132 PERSONS REPRESENTED. VINCENTIO, duke of Vienna. ANGELO, lord deputy in the duke's absence. ESCALUS, an ancient lord, joined with Angelo in the deputa tion. CLAUDIO, a young gentleman. Lucio, a fantastic. Two other like GENTLEMEN. VARRIUS, a gentleman, servant to the duke. PROVOST. Lords, Gentlemen, Guards, Officers, and other Attendants, SCENE, Vienna. * Varrius might be omitted, for he is only once spoken to, and says nothing. JOHNSON. MEASURE FOR MEASURE. ACT I. SCENE I. An apartment in the Duke's palace. Enter DUKE, ESCALUS, Lords, and Attendants. Duke. Escalus,— Esc. My lord. Duke. Of government the properties to unfold, Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse; Since, I am put to know,1 that your own science Exceeds, in that, the lists 2 of all advice My strength can give you. Then no more remains, But that to your sufficiency,3 as your worth is able, And let them work. The nature of our people, Our city's institutions, and the terms For common justice, you are as pregnant 4 in, That we remember. There is our commission, Since I am assured. 3 Skill in government. 2 Bounds, limits. 4 Ready. I say, bid come before us Angelo. [Exit an Attendant. What figure of us think you he will bear? For you must know, we have with special soul1 Lent him our terror, dress'd him with our love; Of our own power. What think you of it? Esc. If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honor, Duke. Enter ANGElo. Look, where he comes. Ang. Always obedient to your grace's will, I come to know your pleasure. There is a kind of character in thy life, As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd, But to fine issues : nor nature never lends Immediate choice. 3 So much thy own property. 2 Endowments. 4 For high purposes. The smallest scruple of her excellence, But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech To one that can my part in him advertise ; 1 Hold therefore, Angelo; In our remove, be thou at full ourself; Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart. Old Escalus, Though first in question, is thy secondary : Ang. Now, good my lord, Let there be some more test made of my metal, Be stamp'd upon it. Duke. No more evasion: We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice Ang. Yet, give leave, my lord, 1 Who is bimself conversant in the nature and duties of that office, which I have now delegated to him. 2 First appointed. That we may bring you something on the way. Nor need you, on mine honor, have to do 1 With any scruple: your scope 1 is as mine own; As to your soul seems good. Give me your hand; I'll privily away. I love the people, [Exit. my place. A power I have; but of what strength and nature I am not yet instructed. Ang. 'Tis so with me.-Let us withdraw together, And we may soon our satisfaction have |