Folio Comparision: Act III, Scene 2
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  advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid
will I frame and make fit for his attempt: If you
think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness
of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof.
What think you of it?
 
   ISABELLA.  The image of it gives me content already, and I
trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.
 
   DUKE.  It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily
to Angelo; if for this night he entreat you to his
bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will
presently to Saint Luke's; there, at the moated
grange, resides this dejected Mariana; At that
place call upon me, and dispatch with Angelo, that
it may be quickly.
 
   ISABELLA.  I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father.  
Exeunt.
Enter [Duke], Elbow, Clown, Officers
   ELBOW.  Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will
needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we
shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard.
 
   DUKE.  O heavens, what stuff is here  
   POMPEY.  'Twas never merry world since of two, usuries the
merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by
order of law; a furred gown to keep him warm; and
furred with fox and lamb-skins too, to signify, that
craft being richer than innocency stands for the facing.
 
   ELBOW.  Come your way sir: 'Bless you, good Father Friar.  
   DUKE.  And you, good Brother Father; what offence hath
this man made you, Sir?
 

In the First Act, Scena Tertia is folded into Scene Two. Now in the Third Act, the one scene is expanded into two scenes. Does this make any logical sense? Is there a change in locale or mood that would justify such an editorial decision? And if it is just a matter of new characters being introduced and a change in tone, then why not further sub-divide the Third Act when Escalus enters later in the scene? A number of critics point to the long interchange between the Duke and Isabella as a crucial moment for the establishment of a relationship between the two. This is one of only two times that they have an extended dialogue without interruption (the other being IV.iii when the Duke tells Isabella that Claudio is dead). If the Duke is going to "fall in love" with Isabella, logic dictates that it must occur at this point in the text. Does Shakespeare provide any potential moments for this to occur?

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