SHAKESPEARE is my Homeboy

The Influence of Basilikon Doron

Several themes and concepts present in Measure for Measure also appear in the Basilikon Doron by James I, published in London in 1603. Critic Ernest Schanzer has argued about the influence James I as well as Basilikon Doron had on Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Although Shanzer and others have cited similarities in theme, I was not able to find any similarities in diction between both works.

One theme which is explicit in both texts is the idea of tempering justice with mercy:

and yet so to temper and mixe your seueritie with mildnes, that as the vniust railers may be restrained with a reuerent awe; so the good and louing Subjects, may not onely liue in suretie and wealth, but be stirred vp and inuited by your benigne courtesies, to open their mouthes in the iust praise of your so well moderated regiment.
(Basilikon Doron, pg. 27)
(source: www.stoics.com/basilikon_doron.html)

We see a similar attitude toward justice expressed by the Duke toward Angelo in the first act:

Mortality and mercy in Vienna
Live in thy tongue and heart. (I, i, 42-43)

The qualities of an unjust ruler are discussed in Basilikon Doron, as they are in Shakespeare's work. This passage below seems to suggest the problems inherent in morally corrupt leaders such as Angelo:

As he cannot be thought worthy to rule and command others, that cannot rule and dantone his owne proper affections and vnreasonable appetites, so can hee not be thought worthie to gouerne a Christian people, knowing and fearing God, that in his owne person and heart, feareth not and loueth not the Diuine Maiestie. Neither can anything in his gouernment succeed well with him, (deuise and labour as he list) as comming from a filthie spring, if his person be vnsanctified:
(Basilikon Doron, pg 12)

Compare this passage above to Escalus's chastisement to Angelo in V.i, for his inability to control his own "proper affections and unreasonable appetites."

I am sorry one so learned and so wise
As you, Lord Angelo, have still appear'd
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood
And lack of temper'd judgement afterward.
(V, i , 469-471)

Finally, religious attitudes toward death in Measure for Measure seem to be at odds with those presented by James I, yet both articulate a strength and fearlessness in facing death:

And therefore, I would not haue you to pray with the Papists, to be preserued from suddaine death, but that God would giue you grace so to liue, as ye may euery houre of your life be ready for death: so shall ye attaine to the vertue of trew fortitude, neuer being afraid for the horrour of death, come when he list: (Basilikon Doron, pg 17)

The Duke (in disguise as Friar) says to Claudio:

Be absolute for death: either death or life
Shall thereby be the sweeter. (III, i, 5-6)