your businesse,
2670 (Not changing heart with habit) I am still,
Atturnied at your seruice.

Isab.

Oh giue me pardon

That I, your vassaile, haue imploid, and pain'd

Your vnknowne Soueraigntie.

Duk.

2675 You are pardon'd Isabell:

And now, deere Maide, be you as free to vs.

Your Brothers death I know sits at your heart:

And you may maruaile, why I obscur'd my selfe,

Labouring to saue his life: and would not rather

2680 Make rash remonstrance of my hidden powre,

Then let him so be lost: oh most kinde Maid,

It was the swift celeritie of his death,

Which I did thinke, with slower foot came on,

That brain'd my purpose: but peace be with him,

2685 That life is better life past fearing death,

Then that which liues to feare: make it your comfort,

So {p. 83} Measure for Measure.

So happy is your Brother.

Enter Angelo, Maria, Peter, Prouost.

Isab.

I doe my Lord.

Duk.
For this new‑maried man, approaching here,
2690 Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd
Your well defended honor: you must pardon
For Mariana's sake: But as he
                                    adiudg'd your Brother,
Being criminall, in double violation
Of sacred Chastitie, and of promise‑breach,
2695 Thereon dependant for your Brothers life,
The very mercy of the Law cries out
Most audible, euen from his proper tongue.
An Angelo for Claudio, death for
                                    death:
Haste still paies haste, and leasure, answers
                                    leasure;
2700 Like doth quit like, and Measure still for
                                    Measure:
Then Angelo, thy fault's thus
                                    manifested;
Which though thou would'st deny, denies thee
                                    vantage.
We doe condemne thee to the very Blocke
Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like
                                    haste.
2705 Away with him.

Mar.

Oh my most gracious Lord,

I hope you will not mocke me with a husband?

Duk.
It is your husband mock't you with a husband,
Consenting to the safe‑guard of your honor,
2710 I thought your marriage fit: else Imputation,
For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
And choake your good to come: For his Possessions,
Although by confutation they are ours;
We doe en‑state, and widow you with all,
2715 To buy you a better husband.

Mar.

Oh my deere Lord,

I craue no other, nor no better man.

Duke.

Neuer craue him, we are definitiue.

Mar.

Gentle my Liege.

Duke.

2720 You doe but loose your labour.

Away with him to death: Now Sir, to you.

Mar.

Oh my good Lord, sweet Isabell, take my part,

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

I'll lend you all my life to doe you seruice.

Duke.

2725 Against all sence you doe importune her,

Should she kneele downe, in mercie of this fact,

Her Brothers ghost, his paued bed would breake,

And take her hence in horror.

Mar.
Isabell:
2730 Sweet Isabel, doe yet but kneele by
                                    me,
Hold vp your hands, say nothing: I'll speake all.
They say best men are moulded out of faults,
And for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad: So may my husband.
2735 Oh Isabel: will you not lend a knee?

Duke.

He dies for Claudio's death.

Isab.
Most bounteous Sir.
Looke if it please you, on this man condemn'd,
As if my Brother liu'd: I partly thinke,
2740 A due sinceritie gouerned his deedes,
Till he did looke on me: Since it is so,
Let him not die: my Brother had but Iustice,
In that he did the thing for which he dide.
For Angelo, his Act did not
                                    ore‑take his bad intent,
2745 And must be buried but as an intent
That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no
                                    subiects
Intents, but meerely thoughts.

Mar.

Meerely my Lord.

Duk.

Your suite's vnprofitable: stand vp I say:

2750 I haue bethought me of another fault.

Prouost, how came it Claudio was beheaded

At an vnusuall howre?

Pro.

It was commanded so.

Duke.

Had you a speciall warrant for the deed?

Pro.

2755 No my good Lord: it was by priuate message.

Duk.

For which I doe discharge you of your office,

Giue vp your keyes.

Pro.
Pardon me, noble Lord,
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not,
2760 Yet did repent me after more aduice,
For testimony whereof, one in the prison
That should by priuate order else haue dide,
I haue reseru'd aliue.

Duk.

What's he?

Pro.

2765 His name is Barnardine.

Duke.

I would thou hadst done so by Claudio:

Goe fetch him hither, let me looke vpon him.

Esc.

I am sorry, one so learned, and so wise

As you, Lord Angelo, haue stil appear'd,

2770 Should slip so grosselie, both in the heat of bloud

And lacke of temper'd iudgement afterward.

Ang.

I am sorrie, that such sorrow I procure,

And so deepe sticks it in my penitent heart,

That I craue death more willingly then mercy,

2775 'Tis my deseruing, and I doe entreat it.

Enter Barnardine and Prouost, Claudio, Iulietta.

Duke.

Which is that Barnardine?

Pro.

This my Lord.

