The tongue of Isabel. She’s come to know If yet her brother’s pardon be come hither
Duke
The tongue of Isabel. She’s come to know
If yet her brother’s pardon be come hither.
But I will keep her ignorant of her good
To make her heavenly comforts of despair
When it is least expected.
Enter Isabella.
Isabella
Ho, by your leave.
Duke, as Friar
Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.
Unhappy Claudio, wretched Isabel,
Injurious world, most damnèd Angelo!
Isabella
The better, given me by so holy a man.
Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother’s pardon?
Duke, as Friar
He hath released him, Isabel, from the world.
His head is off, and sent to Angelo.
Isabella
Nay, but it is not so.
Duke, as Friar
It is no other.
Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience.
Isabella
O, I will to him and pluck out his eyes!
Duke, as Friar
You shall not be admitted to his sight.
Isabella
Unhappy Claudio, wretched Isabel,
Injurious world, most damnèd Angelo!
Duke, as Friar
This nor hurts him nor profits you a jot.
Forbear it, therefore; give your cause to heaven.
Mark what I say, which you shall find
By every syllable a faithful verity.
The Duke comes home tomorrow—nay, dry your eyes.
One of our convent, and his confessor,
Gives me this instance. Already he hath carried
Notice to Escalus and Angelo,
Who do prepare to meet him at the gates,
There to give up their power. If you can, pace your wisdom
In that good path that I would wish it go,
And you shall have your bosom on this wretch,
Grace of the Duke, revenges to your heart,
And general honor.
Isabella
I am directed by you.
Duke, as Friar, showing her a paper
This letter, then, to Friar Peter give.
’Tis that he sent me of the Duke’s return.
Say, by this token, I desire his company
At Mariana’s house tonight. Her cause and yours
I’ll perfect him withal, and he shall bring you
Before the Duke, and to the head of Angelo
Accuse him home and home. For my poor self,
I am combinèd by a sacred vow
And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter.
He hands her the paper.
Command these fretting waters from your eyes
With a light heart. Trust not my holy order
If I pervert your course.