Measure for Measure

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Enter Prouost and Clowne.Enter Provost and Pompey MM IV.ii.1.1
Pro. PROVOST 
Come hither sirha; can you cut off a mansCome hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man'ssirrah (n.)
sir [commanding, insulting, or familiar, depending on context]
MM IV.ii.1
head?head? MM IV.ii.2
Clo. POMPEY 
If the man be a Bachelor Sir, I can: / But if he be aIf the man be a bachelor, sir, I can; but if he be a MM IV.ii.3
married man, he's his wiues head, / And I can neuer cutmarried man, he's his wife's head, and I can never cut MM IV.ii.4
off a womans head.off a woman's head. MM IV.ii.5
Pro. PROVOST 
Come sir, leaue me your snatches, and yeeldCome, sir, leave me your snatches, and yieldsnatch (n.)
quibble, equivocation, nit-picking
MM IV.ii.6
mee a direct answere. To morrow morning are to die me a direct answer. Tomorrow morning are to die MM IV.ii.7
Claudio and Barnardine: heere is in our prison a commonClaudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common MM IV.ii.8
executioner, who in his office lacks a helper, if youexecutioner, who in his office lacks a helper. If youoffice (n.)
role, position, place, function
MM IV.ii.9
will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeeme youwill take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you MM IV.ii.10
from your Gyues: if not, you shall haue your full timefrom your gyves; if not, you shall have your full timegyve (n.)

old form: Gyues
(plural) fetters, shackles
MM IV.ii.11
of imprisonment, and your deliuerance with anof imprisonment, and your deliverance with an MM IV.ii.12
vnpittied whipping; for you haue beene a notorious bawd.unpitied whipping, for you have been a notorious bawd.unpitied (adj.)

old form: vnpittied
pitiless, ruthless, unmerciful
MM IV.ii.13
bawd (n.)
pimp, procurer, pander, go-between
Clo. POMPEY 
Sir, I haue beene an vnlawfull bawd, time out ofSir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of MM IV.ii.14
minde, but yet I will bee content to be a lawfull hangman:mind, but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman.content (adj.)
agreeable, willing, ready
MM IV.ii.15
I would bee glad to receiue some instruction from myI would be glad to receive some instruction from my MM IV.ii.16
fellow partner.fellow partner. MM IV.ii.17
Pro. PROVOST 
What hoa, Abhorson: where's Abhorson there?What ho, Abhorson! Where's Abhorson, there? MM IV.ii.18
Enter Abhorson.Enter Abhorson MM IV.ii.19
Abh. ABHORSON 
Doe you call sir?Do you call, sir? MM IV.ii.19
Pro. PROVOST 
Sirha, here's a fellow will helpe you to morrowSirrah, here's a fellow will help you tomorrow MM IV.ii.20
in your execution: if you thinke it meet, compound within your execution. If you think it meet, compound withmeet (adj.)
fit, suitable, right, proper
MM IV.ii.21
compound (v.)
come to terms, reach an agreement
him by the yeere, and let him abide here with you, ifhim by the year, and let him abide here with you; if MM IV.ii.22
not, vse him for the present, and dismisse him, hee cannotnot, use him for the present and dismiss him. He cannot MM IV.ii.23
plead his estimation with you: he hath beene a Bawd.plead his estimation with you. He hath been a bawd.estimation (n.)
esteem, respect, reputation
MM IV.ii.24
Abh. ABHORSON 
A Bawd Sir? fie vpon him, he will discreditA bawd, sir? Fie upon him, he will discredit MM IV.ii.25
our mysterie.our mystery.mystery (n.)

old form: mysterie
trade, office, occupation
MM IV.ii.26
Pro. PROVOST 
Goe too Sir, you waigh equallie: a feather willGo to, sir, you weigh equally. A feather will MM IV.ii.27
turne the Scale.turn the scale. MM IV.ii.28
Exit.Exit MM IV.ii.28
Clo. POMPEY 
Pray sir, by your good fauor: for surely sir, aPray, sir, by your good favour – for surely, sir, a MM IV.ii.29
good fauor you haue, but that you haue a hanginggood favour you have, but that you have a hanginghanging (adj.)
gloomy, morose, melancholy
MM IV.ii.30
favour (n.)

