What sin you do to save a brother's life, Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it becomes a virtue. ISABELLA O you beast!
O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!
Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?
Is't not a kind of incest, to take life From thine own sister's shame? What should I think?
Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair!
For such a warped slip of wilderness Ne'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance!
Die, perish! Might but my bending down Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:
I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death, No word to save thee. CLAUDIO Nay, hear me, Isabel. ISABELLA O, fie, fie, fie!
Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade.
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd:
'Tis best thou diest quickly. CLAUDIO O hear me, Isabella!
Re-enter DUKE VINCENTIO DUKE VINCENTIO Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word. ISABELLA What is your will? DUKE VINCENTIO 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 awhile.
Walks apart DUKE VINCENTIO 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 essay of her virtue to practise his judgment 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 VINCENTIO Hold you there: farewell.
Exit CLAUDIO
Provost, a word with you!
Re-enter Provost Provost What's your will, father DUKE VINCENTIO That now you are come, you will be gone.
Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company. Provost In good time.
Exit Provost. ISABELLA comes forward DUKE VINCENTIO The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good: