Page 1191 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

ISABELLA

Pardon it;
The phrase is to the matter.

DUKE
Mended again. The matter: proceed.

ISABELLA
In brief, to set the needless process by − [95]

How I persuaded, how I pray’d and kneel’d,
How he refell’d me, and how I replied
(For this was of much length) − the vile conclusion
I now begin with grief and shame to utter.
He would not, but by gift of my chaste body [100]

To this concupiscible intemperate lust,
Release my brother; and after much debatement,
My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,

And I did yield to him. But the next morn betimes,
His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant [105]
For my poor brother’s head.

DUKE
This is most likely!

ISABELLA
O that it were as like as it is true.

DUKE
By heaven, fond wretch, thou know’st not what thou speak’st,

Or else thou art suborn’d against his honour
In hateful practice. First, his integrity [110]
Stands without blemish; next, it imports no reason
That with such vehemency he should pursue

Faults proper to himself. If he had so offended,
He would have weigh’d thy brother by himself,
And not have cut him off. Someone hath set you on: [115]
Confess the truth, and say by whose advice

Thou cam’st here to complain.