In the play " Measure for Measure" by Shakespeare, it starts with Angelo telling Escalus that they "must not make a scarecrow of the law" (Act II, scene 1, line 1), meaning that they must not waver in their decisions. Escalus argues that they should 'cut a little' rather than 'fall, and bruise to death', comparing law enforcement to pruning a tree. The position being taken is that it is better to trim the tree than to cut it down. Escalus also brings up Claudio's specific case, asking Angelo to consider whether he could have erred in the same way during some point in his life.

Angelo responds, "Tis one thing to be tempted, [Escalus] another thing to fall" (Act II, scene 1, line 17). He argues that, despite the ever-changing line between lawmaker and criminal, the law must still stand firm. He admits that he himself is capable of transgression, but adds that he hopes to be treated with the same strictness should he do wrong. Angelo then calls in the provost and tells him to ensure that Claudio is executed before nine o'clock the next morning.

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