tremest shore of my modesty; but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forced me to tell him, he is indeed-justice. Duke. If his own life answers the straitness of his proceeding, it shall become him well; wherein, if he chance to fail, he hath sentenced himself. Escal. I am going to visit the prisoner: Fare you well. Duke. Peace be with you! [Exeunt Escalus and Provost. He, who the sword of heaven will bear, Should be as holy as severe; Pattern in himself to know, Grace to stand, and virtue go; [Exit. ACT IV. SCENE 1. A room in Mariana's house. Mariana discovered sitting; a Boy singing. SONG. Take, oh take those lips away, bring again, Seals of love, but seal'd in vain, seal'd in vain. Mari. Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away; Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice Enter Duke. [Exit Boy. I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe. Duke. 'Tis good: though musick oft hath such a charm, To make bad, good, and good provoke to harm. I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promis'd here to meet. Mari. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day. Enter Isabella. Duke. I do constantly believe you:-The time is come, even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little; may be, I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself. Mari. I am always bound to you. Duke. Very well met, and welcome. What is the news from this good deputy? [Exit. Isab. He hath a garden circummur'd* with brick, Which from the vineyard to the garden leads; Duke. But shall you on your knowledge find this way? Isab. I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't; In action all of precept, he did show me Duke. Duke. 'Tis well borne up. I have not yet made known to Mariana A word of this:What, ho! within! come forth! * Walled round. Informed. + Planked, woodes. 9 Waits. Re-enter Mariana. I pray you, be acquainted with this maid; Isab. I do desire the like. Duke. Do you persuade yourself that I respect you? Mari. Good friar, I know you do; and have found it. Duke. Take then this your companion by the hand, Who hath a story ready for your ear: I shall attend your leisure; but make haste; Mari. Will't please you walk aside? [Exeunt Mariana and Isabella. Duke. O place and greatness, millions of false eyes Are stuck upon thee! volumes of report Run with these false and most contrarious quests Upon thy doings! thousand 'scapest of wit Make thee the father of their idle dream, And rack thee in their fancies!-Welcome! How agreed? Re-enter Mariana and Isabella. Isab. She'll take the enterprize upon her, father, If you advise it. Duke. It is not my consent, But my intreaty too. Isab. Little have you to say, When you depart from him, but, soft and low, Mari. Fear me not. Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all: He is your husband on a pre-contract: To bring you thus together, 'tis no sin; * Inquisitions, inquiries. + Sallies. Sith that the justice of your title to him [Exeunt. SCENE II. A room in the prison. Enter Provost and Clown. Prov. Come hither, sirrah: can you cut off a man's head? Clo. If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can: but if he be a married man, he is his wife's head, and I can never cut off a woman's head. Prov. Come, sir, leave me your snatches, and yield me a direct answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine: here is in our prison a common executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if you will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you from your gyves; if not, you shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping; for you have been a notorious bawd. Clo. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd, time out of mind; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow partner. Prov. What ho, Abhorson! Where's Abhorson, there? |