Isab. I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be 155 stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile. [Walks apart.]
Duke. Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures: 160 she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: do not [satisfy] your resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go 165 to your knees, and make ready.
Claud. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.
Duke. Hold you there: farewell. [[Exit Claudio.]] Provost, a word with you!
Re-enter Provost.
170 Prov. What’s your will, father?
Duke. That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company.
Prov. In good time.
[Exit Provost. Isabella comes forward.]
III. 1
175 Duke. The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: the goodness that is [cheap] in beauty makes beauty brief [in goodness]; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made [to you], fortune hath conveyed to 180 my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother?