Measure for Measure [Paperback]

'Language is his power. His characters are precisely the words they speak' A. S. Byatt

A young man is condemned to death for breaking a law forbidding sex outside marriage. When his sister pleads with the Lord Angelo to save him, he offers her a bargain - her brother's life in exchange for her virginity. One of Shakespeare's most enigmatic plays,Measure for Measureis a morally complex drama of intricate moves and countermoves that explores falsehood, justice and humanity's best and basest instincts.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by J. M. Nosworthy
Introduction by Julia Briggs

William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote about 38 plays (the precise number is uncertain), many of which are regarded as the most exceptional works of drama ever produced, includingRomeo and Juliet(1595),HenryV (1599),Hamlet(1601),Othello(1604),King Lear(1606) andMacbeth(1606), as well as a collection of 154 sonnets, which number among the most profound and influential love poetry in English. Shakespeare died in Stratford in 1616.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,lCŠ