Thus can the demigod Authority (Measure for Measure)

Themes: Broken Promises, Classical, Death, Measure for Measure, Shakespeare, Siblings
Length: 1 Minute

Claudio is speaking to Isabella about the consequences of broken promises and the authority that enforces them.

Thus can the demigod Authority make us pay down for our offence by weight the words of heaven; on whom it will, it will; on whom it will not, so; yet still ’tis just. For this new-married man approaching here, whose salt imagination yet hath wrong’d your well-defended honour, you must pardon for Mariana’s sake: but as he adjudged your brother,–being criminal in double violation of sacred chastity and of promise-breach thereon dependent, for which these tribulations of mine have been so solicitously weaved, for that I know. But as you would not consent to the peace with him, you would still be troubled with all. Go you to death, and I will be with you as a surety.