Why, how now, Claudio! whence comes this restraint?

From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, So every scope by the immoderate use Turns to restraint.


From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, So every scope by the immoderate use Turns to restraint.

Our natures do pursue, Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die.


Our natures do pursue, Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die.

If could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors: and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment.


If could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors: and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment.


What but to speak of would offend again.


One word, good friend. Lucio, a word with you.


One word, good friend. Lucio, a word with you.

A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so look'd after?


A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so look'd after?

Thus stands it with me: upon a true contract I got possession of Julietta's bed: You know the lady; she is fast my wife, Save that we do the denunciation lack Of outward order:


Thus stands it with me: upon a true contract I got possession of Julietta's bed: You know the lady; she is fast my wife, Save that we do the denunciation lack Of outward order:

this we came not to, Only for propagation of a dower Remaining in the coffer of her friends, From whom we thought it meet to hide our love Till time had made them for us.


this we came not to, Only for propagation of a dower Remaining in the coffer of her friends, From whom we thought it meet to hide our love Till time had made them for us.

But it chances The stealth of our most mutual entertainment With character too gross is writ on Juliet.


But it chances The stealth of our most mutual entertainment With character too gross is writ on Juliet.


Unhappily, even so. Whether the tyranny be in his place, Or in his emmence that fills it up, I stagger in:


Unhappily, even so. Whether the tyranny be in his place, Or in his emmence that fills it up, I stagger in:

--but this new governor Awakes me all the enrolled penalties Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round And none of them been worn;


--but this new governor Awakes me all the enrolled penalties Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round And none of them been worn;

and, for a name, Now puts the drowsy and neglected act Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.


and, for a name, Now puts the drowsy and neglected act Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.

I warrant it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the duke and appeal to him.


I warrant it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the duke and appeal to him.

I have done so, but he's not to be found. I prithee, Lucio, do me this kind service: This day my sister should the cloister enter And there receive her approbation:


I have done so, but he's not to be found. I prithee, Lucio, do me this kind service: This day my sister should the cloister enter And there receive her approbation:

Acquaint her with the danger of my state: Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends To the strict deputy; bid herself assay him: I have great hope in that;


Acquaint her with the danger of my state: Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends To the strict deputy; bid herself assay him: I have great hope in that;

for in her youth There is a prone and speechless dialect, Such as move men; beside, she hath prosperous art When she will play with reason and discourse, And well she can persuade.


for in her youth There is a prone and speechless dialect, Such as move men; beside, she hath prosperous art When she will play with reason and discourse, And well she can persuade.


No, holy father; throw away that thought; Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can pierce a complete bosom.


No, holy father; throw away that thought; Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can pierce a complete bosom.

Why I desire thee To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends Of burning youth.


Why I desire thee To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends Of burning youth.


My holy sir, none better knows than you How I have ever loved the life removed And held in idle price to haunt assemblies Where youth, and cost, and witless bravery keeps.


My holy sir, none better knows than you How I have ever loved the life removed And held in idle price to haunt assemblies Where youth, and cost, and witless bravery keeps.

I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo, A man of stricture and firm abstinence, My absolute power and place here in Vienna, And he supposes me travell'd to Poland;


I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo, A man of stricture and firm abstinence, My absolute power and place here in Vienna, And he supposes me travell'd to Poland;

For so I have strew'd it in the common ear, And so it is received. Now, pious sir, You will demand of me why I do this?


For so I have strew'd it in the common ear, And so it is received. Now, pious sir, You will demand of me why I do this?


We have strict statutes and most biting laws. The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds, Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;


We have strict statutes and most biting laws. The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds, Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;

Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave, That goes not out to prey.


Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave, That goes not out to prey.

Now, as fond fathers, Having bound up the threatening twigs of birch, Only to stick it in their children's sight For terror, not to use, in time the rod Becomes more mock'd than fear'd;


Now, as fond fathers, Having bound up the threatening twigs of birch, Only to stick it in their children's sight For terror, not to use, in time the rod Becomes more mock'd than fear'd;

so our decrees, Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead; And liberty plucks justice by the nose; The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum.


so our decrees, Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead; And liberty plucks justice by the nose; The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum.

It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleased: And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd Than in Lord Angelo.


It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleased: And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd Than in Lord Angelo.

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:


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 imposed the office;


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 imposed the office;

Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, And yet my nature never in the fight To do in slander. And to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people:


Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, And yet my nature never in the fight To do in slander. And to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people:

therefore, I prithee, Supply me with the habit and instruct me How I may formally in person bear me Like a true friar. More reasons for this action At our more leisure shall I render you;


therefore, I prithee, Supply me with the habit and instruct me How I may formally in person bear me Like a true friar. More reasons for this action At our more leisure shall I render you;

Only, this one: Lord Angelo is precise; Stands at a guard with envy; scarce confesses That his blood flows, or that his appetite Is more to bread than stone:


Only, this one: Lord Angelo is precise; Stands at a guard with envy; scarce confesses That his blood flows, or that his appetite Is more to bread than stone:

hence shall we see, If power change purpose, what our seemers be.


hence shall we see, If power change purpose, what our seemers be.

And have you nuns no farther privileges?


And have you nuns no farther privileges?


Yes, truly; I speak not as desiring more; But rather wishing a more strict restraint Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare.


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.


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, Or, if you show your face, you must not speak. He calls again;


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, Or, if you show your face, you must not speak. He calls again;


Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls


Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls

Hail, virgin, if you be, as those cheek-roses Proclaim you are no less!


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?


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?

Why 'her unhappy brother'? let me ask, The rather for I now must make you know I am that Isabella and his sister.


Why 'her unhappy brother'? let me ask, The rather for I now must make you know I am that Isabella and his sister.

Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you: Not to be weary with you, he's in prison.


Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you: Not to be weary with you, he's in prison.


For that which, if myself might be his judge, He should receive his punishment in thanks: He hath got his friend with child.


It is true. I would not--though 'tis my familiar sin With maids to seem the lapwing and to jest, Tongue far from heart--play with all virgins so: I hold you as a thing ensky'd and sainted.


It is true. I would not--though 'tis my familiar sin With maids to seem the lapwing and to jest, Tongue far from heart--play with all virgins so: I hold you as a thing ensky'd and sainted.

By your renouncement an immortal spirit, And to be talk'd with in sincerity, As with a saint.


By your renouncement an immortal spirit, And to be talk'd with in sincerity, As with a saint.

You do blaspheme the good in mocking me.


You do blaspheme the good in mocking me.

Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus: Your brother and his lover have embraced:


Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus: Your brother and his lover have embraced:

As those that feed grow full, as blossoming time That from the seedness the bare fallow brings To teeming foison, even so her plenteous womb Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.


As those that feed grow full, as blossoming time That from the seedness the bare fallow brings To teeming foison, even so her plenteous womb Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.

Some one with child by him? My cousin Juliet?


