Page 1093 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

CLAUDIO

Thus stands it with me: upon a true contract [140]
I got possession of Julietta’s bed.
You know the lady; she is fast my wife,

Save that we do the denunciation lack
Of outward order. This we came not to
Only for propagation of a dower [145]
Remaining in the coffer of her friends,
From whom we thought it meet to hide our love

Till time had made them for us. But it chances
The stealth of our most mutual entertainment
With character too gross is writ on Juliet. [150]

LUCIO
With child, perhaps?

CLAUDIO

Unhappily, even so.
And the new deputy now for the Duke −
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness,
Of whether that the body public be
A horse whereon the governor doth ride, [155]

Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
He can command, lets it straight feel the spur;
Whether the tyranny be in his place,

Or in his eminence that fills it up,
I stagger in − but this new governor [160]
Awakes me all the enrolled penalties
Which have, like unscour’d armour, hung by th’wall
So long, that nineteen zodiacs have gone round,

And none of them been worn; and for a name
Now puts the drowsy and neglected act [165]
Freshly on me: ’tis surely for a name.

LUCIO
I warrant it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders, that a

milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the Duke, and appeal
to him.