My very worthy cousin, fairly met.
Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you.
ANGELO and ESCALUS.
Happy return be to your royal grace!
My most worthy cousin, so well met. Our old and faithful friend, we're so glad to see you. Happy return to your royal grace!
Cousin, great to see you like this. Our old and loyal friend, we're really happy to see you. Welcome back, your grace!
cousin so glad to see you our loyal friend we're happy welcome back
Many and hearty thankings to you both.
We have made inquiry of you, and we hear
Such goodness of your justice that our soul
Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks,
Forerunning more requital.
Many heartfelt thanks to you both. We have made inquiries about you, and we hear Such goodness in your justice that our heart Cannot but bring you forth to public thanks, Promising greater reward to come.
Thanks so much to both of you. We've asked around about you, and everyone says You're such a fair judge that we just have to thank you publicly, And there's more gratitude coming your way.
thanks to both of you heard great things about your justice more rewards coming
You make my bonds still greater.
You make my obligation even larger.
You're making me owe you more and more.
you're making me owe you even more
O, your desert speaks loud, and I should wrong it
To lock it in the wards of covert bosom,
When it deserves with characters of brass
A forted residence ’gainst the tooth of time
And rasure of oblivion. Give me your hand
And let the subject see, to make them know
That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
Favours that keep within.—Come, Escalus,
You must walk by us on our other hand.
And good supporters are you.
Your excellence speaks loudly, and I would wrong it To lock it away in the wards of my secret heart, When it deserves with words engraved in bronze A fortified dwelling against time's wear And oblivion's erasure. Give me your hand And let the people see, so they know That open courtesies want to proclaim Favors that are kept hidden inside. Come, Escalus, You must walk beside us on our other side. And you are good supporters.
Your worth speaks for itself, and I'd be wrong to hide it In my private heart, When it deserves to be written in bronze In a place that will last against time's destruction And being forgotten. Shake my hand So the people can see, so they understand That these public honors want to show The appreciation I keep inside. Come on, Escalus, You need to walk with us on this side. You're both excellent supporters.
your worth is obvious, can't hide it deserves to be remembered forever let people see how much i appreciate you escalus walk with us you're both solid
Now is your time. Speak loud, and kneel before him.
Now is your moment. Speak loudly, and kneel before him.
Now's your chance. Speak up loud, and kneel down before him.
your turn now speak loud and kneel
Justice, O royal Duke! Vail your regard
Upon a wronged—I would fain have said, a maid.
O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye
By throwing it on any other object
Till you have heard me in my true complaint,
And given me justice, justice, justice, justice!
Justice, O royal Duke! Direct your attention Upon a wronged woman—I would gladly have called her a virgin. O worthy prince, do not shame your gaze By turning it to any other object Until you have heard me in my true complaint, And given me justice, justice, justice, justice!
Justice, your royal Duke! Look down On a wronged woman—I'd have said I was a virgin. Your highness, don't look away At anything else Until you've heard my real complaint, And given me justice, justice, justice, justice!
justice your grace look at me wronged woman here please listen justice now
Relate your wrongs. In what? By whom? Be brief.
Here is Lord Angelo shall give you justice.
Reveal yourself to him.
Describe your wrongs. In what way? By whom? Be brief. Here is Lord Angelo who will give you justice. Reveal yourself to him.
Tell me what happened. What was it? Who did it? Keep it short. Lord Angelo here will give you justice. Speak to him.
what happened? who did it? be quick angelo's your judge tell him everything
O worthy Duke,
You bid me seek redemption of the devil.
Hear me yourself, for that which I must speak
Must either punish me, not being believed,
Or wring redress from you. Hear me, O hear me, here!
O worthy Duke, You're asking me to seek help from the devil. Listen to me yourself, because what I must say Will either punish me if not believed, Or force you to give me justice. Hear me, hear me!
Your grace, You're asking me to trust the devil. You have to listen to me, because what I'm about to say Will either ruin me if nobody believes it, Or force you to help me. Please, listen to me!
you're making me trust the devil you have to hear me my words either doom me or save me listen please
My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm.
She hath been a suitor to me for her brother,
Cut off by course of justice.
My lord, I fear her mind is not steady. She has been petitioning me for her brother, Who was executed through the course of justice.
Your lordship, I think her mind isn't stable. She's been asking me to help her brother, Who was legally executed.
she's not thinking straight keeps asking about her brother who got executed
By course of justice!
Through the process of law!
By the system of justice?
legal process?
And she will speak most bitterly and strange.
And she will speak most bitterly and strangely.
And she's going to sound really bitter and weird.
she'll sound bitter and crazy
Most strange, but yet most truly will I speak.
That Angelo’s forsworn, is it not strange?
That Angelo’s a murderer, is’t not strange?
That Angelo is an adulterous thief,
An hypocrite, a virgin-violator,
Is it not strange and strange?
Very strange indeed, but I will speak only truth. That Angelo has broken his oath, is it not strange? That Angelo is a murderer, is it not strange? That Angelo is an adulterous thief, A hypocrite, a virgin-violator, Is it not strange and strange?
Yeah, it sounds crazy, but I'm telling the truth. Angelo broke his oath—weird, right? Angelo's a killer—weird? Angelo's a cheating thief, A complete fake, someone who violates innocent women, Is that weird or what?
sounds crazy but it's all true angelo lied angelo's a killer angelo cheats and lies and assaults virgins all of that true
Nay, it is ten times strange.
No, it is ten times strange.
No, it's way more than strange.
nah it's insane
It is not truer he is Angelo
Than this is all as true as it is strange.
Nay, it is ten times true, for truth is truth
To th’ end of reckoning.
It is not truer that he is Angelo Than this is all as true as it is strange. No, it is ten times true, because truth is truth Until the end of reckoning.
It's as true as the fact that he's Angelo. All of what I said is as true as it sounds weird. It's ten times true, because truth never changes No matter how you count it.
as real as his name is angelo truth is truth no matter what it's absolutely true
Away with her. Poor soul,
She speaks this in th’ infirmity of sense.
Take her away. Poor soul, She speaks this in the weakness of her mind.
Get her out of here. Poor thing, She's speaking from mental confusion.
take her away she's not in her right mind
O Prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ’st
There is another comfort than this world,
That thou neglect me not with that opinion
That I am touched with madness. Make not impossible
That which but seems unlike. ’Tis not impossible
But one, the wicked’st caitiff on the ground,
May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute,
As Angelo; even so may Angelo,
In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms,
Be an arch-villain. Believe it, royal Prince,
If he be less, he’s nothing; but he’s more,
Had I more name for badness.
O Prince, I beg you, as you believe There is comfort beyond this world, Do not dismiss me with the idea That I am touched with madness. Do not say something is impossible Just because it seems unlikely. It is not impossible That someone, the wickedest villain on earth, May seem as modest, as serious, as fair, as complete, As Angelo; just the same way Angelo, In all his formal dress, his character, his titles, his shapes, Could be a supreme villain. Believe it, royal Prince, If he is less, he is nothing; but he is more, If I had stronger words for evil.
Your highness, I'm begging you, if you believe There's something better than this world, Don't write me off as crazy. Don't say it's impossible for something to happen Just because it sounds weird. A truly evil person Can look as quiet and serious and honest and put-together As Angelo looks. Angelo could easily In his fancy clothes and his titles and his official role, Be the worst kind of villain. Believe me, Prince, If he's anything less than that, he's nothing; but he's actually worse— If I had the words for it.
don't think i'm crazy it's not impossible for evil to hide behind nice clothes and titles angelo could be the worst believe me
By mine honesty,
If she be mad, as I believe no other,
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
Such a dependency of thing on thing,
As e’er I heard in madness.
By my honor, If she is mad, which is what I believe, Her madness has the strangest structure of reason, Such a logical connection between one thing and another, As I've ever heard in madness.
By my word, If she's crazy, which I guess she must be, Her crazy talk actually makes weird sense, Like everything's connected in this logical way I've never heard before from a mad person.
if she's crazy it's the most logical crazy i've heard everything she says connects
O gracious Duke,
Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason
For inequality; but let your reason serve
To make the truth appear where it seems hid,
And hide the false seems true.
