Called away on business, Duke Vincentio leaves Vienna in the hands of his trusted minister Angelo. But as Angelo abuses his new power, he has no idea that the duke is hiding in the shadows, observing each and every dastardly deed in this dark comedy.  This title in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes: • An overview of William Shakespeare’s life, world, and theater • A special introduction to the play by the editor, S. Nagarajan • A note on the sources from which Shakespeare derived Measure for Measure • Dramatic criticism from G. Wilson Knight, Mary Lascelles, Marcia Riefer Poulsen, and others • A stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Measure for Measure • Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format • Recommended readings William Shakespeare  (1564–1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Act 1 Scene 1 running scene 1 Enter Duke, Escalus, Lords [and Attendants] DUKE Escalus. ESCALUS My lord. DUKE Of government the properties to unfold Would seem in me t'affect speech and discourse, Since I am put to know that your own science Exceeds, in that, the lists of all advice My strength can give you. Then no more remains But that to your sufficiency as your worth is able, And let them work. The nature of our people, Our city's institutions, and the terms For common justice, you're as pregnant in As art and practice hath enrichèd any That we remember. There is our commission, Hands him a paper From which we would not have you warp. Call hither, I say, bid come before us Angelo. [Exit an Attendant] What figure of us think you he will bear? For you must know, we have with special soul Elected him our absence to supply; Lent him our terror, dressed him with our love, And given his deputation all the organs Of our own power. What think you of it? ESCALUS If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour, It is Lord Angelo. DUKE Look where he comes. Enter Angelo ANGELO Always obedient to your grace's will, I come to know your pleasure. DUKE Angelo, 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 touched 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. Offers a paper ANGELO Now, good my lord, Let there be some more test made of my mettle, Before so noble and so great a figure Be stamped upon it. DUKE No more evasion. We have with a leavened and preparèd choice Proceeded to you: therefore take your honours. Angelo takes Our haste from hence is of so quick condition paper That it prefers itself and leaves unquestioned Matters of needful value. We shall write to you, 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, 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 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, Nor do I think the man of safe discretion That does affect it. Once more, fare you well. ANGELO The heavens give safety to your purposes! ESCALUS Lead forth and bring you back in happiness! DUKE I thank you. Fare you well. Exit ESCALUS I shall desire you, sir, to give me leave To have free speech with you; and it concerns me To look into the bottom of my place. A power I have, but of what strength and nature I am not yet instructed. ANGELO 'Tis so with me. Let us withdraw together, And we may soon our satisfaction have Touching that point. ESCALUS I'll wait upon your honour