William Shakespeare (1564—1616) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, considered by many as the greatest English writer. Hundreds of specialists were able to translate his works into every major language, and most of the plays are performed more often than those of any other author. The plot of the play "Measure for Measure" Shakespeare borrowed from the collection "Hecatommithi" by Giovanni Battista Giraldi. Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, realizing that during his reign there was a fall in morals, declares that he is going on a diplomatic mission outside his domains and leaves the strict judge Angelo in charge. Angelo soon uses his power and decides to execute the young nobleman Claud