Page 1208 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

PROVOST

No, my good lord: it was by private message.

DUKE
For which I do discharge you of your office.
Give up your keys.

PROVOST
Pardon me, noble lord;

I thought it was a fault, but knew it not; [460]
Yet did repent me after more advice.
For testimony whereof, one in the prison
That should by private order else have died,
I have reserv’d alive.

DUKE

What’s he?

PROVOST

His name is Barnardine.

DUKE
I would thou hadst done so by Claudio. [465]
Go, fetch him hither, let me look upon him.
[Exit Provost.]

ESCALUS

I am sorry one so learned and so wise
As you, Lord Angelo, have still appear’d,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
And lack of temper’d judgement afterward. [470]

ANGELO
I am sorry that such sorrow I procure,

And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
That I crave death more willingly than mercy;
’Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it.