Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare
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page 4 of 164 (02%)
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There is a kind of character in thy life
That to th' observer doth thy history Fully unfold. Thyself and thy belongings Are not thine own so proper as to waste Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves: for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd But to fine issues: nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines Herself the glory of a creditor, Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech To one that can my part in him advertise; Hold, therefore, Angelo; In our remove be thou at full ourself: Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart! Old Escalus, 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 stamped upon it. DUKE. No more evasion: |
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