Passage: Measure for Measure, 5.1.89-119

ISABELLA: This gentleman told somewhat of my tale,--

LUCIO: Right.                                                                      [90]

DUKE VINCENTIO: It may be right; but you are i' the wrong

To speak before your time. Proceed.

ISABELLA: I went

To this pernicious caitiff deputy,--

DUKE VINCENTIO: That's somewhat madly spoken.

ISABELLA: Pardon it;

The phrase is to the matter.

DUKE VINCENTIO: Mended again. The matter; proceed.

ISABELLA: In brief, to set the needless process by,

How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd,

How he refell'd me, and how I replied,--

For this was of much length,--the vile conclusion          [100]

I now begin with grief and shame to utter:

He would not, but by gift of my chaste body

To his concupiscible intemperate lust,

Release my brother; and, after much debatement,

My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,

And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes,

His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant

For my poor brother's head.

DUKE VINCENTIO: This is most likely!

Send queries to Michael Best, English Department, University of Victoria, Victoria B.C. V8W 3W1, Canada.