Page 1157 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

ESCALUS

Of whence are you?

DUKE
Not of this country, though my chance is now
To use it for my time. I am a brother
Of gracious order, late come from the See [205]

In special business from his Holiness.

ESCALUS
What news abroad i’th’world?

DUKE
None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness that the dissolution of it
must cure it. Novelty is only in request, and it is as dangerous to be aged in
any kind of [210] course as it is virtuous to be constant in any undertaking.

There is scarce truth enough alive to make societies secure; but security
enough to make fellowships accurst. Much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of
the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day’s [215] news. I pray
you, sir, of what disposition was the Duke?

ESCALUS

One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself.

DUKE

What pleasure was he given to?

ESCALUS
Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than [220] merry at anything which
professed to make him rejoice. A gentleman of all temperance. But leave we
him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous, and let me
desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that

you have lent him visitation. [225]

DUKE
He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most
willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice. Yet had he framed