How we cite our quotes:
Quote #4
DUCHESS
One of his single words,
Would quite have freed my youngest, dearest son
From death or durance, and have made him walk
With bold foot upon the thorny law,
Whose prickles should bow under him.(1.2.114-118)
Did she just say that? Yep, she did. The Duchess really thinks that her son should be above the law. No class equality for her.
Quote #5
PIERO
My lord, what judgement follows the offender?ANTONIO
'Faith, none, my lord: it cools and is deferred.PIERO
Delay the doom for rape?ANTONIO
O you must note who 'tis should die.
The duchess' son, she'll look to be a saver […](1.4.53-58)
It's like in a western when you realize the corrupt sheriff is running everything. Justice is seriously out of whack in the Duke's lands, and other people know it. Whether it's right or not, you can see why vigilante heroes are springing up all over…
Quote #6
HIPPOLITO
Nay then, step forth thou bribeless officer. [Draws his sword.]
I bind you all in steel to bind you surely:
Here let your oaths meet, to be kept and paid,
Which else will stick like rust, and shame the blade.
Strengthen my vow, that if at the next sitting,
Judgement speak all in gold and spare the blood
Of such a serpent, e'en before their seats,
To let his soul out, which long since was found
Guilty in heaven.(1.4.59-67)
Here, Hippolito is exhorting Antonio and Piero to join him in avenging the rape of Antonio's wife. While Hippolito usually seems less revenge-obsessed than Vindice, here he takes the lead in committing to revenge, even though the offense isn't directly against him. Maybe revenge runs in the family.