old form: fauor
[facial] appearance, countenance, features, looks
look: Doe you call sir, your occupation a Mysterie?look – do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery? MM IV.ii.31
Abh. ABHORSON 
I Sir, a Misterie.Ay, sir, a mystery. MM IV.ii.32
Clo. POMPEY 
Painting Sir, I haue heard say, is a Misterie; andPainting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery, and MM IV.ii.33
your Whores sir, being members of my occupation,your whores, sir, being members of my occupation, MM IV.ii.34
vsing painting, do proue my Occupation, a Misterie: butusing painting, do prove my occupation a mystery. But MM IV.ii.35
what Misterie there should be in hanging, if I should bewhat mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be MM IV.ii.36
hang'd, I cannot imagine.hanged, I cannot imagine. MM IV.ii.37
Abh. ABHORSON 
Sir, it is a Misterie.Sir, it is a mystery. MM IV.ii.38
Clo. POMPEY 
Proofe.Proof? MM IV.ii.39
Abh. ABHORSON 
Euerie true mans apparrell fits your Theefe. If itEvery true man's apparel fits your thief. If ittrue (adj.)
honest, upright, law-abiding
MM IV.ii.40
apparel (n.)

old form: apparrell
clothes, clothing, dress
be too little for your theefe, your true man thinkes it biggebe too little for your thief, your true man thinks it big MM IV.ii.41
enough. If it bee too bigge for your Theefe, your Theefeenough. If it be too big for your thief, your thief MM IV.ii.42
thinkes it little enough: So euerie true mans apparrell thinks it little enough. So every true man's apparel MM IV.ii.43
fits your Theefe.fits your thief. MM IV.ii.44
Enter Prouost.Enter Provost MM IV.ii.45
Pro. PROVOST 
Are you agreed?Are you agreed? MM IV.ii.45
Clo. POMPEY 
Sir, I will serue him: For I do finde your HangmanSir, I will serve him, for I do find your hangman MM IV.ii.46
is a more penitent Trade then your Bawd: he dothis a more penitent trade than your bawd. He dothbawd (n.)
pimp, procurer, pander, go-between
MM IV.ii.47
oftner aske forgiuenesse.oftener ask forgiveness. MM IV.ii.48
Pro. PROVOST 
You sirrah, prouide your blocke and your AxeYou, sirrah, provide your block and your axesirrah (n.)
sir [commanding, insulting, or familiar, depending on context]
MM IV.ii.49
to morrow, foure a clocke.tomorrow four o'clock. MM IV.ii.50
Abh. ABHORSON 
Come on (Bawd) I will instruct thee in myCome, on, bawd. I will instruct thee in my MM IV.ii.51
Trade: follow.trade. Follow! MM IV.ii.52
Clo. POMPEY 
I do desire to learne sir: and I hope, if you haueI do desire to learn, sir, and I hope, if you have MM IV.ii.53
occasion to vse me for your owne turne, you shall finde meoccasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find me MM IV.ii.54
y'are. For truly sir, for your kindnesse, I owe you a goodyare. For truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a goodyare (adj.)

old form: y'are
quick, deft, adept
MM IV.ii.55
turne. turn. MM IV.ii.56
Pro. PROVOST 
Call hether Barnardine and Claudio:Call hither Barnardine and Claudio. MM IV.ii.57
ExitExeunt Pompey and Abhorson MM IV.ii.57
Th' one has my pitie; not a iot the other,Th' one has my pity; not a jot the other, MM IV.ii.58
Being a Murtherer, though he were my brother.Being a murderer, though he were my brother. MM IV.ii.59
Enter Claudio.Enter Claudio MM IV.ii.60
Looke, here's the Warrant Claudio, for thy death,Look, here's the warrant, Claudio, for thy death. MM IV.ii.60
'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to morrow'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight tomorrow MM IV.ii.61
Thou must be made immortall. Where's Barnardine?Thou must be made immortal. Where's Barnardine? MM IV.ii.62
Cla. CLAUDIO 
As fast lock'd vp in sleepe, as guiltlesse labour,As fast locked up in sleep as guiltless labour MM IV.ii.63
When it lies starkely in the Trauellers bones,When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones.starkly (adv.)

