Act 2
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Another room in the same.
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Another room in ANGELO’s house.
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Enter Provost and a Servant
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The Provost and a servant enter.
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SERVANT
He’s hearing of a cause; he will come straight
I’ll tell him of you.
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SERVANT
He’s listening to a case. He’ll come at once, when I tell him you’re here.
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PROVOST
Pray you, do.
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PROVOST
Please do.
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Exit Servant
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The Servant exits.
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I’ll know
5His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas,
He hath but as offended in a dream!
All sects, all ages smack of this vice; and he
To die for’t!
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I’ll ask him his intentions; maybe he’ll relent. Claudio didn’t consciously commit a crime. People of every class and age indulge in this vice—and he’s going to die for it!
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Enter ANGELO
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ANGELO enters.
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ANGELO
Now, what’s the matter. Provost?
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ANGELO
Now, what’s the matter, Provost?
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PROVOST
10Is it your will Claudio shall die tomorrow?
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PROVOST
Do you want Claudio to die tomorrow?
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ANGELO
Did not I tell thee yea? Hadst thou not order?
Why dost thou ask again?
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ANGELO
Did I not tell you yes? Don’t you have your orders? Why do you ask again?
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PROVOST
Lest I might be too rash:
Under your good correction, I have seen,
15When, after execution, judgment hath
Repented o’er his doom.
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PROVOST
In case I might be too rash. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve seen judges regret imposing the death sentence after the execution.
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ANGELO
Go to; let that be mine:
Do you your office, or give up your place,
And you shall well be spared.
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ANGELO
Enough—that’s my problem. Do your job, or resign your position. We can easily do without you.
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