Othello by William Shakespeare

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Table of Contents

1. Dramatis Personae 2. Act I 3. Act II 4. Act III 5. Act IV 6. Act V

Dramatis Personae

PERSONS REPRESENTED:

DUKE OF VENICE. BRABANTIO, a Senator. Other Senators. GRATIANO, Brother to Brabantio. LODOVICO, Kinsman to Brabantio. OTHELLO, a noble Moor, in the service of Venice. CASSIO, his Lieutenant. IAGO, his Ancient. RODERIGO, a Venetian Gentleman. MONTANO, Othello's predecessor in the government of Cyprus. CLOWN, Servant to Othello. Herald.

DESDEMONA, Daughter to Brabantio, and Wife to Othello. EMILIA, Wife to Iago. BIANCA, Mistress to Cassio.

Officers, Gentlemen, Messenger, Musicians, Herald, Sailor, Attendants, &c.

Othello 1 SCENE: The First Act in Venice; during the rest of the Play at a Seaport in Cyprus.

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Act I

1. Scene 1 2. Scene 2 3. Scene 3

Scene 1

Venice. A street. Venice. A street.

[Enter Roderigo and Iago.] [Enter Roderigo and Iago.]

RODERIGO. RODERIGO. Tush, never tell me; I take it much unkindly Rubbish! Don’t tell me; I don’t like it at all That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse That you, Iago, who has used my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of As if the strings were yours, should know about this. this,−− IAGO. IAGO. God’s blood! but you’re not listening to me. 'Sblood, but you will not hear me:−− If I ever dreamt about such a matter, If ever I did dream of such a matter, Hate me. Abhor me. RODERIGO. RODERIGO. You told me you hated him. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate. IAGO. IAGO. Despise me, if I don’t. Three major people of the city Despise me, if I do not. Three great ones of the city, Personally ask him to make me his lieutenant, In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, Take off their hats to him. and, by the faith of man, Off−capp'd to him:−−and, by the faith of man, I know my price, I am worth that promotion. I know my price, I am worth no worse a place:−− But he, loving his own pride and purposes, But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, Evades them, beating around the bush proudly, Evades them, with a bumbast circumstance Horribly stuffed with his usual talk of war. Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war: And, in conclusion, tells And, in conclusion, nonsuits My mediators, “No,” because, "Certainly," he says, My mediators: for, "Certes," says he, "I have already chosen my officer." "I have already chose my officer." And who was he? And what was he? Truly, a great arithmetician, Forsooth, a great arithmetician, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, A fellow almost damned in a having a beautiful wife; A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife; That has never led a squadron in the field, That never set a squadron in the field, And doesn’t know the division of a battle any Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster does, unless the theory books,

Act I 2 More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric, In which the consuls wearing togas can propose a plan Wherein the toged consuls can propose As masterly as he can. His war skills are only talk, As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice, Without practice. But he, sir, got the promotion. Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election: And I, who saw what he had done And I,−−of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other battlegrounds, At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds, Christian and heathen, must be spoken to and calmed Christian and heathen,−−must be be−lee'd and Down by debtor and creditor, this bean counter. calm'd He must be his lieutenant in good time, By debitor and creditor, this counter−caster; And I, God bless the mark! his Moorship's ensign. He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, And I−−God bless the mark! his Moorship's RODERIGO. ancient. By heaven, I would rather have been his hangman.

RODERIGO. IAGO. By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. Why, there's no remedy; it is the curse of the military. Preference goes by who you know and who likes you, IAGO. And not by old system, where each second person Why, there's no remedy; 'tis the curse of service, Took the first’s place. Now, sir, judge it for yourself Preferment goes by letter and affection, Whether or I am better suited in any beautiful terms And not by old gradation, where each second To love the Moor. Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself Whether I in any just term am affin'd RODERIGO. To love the Moor. I wouldn’t follow him then.

RODERIGO. IAGO. I would not follow him, then. O, sir, content you; I follow him to serve my turn on him. IAGO. We all cannot be masters, nor can all masters O, sir, content you; Be truly followed. You shall see I follow him to serve my turn upon him: Many a duteous and knee−bending rogue We cannot all be masters, nor all masters That, doting on his own obedient slavery, Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark Wears himself out, much like his master's ass, Many a duteous and knee−crooking knave For nothing but dry oats; and when he's old, dismissed That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, From the service. I would whip such honest rogues. Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, There are others who, dressed in uniforms and faces of For nought but provender; and when he's old, duty, that keep their hearts attending on themselves; cashier'd: And, throwing only shows of service to their lords, Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are Thrive well by them, and when they have lined their Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, coats, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves; Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul; And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, And someone like that is how I am. Do well thrive by them, and when they have lin'd Because, sir, their coats, It is as sure as you are Roderigo, Do themselves homage: these fellows have some Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago. soul; In following him, I follow only myself; And such a one do I profess myself. Heaven is my judge for love and duty, not I. For, sir, I only seem so for my own peculiar end, It is as sure as you are Roderigo, Because when my outward action demonstrates Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago: The native act and figure of my heart In following him, I follow but myself; In external complement, it is not long after

Act I 3 Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, That I will only I wear my heart on my sleeve But seeming so for my peculiar end: For crows to peck at. I am not what I am. For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart RODERIGO. In complement extern, 'tis not long after What great luck the thick lips have, But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve If he can get away with this! For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. IAGO. RODERIGO. Call her father, What a full fortune does the thick lips owe, Wake him up. annoy him, poison his joy, If he can carry't thus! Yell for him in the streets; fire up her relatives, And, although he may live in a pleasant climate, IAGO. Plague him with flies. even if his joy is joy, Call up her father, Still throw such aggravation on it Rouse him:−−make after him, poison his delight, That he won’t stay happy for long. Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, RODERIGO. Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, Here is her father's house. I'll call loudly. Yet throw such changes of vexation on't As it may lose some color. IAGO. Go ahead; yell with frightening accent and distress RODERIGO. As when a fire Here is her father's house: I'll call aloud. Is seen in big cities at night and by accident.

IAGO. RODERIGO. Do; with like timorous accent and dire yell What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! As when, by night and negligence, the fire Is spied in populous cities. IAGO. Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves! RODERIGO. Thieves! What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! Look at your house, your daughter, and your bags! Thieves! Thieves! IAGO. Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! thieves! thieves! [Brabantio appears above at a window.] thieves! Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! BRABANTIO. Thieves! thieves! What is the reason for this terrible summons? What’s the matter there? [Brabantio appears above at a window.] RODERIGO. BRABANTIO. Signior, is your family all inside? What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is the matter there? IAGO. Are your doors locked? RODERIGO. Signior, is all your family within? BRABANTIO. Why, why ask you this? IAGO. Are your doors locked? IAGO. Zounds, sir, you're robbed; for shame, put on

Act I 4 BRABANTIO. your nightgown; Your heart has burst; you have lost half Why, wherefore ask you this? your soul; Even now, now, very now, an old black ram IAGO. Is screwing your white lamb. Get up, get up; Zounds, sir, you're robb'd; for shame, put on your Wake the snoring citizens with the bell, gown; Or else the devil will make you a grandfather. Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul; Get up, I say. Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise; BRABANTIO. Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, What, have you lost your wits? Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you: Arise, I say. RODERIGO. Very reverend Signior, do you know my voice? BRABANTIO. What, have you lost your wits? BRABANTIO. No, who are you? RODERIGO. Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? RODERIGO. My name is Roderigo. BRABANTIO. Not I; what are you? BRABANTIO. The worst welcome. RODERIGO. I have ordered you not to hang around my doors; My name is Roderigo. In honest plainness, you have heard me say My daughter is not for you, and now, in madness, BRABANTIO. Being full of supper and drunk, The worser welcome: You come, out of maliciousness I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors; To interrupt my sleep. In honest plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness, RODERIGO. Being full of supper and distempering draughts, Sir, sir, sir, Upon malicious bravery dost thou come To start my quiet. BRABANTIO. But you must certainly be sure that RODERIGO. My spirit and my place have power in them Sir, sir, sir,−− To make this bitter to you.

BRABANTIO. RODERIGO. But thou must needs be sure Patience, good sir. My spirit and my place have in them power To make this bitter to thee. BRABANTIO. Why are you telling me about robbing? this is Venice; RODERIGO. My house is not a farm. Patience, good sir. RODERIGO. BRABANTIO. Very grave Brabantio, What tell'st thou me of robbing? this is Venice; I come to you in simple and pure soul. My house is not a grange. IAGO. RODERIGO. Zounds, sir, you are one of those who wouldn’t serve

Act I 5 Most grave Brabantio, God if the devil asked you to. Because we are servants, In simple and pure soul I come to you. and you think we are ruffians, you'd have your daughter covered with a African horse; you'd have your nephews IAGO. neigh to you; you'd have chargers for cousins and small Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve Spanish horses for Germans. God if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you BRABANTIO. service, and you think we are ruffians, you'll have Who the hell are you? your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have IAGO. your I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for the Moor are now making a Satan. cousins and gennets for germans. BRABANTIO. You are a villain. BRABANTIO. What profane wretch art thou? IAGO. You are a senator. IAGO. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter BRABANTIO. and the You’ll answer for this. I know you, Roderigo. Moor are now making the beast with two backs. RODERIGO. BRABANTIO. Sir, I will answer anything. But, I beg you, Thou are a villain. If it is your pleasure and very wise consent, As I find partly it is, know that your beautiful daughter, IAGO. At this odd−even and dull hour of the night, You are−−a senator. Has been transported with no worse or no better guard Than a rogue of common hire, a gondolier, BRABANTIO. To the gross embraces of a lewd Moor. This thou shalt answer; I know thee, Roderigo. If this is known to you, and you permit it, Then we then have done you bold and impudent wrongs; RODERIGO. But if you don’t know this, my manners tell me Sir, I will answer anything. But, I beseech you, You scold us unfairly. Don’t believe If't be your pleasure and most wise consent,−− That, from the sense of all manners, As partly I find it is,−−that your fair daughter, I would play like this and trifle with you; At this odd−even and dull watch o' the night, Your daughter, if you have not given her permission, Transported with no worse nor better guard I say again, has made a disgusting rebellion against you; But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor,−− To an extravagant and a wheeling−dealing stranger If this be known to you, and your allowance, From here and everywhere. Satisfy yourself right away. We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs; If she is in her bedroom or in your house But if you know not this, my manners tell me Let the justice of the state arrest me We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe For deluding you like this. That, from the sense of all civility, I thus would play and trifle with your reverence: BRABANTIO. Your daughter,−−if you have not given her leave,−− Light the lights, ho! I say again, hath made a gross revolt; Give me a candle! Wake up all my servants! Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes This accident is not different from my dream. In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Believing of it makes me nervous already.

