Cut off by course of justice. Isab. By course of justice! 41 Ang. And she will speak most bitterly, and strange. Isab. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak : That Angelo's forsworn; is it not strange ? That Angelo's a murtherer; is't not strange? "That Angelo is an adulterous thief," An hypocrite; a virgin violater; Is it not strange, and strange? Duke. Nay, it is ten times strange. Isab. It is not truer he is Angelo, Than this is all as true as it is strange : Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth To the end of reckoning. Duke. Away with her :-Poor soul, She speaks this in the infirmity of sense. Isab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'st There is another comfort than this world, That thou neglect me not, with that opinion 50 That I am touch'd with madness: make not impossible That which but seems unlike: 'tis not impossible, In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms, Duke. By mine honesty, 60 If If she be mad (as I believe no other) Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense, Isab. Gracious duke, Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason To make the truth appear, where it seems hid; Duke. Many that are not mad, 70 Have, sure, more lack of reason.-What would you say? Isab. I am the sister of one Claudio, Was sent to by my brother: One Lucio Lucio. That's I, an't like your grace : I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her Isab. That's he, indeed. Duke. You were not bid to speak: Lucio. No, my good lord; Nor wish'd to hold my peace. Duke. I wish you now then; Pray you, take note of it: and when you have heaven, you then 89 Be perfect. Lucio. I warrant your honour. 99 Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it. Duke. It may be right; but you are in the wrong To speak before your time.Proceed. Isab. I went To this pernicious caitiff-deputy. Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken. The phrase is to the matter. 101 111 Duke. Mended again: the matter;—Proceed. Isab. In brief,-to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, and how I reply'd; (For this was of much length) the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter : He would not, but by gift of my chašte body "To his concupiscible intemperate lust,” Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remarse confutes my honour, And I did yield to him: But the next morn betimes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant For my poor brother's head. Duke. This is most likely! Isab. Oh, that it were as like, as it is true! Duke. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not what thou speak'st; Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour 121 Stands Stands without blemish :-next, it imports no reason, Isab. And is this all? Then, oh, you blessed ministers above, Keep me in patience; and, with ripen'd time, 131 In countenance !-Heaven shield your grace from woe, Duke. I know, you'd fain be gone :—An officer- Lucio. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling friar; Duke. Words against me? this' a good friar belike! 1 Against our substitute!-Let this friar be found. friar 152 |