Some one with child by him? My cousin Juliet?


Adoptedly; as school-maids change their names By vain though apt affection.


This is the point. The duke is very strangely gone from hence; Bore many gentlemen, myself being one, In hand and hope of action:


This is the point. The duke is very strangely gone from hence; Bore many gentlemen, myself being one, In hand and hope of action:

but we do learn By those that know the very nerves of state, His givings-out were of an infinite distance From his true-meant design.


but we do learn By those that know the very nerves of state, His givings-out were of an infinite distance From his true-meant design.

Upon his place, And with full line of his authority, Governs Lord Angelo; a man whose blood Is very snow-broth;


Upon his place, And with full line of his authority, Governs Lord Angelo; a man whose blood Is very snow-broth;

one who never feels The wanton stings and motions of the sense, But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge With profits of the mind, study and fast.


one who never feels The wanton stings and motions of the sense, But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge With profits of the mind, study and fast.

He--to give fear to use and liberty, Which have for long run by the hideous law, As mice by lions--hath pick'd out an act, Under whose heavy sense your brother's life Falls into forfeit:


He--to give fear to use and liberty, Which have for long run by the hideous law, As mice by lions--hath pick'd out an act, Under whose heavy sense your brother's life Falls into forfeit:

he arrests him on it; And follows close the rigour of the statute, To make him an example. All hope is gone, Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer To soften Angelo:


he arrests him on it; And follows close the rigour of the statute, To make him an example. All hope is gone, Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer To soften Angelo:

and that's my pith of business 'Twixt you and your poor brother.


and that's my pith of business 'Twixt you and your poor brother.


Has censured him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution.


Has censured him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution.

Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good?


Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good?


Our doubts are traitors 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;


Our doubts are traitors 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, All their petitions are as freely theirs As they themselves would owe them.


but when they weep and kneel, All their petitions are as freely theirs As they themselves would owe them.


I will about it straight; No longer staying but to give the mother Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you: Commend me to my brother: soon at night I'll send him certain word of my success.


We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Their perch and not their terror.


We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Their perch and not their terror.

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!


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!

'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, Another thing to fall. I not deny, The jury, passing on the prisoner's life, May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two Guiltier than him they try.


'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, Another thing to fall. I not deny, The jury, passing on the prisoner's life, May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two Guiltier than him they try.

What's open made to justice, That justice seizes: what know the laws That thieves do pass on thieves? 'Tis very pregnant, The jewel that we find, we stoop and take't Because we see it;


What's open made to justice, That justice seizes: what know the laws That thieves do pass on thieves? 'Tis very pregnant, The jewel that we find, we stoop and take't Because we see it;

but what we do not see We tread upon, and never think of it. You may not so extenuate his offence For I have had such faults;


but what we do not see We tread upon, and never think of it. You may not so extenuate his offence For I have had such faults;

but rather tell me, When I, that censure him, do so offend, Let mine own judgment pattern out my death, And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.


but rather tell me, When I, that censure him, do so offend, Let mine own judgment pattern out my death, And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.


See that Claudio Be executed by nine to-morrow morning: Bring him his confessor, let him be prepared; For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage.


Come, bring them away: if these be good people in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law: bring them away.


Come, bring them away: if these be good people in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law: bring them away.

How now, sir! What's your name? and what's the matter?


How now, sir! What's your name? and what's the matter?

If it Please your honour, I am the poor duke's constable, and my name is Elbow: I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors.


If it Please your honour, I am the poor duke's constable, and my name is Elbow: I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors.

Benefactors? Well; what benefactors are they? are they not malefactors?


Benefactors? Well; what benefactors are they? are they not malefactors?

If it? please your honour, I know not well what they are: but precise villains they are, that I am sure of; and void of all profanation in the world that good Christians ought to have.


If it? please your honour, I know not well what they are: but precise villains they are, that I am sure of; and void of all profanation in the world that good Christians ought to have.

This comes off well; here's a wise officer.


This comes off well; here's a wise officer.

Go to: what quality are they of? Elbow is your name? why dost thou not speak, Elbow?


Go to: what quality are they of? Elbow is your name? why dost thou not speak, Elbow?


He, sir! a tapster, sir; parcel-bawd; one that serves a bad woman; whose house, sir, was, as they say, plucked down in the suburbs;


He, sir! a tapster, sir; parcel-bawd; one that serves a bad woman; whose house, sir, was, as they say, plucked down in the suburbs;

and now she professes a hot-house, which, I think, is a very ill house too.


and now she professes a hot-house, which, I think, is a very ill house too.


My wife, sir, whom I detest before heaven and your honour,--


Ay, sir; whom, I thank heaven, is an honest woman,--


I say, sir, I will detest myself also, as well as she, that this house, if it be not a bawd's house, it is pity of her life, for it is a naughty house.


Marry, sir, by my wife; who, if she had been a woman cardinally given, might have been accused in fornication, adultery, and all uncleanliness there.


Ay, sir, by Mistress Overdone's means: but as she spit in his face, so she defied him.


Ay, sir, by Mistress Overdone's means: but as she spit in his face, so she defied him.

Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.


Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.

Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable man; prove it.


Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable man; prove it.


Sir, she came in great with child; and longing, saving your honour's reverence, for stewed prunes;


Sir, she came in great with child; and longing, saving your honour's reverence, for stewed prunes;

sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant time stood, as it were, in a fruit-dish, a dish of some three-pence; your honours have seen such dishes;


sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant time stood, as it were, in a fruit-dish, a dish of some three-pence; your honours have seen such dishes;

they are not China dishes, but very good dishes,--


they are not China dishes, but very good dishes,--

Go to, go to: no matter for the dish, sir.


Go to, go to: no matter for the dish, sir.

No, indeed, sir, not of a pin; you are therein in the right: but to the point. As I say, this Mistress Elbow, being, as I say, with child, and being great-bellied, and longing, as I said, for prunes;


No, indeed, sir, not of a pin; you are therein in the right: but to the point. As I say, this Mistress Elbow, being, as I say, with child, and being great-bellied, and longing, as I said, for prunes;

and having but two in the dish, as I said, Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten the rest, as I said, and, as I say, paying for them very honestly;


and having but two in the dish, as I said, Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten the rest, as I said, and, as I say, paying for them very honestly;

for, as you know, Master Froth, I could not give you three-pence again.


for, as you know, Master Froth, I could not give you three-pence again.


Very well: you being then, if you be remembered, cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes,--


Why, very well; I telling you then, if you be remembered, that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you wot of, unless they kept very good diet, as I told you,--


Come, you are a tedious fool: to the purpose. What was done to Elbow's wife, that he hath cause to complain of? Come me to what was done to her.


Come, you are a tedious fool: to the purpose. What was done to Elbow's wife, that he hath cause to complain of? Come me to what was done to her.

Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.


Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.


Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here, sir; a man of four-score pound a year; whose father died at Hallowmas:


Why, very well; I hope here be truths. He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where indeed you have a delight to sit, have you not?


Why, very well; I hope here be truths. He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where indeed you have a delight to sit, have you not?

I have so; because it is an open room and good for winter.


I have so; because it is an open room and good for winter.

Why, very well, then; I hope here be truths.


Why, very well, then; I hope here be truths.

This will last out a night in Russia, When nights are longest there: I'll take my leave. And leave you to the hearing of the cause; Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all.


This will last out a night in Russia, When nights are longest there: I'll take my leave. And leave you to the hearing of the cause; Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all.

I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship. Now, sir, come on: what was done to Elbow's wife, once more?


I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship. Now, sir, come on: what was done to Elbow's wife, once more?

Once, sir? there was nothing done to her once.


Once, sir? there was nothing done to her once.

I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife.


I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife.


Well, sir; what did this gentleman to her?


Well, sir; what did this gentleman to her?

I beseech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. Good Master Froth, look upon his honour; 'tis for a good purpose. Doth your honour mark his face?


I beseech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. Good Master Froth, look upon his honour; 'tis for a good purpose. Doth your honour mark his face?


Doth your honour see any harm in his face?


I'll be supposed upon a book, his face is the worst thing about him. Good, then; if his face be the worst thing about him, how could Master Froth do the constable's wife any harm?


He's in the right. Constable, what say you to it?


He's in the right. Constable, what say you to it?

First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman.


First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman.

By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected person than any of us all.


By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected person than any of us all.

Varlet, thou liest; thou liest, wicked varlet! the time has yet to come that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child.


Varlet, thou liest; thou liest, wicked varlet! the time has yet to come that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child.

Sir, she was respected with him before he married with her.


Sir, she was respected with him before he married with her.

Which is the wiser here? Justice or Iniquity? Is this true?


Which is the wiser here? Justice or Iniquity? Is this true?

O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! I respected with her before I was married to her!


O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! I respected with her before I was married to her!

If ever I was respected with her, or she with me, let not your worship think me the poor duke's officer. Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I'll have mine action of battery on thee.


If ever I was respected with her, or she with me, let not your worship think me the poor duke's officer. Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I'll have mine action of battery on thee.

If he took you a box o' the ear, you might have your action of slander too.


If he took you a box o' the ear, you might have your action of slander too.

Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff?


Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff?

Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him continue in his courses till thou knowest what they are.


Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him continue in his courses till thou knowest what they are.

Marry, I thank your worship for it. Thou seest, thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee: thou art to continue now, thou varlet; thou art to continue.


Marry, I thank your worship for it. Thou seest, thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee: thou art to continue now, thou varlet; thou art to continue.


Nine! Come hither to me, Master Froth. Master Froth, I would not have you acquainted with tapsters: they will draw you, Master Froth, and you will hang them.


Nine! Come hither to me, Master Froth. Master Froth, I would not have you acquainted with tapsters: they will draw you, Master Froth, and you will hang them.

Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you.


Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you.

I thank your worship. For mine own part, I never come into any room in a tap-house, but I am drawn in.


I thank your worship. For mine own part, I never come into any room in a tap-house, but I am drawn in.

Well, no more of it, Master Froth: farewell. Come you hither to me, Master tapster. What's your name, Master tapster?


Well, no more of it, Master Froth: farewell. Come you hither to me, Master tapster. What's your name, Master tapster?


Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that in the beastliest sense you are Pompey the Great.


Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that in the beastliest sense you are Pompey the Great.

Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey, howsoever you colour it in being a tapster, are you not? come, tell me true: it shall be the better for you.


Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey, howsoever you colour it in being a tapster, are you not? come, tell me true: it shall be the better for you.

Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow that would live.


Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow that would live.

How would you live, Pompey? by being a bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? is it a lawful trade?


How would you live, Pompey? by being a bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? is it a lawful trade?


But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna.


But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna.

Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city?


Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city?


Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then. If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds.


Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then. If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds.

There are pretty orders beginning, I can tell you: it is but heading and hanging.


There are pretty orders beginning, I can tell you: it is but heading and hanging.

If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together, you'll be glad to give out a commission for more heads:


If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together, you'll be glad to give out a commission for more heads:

if this law hold in Vienna ten year, I'll rent the fairest house in it after three-pence a bay: if you live to see this come to pass, say Pompey told you so.


if this law hold in Vienna ten year, I'll rent the fairest house in it after three-pence a bay: if you live to see this come to pass, say Pompey told you so.

Thank you, good Pompey; and, in requital of your prophecy, hark you: I advise you, let me not find you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever; no, not for dwelling where you do:


Thank you, good Pompey; and, in requital of your prophecy, hark you: I advise you, let me not find you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever; no, not for dwelling where you do:

if I do, Pompey, I shall beat you to your tent, and prove a shrewd Caesar to you; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt: so, for this time, Pompey, fare you well.


if I do, Pompey, I shall beat you to your tent, and prove a shrewd Caesar to you; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt: so, for this time, Pompey, fare you well.

I thank your worship for your good counsel: but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine. Whip me? No, no; let carman whip his jade:


I thank your worship for your good counsel: but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine. Whip me? No, no; let carman whip his jade:

The valiant heart is not whipt out of his trade.


The valiant heart is not whipt out of his trade.

Come hither to me, Master Elbow; come hither, Master constable. How long have you been in this place of constable?


Come hither to me, Master Elbow; come hither, Master constable. How long have you been in this place of constable?


I thought, by your readiness in the office, you had continued in it some time. You say, seven years together?


Alas, it hath been great pains to you. They do you wrong to put you so oft upon 't: are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it?


Alas, it hath been great pains to you. They do you wrong to put you so oft upon 't: are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it?

Faith, sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it for some piece of money, and go through with all.


Faith, sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it for some piece of money, and go through with all.

Look you bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish.


Look you bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish.


To my house. Fare you well. What's o'clock, think you?


It grieves me for the death of Claudio; But there's no remedy.


It is but needful: Mercy is not itself, that oft looks so; Pardon is still the nurse of second woe: But yet,--poor Claudio! There is no remedy. Come, sir.


It is but needful: Mercy is not itself, that oft looks so; Pardon is still the nurse of second woe: But yet,--poor Claudio! There is no remedy. Come, sir.

He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight I'll tell him of you.


He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight I'll tell him of you.

Pray you, do. I'll know His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas, He hath but as offended in a dream! All sects, all ages smack of this vice; and he To die for't!


Pray you, do. I'll know His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas, He hath but as offended in a dream! All sects, all ages smack of this vice; and he To die for't!


Is it your will Claudio shall die tomorrow?


Is it your will Claudio shall die tomorrow?

Did not I tell thee yea? hadst thou not order? Why dost thou ask again?


Did not I tell thee yea? hadst thou not order? Why dost thou ask again?