Act I 6 Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself: Light, I say! light! If she be in her chamber or your house Let loose on me the justice of the state [Exit from above.] For thus deluding you. IAGO. BRABANTIO. Farewell; because I must leave you. Strike on the tinder, ho! It doesn’t seem right or suitable to my position Give me a taper!−−Call up all my people!−− To be a witness (which I will be if I stay), This accident is not unlike my dream: Against the Moor. because I know the government, Belief of it oppresses me already.−− No matter how angry this makes Brabantio with some Light, I say! light! Argument, cannot arrest him safely; because he's Embarked with such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, [Exit from above.] Which is being discussed even now, that, to save their Souls, they have no one of his depth IAGO. To lead their armies, in which regard, Farewell; for I must leave you: Although I hate him as I hate hell pains, It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place I must still show a flag and sign of love, To be produc'd,−−as if I stay I shall,−− To preserve my present life, Against the Moor: for I do know the state,−− Which is indeed only sign. So that you shall surely find However this may gall him with some check,−− him, lead these searchers to the Sagittary Inn, Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embark'd And I will be there with him. So, farewell. With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,−− Which even now stands in act,−−that, for their [Exit.] souls, Another of his fathom they have none [Enter, below, Brabantio, and Servants with torches.] To lead their business: in which regard, Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, BRABANTIO. Yet, for necessity of present life, It is too true an evil. she is gone; I must show out a flag and sign of love, And what's to come of my life that’s left Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find Is nothing but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, him, Where did you see her? O unhappy girl! Lead to the Sagittary the raised search; With the Moor, you say? Who would become a father! And there will I be with him. So, farewell. How did you know it was she? O, she deceives me Beyond thought. What did she say to you? Get more [Exit.] Candles; Wake up all my relatives. Do you think they’re married? [Enter, below, Brabantio, and Servants with torches.] RODERIGO. Truly, I think they are. BRABANTIO. It is too true an evil: gone she is; BRABANTIO. And what's to come of my despised time O heaven! How did she get out? O treason of the blood! Is naught but bitterness.−−Now, Roderigo, Fathers, from now on don’t believe you can know your Where didst thou see her?−−O unhappy girl!−− daughters' minds from the way you see them act. Aren’t With the Moor, say'st thou?−−Who would be a there magic spells which change the natural qualities of father! young maids? Haven’t you read, Roderigo, How didst thou know 'twas she?−−O, she deceives Of some such thing? me Past thought.−−What said she to you?−−Get more RODERIGO. tapers; Yes, sir, I have indeed.

Act I 7 Raise all my kindred.−−Are they married, think BRABANTIO. you? Call my brother. O, I wish you had had her! Some one way, some another. Do you know RODERIGO. Where we may catch her and the Moor? Truly, I think they are. RODERIGO. BRABANTIO. I think I can find him, if you’d please O heaven!−−How got she out?−−O treason of the Get a good guard, and go along with me. blood!−− Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds BRABANTIO. By what you see them act.−−Are there not charms I beg you, lead on. I’ll call at every house that By which the property of youth and maidhood Will give me the most help most. Get weapons, ho! May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, And wake up some special officers of night. Of some such thing? Onward, good Roderigo, I'll reward your pains.

RODERIGO. [Exeunt.] Yes, sir, I have indeed.

BRABANTIO. Call up my brother.−−O, would you had had her!−− Some one way, some another.−−Do you know Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?

RODERIGO. I think I can discover him, if you please To get good guard, and go along with me.

BRABANTIO. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; I may command at most.−−Get weapons, ho! And raise some special officers of night.−− On, good Roderigo:−−I'll deserve your pains.

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2

Venice. Another street. Venice. Another street.

[Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants with torches.] [Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants with torches.] IAGO. Though in the trade of war I have slain men, IAGO. Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience Although I have slain men during a war, To do no contriv'd murder: I lack iniquity I believe it is a grave matter of the conscience Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times To do a premeditated murder. I don’t have

Scene 2 8 I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs. evil in me Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten OTHELLO. times 'Tis better as it is. I had thought to have stabbed him here under the ribs. IAGO. Nay, but he prated, OTHELLO. And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms It is better as it is. Against your honor, That, with the little godliness I have, IAGO. I did full hard forbear him. But, I pray you, sir, No, but he chattered on, Are you fast married? Be assured of this, And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms That the magnifico is much beloved; Against your honor, And hath, in his effect, a voice potential That, with the little godliness I have, As double as the duke's: he will divorce you; I worked hard to tolerate him. But, I beg you, Or put upon you what restraint and grievance sir, The law,−−with all his might to enforce it on,−− Are you really married? Be assured of this, Will give him cable. That the magnifico is very popular; And has, in his office, a voice equal OTHELLO. To twice the duke's. he will divorce you; Let him do his spite: Or apply to you what restraint and grievance My services which I have done the signiory The law will allow him to do, Shall out−tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know,−− With all his might to do it. Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, I shall promulgate,−−I fetch my life and being OTHELLO. From men of royal siege; and my demerits Let him do his worse. May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune My services that I have done for the signiory As this that I have reach'd: for know, Iago, Shall out−shout his complaints. It is still to But that I love the gentle Desdemona, know, I would not my unhoused free condition Which one I shall proclaim, when I know that Put into circumscription and confine boasting is For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights come yond? An honor, I earn my living and being From men of royal battle; and my demerits IAGO. May speak publicly to as proud a fortune Those are the raised father and his friends: As this that I have reached, because know, You were best go in. Iago, Except that I love the gentle Desdemona, OTHELLO. I would not have my absolutely free condition Not I; I must be found; Limited and confined My parts, my title, and my perfect soul For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights are Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? coming?

IAGO. IAGO. By Janus, I think no. Those are the awakened father and his friends. [Enter Cassio and certain Officers with torches.] You had better go in.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. The servants of the duke and my lieutenant.−− Not I; I must be found; The goodness of the night upon you, friends! My parts, my title, and my perfect soul

Scene 2 9 What is the news? Shall show me truthfully. Is it they?

CASSIO. IAGO. The duke does greet you, general; By Janus, I don’t think so. And he requires your haste−post−haste appearance Even on the instant. [Enter Cassio and certain Officers with torches.] OTHELLO. What is the matter, think you? OTHELLO. The servants of the duke and my lieutenant. CASSIO. The goodness of the night on you, friends! Something from Cyprus, as I may divine: What’s the news? It is a business of some heat: the galleys Have sent a dozen sequent messengers CASSIO. This very night at one another's heels; The duke greets you, general; And many of the consuls, rais'd and met, And he requires your super−speedy Are at the duke's already: you have been hotly call'd for; appearance When, being not at your lodging to be found, This instant. The senate hath sent about three several quests To search you out. OTHELLO. What’s the matter, do you think? OTHELLO. 'Tis well I am found by you. CASSIO. I will but spend a word here in the house, Something from Cyprus, as I may guess. And go with you. It is a business of some heat. The galleys Have sent a dozen sequential messengers [Exit.] This very night at one another's heels; And many of the consuls, awakened and CASSIO. meeting, Ancient, what makes he here? Are at the duke's already. You have been hotly called for; IAGO. When, you weren’t found at your lodging, Faith, he to−night hath boarded a land carack: The senate sent about three different requests If it prove lawful prize, he's made forever. To search for you.

CASSIO. OTHELLO. I do not understand. It is good that you found me. I will only say one more word here in the IAGO. house, He's married. And I’ll go with you.

CASSIO. [Exit.] To who? CASSIO. [Re−enter Othello.] Ensign, what is he doing here?

IAGO. IAGO. Marry, to−−Come, captain, will you go? Faith, he has boarded a land warship tonight. If it turns out to be a legal prize, he's made OTHELLO. forever.

Scene 2 10 Have with you. CASSIO. I don’t understand. CASSIO. Here comes another troop to seek for you. IAGO. He's married. IAGO. It is Brabantio.−−General, be advis'd; CASSIO. He comes to bad intent. To whom?

[Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with torches and [Re−enter Othello.] weapons.] IAGO. OTHELLO. By Mary, to… Come, captain, will you go? Holla! stand there! OTHELLO. RODERIGO. Let’s go. Signior, it is the Moor. CASSIO. BRABANTIO. Here comes another group to see for you. Down with him, thief! IAGO. [They draw on both sides.] It is Brabantio. General, be careful; He comes with bad intentions. IAGO. You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you. [Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with torches and OTHELLO. weapons.] Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.−− Good signior, you shall more command with years OTHELLO. Than with your weapons. Stop! Stop there!

BRABANTIO. RODERIGO. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter? Signior, it is the Moor. Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her; For I'll refer me to all things of sense, BRABANTIO. If she in chains of magic were not bound, Down with him. Thief! Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd [They draw on both sides.] The wealthy curled darlings of our nation, Would ever have, to incur a general mock, IAGO. Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I will fight you. Of such a thing as thou,−−to fear, not to delight. Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense OTHELLO. That thou hast practis'd on her with foul charms; Put your bright swords away, because the Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs or minerals dew will rust That weaken motion:−−I'll have't disputed on; Them. Good Signior, you shall order more 'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking. from me with I therefore apprehend and do attach thee Years than with your weapons. For an abuser of the world, a practiser Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.−− BRABANTIO.

Scene 2 11 Lay hold upon him: if he do resist, O you foul thief, where have you hidden my Subdue him at his peril. daughter? Damned as you are, you have cast a spell on OTHELLO. her; Hold your hands, Because I'll restore myself to all things of Both you of my inclining and the rest: sense, Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it If she wasn’t bound in chains of magic, Without a prompter.−−Where will you that I go Would a maid so tender, beautiful, and happy, To answer this your charge? So opposed to marriage that she shunned The wealthy, curled darlings of our country, BRABANTIO. Would she ever have, to merit a public joke, To prison; till fit time Run from her father to the black bosom Of law and course of direct session Of a thing such as you, to fear, not to delight Call thee to answer. in? The world will judge me, if it is not evil in OTHELLO. feeling What if I do obey? That you have cast disgusting spells on her, How may the duke be therewith satisfied, Abused her delicate youth with drugs or Whose messengers are here about my side, minerals Upon some present business of the state, That knocked her out. I'll have it judged; To bring me to him? It is probable and tangible to thinking. I therefore arrest and attack you FIRST OFFICER. As an abuser of the world, a practitioner 'Tis true, most worthy signior; Of the forbidden and illegal arts. The duke's in council, and your noble self, Seize him! If he resists, I am sure, is sent for. Subdue him at his peril.

