TheDukeofEphesus，takingalikingtoyoungAntipholus，whenhegrewupmadehimanofficerinhisarmy，inwhichhedistinguishedhimselfbyhisgreatbraveryinthewars，wherehesavedthelifeofhispatron，theduke，whorewardedhismeritbymarryinghimtoAdriana，arichladyofEphesus，withwhomhewasliving(hisslaveDromiostillattendinghim)atthetimehisfathercamethere。
AntipholusofSyracuse，whenhepartedwithhisfriend，who，advisedhimtosayhecamefromEpidamnum，gavehisslaveDromiosomemoneytocarrytotheinnwhereheintendedtodine，andinthemeantimehesaidhewouldwalkaboutandviewthecityandobservethemannersofthepeople。
Dromiowasapleasantfellow，andwhenAntipholuswasdullandmelancholyheusedtodiverthimselfwiththeoddhumorsandmerryjestsofhisslave，sothatthefreedomsofspeechheallowedinDromioweregreaterthanisusualbetweenmastersandtheirservants。
WhenAntipholusofSyracusehadsentDromioaway，hestoodawhilethinkingoverhissolitarywanderingsinsearchofhismotherandhisbrother，ofwhominnoplacewherehelandedcouldheheartheleasttidings；andhesaidsorrowfullytohimself，“Iamlikeadropofwaterintheocean。which，seekingtofinditsfellowdrop，losesitselfinthewidesea，SoI，unhappily，tofindamotherandabrother，dolosemyself。”
Whilehewasthusmeditatingonhiswearytravels，whichhadhithertobeensouseless，Dromio(ashethought)returned。
Antipholus，wonderingthathecamebacksosoon，askedhimwherehehadleftthemoney。NowitwasnothisownDromio，butthetwin-brotherthatlivedwithAntipholusofEphesus，thathespoketo。ThetwoDromiosandthetwoAntipholuseswerestillasmuchalikeasAegeonhadsaidtheywereintheirinfancy；thereforenowonderAntipholusthoughtitwashisownslavereturned，andaskedhimwhyhecamebacksosoon。
Dromioreplied：“Mymistresssentmetobidyoucometodinner。
Thecaponburns，andthepigfallsfromthespit，andthemeatwillbeallcoldifyoudonotcomehome。”
“Thesejestsareoutofseason，“saidAntipholus。“Wheredidyouleavethemoney？“
DromiostillansweringthathismistresshadsenthimtofetchAntipholustodinner，“Whatmistress？“saidAntipholus。
“Why，yourworship”swife，sir！“repliedDromio。
Antipholushavingnowife，hewasveryangrywithDromio，andsaid：“BecauseIfamiliarlysometimeschatwithyou，youpresumetojestwithmeinthisfreemanner。Iamnotinasportivehumornow。Whereisthemoney？Webeingstrangershere，howdareyoutrustsogreatachargefromyourowncustody？“
Dromio，hearinghismaster，ashethoughthim，talkoftheirbeingstrangers，supposingAntipholuswasjesting，replied，merrily：“Iprayyou，sir，jestasyousitatdinner。Ihadnochargebuttofetchyouhometodinewithmymistressandhersister。”
NowAntipholuslostallpatience，andbeatDromio，whoranhomeandtoldhismistressthathismasterhadrefusedtocometodinnerandsaidthathehadnowife。
Adriana，thewifeofAntipholusofEphesus，wasveryangrywhensheheardthatherhusbandsaidhehadnowife；forshewasofajealoustemper，andshesaidherhusbandmeantthathelovedanotherladybetterthanherself；andshebegantofret，andsayunkindwordsofjealousyandreproachofherhusband；andhersisterLuciana，wholivedwithher，triedinvaintopersuadeheroutofhergroundlesssuspicions。
AntipholusofSyracusewenttotheinn，andfoundDromiowiththemoneyinsafetythere，and，seeinghisownDromio，hewasgoingagaintochidehimforhisfreejests，whenAdrianacameuptohim，and，notdoubtingbutitwasherhusbandshesaw，shebegantoreproachhimforlookingstrangeuponher(aswellhemight，neverhavingseenthisangryladybefore)；andthenshetoldhimhowwellhelovedherbeforetheyweremarried，andthatnowhelovedsomeotherladyinsteadofher。
“Howcomesitnow，myhusband，“saidshe，“oh，howcomesitthatIhavelostyourlove？“
“Pleadyoutome，fairdame？“saidtheastonishedAntipholus。
ItwasinvainhetoldherhewasnotherhusbandandthathehadbeeninEphesusbuttwohours。Sheinsistedonhisgoinghomewithher，andAntipholusatlast，beingunabletogetaway，wentwithhertohisbrother”shouse，anddinedwithAdrianaandhersister，theonecallinghimhusbandandtheotherbrother，he，allamazed，thinkinghemusthavebeenmarriedtoherinhissleep，orthathewassleepingnow。AndDromio，whofollowedthem，wasnolesssurprised，forthecook-maid，whowashisbrother”swife，alsoclaimedhimforherhusband。
WhileAntipholusofSyracusewasdiningwithhisbrother”swife，hisbrother，therealhusband，returnedhometodinnerwithhisslaveDromio；buttheservantswouldnotopenthedoor，becausetheirmistresshadorderedthemnottoadmitanycompany；andwhentheyrepeatedlyknocked，andsaidtheywereAntipholusandDromio，themaidslaughedatthem，andsaidthatAntipholuswasatdinnerwiththeirmistress，andDromiowasinthekitchen，andthoughtheyalmostknockedthedoordown，theycouldnotgainadmittance，andatlastAntipholuswentawayveryangry，andstrangelysurprisedat，hearingagentlemanwasdiningwithhiswife。
WhenAntipholusofSyracusehadfinishedhisdinner，hewassoperplexedatthelady”sstillpersistingincallinghimhusband，andathearingthatDromiohadalsobeenclaimedbythecookmaid，thatheleftthehouseassoonashecouldfindanypretensetogetaway；forthoughhewasverymuchpleasedwithLuciana，thesister，yetthejealous-temperedAdrianahedislikedverymuch，norwasDromioatallbettersatisfiedwithhisfairwifeinthekitchen；thereforebothmasterandmanweregladtogetawayfromtheirnewwivesasfastastheycould。
ThemomentAntipholusofSyracusehadleftthehousehewasmetbyagoldsmith，who，mistakinghim，asAdrianahaddone，forAntipholusofEphesus，gavehimagoldchain，callinghimbyhisname；andwhenAntipholuswouldhaverefusedthechain，sayingitdidnotbelongtohim，thegoldsmithrepliedhemadeitbyhisownorders，andwentaway，leavingthechaininthehandsofAntipholus，whoorderedhismanDromiotogethisthingsonboardaship，notchoosingtostayinaplaceanylongerwherehemetwithsuchstrangeadventuresthathesurelythoughthimselfbewitched。
ThegoldsmithwhohadgiventhechaintothewrongAntipholuswasarrestedimmediatelyafterforasumofmoneyheowed；andAntipholus，themarriedbrother，towhomthegoldsmiththoughthehadgiventhechain，happenedtocometotheplacewheretheofficerwasarrestingthegoldsmith，who，whenhesawAntipholus，askedhimtopayforthegoldchainhehadjustdeliveredtohim，thepriceamountingtonearlythesamesumasthatforwhichhehadbeenarrested。Antipholusdenyingthehavingreceivedthechain，andthegoldsmithpersistingtodeclarethathehadbutafewminutesbeforegivenittohim，theydisputedthismatteralongtime，boththinkingtheywereright；forAntipholusknewthegoldsmithnevergavehimthechain，andsolikewerethetwobrothers，thegoldsmithwasascertainhehaddeliveredthechainintohishands，tillatlasttheofficertookthegoldsmithawaytoprisonforthedebtheowed，andatthesametimethegoldsmithmadetheofficerarrestAntipholusforthepriceofthechain；sothatattheconclusionoftheirdisputeAntipholusandthemerchantwerebothtakenawaytoprisontogether。
AsAntipholuswasgoingtoprison，hemetDromioofSyracuse，hisbrother”sslave，and，mistakinghimforhisown，heorderedhimtogotoAdrianahiswife，andtellhertosendthemoneyforwhichhewasarrested。Dromio，wonderingthathismastershouldsendhimbacktothestrangehousewherehedined，andfromwhichhehadjustbeforebeeninsuchhastetodepart，didnotdaretoreply，thoughhecametotellhismastertheshipwasreadytosail，forhesawAntipholuswasinnohumortobejestedwith。
Thereforehewentaway，grumblingwithinhimselfthathemustreturntoAdriana”shouse，“Where，“saidhe，“Dowsabelclaimsmeforahusband。ButImustgo，forservantsmustobeytheirmasters”commands。”
Adrianagavehimthemoney，andasDromiowasreturninghemetAntipholusofSyracuse，whowasstillinamazeatthesurprisingadventureshemetwith，for，hisbrotherbeingwellknowninEphesus，therewashardlyamanhemetinthestreetsbutsalutedhimasanoldacquaintance。Someofferedhimmoneywhichtheysaidwasowingtohim，someinvitedhimtocomeandseethem，andsomegavehimthanksforkindnessestheysaidhehaddonethem，allmistakinghimforhisbrother。Atailorshowedhimsomesilkshehadboughtforhim，andinsistedupontakingmeasureofhimforsomeclothes。
Antipholusbegantothinkhewasamonganationofsorcerersandwitches，andDromiodidnotatallrelievehismasterfromhisbewilderedthoughtsbyaskinghimhowhegotfreefromtheofficerwhowascarryinghimtoprison，andgivinghimthepurseofgoldwhichAdrianahadsenttopaythedebtwith。ThistalkofDromio”softhearrestandofaprison，andofthemoneyhehadbroughtfromAdriana，perfectlyconfoundedAntipholus，andhesaid，“ThisfellowDromioiscertainlydistracted，andwewanderhereinillusions，“and，quiteterrifiedathisownconfusedthoughts，hecriedout，“Someblessedpowerdeliverusfromthisstrangeplace！“