old form: starkely
stiffly, rigidly, set fast
MM IV.ii.64
He will not wake.He will not wake. MM IV.ii.65.1
Pro. PROVOST 
Who can do good on him?Who can do good on him? MM IV.ii.65.2
Well, go, prepare your selfe.Well, go, prepare yourself. MM IV.ii.66.1
Knocking MM IV.ii.66
But harke, what noise?But hark, what noise? MM IV.ii.66.2
Heauen giue your spirits comfort:Heaven give your spirits comfort. MM IV.ii.67.1
Exit Claudio MM IV.ii.67
by, and by,By and by.by and by (adv.)
immediately, straightaway, directly
MM IV.ii.67.2
I hope it is some pardon, or repreeueI hope it is some pardon or reprieve MM IV.ii.68
For the most gentle Claudio.For the most gentle Claudio.gentle (adj.)
courteous, friendly, kind
MM IV.ii.69.1
Enter Duke.Enter Duke as a friar MM IV.ii.69
Welcome Father.Welcome, father. MM IV.ii.69.2
Duke. DUKE 
The best, and wholsomst spirits of the night,The best and wholesom'st spirits of the nightwholesome (adj.)

old form: wholsomst
good for the health, health-giving, salubrious
MM IV.ii.70
Inuellop you, good Prouost: who call'd heere of late?Envelop you, good provost. Who called here of late?late, of
recently, a little while ago
MM IV.ii.71
Pro. PROVOST 
None since the Curphew rung.None since the curfew rung.curfew (n.)

old form: Curphew
evening bell
MM IV.ii.72
Duke. DUKE 
Not Isabell?Not Isabel? MM IV.ii.73.1
Pro. PROVOST 
No.No. MM IV.ii.73.2
Duke. DUKE 
They will then er't be long.They will then, ere't be long. MM IV.ii.73.3
Pro. PROVOST 
What comfort is for Claudio?What comfort is for Claudio? MM IV.ii.74
Duke. DUKE 
There's some in hope.There's some in hope. MM IV.ii.75.1
Pro. PROVOST 
It is a bitter Deputie.It is a bitter deputy. MM IV.ii.75.2
Duke. DUKE 
Not so, not so: his life is paralel'dNot so, not so; his life is paralleled MM IV.ii.76
Euen with the stroke and line of his great Iustice:Even with the stroke and line of his great justice. MM IV.ii.77
He doth with holie abstinence subdueHe doth with holy abstinence subdue MM IV.ii.78
That in himselfe, which he spurres on his powreThat in himself which he spurs on his powerpower (n.)

old form: powre
authority, government
MM IV.ii.79
To qualifie in others: were he meal'd with thatTo qualify in others. Were he mealed with thatmeal (v.)

old form: meal'd
stain, spot, blemish
MM IV.ii.80
qualify (v.)

old form: qualifie
moderate, weaken, diminish
Which he corrects, then were he tirrannous,Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous, MM IV.ii.81
But this being so, he's iust.But this being so, he's just. MM IV.ii.82.1
Knocking MM IV.ii.82
Now are they come.Now are they come. MM IV.ii.82.2
Exit Provost MM IV.ii.82
This is a gentle Prouost, sildome whenThis is a gentle provost; seldom whengentle (adj.)
courteous, friendly, kind
MM IV.ii.83
The steeled Gaoler is the friend of men:The steeled gaoler is the friend of men.steeled (adj.)
hardened, inflexible, callous
MM IV.ii.84
Knocking MM IV.ii.85
How now? what noise? That spirit's possest with hast,How now? What noise? That spirit's possessed with haste MM IV.ii.85
That wounds th' vnsisting Posterne with these strokes.That wounds th' unsisting postern with these strokes.postern (n.)

old form: Posterne
entrance, side gate, back door
MM IV.ii.86
unsisting (adj.)

