Act IV, Scene 4

Angelo and Escalus discuss the letters received from the Duke. He has asked them to meet him at the gates and redeliver their authorities to him. After Escalus leaves, Angelo delivers a soliloquy. He is greatly worried for having 'deflowered' a maid and killed her brother. Still thinking he has slept with Isabella, he is concerned that she will openly accuse him, especially since he has still killed her brother, breaking his promise to her. He hopes that her shame over the act will keep her silent.

In his soliloquy, Angelo explains his reasons for breaking his promise to Isabella and carrying through with Claudio's execution. He is fearful that as a free man, Claudio would seek revenge on him. Angelo's conscience, however, is bothering him, and he seems to regret his action. He is also uneasy about the way he has treated Isabella and is scared that she might expose him.

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