Page 1145 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

her virtue, to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures. She,
having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which
he is most glad to receive. I [165] am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to
be true; therefore prepare yourself to death. Do not satisfy your resolution

with hopes that are fallible; tomorrow you must die; go to your knees, and
make ready.

CLAUDIO
Let me ask my sister pardon; I am so out of love [170] with life that I will sue
to be rid of it.

DUKE
Hold you there: farewell. − [Claudio retires.] Provost, a word with you.

PROVOST

[advancing]
What’s your will, father?

DUKE
That, now you are come, you will be gone. Leave [175] me a while with the
maid; my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my
company.

PROVOST
In good time.

Exit [with Claudio, Isabella comes forward].

DUKE
The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good. The goodness that is
cheap in beauty makes [180] beauty brief in goodness; but grace, being the
soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that

Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding; and,
but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. [185]
How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?

ISABELLA
I am now going to resolve him. I had rather my brother die by the law, than