Duke. We have strict statutes, and most biting laws, That goes not out to prey: Now, as fond fathers Becomes more mock'd, than fear'd: so our decrees, And liberty plucks justice by the nose; Fri. It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice, when you pleas'd: Duke. I do fear, too dreadful: Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope, "Twould be my tyranny to strike, and gall them For what I bid them do: For we bid this be done, And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father, Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, To do it slander: and to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people: therefore, I pr'ythee, Like a true friar. More reasons for this action, At our more leisure shall I render you; Only, this one:-Lord Angelo is precise; Is more to bread than stone: Hence shall we see, SCENE V.-A Nunnery. Enter ISABELLA and FRANCISCA. Isab. And have you nuns no further privileges? Isab. Yes, truly: I speak not as desiring more; Fran. It is a man's voice: Gentle Isabella, Turn you the key, and know his business of him; You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn : When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men, But in the presence of the prioress: Then, if you speak, you must not show your face; He calls again; I pray you, answer him. [Exit FRANCISCA. Isab. Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls? Enter LUCIO. Lucio. Hail, virgin, if you be; as those cheek roses Proclaim you are no less! Can you so stead me, As bring me to the sight of Isabella, A novice of this place, and the fair sister To her unhappy brother Claudio? Isab. Why her unhappy brother? let me ask; The rather, for I now must make you know I am that Isabella, and his sister. Lucio. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you: Not to be weary with you, he's in prison. Isab. Woe me! For what? Lucio. For that, which, if myself might be his judge, He should receive his punishment in thanks: He hath got his friend with child. Isab. Sir, make me not your story. I would not-though 'tis my familiar sin By your renouncement, an immortal spirit; As with a saint. Isab. You do blaspheme the good, in mocking me. Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus: Your brother and his lover have embrac'd: As those that feed grow full; as blossoming time, Isab. Some one with child by him?-My cousin Ju liet? Lucio. Is she your cousin? Isab. Adoptedly; as school-maids change their names, By vain though apt affection. Lucio. She it is. Isab. O, let him marry her! Lucio. This is the point. The duke is very strangely gone from hence; Governs lord Angelo; a man, whose blood Which have, for long, run by the hideous law, Isab. Doth he so seek his life? Lucio. Has censur'd him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath Isab. Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good? Lucio. Assay the power you have. And make us lose the good we oft might win, Lucio. But speedily. Isab. I will about it straight; No longer staying but to give the mother Isab. Good sir, adieu. [Exeunt. |