Page 1131 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

How say you?

ANGELO
Nay, I’ll not warrant that: for I can speak
Against the thing I say. Answer to this: [60]
I − now the voice of the recorded law −
Pronounce a sentence on your brother’s life:

Might there not be a charity in sin
To save this brother’s life?

ISABELLA
Please you to do ’t,
I’ll take it as a peril to my soul; [65]

It is no sin at all, but charity.

ANGELO
Pleas’d you to do’t, at peril of your soul,
Were equal poise of sin and charity.

ISABELLA
That I do beg his life, if it be sin,
Heaven let me bear it; you granting of my suit, [70]

If that be sin, I’ll make it my morn prayer
To have it added to the faults of mine,
And nothing of your answer.

ANGELO
Nay, but hear me;

Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant,
Or seem so, crafty; and that’s not good. [75]

ISABELLA
Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good,
But graciously to know I am no better.

ANGELO
Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright