_Duke._ Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgement with the disposition of natures: she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that 160 gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go to your knees, and make ready. 165 _Claud._ Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it. _Duke._ Hold you there: farewell. [_Exit Claudio._] Provost, a word with you! _Re-enter PROVOST._ _Prov._ What's your will, father? 170 _Duke._ That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid: my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company. _Prov._ In good time. [_Exit Provost. Isabella comes forward._ _Duke._ The hand that hath made you fair hath made 175 you good: the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for 180 his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother? _Isab._ I am now going to resolve him: I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good Duke deceived in 185 Angelo! If ever he return and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government. _Duke._ That shall not be much amiss: yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings: to 190 the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent Duke, if peradventure 195 he shall ever return to have hearing of this business. _Isab._ Let me hear you speak farther. I have spirit to do any thing that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit. _Duke._ Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the 200 great soldier who miscarried at sea? _Isab._ I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.