Dagger of the Mind - The Ballad of Isabella (Measure for Measure II.ii)

Measure for Measure II.ii

There is a vice I do most abhor,
And most desires should meet the blow of justice;
For which I would not plead, but that I must;
For which I must not plead, but that I am at war…

If he had been as you and you as he
You would have slipped like him but he
Would not have been so stern like you.

And how would you be if He
Who is the top of judgment
Should judge you as you are

Knock, at your Heart and see who answers there
And ask your heart what it doth know
Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue
Against my brother's crime of love

Not the kings crown, nor the deputed sword,
The marshal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does—You are too cold.

Is it her fault, or mine?
The tempter or the tempted, who sins most?
Nor she doth she tempt; but it is I
Can it be modesty may betray our sense?