Page 1130 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

ANGELO

Yea.

ISABELLA
When, I beseech you? That in his reprieve,
Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted [40]
That his soul sicken not.

ANGELO

Ha? Fie, these filthy vices! It were as good
To pardon him that hath from nature stolen
A man already made, as to remit
Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven’s image [45]
In stamps that are forbid. ’Tis all as easy

Falsely to take away a life true made,
As to put mettle in restrained means
To make a false one.

ISABELLA
’Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth. [50]

ANGELO

Say you so? Then I shall pose you quickly.
Which had you rather, that the most just law
Now took your brother’s life; or, to redeem him,
Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness
As she that he hath stain’d?

ISABELLA

Sir, believe this: [55]
I had rather give my body than my soul.

ANGELO
I talk not of your soul: our compell’d sins
Stand more for number than for accompt.

ISABELLA