Act 4, Scene 4 Summary

Escalus and Angelo read over a letter just received from the Duke. All of the letters they have received from him contradict each other, and the two men are worried for the Duke's sanity. They are also confused at the contents of the current letter, which directs them to meet him at the gate of the city, and proclaim an hour ahead of his arrival that anyone with a complaint against Angelo or Escalus' actions should present their complaint to the Duke in the street. Escalus explains that the last directive makes sense because that way no one can later make unfair claims.

When Escalus leaves, Angelo worries about what he has done with "Isabella," wondering if she will bring her case to the Duke out of revenge because he failed to keep his side of the bargain. He concludes that...