Act 4, Scene 2 Summary

At the prison, the Provost asks Pompey if he will work as an assistant to the executioner, Abhorson. If he refuses, Pompey will have to serve out his imprisonment and endure the whipping to which he was sentenced. Pompey agrees and discusses the trade of execution with Abhorson. Pompey argues that prostitution is also a trade because prostitutes are like artists. The Provost calls for Barnardine, a murderer, and Claudio who are to be executed tomorrow morning. Claudio tells the Provost that Barnardine cannot be woken.

The Duke, still disguised enters. The Provost asks if he has a pardon for Claudio. The Duke does not have a pardon, but is confident that Angelo will send a pardon (because he knows he is supposed to sleep with "Isabella" in return for Claudio's life). A messenger enters with a message from Angelo. The...