old form: vnsisting
[unclear meaning] unassisting; or: unshifting
Enter Provost MM IV.ii.87
Pro. PROVOST 
There he must stay vntil the OfficerThere he must stay until the officer MM IV.ii.87
Arise to let him in: he is call'd vp.Arise to let him in. He is called up. MM IV.ii.88
Duke. DUKE 
Haue you no countermand for Claudio yet?Have you no countermand for Claudio yet,countermand (n.)
contrary command, revoking order
MM IV.ii.89
But he must die to morrow?But he must die tomorrow? MM IV.ii.90.1
Pro. PROVOST 
None Sir, none.None, sir, none. MM IV.ii.90.2
Duke. DUKE 
As neere the dawning Prouost, as it is,As near the dawning, provost, as it is,dawning (n.)
dawn, daybreak, early morning
MM IV.ii.91
You shall heare more ere Morning.You shall hear more ere morning. MM IV.ii.92.1
Pro. PROVOST 
HappelyHappilyhappily (adv.)

old form: Happely
perhaps, by chance, maybe
MM IV.ii.92.2
You something know: yet I beleeue there comesYou something know, yet I believe there comes MM IV.ii.93
No countermand: no such example haue we:No countermand; no such example have we. MM IV.ii.94
Besides, vpon the verie siege of Iustice,Besides, upon the very siege of justice,siege (n.)
seat, chair, place
MM IV.ii.95
Lord Angelo hath to the publike eareLord Angelo hath to the public ear MM IV.ii.96
Profest the contrarie.Professed the contrary.profess (v.)

old form: Profest
declare, avow, affirm
MM IV.ii.97
Enter a Messenger.Enter a Messenger MM IV.ii.98
Duke. DUKE 
This is his Lords man.This is his lordship's man. MM IV.ii.98
Pro. PROVOST 
And heere comes Claudio's pardon. And here comes Claudio's pardon. MM IV.ii.99
Mess. MESSENGER 
My Lord hath sent you this note, / And by meeMy lord hath sent you this note, and by me MM IV.ii.100
this further charge; / That you swerue not from the smallest this further charge: that you swerve not from the smallestcharge (n.)
commission, responsibility, official duty
MM IV.ii.101
Article of it, / Neither in time, matter, or other circumstance.article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circumstance. MM IV.ii.102
Good morrow: for as I take it, it is almost day.Good morrow; for, as I take it, it is almost day.morrow (n.)
morning
MM IV.ii.103
Pro. PROVOST 
I shall obey him.I shall obey him. MM IV.ii.104
Exit Messenger MM IV.ii.104
Duke. DUKE  
(aside) MM IV.ii.105
This is his Pardon purchas'd by such sin,This is his pardon, purchased by such sin MM IV.ii.105
For which the Pardoner himselfe is in:For which the pardoner himself is in: MM IV.ii.106
Hence hath offence his quicke celeritie,Hence hath offence his quick celerity,celerity (n.)

old form: celeritie
alacrity, rapidity, swiftness
MM IV.ii.107
When it is borne in high Authority.When it is borne in high authority, MM IV.ii.108
When Vice makes Mercie; Mercie's so extended,When vice makes mercy, mercy's so extended MM IV.ii.109
That for the faults loue, is th' offender friended.That for the fault's love is th' offender friended.fault (n.)
sin, offence, crime
MM IV.ii.110
Now Sir, what newes?Now, sir, what news? MM IV.ii.111
Pro. PROVOST 
I told you: Lord Angelo (be-like) thinking me remisseI told you. Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remissbelike (adv.)

old form: be-like
probably, presumably, perhaps, so it seems
MM IV.ii.112
In mine Office, awakens mee / With this vnwontedin mine office, awakens me with this unwontedoffice (n.)
role, position, place, function
MM IV.ii.113
unwonted (adj.)

old form: vnwonted
unusual, unaccustomed, abnormal
putting on, methinks strangely: / For he hath not vs'dputting onmethinks strangely, for he hath not usedmethinks(t), methought(s) (v.)

