mine honesty,
If she be mad,--as I believe no other,-- 60
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense,
Such a dependency of thing on thing,
As e'er I heard in madness.

_Isab._ O gracious Duke,
Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason
For inequality; but let your reason serve 65
To make the truth appear where it seems hid,
And hide the false seems true.
_Duke._ Many that are not mad
Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would you say?

_Isab._ I am the sister of one Claudio,
Condemn'd upon the act of fornication 70
To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo:
I, (in probation of a sisterhood,)
Was sent to by my brother; one Lucio
As then the messenger,--

_Lucio._ That's I, an't like your Grace:
I came to her from Claudio, and desired her 75
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo
For her poor brother's pardon.

_Isab._ That's he indeed.

_Duke._ You were not bid to speak.

_Lucio._ No, my good lord;
Nor wish'd to hold my peace.

_Duke._ I wish you now, then;
Pray you, take note of it: and when you have 80
A business for yourself, pray heaven you then
Be perfect.

_Lucio._ I warrant your honour.

_Duke._ The warrant's for yourself; take heed to't.

_Isab._ This gentleman told somewhat of my tale,--

_Lucio._ Right. 85

_Duke._ It may be right; but you are i' the wrong
To speak before your time. Proceed.

_Isab._ I went
To this pernicious caitiff Deputy,--

_Duke._ That's somewhat madly spoken.

_Isab._ Pardon it;
The phrase is to the matter. 90

_Duke._ Mended again. The matter;--proceed.

_Isab._ 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 95
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, 100
And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes,
His purpose surfeiting