Andnowanotherstrangercameuptohim，andshewasalady，andshe，too，calledhimAntipholus，andtoldhimhehaddinedwithherthatday，andaskedhimforagoldchainwhichshesaidhehadpromisedtogiveher。Antipholusnowlostallpatience，and，callingherasorceress，hedeniedthathehadeverpromisedherachain，ordinedwithher，orhadevenseenherfacebeforethatmoment。Theladypersistedinaffirminghehaddinedwithherandhadpromisedherachain，whichAntipholusstilldenying，shefurthersaidthatshehadgivenhimavaluablering，andifhewouldnotgiveherthegoldchain，sheinsisteduponhavingherownringagain。OnthisAntipholusbecamequitefrantic，andagaincallinghersorceressandwitch，anddenyingallknowledgeofherorherring，ranawayfromher，leavingherastonishedathiswordsandhiswildlooks，fornothingtoherappearedmorecertainthanthathehaddinedwithher，andthatshehadgivenhimaringinconsequenceofhispromisingtomakeherapresentofagoldchain。Butthisladyhadfallenintothesamemistaketheothershaddone，forshehadtakenhimforhisbrother；themarriedAntipholushaddoneallthethingsshetaxedthisAntipholuswith。
WhenthemarriedAntipholuswasdeniedentranceintohishouse(thosewithinsupposinghimtobealreadythere)behadgoneawayveryangry，believingittobeoneofhiswife”sjealousfreaks，towhichshewasverysubject，and，rememberingthatshehadoftenfalselyaccusedhimofvisitingotherladies，he，toberevengedonherforshuttinghimoutofhisownhouse，determinedtogoanddinewiththislady，andshereceivinghimwithgreatcivility，andhiswifehavingsohighlyoffendedhim，Antipholuspromisedtogiveheragoldchainwhichhehadintendedasapresentforhiswife；itwasthesamechainwhichthegoldsmithbymistakehadgiventohisbrother。TheladylikedsowellthethoughtsofhavingafinegoldchainthatshegavethemarriedAntipholusaring；whichwhen，asshesupposed(takinghisbrotherforhim)，hedenied，andsaidhedidnotknowher，andleftherinsuchawildpassion，shebegantothinkhewascertainlyoutofhissenses；andpresentlysheresolvedtogoandtellAdrianathatherhusbandwasmad。AndwhileshewastellingittoAdrianahecame，attendedbythejailer(whoallowedhimtocomehometogetthemoneytopaythedebt)，forthepurseofmoneywhichAdrianahadsentbyDromioandhehaddeliveredtotheotherAntipholus。
Adrianabelievedthestorytheladytoldherofherhusband”smadnessmustbetruewhenhereproachedherforshuttinghimoutofhisownhouse；andrememberinghowhehadprotestedalldinner-timethathewasnotherhusbandandhadneverbeeninEphesustillthatday，shehadnodoubtthathewasmad；shethereforepaidthejailerthemoney，and，havingdischargedhim，sheorderedherservantstobindherhusbandwithropes，andhadhimconveyedintoadarkroom，andsentforadoctortocomeandcurehimofhismadness，Antipholusallthewhilehotlyexclaimingagainstthisfalseaccusation，whichtheexactlikenessheboretohisbrotherhadbroughtuponhim。Buthisrageonlythemoreconfirmedtheminthebeliefthathewasmad；
andDromiopersistinginthesamestory，theyboundhimalsoandtookhimawayalongwithhismaster。
SoonafterAdrianahadputherhusbandintoconfinementaservantcametotellherthatAntipholusandDromiomusthavebrokenloosefromtheirkeepers，forthattheywerebothwalkingatlibertyinthenextstreet。OnhearingthisAdrianaranouttofetchhimhome，takingsomepeoplewithhertosecureherhusbandagain；andhersisterwentalongwithher。Whentheycametothegatesofaconventintheirneighborhood，theretheysawAntipholusandDromio，astheythought，beingagaindeceivedbythelikenessofthetwinbrothers。
AntipholusofSyracusewasstillbesetwiththeperplexitiesthislikenesshadbroughtuponhim。Thechainwhichthegoldsmithhadgivenhimwasabouthisneck，andthegoldsmithwasreproachinghimfordenyingthathehaditandrefusingtopayforit，andAntipholuswasprotestingthatthegoldsmithfreelygavehimthechaininthemorning，andthatfromthathourhehadneverseenthegoldsmithagain。
AndnowAdrianacameuptohimandclaimedhimasherlunatichusbandwhohadescapedfromhiskeepers，andthemenshebroughtwithherweregoingtolayviolenthandsonAntipholusandDromio；buttheyranintotheconvent，andAntipholusbeggedtheabbesstogivehimshelterinherhouse。
Andnowcameouttheladyabbessherselftoinquireintothecauseofthisdisturbance。Shewasagraveandvenerablelady，andwisetojudgeofwhatshesaw，andshewouldnottoohastilygiveupthemanwhohadsoughtprotectioninherhouse；soshestrictlyquestionedthewifeaboutthestoryshetoldofherhusband”smadness，andshesaid：
“Whatisthecauseofthissuddendistemperofyourhusband”s？
Hashelosthiswealthatsea？Orisitthedeathofsomedearfriendthathasdisturbedhismind？“
Adrianarepliedthatnosuchthingsasthesehadbeenthecause。
“Perhaps，“saidtheabbess，“hehasfixedhisaffectionsonsomeotherladythanyou，hiswife，andthathasdrivenhimtothisstate。”
Adrianasaidshehadlongthoughttheloveofsomeotherladywasthecauseofhisfrequentabsencesfromhome。
Nowitwasnothisloveforanother，buttheteasingjealousyofhiswife”stemper，thatoftenobligedAntipholustoleavehishome；andtheabbess(suspectingthisfromthevehemenceofAdriana”smanner)，tolearnthetruth，said：
“Youshouldhavereprehendedhimforthis。”
“Why，soIdid，“repliedAdriana。
“Aye，“saidtheabbess，“butperhapsnotenough。”
Adriana，willingtoconvincetheabbessthatshehadsaidenoughtoAntipholusonthissubject，replied：“Itwastheconstantsubjectofourconversation；inbedIwouldnotlethimsleepforspeakingofit。AttableIwouldnotlethimeatforspeakingofit。WhenIwasalonewithhimItalkedofnothingelse；andincompanyIgavehimfrequenthintsofit。Stillallmytalkwashowvileandbaditwasinhimtoloveanyladybetterthanme。”
Theladyabbess，havingdrawnthisfullconfessionfromthejealousAdriana，nowsaid：“Andthereforecomesitthatyourhusbandismad。Thevenomousclamorofajealouswomanisamoredeadlypoisonthanamaddog”stooth。Itseemshissleepwashinderedbyyourrailing；nowonderthathisheadislight；andhismeatwassaucedwithyourupbraidings；unquietmealsmakeilldigestions，andthathasthrownhimintothisfever。Yousayhissportsweredisturbedbyyourbrawls；beingdebarredfromtheenjoymentofsocietyandrecreation，whatcouldensuebutdullmelancholyandcomfortlessdespair？Theconsequenceis，then，thatyourjealousfitshavemadeyourhusbandmad。”
Lucianawouldhaveexcusedhersister，sayingshealwaysreprehendedherhusbandmildly；andshesaidtohersister，“Whydoyouheartheserebukeswithoutansweringthem？“
Buttheabbesshadmadehersoplainlyperceiveherfaultthatshecouldonlyanswer，“Shehasbetrayedmetomyownreproof。”
Adriana，thoughashamedofherownconduct，stillinsistedonhavingherhusbanddelivereduptoher；buttheabbesswouldsuffernopersontoenterherhouse，norwouldshedeliverupthisunhappymantothecareofthejealouswife，determiningherselftousegentlemeansforhisrecovery，andsheretiredintoherhouseagain，andorderedhergatestobeshutagainstthem。
Duringthecourseofthiseventfulday，inwhichsomanyerrorshadhappenedfromthelikenessthetwinbrothersboretoeachother，oldAegeon”sdayofgracewaspassingaway，itbeingnownearsunset；andatsunsethewasdoomedtodieifhecouldnotpaythemoney。
Theplaceofhisexecutionwasnearthisconvent，andherehearrivedjustastheabbessretiredintotheconvent；thedukeattendinginperson，that，ifanyofferedtopaythemoney，hemightbepresenttopardonhim。
Adrianastoppedthismelancholyprocession，andcriedouttothedukeforjustice，tellinghimthattheabbesshadrefusedtodeliverupherlunatichusbandtohercare。Whileshewasspeaking，herrealhusbandandhisservant，Dromio，whohadgotloose，camebeforetheduketodemandjustice，complainingthathiswifehadconfinedhimonafalsechargeoflunacy，andtellinginwhatmannerhehadbrokenhisbandsandeludedthevigilanceofhiskeepers。Adrianawasstrangelysurprisedtoseeherhusbandwhenshethoughthehadbeenwithintheconvent。
Aegeon，seeinghisson，concludedthiswasthesonwhohadlefthimtogoinsearchofhismotherandhisbrother，andhefeltsecurethatthisdearsonwouldreadilypaythemoneydemandedforhisransom。HethereforespoketoAntipholusinwordsoffatherlyaffection，withjoyfulhopethatheshouldnowbereleased。But，totheutterastonishmentofAegeon，hissondeniedallknowledgeofhim，aswellhemight，forthisAntipholushadneverseenhisfathersincetheywereseparatedinthestorminhisinfancy。ButwhilethepooroldAegeonwasinvainendeavoringtomakehissonacknowledgehim，thinkingsurelythateitherhisgriefsandtheanxietieshehadsufferedhadsostrangelyalteredhimthathissondidnotknowhimorelsethathewasashamedtoacknowledgehisfatherinhismisery——inthemidstofthisperplexitytheladyabbessandtheotherAntipholusandDromiocameout，andthewonderingAdrianasawtwohusbandsandtwoDromiosstandingbeforeher。