old form: methinks
it seems / seemed to me
MM IV.ii.114
putting on (n.)
instigation, prompting, urging
it before.it before. MM IV.ii.115
Duk. DUKE 
Pray you let's heare.Pray you, let's hear. MM IV.ii.116
PROVOST  
The Letter. (reads the letter) MM IV.ii.117
Whatsoeuer you may heare to the Whatsoever you may hear to the MM IV.ii.117
contrary, let Claudio be executed by foure of the clocke, and contrary, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock, and, MM IV.ii.118
in the afternoone Bernardine: For my better satisfaction, in the afternoon, Barnardine. For my better satisfaction, MM IV.ii.119
let mee haue Claudios head sent me by fiue. Let this be let me have Claudio's head sent me by five. Let this be MM IV.ii.120
duely performed with a thought that more depends on it, duly performed, with a thought that more depends on it MM IV.ii.121
then we must yet deliuer. Thus faile not to doe your Office, than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office,office (n.)
task, service, duty, responsibility
MM IV.ii.122
deliver (v.)

old form: deliuer
report [to], communicate [to], tell, describe
as you will answere it at your perill.as you will answer it at your peril.answer (v.)

old form: answere
suffer the consequences [for], be accountable [for]
MM IV.ii.123
What say you to this Sir?What say you to this, sir? MM IV.ii.124
Duke. DUKE 
What is that Barnardine, who is to be executed inWhat is that Barnardine who is to be executed in MM IV.ii.125
th' afternoone?th' afternoon? MM IV.ii.126
Pro. PROVOST 
A Bohemian borne: But here nurst vp &A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and MM IV.ii.127
bred, / One that is a prisoner nine yeeres old.bred. One that is a prisoner nine years old. MM IV.ii.128
Duke. DUKE 
How came it, that the absent Duke had not eitherHow came it that the absent Duke had not either MM IV.ii.129
deliuer'd him to his libertie, or executed him? I hauedelivered him to his liberty or executed him? I have MM IV.ii.130
heard it was euer his manner to do so.heard it was ever his manner to do so. MM IV.ii.131
Pro. PROVOST 
His friends still wrought Repreeues for him:His friends still wrought reprieves for him;still (adv.)
constantly, always, continually
MM IV.ii.132
work (v.), past form wrought
work for, plan, try to arrange
And indeed his fact till now in the gouernment of Lordand, indeed, his fact, till now in the government of Lordgovernment (n.)

old form: gouernment
control, charge, management
MM IV.ii.133
fact (n.)
evil deed, wicked act, crime
Angelo, came not to an vndoubtfull proofe.Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof.undoubtful (adj.)

old form: vndoubtfull
certain, positive, definite
MM IV.ii.134
Duke. DUKE 
It is now apparant?It is now apparent? MM IV.ii.135
Pro. PROVOST 
Most manifest, and not denied by himselfe.Most manifest, and not denied by himself. MM IV.ii.136
Duke. DUKE 
Hath he borne himselfe penitently in prison? / How Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? How MM IV.ii.137
seemes he to be touch'd?seems he to be touched?touch (v.)

old form: touch'd
affect, move, stir
MM IV.ii.138
Pro. PROVOST 
A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully,A man that apprehends death no more dreadfullydreadfully (adv.)
with dread, in great fear
MM IV.ii.139
apprehend (v.)
be apprehensive about, fear
but as a drunken sleepe, carelesse, wreaklesse, andbut as a drunken sleep; careless, reckless, and MM IV.ii.140
fearelesse of what's past, present, or to come: insensiblefearless of what's past, present, or to come; insensible MM IV.ii.141
of mortality, and desperately mortall.of mortality, and desperately mortal.mortality (n.)
death
MM IV.ii.142
mortal (adj.)

