Page 1103 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

May in the sworn twelve have a thief, or two, [20]
Guiltier than him they try. What’s open made to justice,
That justice seizes. What knows the laws
That thieves do pass on thieves? ’Tis very pregnant,

The jewel that we find, we stoop and take’t,
Because we see it; but what we do not see, [25]
We tread upon, and never think of it.
You may not so extenuate his offence

For I have had such faults; but rather tell me,
When I that censure him do so offend,
Let mine own judgement pattern out my death, [30]
And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.

Enter Provost.

ESCALUS

Be it as your wisdom will.

ANGELO
Where is the Provost?

PROVOST
Here, if it like your honour.

ANGELO
See that Claudio
Be executed by nine tomorrow morning;
Bring him his confessor, let him be prepar’d, [35]

For that’s the utmost of his pilgrimage.
[Exit Provost.]

ESCALUS
Well, heaven forgive him; and forgive us all.
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.

Some run from brakes of ice and answer none,
And some condemned for a fault alone. [40]

Enter Elbow [and] Officers [with] Froth [and] Pompey.