Of palsied eld; and when thou art old, and rich, Claud. I humbly thank you, To sue to live, I find, I seek to die; Enter ISABELLA. Isab. What, ho! Peace here; grace and good company! Prov. Who's there? come in the wish deserves a welcome. Duke. Dear Sir, ere long I'll visit you again. Isab. My business is a word or two with Claudio. Prov. And very welcome. Look, Signior, here's your sister. Duke Provost, a word with you. Prov As many as you please. Duke. Bring them to speak, where I may be conceal'd Yet hear them. [Exeunt DUKE and Provost. Claud. Now, sister, what's the comfort? Isab. Why, as all comforts are; most good in deed: Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Intends you for his swift embassador, Therefore your best appointment make with speed; Claud. Is there no remedy? Isab. None, put such remedy, as, to save a head; To cleave a heart in twain. Claud.. Claud. But is there any? Isab. Yes, brother, you may live; If you'll implore it, that will free your life, Claud. Perpetual durance? Isab. Ay, just, perpetual durance; a restraint, Though all the world's vastidity you had, To a determin'd scope. Claud. But in what nature? Isab. In such a one as (you consenting to't) Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear, And leave you naked. Claud. Let me know the point. Isab. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, Than a perpetual honour. Dar'st thou die ? Claud. Why give you me this shame? And hug it in mine arms. Isab. There spake my brother; there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice! Yes, thou must die: Nips youth 'the head, and follies doth cumew, VOL. II. 9 His filth within being cast, he would appear Claud. The princely Angelo? Isab. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell, In princely guards! Dost thou think, Claudio, Thou might'st be freed?. Claud. O, heavens! it cannot be. Isab. Yes, he would give it thee, from this So to offend him still: This night's the time Claud. Thou shalt not do't. Isab. O, were it but my life, I'd throw it down for your deliverance Claud. Thanks, dear Isabel. Isab. Be ready, Glaudio, for your death to morrow. Claud. 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. Isab. Which is the least? Claud. If it were damnable, he, being so wise, Why, would he for the momentary trick Be perdurably fin'd? O'Isabel! Isab. What says my brother? Claud. Death is a fearful thing. Isab. And shamed life a hateful. Claud. Ay, but to die, and go we know not wliere ; To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit The weariest and most loathed worldly life, To what we fear of death. Isab. Alas! Alas! Claud. Sweet sister, let me live: Isab. O, you beast! O, faithless coward! O, dishonest wretch! From thine own sister's shame? What should I think? Heaven shield, my mother play'd my father fair! Ne'er issu'd from his blood. Take my defiance: Claud. Nay, hear me, Isabel, Isab. O, fie, fie, fie! Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade: Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd: 'Tis best that thou diest quickly. Claud. O hear me, Isabella. [Going. Re-enter DUKE. Duke. Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word. Isab. What is your will? Duke. 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. Isab. I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you a while. your Duke. [To CLAUDIO, aside.] Son, I have overheard what hath past between you and sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue, to practice his judgement with the disposition of natures she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is I am confessor to Angelo, most glad to receive: 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. ria Claud. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be of it. Duke. Hold you there: Farewell. [Exit CLAUDIO. Ee-enter Provost. Provost, a word with you. Prov. What's your will, father? Duke. That now you are come, you will be gone: Leave me a while with the maid; my mind promises with my habit, no loss shall touch her by my company. |