Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

Escalus argues with Angelo that he is being too harsh in his punishment of Claudio. He asks Angelo if he has never fallen to the temptation the Claudio has. Angelo answers, "Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, / Another thing to fall." Angelo claims he has been tempted, but has never given into such temptations, and orders Claudio beheaded the following morning.

Constable Elbow brings in Froth and Pompey, accusing Pompey of being a bawd, and Froth is accused of having insulted Elbow's wife. Pompey defends Froth, but takes so long to tell his story, that Angelo leaves Escalus to handle the case. The scene is especially comic because Elbow misuses words, confusing everyone around him. Froth is eventually let go. Escalus lectures Pompey about his illegal practises, telling him he never wants to see him in his presence again for...