Page 1172 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

PROVOST

Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover [165] the favour.

DUKE
O, death’s a great disguiser; and you may add to it. Shave the head, and tie
the beard, and say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bared before his
death: you know the course is common. If anything fall to you [170] upon

this, more than thanks and good fortune, by the saint whom I profess, I will
plead against it with my life.

PROVOST
Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath.

DUKE
Were you sworn to the Duke, or to the Deputy?

PROVOST
To him, and to his substitutes. [175]

DUKE
You will think you have made no offence if the Duke avouch the justice of

your dealing?

PROVOST

But what likelihood is in that?

DUKE
Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet, since I see you fearful, that neither
my coat, integrity, nor persuasion [180] can with ease attempt you, I will go
further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you. Look you, sir, here is the

hand and seal of the Duke: you know the character, I doubt not, and the
signet is not strange to you?

PROVOST
I know them both. [185]

DUKE