Andnowtheseriddlingerrors，whichhadsoperplexedthemall，wereclearlymadeout。WhenthedukesawthetwoAntipholusesandthetwoDromiosbothsoexactlyalike，heatonceconjecturedarightoftheseseemingmysteries，forherememberedthestoryAegeonhadtoldhiminthemorning；andhesaidthesemenmustbethetwosonsofAegeonandtheirtwinslaves。
Butnowanunlooked-forjoyindeedcompletedthehistoryofAegeon；andthetalehehadinthemorningtoldinsorrow，andundersentenceofdeath，beforethesettingsunwentdownwasbroughttoahappyconclusion，forthevenerableladyabbessmadeherselfknowntobethelong-lostwifeofAegeonandthefondmotherofthetwoAntipholuses。
WhenthefishermentooktheeldestAntipholusandDromioawayfromher，sheenteredanunnery，andbyherwiseandvirtuousconductshewasatlengthmadeladyabbessofthisconventandindischargingtheritesofhospitalitytoanunhappystrangershehadunknowinglyprotectedherownson。
Joyfulcongratulationsandaffectionategreetingsbetweentheselong-separatedparentsandtheirchildrenmadethemforawhileforgetthatAegeonwasyetundersentenceofdeath。Whentheywerebecomealittlecalm，AntipholusofEphesusofferedtheduketheransommoneyforhisfather”slife；butthedukefreelypardonedAegeon，andwouldnottakethemoney。Andthedukewentwiththeabbessandhernewlyfoundhusbandandchildrenintotheconvent，tohearthishappyfamilydiscourseatleisureoftheblessedendingoftheiradversefortunes。AndthetwoDromios”
humblejoymustnotbeforgotten；theyhadtheircongratulationsandgreetings，too，andeachDromiopleasantlycomplimentedhisbrotheronhisgoodlooks，beingwellpleasedtoseehisownperson(asinaglass)showsohandsomeinhisbrother。
Adrianahadsowellprofitedbythegoodcounselofhermother-in-lawthatsheneveraftercherishedunjustsuspicionsnorwasjealousofherhusband。
AntipholusofSyracusemarriedthefairLuciana，thesisterofhisbrother”swife；andthegoodoldAegeon，withhiswifeandsons，livedatEphesusmanyyears。Nordidtheunravelingoftheseperplexitiessoentirelyremoveeverygroundofmistakeforthefuturebutthatsometimes，toremindthemofadventurespast，comicalblunderswouldhappen，andtheoneAntipholus，andtheoneDromio，bemistakenfortheother，makingaltogetherapleasantanddivertingComedyofErrors。
MEASUREFORMEASURE
InthecityofViennathereoncereignedadukeofsuchamildandgentletemperthathesufferedhissubjectstoneglectthelawswithimpunity；andtherewasinparticularonelawtheexistenceofwhichwasalmostforgotten，thedukeneverhavingputitinforceduringhiswholereign。Thiswasalawdoominganymantothepunishmentofdeathwhoshouldlivewithawomanthatwasnothiswife；andthislaw，throughthelenityoftheduke，beingutterlydisregarded，theholyinstitutionofmarriagebecameneglected，andcomplaintswereeverydaymadetothedukebytheparentsoftheyoungladiesinViennathattheirdaughtershadbeenseducedfromtheirprotectionandwerelivingasthecompanionsofsinglemen。
Thegooddukeperceivedwithsorrowthisgrowingevilamonghissubjects；buthethoughtthatasuddenchangeinhimselffromtheindulgencehehadhithertoshown，tothestrictseverityrequisitetocheckthisabuse，wouldmakehispeople(whohadhithertolovedhim)considerhimasatyrant；thereforehedeterminedtoabsenthimselfawhilefromhisdukedomanddeputeanothertothefullexerciseofhispower，thatthelawagainstthesedishonorableloversmightbeputineffect，withoutgivingoffensebyanunusualseverityinhisownperson。
Angelo，amanwhoborethereputationofasaintinViennaforhisstrictandrigidlife，waschosenbythedukeasafitpersontoundertakethisimportantcharge；andwhenthedukeimpartedhisdesigntoLordEscalus，hischiefcounselor，Escalussaid：
“IfanymaninViennabeofworthtoundergosuchamplegraceandhonor，itisLordAngelo。”
AndnowthedukedepartedfromViennaunderpretenseofmakingajourneyintoPoland，leavingAngelotoactasthelorddeputyinhisabsence；buttheduke”sabsencewasonlyafeignedone，forheprivatelyreturnedtoVienna，habitedlikeafriar，withtheintenttowatchunseentheconductofthesaintly-seemingAngelo。
IthappenedjustaboutthetimethatAngelowasinvestedwithhisnewdignitythatagentleman，whosenamewasClaudio，hadseducedayoungladyfromherparents；andforthisoffense，bycommandofthenewlorddeputy，Claudiowastakenupandcommittedtoprison，andbyvirtueoftheoldlawwhichhadbeensolongneglectedAngelosentencedClaudiotobebeheaded。GreatinterestwasmadeforthepardonofyoungClaudio，andthegoodoldLordEscalushimselfintercededforhim。
“Alas！“saidhe，“thisgentlemanwhomIwouldsavehadanhonorablefather，forwhosesakeIprayyoupardontheyoungman”stransgression。”
ButAngeloreplied：“Wemustnotmakeascarecrowofthelaw，settingituptofrightenbirdsofprey，tillcustom，findingitharmless，makesittheirperchandnottheirterror。Sir，hemustdie。”
Lucio，thefriendofClaudio，visitedhimintheprison，andClaudiosaidtohim：“Iprayyou，Lucio，domethiskindservice。
GotomysisterIsabel，whothisdayproposestoentertheconventofSaintClare；acquaintherwiththedangerofmystate；
imploreherthatshemakefriendswiththestrictdeputy；bidhergoherselftoAngelo。Ihavegreathopesinthat；forshecandiscoursewithprosperousart，andwellshecanpersuade；
besides，thereisaspeechlessdialectinyouthfulsorrowsuchasmovesmen。”
Isabel，thesisterofClaudio，had，ashesaid，thatdayentereduponhernovitiateintheconvent，anditwasherintent，afterpassingthroughherprobationasanovice，totaketheveil，andshewasinquiringofanunconcerningtherulesoftheconventwhentheyheardthevoiceofLucio，who，asheenteredthatreligioushouse，said，“Peacebeinthisplace！“
“Whoisitthatspeaks？“saidIsabel。
“Itisaman”svoice，“repliedthenun。“GentleIsabel，gotohim，andlearnhisbusiness；youmay，Imaynot。Whenyouhavetakentheveil，youmustnotspeakwithmenbutinthepresenceoftheprioress；thenifyouspeakyoumustnotshowyourface，orifyoushowyourfaceyoumustnotspeak。”
“Andhaveyoununsnofurtherprivileges？“saidIsabel。
“Arenottheselargeenough？“repliedthenun。
“Yes，truly，“saidIsabel。“Ispeaknotasdesiringmore，butratherwishingamorestrictrestraintuponthesisterhood，thevotaristsofSaintClare。”
AgaintheyheardthevoiceofLucio，andthenunsaid：“Hecallsagain。Iprayyouanswerhim。”
IsabelthenwentouttoLucio，andinanswertohissalutation，said：“PeaceandProsperity！Whoisitthatcalls？“
ThenLucio，approachingherwithreverence，said：“Hail，virgin，ifsuchyoube，astherosesonyourcheeksproclaimyouarenoless！CanyoubringmetothesightofIsabel，anoviceofthisplace，andthefairsistertoherunhappybrotherClaudio？“
“Whyherunhappybrother？“saidIsabel，“letmeask！forIamthatIsabelandhissister。”
“Fairandgentlelady，“hereplied，“yourbrotherkindlygreetsyoubyme；heisinprison。”
“Woeisme！forwhat？“saidIsabel。
LuciothentoldherClaudiowasimprisonedforseducingayoungmaiden。“Ah，“saidshe，“IfearitismycousinJuliet。”
JulietandIsabelwerenotrelated，buttheycalledeachothercousininremembranceoftheirschool-days”friendship；andasIsabelknewthatJulietlovedClaudio，shefearedshehadbeenledbyheraffectionforhimintothistransgression。
“Sheitis，“repliedLucio。
“Why，then，letmybrothermarryJuliet，“saidIsabel。
LuciorepliedthatClaudiowouldgladlymarryJuliet，butthatthelorddeputyhadsentencedhimtodieforhisoffense。
“Unless，“saidhe，“youhavethegracebyyourfairprayertosoftenAngelo，andthatismybusinessbetweenyouandyourpoorbrother。”
“Alas！“saidIsabel，“whatpoorabilityisthereinmetodohimgood？IdoubtIhavenopowertomoveAngelo。”
“Ourdoubtsaretraitors，“saidLucio，“andmakeuslosethegoodwemightoftenwin，byfearingtoattemptit。GotoLordAngelo！
Whenmaidenssueandkneelandweepmengivelikegods。”
“IwillseewhatIcandosaidIsabel。“Iwillbutstaytogivetheprioressnoticeoftheaffair，andthenIwillgotoAngelo。
Commendmetomybrother。SoonatnightIwillsendhimwordofmysuccess。”
IsabelhastenedtothepalaceandthrewherselfonherkneesbeforeAngelo，saying，“IamawoefulsuitortoyourHonor，ifitwillpleaseyourHonortohearme。”
“Well，whatisyoursuit？“saidAngelo。
Shethenmadeherpetitioninthemostmovingtermsforherbrother”slife。
ButAngelosaid，“Maiden，thereisnoremedy；yourbrotherissentenced，andhemustdie。”
“Oh，justbutseverelaw！“saidIsabel。“Ihadabrotherthen。
HeavenkeepyourHonor！“andshewasabouttodepart。
ButLucio，whohadaccompaniedher，said：“Giveitnotoverso；
returntohimagain，entreathim，kneeldownbeforehim，hanguponhisgown。Youaretoocold；ifyoushouldneedapin，youcouldnotwithamoretametonguedesireit。”
