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PROVOST.
Pardon me, good Father, it is against my oath.
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DUKE.
Were you sworn to the duke, or to the deputy?
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PROVOST.
To him, and to his substitutes.
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DUKE.
You will think you have made no offence, if the duke
avouch the justice of your dealing?
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PROVOST.
But what likelihood is in that?
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DUKE.
Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet since I see
you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor
persuasion, can with ease attempt you, I will go
further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you.
Look you sir, here is the hand and seal of the
Duke: you know the character I doubt not, and the
signet is not strange to you.
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PROVOST.
I know them both.
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DUKE.
The contents of this, is the return of the Duke; you
shall anon over read it at your pleasure: where you
shall find, within these two days he will be here.
This is a thing that Angelo knows not; for he this
very day receives letters of strange tenor;
perchance of the Duke's death; perchance entering
into some monastery; but by chance nothing of what
is writ. Look, the unfolding star calls up the
shepherd; put not yourself into amazement, how these
things should be; all difficulties are but easy
when they are known. Call your executioner, and off
with Barnardine's head: I will give him a present
shrift and advise him for a better place. Yet you
are amazed; but this shall absolutely resolve you:
Come away, it is almost clear dawn.
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