O gracious Duke, Do not keep harping on that; do not reject reason Because of contradictions; let your reason work To make the truth appear where it seems hidden, And hide what is false but seems true.
Your grace, Stop saying that. Don't give up on reason Just because something sounds contradictory. Use your reason To show the truth that's being hidden, And cover up what's false but looks true.
stop saying that use your brain find the hidden truth discover the lies
Many that are not mad
Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would you say?
Many people who are not mad Certainly show even greater lack of sense. What's your view?
Tons of people who aren't crazy Have way less reasoning ability. What do you think?
plenty of sane people make worse choices you agree
I am the sister of one Claudio,
Condemned upon the act of fornication
To lose his head; condemned by Angelo.
I, in probation of a sisterhood,
Was sent to by my brother; one Lucio
As then the messenger.
I am the sister of one Claudio, Sentenced for the act of fornication To lose his head; sentenced by Angelo. I, while on trial to join a convent, Was contacted by my brother; Lucio Was the messenger at that time.
I'm the sister of Claudio, Who was sentenced to death for having sex— Sentenced by Angelo. I was about to become a nun, When my brother reached out to me; Lucio Was the one who brought me the message.
i'm claudio's sister he was sentenced to death for sex angelo did it i was joining a convent lucio came to me
That’s I, an’t like your Grace.
I came to her from Claudio and desired her
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo
For her poor brother’s pardon.
That's me, if it please you. I came to her from Claudio and asked her To try her luck with Lord Angelo For her poor brother's pardon.
That's me, your grace. I came to her from Claudio and asked her To go try to convince Lord Angelo To pardon her poor brother.
yeah that's me i brought the message from claudio asked her to beg angelo for her brother's life
That’s he, indeed.
That’s he, indeed.
That’s he, indeed.
That’s he, indeed.
You were not bid to speak.
You were not asked to speak.
Nobody asked you to talk.
didn't ask you to talk
No, my good lord,
Nor wished to hold my peace.
No, my good lord, Nor did I want to stay silent.
No, my lord, I wasn't even trying to stay quiet.
no lord wasn't trying to shut up
I wish you now, then;
Pray you take note of it; and when you have
A business for yourself, pray heaven you then
Be perfect.
I'm asking it of you now; Please take note of it; and when you have A matter for yourself, I hope to heaven you then Are precise.
I'm asking you now; Please remember that; and when you have Your own business to bring up, I hope You be accurate.
listen to me now remember this when it's your turn be exact
I warrant your honour.
I guarantee your honor will be satisfied.
I promise you, your honor.
i promise you
The warrant’s for yourself. Take heed to it.
The guarantee is for yourself. Pay attention to it.
The promise is for you. Pay attention to that.
the promise is yours pay attention
This gentleman told somewhat of my tale.
This gentleman told something of my story.
This man told you part of my story.
this guy told you some of it
Right.
Right.
Right.
Right.
It may be right, but you are i’ the wrong
To speak before your time.—Proceed.
It may be right, but you are in the wrong To speak before your turn.—Continue.
That might be true, but you're wrong To talk before it's your turn.—Go on.
maybe right but you're wrong to talk yet keep going
I went
To this pernicious caitiff deputy.
I went To this wicked cowardly deputy.
I went To this evil, craven deputy.
i went to this evil coward
That’s somewhat madly spoken.
That's somewhat crazily spoken.
That's a bit mad of you to say.
that sounds crazy
Pardon it;
The phrase is to the matter.
Forgive it; The word choice fits the subject.
Excuse that; The language matches what I'm talking about.
sorry words fit the subject
Mended again. The matter; proceed.
Better. Get to the point; continue.
That's better. The story; go on.
ok better keep going
In brief, to set the needless process by:
How I persuaded, how I prayed and kneeled,
How he refelled me, and how I replied—
For this was of much length—the vile conclusion
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.
In brief, to skip unnecessary details: How I convinced him, how I prayed and kneeled, How he rejected me, and how I answered— For this was very long—the terrible conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to tell. He would not release my brother except for The gift of my chaste body To his uncontrolled sexual lust; And after much thought, My sisterly love undermines my dignity, And I gave myself to him. But the next morning early, Having had enough of me, he sends an order For my poor brother's execution.
To make a long story short: How I talked him into it, how I begged and kneeled, How he turned me down, and what I said back— That was really long—but the ugly truth I have to tell you now with grief and shame: He wouldn't let my brother live unless I gave him My body. He wanted to have sex with me Because he wanted me so badly. After a lot of thought about what to do, My love for my brother beat out my self-respect, So I agreed to sleep with him. But the next morning, After he got what he wanted, he orders My poor brother killed anyway.
skipping the details i begged him, he said no but then he wants my body if i sleep with him he'll free my brother i love my brother so i do it next morning he orders my brother killed
This is most likely!
That's very likely!
Oh yeah, that absolutely happened.
sure that totally happened
O, that it were as like as it is true!
Oh, that it were as plausible as it is true!
I wish it sounded as likely as it actually is!
i wish it sounded more believable
By heaven, fond wretch, thou know’st not what thou speak’st,
Or else thou art suborned against his honour
In hateful practice. First, his integrity
Stands without blemish; next, it imports no reason
That with such vehemency he should pursue
Faults proper to himself. If he had so offended,
He would have weighed thy brother by himself,
And not have cut him off. Someone hath set you on.
Confess the truth, and say by whose advice
Thou cam’st here to complain.
By heaven, foolish wretch, you do not know what you are saying, Or else you have been bribed against his honor In this hateful scheme. First, his integrity Stands without any stain; next, it makes no sense That with such force he should pursue Faults that he himself has. If he had done wrong, He would have judged your brother fairly And not have executed him. Someone has put you up to this. Confess the truth, and say by whose advice You came here to complain.
By heaven, you foolish woman, you don't know what you're saying, Or someone's bribed you to attack his honor In this nasty setup. Look, his honor Is spotless; plus, it doesn't make any sense That he'd punish people for The same things he does himself. If he'd really done wrong, He would have let your brother off Instead of killing him. Someone put you up to this. Tell the truth—who told you to come here and complain?
you're lying or you're paid to lie his honor is perfect he wouldn't punish others for what he does someone put you up to this who told you to come here
And is this all?
Then, O you blessed ministers above,
Keep me in patience, and with ripened time
Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
In countenance! Heaven shield your Grace from woe,
As I, thus wronged, hence unbelieved go.
And is that all? Then, O you blessed heavenly beings, Keep me patient, and when the time is right Reveal the evil that is hidden Behind these appearances! May heaven protect your Grace from sorrow, As I, wronged like this, leave unbelieved.
Is that all? Then, you angels in heaven, Give me patience, and someday Show everyone the truth that's hidden Behind all this fake appearance! May heaven protect your grace from suffering, Because I'm leaving here, and nobody believes me.
that's it? heavens give me patience oneday the truth will come out no one believes me
I know you’d fain be gone. An officer!
To prison with her! Shall we thus permit
A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
On him so near us? This needs must be a practice.
Who knew of your intent and coming hither?
I know you'd gladly leave. Guard! To prison with her! Shall we allow Defamatory words to fall On someone so close to us? This must be a conspiracy. Who knew of your plan and coming here?
I know you want to leave. Officer! Take her to prison! Should we let These vicious lies Attack someone near us? This has to be a setup. Who knew you were coming and planning this?
you wanna leave to prison this is obviously a conspiracy who else knows about this
One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick.
One that I wish were here, Friar Lodowick.
I wish Friar Lodowick were here.
wish friar lodowick was here
A ghostly father, belike. Who knows that Lodowick?
A spiritual father, perhaps. Who knows this Lodowick?
A priest, maybe. Who is this Lodowick?
a priest? who's lodowick?
My lord, I know him. ’Tis a meddling friar.
I do not like the man. Had he been lay, my lord,
For certain words he spake against your Grace
In your retirement, I had swinged him soundly.
My lord, I know him. He is a meddling friar. I do not like the man. Had he not been a priest, my lord, Because of certain words he spoke against your Grace When you were away, I would have beaten him soundly.