old form: mortall
human, subject to death, characterized by mortality
desperately (adv.)
despairingly, in a state of hopelessness
Duke. DUKE 
He wants aduice.He wants advice.want (v.)
require, demand, need
MM IV.ii.143
Pro. PROVOST 
He wil heare none: he hath euermore had theHe will hear none. He hath evermore had the MM IV.ii.144
liberty of the prison: giue him leaue to escape hence, heeliberty of the prison. Give him leave to escape hence, he MM IV.ii.145
would not. Drunke many times a day, if not many daieswould not. Drunk many times a day, if not many days MM IV.ii.146
entirely drunke. We haue verie oft awak'd him, as if toentirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if tooft (adv.)
often
MM IV.ii.147
carrie him to execution, and shew'd him a seemingcarry him to execution, and showed him a seemingseeming (adj.)
apparent, convincing in appearance
MM IV.ii.148
warrant for it, it hath not moued him at all.warrant for it. It hath not moved him at all. MM IV.ii.149
Duke. DUKE 
More of him anon: There is written in your browMore of him anon. There is written in your brow,brow (n.)
appearance, aspect, countenance
MM IV.ii.150
anon (adv.)
soon, shortly, presently
Prouost, honesty and constancie; if I reade it not truly,provost, honesty and constancy. If I read it not truly, MM IV.ii.151
my ancient skill beguiles me: but in the boldnes of mymy ancient skill beguiles me; but in the boldness of myboldness (n.)

old form: boldnes
confidence, assurance, certainty
MM IV.ii.152
cunning, I will lay my selfe in hazard: Claudio, whomcunning I will lay myself in hazard. Claudio, whomhazard, in
in peril, at risk
MM IV.ii.153
cunning (n.)
knowledge, awareness, discernment
heere you haue warrant to execute, is no greater forfeithere you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit MM IV.ii.154
to the Law, then Angelo who hath sentenc'd him. To maketo the law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make MM IV.ii.155
you vnderstand this in a manifested effect, I craue butyou understand this in a manifested effect, I crave buteffect (n.)
result, end, outcome, fulfilment
MM IV.ii.156
manifested (adj.)
plain, apparent, unmistakeable
crave (v.)

old form: craue
beg, entreat, request
foure daies respit: for the which, you are to do me both afour days' respite, for the which you are to do me both arespite (n.)

old form: respit
extent of time, time-scale
MM IV.ii.157
present, and a dangerous courtesie.present and a dangerous courtesy. MM IV.ii.158
Pro. PROVOST 
Pray Sir, in what?Pray, sir, in what? MM IV.ii.159
Duke. DUKE 
In the delaying death.In the delaying death. MM IV.ii.160
Pro. PROVOST 
Alacke, how may I do it? Hauing the houre limited,Alack, how may I do it, having the hour limited,limited (adj.)
appointed, designated, nominated
MM IV.ii.161
and an expresse command, vnder penaltie, to deliuer hisand an express command, under penalty, to deliver his MM IV.ii.162
head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as MM IV.ii.163
Claudio's, to crosse this in the smallest.Claudio's, to cross this in the smallest.cross (v.)

old form: crosse
contradict, challenge, go against
MM IV.ii.164
Duke. DUKE 
By the vow of mine Order, I warrant you, / If myBy the vow of mine order I warrant you, if mywarrant (v.)
assure, promise, guarantee, confirm
MM IV.ii.165
instructions may be your guide, / Let this Barnardine beinstructions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine be MM IV.ii.166
this morning executed, / And his head borne to Angelo.this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo. MM IV.ii.167
Pro. PROVOST 
Angelo hath seene them both, / And will discouerAngelo hath seen them both, and will discoverdiscover (v.)

old form: discouer
recognize, distinguish, discern
MM IV.ii.168
the fauour.the favour.favour (n.)

old form: fauour
[facial] appearance, countenance, features, looks
MM IV.ii.169
Duke. DUKE 
Oh, death's a great disguiser, and you may adde to it;O, death's a great disguiser, and you may add to it. MM IV.ii.170
Shaue the head, and tie the beard, and say it was the desireShave the head, and tie the beard, and say it was the desire MM IV.ii.171
of the penitent to be so bar'de before his death: youof the penitent to be so bared before his death. Youbare (v.)

