Duke. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you, and pray with you. Barnar. Friar, not I; I have been drinking hard all night, and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that's certain. Duke. O, sir, you must: and therefore, I beseech you, Look forward on the journey you shall go. Barnar. I swear, I will not die to-day for any man's persuasion. Duke. But hear you, Barnar. Not a word; if you have any thing to say to me, come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day. Enter Provost. [Exit. Duke. Unfit to live, or die: O, gravel heart!— After him, fellows; bring him to the block. [Exeunt Abhorson and Clown. Prov. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner? And, to transport him in the mind he is, Were damnable. Prov. Here in the prison, father, There died this morning of a cruel fever One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate, A man of Claudio's years; his beard, and head, This reprobate, till he were well inclin'd; Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio? Duke. O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides! Prov. This shall be done, good father, presently. But Barnardine must die this afternoon : And how shall we continue Claudio, To save me from the danger that might come, Duke, Let this be done;-Put them in secret holds, Both Barnardine and Claudio: Ere twice The sun hath made his journal greeting to The under generation "7, you shall find You safety manifested. Prov. I am your free dependant. And send the head to Angelo. Quick, despatch, [Exit Provost, Now will I write letters to Angelo, The provost, he shall bear them,-whose contents To meet me at the consecrated fount, Re-enter Provost. Prov. Here is the head; I'll carry it myself. Duke. Convenient is it: Make a swift return; For I would commune with you of such things, That want no ear but yours. Prov. I'll make all speed. [Exit. Isab. [Within.] Peace, ho, be here! Duke. The tongue of Isabel:-She's come to know, If yet her brother's pardon be come hither: But I will keep her ignorant of her good, To make her heavenly comforts of despair, Isab. Enter ISABELLA. Ho, by your leave. Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter. Isab. The better, given me by so holy a man. Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon? Duke. He hath releas'd him, Isabel, from the world; His head is off, and sent to Angelo. Isab. Nay, but it is not so. Duke. It is no other: Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience. Duke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a jot: Forbear it therefore; give your cause to heaven. Mark what I say; which you shall find By every syllable, a faithful verity: The duke comes home to-morrow ;-nay, dry your eyes; One of our convent, and his confessor, Gives me this instance: Already he hath carried Who do prepare to meet him at the gates, There to give up their power. If you can, pace your wisdom In that good path that I would wish it go; And you Isab.. I am directed by you. Duke. This letter then to friar Peter give; "Tis he that sent me of the duke's return: Say, by this token, I desire his company At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause, and yours, And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter: |