My lord, I know him. He's a meddling friar. I don't like the guy. If he weren't a priest, your grace, For some things he said about you When you were gone, I would've beaten him up.
i know him, he's a meddling friar douche bag if he wasn't a priest i'd beat him up for what he said about you
Words against me? This’s a good friar, belike.
And to set on this wretched woman here
Against our substitute! Let this friar be found.
Words against me? He's a good friar, perhaps. And to set this wretched woman here Against my substitute! Find this friar.
Words against me? What a good friar. And he's put this poor woman up To attack my deputy! Find this friar.
he said bad stuff about me set this woman up against my deputy find him
But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar,
I saw them at the prison. A saucy friar,
A very scurvy fellow.
But just last night, my lord, she and that friar, I saw them at the prison. An impudent friar, A very contemptible fellow.
Last night, your grace, I saw her and that friar At the prison. A really rude friar, A totally despicable guy.
saw them at the prison last night rude asshole friar no good
Blessed be your royal Grace!
I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard
Your royal ear abused. First hath this woman
Most wrongfully accused your substitute,
Who is as free from touch or soil with her
As she from one ungot.
Blessed be your royal Grace! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Your royal ear abused. First, this woman has Most wrongfully accused your substitute, Who is as free from contact or stain with her As she is from a child who never existed.
Bless you, your grace! I've been here listening, and your ear has been Abused by lies. First, this woman has Wrongfully accused your deputy, Who has nothing to do with her Any more than she has a nonexistent child.
blessed be you i've heard lies she's accusing your deputy wrongly he's innocent as she is
We did believe no less.
Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of?
We believed no less. Do you know that Friar Lodowick that she mentions?
That's what I thought. Do you know this Friar Lodowick she's talking about?
i thought so you know friar lodowick?
I know him for a man divine and holy,
Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler,
As he’s reported by this gentleman;
And, on my trust, a man that never yet
Did, as he vouches, misreport your Grace.
I know him as a man divine and holy, Not contemptible, nor someone who meddles temporarily, As this gentleman reports him; And, on my word, a man who has never Yet, as he claims, misrepresented your Grace.
I know him to be a holy and spiritual man, Not the kind of contemptible temporary troublemaker This guy is saying he is; And I promise you, he's never Misrepresented your grace, not like Lucio says.
i know him, he's holy not bad like this guy says he never lied about you
My lord, most villainously; believe it.
My lord, very wickedly; believe me.
Your grace, in the worst way possible; trust me.
he's a villain your grace
Well, he in time may come to clear himself;
But at this instant he is sick, my lord,
Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request,
Being come to knowledge that there was complaint
Intended ’gainst Lord Angelo, came I hither
To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know
Is true and false; and what he with his oath
And all probation will make up full clear
Whensoever he’s convented. First, for this woman,
To justify this worthy nobleman,
So vulgarly and personally accused,
Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes,
Till she herself confess it.
Well, eventually he can defend himself; But right now he is sick, my lord, With a strange fever. Upon his simple request, Having learned that there was a complaint Planned against Lord Angelo, I came here To speak, as from his mouth, what he knows Is true and false; and what he with his oath And all his proof will make completely clear Whenever he is summoned. First, regarding this woman, To defend this worthy nobleman, So rudely and personally accused, You will hear it disproved before her eyes, Until she herself admits it.
Well, in time he can prove his innocence; But right now he's got this weird fever, your grace. He asked me to come here. I found out there was going to be a complaint Against Lord Angelo, so I'm here To speak for him, to say what he knows About what's true and what's false. And he has proof That will make it all clear When he gets here to defend himself. First, this woman— To defend this good man Who's being attacked like this, You're going to see it proven false right in front of her Until she has to admit the truth.
he's sick with fever asked me to come speak for him there's complaints against angelo i know what's true and false proofs will show it this woman's accusations are false
Good friar, let’s hear it.
Do you not smile at this, Lord Angelo?
O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
Give us some seats.—Come, cousin Angelo,
In this I’ll be impartial. Be you judge
Of your own cause.
Good friar, let's hear it. Are you not smiling at this, Lord Angelo? O heaven, the foolishness of miserable people! Give us some seats.—Come, cousin Angelo, In this I will be fair. You be judge Of your own case.
Good friar, go ahead. Lord Angelo, aren't you amused by this? Oh, the stupidity of these pitiful people! Let's get some chairs.—Come on, cousin Angelo, I'm going to be fair about this. You be the judge Of what's happening with you.
let's hear it friar angelo smiling? what fools angelo you judge yourself
Is this the witness, friar?
First let her show her face, and after speak.
Is this the witness, friar? First let her reveal her face, then let her speak.
Is this the witness, friar? Let her show her face first, then she can talk.
witness? show ur face first then speak
Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face
Until my husband bid me.
Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face Until my husband tells me to.
Forgive me, your grace; I won't show my face Until my husband says I should.
sorry my lord wait till my husband says
What, are you married?
Hold on, is there a husband in your life?
So you've got a husband?
you got a husband?
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
Are you a maid?
Have you remained a virgin?
So you've never slept with anyone?
untouched?
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
No, my lord.
A widow, then?
A widow, then?
A widow, then?
A widow, then?
Neither, my lord.
Neither, my lord.
Neither, my lord.
Neither, my lord.
Why, you are nothing then, neither maid, widow, nor wife?
Then you're none of those things—not a virgin, not widowed, not married?
So none of the above? You're not a virgin, not a widow, and not married?
so what are you no category fits
The Duke has orchestrated every beat of Act 5: he coached Isabella, planted Mariana, arranged the bed-trick, and chose the moment of unmasking. Critics divide sharply on whether this makes him a benevolent god-figure or a manipulative autocrat who stages human suffering for his own ends. Isabella is imprisoned, Angelo is nearly executed, Mariana's marriage is forced — all on the Duke's timeline. The pardons feel generous only because he manufactured the danger first.
My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them are neither maid, widow,
nor wife.
My lord, she may be a prostitute; for many of them are neither virgin, widow, nor wife.
Your grace, she might be a sex worker; lots of them aren't virgins, widows, or married.
she could be a prostitute lots of them aren't virgins or wives
Silence that fellow. I would he had some cause to prattle for himself.
Silence that fellow. I wish he had some legitimate reason to chatter about himself.
Shut that guy up. I wish he had something real to talk about.
shut him up i wish he had something real to say
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
My lord, I do confess I ne’er was married,
And I confess besides, I am no maid.
I have known my husband; yet my husband
Knows not that ever he knew me.
My lord, I confess I was never married, And I also confess I am not a virgin. I have had relations with my husband; yet my husband Does not know that he ever had relations with me.
Your grace, I admit I was never officially married, And yes, I'm not a virgin. I've had sex with my husband; but my husband Doesn't realize he ever had sex with me.
i was never married i'm not a virgin i slept with my husband he doesn't know he did
He was drunk, then, my lord; it can be no better.
He must have been intoxicated, my lord; no other explanation fits.
The only thing that makes sense is he was drunk, your grace.
only explanation is he was drunk
For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too.
For the sake of peace and quiet, I wish you were drunk too.
For everyone's benefit, I wish you were drunk and quiet.
for peace i wish you were drunk too
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
Well, my lord.
This is no witness for Lord Angelo.
This is no evidence supporting Lord Angelo.
This doesn't help Lord Angelo's case.
this doesn't help angelo
Now I come to’t, my lord.
She that accuses him of fornication
In self-same manner doth accuse my husband,
And charges him, my lord, with such a time
When I’ll depose I had him in mine arms
With all th’ effect of love.
Now I get to the main point, my lord. The woman who accuses him of fornication In exactly the same way accuses my husband, And charges him, my lord, at a specific time When I swear I had him in my arms With all the intimacy of love.
Now here's the key part, your grace. The woman accusing him of having sex Accuses my husband the exact same way, And says he did it at a specific time When I can swear I was with him, With all the love and intimacy that brings.
here's the thing she accuses him the same way she accuses my husband angelo slept with me that night not her
Charges she more than me?
Does she charge him with more than me?
Is she accusing him of more than what she accuses me of?
she accusing him of more?
Not that I know.
I'm not aware of any other charges against him.