Lest I might be too rash: Under your good correction, I have seen, When, after execution, judgment hath Repented o'er his doom.


Lest I might be too rash: Under your good correction, I have seen, When, after execution, judgment hath Repented o'er his doom.

Go to; let that be mine: Do you your office, or give up your place, And you shall well be spared.


Go to; let that be mine: Do you your office, or give up your place, And you shall well be spared.

I crave your honour's pardon. What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet? She's very near her hour.


I crave your honour's pardon. What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet? She's very near her hour.

Dispose of her To some more fitter place, and that with speed.


Dispose of her To some more fitter place, and that with speed.

Here is the sister of the man condemn'd Desires access to you.


Here is the sister of the man condemn'd Desires access to you.


Ay, my good lord; a very virtuous maid, And to be shortly of a sisterhood, If not already.


Ay, my good lord; a very virtuous maid, And to be shortly of a sisterhood, If not already.

Well, let her be admitted. See you the fornicatress be removed: Let have needful, but not lavish, means; There shall be order for't.


Well, let her be admitted. See you the fornicatress be removed: Let have needful, but not lavish, means; There shall be order for't.


Stay a little while. You're welcome: what's your will?


Stay a little while. You're welcome: what's your will?

I am a woeful suitor to your honour, Please but your honour hear me.


I am a woeful suitor to your honour, Please but your honour hear me.


There is a vice that most I do abhor, And most desire should meet the blow of justice; For which I would not plead, but that I must;


There is a vice that most I do abhor, And most desire should meet the blow of justice; For which I would not plead, but that I must;

For which I must not plead, but that I am At war 'twixt will and will not.


For which I must not plead, but that I am At war 'twixt will and will not.


I have a brother is condemn'd to die: I do beseech you, let it be his fault, And not my brother.


Condemn the fault and not the actor of it? Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done:


Condemn the fault and not the actor of it? Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done:

Mine were the very cipher of a function, To fine the faults whose fine stands in record, And let go by the actor.


Mine were the very cipher of a function, To fine the faults whose fine stands in record, And let go by the actor.

O just but severe law! I had a brother, then. Heaven keep your honour!


O just but severe law! I had a brother, then. Heaven keep your honour!


Yes; I do think that you might pardon him, And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.


Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.


Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.

But might you do't, and do the world no wrong, If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse As mine is to him?


But might you do't, and do the world no wrong, If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse As mine is to him?


Too late? why, no; I, that do speak a word. May call it back again. If he had been as you and you as he, You would have slipt like him; but he, like you, Would not have been so stern.


I would to heaven I had your potency, And you were Isabel! should it then be thus? No; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge, And what a prisoner.


Your brother is a forfeit of the law, And you but waste your words.


Your brother is a forfeit of the law, And you but waste your words.

Alas, alas! Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy.


Alas, alas! Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy.

How would you be, If He, which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are? O, think on that; And mercy then will breathe within your lips, Like man new made.


How would you be, If He, which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are? O, think on that; And mercy then will breathe within your lips, Like man new made.

Be you content, fair maid; It is the law, not I condemn your brother: Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son, It should be thus with him: he must die tomorrow.


Be you content, fair maid; It is the law, not I condemn your brother: Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son, It should be thus with him: he must die tomorrow.

To-morrow! O, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him! He's not prepared for death. Even for our kitchens We kill the fowl of season:


To-morrow! O, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him! He's not prepared for death. Even for our kitchens We kill the fowl of season:

shall we serve heaven With less respect than we do minister To our gross selves? Good, good my lord, bethink you; Who is it that hath died for this offence? There's many have committed it.


shall we serve heaven With less respect than we do minister To our gross selves? Good, good my lord, bethink you; Who is it that hath died for this offence? There's many have committed it.


The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept: Those many had not dared to do that evil, If the first that did the edict infringe Had answer'd for his deed:


The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept: Those many had not dared to do that evil, If the first that did the edict infringe Had answer'd for his deed:

now 'tis awake Takes note of what is done;


now 'tis awake Takes note of what is done;


I show it most of all when I show justice; For then I pity those I do not know, Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall; And do him right that, answering one foul wrong, Lives not to act another.


I show it most of all when I show justice; For then I pity those I do not know, Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall; And do him right that, answering one foul wrong, Lives not to act another.

Be satisfied; Your brother dies to-morrow; be content.


Be satisfied; Your brother dies to-morrow; be content.

So you must be the first that gives this sentence, And he, that suffer's. O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.


So you must be the first that gives this sentence, And he, that suffer's. O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.


Could great men thunder As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be quiet, For every pelting, petty officer Would use his heaven for thunder; Nothing but thunder!


Could great men thunder As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be quiet, For every pelting, petty officer Would use his heaven for thunder; Nothing but thunder!

Merciful Heaven, Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt Split'st the unwedgeable and gnarled oak Than the soft myrtle: who, with our spleens, Would all themselves laugh mortal.


Merciful Heaven, Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt Split'st the unwedgeable and gnarled oak Than the soft myrtle: who, with our spleens, Would all themselves laugh mortal.


We cannot weigh our brother with ourself: Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them, But in the less foul profanation.


We cannot weigh our brother with ourself: Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them, But in the less foul profanation.

Thou'rt i' the right, girl; more o, that.


Thou'rt i' the right, girl; more o, that.

That in the captain's but a choleric word, Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy.


That in the captain's but a choleric word, Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy.


Because authority, though it err like others, Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself, That skins the vice o' the top. Go to your bosom;


Because authority, though it err like others, Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself, That skins the vice o' the top. Go to your bosom;

Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know That's like my brother's fault:


Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know That's like my brother's fault:

if it confess A natural guiltiness such as is his, Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue Against my brother's life.


if it confess A natural guiltiness such as is his, Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue Against my brother's life.


Hark how I'll bribe you: good my lord, turn back.


Ay, with such gifts that heaven shall share with you.


Not with fond shekels of the tested gold, Or stones whose rates are either rich or poor As fancy values them;


Not with fond shekels of the tested gold, Or stones whose rates are either rich or poor As fancy values them;

but with true prayers That shall be up at heaven and enter there Ere sun-rise, prayers from preserved souls, From fasting maids whose minds are dedicate To nothing temporal.


but with true prayers That shall be up at heaven and enter there Ere sun-rise, prayers from preserved souls, From fasting maids whose minds are dedicate To nothing temporal.


At what hour to-morrow Shall I attend your lordship?


From thee, even from thy virtue! What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha! Not she: nor doth she tempt:


From thee, even from thy virtue! What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha! Not she: nor doth she tempt:

but it is I That, lying by the violet in the sun, Do as the carrion does, not as the flower, Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be That modesty may more betray our sense Than woman's lightness?


but it is I That, lying by the violet in the sun, Do as the carrion does, not as the flower, Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be That modesty may more betray our sense Than woman's lightness?

Having waste ground enough, Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie! What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo?