BRABANTIO. OTHELLO. How! the duke in council! Stop, In this time of the night!−−Bring him away: Both you my friends, and the rest. Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself, Were it my cue to fight, I should have known Or any of my brothers of the state, it Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; Without a prompter. Where will you take me For if such actions may have passage free, so that I can Bond slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. Answer this your charge?

[Exeunt.] BRABANTIO. To prison until the right time Of law and course of justice Call you to answer.

OTHELLO. What if I obey? How may the duke be satisfied with that, Whose messengers are here by my side, On some urgent business of the state, To bring me to him?

FIRST OFFICER. It is true, very worthy Signior;

Scene 2 12 The duke's in council, and your noble self, I am sure, is sent for.

BRABANTIO. What! The duke in council! AT this time of the night! Take him away. Mine's not an trivial matter. The duke himself, Or any of my brothers of the state, Can only feel this wrong as if it were their own; Because if such actions may have passage free, Bond slaves and pagans shall be our statesmen.

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

Venice. A council chamber. Venice. A council chamber.

[The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.] [The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.] DUKE. There is no composition in these news DUKE. That gives them credit. There is no written in this news That makes them believable. FIRST SENATOR. Indeed, they are disproportion'd; FIRST SENATOR. My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. Indeed, they are out of proportion; My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. DUKE. And mine a hundred and forty. DUKE. And mine a hundred and forty. SECOND SENATOR. And mine two hundred: SECOND SENATOR. But though they jump not on a just account,−− And mine two hundred. As in these cases, where the aim reports, But although they don’t give a true account, 'Tis oft with difference,−−yet do they all confirm As in these cases, where the goal tells the A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. story, It is often with differences. Still they all DUKE. confirm Nay, it is possible enough to judgement: A Turkish fleet, and sailing to Cyprus. I do not so secure me in the error, But the main article I do approve DUKE.

Scene 3 13 In fearful sense. No, it is accurate enough to judge. I’m not so convinced of the error, SAILOR. But I do believe the report’s intentions [Within.] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho! In fearful sense.

FIRST OFFICER. SAILOR. A messenger from the galleys. [Within.] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho!

[Enter a Sailor.] FIRST OFFICER. A messenger from the galleys. DUKE. Now,−−what's the business? [Enter a Sailor.]

SAILOR. DUKE. The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes; Now, what's the latest? So was I bid report here to the state By Signior Angelo. SAILOR. The Turkish armies are headed for Rhodes; DUKE. So I was asked to report here to the state How say you by this change? By Signior Angelo.

FIRST SENATOR. DUKE. This cannot be, What do you say about this change? By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant To keep us in false gaze. When we consider SENATOR. The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk; This cannot be, And let ourselves again but understand By any test of reason. It is a parade That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, To trick us into false vision. When we So may he with more facile question bear it, consider For that it stands not in such warlike brace, The importance of Cyprus to the Turks, But altogether lacks the abilities And let ourselves again only understand That Rhodes is dress'd in. If we make thought of this, That, as it more concerns the Turks than We must not think the Turk is so unskilful Rhodes, To leave that latest which concerns him first; The Turks may bear it with easier question, Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain, Because it is not in such warlike position, To wake and wage a danger profitless. But altogether lacks the abilities That Rhodes is dressed in. If we think about DUKE. this, Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes. We must not think the Turks are so unskillful FIRST OFFICER. To leave which concerns them first to the Here is more news. last, Neglecting a try for ease and gain, [Enter a Messenger.] To wake and wage a profitless danger.

MESSENGER. DUKE. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, No, in all confidence, the Turks are not Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, going to Rhodes. Have there injointed them with an after fleet. FIRST OFFICER.

Scene 3 14 FIRST SENATOR. Here is more news. Ay, so I thought.−−How many, as you guess? [Enter a Messenger.] MESSENGER. Of thirty sail: and now they do re−stem MESSENGER. Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance The Ottoman, reverend and gracious, Their purposes toward Cyprus.−−Signior Montano, Steering with due course toward the isle of Your trusty and most valiant servitor, Rhodes, With his free duty recommends you thus, Have joined a later fleet there with them. And prays you to believe him. FIRST SENATOR. DUKE. Yes, so I thought. How many, do you guess? 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.−− Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? MESSENGER. About thirty ships. And now they returned FIRST SENATOR. via He's now in Florence. Their backward course, bearing, with frank appearance, DUKE. Toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, Write from us to him; post−post−haste despatch. Your trusty and very valiant servant, Salutes you like this, with his free duty, FIRST SENATOR. And begs you to believe him. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. DUKE. [Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, and Officers.] It is certain, then, for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, isn’t he in town? DUKE. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you FIRST SENATOR. Against the general enemy Ottoman.−− He's now in Florence.

[To Brabantio.] DUKE. Write to him from us; send it very, very I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior; quickly. We lack'd your counsel and your help to−night. FIRST SENATOR. BRABANTIO. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me; Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business [Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the general care and Officers.] Take hold on me; for my particular grief Is of so flood−gate and o'erbearing nature DUKE. That it engluts and swallows other sorrows, Valiant Othello, we must straight send you And it is still itself. Against the general enemy Ottoman.

DUKE. [To Brabantio.] Why, what's the matter? I didn’t see you; welcome, gentle Signior; BRABANTIO. We missed your advice and your help My daughter! O, my daughter! tonight.

Scene 3 15 DUKE and SENATORS. BRAABANTIO. Dead? And I missed yours. Your good grace, pardon me; BRABANTIO. Neither my place or anything I have heard of Ay, to me; business She is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted Has gotten me out of bed. Nor does public By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; safety For nature so preposterously to err, Concern me, because my particular grief Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, Is of so massive and overbearing nature Sans witchcraft could not. That it engulfs and swallows other sorrows, And it is still itself. DUKE. Whoe'er he be that, in this foul proceeding, DUKE. Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself, Why, what's the matter? And you of her, the bloody book of law You shall yourself read in the bitter letter BRABANTIO. After your own sense; yea, though our proper son My daughter! O, my daughter! Stood in your action. DUKE and SENATORS. BRABANTIO. Dead? Humbly I thank your grace. Here is the man, this Moor; whom now, it seems, BRABANTIO. Your special mandate for the state affairs Yes, to me; Hath hither brought. She is abused, stolen from me, and corrupted By spells and medicines bought of false DUKE and SENATORS. medicine men We are very sorry for't. Because, in order for nature to make such a preposterous Mistake, being not deficient, DUKE. blind, or crazy, [To Othello.] What, in your own part, can you say to this? It couldn’t be done without witchcraft.

BRABANTIO. DUKE. Nothing, but this is so. Whoever he is that, in this disgusting event, Has tricked your daughter of herself like OTHELLO. this, Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, And you of her, the bloody book of law My very noble and approv'd good masters,−− You shall read yourself to the bitter letter of That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter, it It is most true; true, I have married her: As you see fit. Yes, although our own son The very head and front of my offending Stood before you. Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace; BRABANTIO. For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith, Humbly I thank your grace. Till now some nine moons wasted, they have us'd Here is the man, this Moor; who now, it Their dearest action in the tented field; seems, And little of this great world can I speak, Has been brought here by More than pertains to feats of broil and battle; Your special mandate for the state affairs. And therefore little shall I grace my cause In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, DUKE and SENATORS. I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver We are very sorry for it .

Scene 3 16 Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms, DUKE. What conjuration, and what mighty magic,−− [To Othello.] What, in your own part, can For such proceeding I am charged withal,−− you say to this? I won his daughter. BRABANTIO. BRABANTIO. Nothing, but that this is so. A maiden never bold: Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion OTHELLO. Blush'd at herself; and she,−−in spite of nature, Very potent, grave, and reverend signiors, Of years, of country, credit, everything,−− My very noble and approved good masters, To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! That I have taken away this old man's It is judgement maim'd and most imperfect daughter, That will confess perfection so could err Is very true; true, I have married her. Against all rules of nature; and must be driven The very top and bottom of my crime To find out practices of cunning hell, Is this big, no more. I don’t speak well, Why this should be. I therefore vouch again, And I am little blessed with the soft phrase That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood, of peace Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect, Because, since these arms of mine were He wrought upon her. seven years' old, until now some nine months past, they DUKE. have used To vouch this is no proof; Their dearest actions on the battlefield; Without more wider and more overt test And I can speak little of this great world, Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods Only what relates to feats of war and battle; Of modern seeming do prefer against him. And therefore I shall grace my cause little By speaking for myself. Yet, by your FIRST SENATOR. gracious patience, But, Othello, speak: I will deliver a round truthful tale Did you by indirect and forced courses Of my whole course of love, by what drugs, Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? what charms, Or came it by request, and such fair question What invocation, and what mighty magic, As soul to soul affordeth? Because I am charged with such crimes, I won his daughter. OTHELLO. I do beseech you, BRABANTIO. Send for the lady to the Sagittary, A maiden never bold, And let her speak of me before her father. Of a spirit so still and quiet that she blushed If you do find me foul in her report, at her own The trust, the office I do hold of you, Movements; and she, in spite of nature, Not only take away, but let your sentence Of years, of country, reputation, everything, Even fall upon my life. To fall in love with what she feared to look at! DUKE. It is a judgment maimed and very imperfect Fetch Desdemona hither. That will confess perfection could be so wrong, OTHELLO. Against all rules of nature; and it must be Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place.−− driven To find out practices of cunning hell, [Exeunt Iago and Attendants.] Why this should be. I therefore testify again, That he worked on her with some mixtures

