Page 1147 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

DUKE

Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort: swallowed
his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour: in few, bestowed
her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; [225] and he,

a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not.

ISABELLA

What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world! What
corruption in this life, that it will let this man live! But how out of this can she
avail? [230]

DUKE
It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your
brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it.

ISABELLA

Show me how, good father.

DUKE

This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance [235] of her first
affection. His unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her
love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and

unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience;
agree with his demands to the [240] point. Only refer yourself to this
advantage: first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the place may
have all shadow and silence in it; and the time answer to convenience. This
being granted in course, and now follows all. We shall advise this wronged

maid to stead up [245] your appointment, go in your place. If the encounter
acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense; and
hear, by this is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana

advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid will I frame, [250] and
make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the
doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof. What think you of
it?

ISABELLA
The image of it gives me content already, and I trust it will grow to a most

prosperous perfection. [255]