Not as far as I'm aware.
no others that i know
No? You say your husband.
No? But you just said he's your husband.
Wait, but you're claiming he's your husband?
hold up you're saying he's your husband?
Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo,
Who thinks he knows that he ne’er knew my body,
But knows, he thinks, that he knows Isabel’s.
Exactly right, my lord. That is Angelo. He believes he never touched my body, But he's certain he had relations with Isabella's.
Precisely, your grace. He's Angelo. He's convinced he never laid a hand on me, But absolutely sure he slept with Isabella.
yep that's him thinks he never touched me but sure he got isabella
This is a strange abuse. Let’s see thy face.
This is a strange deception. Let me see your face.
This is a weird trick. Show me your face.
this is weird show me your face
My husband bids me; now I will unmask. [_Unveiling_.]
This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,
Which once thou swor’st was worth the looking on.
This is the hand which, with a vowed contract,
Was fast belocked in thine. This is the body
That took away the match from Isabel
And did supply thee at thy garden-house
In her imagined person.
My husband tells me to; now I will reveal my face. This is that face, you cruel Angelo, Which once you swore was worth looking at. This is the hand which, with a marriage promise, Was locked tightly in yours. This is the body That took the place of Isabella And fulfilled your desires at your garden-house While you imagined it was Isabella.
My husband says I can show it now. There's my face, you cruel Angelo, The face you said was worth looking at. And this hand is the one you promised to marry, The hand you held so tight. This is the body That stood in for Isabella And gave you what you wanted at your garden-house While you pretended it was her.
here's my face you said it was pretty this hand you swore to marry this body not isabella's you wanted me
Know you this woman?
Are you acquainted with this woman?
Do you recognize her from before?
know her?
Carnally, she says.
Carnally, she says.
Carnally, she says.
Carnally, she says.
Sirrah, no more.
Sir, no more.
Sir, stop it.
stop talking
Enough, my lord.
Enough, my lord.
Enough, my lord.
Enough, my lord.
My lord, I must confess I know this woman;
And five years since there was some speech of marriage
Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off,
Partly for that her promised proportions
Came short of composition; but in chief
For that her reputation was disvalued
In levity. Since which time of five years
I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her,
Upon my faith and honour.
Your lord, I must confess I know this woman; And five years ago there was talk of marriage Between myself and her; which ended, Partly because her promised wealth Fell short of what was agreed; but mainly Because her reputation was damaged By rumors of loose behavior. Since which time of five years I never spoke with her, saw her, nor heard from her, Upon my word and honor.
Your grace, I have to admit I know this woman. Five years ago there was talk about us getting married, But that fell through. Partly it was because her dowry wasn't as much as promised, But the main reason was That people were saying bad things about her character. For the last five years I haven't spoken to her, seen her, or heard from her, I swear on my honor.
i know her we talked about marriage 5 years ago didn't work out her reputation was damaged i haven't seen or spoken to her since
Noble Prince,
As there comes light from heaven and words from breath,
As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue,
I am affianced this man’s wife as strongly
As words could make up vows. And, my good lord,
But Tuesday night last gone, in’s garden-house,
He knew me as a wife. As this is true,
Let me in safety raise me from my knees,
Or else for ever be confixed here,
A marble monument!
Noble Prince, As light comes from heaven and words from breath, As there is truth in sense and truth in virtue, I am married to this man as deeply As words could make vows. And, my good lord, Just Tuesday night past, in his garden-house, He had relations with me as my husband. If this is true, Let me safely stand up from my knees, Or else let me remain fixed here forever, A marble statue!
Your highness, As sure as light comes from heaven and words from mouths, As sure as truth matters, I'm married to this man with all the force That words can create. And your grace, Just this past Tuesday night, at his garden-house, He slept with me as my husband. If I'm telling the truth, Let me stand up from these knees, Or let me stay here forever like a statue!
noble prince as sure as light from heaven i'm married to him he slept with me tuesday night let me stand up if it's true or leave me frozen here forever
I did but smile till now.
Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice.
My patience here is touched. I do perceive
These poor informal women are no more
But instruments of some more mightier member
That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord,
To find this practice out.
I was only smiling until now. Now, good my lord, give me freedom to pursue justice. My patience has been tested. I can see These poor women without proper standing are only Instruments of some more powerful person Who has set them on this. Let me be allowed, my lord, To discover this conspiracy.
I was just smiling before now. Now, good lord, let me have the power to get justice. I'm running out of patience. I can see These poor powerless women are just Being used by someone with real power Who put them up to this. Let me find out, my lord, Who's behind this whole setup.
i was smiling till now let me get justice i'm done being patient these women are puppets let me find who's really behind this
Ay, with my heart;
And punish them to your height of pleasure.
Thou foolish friar, and thou pernicious woman,
Compact with her that’s gone, think’st thou thy oaths,
Though they would swear down each particular saint,
Were testimonies against his worth and credit,
That’s sealed in approbation? You, Lord Escalus,
Sit with my cousin; lend him your kind pains
To find out this abuse, whence ’tis derived.
There is another friar that set them on;
Let him be sent for.
Yes, with all my heart; And punish them as much as you wish. You foolish friar, and you wicked woman, Working with the woman who left, do you think your oaths, Though they swear on every individual saint, Were evidence against his merit and reputation, That is confirmed by everyone's approval? You, Lord Escalus, Sit with my cousin; give him your help To find out this deception, where it comes from. There is another friar who set them on; Have him brought here.
Yes, absolutely; And punish them however you want. You stupid friar, and you evil woman, Working together with that woman who's gone, think your swearing On every saint in existence Could really damage his reputation and honor, Which everyone already trusts? Escalus, you Work with my cousin; help him Find out where this whole deception comes from. There's another friar behind this; Bring him here.
yes and punish them you stupid friar and evil woman working with isabella your oaths mean nothing against his honor escalus help find where this comes from get the other friar
Would he were here, my lord; for he indeed
Hath set the women on to this complaint.
Your Provost knows the place where he abides,
And he may fetch him.
I wish he were here, my lord; for he indeed Has incited the women to make this complaint. Your Provost knows the place where he stays, And he can bring him.
I wish he was here, your grace, because he really Told the women to come here and complain. The Provost knows where he's staying, And he can get him.
wish he was here he put them up to this provost knows where he is can get him
Go, do it instantly.
Go, do it right away.
Go fetch him immediately.
fetch him
And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin,
Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth,
Do with your injuries as seems you best
In any chastisement. I for a while
Will leave you; but stir not you till you have
Well determined upon these slanderers.
And you, my noble and well-justified cousin, to whom it matters to hear this affair through to the end, deal with the wrongs done to you as you see fit in any punishment. I will leave you for a while; but do not move until you have fully decided the fate of these slanderers.
And you, my noble cousin, since it's your job to see this through, handle these wrongs however you think best. I'm going to step away for a bit, but don't move until you've completely decided what to do with these slanderers.
my noble cousin handle wrongs ur way im stepping back dont move til u decide on slanderers
My lord, we’ll do it throughly.
My lord, we'll do it thoroughly.
Your grace, we'll handle it completely.
we'll do it completely
Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that Friar Lodowick to be a
dishonest person?
Signior Lucio, weren't you the one who told me Friar Lodowick was a deceitful man?
Signior Lucio, didn't you tell me that Friar Lodowick was dishonest?
lucio didnt u say friar was dishonest
_Cucullus non facit monachum_, honest in nothing but in his clothes,
and one that hath spoke most villainous speeches of the Duke.
The hood does not make the monk—honest in nothing but his clothes, and one who has spoken the most villainous words about the Duke.
Clothes don't make the person—he's not honest about anything except his robes, and he's said terrible things about the Duke.
his clothes don't make him holy he's dishonest except for his robes said awful stuff about the duke
We shall entreat you to abide here till he come, and enforce them
against him. We shall find this friar a notable fellow.
We shall ask you to stay here until he comes, and bring charges against him. We shall find this friar to be a notable person.
We'll ask you to stay here till he arrives, and we'll use these charges against him. We'll find out what this friar is really about.
stay till he comes we'll bring charges against him he's a piece of work
As any in Vienna, on my word.
