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;
Yet did repent me after more advice.
For testimony whereof, one in the prison
That should by private order else have died,
I have reserved alive.
DUKE.
What’s he?
PROVOST.
His name is Barnardine.
DUKE.
I would thou hadst done so by Claudio.
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 appeared,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
And lack of tempered judgement afterward.
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.
Enter Provost with Barnardine, Claudio (muffled) and Juliet.
DUKE.
Which is that Barnardine?