Duke.
There was a Friar told me of this man.
Sirha, thou art said to haue a stubborne soule
2780 That apprehends no further then this world,
And squar'st thy life according: Thou'rt
                                    condemn'd,
But for those earthly faults, I quit them all,
And pray thee take this mercie to prouide
For better times to come: Frier aduise him,
2785 I leaue him to your hand. What muffeld fellow's
                                    that?

Pro.

This is another prisoner that I sau'd,

Who should haue di'd when Claudio lost his head,

As like almost to Claudio, as himselfe.

Duke.
If he be like your brother, for his sake
2790 Is he pardon'd, and for your louelie sake
Giue me your hand, and say you will be mine,
He is my brother too: But fitter time for that:
By this Lord Angelo perceiues he's
                                    safe,
Methinkes I see a quickning in his eye:
2795 Well Angelo, your euill quits you
                                    well.
Looke that you loue your wife: her worth, worth yours
I finde an apt remission in my selfe:
And yet heere's one in place I cannot pardon,
You sirha, that knew me for a foole, a Coward,
2800 One all of Luxurie, an asse, a mad man:
Wherein haue I so deseru'd of you
That you extoll me thus?

Luc.

[2803] 'Faith my Lord, I spoke it but according to the [l. 2804] trick: if you will hang me for it you may: but I had ra [l. 2805] ther it would please you, I might be whipt.

Duke.
Whipt first, sir, and hang'd after.
Proclaime it Prouost round about the Citie,
If any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow
(As I haue heard him sweare himselfe there's one
2810 whom he begot with childe) let her appeare,
And he shall marry her: the nuptiall finish'd,
Let him be whipt and hang'd.

Luc.

[2813] I beseech your Highnesse doe not marry me to [l. 2814] a Whore: your Highnesse said euen now I made you a [l. 2815] Duke, good my Lord do not recompence me, in making [l. 2816] me a Cuckold.

Duk. Vpon {p. 84} Measure for Measure.

Duke.

Vpon mine honor thou shalt marrie her.

Thy slanders I forgiue, and therewithall

Remit thy other forfeits: take him to prison,

2820 And see our pleasure herein executed.

Luc.

Marrying a punke my Lord, is pressing to death,

Whipping and hanging.

Duke.
Slandering a Prince deserues it.
She Claudio that you wrong'd, looke
                                    you restore.
2825 Ioy to you Mariana, loue her Angelo:
I haue confes'd her, and I know her vertue.
Thanks good friend, Escalus, for thy much
                                    goodnesse,
There's more behinde that is more gratulate.
Thanks Prouost for thy care, and secrecie,
2830 We shall imploy thee in a worthier place.
Forgiue him Angelo, that brought you
                                    home
The head of Ragozine for Claudio's,
Th' offence pardons it selfe. Deere Isabell,
I haue a motion much imports your good,
2835 Whereto if you'll a willing eare incline;
What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.
So bring vs to our Pallace, where wee'll show
What's yet behinde, that meete you all should know.

The Scene Vienna. §

The names of all the Actors.

Vincentio: the Duke.
Angelo, the Deputie.
Escalus, an ancient Lord.
Claudio, a yong Gentleman.
Lucio, a fantastique.
2. Other like Gentlemen.
Prouost.
- Thomas.
- Peter.
} 2. Friers.
Elbow, a simple Constable.
Froth, a foolish Gentleman.
Clowne.
Abhorson, an Executioner.
Barnardine, a dissolute prisoner.
Isabella, sister to Claudio.
Mariana, betrothed to Angelo.
Iuliet, beloued of Claudio.
Francisca, a Nun.
Mistris Ouer‑don, a Bawd.

FINIS.

Measure, for Measure from Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies. Published according to the true originall copies.

Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies

Bodleian First Folio, Arch. G c.7

MEASVRE, For Measure. §

Actus primus, Scena prima.

[Act 1, Scene 1] §

Scena Secunda.

[Act 1, Scene 2] §

Scena Tertia.

[Act 1, Scene 2, cont.] §

Scena Quarta.

[Act 1, Scene 3] §

Scena Quinta.

[Act 1, Scene 4] §

Actus Secundus. Scœna Prima.

[Act 2, Scene 1] §

Scena Secunda.

[Act 2, Scene 2] §

Scena Tertia.

[Act 2, Scene 3] §

Scena Quarta.

[Act 2, Scene 4] §

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

[Act 3, Scene 1] §

[Act 3, Scene 2] §

Actus Quartus, Scœna prima.

[Act 4, Scene 1] §

Scena Secunda.

[Act 4, Scene 2] §

Scena Tertia.

[Act 4, Scene 3] §

Scena Quarta.

[Act 4, Scene 4] §

Scena Quinta.

[Act 4, Scene 5] §

Scena Sexta.

[Act 4, Scene 6] §

Actus Quintus. Scœna Prima.

[Act 5, Scene 1] §

The Scene Vienna. §

MEASVRE,
For Measure. §