Ang. I think it well: And from this testimony of your own sex, (Since, I suppose, we are made to be no stronger, That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none; By all external warrants,) show it now, Isa. I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord, Isa. My brother did love Juliet; That he shall die for it. and you tell me, Ang, He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love. Isa. I know, your virtue hath a license in't, Which seems a little fouler than it is, To pluck on others. Ang. Believe me, on mine honour, My words express my purpose. Isa. Ha! little honour to be much believ'd, And most pernicious purpose !-Seeming, seeming!I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't: Sign me a present pardon for my brother, Or, with an outstretch'd throat, I'll tell the world life, Ang. Who will believe thee, Isabel ? That you shall stifle in your own report, Or, by the affection that now guides me most, I'll prove a tyrant to him. [Exit ANGELO. Isa. To whom should I complain? Did I tell this, Who would believe me? O perilous mouths, Bidding the law make court'sy to their will;" I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request, And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. [Exit ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. The Prison. Enter the DUKE, as a Friar, CLAUDIO, and PROVOST. Duke. So, then you hope of pardon from Lord Claud. The miserable have no other medicine, I have hope to live, and am prepar'd to die. Duke. Be absolute for death; either death, or life, Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life, If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing That none but fools would keep a breath thou art, That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st, For all the accommodations that thou bear'st, Are nurs❜d by baseness: thou art by no means valiant; For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor worm : Happy thou art not; For what thou hast not, still thou striv'st to get; And what thou hast, forget'st: Thou hast nor youth, nor age; But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep, Dreaming on both; for all thy blessed youth Of palsy'd old; and when thou art old and rich, Claud. I humbly thank you. To sue to live, I find, I seek to die; And, seeking death, find life: let it come on. Isa. [Without.] What, ho! peace here; grace and good company! Prov. Who's there? Come in: the wish deserves a welcome. [Exit PROVOST. Duke. Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again. Claud. Most holy sir, I thank you. Isa. [Without.] My business is a word or two with Prov. [Without.] And very welcome. Enter PROVOST, and ISABELLA. Look, signior, here's your sister. Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be [Exeunt the DUKE, and PROVOST. Where you shall be an everlasting leiger: Claud. Is there no remedy? Isa. None, but such remedy, as, to save a head, To cleave a heart in twain. Claud. But is there any? Isa. Yes, brother, you may live; If you'll implore it, that will free your life, Claud. But in what nature? Isa. 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. Isa. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, Claud. Why give you me this shame ? If I must die, I will encounter darkness as a bride, And hug it in my arms. Isa. There spake my brother! there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice! Yes, thou must die: In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy,— Isa. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell, Thou might'st be freed? Claud. O, Heavens ! it cannot be. Isa. Yes, he would give it thee, from this rank of fence, So to offend him still: this night's the time deliverance Claud. Thanks, dear Isabel. Isa. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow. Isa. What says my brother? Claud. Death is a fearful thing. Isa. And shamed life a hateful. Claud. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become |