Ang. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm: She hath been a suitor to me for her brother, Cut off by course of justice. Isa. Ang. And she will strange. By course of justice! speak most bitterly and Isa. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak: That Angelo's forsworn; is it not strange ? A hypocrite, a virgin-violator; Is it not strange, and strange? Duke. Nay, ten times strange. Isa. It is not truer he is Angelo, Than this is all as true as it is strange : Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth Duke. Away with her.-Poor soul, She speaks this in the infirmity of sense. Isa. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believest There is another comfort than this world, That thou neglect me not, with that opinion That I am touch'd with madness: make not impos sible That which but seems unlike: 'tis not impossible, As complete in all the round of duty. As Angelo; even so may Angelo, Duke. By mine honesty, As e'er I heard in madness. O, gracious duke, Isa. Duke. Many that are not mad, Have, sure, more lack of reason.-What would you say? Isa. I am the sister of one Claudio, To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo : Was sent to by my brother. One Lucio Lucio. That's I, an 't like your grace : I came to her from Claudio, and desired her 1 Habiliments and characters of office. 2 Apparent inconsistency. 3 And for ever hide, i. e. plunge into eternal darkness, the false one, i. e. Angelo, who now seems honest. ་ To try her gracious fortune with lord Angelo, Isa. Duke. You were not bid to speak. That's he, indeed. No, my good lord; I wish you now then; Nor wish'd to hold my peace. Duke. Pray you, take note of it: and when you have Lucio. I warrant your honor. Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it. Isa. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale. Lucio. Right. Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong To speak before your time.-Proceed. Isa. To this pernicious caitiff deputy. I went Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken. The phrase is to the matter. Pardon it; Duke. Mended again: the matter :-proceed. Isa. In brief,-to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd and kneel'd, How he refell'd1 me, and how I replied; (For this was of much length) the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter: 1 Refuted. He would not, but by gift of my chaste body Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remorse 1 confutes mine honor, 1 And I did yield to him. But the next morn betimes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant For my poor brother's head. Duke. This is most likely! Isa. O, that it were as like, as it is true! Duke. By heaven, fond 2 wretch, thou know'st not what thou speak'st; Or else thou art suborn'd against his honor, 3 In hateful practice. First, his integrity Stands without blemish :-next, it imports no reason, That with such vehemency he should pursue you on; Confess the truth, and say by whose advice Thou camest here to complain. Isa. And is this all? Then, O, you blessed ministers above, Keep me in patience; and, with ripen'd time, In countenance ! -Heaven shield your grace from woe, 1 Pity. 2 Foolish. 3 Conspiracy. 4 False appearance. As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go! Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone !-An officer! To prison with her.-Shall we thus permit A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.1 -Who knew of your intent, and coming hither? Isa. One that I would were here, friar Lodowick. Duke. A ghostly father, belike.-Who knows that Lodowick? Lucio. My lord, I know him; 'tis a medling friar ; I do not like the man: had he been lay, my lord, And to set on this wretched woman here Against our substitute!-Let this friar be found. Lucio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar I saw them at the prison: a saucy friar, A very scurvy fellow. F. Peter. Blessed be your royal grace! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Your royal ear abused. First, hath this woman Most wrongfully accused your substitute; Who is as free from touch or soil with her, As she from one ungot. 1 Conspiracy. |