e to Claudio." Isabel,
in amazement at his words, that he should tempt her to the same fault
for which he passed sentence upon her brother, said, "I would do as much
for my poor brother as for myself; that is, were I under sentence of
death, the impression of keen whips I would wear as rubies, and go to my
death as to a bed that longing I had been sick for, ere I would yield
myself up to this shame." And then she told him, she hoped he only spoke
these words to try her virtue. But he said, "Believe me, on my honour,
my words express my purpose." Isabel, angered to the heart to hear him
use the word Honour to express such dishonourable purposes, said, "Ha!
little honour to be much believed; and most pernicious purpose. I will
proclaim thee, Angelo, look for it! Sign me a present pardon for my
brother, or I will tell the world aloud what man thou art!"--"Who will
believe you, Isabel?" said Angelo; "my unsoiled name, the austereness of
my life, my word vouched against yours, will outweigh your accusation.
Redeem your brother by yielding to my will, or he shall die to-morrow.
As for you, say what you can, my false will overweigh your true story.
Answer me to-morrow."

"To whom should I complain? Did I tell this, who would believe me?" said
Isabel, as she went towards the dreary prison where her brother was
confined. When she arrived there, her brother was in pious conversation
with the duke, who in his friar's habit had also visited Juliet, and
brought both these guilty lovers to a proper sense of their fault; and
unhappy Juliet with tears and a true remorse confessed that she was more
to blame than Claudio, in that she willingly consented to his
dishonourable solicitations.

As Isabel entered the room where Claudio was confined, she said, "Peace
be here, grace, and good company!"--"Who is there?" said the disguised
duke; "come in; the wish deserves a welcome."--"My business is a word or
two with Claudio," said Isabel. Then the duke left them together, and
desired the provost, who had the charge of the prisoners, to place him
where he might overhear their conversation.

"Now, sister, what is the comfort?" said Claudio. Isabel told him he
must prepare for death on the morrow. "Is there no remedy?" said
Claudio.--"Yes, brother," replied Isabel, "there is; but such a one, as
if you consented to it would strip your honour from you, and leave you
naked."--"Let me know the point," said Claudio. "O, I do fear you,
Claudio!" rep