Scene 3 17 And, till she come, as truly as to heaven powerful over I do confess the vices of my blood, the blood, So justly to your grave ears I'll present Or with some dram that produced this effect. How I did thrive in this fair lady's love, And she in mine. DUKE. To testify is not proof, DUKE. Without wider and more open tests Say it, Othello. Than these thin habits and poor probabilities Of modern liking prefer against him. OTHELLO. Her father lov'd me; oft invited me; FIRST SENATOR. Still question'd me the story of my life, But, Othello, speak. From year to year,−−the battles, sieges, fortunes, Did you, by indirect and forced methods, That I have pass'd. Subdue and poison this young maid's I ran it through, even from my boyish days affections? To the very moment that he bade me tell it: Or did she ask for them, with such a Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, beautiful question Of moving accidents by flood and field; As soul to soul allows? Of hair−breadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach; Of being taken by the insolent foe, OTHELLO. And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence, I beg you, And portance in my travels' history: Send to the Sagittary Inn for the lady, Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle, And let her speak of me before her father. Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, If you find me evil after hearing her, It was my hint to speak,−−such was the process; The trust, the office I hold of you, And of the Cannibals that each other eat, Not only take away, but also let your The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads sentence Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear Fall even on my life. Would Desdemona seriously incline: But still the house affairs would draw her thence; DUKE. Which ever as she could with haste despatch, Fetch Desdemona here. She'd come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my discourse; which I observing, OTHELLO. Took once a pliant hour; and found good means Ensign, go with them; you know the place To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart best. That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, Whereof by parcels she had something heard, [Exeunt Iago and Attendants.] But not intentively; I did consent; And often did beguile her of her tears, And, until she comes, as truly as When I did speak of some distressful stroke I confess the vices of my blood to heaven, That my youth suffer'd. My story being done, So I'll present truthfully, to your hearing, She gave me for my pains a world of sighs: How I thrived in this beautiful lady's love, She swore,−−in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange; And she in mine. 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful: She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd DUKE. That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd me; Tell it, Othello. And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, OTHELLO. And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake: Her father loved me, often invited me; She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd; Still questioned me the story of my life,

Scene 3 18 And I lov'd her that she did pity them. From year to year, the battles, sieges, This only is the witchcraft I have us'd:−− fortunes, Here comes the lady; let her witness it. That I have been in. I ran through it, even from my childhood [Enter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants.] days To the very moment that he asked me tell it. DUKE. I spoke of very disastrous bad luck, I think this tale would win my daughter too.−− Of moving accidents by flood and field; Good Brabantio, Of hair−breadth escapes in the imminent Take up this mangled matter at the best. deadly battle; Men do their broken weapons rather use Of being taken prisoner by the strange Than their bare hands. enemy, And sold into slavery; of my redemption BRABANTIO. then, I pray you, hear her speak: And behavior in the story of my travels. If she confess that she was half the wooer, It was my habit to speak about vast caves Destruction on my head, if my bad blame and idle Light on the man!−−Come hither, gentle mistress: Deserts, rough quarries, rocks, and hills Do you perceive in all this noble company whose heads Where most you owe obedience? Touch heaven. That was the way it went; And about the Cannibals that eat each other, DESDEMONA. The Man−Eaters, and men whose heads My noble father, Grow beneath their shoulders. To hear this, I do perceive here a divided duty: Desdemona would seriously listen, To you I am bound for life and education; But still the house affairs would draw her My life and education both do learn me away, How to respect you; you are the lord of duty,−− Which she would finish in a great hurry, and I am hitherto your daughter: but here's my husband; She’d come again, and eat up my stories And so much duty as my mother show'd With a greedy ear, which I observing, To you, preferring you before her father, Once I took a rare hour; and found good So much I challenge that I may profess ways Due to the Moor, my lord. To draw a prayer of earnest enthusiasm from her BRABANTIO. So that I would lengthen all my stories, God be with you!−−I have done.−− Which she had already heard bits and pieces Please it your grace, on to the state affairs: of, I had rather to adopt a child than get it.−− But not all of them. I agreed Come hither, Moor: And often I cheated her of her tears, I here do give thee that with all my heart When I spoke of some distressful event Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart I had suffered in my youth. My story being I would keep from thee.−−For your sake, jewel, done, I am glad at soul I have no other child; She gave me a world of sighs for my pains. For thy escape would teach me tyranny, She swore, really, it was strange, it was To hang clogs on them.−−I have done, my lord. passing strange; It was pitiful, it was wondrously pitiful. DUKE. She wished she had not heard it, still she Let me speak like yourself; and lay a sentence wished Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers That heaven made her such a man. She Into your favour. thanked me; When remedies are past, the griefs are ended And begged me, that if I had a friend that

Scene 3 19 By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. loved her, To mourn a mischief that is past and gone I should only teach him how to tell my story, Is the next way to draw new mischief on. And that would court her. On this hint I What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, spoke. Patience her injury a mockery makes. She loved me for the dangers I had passed; The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief; And I loved her that she pitied them. He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. This is the only witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady; let her verify it. BRABANTIO. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; [Enter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants.] We lose it not so long as we can smile; He bears the sentence well, that nothing bears DUKE. But the free comfort which from thence he hears; I think this tale would win my daughter too. But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow Good Brabantio, That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. Consider this mess at its best. These sentences, to sugar or to gall, Men would rather use their broken weapons Being strong on both sides, are equivocal: Than their bare hands. But words are words; I never yet did hear That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the ear.−− BRABANTIO. I humbly beseech you, proceed to the affairs of state. I beg you, hear her speak. If she confesses that she was half the lover, DUKE. Destruction on my head, if I falsely The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus.−− Accuse the man! Come here, gentle mistress. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and Do you see in all this noble company though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, To whom you owe the very obedience? yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you: you must therefore be content to slubber the gloss DESDEMONA. of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous My noble father, expedition. I see a divided duty here. To you I am bound for my life and OTHELLO. education; The tyrant custom, most grave senators, My life and education both teach me Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war How to respect you; you are the lord of duty, My thrice−driven bed of down: I do agnize I am therefore your daughter. But here's my A natural and prompt alacrity husband; I find in hardness; and do undertake And as much duty as my mother showed These present wars against the Ottomites. To you, preferring you before her father, Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state, So much I dispute that I may profess I crave fit disposition for my wife; Due to the Moor, my lord. Due reference of place and exhibition; With such accommodation and besort BRABANTIO. As levels with her breeding. God be with you! I’m done. Please your grace, go on with state affairs. DUKE. I’d rather to adopt a child than father it. If you please, Come here, Moor. Be't at her father's. I here give you that with all my heart That, except you already have it, I would BRABANTIO. keep from you I'll not have it so. With all my heart . For your sake, jewel, I am glad at soul I have no other child,

Scene 3 20 OTHELLO. Because your escape would teach me Nor I. tyranny, To hang logs on them. I’m done, my lord. DESDEMONA. Nor I. I would not there reside, DUKE. To put my father in impatient thoughts, Let me speak as you would; and lay a By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, sentence To my unfolding lend a gracious ear; Which, as a grace or step, may help these And let me find a charter in your voice lovers To assist my simpleness. Into your favor. When remedies are too late, griefs are ended DUKE. By seeing the worst, which hopes lately What would you, Desdemona? depended on. To mourn mischief that is over and gone DESDEMONA. Is the next way to create new mischief. That I did love the Moor to live with him, What cannot be preserved when fortune My downright violence and storm of fortunes takes it, May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdu'd Patience makes a mockery of her injury. Even to the very quality of my lord: The victim that smiles steals something from I saw Othello's visage in his mind; the thief; And to his honors and his valiant parts He robs himself that spends a unprofitable Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. grief. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, A moth of peace, and he go to the war, BRABANTIO. The rites for which I love him are bereft me, So let the Turk of Cyprus cheat us; And I a heavy interim shall support We don’t lose it as long as we can smile; By his dear absence. Let me go with him. He takes the sentence well, that shows nothing OTHELLO. But the free comfort which he hears from it; Let her have your voices. Only he bears both the sentence and the Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not sorrow To please the palate of my appetite; That must be borrowed from poor patience Nor to comply with heat,−−the young affects to pay grief. In me defunct,−−and proper satisfaction; These sentences, to sweetness or to But to be free and bounteous to her mind: bitterness, And heaven defend your good souls, that you think Being strong on both sides, are equal. I will your serious and great business scant But words are words. I haven’t yet heard For she is with me: no, when light−wing'd toys That the bruised heart was pierced through Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dullness the ear. My speculative and offic'd instruments, I humbly beg you, proceed to the affairs of That my disports corrupt and taint my business, state. Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, And all indign and base adversities DUKE. Make head against my estimation! The Turk with very mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. DUKE. Othello, the strength of the place is best Be it as you shall privately determine, known to you; Either for her stay or going: the affair cries haste, and although we have there a force that is And speed must answer it. more than adequate, yet public opinion, a sovereign

Scene 3 21 FIRST SENATOR. mistress of You must away to−night. effects, say we need a safer voice, like you. You must OTHELLO. therefore be content to conceal the gloss of With all my heart. your new fortunes with this more stubborn and violent DUKE. expedition. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again.−− Othello, leave some officer behind, OTHELLO. And he shall our commission bring to you; The dictator, custom, very grave senators, With such things else of quality and respect Has made the stone and steel couch of war As doth import you. My feather bed three times. I recognize A natural and prompt speed that OTHELLO. I find in hardness, and undertake So please your grace, my ancient,−− These present wars against the Ottoman. A man he is of honesty and trust,−− Very humbly, therefore, bowing to your To his conveyance I assign my wife, state, With what else needful your good grace shall think I’d like proper provisions for my wife, To be sent after me. Proper respect for housing and subsidy, With such accommodation and suitable DUKE. company Let it be so.−− As is equal with her breeding. Good night to everyone.−−[To Brabantio.] And, noble signior, If virtue no delighted beauty lack, DUKE. Your son−in−law is far more fair than black. If you please, Let it be at her father's. FIRST SENATOR. Adieu, brave Moor; use Desdemona well. BRABANTIO. I won’t have it. BRABANTIO. Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: OTHELLO. She has deceiv'd her father, and may thee. Nor I.

[Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers. &c.] DESDEMONA. Nor I. I would not live there, OTHELLO. To put my father into violent thoughts, My life upon her faith!−−Honest Iago, By being always in his sight. Very gracious My Desdemona must I leave to thee: duke, I pr'ythee, let thy wife attend on her; Listen with a gracious ear to my request, And bring them after in the best advantage.−− And let me find a contract in your voice Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour To assist my simpleness. Of love, of worldly matters and direction, To spend with thee: we must obey the time. DUKE. What would you have, Desdemona? [Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.] DESDEMONA. RODERIGO. That I loved the Moor to live with him, Iago,−− My downright violence and storm of fortunes IAGO. May shout to the world. My heart's

Scene 3 22 What say'st thou, noble heart? overcome, Even to the very quality of my lord. RODERIGO. I saw Othello's face in his mind, What will I do, thinkest thou? And I consecrated my soul and fortunes To his honors and his valiant parts. IAGO. So much so, dear lords, if I am left behind, Why, go to bed and sleep. A moth of peace, and he goes to the war, The rites for which I love him I am deprived RODERIGO. of, I will incontinently drown myself. And I shall endure a sad interval caused By his dear absence. Let me go with him. IAGO. If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly OTHELLO. gentleman! Let her have your votes. Be my witness, heaven, I do not beg it RODERIGO. To please the palate of my appetite, It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and Or to comply with passion, the young effects then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician. of it Dead in me, and proper satisfaction; IAGO. But to be free and generous to her mind. O villainous! I have looked upon the world for four times And heaven defend your good souls, that seven years, and since I could distinguish betwixt a you think benefit and an injury, I never found man that knew how to I will neglect your serious and great business love himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself for the Because she is with me. No, when love of a Guinea−hen, I would change my humanity with a light−winged toys baboon. Of feathered Cupid blind my knowing and Usual instruments of sight with unruly RODERIGO. dullness, What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, That if my games corrupt and stain my work, but it is not in my virtue to amend it. Let housewives make a skillet of my helmet, And all indignities and base adversities IAGO. Make a boil of my reputation! Virtue! a fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; DUKE. so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, Let it be as you shall determine privately, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender Either for her staying or going. The affair of herbs or distract it with many, either to have it sterile cries for haste, with idleness or manured with industry; why, the power And speed must answer it. and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise FIRST SENATOR. another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our You must go away tonight. natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: But we have reason to cool our raging OTHELLO. motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts; whereof I With all my heart. take this, that you call love, to be a sect or scion. DUKE. RODERIGO. At nine in the morning, we'll meet here It cannot be. again. Othello, leave some officer behind, IAGO. And he shall bring our commission to you,

Scene 3 23 It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the With such things of quality and respect will. Come, be a man: drown thyself! drown cats and As are important to you. blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of OTHELLO. perdurable toughness; I could never better stead thee So please your grace, I assign my wife than now. Put money in thy purse; follow thou the wars; To the care of my ensign, defeat thy favour with an usurped beard; I say, put A man of honesty and trust, money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should With whatever else your good grace shall long continue her love to the Moor,−−put money in thy think is purse,−−nor he his to her: it was a violent commencement, necessary to be sent after me. and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration;−−put but money in thy purse.−−These Moors are changeable in DUKE. their wills:−−fill thy purse with money: the food that to him Let it be so. now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as Good night to everyone. [To Brabantio.] acerb as the coloquintida. She must change for youth: And, noble Signior, when she is sated with his body, she will find the error of If virtue is missing delightful beauty , her choice: she must have change, she must: therefore Your son−in−law is far more just than black. put money in thy purse.−−If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the FIRST SENATOR. money thou canst; if sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt Goodbye, brave Moor; be kind to an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not Desdemona. too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make money. A pox of drowning BRABANTIO. thyself! it is clean out of the way: seek thou rather to be Watch her, Moor, if you have eyes to see. hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go She has deceived her father, and may without her. deceive you.

RODERIGO. [Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, etc.] Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the issue? OTHELLO. IAGO. My life on her faith in me! Honest Iago, Thou art sure of me:−−go, make money:−−I have told thee I must leave my Desdemona to you. often, and I re−tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor: I beg you, let your wife attend on her; my cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be And bring them in the best way after I leave. conjunctive in our revenge against him: if thou canst Come, Desdemona, I have only an hour cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. Of love, of worldly matters and direction, There are many events in the womb of time which will be To spend with you. We must obey the time. delivered. Traverse; go; provide thy money. We will have more of this to−morrow. Adieu. [Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.]

RODERIGO. RODERIGO. Where shall we meet i' the morning? Iago?

IAGO. IAGO. At my lodging. What do you say, noble heart?

RODERIGO. RODERIGO. I'll be with thee betimes. What will I do, do you think?

IAGO. IAGO.

Scene 3 24 Go to; farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo? Why, go to bed and sleep.

RODERIGO. RODERIGO. What say you? I will drown myself immediately.

IAGO. IAGO. No more of drowning, do you hear? If you do, I shall never love you after. Why, you silly RODERIGO. gentleman! I am changed: I'll go sell all my land. RODERIGO. [Exit.] It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and then we IAGO. have a prescription to die when death is our Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; physician. For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe IAGO. But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; O villainous! I have looked on the world for And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets twenty eight He has done my office: I know not if't be true; years, and since I could distinguish between But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, a benefit Will do as if for surety. He holds me well, and a disadvantage, I’ve never found man The better shall my purpose work on him. that knew how Cassio's a proper man: let me see now; to love himself. Before I would say I would To get his place, and to plume up my will drown myself In double knavery,−−How, how?−−Let's see:−− for the love of a chicken, I would exchange After some time, to abuse Othello's ear my humanity That he is too familiar with his wife:−− with a baboon. He hath a person, and a smooth dispose, To be suspected; fram'd to make women false. RODERIGO. The Moor is of a free and open nature, What should I do? I confess it is my shame That thinks men honest that but seem to be so; to be so And will as tenderly be led by the nose crazy in love, but it is not in my virtue to fix As asses are. it. I have't;−−it is engender'd:−−hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. IAGO. Virtue! A fig! It is in ourselves that we are [Exit.] like this or like that. Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners. If we will plant stinging plants or sow lettuce, plant hyssop and dig up thyme, supply it with only one kind of herbs or plant it with many, either to have it wild with inattention or manured with hard work— why, the power and weak authority of this lies in our wills. If the

Scene 3 25 balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to balance another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would lead us to very preposterous conclusions. But we have reason to cool our raging motions, our sexual stings, our forbidden lusts, which as I take this thing that you call love, to be a class or father.

RODERIGO. It cannot be.

IAGO. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man. drown yourself! Drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed myself to be your friend, and I confess I knit with cables of lasting toughness to your merit. I could never be a better friend to you than now. Put money in your purse; follow the wars; defeat your mood with an false beard; I say, put money in your purse. It can’t be that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor for long— put money in your purse— nor he his love to her. It had a violent beginning, and you shall see an answerable separation— put only money in your purse.—These Moors are changeable in their wills. Fill your purse with money. The food that is now as luscious as locusts to him shall be shortly be as bitter as the bitter apple drug. She must change for youth. When she is full with his body, she will see the error of her choice. She must have change, she

Scene 3 26 must. Therefore, put money in your purse. If you must damn yourself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money you can; if holiness and a frail vow between an erring barbarian and a super−subtle Venetian are not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, you shall enjoy her. Therefore make money. A pox on drowning yourself! It is clean out of the way. Rather seek to be hanged in planning your joy than to be drowned and go without her.

RODERIGO. Will you be committed to my hopes, if I depend on you?

IAGO. You are sure of me. Go, make money. I have told you often, and I’ll tell you again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is fixed in my heart; yours has no less reason. Let us be united in our revenge against him. If you can get his wife, you do yourself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered. Go ahead; go; provide your money. We will talk about this more of this tomorrow. Goodbye.

RODERIGO. Where shall we meet in the morning?

IAGO. At my lodging.

RODERIGO. I'll be with you soon.

IAGO.

Scene 3 27 Go to; farewell. Do you hear me, Roderigo?

RODERIGO. What did you say?

IAGO. No more about drowning, do you hear?

RODERIGO. I am changed. I'll go sell all my land.

[Exit.]

IAGO. This is the way I ever make my fool my purse; Because I should abuse my own gained knowledge If I would waste time with such a fool Only for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; And it is widely thought that he has done my job Between my sheets. I don’t know if it is true; But I will take it as a certainty just because of mere Suspicion in that way. He trusts me well, The better my plan will work on him. Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now, To get his place, and to congratulate myself In double trickery, How, how? Let's see. After some time, to whisper into Othello's ear That Cassio is too familiar with his wife. He has a person, and a smooth disposition, To be suspected, framed to make women lie. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men are honest that only seem to be so; And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. I have it! It is born. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.

[Exit.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3 28 Act II

1. Scene 1 2. Scene 2 3. Scene 3

Scene 1

A seaport in Cyprus. A Platform. A seaport in Cyprus. A Platform.

[Enter Montano and two Gentlemen.] [Enter Montano and two Gentlemen.]

MONTANO. MONTANO. What from the cape can you discern at sea? What can you discern at sea from the cape? FIRST GENTLEMAN. Nothing at all: it is a high−wrought flood; FIRST GENTLEMAN. I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main, Nothing at all. It is a very excited flood; Descry a sail. I cannot, between the sky and the land, See a sail. MONTANO. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; MONTANO. A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements: I think the wind has spoken aloud to the If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea, land; What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, A fuller blast never shook our battlements. Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? If it has so blustered on the sea, That what ribs of oak, when mountains SECOND GENTLEMAN. melt on them, A segregation of the Turkish fleet: Can hold together? What shall we hear of For do but stand upon the foaming shore, this? The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds; The wind−shak'd surge, with high and monstrous main, SECOND GENTLEMAN. Seems to cast water on the burning Bear, A separation of the Turkish fleet. And quench the guards of the ever−fixed pole; Because if you only stand on the foaming I never did like molestation view shore, On the enchafed flood. The scolded waves seem to hit the clouds; The wind−shaken surge, with high and MONTANO. monstrous open If that the Turkish fleet sea, seems to cast water on the burning Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd; Bear−shaped It is impossible to bear it out. star, and quench the guards of the permanent North [Enter a third Gentleman.] Pole. I never did like assaulting view Of the irritated flood. THIRD GENTLEMAN. News, lads! our wars are done. MONTANO. The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks If the Turkish fleet is not That their designment halts; a noble ship of Venice Sheltered and in a bay, they are drowned;

Act II 29 Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance It is impossible to wait it out. On most part of their fleet. [Enter a third Gentleman.] MONTANO. How! is this true? THIRD GENTLEMAN. News, lads! Our wars are over. THIRD GENTLEMAN. The desperate tempest has so banged the The ship is here put in, Turks A Veronessa; Michael Cassio, That their undertaking is stopped. A noble Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, ship of Venice Is come on shore: the Moor himself's at sea, Has seen a terrible wreck and suffering And is in full commission here for Cyprus. On the biggest part of their fleet.

