My absolute power and place here in Vienna, You will demand of me, why I do this? Duke. We have strict statutes, and most biting laws (The needful bits and curbs for headstrong steeds,) Which for these fourteen years we have let sleep; Even like an over-grown lion in a cave, That goes not out to prey: now, as fond fathers Fri. It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice, when you pleas'd: And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd, Than in lord Angelo. 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, When evil deeds have their permissive pass, And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father, I have on Angelo impos'd the office; Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, To do it slander: and to behold his sway, (1) Since. How I may formally in person bear me Isab. And have you nuns no further privileges? Isab. Yes, truly: I speak not as desiring more; men, But in the presence of the prioress: Then, if you speak, you must not show your face; Lucio. Hail, virgin, if you be; as those cheek roses Proclaim you are no less! can you so stead me, A novice of this place, and the fair sister (1) On his defence. 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. Lucio. For that, which, if myself might be his He should receive his punishment in thanks : Isab. Šir, make me not your story.1 Lucio. It is true. I would not-though 'tis my familiar sin As with a saint. Isab. You do blaspheme the good, in mocking me. Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth,2 Your brother and his lover have embrac'd: Isab. Some one with child by him?-My cousin Lucio. Is she your cousin? Isab. Adoptedly; as school-maids change their names, By vain though apt affection. Lucio. (1) Do not make a jest of me. She it is. (3) Breeding plenty. Isab. O, let him marry her! Governs lord Angelo; a man, whose blood Which have, for long, run by the hideous law, Lucio. Has censur'd3 him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution. Isab. Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good? Lucio. Our doubts are traitors, Assay the power you have. Isab. My power! Alas! I doubt,Lucio. And make us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt: go to lord Angelo, And let him learn to know, when maidens sue, Men give like gods; but when they weep and kneel, (1) Extent. (2) Power of gaining favour. All their petitions are as freely theirs Lucio. But speedily. Isab. I will about it straight; Good sir, adieu. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE I-A hall in Angelo's house. Enter Angelo, Escalus, a Justice, Provost, Officers, and attendants. Ang. We must not make a scare-crow of the law, Setting it up to fear3 the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Escal. Ay, but yet Let us be keen, and rather cut a little, Than fall, and bruise to death: alas! this gentleman, Whom I would save, had a most noble father. Let but your honour know4 (Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue,) Could have attain'd the effect of your own purpose, (1) Have. (2) Abbess. (4) Examine. (3) Scare. (5) Suited. |