_Enter DUKE disguised as before._ _Duke._ Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you and pray with you. _Bar._ Friar, not I: I have been drinking hard all night, and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat 50 out my brains with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that's certain. _Duke._ O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech you Look forward on the journey you shall go. _Bar._ I swear I will not die to-day for any man's persuasion. 55 _Duke._ But hear you. _Bar._ Not a word: if you have any thing to say to me, come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day. [_Exit._ _Duke._ Unfit to live or die: O gravel heart! 60 After him, fellows; bring him to the block. [_Exeunt Abhorson and Pompey._ _Re-enter PROVOST._ _Prov._ Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner? _Duke._ A creature unprepared, unmeet for death; And to transport him in the mind he is Were damnable. _Prov._ Here in the prison, father, 65 There died this morning of a cruel fever One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate, A man of Claudio's years; his beard and head Just of his colour. What if we do omit This reprobate till he were well inclined; 70 And satisfy the Deputy with the visage Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio? _Duke._ O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides! Dispatch it presently; the hour draws on Prefix'd by Angelo: see this be done, 75 And sent according to command; whiles I Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die. _Prov._ This shall be done, good father, presently. But Barnardine must die this afternoon: And how shall we continue Claudio, 80 To save me from the danger that might come If he were known alive? _Duke._ Let this be done. Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio: Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting To the under generation, you shall find 85 Your safety manifested. _Prov._ I am your free dependant. _Duke._ Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo. [_Exit Provost._ Now will I write letters to Angelo,-- The provost, he shall bear them,--whose contents 90 Shall witness to him I am near at home, And that, by great injunctions, I am bound To enter publicly: him I'll desire To meet me at the consecrated fount, A league below the city; and from thence, 95 By cold gradation and well-balanced form, We shall proceed with Angelo. _Re-enter PROVOST._ _Prov._ Here is the head; I'll carry it myself. _Duke._ Convenient is it. Make a swift return; For I would commune with you of such things 100 That want no ear but yours. _Prov._ I'll make all speed. [_Exit._ _Isab._ [_Within_] Peace, ho, be here!