Having waste ground enough, Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie! What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo?

Dost thou desire her foully for those things That make her good? O, let her brother live! Thieves for their robbery have authority When judges steal themselves.


Dost thou desire her foully for those things That make her good? O, let her brother live! Thieves for their robbery have authority When judges steal themselves.

What, do I love her, That I desire to hear her speak again, And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on? O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, With saints dost bait thy hook!


What, do I love her, That I desire to hear her speak again, And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on? O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, With saints dost bait thy hook!

Most dangerous Is that temptation that doth goad us on To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet, With all her double vigour, art and nature, Once stir my temper;


Most dangerous Is that temptation that doth goad us on To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet, With all her double vigour, art and nature, Once stir my temper;

but this virtuous maid Subdues me quite. Even till now, When men were fond, I smiled and wonder'd how.


but this virtuous maid Subdues me quite. Even till now, When men were fond, I smiled and wonder'd how.

Hail to you, provost! so I think you are.


Hail to you, provost! so I think you are.

I am the provost. What's your will, good friar?


I am the provost. What's your will, good friar?

Bound by my charity and my blest order, I come to visit the afflicted spirits Here in the prison.


Bound by my charity and my blest order, I come to visit the afflicted spirits Here in the prison.

Do me the common right To let me see them and to make me know The nature of their crimes, that I may minister To them accordingly.


Do me the common right To let me see them and to make me know The nature of their crimes, that I may minister To them accordingly.

I would do more than that, if more were needful. Look, here comes one: a gentlewoman of mine, Who, falling in the flaws of her own youth, Hath blister'd her report: she is with child;


I would do more than that, if more were needful. Look, here comes one: a gentlewoman of mine, Who, falling in the flaws of her own youth, Hath blister'd her report: she is with child;

And he that got it, sentenced; a young man More fit to do another such offence Than die for this.


And he that got it, sentenced; a young man More fit to do another such offence Than die for this.


As I do think, to-morrow. I have provided for you: stay awhile, And you shall be conducted.


As I do think, to-morrow. I have provided for you: stay awhile, And you shall be conducted.

Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?


Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?

I do; and bear the shame most patiently.


I do; and bear the shame most patiently.

I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience, And try your penitence, if it be sound, Or hollowly put on.


I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience, And try your penitence, if it be sound, Or hollowly put on.


Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him.


Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him.

So then it seems your most offenceful act Was mutually committed?


So then it seems your most offenceful act Was mutually committed?


Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.


I do repent me, as it is an evil, And take the shame with joy.


I do repent me, as it is an evil, And take the shame with joy.

There rest. Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow, And I am going with instruction to him. Grace go with you, Benedicite!


There rest. Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow, And I am going with instruction to him. Grace go with you, Benedicite!

Must die to-morrow! O injurious love, That respites me a life, whose very comfort Is still a dying horror!


Must die to-morrow! O injurious love, That respites me a life, whose very comfort Is still a dying horror!


When I would pray and think, I think and pray To several subjects. Heaven hath my empty words; Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue, Anchors on Isabel:


When I would pray and think, I think and pray To several subjects. Heaven hath my empty words; Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue, Anchors on Isabel:

Heaven in my mouth, As if I did but only chew his name; And in my heart the strong and swelling evil Of my conception.


Heaven in my mouth, As if I did but only chew his name; And in my heart the strong and swelling evil Of my conception.

The state, whereon I studied Is like a good thing, being often read, Grown fear'd and tedious;


The state, whereon I studied Is like a good thing, being often read, Grown fear'd and tedious;

yea, my gravity, Wherein--let no man hear me--I take pride, Could I with boot change for an idle plume, Which the air beats for vain.


yea, my gravity, Wherein--let no man hear me--I take pride, Could I with boot change for an idle plume, Which the air beats for vain.

O place, O form, How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit, Wrench awe from fools and tie the wiser souls To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood: Let's write good angel on the devil's horn:


O place, O form, How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit, Wrench awe from fools and tie the wiser souls To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood: Let's write good angel on the devil's horn:

'Tis not the devil's crest. How now! who's there?


'Tis not the devil's crest. How now! who's there?

One Isabel, a sister, desires access to you.


One Isabel, a sister, desires access to you.

Teach her the way. O heavens! Why does my blood thus muster to my heart, Making both it unable for itself, And dispossessing all my other parts Of necessary fitness?


Teach her the way. O heavens! Why does my blood thus muster to my heart, Making both it unable for itself, And dispossessing all my other parts Of necessary fitness?

So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons; Come all to help him, and so stop the air By which he should revive:


So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons; Come all to help him, and so stop the air By which he should revive:

and even so The general, subject to a well-wish'd king, Quit their own part, and in obsequious fondness Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love Must needs appear offence. How now, fair maid?


and even so The general, subject to a well-wish'd king, Quit their own part, and in obsequious fondness Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love Must needs appear offence. How now, fair maid?


That you might know it, would much better please me Than to demand what 'tis. Your brother cannot live.


Yet may he live awhile; and, it may be, As long as you or I yet he must die.


When, I beseech you? that in his reprieve, Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted That his soul sicken not.


When, I beseech you? that in his reprieve, Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted That his soul sicken not.

Ha! fie, these filthy vices! It were as good To pardon him that hath from nature stolen A man already made, as to remit Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image In stamps that are forbid:


Ha! fie, these filthy vices! It were as good To pardon him that hath from nature stolen A man already made, as to remit Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image In stamps that are forbid:

'tis all as easy Falsely to take away a life true made As to put metal in restrained means To make a false one.


'tis all as easy Falsely to take away a life true made As to put metal in restrained means To make a false one.

'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth.


'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth.

Say you so? then I shall pose you quickly. Which had you rather, that the most just law Now took your brother's life;


Say you so? then I shall pose you quickly. Which had you rather, that the most just law Now took your brother's life;

or, to redeem him, Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness As she that he hath stain'd?


or, to redeem him, Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness As she that he hath stain'd?

Sir, believe this, I had rather give my body than my soul.


Sir, believe this, I had rather give my body than my soul.

I talk not of your soul: our compell'd sins Stand more for number than for accompt.


I talk not of your soul: our compell'd sins Stand more for number than for accompt.


Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak Against the thing I say. Answer to this: I, now the voice of the recorded law, Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life:


Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak Against the thing I say. Answer to this: I, now the voice of the recorded law, Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life:

Might there not be a charity in sin To save this brother's life?


Might there not be a charity in sin To save this brother's life?

Please you to do't, I'll take it as a peril to my soul, It is no sin at all, but charity.


Please you to do't, I'll take it as a peril to my soul, It is no sin at all, but charity.

Pleased you to do't at peril of your soul, Were equal poise of sin and charity.


Pleased you to do't at peril of your soul, Were equal poise of sin and charity.

That I do beg his life, if it be sin, Heaven let me bear it! you granting of my suit, If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer To have it added to the faults of mine, And nothing of your answer.