As remarkable as any person in Vienna, on my word.
As much a piece of work as anyone in Vienna, I promise you.
as bad as anyone in vienna
Call that same Isabel here once again. I would speak with her.
Bring that same Isabella here once more. I want to speak with her.
Get Isabella back here. I need to talk to her.
bring isabella back i need to talk to her
Pray you, my lord, give me leave to question; you shall see how I’ll
handle her.
I ask you, my lord, give me permission to question her; you'll see how I'll handle her.
My lord, let me ask the questions; you'll see how I handle this.
let me ask questions yll see how i handle her
Not better than he, by her own report.
Not better than him, according to her own account.
Not any better than him, from what she says about herself.
not better than him by her account
Say you?
Say you?
Say you?
Say you?
Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she would sooner
confess; perchance, publicly, she’ll be ashamed.
Indeed, sir, if you questioned her privately, she would confess sooner; perhaps if you do it publicly, she'll be too ashamed to speak.
Yeah, if you talk to her alone, she'll confess faster. But if you do it in front of everyone, she'll be too embarrassed to say anything.
talk to her alone, shell confess faster public = too embarrassed
Officers.
Officers.
Officers.
officers
I will go darkly to work with her.
I will proceed cautiously and quietly in my questioning of her.
I'll handle this carefully and quietly.
ill do it carefully, quietly
That’s the way; for women are light at midnight.
That's the right approach; women are frivolous and prone to weakness late at night.
Exactly; women get silly and lose their judgment late at night.
women get silly late at night
[_To Isabella_.] Come on, mistress, here’s a gentlewoman denies all
that you have said.
Come on, mistress, here's a gentlewoman who denies everything you've said.
Look, lady, this woman here is saying you're lying about everything.
this lady says you're full of it
My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of, here with the Provost.
My lord, here comes the scoundrel I told you about, arriving with the Provost.
My lord, here's that scoundrel I was telling you about, with the Provost.
here comes that scoundrel i told u about
In very good time. Speak not you to him till we call upon you.
Perfect timing. Don't speak to him until we ask you to.
Perfect timing. Keep quiet until we tell you to speak.
good timing. dont talk til we say
Mum.
Mum.
Mum.
Mum.
Come, sir, did you set these women on to slander Lord Angelo? They have
confessed you did.
Come now, sir, did you encourage these women to spread false accusations against Lord Angelo? They have confessed that you did.
Look, did you put these women up to lying about Lord Angelo? They've already admitted you did.
u told these women to lie about angelo? they already said u did
’Tis false.
’Tis false.
’Tis false.
’Tis false.
How! Know you where you are?
What! Do you realize where you are? Do you understand whose presence you're in?
Do you even realize who you're talking to right now?
do u know where u are?
Respect to your great place; and let the devil
Be sometime honoured for his burning throne.
Where is the Duke? ’Tis he should hear me speak.
I show respect for your high position; and even the devil can sometimes be honored for his dominion. But where is the Duke? He should be the one listening to me.
I respect your position, but even the devil deserves respect for his throne sometimes. Where's the actual Duke? He's the one who needs to hear this.
i respect ur position but where's the real duke? he needs to hear this
The Duke’s in us; and we will hear you speak.
Look you speak justly.
The Duke's authority rests in us; and we will listen to what you say. See that you speak truthfully.
I speak for the Duke, so I'm listening. And you better speak the truth.
i speak for the duke speak truthfully
Boldly, at least. But, O, poor souls,
Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox,
Good night to your redress! Is the Duke gone?
Then is your cause gone too. The Duke’s unjust
Thus to retort your manifest appeal,
And put your trial in the villain’s mouth
Which here you come to accuse.
Very well, at least boldly. But oh, my poor people, you come seeking justice from the very person you're accusing—like asking a fox to protect a lamb. If the Duke is gone, your case is lost. It's unjust that he turns your clear complaint back on you and puts your trial in the hands of the villain you're here to accuse.
Fine, speak boldly. But listen, you poor souls, you're trying to get justice from the very guy you're accusing—that's like asking the fox to protect the lamb. If the Duke's gone, you're finished. It's completely unfair to let the villain you're accusing be the one deciding your case.
if the duke is gone ur done he's letting the villain judge u? that's wrong
This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of.
This is the scoundrel; this is the man I told you about.
That's him, that's the guy I was talking about.
that's the guy
Why, thou unreverend and unhallowed friar,
Is’t not enough thou hast suborned these women
To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth,
And in the witness of his proper ear,
To call him villain? And then to glance from him
To th’ Duke himself, to tax him with injustice?
Take him hence! To th’ rack with him! We’ll touse you
Joint by joint, but we will know his purpose.
What! Unjust?
Why, you disrespectful and ungodly friar, isn't it enough that you've bribed these women to accuse this respectable man, but you also insult him to his face by calling him a villain, and then have the audacity to attack the Duke himself for injustice? Seize him! Put him on the rack! We'll torture you joint by joint until we know his true purpose. Unjust? You dare say the Duke is unjust?
You disrespectful fake friar! Wasn't it enough that you paid these women to lie about this good man? You actually called him a villain to his face! And then you attack the Duke himself for being unjust? Get him out of here and torture him until he confesses his real plan. How dare you call the Duke unjust?
u bribed these women to lie u called him a villain to his face u attacked the duke himself? torture time
Be not so hot. The Duke
Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he
Dare rack his own. His subject am I not,
Nor here provincial. My business in this state
Made me a looker-on here in Vienna,
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble
Till it o’errun the stew. Laws for all faults,
But faults so countenanced that the strong statutes
Stand like the forfeits in a barber’s shop,
As much in mock as mark.
Don't be so aggressive. The Duke himself wouldn't dare torture me more than he would his own self. I'm not his subject, nor am I bound by local law. I came to this state on business and have been watching from the sidelines. I've seen corruption grow and spread until it overflowed like a filthy stew. There are laws for all crimes, but the laws are so ignored that even the strong statutes stand like those joking debt-notices in a barber's shop—treated as much as a joke as a serious threat.
Relax. The Duke wouldn't torture me more than he'd torture himself. I'm not even his subject, and I'm not bound by your local laws. I came here on business and just watched from the side. I've seen how corruption spreads until it fills everything like a dirty stew. You have laws for everything, but nobody takes them seriously—they're just decorations on the wall like jokes in a barber's shop.
the duke wouldnt torture me im not even his subject i just watched corruption spread like a stew urg law doesnt matter to me
Slander to the state! Away with him to prison!
You're slandering the state! Take him to prison!
That's slander against the state! Get him to prison!
slander against the state get him in prison
What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio?
Is this the man that you did tell us of?
What evidence can you provide against him, Signior Lucio? Is this the man you told us about?
What do you have against him, Lucio? Is this the guy you were telling us about?
what do u have against him? is this the guy?
’Tis he, my lord. Come hither, goodman Baldpate.
Do you know me?
That's him, my lord. Come here, you bald man. Do you recognize me?
Yeah, that's him. Come here, baldy. You remember me?
that's him come here baldy u remember me?
I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice. I met you at the
prison, in the absence of the Duke.
I remember you, sir, by your voice. I met you at the prison when the Duke wasn't there.
I remember you from your voice. We met at the prison when the Duke wasn't around.
i remember u from ur voice we met at the prison
O did you so? And do you remember what you said of the Duke?
Oh, you do remember? And do you recall what you said about the Duke?
Oh yeah? And do you remember what you told me about the Duke?
u remember what u said about the duke?
Most notedly, sir.
Most certainly, sir.
Absolutely, I remember.
yeah, i remember
Do you so, sir? And was the Duke a fleshmonger, a fool, and a coward,
as you then reported him to be?
Is that so? And you told me the Duke was a womanizer, a fool, and a coward, didn't you?
Really? You said the Duke was a sex-obsessed idiot and a coward, right?
u said the duke was a fool and a coward?
You must, sir, change persons with me ere you make that my report. You
indeed spoke so of him, and much more, much worse.
You must, sir, switch roles with me before you claim I said that. You were the one who spoke about him that way, and much more harshly besides.
