Prov. I do it not in evil disposition, But from lord Angelo by special charge. Claud. Thus can the demi-god, Authority, Make us pay down for our offence by weight.The words of heaven ;-on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just. Lucio. Why, how now, Claudio? whence comes this restraint? Claud. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, So every scope by the immoderate use Lucio. If I 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's thy offence, Claudio? Claud. What, but to speak of would offend again. Lucio. What is it? murder? Claud. No. Lucio. Lechery? Claud. Call it so. Prov. Away, sir; you must go. Claud. One word, good friend :-Lucio, a word with you. [Takes him aside. Lucio. A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so look'd after? Claud. Thus stands it with me:-Upon a true contract, s Voraciously devour. I got possession of Julietta's bed; You know the lady; she is fast my wife, Remaining in the coffer of her friends; From whom we thought it meet to hide our love, But it chances, The stealth of our most mutual entertainment, With character too gross, is writ on Juliet. Claud. Unhappily, even so. And the new deputy now for the duke,— A horse whereon the governor doth ride, He can command, lets it straight feel the spur: Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall So long, that nineteen zodiacks" 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. Lucio. I warrant, it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders, that a milk-maid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the duke, and appeal to him. Claud. I have done so, but he's not to be found. I have great hope in that: for in her youth Such as moves men; beside, she hath prosperous art Lucio. I pray, she may as well for the encouragement of the like, which else would stand under grievous imposition; as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack. I'll to her. 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 complete bosom : 1 why I desire thee To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose and wrinkled than the aims and ends More grave 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'd;" And held in idle price to haunt assemblies, (A man of stricture, and firm abstinence,) You will demand of me, why I do this? Duke. We have strict statutes, and most biting laws, 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 Fri. ? Retired. 3 Showy dress resides. 5 Strictness. And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd, Duke. And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father, I have on Angelo impos'd the office; Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, 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, [Exeunt. • Since. 7 his defence. |