Measure for Measure

In Act IV, Scene II, the Provost goes to Claudio, showing him the warrant for his death. Claudio's cellmate, Barnardine, who is also to be executed, is lazy and sleeping, Claudio tells him. The Duke enters, still dressed as a friar, and says there is some hope for Claudio yet creating suspense. A message comes from Angelo, and the Duke is convinced that it is a pardon; but it is an order to go ahead with Claudio's execution, despite whatever orders to the contrary from other sources.