PROVOST.
None, sir, none.
DUKE.
As near the dawning, Provost, as it is,
You shall hear more ere morning.
PROVOST.
Happily
You something know, yet I believe there comes
No countermand. No such example have we.
Besides, upon the very siege of justice
Lord Angelo hath to the public ear
Professed the contrary.
Enter a Messenger.
This is his Lordship’s man.
DUKE.
And here comes Claudio’s pardon.
MESSENGER.
My lord hath sent you this note, and by me this further charge: that you swerve not from the smallest article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circumstance. Good morrow; for, as I take it, it is almost day.
PROVOST.
I shall obey him.
[Exit Messenger.]
DUKE.
[Aside.] This is his pardon, purchased by such sin
For which the pardoner himself is in.
Hence hath offence his quick celerity,
When it is borne in high authority.
When vice makes mercy, mercy’s so extended
That for the fault’s love is th’ offender friended.
Now, sir, what news?