Isab. Show me how, good father.
Duke. This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection: his unjust [unkindness], that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment 230 in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and 235 silence in it; and the place answer to convenience. This being [granted in course],—and now follows all,—we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place; if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense: and here, by 240 this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt Deputy [scaled]. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit [from] reproof. What think 245 you of it?
Isab. The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.
Duke. It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to his III. 1
250 bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke’s: there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.
Isab. I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, 255 good father.
[ III. 2 Scene II.] The street before the prison.
[Enter, on one side, Duke disguised as before; on the other, Elbow, and Officers with Pompey.]
Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard.
Duke. O heavens! what stuff is here?