MONTANO. MONTANO. I am glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor. How! Is this true?

THIRD GENTLEMAN. THIRD GENTLEMAN. But this same Cassio,−−though he speak of comfort The ship is put in here, Touching the Turkish loss,−−yet he looks sadly, A Veronessa. Michael Cassio, And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, With foul and violent tempest. Hass come on shore. The Moor himself is at sea, MONTANO. And has full orders here for Cyprus. Pray heavens he be; For I have serv'd him, and the man commands MONTANO. Like a full soldier. Let's to the sea−side, ho! I am glad of it. He is a worthy governor As well to see the vessel that's come in As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, THIRD GENTLEMAN. Even till we make the main and the aerial blue But this same Cassio, although he speaks An indistinct regard. of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, he still looks THIRD GENTLEMAN. sad, Come, let's do so; And prays the Moor is safe, because they For every minute is expectancy were parted Of more arrivance. With an evil and violent tempest.

[Enter Cassio.] MONTANO. Pray heavens he is, CASSIO. Because I have served him, and the man Thanks you, the valiant of this warlike isle, commands That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens Like a full soldier. Let's to the sea−side ho, Give him defence against the elements, As well to see the vessel that's come in For I have lost him on a dangerous sea! As to search for brave Othello, Even until we make the open sea and the MONTANO. sky blue Is he well shipp'd? A dull care.

CASSIO. THIRD GENTLEMAN. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot Come, let's do so, Of very expert and approv'd allowance; Because every minute is to expect

Act II 30 Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, More arrival. Stand in bold cure. [Enter Cassio.] [Within.] A sail, a sail, a sail! CASSIO. [Enter a fourth Gentleman.] Thank you, the valiant of this warlike isle, That so approve the Moor! O, let the CASSIO. heavens What noise? Give him defense against the elements, Because I have lost him on a dangerous FOURTH GENTLEMAN. sea! The town is empty; on the brow o' the sea Stand ranks of people, and they cry, "A sail!" MONTANO. Does he have a good ship? CASSIO. My hopes do shape him for the governor. CASSIO. His ship is heavily timbered, and his [Guns within.] captain is Very experienced and has a good SECOND GENTLEMAN. reputation; They do discharge their shot of courtesy: Therefore my hopes, not excessively fed to Our friends at least. death, Stand in heavy anxiety. CASSIO. I pray you, sir, go forth, [Within.] A sail, a sail, a sail! And give us truth who 'tis that is arriv'd. [Enter a fourth Gentleman.] SECOND GENTLEMAN. I shall. CASSIO. What noise? [Exit.] FOURTH GENTLEMAN. MONTANO. The town is empty; on the seashore But, good lieutenant, is your general wiv'd? Ranks of people stand, and they cry, "A sail!" CASSIO. Most fortunately: he hath achiev'd a maid CASSIO. That paragons description and wild fame, My hopes think it looks like the governor. One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, And in the essential vesture of creation [Guns within.] Does tire the ingener.−− SECOND GENTLEMAN. [Re−enter second Gentleman.] They sound their shots out of courtesy. Our friends at least. How now! who has put in? CASSIO. SECOND GENTLEMAN. I beg you, sir, go outside, 'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general. And give us truth about who it is that has arrived. CASSIO.

Act II 31 Has had most favourable and happy speed: SECOND GENTLEMAN. Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds, I shall. The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands,−− Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel,−− [Exit.] As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by MONTANO. The divine Desdemona. But, good lieutenant, is your general married? MONTANO. What is she? CASSIO. Very fortunately. He has married a maid CASSIO. That defies description and wild She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, reputation, Left in the conduct of the bold Iago; One that surpasses the skills of fiery pens, Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts And in the essential show of creation A se'nnight's speed.−−Great Jove, Othello guard, Tires the creator. And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, [Re−enter second Gentleman.] Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms, Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits, How now! Who has put in? And bring all Cyprus comfort! O, behold, SECOND GENTLEMAN. [Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Roderigo, and Attendants.] It is one Iago, ensign to the general.

The riches of the ship is come on shore! CASSIO. Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.−− He’s had very favorable and happy speed. Hall to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven, Tempests themselves, high seas, and Before, behind thee, and on every hand, howling winds, Enwheel thee round! The guttered rocks, and congregated sands, Traitors set on clogging up the innocent DESDEMONA. foundation, I thank you, valiant Cassio. As having sense of beauty, omit What tidings can you tell me of my lord? Their mortal natures, letting go safely by The divine Desdemona. CASSIO. He is not yet arrived nor know I aught MONTANO. But that he's well, and will be shortly here. Who is she?

DESDEMONA. CASSIO. O, but I fear−−How lost you company? She that I spoke of, our great captain's captain, CASSIO. Left in the company of the bold Iago, The great contention of the sea and skies Whose footing here occurs earlier than the Parted our fellowship:−−but, hark! a sail. seven nights We thought it would take. Great Jove, [Within.] A sail, a sail! guard Othello, And swell his sail with your own powerful [Guns within.] breath, That he may bless this bay with his tall SECOND GENTLEMAN. ship,

Act II 32 They give their greeting to the citadel: Make love's quick breaths in Desdemona's This likewise is a friend. arms, Give renewed fire to our dead spirits, CASSIO. And bring all Cyprus comfort! O, behold, See for the news. [Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, [Exit Gentleman.] Roderigo, and Attendants.]

Good ancient, you are welcome:−−Welcome, mistress:−− The riches of the ship is come on shore! [To Emilia.] You men of Cyprus, bend your knees. Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, Hall to you, lady! and the grace of heaven, That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding Before you, behind you, and on every That gives me this bold show of courtesy. hand, Surround you! [Kissing her.] DESDEMONA. IAGO. I thank you, valiant Cassio. Sir, would she give you so much of her lips What news can you tell me of my lord? As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, You'd have enough. CASSIO. He is not yet arrived and I don’t know DESDEMONA. anything Alas, she has no speech. Only that he's well, and will be here shortly. IAGO. In faith, too much; DESDEMONA. I find it still when I have list to sleep: O, but I fear how lost you each other? Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, She puts her tongue a little in her heart, CASSIO. And chides with thinking. The great fight of the sea and skies Separated our fellowship. Only, look! a EMILIA. sail. You have little cause to say so. [Within.] A sail, a sail! IAGO. Come on, come on; you are pictures out of doors, [Guns within.] Bells in your parlours, wild cats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, SECOND GENTLEMAN. Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds. They give their greeting to the fortress. This is also a friend. DESDEMONA. O, fie upon thee, slanderer! CASSIO. Look for the news. IAGO. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: [Exit Gentleman.] You rise to play, and go to bed to work. Good ensign, you are welcome. Welcome, EMILIA. mistress. You shall not write my praise. [To Emilia.] Don’t let it try your patience, good Iago,

Act II 33 IAGO. That I extend my manners. It is my No, let me not. breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy. DESDEMONA. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst praise me? [Kissing her.]

IAGO. IAGO. O gentle lady, do not put me to't; Sir, I wish she would give you as much of For I am nothing if not critical. her lips As she often gives me of her tongu., DESDEMONA. You'd have enough. Come on, assay−−There's one gone to the harbor? DESDEMONA. IAGO. Alas, she has nothing to say. Ay, madam. IAGO. DESDEMONA. In faith, too much to say; I am not merry; but I do beguile I find she’s still talking when I am almost The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.−− asleep. Come, how wouldst thou praise me? By Mary, before your ladyship, I grant, She puts her voice a little in her heart, IAGO. And scolds by thinking. I am about it; but, indeed, my invention Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize,−− EMILIA. It plucks out brains and all: but my Muse labours, You don’t have reasonto say so. And thus she is deliver'd. If she be fair and wise,−−fairness and wit, IAGO. The one's for use, the other useth it. Come on, come on; you are pictures outdoors, bells in DESDEMONA. your parlors, wild cats in your kitchens, Well prais'd! How if she be black and witty? saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in IAGO. your If she be black, and thereto have a wit, housewifery, and housewives in your beds. She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. O, damn you, slanderer! Worse and worse. IAGO. EMILIA. No, it’s true, or else I am a Turk. How if fair and foolish? You wake up to play, and go to bed to work. IAGO. She never yet was foolish that was fair; EMILIA. For even her folly help'd her to an heir. You shall not write my praise.

DESDEMONA. IAGO. These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i' the No, don’t let me. alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? DESDEMONA.

Act II 34 IAGO. What would you write about me, if you There's none so foul and foolish thereunto, should praise me? But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. IAGO. DESDEMONA. O gentle lady, don’t ask me, O heavy ignorance!−−thou praisest the worst best. But what Because I am nothing if not critical. praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed,−−one that, in the authority of her merit, did justly put on the vouch DESDEMONA. of very malice itself? Come on, try it. There's one gone to the harbor? IAGO. She that was ever fair and never proud; IAGO. Had tongue at will and yet was never loud; Yes, madam. Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay; Fled from her wish, and yet said, "Now I may"; DESDEMONA. She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh, I am not merry; but I cheat Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly; The thing I am by seeming otherwise. She that in wisdom never was so frail Come, how would you praise me? To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail; She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind; IAGO. See suitors following and not look behind; I am about it; but, indeed, my imagination She was a wight, if ever such wight were;−− Comes from my head as bird trap does from cloth, DESDEMONA. It plucks out brains and all. But my To do what? inspiration works, And she is delivered like this. IAGO. If she is beautiful and wise, beauty and To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. wit, The one's for use, the other uses it. DESDEMONA. O most lame and impotent conclusion!−−Do not learn of him, DESDEMONA. Emilia, though he be thy husband.−−How say you, Cassio? is he Well praised! What if she is black and not a most profane and liberal counsellor? witty?

CASSIO. IAGO. He speaks home, madam: you may relish him more in the If she is black and also has a wit, soldier than in the scholar. She'll find a white that will her blackness fit. IAGO. [Aside.] He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, whisper: DESDEMONA. with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Worse and worse. Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks EMILIA. as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been What if she is beautiful and foolish? better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; IAGO. well kissed! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so, indeed. Yet She never was still foolish that was again your fingers to your lips? beautiful, Would they were clyster−pipes for your sake! Because even her folly helped her have an heir.

