[Tyrwhitt suggested that the names of the speakers were misplaced] When, immediately after the Duke had hinted his expectation of a pardon, the Provost sees the Messenger, he supposes the Duke to to have _known something_, and changes his mind. Either reading may serve equally well. (1773) IV.ii.153 (104,7) [desperately mortal] This expression is obscure. Sir Thomas Hammer reads, _mortally desperate_. _Mortally_ is in low conversation used in this sense, but I know not whether it was ever written. I am inclined to believe, that _desperately mortal_ means _desperately mischievous_. Or _desperately mortal_ may mean a man likely to die in a _desperate_ state, without reflection or repentance. (see 1765, I,348,7) IV.ii.187 (106,8) [and tie the beard] A beard tied would give a very new air to that face, which had never been seen but with the beard loose, long, and squalid. (1773) IV.iii.4 (107,2) [First, here's young master Rash] This enumeration of the inhabitants of the prison affords a very striking view of the practices predominant in Shakespeare's age. Besides those whose follies are common to all times, we have four fighting men and a traveller. It is not unlikely that the originals of the pictures were then known. IV.iii.17 (108,4) [master Forthlight] Should not _Forthlight_ be _Forthright_, alluding to the line in which the thrust is made? (1773) IV.iii.21 (108,6) [in for the Lord's sake] [i.e. to beg for the rest of their lives. Warburton.] I rather think this expression intended to ridicule the puritans, whose turbulence and indecency often brought them to prison, and who considered themselves as suffering for religion. It is not unlikely that men imprisoned for other crimes, might represent themselves to casual enquirers, as suffering for puritanism, and that this might be the common cant of the prisons. In Donne's time, every prisoner was brought to jail by suretiship. IV.iii.68 (110,7) [After him, fellows] Here was a line given to the Duke, which belongs to the Provost. The Provost, while the Duke is lamenting the obduracy of the prisoner, cries out, _After him, fellows_, &c. and, when they are gone out, turns again to the Duke. IV.iii.72 (110,8) [to transport him] To remove him from one world to another. The French _trepas_ affords a kindred sense. IV.iii.115 (112,1) [I will keep her ignorant of her good, To make her heavenly comforts of despair, When least it is expected.] A better reason might have been given. It was necessary to keep Isabella in ignorance, that she might with more keenness accuse the deputy. IV.iii.139 (113,2) [your bosom] Your wish; your heart's desire. IV.iii.149 (113,3) [I am combined by a sacred vow] I once thought this should be _confined_, but Shakespeare uses _combine_ for to _bind by a pact or agreement_, so he calls Angelo the _combinate_ husband of Mariana.