is scarce truth enough alive, to make societies secure but security, enough, to make fellowships accurs'd: much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day's news. I pray you, Sir, of what disposition was the Duke? Escal. One, that, above all other strifes, con. tended especially to know himself. Duke. What pleasure was he given to? But Escal. Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than merry at any thing which profess'd to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. 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. Duke. 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 1, by my good leisure, have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die. Escal. You have paid the heavens your function, and the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have labour'd for the poor gentleman, to the extremest shore of my modesty; but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forced me to tell him, he is indeed justice. Duke. If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding, it shall become him well; wherein if he chance to fail, he hath sentenced himself. Escal. I am going to visit the prisoner; Fare `you well. Duke. Peace be with you! [Exeunt ESCALUS and Provost. He, who the sword of heaven will bear, [Exit. Take, oh take those lips away, But But my kisses bring again, bring again, Seals of love, but seal'd in vain, seal'd in vain. Mari. Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away; Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice Enter DUKE. [Exit Boy. I cry you mercy, Sir; and well could wish My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe. Duke. Tis good: though musick oft hath such a charm, To make bad, good, and good provoke to harm. hath any body inquired for me here today? much upon this time have I promis'd here to meet. Mari. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day. Enter ISABELLA. Duke. I do constantly believe you: The time is come, even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little; may be, I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself. Mari. I am always bound to you. What is the news from this good deputy? [Exit. Isab, He hath a garden circummur'd with brick, Whose western side is with a vineyard back'd; And to that vineyard is a planched gate, VOL. II. 10 That makes his opening with this bigger key: Which from the vineyard to the garden leads; Duke. But shall you on your knowledge find this way? Isab. I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't; With whispering and most guilty diligence, In action all of precept, he did show me The way twice o'cr. Duke. Are there no other tokens Between you 'greed, concerning her observance? Duke. 'Tis well borne up. I have not yet made known to Mariana What, ho! within! come Re-enter MARIANA. I pray you, be acquainted with this maid; Isab. I do desire the like. Duke. Do you persuade yourself that I respect you? Mari. Good friar, I know you do; and have found it. Duke. Take then this your companion by the hand, Who hath a story ready for your ear: I shall attend your leisure; but make haste; Mari. Will't please you walk aside? [Exeunt MARIANA and ISABELLA. Duke. O place and greatness, millions of false eyes Are stuck upon thee! volumes of report And ack thee in their fancies! agreed? Welcome! How Re-enter MARIANA and ISABELLA. Isab. She'll take the enterprize upon her, father, If you advise it. Duke. It is not my consent, But my intreaty too. Isab. Little have you to say, When you depart from him, but, soft and low, Remember now my brother. Mari. Fear me not. Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all: He is your husband on a pre-contract: To bring you thus together, 'tis no sin; Prov. Come hither, sirrah: Can you cut off a man's head? |