Page 1100 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

The wanton stings and motions of the sense;
But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge [60]
With profits of the mind, study and fast.
He, to give fear to use and liberty,

Which have for long run by the hideous law
As mice by lions, hath pick’d out an act
Under whose heavy sense your brother’s life [65]
Falls into forfeit: he arrests him on it,

And follows close the rigour of the statute
The make him an example. All hope is gone,
Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
To soften Angelo. And that’s my pith of business [70]

’Twixt you and your poor brother.

ISABELLA
Doth he so,
Seek his life?

LUCIO
Has censur’d him already;
And, as I hear, the Provost hath a warrant

For’s execution.

ISABELLA
Alas, what poor ability’s in me [75]
To do him good!

LUCIO
Assay the power you have.

ISABELLA
My power? Alas, I doubt.

LUCIO
Our doubts are traitors,

And makes us lose the good we oft might win
Be fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angelo,