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Another room in the same.
Another room in ANGELO’s house.
Enter Provost and a Servant
The Provost and a servant enter.

SERVANT

He’s hearing of a cause; he will come straight
I’ll tell him of you.

SERVANT

He’s listening to a case. He’ll come at once, when I tell him you’re here.

PROVOST

Pray you, do.

PROVOST

Please do.
Exit Servant
The Servant exits.
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!
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!
Enter ANGELO
ANGELO enters.

ANGELO

Now, what’s the matter. Provost?

ANGELO

Now, what’s the matter, Provost?

PROVOST

10Is it your will Claudio shall die tomorrow?

PROVOST

Do you want Claudio to die tomorrow?

ANGELO

Did not I tell thee yea? Hadst thou not order?
Why dost thou ask again?

ANGELO

Did I not tell you yes? Don’t you have your orders? Why do you ask again?

PROVOST

Lest I might be too rash:
Under your good correction, I have seen,
15When, after execution, judgment hath
Repented o’er his doom.

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.

ANGELO

Go to; let that be mine:
Do you your office, or give up your place,
And you shall well be spared.

ANGELO

Enough—that’s my problem. Do your job, or resign your position. We can easily do without you.
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