That I do beg his life, if it be sin, Heaven let me bear it! you granting of my suit, If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer To have it added to the faults of mine, And nothing of your answer.

Nay, but hear me. Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant, Or seem so craftily; and that's not good.


Nay, but hear me. Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant, Or seem so craftily; and that's not good.

Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good, But graciously to know I am no better.


Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good, But graciously to know I am no better.

Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright When it doth tax itself; as these black masks Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder Than beauty could, display'd. But mark me;


Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright When it doth tax itself; as these black masks Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder Than beauty could, display'd. But mark me;

To be received plain, I'll speak more gross: Your brother is to die.


To be received plain, I'll speak more gross: Your brother is to die.


And his offence is so, as it appears, Accountant to the law upon that pain.


and that there were No earthly mean to save him, but that either You must lay down the treasures of your body To this supposed, or else to let him suffer; What would you do?


That is, were I under the terms of death, The impression of keen whips I'ld wear as rubies, And strip myself to death, as to a bed That longing have been sick for, ere I'ld yield My body up to shame.


And 'twere the cheaper way: Better it were a brother died at once, Than that a sister, by redeeming him, Should die for ever.


And 'twere the cheaper way: Better it were a brother died at once, Than that a sister, by redeeming him, Should die for ever.

Were not you then as cruel as the sentence That you have slander'd so?


Were not you then as cruel as the sentence That you have slander'd so?

Ignomy in ransom and free pardon Are of two houses: lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption.


Ignomy in ransom and free pardon Are of two houses: lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption.

You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant; And rather proved the sliding of your brother A merriment than a vice.


You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant; And rather proved the sliding of your brother A merriment than a vice.

O, pardon me, my lord; it oft falls out, To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean: I something do excuse the thing I hate, For his advantage that I dearly love.


O, pardon me, my lord; it oft falls out, To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean: I something do excuse the thing I hate, For his advantage that I dearly love.


Else let my brother die, If not a feodary, but only he Owe and succeed thy weakness.


Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves; Which are as easy broke as they make forms. Women! Help Heaven! men their creation mar In profiting by them. Nay, call us ten times frail;


Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves; Which are as easy broke as they make forms. Women! Help Heaven! men their creation mar In profiting by them. Nay, call us ten times frail;

For we are soft as our complexions are, And credulous to false prints.


For we are soft as our complexions are, And credulous to false prints.

I think it well: And from this testimony of your own sex,-- Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger Than faults may shake our frames,--let me be bold; I do arrest your words.


I think it well: And from this testimony of your own sex,-- Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger Than faults may shake our frames,--let me be bold; I do arrest your words.

Be that you are, That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none; If you be one, as you are well express'd By all external warrants, show it now, By putting on the destined livery.


Be that you are, That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none; If you be one, as you are well express'd By all external warrants, show it now, By putting on the destined livery.

I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord, Let me entreat you speak the former language.


I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord, Let me entreat you speak the former language.


My brother did love Juliet, And you tell me that he shall die for it.


My brother did love Juliet, And you tell me that he shall die for it.

He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love.


He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love.

I know your virtue hath a licence in't, Which seems a little fouler than it is, To pluck on others.


I know your virtue hath a licence in't, Which seems a little fouler than it is, To pluck on others.

Believe me, on mine honour, My words express my purpose.


Believe me, on mine honour, My words express my purpose.

Ha! little honour to be much believed, And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming! I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't:


Ha! little honour to be much believed, And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming! I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't:

Sign me a present pardon for my brother, Or with an outstretch'd throat I'll tell the world aloud What man thou art.


Sign me a present pardon for my brother, Or with an outstretch'd throat I'll tell the world aloud What man thou art.


My unsoil'd name, the austereness of my life, My vouch against you, and my place i' the state, Will so your accusation overweigh, That you shall stifle in your own report And smell of calumny.


My unsoil'd name, the austereness of my life, My vouch against you, and my place i' the state, Will so your accusation overweigh, That you shall stifle in your own report And smell of calumny.

I have begun, And now I give my sensual race the rein: Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite; Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes, That banish what they sue for;


I have begun, And now I give my sensual race the rein: Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite; Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes, That banish what they sue for;

redeem thy brother By yielding up thy body to my will; Or else he must not only die the death, But thy unkindness shall his death draw out To lingering sufferance.


redeem thy brother By yielding up thy body to my will; Or else he must not only die the death, But thy unkindness shall his death draw out To lingering sufferance.

Answer me to-morrow, Or, by the affection that now guides me most, I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you, Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true.


Answer me to-morrow, Or, by the affection that now guides me most, I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you, Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true.

To whom should I complain? Did I tell this, Who would believe me? O perilous mouths, That bear in them one and the self-same tongue, Either of condemnation or approof;


To whom should I complain? Did I tell this, Who would believe me? O perilous mouths, That bear in them one and the self-same tongue, Either of condemnation or approof;

Bidding the law make court'sy to their will: Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite, To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother:


Bidding the law make court'sy to their will: Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite, To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother:

Though he hath fallen by prompture of the blood, Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour.


Though he hath fallen by prompture of the blood, Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour.

That, had he twenty heads to tender down On twenty bloody blocks, he'ld yield them up, Before his sister should her body stoop To such abhorr'd pollution.


That, had he twenty heads to tender down On twenty bloody blocks, he'ld yield them up, Before his sister should her body stoop To such abhorr'd pollution.

Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die: More than our brother is our chastity. I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request, And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest.


Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die: More than our brother is our chastity. I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request, And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest.

So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?


So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?

The miserable have no other medicine But only hope: I've hope to live, and am prepared to die.


The miserable have no other medicine But only hope: I've hope to live, and am prepared to die.

Be absolute for death; either death or life Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life: If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing That none but fools would keep:


Be absolute for death; either death or life Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life: If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing That none but fools would keep:

a breath thou art, Servile to all the skyey influences, That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st, Hourly afflict: merely, thou art death's fool;


a breath thou art, Servile to all the skyey influences, That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st, Hourly afflict: merely, thou art death's fool;

For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun And yet runn'st toward him still. Thou art not noble; For all the accommodations that thou bear'st Are nursed by baseness. Thou'rt by no means valiant;


For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun And yet runn'st toward him still. Thou art not noble; For all the accommodations that thou bear'st Are nursed by baseness. Thou'rt by no means valiant;

For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep, And that thou oft provokest; yet grossly fear'st Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself;


For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep, And that thou oft provokest; yet grossly fear'st Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself;

For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not; For what thou hast not, still thou strivest to get, And what thou hast, forget'st. Thou art not certain;


For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not; For what thou hast not, still thou strivest to get, And what thou hast, forget'st. Thou art not certain;

For thy complexion shifts to strange effects, After the moon. If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;


For thy complexion shifts to strange effects, After the moon. If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;

For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows, Thou bear's thy heavy riches but a journey, And death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none;


For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows, Thou bear's thy heavy riches but a journey, And death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none;

For thine own bowels, which do call thee sire, The mere effusion of thy proper loins, Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum, For ending thee no sooner.


For thine own bowels, which do call thee sire, The mere effusion of thy proper loins, Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum, For ending thee no sooner.

Thou hast nor youth nor age, But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep, Dreaming on both; for all thy blessed youth Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms Of palsied eld;


Thou hast nor youth nor age, But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep, Dreaming on both; for all thy blessed youth Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms Of palsied eld;

and when thou art old and rich, Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty, To make thy riches pleasant. What's yet in this That bears the name of life?


and when thou art old and rich, Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty, To make thy riches pleasant. What's yet in this That bears the name of life?

Yet in this life Lie hid moe thousand deaths: yet death we fear, That makes these odds all even.


Yet in this life Lie hid moe thousand deaths: yet death we fear, That makes these odds all even.

I humbly thank you. To sue to live, I find I seek to die; And, seeking death, find life: let it come on.


I humbly thank you. To sue to live, I find I seek to die; And, seeking death, find life: let it come on.


Who's there? come in: the wish deserves a welcome.


Who's there? come in: the wish deserves a welcome.

Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again.


Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again.


My business is a word or two with Claudio.


My business is a word or two with Claudio.

And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your sister.


And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your sister.


Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be concealed.


Why, As all comforts are; most good, most good indeed. Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Intends you for his swift ambassador, Where you shall be an everlasting leiger:


Why, As all comforts are; most good, most good indeed. Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Intends you for his swift ambassador, Where you shall be an everlasting leiger:

Therefore your best appointment make with speed; To-morrow you set on.


Therefore your best appointment make with speed; To-morrow you set on.


None, but such remedy as, to save a head, To cleave a heart in twain.


Yes, brother, you may live: There is a devilish mercy in the judge, If you'll implore it, that will free your life, But fetter you till death.


Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint, Though all the world's vastidity you had, To a determined scope.


In such a one as, you consenting to't, Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear, And leave you naked.


O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain, And six or seven winters more respect Than a perpetual honour. Darest thou die?


O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain, And six or seven winters more respect Than a perpetual honour. Darest thou die?

The sense of death is most in apprehension; And the poor beetle, that we tread upon, In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great As when a giant dies.


The sense of death is most in apprehension; And the poor beetle, that we tread upon, In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great As when a giant dies.

Why give you me this shame? Think you I can a resolution fetch From flowery tenderness? If I must die, I will encounter darkness as a bride, And hug it in mine arms.


Why give you me this shame? Think you I can a resolution fetch From flowery tenderness? If I must die, I will encounter darkness as a bride, And hug it in mine arms.

There spake my brother; there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die: Thou art too noble to conserve a life In base appliances.


There spake my brother; there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die: Thou art too noble to conserve a life In base appliances.


O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell, The damned'st body to invest and cover In prenzie guards! Dost thou think, Claudio? If I would yield him my virginity, Thou mightst be freed.


Yes, he would give't thee, from this rank offence, So to offend him still. This night's the time That I should do what I abhor to name, Or else thou diest to-morrow.


O, were it but my life, I'ld throw it down for your deliverance As frankly as a pin.


Be ready, Claudio, for your death tomorrow.


Be ready, Claudio, for your death tomorrow.

Yes. Has he affections in him, That thus can make him bite the law by the nose, When he would force it? Sure, it is no sin, Or of the deadly seven, it is the least.


Yes. Has he affections in him, That thus can make him bite the law by the nose, When he would force it? Sure, it is no sin, Or of the deadly seven, it is the least.


If it were damnable, he being so wise, Why would he for the momentary trick Be perdurably fined? O Isabel!


Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; To lie in cold obstruction and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod;


Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; To lie in cold obstruction and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod;

and the delighted spirit To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice;


and the delighted spirit To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice;

To be imprison'd in the viewless winds, And blown with restless violence round about The pendent world; or to be worse than worst Of those that lawless and incertain thought Imagine howling:


To be imprison'd in the viewless winds, And blown with restless violence round about The pendent world; or to be worse than worst Of those that lawless and incertain thought Imagine howling:

'tis too horrible! The weariest and most loathed worldly life That age, ache, penury and imprisonment Can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death.


'tis too horrible! The weariest and most loathed worldly life That age, ache, penury and imprisonment Can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death.


Sweet sister, let me live: What sin you do to save a brother's life, Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it becomes a virtue.


Sweet sister, let me live: What sin you do to save a brother's life, Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it becomes a virtue.

O you beast! O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice? Is't not a kind of incest, to take life From thine own sister's shame? What should I think?


O you beast! O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice? Is't not a kind of incest, to take life From thine own sister's shame? What should I think?

Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair! For such a warped slip of wilderness Ne'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance! Die, perish!


Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair! For such a warped slip of wilderness Ne'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance! Die, perish!

Might but my bending down Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed: I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death, No word to save thee.


Might but my bending down Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed: I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death, No word to save thee.


O, fie, fie, fie! Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade. Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd: 'Tis best thou diest quickly.


Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.


Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.


Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.

I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile.


I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile.

Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her;


Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her;

only he hath made an essay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the disposition of natures:


only he hath made an essay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the disposition of natures:

she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death:


she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death:

do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: tomorrow you must die; go to your knees and make ready.


do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: tomorrow you must die; go to your knees and make ready.

Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life that I will sue to be rid of it.


Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life that I will sue to be rid of it.

Hold you there: farewell. Provost, a word with you!


Hold you there: farewell. Provost, a word with you!


That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company.


The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness;


The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness;

but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding;


but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding;

and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?


and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?

I am now going to resolve him: I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good duke deceived in Angelo!


I am now going to resolve him: I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good duke deceived in Angelo!

If ever he return and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government.


If ever he return and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government.

That shall not be much amiss: Yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings:


That shall not be much amiss: Yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings:

to the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law;


to the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law;

do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business.


do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business.

Let me hear you speak farther. I have spirit to do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit.


Let me hear you speak farther. I have spirit to do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit.

Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the great soldier who miscarried at sea?


Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the great soldier who miscarried at sea?

I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.


I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.

She should this Angelo have married; was affianced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed:


She should this Angelo have married; was affianced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed:

between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister.


between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister.

But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural;


But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural;

with him, the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo.


with him, the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo.

Can this be so? did Angelo so leave her?


Can this be so? did Angelo so leave her?

Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour:


Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour:

in few, bestowed her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not.


in few, bestowed her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not.

What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world! What corruption in this life, that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she avail?


What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world! What corruption in this life, that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she avail?

It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it.


It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it.


This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection:


This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection:

his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo;


his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo;

answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay with him may not be long;


answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay with him may not be long;

that the time may have all shadow and silence in it; and the place answer to convenience.


that the time may have all shadow and silence in it; and the place answer to convenience.