ThenagainIsabelonherkneesimploredformercy。
“Heissentenced，“saidAngelo。“Itistoolate。”
“Toolate！“saidIsabel。“Why，no！Ithatdospeakawordmaycallitbackagain。Believethis，mylord，noceremonythattogreatonesbelongs，nottheking”scrown，northedeputedsword，themarshal”struncheon，northejudge”srobe，becomesthemwithonehalfsogoodagraceasmercydoes。”
“Prayyoubegone，“saidAngelo。
ButstillIsabelentreated；andshesaid：“Ifmybrotherhadbeenasyou，andyouashe，youmighthaveslippedlikehim，buthe，likeyou，wouldnothavebeensostern。IwouldtoHeavenIhadyourpowerandyouwereIsabel。Shoulditthenbethus？No，I
wouldtellyouwhatitweretobeajudge，andwhataprisoner。”
“Becontent，fairmaid！“saidAngelo：“itisthelaw，notI，condemnsyourbrother。Werehemykinsman，mybrother，ormyson，itshouldbethuswithhim。Hemustdieto-morrow。”
“To-morrow？“saidIsabel。“Oh，thatissudden！Sparehim，sparehim。Heisnotpreparedfordeath。Evenforourkitchenswekillthefowlinseason；shallweserveHeavenwithlessrespectthanweministertoourgrossselves？Good，good，mylord，bethinkyou，nonehavediedformybrother”soffense，thoughmanyhavecommittedit。Soyouwouldbethefirstthatgivesthissentenceandhethefirstthatsuffersit。Gotoyourownbosom，mylord；
knockthere，andaskyourheartwhatitdoesknowthatislikemybrother”sfault；ifitconfessanaturalguiltinesssuchashisis，letitnotsoundathoughtagainstmybrother”slife！“
HerlastwordsmoremovedAngelothanallshehadbeforesaid，forthebeautyofIsabelhadraisedaguiltypassioninhisheartandhebegantoformthoughtsofdishonorablelove，suchasClaudio”scrimehadbeen，andtheconflictinhismindmadehimtoturnawayfromIsabel；butshecalledhimback，saying：
“Gentlemylord，turnback。Hark，howIwillbribeyou。Goodmylord，turnback！“
“How！bribeme？“saidAngelo，astonishedthatsheshouldthinkofofferinghimabribe。
“Aye，“saidIsabel，“withsuchgiftsthatHeavenitselfshallsharewithyou；notwithgoldentreasures，orthoseglitteringstoneswhosepriceiseitherrichorpoorasfancyvaluesthem，butwithtrueprayersthatshallbeuptoHeavenbeforesunrise——prayersfrompreservedsouls，fromfastingmaidswhosemindsarededicatedtonothingtemporal。”
“Well，cometometo-morrow，“saidAngelo。
Andforthisshortrespiteofherbrother”slife，andforthispermissionthatshemightbeheardagain，shelefthimwiththejoyfulhopethatsheshouldatlastprevailoverhissternnature。Andasshewentawayshesaid：“HeavenkeepyourHonorsafe！HeavensaveyourHonor！“Which，whenAngeloheard，hesaidwithinhisheart，“Amen，Iwouldbesavedfromtheeandfromthyvirtues。”Andthen，affrightedathisownevilthoughts，hesaid：
“Whatisthis？Whatisthis？DoIloveher，thatIdesiretohearherspeakagainandfeastuponhereyes？WhatisitIdreamon？
Thecunningenemyofmankind，tocatchasaint，withsaintsdoesbaitthehook。Nevercouldanimmodestwomanoncestirmytemper，butthisvirtuouswomansubduesmequite。Eventillnow，whenmenwerefond，Ismiledandwonderedatthem。”
IntheguiltyconflictinhismindAngelosufferedmorethatnightthantheprisonerhehadsoseverelysentenced；forintheprisonClaudiowasvisitedbythegoodduke，who，inhisfriar”shabit，taughttheyoungmanthewaytoheaven，preachingtohimthewordsofpenitenceandpeace。ButAngelofeltallthepangsofirresoluteguilt，nowwishingtoseduceIsabelfromthepathsofinnocenceandhonor，andnowsufferingremorseandhorrorforacrimeasyetbutintentional。Butintheendhisevilthoughtsprevailed；andhewhohadsolatelystartedattheofferofabriberesolvedtotemptthismaidenwithsohighabribeasshemightnotbeabletoresist，evenwiththepreciousgiftofherdearbrother”slife。
WhenIsabelcameinthemorningAngelodesiredshemightbeadmittedalonetohispresence；andbeingthere，hesaidtoher，ifshewouldyieldtohimhervirginhonorandtransgressevenasJuliethaddonewithClaudio，hewouldgiveherherbrother”slife。
“For，“saidhe，“Iloveyou，Isabel。”
“Mybrother，“saidIsabel，“didsoloveJuliet，andyetyoutellmeheshalldieforit。”
“But，“saidAngelo，“Claudioshallnotdieifyouwillconsenttovisitmebystealthatnight，evenasJulietleftherfather”shouseatnighttocometoClaudio。”
Isabel，inamazementathiswords，thatheshouldtempthertothesamefaultforwhichhepassedsentenceuponherbrother，said，“Iwoulddoasmuchformypoorbrotherasformyself；thatis，wereIundersentenceofdeath，theimpressionofkeenwhipsIwouldwearasrubies，andgotomydeathastoabedthatlongingIhadbeensickfor，ereIwouldyieldmyselfuptothisshame。”Andthenshetoldhimshehopedheonlyspokethesewordstotryhervirtue。
Buthesaid，“Believeme，onmyhonor，mywordsexpressmypurpose。”
Isabel，angeredtothehearttohearhimusethewordhonortoexpresssuchdishonorablepurposes，said：“Ha！littlehonortobemuchbelieved；andmostperniciouspurpose。Iwillproclaimthee，Angelo，lookforit！Signmeapresentpardonformybrother，orIwilltelltheworldaloudwhatmanthouart！“
“Whowillbelieveyou，Isabel？“saidAngelo；“myunsoiledname，theausterenessofmylife，mywordvouchedagainstyours，willoutweighyouraccusation。Redeemyourbrotherbyyieldingtomywill，orheshalldieto-morrow。Asforyou，saywhatyoucan，myfalsewilloverweighyourtruestory。Answermeto-morrow。”
“TowhomshouldIcomplain？DidItellthis，whowouldbelieveme？“saidIsabel，asshewenttowardthedrearyprisonwhereherbrotherwasconfined。Whenshearrivedthereherbrotherwasinpiousconversationwiththeduke，whoinhisfriar”shabithadalsovisitedJulietandbroughtboththeseguiltyloverstoapropersenseoftheirfault；andunhappyJulietwithtearsandatrueremorseconfessedthatshewasmoretoblamethanClaudio，inthatshewillinglyconsentedtohisdishonorablesolicitations。
AsIsabelenteredtheroomwhereClaudiowasconfined，shesaid，“Peacebehere，grace，andgoodcompany！“
“Whoisthere？“saidthedisguisedduke。“Comein；thewishdeservesawelcome。”
“MybusinessisawordortwowithClaudio，“saidIsabel。
Thenthedukeleftthemtogether，anddesiredtheprovostwhohadthechargeoftheprisonerstoplacehimwherehemightoverheartheirconversation。
“Now，sister，whatisthecomfort？“saidClaudio。
Isabeltoldhimhemustpreparefordeathonthemorrow。
“Istherenoremedy？“saidClaudio。
“Yes，brother，“repliedIsabel，“thereis；butsuchaoneasifyouconsentedtoitwouldstripyourhonorfromyouandleaveyounaked。”
“Letmeknowthepoint，“saidClaudio。
“Oh，Idofearyou，Claudio！“repliedhissister；“andIquake，lestyoushouldwishtolive，andmorerespectthetriflingtermofsixorsevenwintersaddedtoyourlifethanyourperpetualhonor！Doyoudaretodie？Thesenseofdeathismostinapprehension，andthepoorbeetlethatwetreaduponfeelsapangasgreataswhenagiantdies。”
“Whydoyougivemethisshame？“saidClaudio。“ThinkyouIcanfetcharesolutionfromflowerytenderness？IfImustdie，Iwillencounterdarknessasabrideandhugitinmyarms。”
“Therespokemybrother，“saidIsabel；“theremyfather”sgravedidutterforthavoice！Yes，youmustdie；yetwouldyouthinkit，Claudio，thisoutwardsainteddeputy，ifIwouldyieldtohimmyvirginhonor，wouldgrantyourlife？Oh，wereitbutmylife，Iwouldlayitdownforyourdeliveranceasfranklyasapin！“
“Thanks，dearIsabel，“saidClaudio。
“Bereadytodieto-morrow，“saidIsabel。
“Deathisafearfulthing，“saidClaudio。
“Andshamedlifeahateful，“repliedhissister。
ButthethoughtsofdeathnowovercametheconstancyofClaudio”stemper，andterrors，suchastheguiltyonlyattheirdeathsdoknow，assailinghim，hecriedout：“Sweetsister，letmelive！
Thesinyoudotosaveabrother”slife，naturedispenseswiththedeedsofarthatitbecomesavirtue。”
“Ofaithlesscoward！Odishonestwretch！“saidIsabel。“Wouldyoupreserveyourlifebyyoursister”sshame？Oh，fie，fie，fie！I
thought，mybrother，youhadinyousuchamindofhonorthat，hadyoutwentyheadstorenderupontwentyblocks，youwouldhaveyieldedthemupallbeforeyoursistershouldstooptosuchdishonor。”
“Nay，hearme，Isabel！“saidClaudio。
Butwhathewouldhavesaidindefenseofhisweaknessindesiringtolivebythedishonorofhisvirtuoussisterwasinterruptedbytheentranceoftheduke；whosaid：
“Claudio，Ihaveoverheardwhathaspassedbetweenyouandyoursister。Angelohadneverthepurposetocorrupther；whathesaid，hasonlybeentomaketrialofhervirtue。She，havingthetruthofhonorinher，hasgivenhimthatgraciousdenialwhichheismostillgladtoreceive。Thereisnohopethathewillpardonyou；thereforepassyourhoursinprayer，andmakereadyfordeath。”
ThenClaudiorepentedofhisweakness，andsaid：“Letmeaskmysister”spardon！IamsooutoflovewithlifethatIwillsuetoberidofit。”AndClaudioretired，overwhelmedwithshameandsorrowforhisfault。
