SCENE II. Re-enter Duke as a Friar, Elbow, Clown, and Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard'. 5 Duke. Oh, heavens! what stuff is here? Clown. "Twas never merry world, since, of two 10 usuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allow'd, by order of law, a furr'd gown to keep him warm; and furr'd with fox and lambskins too, to signify, that craft being richer than innocency, stands for the facing. Elb. Come your way, sir :-Bless you, good father friar. Duke. And you, good brother father: What offence hath this man made you, sir? there none of Pigmalion's images, newly made woman, to be had now, for putting the hand in the pocket and extracting it clutch'd? What reply? ha? what say'st thou to this tune, matter, and method? Is 't not drown'd i' the last rain? ha? What say'st thou, trot'? is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? is it sad, and few words? or how? the trick of it? Duke. Still thus, and thus! still worse! Lucio. How doth my dear morsel, thy mis tress? procures she still? ha? Clown. Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub'. Lucio. Why, 'tis good; it is the right of it; it 15must be so: ever your fresh whore, and your powder'd bawd: an unshunn'd consequence; it must be so: Art going to prison, Pompey? Clown. Yes, faith, sir. Lucio. Why, 'tis not amiss, Pompey: fare Elb. Marry, sir, he hath offended the law;20well: go; say, I sent thee thither. For debt, and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for Duke. Fie, sirrah; a bawd, a wicked bawd! Pompey or how? Elb. For being a bawd, for being a bawd. Lucio. Well, then imprison him; if imprisons ment be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right : 25 Bawd is he, doubtless, and of antiquity too; bawdborn. Farewell, good Pompey: Commend me to the prison, Pompey: You will turn good hus band now, Pompey; you will keep the house. Clown. I hope, sir, your good worship will be 30my bail. Duke. Nay, if the devil hath given thee proofs 35 Elb. He must before the deputy, sir; he has given him warning: the deputy cannot abide a 40 whore-master: it he be a whore-monger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on bis errand. Duke. That we were all as some would seem to be, Free from all faults, as faults from seeming free! Enter Lucio. Elb. His neck will come to your waist, a cord, sir. Clown. I spy comfort; I ery bail: here's a gentleman, and a friend of mine. Lucio. How now, noble Pompey? what, at the heels of Casar? art thou led in triumph? What, is] Lucio. No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to encrease your bondage: if you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more: Adieu, trusty Pompey. -Bless you, friar. Duke. And you. Lucio. Does Bridget paint still, Pompey? ha? Elb. Come your ways, sir, come. -What [Exeunt Elbow, Clown, and Officers. 45What news, friar, of the duke? 1501 Duke. I know none; Can you tell me of any? Lucio. Some say, he is with the emperor of Russia: other some, he is in Rome: But where is he, think you? Duke. I know not where: but wheresoever, I wish him well. Lucio. It was a mad fantastical trick of him, to A kind of sweet wine, then much in vogue. 2 Meaning, his neck will be tied, like your waist, with a rope.-Q. Does not this rather mean the method of conveying criminals to justice, or execu tion, with a cord tied round the neck of the criminal and the middle of the officer? 3 Trot is a familiar address to a man, among the provincial vulgar. Dr. Warburton says, the author here alludes to the lues venerea, and its effects. At that time the cure of it was performed either by guiacum, or mercurial unctions: and in both cases the patient was kept up very warm and close; that in the first application the sweat might be promoted; and lest, in the other, he should take cold, which was fatal. "The regimen for the course of guiacum (says Dr. Freind in his History of Physick, vol. II. p. 380.) was at first strangely circumstantial; and so rigorous, that the patient was put into a dungeon in order to make him sweat; and in that manner, as Fallopins expresses it, the bones, and the very man himself was macerated," Wiseman says, in England they use a tub for this purpose, as abroad, a cave, or oven, or dungeon, A person under cure for a ves nereal complaint, is now grossly said to be in the pickling or powdering tub, That is, it is not the fashion. steal Act 3. Scene 2.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he Lucio. A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar. Duke. It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it. Lucio. Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it is well ally'd: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down. They say, this Angelo was not made by man and woman, after the downright way of creation: Is it true, think you? 5 10 Lucio. Sir, I know him, and I love him. Lucio. Come, sir, I know what I know. Lucio. Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke. Duke. He shall know you better, sir, if I may 15 live to report you. Duke. How should he be made then? Lucio.Some report, a sea-maid spawn'd him :some, that he was got between two stock-fishes: -But it is certain, that when he makes water, his urine is congeal dice; that I know to be true:-20 and he is a motion ungenerative'; that's infallible. Duke. You are pleasant, sir; and speak apace. Duke. I never heard the absent duke much de- Lucio. I fear you not. Duke. Oh, you hope the duke will return no more; or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do you little harm: you'll forswear this again. Lucio. I'll be hang'd first: thou art deceiv'd in me, friar. But no more of this: Canst thou tell, if Claudio die to-morrow, or no? Duke. Why should he die, sir? Lucio. Why? for filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would, the duke, we talk of, were return'd again: this ungenitur'd agent will unpeople the province with continency; sparrows inust not build in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous. 30 The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light;-Would he were return'd! Marry, this Claudio is condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar; I pr'ythee, pray for me. The duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays. He's now past it; yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt brown bread and [Exit. garlick: say, that I said so. Farewell. Lucio. Who? not the duke? yes, your beggar 35 of fifty; and his use was, to put a ducat in her clack-dish': the duke had crotchets in him: He would be drunk too; that let me inform you. Duke. You do him wrong, surely. Lucio. Sir, I was an inward' of his: A shy 40 fellow was the duke; and, I believe, I know the cause of his withdrawing. Duke. What, I pr'ythee, might be the cause? -'tis a secret must be Lucio. No-pardon ;lock'd within the teeth and the lips: but this 145 can let you understand,-The greater file of the subject held the duke to be wise. Duke. Wise? why, no question but he was. Lucio. A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow. Duke. No might nor greatness in mortality Enter Escalus, Provost, Bawd, and Officers. Bawd. Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man: good my lord. Escal. Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind? this would make mercy 50 swear, and play the tyrant. Duke. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking; the very stream of his life, and the business he had helmed, must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation. Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings forth, 55 and he shall appear, to the envious, a scholar, a statesman, and a soldier: Therefore, you speak unskilfully; or, if your knowledge be more, it malice. iş much darkened in your Prov. A bawd of eleven years continuance, may it please your honour. Bawd. My lord, this is one Lucio's information against me: Mistress Kate Keep-down was with child by him in the duke's time; he promis'd her marriage; his child is a year and a quarter old, come Philip and Jacob; I have kept it myself; and see, how he goes about to abuse me. Escal. That fellow is a fellow of much licence: The meaning of this passage is, that though Angelo have the organs of generation, yet that he makes no more use of them, than if he were an inanimate puppet. A wooden dish with which beggars, in those times, used to make known their poverty, by clacking its moveable cover to shew That is, steered through. that it was empty. This is at present a custom also with the mummers and plough-bullocks in the The greater number. inland counties. 3 Inward means intimate. Meaning, would have a wench, which was called a laced mutton. See note 2, p. 24. -let -let him be called before us.-Away with her to prison: Go to; no more words. [Exeunt with the Bawd.] Provost, my brother Angelo will not be alter'd, Claudio must die to-morrow: let him be furnish'd with divines, and have all charitable preparation: if my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him. Prov. So please you, this friar has been with him, and advis'd him for the entertainment of death. Escal. Good even, good father. [is now Duke. Not of this country, though my chance To use it for my time: I am a brother measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice: yet had he fram'd to himself, by the instruction of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which 5, by my good leisure, have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die. Escal. You have paid the heavens your function, and the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have laboured for the poor gentleman, to the ex10tremest shore of my modesty; but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forc'd me to tell him, he is indeed-justice. Duke. If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding, it shall become him well; wherein 15f he chance to fail, he hath sentenc'd himself. Escal. I am going to visit the prisoner: Fare you well. [Exit. Escal. What news abroad i' the world? Duke. None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure 20 it: novelty is only in request; and it is as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in any undertaking. There is scarce truth enough alive, to make societies secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurs'd: Much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day's news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the duke? 25 Escal. One, that, above all other strifes, con-30 tended especially to know himself. Duke. What pleasure was he given to? Escal. Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than merry at any thing which profess'd to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. But 35 leave we him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know, how you find Claudio prepar'd? I am made to understand, that you have lent him visitation. Duke. He professes to have received no sinister 40 Duke. Peace be with you! [Exit. SCENE I. ACT IV. Enter Mariana and Boy singing. NAKE, oh, take, those lips away, TAKE That so sweetly were forsworn; And those eyes, the break of day, Lights that do mislead the morn: But my kisses bring again, bring again, Seals of love, but seal'd in vain, Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice 50 Hath often still'd my brawling discontent.Enter Duke. I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish, My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe. Duke.'Tis good: tho' musick oft hath sucha charm, To make bad, good, and good provoke to harm. I pray you, tell me, hath any body enquired for 60 me here to-day? much upon this time, have I promis'd here to meet. Mari. You have not been enquir'd after: I have sat here all day. Enter Enter Isabel. [Exit. Duke. I do constantly' believe you: Duke. But shall you on your knowledge find Duke. Are there no other tokens Isab. No, none; but only a repair i' the dark Duke. 'Tis well borne up. ; I have not yet made known to Mariana [forth! I pray you, be acquainted with this maid; Isab. I do desire the like. [you Duke. Do you persuade yourself that I respect Mari. Good friar, I know you do; and have [hand, found it. Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at 5 To bring you thus together, 'tis no sin; 10 II. SCENE Enter Provost and Clown. Prov. Come hither, sirrah: Can you cut off a 15 man's head? Clown. If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can: but if he be a marry'd man, he is his wite's head, and I can never cut off a woman's head. Prov. Come, sir, leave me your snatches, and 20 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 25 shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpity'd whipping, for you have been a notorious bawd. Clown. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd, time out of mind; but yet I will be content to be 30a lawful hangman. I would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow-partner. Prov. What ho, Abhorson! where's Abhorson there? 1351 Duke. Take then this your companion by the 40 Who hath a story ready for your ear; Enter Abhorson. Abhor. Do you call, sir? Prov. Sirrah, here's a fellow will help you tomorrow in your execution: if you think it meet, compound with him by the year, and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the present, and dismiss him: he cannot plead his estimation with you, he hath been a bawd. Abhor. A bawd, sir? fie upon him, he will discredit our mistery?. Prov. Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a fea45]ther will turn the scale. I shall attend your leisure; but make haste; [eyes [Exit. Clown. Pray, sir, by your good favour (for, surely, sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging look) do you call, sir, your occupation a mistery? Abhor. Ay, sir; a mistery. Clown. Painting, sir, I have heard say,isamistery; and your whores, sir, being members of my occu Isab. She'll take the enterprize upon her, father, pation, using painting, do prove my occupation 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 slow, 3 That is, a gate made of boards or planks, 4 That is, in direction given not by words, but by mute signs. Meaning, I have informed or acquainted. hiin. Traiterous. 7 Diferent reports. That is, ornament. a The various editors seem to be mistaken in this passage; which rather alludes to the accomplishment of the purpose drawing near, altho' the tilth was not yet sown as Shakspeare elsewhere uses the word: Dr. Warburton here observes, that the word mystery, when used to signify a trade or manual profession, should be spelt with an i, and not a y. Favour siguifies countenance. Clown. Sir, I will serve him; for I do find, your hangman is a more penitent trade than your bawd; he doth oftner ask forgiveness. 5 Prov. You, sirrah, provide your block and 10 your axe, to-morrow, four o'clock. Abhor. Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in my trade; follow. Clown. I do desire to learn, sir; and, I hope, Look, here's the warrant, Claudio, for thy death: [labour 25 Claud. As fast lock'd up in sleep, as guiltless Prov. Who can do good on him? Duke. Thebestand wholsomest spirits of the night Prov. No. Duke. They will then, ere 't be long. Prov. What comfort is for Claudio? Duke. There's some in hope. Duke. Not so, not so: his life is parallel'd 35 40 Duke. As near the dawning, provost, as it is, You something know; yet, I believe there comes Enter a Messenger. For which the pardoner himself is in: Provost reads the letter. Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be executed in the afternoon? Prov. A Bohemian born; but here nurs'd up and bred: one that is a prisoner nine years old. Duke. How came it, that the absent duke had 45 not either deliver'd him to his liberty, or exeEven with the stroke and line of his great justice;ted him? I have heard, it was ever his man Prov. It is a bitter deputy. He doth with holy abstinence subdue [nous: That in himself, which he spurs on his power This is a gentle provost; seldom, when 55 er to do so. Prov. His friends still wrought reprieves for him: And, indeed, his fact, till now in the government of lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof. Duke. Is it now apparent? Prov. Most manifest, and not deny'd by himself. Duke. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? how seems he to be touch'd? Prov. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully, but as a drunken sleep; careless, reekless, and fearless of what's past, present, or [yet, 60 to come; insensible of mortality, and desperate Duke. Have you no countermand for Claudioly mortal. But he must die to-morrow? Prov. None, sir, none. 1 Handy. 2 Stiffly. Duke. He wants advice. Prov. He will hear none: he hath evermore 1 That is, to temper, to moderate. • Like to die in a desperate state without repentance. |