Page 1171 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

of mortality, and desperately mortal.

DUKE
He wants advice. [140]

PROVOST
He will hear none. He hath evermore had the liberty of the prison: give him
leave to escape hence, he would not. Drunk many times a day, if not many
days entirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if to carry him to

execution, and showed him a seeming warrant [145] for it; it hath not moved
him at all.

DUKE
More of him anon. There is written in your brow, Provost, honesty and
constancy; if I read it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me. But in the

boldness of my cunning, I will lay myself in hazard. Claudio, whom here [150]
you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who
hath sentenced him. To make you understand this in a manifested effect, I
crave but four days’ respite: for the which, you are to do me both a present
and a dangerous courtesy. [155]

PROVOST
Pray sir, in what?

DUKE
In the delaying death.

PROVOST
Alack, how may I do it? Having the hour limited, and an express command
under penalty to deliver his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case
as [160] Claudio’s to cross this in the smallest.

DUKE

By the vow of mine order, I warrant you, if my instructions may be your
guide: let this Barnardine be this morning executed, and his head borne to
Angelo.