Claud. I thank you, good friend Lucio. Lucio. Within two hours, Claud. Come, officer, away. SCENE IV.. A monastery. Enter Duke and Friar Thomas. [Exeunt. Duke. No; holy father; throw away that thought; Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can pierce a cómplete 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. Fri. May your grace speak of it? · Duke. My holy sir, none better knows than you How I have ever lov'd the life remov'dt; And held in idle price to haunt assemblies, (A man of strictures, and firm abstinence), You will demand of me, why I do this? Duke. We have strict statutes, and most biting (The needful bits and curbs for head-strong steeds), Which for these fourteen years we have let sleep; Even like an over-grown lion in a cave, • Completely armed. Showy dress resides. + Retired. § Strictness. That goes not out to prey: now, as fond fathers Becomes more mock'd, than fear'd: so our decrees, The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Fri. It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice, when you pleas'd: And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd, Than in lord Angelo. Duke. I do fear, too dreadful: Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope, 'Twould be my tyranny to strike, and gall them For what I bid them do: for we bid this be done, When evil deeds have their permissive pass, And not the punishment. father, Therefore, indeed, my I have on Angelo impos'd the office; Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, And yet my nature never in the sight, To do it slander: and to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people: therefore, I pr'ythee, 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, Is more to bread than stone: hence shall we see, • Since. + On his defence. SCENE V. A nunnery. Enter Isabella and Francisca. Isab. And have you nuns no further privileges Fran. Are not these large enough? Isab. Yes, truly: I speak not as desiring more; But rather wishing a more strict restraint Upon the sister-hood, the votarists of saint Clare. Then, if you speak, you must not show your face; [Erit Francisca. Isab. Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls? Enter Lucio. Lucio. Hail, virgin, if you be; as those cheek roses Proclaim you are no less! can you so stead me, A novice of this place, and the fair sister To her unhappy brother Claudio? Isab. Why her unhappy brother? let me ask; The rather, for I now must make you know Lucio. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you: Not to be weary with you, he's in prison. Isab. Woe me! For what? Lucio. For that, which, if myself might be his judge, He should receive his punishment in thanks: Isab. Sir, make me not your story*. It is true. I would not-though 'tis my familiar sin As with a saint. Isab. You do blaspheme the good, in mocking me. Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth†, 'tis thus: Your brother and his lover have embrac'd: As those that feed grow full; as blossoming time, Isab. Some one with child by him? My cousin Lucio. Is she your cousin? Isab. Adoptedly; as school-maids change their The duke is very strangely gone from hence; * Do not make a jest of me. + In few and true words. § Tilling. Breeding plenty. From his true-meant design. Upon his place, Governs lord Angelo; a man, whose blood Which have, for long, run by the hideous law, Of business 'twixt you and your poor brother. Lucio. Has censur'd him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution. Isab. Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good? Lucio. Assay the power you have. Our doubts are traitors, Isab. My power! alas! I doubt, Lucio. And make us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt: go to lord Angelo, As they themselves would owe them. Lucio.. Isub. I will about it straight; But speedily. No longer staying but to give the mother|| Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you : * Extent. + Sentenced. + Power of gaining favour. § Have. |