Act 4, Scene III - Page 2

have more time to prepare me, or they
shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not
consent to die this day, that's certain.

DUKE VINCENTIO
O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech you
Look forward on the journey you shall go.

BARNARDINE
I swear I will not die to-day for any man's
persuasion.

DUKE VINCENTIO
But hear you.

BARNARDINE
Not a word: if you have any thing to say to me,
come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day.

Exit

DUKE VINCENTIO
Unfit to live or die: O gravel heart!
After him, fellows; bring him to the block.

Exeunt ABHORSON and POMPEY

Re-enter Provost

Provost
Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner?

DUKE VINCENTIO
A creature unprepared, unmeet for death;
And to transport him in the mind he is
Were damnable.

Provost
Here in the prison, father,
There died this morning of a cruel fever
One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,
A man of Claudio's years; his beard and head
Just of his colour. What if we do omit
This reprobate till he were well inclined;
And satisfy the deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio?

DUKE VINCENTIO
O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides!
Dispatch it presently; the hour draws on
Prefix'd by Angelo: see this be done,
And sent according to command; whiles I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.

Provost
This shall be done, good father, presently.
But Barnardine must die this afternoon:
And how shall we continue Claudio,
To save me from the danger that might come
If he were known alive?

DUKE VINCENTIO
Let this be done.
Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio:
Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
To the under generation, you shall find
Your safety manifested.

Provost
I am your free dependant.

DUKE VINCENTIO
Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo.

Exit Provost

Now will I write letters to Angelo,--
The provost, he shall bear them, whose contents
Shall witness to him I am near at home,
And that, by great injunctions, I am bound
To enter publicly: him I'll desire
To meet me at the consecrated fount
A league below the city; and from thence,
By cold gradation and well-balanced form,
We shall proceed with Angelo.

Re-enter Provost

Provost
Here is the head; I'll carry it myself.

DUKE VINCENTIO
Convenient is it. Make a swift return;
For I would commune with you of such things
That want no ear but yours.

Provost
I'll make all speed.

Exit

ISABELLA
[Within] Peace, ho, be here!

DUKE