Theduke，beingnowalonewithIsabel，commendedhervirtuousresolution，saying，“Thehandthatmadeyoufairhasmadeyougood。”
“Oh，“saidIsabel，“howmuchisthegooddukedeceivedinAngelo！
Ifeverhereturn，andIcanspeaktohim，Iwilldiscoverhisgovernment。”Isabelknewnotthatshewasevennowmakingthediscoveryshethreatened。
Thedukereplied：“Thatshallnotbemuchamiss；yetasthematternowstands，Angelowillrepelyouraccusation；thereforelendanattentiveeartomyadvisings。Ibelievethatyoumaymostrighteouslydoapoorwrongedladyameritedbenefit，redeemyourbrotherfromtheangrylaw，donostaintoyourownmostgraciousperson，andmuchpleasetheabsentduke，ifperadventureheshalleverreturntohavenoticeofthisbusiness。”
Isabelsaidshehadaspirittodoanythinghedesired，provideditwasnothingwrong。
“Virtueisboldandneverfearful，“saidtheduke：andthenheaskedher，ifshehadeverheardofMariana，thesisterofFrederick，thegreatsoldierwhowasdrownedatsea。
“Ihaveheardofthelady，“saidIsabel，“andgoodwordswentwithhername。”
“Thislady，“saidtheduke，“isthewifeofAngelo；buthermarriagedowrywasonboardthevesselinwhichherbrotherperished，andmarkhowheavilythisbefelltothepoorgentlewoman！for，besidesthelossofamostnobleandrenownedbrother，whoinhislovetowardherwasevermostkindandnatural，inthewreckofherfortuneshelosttheaffectionsofherhusband，thewell-seemingAngelo，who，pretendingtodiscoversomedishonorinthishonorablelady(thoughthetruecausewasthelossofherdowry)，leftherinhertearsanddriednotoneofthemwithhiscomfort。Hisunjustunkindness，thatinallreasonshouldhavequenchedherlove，has，likeanimpedimentinthecurrent，madeitmoreunruly，andMarianaloveshercruelhusbandwiththefullcontinuanceofherfirstaffection。”
Thedukethenmoreplainlyunfoldedhisplan。ItwasthatIsabelshouldgotoLordAngeloandseeminglyconsenttocometohimashedesiredatmidnight；thatbythismeansshewouldobtainthepromisedpardon；andthatMarianashouldgoinhersteadtotheappointment，andpassherselfuponAngelointhedarkforIsabel。
“Nor，gentledaughter，“saidthefeignedfriar，“fearyoutothisthing。Angeloisherhusband，andtobringthemthustogetherisnosin。
Isabel，beingpleasedwiththisproject，departedtodoashedirectedher；andhewenttoappriseMarianaoftheirintention。
Hehadbeforethistimevisitedthisunhappyladyinhisassumedcharacter，givingherreligiousinstructionandfriendlyconsolation，atwhichtimeshehadlearnedhersadstoryfromherownlips；andnowshe，lookinguponhimasaholyman，readilyconsentedtobedirectedbyhiminthisundertaking。
WhenIsabelreturnedfromherinterviewwithAngelo，tothehouseofMariana，wherethedukehadappointedhertomeethim，hesaid：“Wellmet，andingoodtime。Whatisthenewsfromthisgooddeputy？“
Isabelrelatedthemannerinwhichshehadsettledtheaffair。
“Angelo，“saidshe，“hasagardensurroundedwithabrickwall，onthewesternsideofwhichisavineyard，andtothatvineyardisagate。”AndthensheshowedtothedukeandMarianatwokeysthatAngelohadgivenher；andshesaid：“Thisbiggerkeyopensthevineyardgate；thisotheralittledoorwhichleadsfromthevineyardtothegarden。ThereIhavemademypromiseatthedeadofthenighttocalluponhim，andhavegotfromhimhiswordofassuranceformybrother”slife。Ihavetakenadueandwarynoteoftheplace；andwithwhisperingandmostguiltydiligenceheshowedmethewaytwiceover。”
“Aretherenoothertokensagreeduponbetweenyou，thatMarianamustobserve？“saidtheduke。
“No，none，“saidIsabel，“onlytogowhenitisdark。Ihavetoldhimmytimecanbebutshort；forIhavemadehimthinkaservantcomesalongwithme，andthatthisservantispersuadedIcomeaboutmybrother。”
Thedukecommendedherdiscreetmanagement，andshe，turningtoMariana，said，“LittlehaveyoutosaytoAngelo，whenyoudepartfromhim，butsoftandlow，REMEMBERNOWMYBROTHER！“
MarianawasthatnightconductedtotheappointedplacebyIsabel，whorejoicedthatshehad，asshesupposed，bythisdevicepreservedbothherbrother”slifeandherownhonor。Butthatherbrother”slifewassafethedukewasnotwellsatisfied，andthereforeatmidnightheagainrepairedtotheprison，anditwaswellforClaudiothathedidso，elsewouldClaudiohavethatnightbeenbeheaded；forsoonafterthedukeenteredtheprisonanordercamefromthecrueldeputycommandingthatClaudioshouldbebeheadedandhisheadsenttohimbyfiveo”clockinthemorning。ButthedukepersuadedtheprovosttoputofftheexecutionofClaudio，andtodeceiveAngelobysendinghimtheheadofamanwhodiedthatmorningintheprison。Andtoprevailupontheprovosttoagreetothis，theduke，whomstilltheprovostsuspectednottobeanythingmoreorgreaterthanheseemed，showedtheprovostaletterwrittenwiththeduke”shand，andsealedwithhisseal，whichwhentheprovostsaw，heconcludedthisfriarmusthavesomesecretorderfromtheabsentduke，andthereforeheconsentedtospareClaudio；andhecutoffthedeadman”sheadandcarriedittoAngelo。
ThenthedukeinhisownnamewrotetoAngeloalettersayingthatcertainaccidentshadputastoptohisjourneyandthatheshouldbeinViennabythefollowingmorning，requiringAngelotomeethimattheentranceofthecity，theretodeliveruphisauthority；andthedukealsocommandedittobeproclaimedthatifanyofhissubjectscravedredressforinjusticetheyshouldexhibittheirpetitionsinthestreetonhisfirstentranceintothecity。
EarlyinthemorningIsabelcametotheprison，andtheduke，whothereawaitedhercoming，forsecretreasonsthoughtitgoodtotellherthatClaudiowasbeheaded；thereforewhenIsabelinquiredifAngelohadsentthepardonforherbrother，hesaid：
“AngelohasreleasedClaudiofromthisworld。Hisheadisoffandsenttothedeputy。”
Themuch-grievedsistercriedout，“OunhappyClaudio，wretchedIsabel，injuriousworld，mostwickedAngelo！“
Theseemingfriarbidhertakecomfort，andwhenshewasbecomealittlecalmheacquaintedherwiththenearprospectoftheduke”sreturnandtoldherinwhatmannersheshouldproceedinpreferringhercomplaintagainstAngelo；andhebadehernotfearifthecauseshouldseemtogoagainstherforawhile。LeavingIsabelsufficientlyinstructed，henextwenttoMarianaandgavehercounselinwhatmannershealsoshouldact。
Thenthedukelaidasidehisfriar”shabit，andinhisownroyalrobes，amidajoyfulcrowdofhisfaithfulsubjectsassembledtogreethisarrival，enteredthecityofVienna，wherehewasmetbyAngelo，whodelivereduphisauthorityintheproperform。AndtherecameIsabel，inthemannerofapetitionerforredress，andsaid：
“Justice，mostroyalduke！IamthesisterofoneClaudio，who，fortheseducingayoungmaid，wascondemnedtolosehishead。I
mademysuittolordAngeloformybrother”spardon。ItwereneedlesstotellyourGracehowIprayedandkneeled，howherepelledme，andhowIreplied；forthiswasofmuchlength。ThevileconclusionInowbeginwithgriefandpaintoutter。Angelowouldnot，butbymyyieldingtohisdishonorablelove，releasemybrother；andaftermuchdebatewithinmyselfmysisterlyremorseovercamemyvirtue，andIdidyieldtohim。Butthenextmorningbetimes，Angelo，forfeitinghispromise，sentawarrantformypoorbrother”shead！“
Thedukeaffectedtodisbelieveherstory；andAngelosaidthatgriefforherbrother”sdeath，whohadsufferedbytheduecourseofthelaw，haddisorderedhersenses。
Andnowanothersuitorapproached，whichwasMariana；andMarianasaid：“Nobleprince，astherecomeslightfromheavenandtruthfrombreath，asthereissenseintruthandtruthinvirtue，Iamthisman”swife，and，mygoodlord，thewordsofIsabelarefalse，forthenightshesaysshewaswithAngeloIpassedthatnightwithhiminthegarden-house。Asthisistrueletmeinsafetyrise，orelseforeverbefixedhereamarblemonument。”
ThendidIsabelappealforthetruthofwhatshehadsaidtoFriarLodowick，thatbeingthenamethedukehadassumedinhisdisguise。IsabelandMarianahadbothobeyedhisinstructionsinwhattheysaid，thedukeintendingthattheinnocenceofIsabelshouldbeplainlyprovedinthatpublicmannerbeforethewholecityofVienna；butAngelolittlethoughtthatitwasfromsuchacausethattheythusdifferedintheirstory，andhehopedfromtheircontradictoryevidencetobeabletoclearhimselffromtheaccusationofIsabel；andhesaid，assumingthelookofoffendedinnocence：
“Ididbutsmiletillnow；but，goodmylord，mypatiencehereistouched，andIperceivethesepoor，distractedwomenarebuttheinstrumentsofsomegreateronewhosetsthemon。Letmehaveway，mylord，tofindthispracticeout。”