old form: bar'de
shave, trim
MM IV.ii.172
know the course is common. If any thing fall to youknow the course is common. If anything fall to youcourse (n.)
habit, custom, practise, normal procedure
MM IV.ii.173
vpon this, more then thankes and good fortune, by theupon this, more than thanks and good fortune, by the MM IV.ii.174
Saint whom I professe, I will plead against it with my life.saint whom I profess, I will plead against it with my life. MM IV.ii.175
Pro. PROVOST 
Pardon me, good Father, it is against my oath.Pardon me, good father, it is against my oath. MM IV.ii.176
Duke. DUKE 
Were you sworne to the Duke, or to the Deputie?Were you sworn to the Duke or to the deputy? MM IV.ii.177
Pro. PROVOST 
To him, and to his Substitutes.To him, and to his substitutes.substitute (n.)
subordinate, deputy, underling
MM IV.ii.178
Duke. DUKE 
You will thinke you haue made no offence, if theYou will think you have made no offence if the MM IV.ii.179
Duke auouch the iustice of your dealing?Duke avouch the justice of your dealing?avouch (v.)

old form: auouch
justify, warrant, defend
MM IV.ii.180
Pro. PROVOST 
But what likelihood is in that?But what likelihood is in that? MM IV.ii.181
Duke. DUKE 
Not a resemblance, but a certainty; yet since I seeNot a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet since I seeresemblance (n.)
likelihood, probability, uncertain prospect
MM IV.ii.182
you fearfull, that neither my coate, integrity, noryou fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, norfearful (adj.)

old form: fearfull
timid, timorous, frightened, full of fear
MM IV.ii.183
coat (n.)

old form: coate
monk's habit, clerical garb
perswasion, can with ease attempt you, I wil go further thenpersuasion can with ease attempt you, I will go further thanattempt (v.)
tempt, persuade, win over
MM IV.ii.184
I meant, to plucke all feares out of you. Looke you Sir,I meant, to pluck all fears out of you. Look you, sir, MM IV.ii.185
heere is the hand and Seale of the Duke: you know thehere is the hand and seal of the Duke. You know the MM IV.ii.186
Charracter I doubt not, and the Signet is not strange tocharacter, I doubt not, and the signet is not strange tocharacter (n.)

old form: Charracter
handwriting, style of writing, lettering
MM IV.ii.187
you?you. MM IV.ii.188
Pro. PROVOST 
I know them both.I know them both. MM IV.ii.189
Duke. DUKE 
The Contents of this, is the returne of the Duke; you The contents of this is the return of the Duke. You MM IV.ii.190
shall anon ouer-reade it at your pleasure: where you shall shall anon overread it at your pleasure, where you shallanon (adv.)
soon, shortly, presently
MM IV.ii.191
finde within these two daies, he wil be heere. This is afind within these two days he will be here. This is a MM IV.ii.192
thing that Angelo knowes not, for hee this very daything that Angelo knows not, for he this very day MM IV.ii.193
receiues letters of strange tenor, perchance of the Dukesreceives letters of strange tenor, perchance of the Duke'sperchance (adv.)
perhaps, maybe
MM IV.ii.194
strange (adj.)
unfamiliar, unknown, not previously experienced
death, perchance entering into some Monasterie, but bydeath, perchance entering into some monastery, but by MM IV.ii.195
chance nothing of what is writ. Looke, th' vnfolding Starrechance nothing of what is writ. Look, th' unfolding starunfolding (adj.)

old form: vnfolding
rising, morning [telling the shepherd that it is time to release his sheep from the fold]
MM IV.ii.196
calles vp the Shepheard; put not your selfe into amazement,calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazementamazement (n.)
bewilderment, perplexity, distraction
MM IV.ii.197
how these things should be; all difficulties are but easiehow these things should be. All difficulties are but easy MM IV.ii.198
when they are knowne. Call your executioner, and off when they are known. Call your executioner, and off MM IV.ii.199
with Barnardines head: I will giue him a present with Barnardine's head. I will give him a present MM IV.ii.200
shrift, and aduise him for a better place. Yet you areshrift and advise him for a better place. Yet you areshrift (n.)
confession
MM IV.ii.201
amaz'd, but this shall absolutely resolue you: Comeamazed, but this shall absolutely resolve you. Comeresolve (v.)

old form: resolue
satisfy, free from doubt
MM IV.ii.202
amazed (adj.)

old form: amaz'd
dumbfounded, stunned, thunderstruck, overwhelmed
away, it is almost cleere dawne.away, it is almost clear dawn. MM IV.ii.203
Exit.Exit with Provost MM IV.ii.204
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