CLAUDIO.
O, hear me, Isabella.
Enter Duke as a Friar.
DUKE.
Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word.
ISABELLA.
What is your will?
DUKE.
Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you. The satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit.
ISABELLA.
I have no superfluous leisure, my stay must be stolen out of other affairs, but I will attend you a while.
DUKE.
[To Claudio aside.] 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. 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. Tomorrow you must die; go to your knees and make ready.
CLAUDIO.
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.]