“Aye，withallmyheart，“saidtheduke，“andpunishthemtotheheightofyourpleasure。You，LordEscalus，sitwithLordAngelo，lendhimyourpainstodiscoverthisabuse；thefriarissentforthatsetthemon，andwhenhecomesdowithyourinjuriesasmayseembestinanychastisement。Iforawhilewillleaveyou，butstirnotyou，LordAngelo，tillyouhavewelldetermineduponthisslander。”Thedukethenwentaway，leavingAngelowellpleasedtobedeputedjudgeandumpireinhisowncause。Butthedukewasabsentonlywhilehethrewoffhisroyalrobesandputonhisfriar”shabit；andinthatdisguiseagainhepresentedhimselfbeforeAngeloandEscalus。AndthegoodoldEscalus，whothoughtAngelohadbeenfalselyaccused，saidtothesupposedfriar，“Come，sir，didyousetthesewomenontoslanderLordAngelo？“
Hereplied：“Whereistheduke？Itishewhoshouldhearmespeak。”
Escalussaid：“Thedukeisinus，andwewillhearyou。Speakjustly。”
“Boldly，atleast，“retortedthefriar；andthenheblamedthedukeforleavingthecauseofIsabelinthehandsofhimshehadaccused，andspokesofreelyofmanycorruptpracticeshehadobservedwhile，ashesaid，hehadbeenalooker-oninVienna，that，Escalusthreatened，himwiththetortureforspeakingwordsagainstthestateandforcensuringtheconductoftheduke，andorderedhimtobetakenawaytoprison。Then，totheamazementofallpresent，andtotheutterconfusionofAngelo，thesupposedfriarthrewoffhisdisguise，andtheysawitwasthedukehimself。
ThedukefirstaddressedIsabel。Hesaidtoher：“Comehither，Isabel。Yourfriarisnowyourprince，butwithmyhabitIhavenotchangedmyheart。Iamstilldevotedtoyourservice。”
“Oh，givemepardon，“saidIsabel，“thatI，yourvassal，haveemployedandtroubledyourunknownsovereignty。”
HeansweredthathehadmostneedofforgivenessfromherfornothavingpreventedthedeathofherbrotherfornotyetwouldhetellherthatClaudiowasliving；meaningfirsttomakeafurthertrialofhergoodness。
Angelonowknewthedukehadbeenasecretwitnessofhisbaddeeds，andbesaid：“Omydreadlord，Ishouldbeguiltierthanmyguiltiness，tothinkIcanbeundiscernible，whenIperceiveyourGrace，likepowerdivine，haslookeduponmyactions。Then，goodprince，nolongerprolongmyshame，butletmytrialbemyownconfession。ImmediatesentenceanddeathisallthegraceI
beg。”
Thedukereplied：“Angelo，thyfaultsaremanifest。WedocondemntheetotheveryblockwhereClaudiostoopedtodeath，andwithlikehasteawaywithhim；andforhispossessions，Mariana，wedoinstateandwidowyouwithal，tobuyyouabetterhusband。”
“Omydearlord，“saidMariana，“Icravenoother，nornobetterman！“Andthenonherknees，evenasIsabelhadbeggedthelifeofClaudio，didthiskindwifeofanungratefulhusbandbegthelifeofAngelo；andshesaid：“Gentlemyliege，Ogoodmylord！
SweetIsabel，takemypart！LendmeyourkneesandallmylifetocomeIwilllendyouallmylife，todoyouservice！“
Thedukesaid：“Againstallsenseyouimportuneher。ShouldIsabelkneeldowntobegformercy，herbrother”sghostwouldbreakhispavedbedandtakeherhenceinhorror。”
StillMarianasaid：“Isabel，sweetIsabel，dobutkneelbyme，holdupyourhand，saynothing！Iwillspeakall。Theysaybestmenaremoldedoutoffaults，andforthemostpartbecomemuchthebetterforbeingalittlebad。Somaymyhusband。OIsabel！
willyounotlendaknee？“
Thedukethensaid，“HediesforClaudio。”ButmuchpleasedwasthegooddukewhenhisownIsabel，fromwhomheexpectedallgraciousandhonorableacts，kneeleddownbeforehim，andsaid：
“Mostbounteoussir，look，ifitpleaseyou，onthismancondemned，asifmybrotherlived。Ipartlythinkaduesinceritygovernedhisdeedstillhedidlookonme。Sinceitisso，lethimnotdie！Mybrotherhadbutjusticeinthathedidthethingforwhichhedied。”
Theduke，asthebestreplyhecouldmaketothisnoblepetitionerforherenemy”slife，sendingforClaudiofromhisprisonhouse，wherehelaydoubtfulofhisdestiny，presentedtoherthislamentedbrotherliving；andhesaidtoIsabel：“Givemeyourhand，Isabel。ForyourlovelysakeIpardonClaudio。Sayyouwillbemine，andheshallbemybrother，too。”
BythistimeLordAngeloperceivedhewassafe；andtheduke，observinghiseyetobrightenupalittle，said：
“Well，Angelo，lookthatyouloveyourwife；herworthhasobtainedyourpardon。Joytoyou，Mariana！Loveher，Angelo！I
haveconfessedherandknowhervirtue。”
Angeloremembered，whendressedinalittlebriefauthority，howhardhishearthadbeen，andfelthowsweetismercy。
ThedukecommandedClaudiotomarryJuliet，andofferedhimselfagaintotheacceptanceofIsabel，whosevirtuousandnobleconducthadwonherprince”sheart。Isabel，nothavingtakentheveil，wasfreetomarry；andthefriendlyoffices，whilehidunderthedisguiseofahumblefriar，whichthenobledukehaddoneforher，madeherwithgratefuljoyacceptthehonorheofferedher；andwhenshebecameDuchessofViennatheexcellentexampleofthevirtuousIsabelworkedsuchacompletereformationamongtheyoungladiesofthatcity，thatfromthattimenoneeverfellintothetransgressionofJuliet，therepentantwifeofthereformedClaudio。Andthemercy-lovingdukelongreignedwithhisbelovedIsabel，thehappiestofhusbandsandofprinces。
TWELFTHNIGHT；OR，WHATYOUWILL
SebastianandhissisterViola，ayounggentlemanandladyofMessaline，weretwins，and(whichwasaccountedagreatwonder)
fromtheirbirththeysomuchresembledeachotherthat，butforthedifferenceintheirdress，theycouldnotbeknownapart。
Theywerebothborninonehour，andinonehourtheywerebothindangerofperishing，fortheywereshipwreckedonthecoastofIllyria，astheyweremakingasea-voyagetogether。Theshiponboardofwhichtheyweresplitonarockinaviolentstorm，andaverysmallnumberoftheship”scompanyescapedwiththeirlives。Thecaptainofthevessel，withafewofthesailorsthatweresaved，gottolandinasmallboat，andwiththemtheybroughtViolasafeonshore，whereshe，poorlady，insteadofrejoicingatherowndeliverance，begantolamentherbrother”sloss；butthecaptaincomfortedherwiththeassurancethathehadseenherbrother，whentheshipsplit，fastenhimselftoastrongmast，onwhich，aslongashecouldseeanythingofhimforthedistance，heperceivedhimborneupabovethewaves。
Violawasmuchconsoledbythehopethisaccountgaveher，andnowconsideredbowshewastodisposeofherselfinastrangecountry，sofarfromhome；andsheaskedthecaptainifheknewanythingofIllyria。
“Aye，verywell，madam，“repliedthecaptain，“forIwasbornnotthreehours”travelfromthisplace。”
“Whogovernshere？“saidViola。ThecaptaintoldherIllyriawasgovernedbyOrsino，adukenobleinnatureaswellasdignity。
Violasaid，shehadheardherfatherspeakofOrsino，andthathewasunmarriedthen。
“Andheissonow，“saidthecaptain；“orwassoverylatefor，butamonthago，Iwentfromhere，andthenitwasthegeneraltalk(asyouknowwhatgreatonesdo，thepeoplewillprattleof)
thatOrsinosoughttheloveoffairOlivia，avirtuousmaid，thedaughterofacountwhodiedtwelvemonthsago，leavingOliviatotheprotectionofherbrother，whoshortlyafterdiedalso；andfortheloveofthisdearbrother，theysay，shehasabjuredthesightandcompanyofmen。”
Viola，whowasherselfinsuchasadafflictionforherbrother”sloss，wishedshecouldlivewiththisladywhosotenderlymournedabrother”sdeath。SheaskedthecaptainifbecouldintroducehertoOlivia，sayingshewouldwillinglyservethislady。Butherepliedthiswouldbeahardthingtoaccomplish，becausetheLadyOliviawouldadmitnopersonintoherhousesinceherbrother”sdeath，noteventhedukehimself。ThenViolaformedanotherprojectinhermind，whichwas，inaman”shabit，toservetheDukeOrsinoasapage。Itwasastrangefancyinayoungladytoputonmaleattireandpassforaboy；buttheforlornandunprotectedstateofViola，whowasyoungandofuncommonbeauty，alone，andinaforeignland，mustpleadherexcuse。
Shehavingobservedafairbehaviorinthecaptain，andthatheshowedafriendlyconcernforherwelfare，intrustedhimwithherdesign，andhereadilyengagedtoassisther。Violagavehimmoneyanddirectedhimtofurnishherwithsuitableapparel，orderingherclothestobemadeofthesamecolorandinthesamefashionherbrotherSebastianusedtowear，andwhenshewasdressedinhermanlygarbshelookedsoexactlylikeherbrotherthatsomestrangeerrorshappenedbymeansoftheirbeingmistakenforeachother，for，aswillafterwardappear，Sebastianwasalsosaved。
Viola”sgoodfriend，thecaptain，whenhehadtransformedthisprettyladyintoagentleman，havingsomeinterestatcourt，gotherpresentedtoOrsinounderthefeignednameofCesario。Thedukewaswonderfullypleasedwiththeaddressandgracefuldeportmentofthishandsomeyouth，andmadeCesariooneofhispages，thatbeingtheofficeViolawishedtoobtain；andshesowellfulfilledthedutiesofhernewstation，andshowedsuchareadyobservanceandfaithfulattachmenttoherlord，thatshesoonbecamehismostfavoredattendant。ToCesarioOrsinoconfidedthewholehistoryofhislovefortheladyOlivia。ToCesariohetoldthelongandunsuccessfulsuithehadmadetoonewho，rejectinghislongservicesanddespisinghisperson，refusedtoadmithimtoherpresence；andfortheloveofthisladywhohadsounkindlytreatedhimthenobleOrsino，forsakingthesportsofthefieldandallmanlyexercisesinwhichheusedtodelight，passedhishoursinignoblesloth，listeningtotheeffeminatesoundsofsoftmusic，gentleairs，andpassionatelove-songs；andneglectingthecompanyofthewiseandlearnedlordswithwhomheusedtoassociate，hewasnowalldaylongconversingwithyoungCesario。UnmeetcompanionnodoubthisgravecourtiersthoughtCesariowasfortheironcenoblemaster，thegreatDukeOrsino。
