Page 1084 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Though first in question, is thy secondary.
Take thy commission.

ANGELO
Now, good my lord,
Let there be some more test made of my metal,
Before so noble and so great a figure

Be stamp’d upon it.

DUKE
No more evasion. [50]
We have with a leaven’d and prepared choice
Proceeded to you; therefore take your honours.

Our haste from hence is of so quick condition
That it prefers itself, and leaves unquestion’d
Matters of needful value. We shall write to you, [55]
As time and our concernings shall importune,

How it goes with us; and do look to know
What doth befall you here. So, fare you well.
To th’hopeful execution do I leave you
Of your commissions.

ANGELO

Yet give leave, my lord, [60]
That we may bring you something on the way.

DUKE
My haste may not admit it;
Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do
With any scruple. Your scope is as mine own,

So to enforce or qualify the laws [65]
As to your soul seems good. Give me your hand;
I’ll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:

Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and Aves vehement; [70]
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it. Once more, fare you well.