Hold on, you're the one who said all that about him, not me. And you said worse things too.
u said that about him not me u said worse
O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck thee by the nose for thy
speeches?
You damnable man! Didn't I pull you by the nose for your insulting talk?
You damnable guy! Didn't I pull your nose for the things you said?
i pulled ur nose for what u said
The Duke proposes to Isabella twice. She never responds. The play ends without her answer. Productions differ wildly: some have her reach for his hand, some show her frozen, some have her walk away. The silence is almost certainly deliberate — Shakespeare withholds her consent in a play about coerced consent. It is the play's most uncomfortable unresolved question.
I protest I love the Duke as I love myself.
I declare I love the Duke as much as I love myself.
I swear I love the Duke just as much as I love myself.
i actually love the duke i mean it
Hark how the villain would close now, after his treasonable abuses!
Listen to how the villain tries to end this now, after his treasonous attacks!
Listen to this criminal trying to smooth things over after all his lies!
he's trying to smooth this over after all his lies
Such a fellow is not to be talked withal. Away with him to prison!
Where is the provost? Away with him to prison! Lay bolts enough upon
him. Let him speak no more. Away with those giglets too, and with the
other confederate companion!
This man can't be reasoned with. Take him to prison! Where is the provost? Take him to prison! Lock him up well. Don't let him speak anymore. And take away those silly women and his fellow conspirator!
This guy's impossible to deal with. Get him to prison! Where's the provost? Lock him up tight. Shut him up. And take those silly girls and his partner away too!
impossible get him to prison shut him up take those girls away too
Stay, sir, stay a while.
Wait, sir, wait a moment.
Hold on, wait a second.
wait
What, resists he? Help him, Lucio.
What! Is he resisting? Help seize him, Lucio.
Is he fighting back? Grab him, Lucio.
he's resisting get him
Come, sir, come, sir, come, sir. Foh, sir! Why, you bald-pated lying
rascal! You must be hooded, must you? Show your knave’s visage, with a
pox to you! Show your sheep-biting face, and be hanged an hour! Will’t
not off?
Come on, sir. Ugh! You bald-faced lying scoundrel! You think you need to keep your hood on, do you? Show your treacherous face, curse you! Show your sneaky, shameful face, and hang for it! Won't your hood come off?
Come on! You bald lying bastard! You think you need to hide under that hood? Show your face, damn you! Show that sneaky, cowardly face and get hanged! Why won't the hood come off?
come on baldy u lying bastard show ur face why wont this hood come off?
Thou art the first knave that e’er mad’st a duke.
First, Provost, let me bail these gentle three.
You are the first criminal who has ever made someone a duke—by revealing my identity. First, Provost, let me bail these three innocent people.
You're the first criminal who turned someone into a duke. Provost, let me bail these three people.
u made me a duke let these three go
[_To Lucio_.] Sneak not away, sir, for the friar and you
Must have a word anon.—Lay hold on him.
Don't sneak away, sir; the friar and you must have a word soon. Arrest him.
Don't you dare slip away, sir. The friar and you need to talk. Grab him.
don't run we need words hold him
This may prove worse than hanging.
Marriage might turn out to be worse than hanging.
This could be worse than a death sentence.
this could b worse than dying
[_To Escalus_.] What you have spoke I pardon. Sit you down.
We’ll borrow place of him. [_To Angelo_.] Sir, by your leave.
Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
That yet can do thee office? If thou hast,
Rely upon it till my tale be heard,
And hold no longer out.
I pardon what you've said. Sit down. We'll take his seat. Sir, by your leave. Do you have any excuse, any wit, or any nerve that can still help you? If you do, rely on it until my story is finished, and don't give up now.
I forgive what you said. Sit down. We're taking his place. Sir, if you'll excuse us. Do you have any defense, any clever words, anything that can help you? If so, use it— wait until you hear my whole story, and keep hoping.
you're forgiven sit down im taking over if u got anything say it when ready
O my dread lord,
I should be guiltier than my guiltiness
To think I can be undiscernible,
When I perceive your Grace, like power divine,
Hath looked upon my passes. Then, good Prince,
No longer session hold upon my shame,
But let my trial be mine own confession.
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death
Is all the grace I beg.
Oh my awesome lord, I would be guilty beyond my actual guilt if I tried to hide, when I can see your grace—like divine power—has seen all my actions. So, good Prince, don't drag out my hearing with all this shame. Let my confession be my trial. Immediate judgment and then death is all the mercy I ask for.
My lord, I'd be lying to myself if I pretended I could hide from you—you see everything like God himself. Prince, end this hearing now. Let me confess and be sentenced. Death right now is all I'm asking for.
i can't hide from u u see everything just sentence me to death that's all i want
Come hither, Mariana.
Say, wast thou e’er contracted to this woman?
Come here, Mariana. Tell me, were you ever engaged to marry this woman?
Mariana, come here. Were you ever supposed to marry this woman?
mariana come here were u engaged to this guy?
I was, my lord.
Yes, that is correct, my lord.
Yes, I was.
yeah
Go, take her hence and marry her instantly.
Do you the office, friar; which consummate,
Return him here again.—Go with him, Provost.
Go, take her away and marry her immediately. You perform the ceremony, friar; and once it's done, bring him back here. Go with him, Provost.
Take her and marry her right now. Friar, do the ceremony. Once you're done, bring him back. Provost, go with them.
marry her now friar do the ceremony bring him back after
My lord, I am more amazed at his dishonour
Than at the strangeness of it.
My lord, I am more shocked by the disgrace itself than by how strange this situation is.
My lord, what shocks me most is how shameful this is, not just how weird it is.
the shame is worse than the weirdness
Come hither, Isabel.
Your friar is now your prince. As I was then
Advertising and holy to your business,
Not changing heart with habit, I am still
Attorneyed at your service.
Come here, Isabel. Your friar is now your prince. When I was the friar, I was devoted and sincere to helping you, without being false to my inner nature—and I am still your devoted servant.
Isabel, come here. Your friar is actually the prince. When I was your friar, I was genuinely committed to helping you, truly not just playing a role. I'm still here to help you.
isabel i was ur friar i was genuinely helping u im still here for u
O, give me pardon,
That I, your vassal, have employed and pained
Your unknown sovereignty.
Forgive me, your servant, for I have troubled your undisclosed sovereignty and caused you suffering.
Forgive me for putting you through all this. I didn't know you were actually the ruler, and I've been causing you trouble.
forgive me for putting u through this i didnt know u were the ruler
You are pardoned, Isabel.
And now, dear maid, be you as free to us.
Your brother’s death, I know, sits at your heart,
And you may marvel why I obscured myself,
Labouring to save his life, and would not rather
Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power
Than let him so be lost. O most kind maid,
It was the swift celerity of his death,
Which I did think with slower foot came on,
That brained my purpose. But peace be with him.
That life is better life, past fearing death,
Than that which lives to fear. Make it your comfort,
So happy is your brother.
You are pardoned, Isabel. And now, dear girl, be free with me. Your brother's death weighs on your heart, I know. You might wonder why I hid myself and worked to save his life, yet didn't use my power sooner rather than let him die. Oh, kind girl, it was that his death happened so quickly—I thought it would happen more slowly—that ruined my plan. But he's at peace now. A life that doesn't fear death is better than a life lived in fear. Find comfort in this: your brother is happy.
Isabel, you're forgiven. And you're free now. I know your brother's death hurts. You're probably wondering why I hid who I was and tried to save him without just using my power openly. The problem was he died so fast—faster than I expected—and my plan fell apart. But he's peaceful now. A life without fear is better than living in fear. Be comforted: your brother is happy.
ur forgiven i tried to save ur brother but he died too fast he's peaceful now that's better than fear
I do, my lord.
I find that comfort, my lord.
I understand, my lord.
i understand
For this new-married man approaching here,
Whose salt imagination yet hath wronged
Your well-defended honour, you must pardon
For Mariana’s sake. But as he adjudged your brother,
Being criminal in double violation
Of sacred chastity and of promise-breach
Thereon dependent, for your brother’s life,
The very mercy of the law cries out
Most audible, even from his proper tongue,
“An Angelo for Claudio, death for death.”
Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure;
Like doth quit like, and measure still for measure.
Then, Angelo, thy fault’s thus manifested,
Which, though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage.
We do condemn thee to the very block
Where Claudio stooped to death, and with like haste.
Away with him.
For this newly married man here, whose lust has wronged your protected honor, you must forgive him for Mariana's sake. But since he sentenced your brother to death, having committed a double crime against both sacred chastity and broken promises, the law itself demands justice in your brother's name. An Angelo must die for a Claudio—death for death. Revenge matches revenge, delay matches delay; fairness returns fairness, and justice returns justice in equal measure. Angelo, your guilt is now revealed, and even if you deny it, you have no advantage. We condemn you to die on the same block where Claudio was executed, and with the same speed. Take him away.
You have to forgive this guy for what his lust did to you, because of Mariana. But he sentenced your brother to death while breaking sacred promises. The law itself demands that someone dies for your brother. Fair payment for fair payment—justice returns justice equally. Angelo, your crime is exposed. Even if you deny it, you're finished. You die on the same block where your brother was killed, and right now. Take him away.
forgive him for mariana but he killed ur brother justice demands justice angelo dies the same way ur brother did now
O my most gracious lord,
I hope you will not mock me with a husband.
Oh my most gracious lord, I hope you're not making fun of me by giving me a husband.
My lord, please don't make a joke of me by giving me a husband.
dont make a joke of me by giving me a husband
It is your husband mocked you with a husband.
Consenting to the safeguard of your honour,
I thought your marriage fit. Else imputation,
For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
And choke your good to come. For his possessions,
Although by confiscation they are ours,
We do instate and widow you with all
To buy you a better husband.
It was your husband who mocked you by being a husband. To protect your honor, I decided your marriage should be legitimate. Otherwise, because he had relations with you, people would condemn you and ruin your future chances. As for his property, even though it's legally ours by confiscation, we give it all to you and make you a widow, so you can use it to find a better husband.
Your husband mocked you by being a terrible husband. I made you officially married to protect your reputation—otherwise people would judge you and ruin your future. His money is legally ours, but we're giving it all to you so you can find someone better.
ur husband mocked u i married u to protect ur reputation u get his money go find someone better
O my dear lord,
I crave no other, nor no better man.
Oh my dear lord, I don't want any other man or a better one than him.
My lord, I don't want another man, and I don't want a better one.
i dont want another man
Never crave him; we are definitive.
Stop asking for him; our decision is final.
Forget about him; the decision is final.
forget about him its final
[_Kneeling_.] Gentle my liege—
My lord, I beg you—
Your Highness, please—
my lord please
You do but lose your labour.
Away with him to death. [_To Lucio_.] Now, sir, to you.
You're just wasting your effort. Take him away to be executed. Now, sir, you.
You're just wasting time. Take him away to die. Now, about you, sir.
ur wasting time take him to death now ur turn
O my good lord.—Sweet Isabel, take my part;
Lend me your knees, and all my life to come
I’ll lend you all my life to do you service.
Oh my good lord. Sweet Isabel, help me; kneel with me, and for all my remaining life I'll serve you with all my remaining life.
My lord, Isabel, please help me. Kneel with me, and I'll dedicate my whole life to helping you.
isabel please help me kneel with me ill serve u forever
Against all sense you do importune her.
Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact,
Her brother’s ghost his paved bed would break,
And take her hence in horror.
You're asking her unreasonably. If she kneels down to beg for mercy for you, her brother's ghost would break through his tomb and drag her away in horror.
Stop pestering her. If she begs for your forgiveness, her dead brother would rise up and pull her into the grave.
stop bugging her her brother's ghost would come for her
Isabel,
Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me;
Hold up your hands, say nothing. I’ll speak all.
They say best men are moulded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad. So may my husband.
O Isabel, will you not lend a knee?
Isabel, sweet Isabel, just kneel beside me. Raise your hands, say nothing. I'll speak for both of us. People say that the best men are shaped by their faults and usually become even better through having been a little bad. Perhaps my husband could be like that too. Oh Isabel, won't you kneel with me?
Isabel, just kneel with me. Lift your hands, don't say anything. I'll talk. They say the best people are shaped by their mistakes and usually get better for having been a bit bad. Maybe my husband could improve too. Isabel, won't you kneel with me?
isabel kneel with me say nothing ill talk people get better through their mistakes wont u help?
He dies for Claudio’s death.
He will die to pay for Claudio's death.
He dies because of what he did to Claudio.
he dies for what he did to claudio
[_Kneeling_.] Most bounteous sir,
Look, if it please you, on this man condemned
As if my brother lived. I partly think
A due sincerity governed his deeds
Till he did look on me. Since it is so,
Let him not die. My brother had but justice,
In that he did the thing for which he died.
For Angelo,
His act did not o’ertake his bad intent,
And must be buried but as an intent
That perished by the way. Thoughts are no subjects;
Intents but merely thoughts.
Most noble sir, Look upon this condemned man as if my brother lived. I partly think a true honesty governed his actions until he looked at me. Since that's the case, let him not die. My brother got what justice requires, for he did the thing for which he died. But Angelo— his act never reached his evil intention, and must be buried only as an intention that perished along the way. Thoughts are not crimes; intentions are merely thoughts.
Most gracious sir, look at this man like my brother was innocent. I believe he acted with integrity until he saw me. Since that changed things, don't let him die. My brother got justice—he did what he was executed for. But Angelo— he never actually did the worst he intended, so his sin is just an unfulfilled intention that never happened. You can't punish thoughts alone; intentions are just thoughts in the mind.
treat him like my brother he was good til he saw me he didn't actually do it thoughts aren't crimes intentions don't count
Merely, my lord.
Only intentions, my lord, nothing more.
Exactly, my lord. Just thoughts, that's all.
exactly!! just thoughts
Your suit’s unprofitable. Stand up, I say.
I have bethought me of another fault.
Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded
At an unusual hour?
Your pleas are pointless. Stand up, I say. I've thought of another problem. Provost, why was Claudio beheaded at such an unusual time?
Your plea is useless. Stand up. I've thought of something else. Provost, why was Claudio executed at that weird time?
ur plea is useless stand up provost why was claudio killed at that weird time?
It was commanded so.
I was ordered to do so.
I was given the order to do it.
i was ordered to
Had you a special warrant for the deed?
Did you have a special written order for the execution?
Did you have a written order for that?
u have a written order?
No, my good lord, it was by private message.
No, my good lord, it was ordered through a private message.
No, my lord, it came as a private message.
no just a private message
For which I do discharge you of your office.
Give up your keys.
For that reason, I'm removing you from office. Give me your keys.
That's why you're fired. Hand over your keys.
ur fired give me ur keys
Pardon me, noble lord.
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not;
Yet did repent me after more advice.
For testimony whereof, one in the prison
That should by private order else have died,
I have reserved alive.
Forgive me, noble lord. I thought it was wrong, but didn't know it then, yet I repented after thinking more about it. To prove my change of heart, one prisoner who was supposed to die by that private order, I kept alive.
Forgive me, my lord. I thought it was wrong but didn't realize it then. I changed my mind later. To show I meant it, I saved a prisoner who was supposed to die from that secret order.
forgive me i thought it was wrong later i saved a prisoner to prove it
What’s he?
What’s he?
What’s he?
What’s he?
His name is Barnardine.
That man is called Barnardine.
He goes by Barnardine.
barnardine
I would thou hadst done so by Claudio.
Go fetch him hither, let me look upon him.
I wish you had done the same for Claudio. Go bring him here so I can see him.
I wish you'd done that for Claudio too. Go get him and bring him here.
wish u did that for claudio go get him
I am sorry one so learned and so wise
As you, Lord Angelo, have still appeared,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
And lack of tempered judgement afterward.
I'm sorry that someone as educated and wise as you, Lord Angelo, have always seemed to be, should fall so badly, both in passionate rage and in lacking good judgment afterward.
It's a shame that someone as smart and wise as you, Angelo, should stumble so badly—losing control in passion and then showing terrible judgment.
shame someone so smart fell so badly
I am sorry that such sorrow I procure,
And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
That I crave death more willingly than mercy;
’Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it.