Itisadangerousmatterforyoungmaidenstobetheconfidantesofhandsomeyoungdukes；whichViolatoosoonfound，tohersorrow，forallthatOrsinotoldherheenduredforOliviashepresentlyperceivedshesufferedfortheloveofhim，andmuchitmovedherwonderthatOliviacouldbesoregardlessofthisherpeerlesslordandmaster，whomshethoughtnoonecouldbeholdwithoutthedeepestadmiration，andsheventuredgentlytohinttoOrsino，thatitwasapityheshouldaffectaladywhowassoblindtohisworthyqualities；andshesaid：
“Ifaladyweretoloveyou，mylord，asyouloveOlivia(andperhapstheremaybeonewhodoes)，ifyoucouldnotloveherinreturn)wouldyounottellherthatyoucouldnotlove，andmustshenotbecontentwiththisanswer？“
ButOrsinowouldnotadmitofthisreasoning，forhedeniedthatitwaspossibleforanywomantoloveashedid。Hesaidnowoman”sheartwasbigenoughtoholdsomuchlove，andthereforeitwasunfairtocomparetheloveofanyladyforhimtohisloveforOlivia。Now，thoughViolahadtheutmostdeferencefortheduke”sopinions，shecouldnothelpthinkingthiswasnotquitetrue，forshethoughtherhearthadfullasmuchloveinitasOrsino”shad；andshesaid：
“Ah，butIknow，mylord。”
“Whatdoyouknow，Cesario？“saidOrsino。
“ToowellIknow，“repliedViola，“whatlovewomenmayowetomen。Theyareastrueofheartasweare。Myfatherhadadaughterlovedaman，asIperhaps，wereIawoman，shouldloveyourlordship。”
“Andwhatisherhistory？“saidOrsino。
“Ablank，mylord，“repliedViola。“Shenevertoldherlove，butletconcealment，likeaworminthebud，feedonherdamaskcheek。Shepinedinthought，andwithagreenandyellowmelancholyshesatlikePatienceonamonument，smilingatGrief。”
Thedukeinquiredifthisladydiedofherlove，buttothisquestionViolareturnedanevasiveanswer；asprobablyshehadfeignedthestory，tospeakwordsexpressiveofthesecretloveandsilentgriefshesufferedforOrsino。
Whiletheyweretalking，agentlemanenteredwhomthedukehadsenttoOlivia，andhesaid，“Sopleaseyou，mylord，Imightnotbeadmittedtothelady，butbyherhandmaidshereturnedyouthisanswer：Untilsevenyearshencetheelementitselfshallnotbeholdherface；butlikeacloistressshewillwalkveiled，wateringherchamberwithhertearsforthesadremembranceofherdeadbrother。”
Onhearingthisthedukeexclaimed，“Oh，shethathasaheartofthisfineframe，topaythisdebtoflovetoadeadbrother，howwillshelovewhentherichgoldenshafthastouchedherheart！“
AndthenhesaidtoViola：“Youknow，Cesario，Ihavetoldyouallthesecretsofmyheart；therefore，goodyouth，gotoOlivia”shouse。Benotdeniedaccess；standatherdoorsandtellherthereyourfixedfootshallgrowtillyouhaveaudience。”
“AndifIdospeaktoher，mylord，whatthen？“saidViola。
“Oh，then，“repliedOrsino，“unfoldtoherthepassionofmylove。Makealongdiscoursetoherofmydearfaith。Itwillwellbecomeyoutoactmywoes，forshewillattendmoretoyouthantooneofgraveraspect。”
AwaythenwentViola；butnotwillinglydidsheundertakethiscourtship，forshewastowooaladytobecomeawifetohimshewishedtomarry；but，havingundertakentheaffair，sheperformeditwithfidelity，andOliviasoonheardthatayouthwasatherdoorwhoinsisteduponbeingadmittedtoherpresence。
“Itoldhim，“saidtheservant，“thatyouweresick。Hesaidheknewyouwere，andthereforehecametospeakwithyou。Itoldhimthatyouwereasleep。Heseemedtohaveaforeknowledgeofthat，too，andsaidthatthereforehemustspeakwithyou。Whatistobesaidtohim，lady？forheseemsfortifiedagainstalldenial，andwillspeakwithyou，whetheryouwillorno。”
Olivia，curioustoseewhothisperemptorymessengermightbe，desiredbemightbeadmitted，and，throwingherveiloverherface，shesaidshewouldoncemorehearOrsino”sembassy，notdoubtingbutthathecamefromtheduke，byhisimportunity。
Viola，entering，putonthemostmanlyairshecouldassume，and，affectingthefinecourtierlanguageofgreatmen”spages，shesaidtotheveiledlady：
“Mostradiant，exquisite，andmatchlessbeauty，Iprayyoutellmeifyouaretheladyofthehouse；forIshouldbesorrytocastawaymyspeechuponanother；forbesidesthatitisexcellentlywellpenned，Ihavetakengreatpainstolearnit。”
“Whencecomeyou，sir？“saidOlivia。
“IcansaylittlemorethanIhavestudied，“repliedViola，andthatquestionisoutofmypart。”
“Areyouacomedian？“saidOlivia。
“No，“repliedViola；“andyetIamnotthatwhichIplay，“
meaningthatshe，beingawoman，feignedherselftobeaman。AndagainsheaskedOliviaifsheweretheladyofthehouse。
Oliviasaidshewas；andthenViola，havingmorecuriositytoseeherrival”sfeaturesthanhastetodeliverhermaster”smessage，said，“Goodmadam，letmeseeyourface。”WiththisboldrequestOliviawasnotaversetocomply，forthishaughtybeauty，whomtheDukeOrsinohadlovedsolonginvain，atfirstsightconceivedapassionforthesupposedpage，thehumbleCesario。
WhenViolaaskedtoseeherface，Oliviasaid，“Haveyouanycommissionfromyourlordandmastertonegotiatewithmyface？“
Andthen，forgettingherdeterminationtogoveiledforsevenlongyears，shedrewasideherveil，saying：“ButIwilldrawthecurtainandshowthepicture。Isitnotwelldone？“
Violareplied：“Itisbeautytrulymixed；theredandwhiteuponyourcheeksisbyNature”sowncunninghandlaidon。Youarethemostcruelladylivingifyouleadthesegracestothegraveandleavetheworldnocopy。”
“Oh，sir，“repliedOlivia，“Iwillnotbesocruel。Theworldmayhaveaninventoryofmybeauty。As，item，twolips，indifferentred；item，twograyeyeswithlidstothem；oneneck；onechin；
andsoforth。Wereyousentheretopraiseme？“
Violareplied，“Iseewhatyouare：youaretooproud，butyouarefair。Mylordandmasterlovesyou。Oh，suchalovecouldbutberecompensedthoughyouwerecrownedthequeenofbeauty；forOrsinolovesyouwithadorationandwithtears，withgroansthatthunderlove，andsighsoffire。”
“Yourlord，“saidOlivia，“knowswellmymind。Icannotlovehim；
yetIdoubtnotheisvirtuous；Iknowhimtobenobleandofhighestate，offreshandspotlessyouth。Allvoicesproclaimhimlearned，courteous，andvaliant；yetIcannotlovehim。Hemighthavetakenhisanswerlongago。”
“IfIdidloveyouasmymasterdoes，“saidViola，“Iwouldmakemeawillowcabinatyourgates，andcalluponyourname。IwouldwritecomplainingsonnetsonOlivia，andsingtheminthedeadofthenight。Yournameshouldsoundamongthehills，andIwouldmakeEcho，thebabblinggossipoftheair，cryoutOLIVIA。Oh，youshouldnotrestbetweentheelementsofearthandair，butyoushouldpityme。”
“Youmightdomuch，“saidOlivia。“Whatisyourparentage？”“
Violareplied：“Abovemyfortunes，yetmystateiswell。Iamagentleman。”
OlivianowreluctantlydismissedViola，saying：“GotoyourmasterandtellhimIcannotlovehim。Lethimsendnomore，”unlessperchanceyoucomeagaintotellmehowhetakesit。”
AndVioladeparted，biddingtheladyfarewellbythenameofFairCruelty。WhenshewasgoneOliviarepeatedthewords，ABOVEMY
FORTUNES，YETMYSTATEISWELL。IAMAGENTLEMAN。Andshesaidaloud，“Iwillbeswornheis；histongue，hisface，hislimbs，action，andspiritplainlyshowheisagentleman。”AndthenshewishedCesariowastheduke；and，perceivingthefastholdhehadtakenonheraffections，sheblamedherselfforhersuddenlove；
butthegentleblamewhichpeoplelayupontheirownfaultshasnodeeproot，andpresentlythenobleladyOliviasofarforgottheinequalitybetween，herfortunesandthoseofthisseemingpage，aswellasthemaidenlyreservewhichisthechiefornamentofalady”scharacter，thatsheresolvedtocourttheloveofyoungCesario，andsentaservantafterhimwithadiamondring，underthepretensethathehadleftitwithherasapresentfromOrsino。ShehopedbythusartfullymakingCesarioapresentoftheringsheshouldgivehimsomeintimationofherdesign；andtrulyitdidmakeViolasuspect；for，knowingthatOrsinohadsentnoringbyher，shebegantorecollectthatOlivia”slooksandmannerwereexpressiveofadmiration，andshepresentlyguessedhermaster”smistresshadfalleninlovewithher。
“Alas！“saidshe，“thepoorladymightaswellloveadream。
DisguiseIseeiswicked，forithascausedOliviatobreatheasfruitlesssighsformeasIdoforOrsino。”
ViolareturnedtoOrsino”spalace，andrelatedtoherlordtheillsuccessofthenegotiation，repeatingthecommandofOliviathatthedukeshouldtroublehernomore。YetstillthedukepersistedinhopingthatthegentleCesariowouldintimebeabletopersuadehertoshowsomepity，andthereforehebadehimheshouldgotoheragainthenextday。Inthemeantime，topassawaythetediousinterval，hecommandedasongwhichhelovedtobesung；andhesaid：
