his list of that year; the latter, by an entry of the 'Court Revels,' from October, 1604, to October, 1605, which reads: By his Matis Plaiers. On St Stivens night in the Hall, a Play caled Mesur for Mesur.' This entry, however, is now called a forgery, so we are thrown back upon internal evidence to determine our dates. A likeness between the duke and King James has been repeatedly pointed out, and would seem to place the play at the time of that monarch's accession, 1603. This year is further supported by the play's strong similarity in tone and treatment to Hamlet,' and by metrical tests which place it among the maturer works. Critics are generally agreed in fixing the date at 1603 or 1604. EARLY EDITIONS The First Folio edition of 1623 contains the earliest known text of this play. It occupies pages 61 to 84, and is fourth among the comedies. It is divided into acts and scenes, and is followed by The names of all the Actors,' which list omits Varrius and the Justice. The text is generally clear, though several obscure passages have given much trouble to commentators, who have no earlier version to fall back upon. [DRAMATIS PERSONÆ VINCENTIO, the Duke. ANGELO, Deputy. ESCALUS, an ancient Lord. Two other Gentlemen. Provost. THOMAS, A Justice. } two friars. ELBOW, a simple constable. FROTH, a foolish gentleman. POMPEY, Servant to Mistress Overdone. ABHORSON, an executioner. BARNARDINE, a dissolute prisoner. ISABELLA, sister to Claudio. MARIANNA, betrothed to Angelo. JULIET, beloved of Claudio. FRANCISCA, a nun. MISTRESS OVERDONE, a bawd. Lords, Officers, Citizens, Boy, and Attendants. SCENE: Vienna.] MEASURE, FOR MEASURE Actus primus, Scena prima. SCALUS. Esc. My Lord. Duke. Duk. Of Government, the properties to unfold, Would seeme in me t'affect speech & discourse, Since I am put1 to know, that your owne Science Exceedes (in that) the lists 2 of all advice 1 so placed My strength can give you: Then no more remaines 10 But that, to your sufficiency, as your worth is able, And let them worke: The nature of our People, Our Cities Institutions, and the Termes For Common Justice, y'are as pregnant in As Art, and practise, hath inriched any That we remember: There is our Commission, II. But, etc.: But that to your sufficiency .. ...... 13. Cities: city's-RowE. 2 bounds as your worth is able-CAMBRIDGE From which, we would not have you warpe; call hither, I say, bid come before us Angelo: [Exit an Attendant.] Lent him our terror, drest him with our love, To undergoe such ample grace, and honour, Enter Angelo. Duk. Looke where he comes. Ang. Alwayes obedient to your Graces will, I come to know your pleasure. Duke. Angelo: There is a kinde of Character in thy life, 20 30 40 As if we had them not: Spirits are not finely tonch'd, But to fine issues: nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence, But like a thrifty goddesse, she determines Her selfe the glory of a creditour, 1 interest Both thanks, and use;1 but I do bend my speech |