I'm sorry that I've caused such sorrow, and it weighs so heavily on my repentant heart that I want death more than I want mercy. Death is what I deserve, and I beg for it.
I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused. It haunts me so much that I'd rather die than be shown mercy. Death is what I deserve, and I'm asking for it.
im sorry i caused so much pain i deserve to die please
Which is that Barnardine?
Which one is Barnardine?
Which one is he?
which one?
This, my lord.
This, my lord.
This, my lord.
This, my lord.
There was a friar told me of this man.
Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul
That apprehends no further than this world,
And squar’st thy life according. Thou’rt condemned;
But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all,
And pray thee take this mercy to provide
For better times to come. Friar, advise him;
I leave him to your hand.—What muffled fellow’s that?
A friar told me about you. Listen, you're said to have a stubborn spirit that only understands this material world and lives by those standards. You're condemned to death, but I forgive all your earthly crimes, and I urge you to use this mercy to prepare for better things to come. Friar, advise him; I leave him in your care. Who's that man with his face covered?
A friar told me about you. You're supposed to have a stubborn nature that only cares about the material world. You're condemned to die, but I'm forgiving your crimes. Use this mercy to prepare yourself spiritually. Friar, take care of him. Who's that masked guy?
friar told me about u u only care about this world urforgiven use it to prepare urself who's the masked guy?
This is another prisoner that I saved,
Who should have died when Claudio lost his head;
As like almost to Claudio as himself.
This is another prisoner I saved, who would have died when Claudio was executed, and he looks almost exactly like Claudio.
This is another prisoner I saved. He was supposed to die when Claudio did, and he looks almost identical to Claudio.
another prisoner i saved looks almost like claudio
[_To Isabella_.] If he be like your brother, for his sake
Is he pardoned; and for your lovely sake,
Give me your hand and say you will be mine.
He is my brother too. But fitter time for that.
By this Lord Angelo perceives he’s safe;
Methinks I see a quick’ning in his eye.
Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well.
Look that you love your wife, her worth worth yours.
I find an apt remission in myself.
And yet here’s one in place I cannot pardon.
If he looks like your brother, he is pardoned for that. And for your lovely sake, give me your hand and say you will be mine. He is my brother too. But this is not the time for that. By this Angelo sees he's safe. I think I see hope returning to his eyes. Well, Angelo, your evil has caught up with you. Make sure you love your wife; her value matches yours. I find myself ready to forgive. But there's still one person here I cannot pardon.
If he resembles your brother, that's his pardon. And because I love you, give me your hand and tell me you'll marry me. He's my brother too, but not now. Angelo just realized he's going to live. I can see hope lighting up his face. Well, Angelo, your sins have caught up with you. Love your wife—she's worth exactly what you are. I'm willing to forgive. But there's one person here I can't let off.
he's free cuz he looks like ur brother marry me im your brother too angelo—ur sins caught u love ur wife but someone's going down
[_To Lucio_.] You, sirrah, that knew me for a fool, a coward,
One all of luxury, an ass, a madman.
Wherein have I so deserved of you
That you extol me thus?
You, sir, who knew me to be a fool, a coward, completely indulgent, an idiot, a madman. How have I wronged you so much that you praise me like this?
You, sir, who called me a fool, a coward, a complete hedonist, an idiot, completely crazy. What did I ever do to you that you now flatter me so much?
u said i was stupid, cowardly, crazy, dumb why r u kissing up now
Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick. If you will hang
me for it, you may, but I had rather it would please you I might be
whipped.
In faith, my lord, I spoke like that just following common fashion. If you want to hang me for it, you can, but I'd prefer that you'd let me be whipped instead.
My lord, I was just talking like everyone else does. You can hang me if you want, but I'd rather you whipped me instead.
i was just talking like everyone does hang me if u want but id rather b whipped
Whipped first, sir, and hanged after.
Proclaim it, Provost, round about the city,
If any woman wronged by this lewd fellow,
As I have heard him swear himself there’s one
Whom he begot with child—let her appear,
And he shall marry her. The nuptial finished,
Let him be whipped and hanged.
Whipped first, sir, and then hanged. Announce throughout the city, Provost, if any woman was wronged by this immoral man—and I've heard him swear himself that he fathered a child with one—let her come forward, and he will marry her. After the wedding is complete, let him be whipped and hanged.
Whipped first, then hanged. Provost, announce throughout the city that if any woman he's wronged is out there—and I know he got someone pregnant—let her come forward. He'll marry her. Then he gets whipped and hanged.
whipped first then hanged if any woman he wronged comes forward they get married first then he gets whipped and hanged
I beseech your Highness, do not marry me to a whore. Your highness said
even now I made you a duke; good my lord, do not recompense me in
making me a cuckold.
I beg your Majesty, don't marry me to a prostitute. You just said I made you a duke; please, good my lord, don't reward me by making me a cuckold—a man whose wife is unfaithful.
Please don't make me marry a prostitute. You said I made you a duke; don't reward me by making me a cuckold.
dont make me marry a prostitute i made u a duke dont make me a cuckold
Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her.
Thy slanders I forgive, and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits.—Take him to prison,
And see our pleasure herein executed.
On my honor, you will marry her. I forgive your slanders and in addition remit your other penalties. Take him to prison and see that my wishes in this matter are carried out.
On my honor, you're marrying her. I forgive the things you said about me, and I'm dropping your other penalties. Take him to prison and make sure this gets done.
u marrying her i forgive u take him to prison
Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death, whipping, and hanging.
Marrying a prostitute, my lord, is like being pressed to death, whipped, and hanged all at once.
Marrying a prostitute is worse than being pressed to death, whipped, and hanged.
marrying a prostitute is torture
Slandering a prince deserves it.
Slandering a prince deserves all of that punishment.
That's what you get for slandering a prince.
that's what u get for slandering a prince
She, Claudio, that you wronged, look you restore.
Joy to you, Mariana! Love her, Angelo.
I have confessed her, and I know her virtue.
Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness;
There’s more behind that is more gratulate.
Thanks, Provost, for thy care and secrecy;
We shall employ thee in a worthier place.
Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home
The head of Ragozine for Claudio’s.
Th’ offence pardons itself. Dear Isabel,
I have a motion much imports your good;
Whereto if you’ll a willing ear incline,
What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.
So, bring us to our palace, where we’ll show
What’s yet behind that’s meet you all should know.
Claudio, restore the honor of the woman you wronged. Congratulations, Mariana! Love her, Angelo. I have heard her confession and I know her virtue. Thanks, good friend Escalus, for your great kindness; there is more to come that is even more worthy of gratitude. Thanks, Provost, for your care and discretion; we will employ you in a worthier position. Angelo, forgive the man who brought you Ragozine's head instead of Claudio's—the offense forgives itself. Dear Isabel, I have a proposal that greatly concerns your good; if you will listen with a willing ear, what is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. So, bring us to our palace, where we'll show you what remains that you all should know.
Claudio, make sure you restore the woman you wronged. Congratulations, Mariana! Angelo, love her. I've heard her confession and she's a good woman. Thanks, Escalus, for all your help; there's more to come that's even better. And Provost, thanks for being careful and discreet; we're giving you a better position. Angelo, forgive the man who brought Ragozine's head instead of Claudio's—it all works out. Dear Isabel, I have a proposal that really matters for you; if you'll listen, everything I have is yours and everything you have is mine. Now let's go to the palace and I'll show you what else needs to happen.
claudio restore her honor congrats mariana angelo love her thanks escalus provost ur great new opportunities for all forgive the ragozine mistake dear isabel i have proposal my everything is urs urs is mine lets go show u what comes next
The Reckoning
Every secret the Duke planted across four acts detonates here: Isabella accuses, Mariana unveils, the Duke is unhooded, Angelo confesses, Claudio rises. The scene is a controlled detonation — justice, mercy, and marriage dispensed by the man who manufactured the crisis.
If this happened today…
A CEO who secretly went undercover in his own company returns on camera. He's got evidence on his corrupt deputy, a surprise witness, and two surprise pardons. He orchestrates the whole thing live — then proposes to the whistleblower.