Page 1197 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

LUCIO

Enough, my lord.

ANGELO
My lord, I must confess I know this woman; [215]
And five years since, there was some speech of marriage
Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off,

Partly for that her promised proportions
Came short of composition; but in chief
For that her reputation was disvalu’d [220]
In levity: since which time of five years

I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her,
Upon my faith and honour.

MARIANA
Noble Prince,
As there comes light from heaven, and words from breath,

As there is sense in truth, and truth in virtue, [225]
I am affianc’d this man’s wife, as strongly
As words could make up vows. And, my good lord,
But Tuesday night last gone, in’s garden-house,
He knew me as a wife. As this is true

Let me in safety raise me from my knees, [230]
Or else for ever be confixed here,
A marble monument.

ANGELO
I did but smile till now:

Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice.
My patience here is touch’d: I do perceive
These poor informal women are no more [235]
But instruments of some more mightier member

That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord,
To find this practice out.

DUKE
Ay, with my heart;
And punish them to your height of pleasure.