“MygoodCesario，whenIheardthatsonglastnight，methoughtitdidrelievemypassionmuch。Markit，Cesario，itisoldandplain。Thespinstersandtheknitterswhentheysitinthesun，andtheyoungmaidsthatweavetheirthreadwithbone，chantthissong。Itissilly，yetIloveit，forittellsoftheinnocenceofloveintheoldtimes。”
SONG
Comeaway，comeaway，Death，Andinsadcypressletmebelaid；
Flyaway，flyaway，breath，Iamslainbyafaircruelmaid。
Myshroudofwhitestuckallwithyew，Oprepareit！
Mypartofdeathnoonesotruedidshareit。
Notaflower，notaflowersweet，Onmyblackcoffinlettherebestrewn：
Notafriend，notafriendgreetMypoorcorpse，wheremybonesshallbethrown。
Athousandthousandsighstosave，laymeOwhereSadtrueloverneverfindmygrave，toweepthere！
Violadidnotfailtomarkthewordsoftheoldsong，whichinsuchtruesimplicitydescribedthepangsofunrequitedlove，andsheboretestimonyinhercountenanceoffeelingwhatthesongexpressed。HersadlookswereobservedbyOrsino，whosaidtoher：
“Mylifeuponit，Cesario，thoughyouaresoyoung，youreyehaslookeduponsomefacethatitloves。Hasitnot，boy？“
“Alittle，withyourleave，“repliedViola。
“Andwhatkindofwoman，andofwhatageisshe？“saidOrsino。
“Ofyourageandofyourcomplexion，mylord，“saidViola；whichmadethedukesmiletohearthisfairyoungboylovedawomansomucholderthanhimselfandofaman”sdarkcomplexion；butViolasecretlymeantOrsino，andnotawomanlikehim。
WhenViolamadehersecondvisittoOliviashefoundnodifficultyingainingaccesstoher。Servantssoondiscoverwhentheirladiesdelighttoconversewithhandsomeyoungmessengers；
andtheinstantViolaarrivedthegateswerethrownwideopen，andtheduke”spagewasshownintoOlivia”sapartmentwithgreatrespect。AndwhenViolatoldOliviathatshewascomeoncemoretopleadinherlord”sbehalf，thisladysaid：
“Idesiredyounevertospeakofhimagain；butifyouwouldundertakeanothersuit，Ihadratherhearyousolicit，thanmusicfromthespheres。”
Thiswasprettyplainspeaking，butOliviasoonexplainedherselfstillmoreplainly，andopenlyconfessedherlove；andwhenshesawdispleasurewithperplexityexpressedinViola”sface，shesaid：“Oh，whatadealofscornlooksbeautifulinthecontemptandangerofhislip！Cesario，bytherosesofthespring，bymaidhood，honor，andbytruth，Iloveyousothat，inspiteofyourpride，Ihaveneitherwitnorreasontoconcealmypassion。”
Butinvaintheladywooed。Violahastenedfromherpresence，threateningnevermoretocometopleadOrsino”slove；andallthereplyshemadetoOlivia”sfondsolicitationwas，adeclarationofaresolutionNEVERTOLOVEANYWOMAN。
NosoonerhadViolalefttheladythanaclaimwasmadeuponhervalor。Agentleman，arejectedsuitorofOlivia，whohadlearnedhowthatladyhadfavoredtheduke”smessenger，challengedhimtofightaduel。WhatshouldpoorViolado，who，thoughshecarriedaman-likeoutside，hadatruewoman”sheartandfearedtolookonherownsword？
When，shesawherformidablerivaladvancingtowardherwithhissworddrawnshebegantothinkofconfessingthatshewasawoman；butshewasrelievedatoncefromherterror，andtheshameofsuchadiscovery，byastrangerthatwaspassingby，whomadeuptothem，andasifhehadbeenlongknowntoherandwereherdearestfriendsaidtoheropponent：
“Ifthisyounggentlemanhasdoneoffense，Iwilltakethefaultonme；andifyouoffendhim，Iwillforhissakedefyyou。”
BeforeViolahadtimetothankhimforhisprotection，ortoinquirethereasonofhiskindinterference，hernewfriendmetwithanenemywherehisbraverywasofnousetohim；fortheofficersofjusticecomingupinthatinstant，apprehendedthestrangerintheduke”sname，toanswerforanoffensehehadcommittedsomeyearsbefore；andhesaidtoViola：
“Thiscomeswithseekingyou。”Andthenheaskedherforapurse，saying：“Nowmynecessitymakesmeaskformypurse，anditgrievesmemuchmoreforwhatIcannotdoforyouthanforwhatbefallsmyself。Youstandamazed，butbeofcomfort。”
HiswordsdidindeedamazeViola，andsheprotestedsheknewhimnot，norhadeverreceivedapursefromhim；butforthekindnesshehadjustshownhersheofferedhimasmallsumofmoney，beingnearlythewholeshepossessed。Andnowthestrangerspokeseverethings，chargingherwithingratitudeandunkindness。Hesaid：
“ThisyouthwhomyouseehereIsnatchedfromthejawsofdeath，andforhissakealoneIcametoIllyriaandhavefallenintothisdanger。”
Buttheofficerscaredlittleforharkeningtothecomplaintsoftheirprisoner，andtheyhurriedhimoff，saying，“Whatisthattous？“Andashewascarriedaway，hecalledViolabythenameofSebastian，reproachingthesupposedSebastianfordisowninghisfriend，aslongashewaswithinhearing。WhenViolaheardherselfcalledSebastian，thoughthestrangerwastakenawaytoohastilyforhertoaskanexplanation，sheconjecturedthatthisseemingmysterymightarisefromherbeingmistakenforherbrother，andshebegantocherishhopesthatitwasherbrotherwhoselifethismansaidhehadpreserved。Andsoindeeditwas。
Thestranger，whosenamewasAntonio，wasasea-captain。HehadtakenSebastianupintohisshipwhen，almostexhaustedwithfatigue，hewasfloatingonthemasttowhichhehadfastenedhimselfinthestorm。AntonioconceivedsuchafriendshipforSebastianthatheresolvedtoaccompanyhimwhithersoeverhewent；andwhentheyouthexpressedacuriositytovisitOrsino”scourt，Antonio，ratherthanpartfromhim，cametoIllyria，thoughheknew，ifhispersonshouldbeknownthere，hislifewouldbeindanger，becauseinasea-fighthehadoncedangerouslywoundedtheDukeOrsino”snephew。Thiswastheoffenseforwhichhewasnowmadeaprisoner。
AntonioandSebastianhadlandedtogetherbutafewhoursbeforeAntoniometViola。HehadgivenhispursetoSebastian，desiringhimtouseitfreelyifhesawanythinghewishedtopurchase，tellinghimhewouldwaitattheinnwhileSebastianwenttoviewthetown；but，Sebastiannotreturningatthetimeappointed，Antoniohadventuredouttolookforhim，and，priestmadeOrsinobelievethathispagehadrobbedhimofthetreasureheprizedabovehislife。Butthinkingthatitwaspastrecall，hewasbiddingfarewelltohisfaithlessmistress，andtheYOUNG
DISSEMBLER，herhusband，ashecalledViola，warninghernevertocomeinhissightagain，when(asitseemedtothem)amiracleappeared！foranotherCesarioentered，andaddressedOliviaashiswife。ThisnewCesariowasSebastian，therealhusbandofOlivia；andwhentheirwonderhadalittleceasedatseeingtwopersonswiththesameface，thesamevoice，andthesamehabit，thebrotherandsisterbegantoquestioneachother；forViolacouldscarcebepersuadedthatherbrotherwasliving，andSebastianknewnothowtoaccountforthesisterhesupposeddrownedbeingfoundinthehabitofayoungman。ButViolapresentlyacknowledgedthatshewasindeedViola，andhissister，underthatdisguise。
Whenalltheerrorswereclearedupwhichtheextremelikenessbetweenthisbrotherandsisterhadoccasioned，theylaughedattheLadyOliviaforthepleasantmistakeshehadmadeinfallinginlovewithawoman；andOliviashowednodisliketoherexchange，whenshefoundshehadweddedthebrotherinsteadofthesister。
ThehopesofOrsinowereforeveratanendbythismarriageofOlivia，andwithhishopes，allhisfruitlessloveseemedtovanishaway，andallhisthoughtswerefixedontheeventofhisfavorite，youngCesario，beingchangedintoafairlady。HeviewedViolawithgreatattention，andherememberedhowveryhandsomehehadalwaysthoughtCesariowas，andheconcludedshewouldlookverybeautifulinawoman”sattire；andthenherememberedhowoftenshehadsaidSHELOVEDHIM，whichatthetimeseemedonlythedutifulexpressionsofafaithfulpage；butnowheguessedthatsomethingmorewasmeant，formanyofherprettysayings，whichwerelikeriddlestohim，camenowintohismind，andhenosoonerrememberedallthesethingsthanheresolvedtomakeViolahiswife；andhesaidtoher(hestillcouldnothelpcallingherCESARIOandBOY)：
“Boy，youhavesaidtomeathousandtimesthatyoushouldneverloveawomanliketome，andforthefaithfulserviceyouhavedoneformesomuchbeneathyoursoftandtenderbreeding，andsinceyouhavecalledmemastersolong，youshallnowbeyourmaster”smistress，andOrsino”strueduchess。”
Olivia，perceivingOrsinowasmakingoverthatheart，whichshehadsoungraciouslyrejected，toViola，invitedthemtoenterherhouseandofferedtheassistanceofthegoodpriestwhohadmarriedhertoSebastianinthemorningtoperformthesameceremonyintheremainingpartofthedayforOrsinoandViola。
Thusthetwinbrotherandsisterwerebothweddedonthesameday，thestormandshipwreckwhichhadseparatedthembeingthemeansofbringingtopasstheirhighandmightyfortunes。，ViolawasthewifeofOrsino，theDukeofIllyria，andSebastianthehusbandoftherichandnoblecountess，theLadyOlivia。