This being granted in course,--and now follows all,--we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place;


This being granted in course,--and now follows all,--we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place;

if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense:


if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense:

and here, by this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt.


and here, by this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt.

If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof. What think you of it?


If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof. What think you of it?

The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.


The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.

It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke's:


It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke's:

there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.


there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.

I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father.


I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father.

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.


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.


'Twas never merry world since, of two usuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm;


'Twas never merry world since, of two usuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm;

and furred with fox and lamb-skins too, to signify, that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing.


and furred with fox and lamb-skins too, to signify, that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing.

Come your way, sir. 'Bless you, good father friar.


Come your way, sir. 'Bless you, good father friar.

And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir?


And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir?

Marry, sir, he hath offended the law: and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him, sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the deputy.


Marry, sir, he hath offended the law: and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him, sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the deputy.

Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd! The evil that thou causest to be done, That is thy means to live. Do thou but think What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back From such a filthy vice:


Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd! The evil that thou causest to be done, That is thy means to live. Do thou but think What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back From such a filthy vice:

say to thyself, From their abominable and beastly touches I drink, I eat, array myself, and live. Canst thou believe thy living is a life, So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend.


say to thyself, From their abominable and beastly touches I drink, I eat, array myself, and live. Canst thou believe thy living is a life, So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend.

Indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir, I would prove--


Indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir, I would prove--

Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin, Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer: Correction and instruction must both work Ere this rude beast will profit.


Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin, Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer: Correction and instruction must both work Ere this rude beast will profit.

He must before the deputy, sir; he has given him warning: the deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand.


He must before the deputy, sir; he has given him warning: the deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand.

That we were all, as some would seem to be, From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!


That we were all, as some would seem to be, From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!

His neck will come to your waist,--a cord, sir.


His neck will come to your waist,--a cord, sir.

I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here's a gentleman and a friend of mine.


I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here's a gentleman and a friend of mine.

How now, noble Pompey! What, at the wheels of Caesar? art thou led in triumph?


How now, noble Pompey! What, at the wheels of Caesar? art thou led in triumph?

What, is there none of Pygmalion'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, is there none of Pygmalion'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 sayest thou to this tune, matter and method? Is't not drowned i' the last rain, ha? What sayest thou, Trot? Is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how?


What sayest thou to this tune, matter and method? Is't not drowned i' the last rain, ha? What sayest thou, Trot? Is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how?


How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she still, ha?


How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she still, ha?

Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub.


Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub.

Why, 'tis good; it is the right of it; it must be so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd: an unshunned consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?


Why, 'tis good; it is the right of it; it must be so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd: an unshunned consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?


Why, 'tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell: go, say I sent thee thither. For debt, Pompey? or how?


Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right: bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity too; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey. Commend me to the prison, Pompey:


Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right: bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity too; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey. Commend me to the prison, Pompey:

you will turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the house.


you will turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the house.

I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.


I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.

No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase your bondage: If you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu, trusty Pompey. 'Bless you, friar.


No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase your bondage: If you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu, trusty Pompey. 'Bless you, friar.


Then, Pompey, nor now. What news abroad, friar? what news?


Go to kennel, Pompey; go. What news, friar, of the duke?


Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you?


Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you?

I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him well.


I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him well.

It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to 't.


It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to 't.


A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar.


A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar.

It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it.


It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it.

Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it is well allied: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down.


Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it is well allied: 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 this downright way of creation: is it true, think you?


They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman after this downright way of creation: is it true, think you?


Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that when he makes water his urine is congealed ice; that I know to be true:


Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that when he makes water his urine is congealed ice; that I know to be true:

and he is a motion generative; that's infallible.


and he is a motion generative; that's infallible.


Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the duke that is absent have done this?


Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the duke that is absent have done this?

Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand: he had some feeling of the sport:


Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand: he had some feeling of the sport:

he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy.


he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy.

I never heard the absent duke much detected for women; he was not inclined that way.


I never heard the absent duke much detected for women; he was not inclined that way.


Who, not the duke? yes, your beggar 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.


Sir, I was an inward of his. A shy fellow was the duke: and I believe I know the cause of his withdrawing.


No, pardon; 'tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, the greater file of the subject held the duke to be wise.


A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.


A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.

Either this is the envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must upon a warranted need give him a better proclamation.


Either this is the envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must upon a warranted need give him a better proclamation.

Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, and he shall appear to the envious a scholar, a statesman and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully:


Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, 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 is much darkened in your malice.


or if your knowledge be more it is much darkened in your malice.


Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge with dearer love.


I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak. But, if ever the duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him.


I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak. But, if ever the duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him.

If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name?


If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name?

Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke.


Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke.

He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.


He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.


O, 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.


O, 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.

I'll be hanged first: thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no?


I'll be hanged first: thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no?


Why? For filling a bottle with a tundish. I would the duke we talk of were returned again: the ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency;


Why? For filling a bottle with a tundish. I would the duke we talk of were returned again: the ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency;

sparrows must not build in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous. The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light: would he were returned!


sparrows must not build in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous. The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light: would he were returned!

Marry, this Claudio is condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar: I prithee, pray for me. The duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays.


Marry, this Claudio is condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar: I prithee, pray for me. The duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays.

He's not past it yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt brown bread and garlic: say that I said so. Farewell.


He's not past it yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt brown bread and garlic: say that I said so. Farewell.

No might nor greatness in mortality Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue? But who comes here?


No might nor greatness in mortality Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue? But who comes here?


Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man; good my lord.


Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man; good my lord.

Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind! This would make mercy swear and play the tyrant.


Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind! This would make mercy swear and play the tyrant.

A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it please your honour.


A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it please your honour.

My lord, this is one Lucio's information against me. Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by him in the duke's time; he promised her marriage:


My lord, this is one Lucio's information against me. Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by him in the duke's time; he promised 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!


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!

That fellow is a fellow of much licence: let him be called before us. Away with her to prison! Go to; no more words. Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered; Claudio must die to-morrow:


That fellow is a fellow of much licence: let him be called before us. Away with her to prison! Go to; no more words. Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered; Claudio must die to-morrow:

let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation. if my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.


let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation. if my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.

So please you, this friar hath been with him, and advised him for the entertainment of death.


So please you, this friar hath been with him, and advised him for the entertainment of death.


Not of this country, though my chance is now To use it for my time: I am a brother Of gracious order, late come from the See In special business from his holiness.


None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request;


None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure 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;


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 accurst: much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day's news.


but security enough to make fellowships accurst: 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?


I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the duke?

One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself.


One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself.


Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than merry at any thing which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance.


Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than merry at any thing which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance.

But leave we him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.


But leave we him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.

He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice:


He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice:

yet had he framed to himself, by the instruction of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I by my good leisure have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die.