Prov. Most manifest, and not denied by himself.
Duke. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? how seems he to be touched?
135 Prov. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep; careless, [reckless], and fearless of what’s past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality, and [desperately mortal].
Duke. He wants advice.
140 Prov. He will hear none: he hath evermore had the liberty of the prison; give him leave to escape hence, he would not: drunk many times a day, if not many days entirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if to carry him to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant for it: 145 it hath not moved him at all.
Duke. More of him anon. There is written in your brow, provost, honesty and constancy: if I read it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me; but, in the boldness of my cunning, I will lay my self in hazard. Claudio, whom here IV. 2
150 you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make you understand this in a manifested effect, I crave but four days’ respite; for the which you are to do me both a present and a dangerous courtesy.
155 Prov. Pray, sir, in what?
Duke. In the delaying death.
Prov. Alack, how may I do it, having the hour limited, and an express command, under penalty, to deliver his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as Claudio’s, 160 to cross this in the smallest.
[Duke.] By the vow of mine order I warrant you, if my instructions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine be this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo.