PROVOST.
I told you: Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting-on; methinks strangely, for he hath not used it before.
DUKE.
Pray you, let’s hear.
PROVOST.
[Reads.] Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock, and in the afternoon, Barnardine. For my better satisfaction, let me have Claudio’s head sent me by five. Let this be duly performed, with a thought that more depends on it than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you will answer it at your peril.
What say you to this, sir?
DUKE.
What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in th’ afternoon?
PROVOST.
A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and bred; one that is a prisoner nine years old.
DUKE.
How came it that the absent Duke had not either delivered him to his liberty, or executed him? I have heard it was ever his manner to do so.
PROVOST.
His friends still wrought reprieves for him; and indeed, his fact till now in the government of Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof.
DUKE.
It is now apparent?
PROVOST.
Most manifest, and not denied by himself.
DUKE.
Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? How seems he to be touched?