Act II 35 [Trumpet within.]−− DESDEMONA. The Moor! I know his trumpet. These are old wives’ tales to make fools laugh in the CASSIO. alehouse. What miserable praise have you 'Tis truly so. for her that's ugly and foolish? DESDEMONA. Let's meet him, and receive him. IAGO. There's no one so ugly and foolish, except CASSIO. the one Lo, where he comes! That does ugly pranks that beautiful and wise ones do [Enter Othello and Attendants.] DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. O heavy ignorance! You praise the worst O my fair warrior! best. But what praise could you bestow on a deserving DESDEMONA. woman indeed, My dear Othello! one that, in the authority of her merit, rightly wore the OTHELLO. witnessing of very malice itself? It gives me wonder great as my content To see you here before me. O my soul's joy! IAGO. If after every tempest come such calms, She who was always beautiful and never May the winds blow till they have waken'd death! proud And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas Said what she wanted to say and yet was Olympus−high, and duck again as low never loud, As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die, Never needed money and still was 'Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear, unhappy; My soul hath her content so absolute Ran from her wish, and still said, "Now I That not another comfort like to this can," Succeeds in unknown fate. She who, being angry and her revenge being near, DESDEMONA. Asked her mistake to stay and her revenge The heavens forbid to leave; But that our loves and comforts should increase She who was, wisely, never was so Even as our days do grow! delicate that she Would change the cod's head for the OTHELLO. salmon's tail, Amen to that, sweet powers!−− She who could think and never say what I cannot speak enough of this content; was on her It stops me here; it is too much of joy: mind, see suitors following her and did not And this, and this, the greatest discords be look back, She was an angel if there was an angel. [Kissing her.] DESDEMONA. That e'er our hearts shall make! To do what?

IAGO. IAGO. [Aside.] O, you are well tun'd now! To breastfeed fools and make a record of a

Act II 36 But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, little beer. As honest as I am. DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. O very lame and powerless conclusion! Come, let us to the castle.−− Don’t learn from News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd. him, Emilia, although he is your husband. How does my old acquaintance of this isle? What do you Honey, you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus; think, Cassio? Isn’t he a very unholy and I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, rude counselor? I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine own comforts.−−I pry'thee, good Iago, CASSIO. Go to the bay and disembark my coffers: He speaks freely, madam. You may Bring thou the master to the citadel; appreciate him more He is a good one, and his worthiness as a soldier than as a scholar. Does challenge much respect.−−Come, Desdemona, Once more well met at Cyprus. IAGO. [Aside.] He takes her by the hand. Yes, [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants.] well said whisper. With a web as little as this, I’ll catch as big IAGO. a fly as Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come hither. Cassio. Yes, go ahead and smile on her; I If thou be'st valiant,−−as, they say, base men being in love will trap you in have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to your own courtship. You speak truly; it is them,−−list me. The lieutenant to−night watches on the court so, indeed. If of guard: first, I must tell thee this−−Desdemona is directly such tricks as these strip you of your in love with him. lieutenantry, it would’ve been better you hadn’t kissed RODERIGO. your three fingers With him! why, 'tis not possible. so often, with which you are again very ready to play the IAGO. gent. Very good; well kissed! an excellent Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark courtesy! it is me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for so, indeed. Still your fingers to your lips bragging, and telling her fantastical lies: and will she love again? I wish him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think it. Her they were hypodermics for your sake! eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of [Trumpet within.] sport, there should be,−−again to inflame it and to give The Moor! I know his trumpet. satiety a fresh appetite,−− loveliness in favour; sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is CASSIO. defective in: now, for want of these required It is truly so. conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor DESDEMONA. the Moor; very nature will instruct her in it, and compel Let's meet him and greet him. her to some second choice. Now sir, this granted;−−as it is a most pregnant and unforced position,−−who stands so CASSIO. eminently in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? a Look, where he is coming! knave very voluble; no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming, [Enter Othello and Attendants.] for the better compass of his salt and most hidden loose

Act II 37 affection? why, none; why, none;−−a slipper and subtle OTHELLO. knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can O my beautiful warrior! stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave! besides, DESDEMONA. the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those My dear Othello! requisites in him that folly and green minds look after: a pestilent complete knave; and the woman hath found him OTHELLO. already. It surprises me as much as my joy To see you here before me. O my soul's RODERIGO. joy! I cannot believe that in her; she is full of most blessed If, after every storm such calms come, condition. May the winds blow until they have awakened death! IAGO. And let the laboring ship climb hills of Blest fig's end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if oceans she had been blessed, she would never have loved the As high as Olympus, and duck down again Moor: blessed pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle as low with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that? As hell is from heaven! If I were to die now, RODERIGO. I could die very happy; because, I’m Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy. afraid, My soul is so absolutely content, IAGO. That no other comfort like this one Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure prologue to Can follow unknown death. the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together. DESDEMONA. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so The heavens forbid anything marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and But our loves and comforts should main exercise, the incorporate conclusion: pish!−− increase But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Even as our days grow long! Watch you to−night: for the command, I'll lay't upon you: Cassio knows you not:−−I'll not be far from you: do you find OTHELLO. some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too Amen to that, sweet powers! loud, or tainting his discipline, or from what other course I cannot speak enough of this contentment; you please, which the time shall more favourably minister. It stops me here; it is too joyful. And this, and this, are the greatest upsets RODERIGO. Well. [Kissing her.]

IAGO. That our hearts shall ever make! Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler, and haply with his truncheon may strike at you: provoke him, that he IAGO. may; for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to [Aside.] O, you are well tuned now! mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste But I'll tighten the strings that make this again but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have music, a shorter journey to your desires by the means I shall Until it’s as honest as I am. then have to prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no OTHELLO. expectation of our prosperity. Come, let’s go to the castle. News, friends; our wars are done, the

Act II 38 RODERIGO. Turks are I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. drowned. How does my old acquaintance like this isle? IAGO. Honey, Cyprus will be very glad to see I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel: I must you; fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. I have found great love among them. O my sweet, RODERIGO. I chit−chat unfashionably, and I talk Adieu. foolishly About my own comforts. I beg you, good [Exit.] Iago, Go to the bay and take my bags off the IAGO. ship. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it; Bring the captain to the fortress. That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great credit: He is a good one, and his worthiness The Moor,−−howbeit that I endure him not,−− Deserves much respect. Come, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature; Desdemona, And, I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona Once more happily brought to Cyprus. A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too; Not out of absolute lust,−−though, peradventure, [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and I stand accountant for as great a sin,− Attendants.] But partly led to diet my revenge, For that I do suspect the lusty Moor IAGO. Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof Meet me right away at the harbor. Come Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards; here. And nothing can or shall content my soul If you are valiant, as, they say, corrupt Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife; men being in love Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor have a nobility in their natures that is more At least into a jealousy so strong than natural to That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,−− them, listen to me. The lieutenant is part of If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash the court’s For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, guard tonight. First, I must tell you this I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip; Desdemona is Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb,−− directly in love with him. For I fear Cassio with my night−cap too;−− Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me RODERIGO. For making him egregiously an ass With him! Why, it is not possible. And practicing upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confus'd: IAGO. Knavery's plain face is never seen till us'd. Lay your finger like this, and let your soul be instructed. [Exit.] Watch with what violence she first loved the Moor, but with his bragging, and telling her fantastic lies. will she still love him for chattering? Don’t your discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed, and what joy will she have to look on the devil? When the blood is

Act II 39 made calm with playing, there should be something to fire it up again and to satisfy a fresh appetite, loveliness in favor; sympathy in years, manners, and beauties, all which the Moor lacks. Now, because of wanting these required things, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to vomit, to dislike and hate the Moor. Her very nature will instruct her in it, and force her to make some second choice. Now sir, this done, as it is a very compelling and natural position, who is outstanding and first in the degree of this luck as Cassio is? A very changeable rogue, having no further conscience than assuming the mere form of civil and humane behavior, for the better measure of his worth and very hidden loose affections? Why, no one, why, no one, a slippery and subtle rogue, a finder of opportunities, whose eye can print and fake advantages, although true advantage never shows itself. a devilish rogue! besides, the rogue is handsome, young, and has all those requirements in him that evil and jealous minds look for. A deadly complete rogue, and the woman has found him already.

RODERIGO. I cannot believe that in her; she is full of very blessed qualities.

IAGO. Blessed my foot! She drinks wine just like everyone else.

Act II 40 If she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor. Blessed pudding! Didn’t you see her play with the palm of his hand? Didn’t you see that?

RODERIGO. Yes, I did; but she was only being polite.

IAGO. I swear it’s a habitual lust, a list and hidden opening to the history of lust and evil thoughts. They came so close with their lips that their breaths hugged each other. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutual things lead the way, the teacher and the main exercise follow close behind, to the obvious conclusion. Piss off! But, sir, Take my advice. I have brought you from Venice. Watch tonight. I’ll give you the order. Cassio doesn’t know you. I won’t be far from you. Find some occasion to make Cassio angry, either by speaking too loud, or insulting his discipline, or from whatever reason you please, which might be suggested by what’s happening at the time.

RODERIGO. OK.

IAGO. Sir, he is impulsive, and hot under the collar, and might strike at you with his club. Provoke him so that he will; because even out of that, I will make these men of Cyprus rebel, whose character won’t come back to their original calmness unless Cassio is replaced. So you shall have a shorter journey to your desires by

Act II 41 the means I would now have to advance them; and the impediment very profitably removed, without which we couldn’t expect to succeed.

RODERIGO. I will do this. If I can bring it to any advantage.

IAGO. I guarantee you. Meet me later at the fortress. I must get his belongings ashore. Farewell.

RODERIGO. Goodbye.

[Exit.]

IAGO. I really believe it; that Cassio likes her, That she likes him, it is proper and of great credit. The Moor, be that as it may that I can’t stand him, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature; And, I dare think, he'll prove to be a very dear husband To Desdemona. Now, I love her too, Not out of absolute lust, although, maybe, I have committed as great a sin, But partly given to regulating my revenge, Because that I suspect the lusty Moor Has slept with my wife, which the thought of, Like a poisonous mineral, eats my insides, And nothing can or shall content my soul Until I get even with him, wife for wife, Or, failing that, until I put the Moor At least into a fit of jealousy so strong That judgment cannot cure him, which in order to do, If this poor trash of Venice (Roderigo), whom I trash Because of his quick chase, puts up with the plan, I'll have our Michael Cassio at a disadvantage, and

Act II 42 Talk about him in the worst terms to the Moor, Because I fear Cassio with my nightly thoughts too. Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me For making him an ass so excellently. And disrupting on his peace and quiet Even to madness. It’s all here, but still unorganized. Trickery's plain face is never seen until it is used.

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Scene 2

A street.

[Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People A street. following.] [Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People following.] HERALD. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant HERALD. general, that It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, on certain news now arrived, concerning the mere that upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere total perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into destruction of the Turkish fleet, every man rejoice, triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each some man to to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him: for, besides whatever these sport and revels his disposition leads him, because, beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial:−−so besides this good news, it is the celebration of his much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices wedding. His pleasure should be proclaimed this are open; much. and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour All offices are open, and there is full liberty of of feasting five till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of from this present hour of five until the clock rings Cyprus and our noble general eleven. Othello! Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general [Exeunt.] Othello!

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Scene 2 43 Scene 3

SCENE III. A Hall in the Castle. SCENE III. A Hall in the Castle.

[Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.] [Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.] OTHELLO. Good Michael, look you to the guard to−night: OTHELLO. Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop, Good Michael, look to the guard tonight. Not to out−sport discretion. Let's teach ourselves limits to celebrate, Not overdoing it. CASSIO. Iago hath direction what to do; CASSIO. But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye Iago has orders on what to do; Will I look to't. But, nevertheless, with my own eyes I will look to it myself . OTHELLO. Iago is most honest. OTHELLO. Michael, good night: to−morrow with your earliest Iago is very honest. Let me have speech with you.−−Come, my dear love,−− Michael, good night. Tomorrow ,at your earliest, Let me speak with you. Come, my dear love, [To Desdemona] [To Desdemona] The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.−− The purchase made, the fruits are to follow, Good−night. That profit is still to come between me and you. Good−night. [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants.] [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants.] [Enter Iago.] [Enter Iago.] CASSIO. Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch. CASSIO. Welcome, Iago; we must go to the guard. IAGO. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the clock. IAGO. Our general cast us thus early for the love of his Not this hour, lieutenant; it is not yet ten of the Desdemona; who clock. Our let us not therefore blame: he hath not yet made wanton general put us early like this for the love of his the night Desdemona, whom we won’t blame. He hasn’t yet with her; and she is sport for Jove. spent the wedding night with her; and she is joy for the CASSIO. gods. She's a most exquisite lady. CASSIO. IAGO. She's a very exquisite lady. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. IAGO. CASSIO. And, I'll guarantee that she is full of game.

Scene 3 44 Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate creature. CASSIO. Indeed, she is a very fresh and delicate creature. IAGO. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley to IAGO. provocation. What an eye she has! I think it looks like an invitation to excitement. CASSIO. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. CASSIO. An inviting eye, and still I think it is properly IAGO. modest. And when she speaks, is it not an alarm to love? IAGO. CASSIO. And when she speaks, isn’t it a call to love? She is, indeed, perfection. CASSIO. IAGO. She is, indeed, perfection. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus IAGO. gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, black Othello. I have a bottle of wine; and here outside are a number of CASSIO. Cyprus gents that would happily drink a round to Not to−night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy the brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would health of black Othello. invent some other custom of entertainment. CASSIO. IAGO. Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you. unhappy brains for drinking. I could really wish manners CASSIO. would I have drunk but one cup to−night, and that was craftily invent some other kind of entertainment. qualified too, and behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my IAGO. weakness with any more. O, they are our friends, only one cup. I'll drink for you. IAGO. What, man! 'tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it. CASSIO. I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was CASSIO. craftily Where are they? diluted too, and behold, what changes it makes here. I IAGO. am unfortunate in the handicap, and dare not Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. tempt my weakness with any more wine. CASSIO. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. IAGO. What, man! It is a night of partying. The gents [Exit.] desire it.

IAGO. CASSIO.

Scene 3 45 If I can fasten but one cup upon him, Where are they? With that which he hath drunk to−night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offense IAGO. As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool Roderigo, Here at the door; I beg you, call them in. Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out, To Desdemona hath to−night carous'd CASSIO. Potations pottle−deep; and he's to watch: I'll do it, but it doesn’t like me. Three lads of Cyprus,−−noble swelling spirits, That hold their honours in a wary distance, [Exit.] The very elements of this warlike isle,−− Have I to−night fluster'd with flowing cups, IAGO. And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of If I can get him to drink only one cup, drunkards, With the one he’s already drunk tonight, Am I to put our Cassio in some action He'll be as full of fighting and insults That may offend the isle:−−but here they come: As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool If consequence do but approve my dream, Roderigo, My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. Whom love has almost turned inside out, Has toasted Desdemona tonight with [Re−enter Cassio; with him Montano and Gentlemen; Half gallon drinks, and he's supposed to watch. followed by Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, Servant with wine.] That hold their honors at a careful distance, The very elements of this warlike isle, CASSIO. I have made half−drunk tonight with overflowing 'Fore heaven, they have given me a rouse already. cups, And they watch too. Now, among this flock of MONTANO. drunkards, Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier. I am make our Cassio do some action That may offend the isle. but here they come. IAGO. If the results confirm my dream, Some wine, ho! My boat sails freely, with both wind and stream.

[Sings.] [Re−enter Cassio; with him Montano and "And let me the canakin clink, clink; Gentlemen; And let me the canakin clink. followed by Servant with wine.] A soldier's a man; O, man's life's but a span; CASSIO. Why then let a soldier drink." Before heaven, they have given me a toast already Some wine, boys! MONTANO. CASSIO. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a 'Fore God, an excellent song. soldier.

IAGO. IAGO. I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are most Some wine, ho! potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your swag−bellied Hollander,−−Drink, ho!−−are nothing to [Sings.] your "And let me the small drink clink, clink; English. And let me the small drink clink. A soldier's a man; CASSIO. O, man's life's only a span;

Scene 3 46 Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? Why then let a soldier drink." Some wine, boys! IAGO. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; CASSIO. he Before God, an excellent song. sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander IAGO. a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled. I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are very CASSIO. powerful drinkers. Your Dane, your German, and To the health of our general! your swag−bellied Hollander, Drink, ho! are nothing to MONTANO. your I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice. English.

IAGO. CASSIO. O sweet England! Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking?

[Sings.] IAGO. "King Stephen was and a worthy peer, Why, he drinks your Dane dead drunk easily; he His breeches cost him but a crown; doesn’t He held them sixpence all too dear, even sweat to defeat your German; he makes your With that he call'd the tailor lown. Hollander vomit before the next round can be He was a wight of high renown, poured. And thou art but of low degree: 'Tis pride that pulls the country down; CASSIO. Then take thine auld cloak about thee." To the health of our general!

Some wine, ho! MONTANO. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a CASSIO. soldier. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. IAGO. IAGO. Some wine, ho! Will you hear it again? [Sings.] CASSIO. "King Stephen was a worthy peer, No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does His breeches only cost him a dollar; those things.−−Well,−−God's above all, and there be souls He held them six cents all too expensive, must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. With that he called the calm tailor. He was an angel of high renown, IAGO. And you are only of low degree. It's true, good lieutenant. It is pride that pulls the country down; Then take your old cloak about you." CASSIO. For mine own part,−−no offence to the general, nor any Some wine, ho! man of quality,−−I hope to be saved. CASSIO. IAGO. Before God, an excellent song. And so do I too, lieutenant.

Scene 3 47 CASSIO. IAGO. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to Will you hear it again? be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more of this; let's to our affairs.−−Forgive us our sins!−−Gentlemen, CASSIO. let's No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am does drunk: this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is those things.−−Well,−−God's above all, and there my left:−−I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, be souls and must be saved, and there be souls must not be I speak well enough. saved.

ALL. IAGO. Excellent well. It's true, good lieutenant.

CASSIO. CASSIO. Why, very well then: you must not think, then, that I am For my own part, no offense to the general, nor drunk. any man of quality, I hope to be saved. [Exit.] IAGO. MONTANO. And so do I too, lieutenant. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch. CASSIO. IAGO. Yes, but, with your permission, not before me. You see this fellow that is gone before;−− The He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar lieutenant is to be saved before the ensign. Let's And give direction: and do but see his vice; have no 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, more of this; let's to our affairs. Forgive us our The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him. sins! I fear the trust Othello puts him in, Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Don’t think, On some odd time of his infirmity, gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ensign; this is Will shake this island. my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now; I MONTANO. can stand But is he often thus? well enough, and I speak well enough.

IAGO. ALL. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep: Excellent well. He'll watch the horologe a double set If drink rock not his cradle. CASSIO. Why, very well then. you must not think, then, MONTANO. that I am It were well drunk. The general were put in mind of it. Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature [Exit.] Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio, And looks not on his evils: is not this true? MONTANO. To the watchtower, gents. Come, let's start the [Enter Roderigo.] watch.

Scene 3 48 IAGO. IAGO. [Aside to him.] How now, Roderigo! You see this fellow that went before? I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar And give direction. and don’t only see his vice; [Exit Roderigo.] It is a proper contradiction to his virtue, The one is as long as the other. It ‘s a pity of him. MONTANO. I fear the trust Othello puts him in, because And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor At some odd time of his infirmity, he Should hazard such a place as his own second Will shake this island. With one of an ingraft infirmity: It were an honest action to say MONTANO. So to the Moor. But is he often like this?

IAGO. IAGO. Not I, for this fair island; It is always the beginning to his going to bed. I do love Cassio well; and would do much He'll watch the clock all night To cure him of this evil.−−But, hark! What noise? If drink doesn’t rock his cradle.

[Cry within,−−"Help! help!"] MONTANO. It would be good [Re−enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo.] To let the general know about it. Perhaps he doesn’t see it, or his good nature CASSIO. Values the virtue that seems to be in Cassio, You rogue! you rascal! And doesn’t look on his evils. Isn’t this true?

MONTANO. [Enter Roderigo.] What's the matter, lieutenant? IAGO. CASSIO. [Aside to him.] Hey, Roderigo! A knave teach me my duty! I'll beat the knave into I pray you, go after the lieutenant. a twiggen bottle. [Exit Roderigo.] RODERIGO. Beat me! MONTANO. And it’s a great pity that the noble Moor CASSIO. Should risk such a position as his own second in Dost thou prate, rogue? Command with one of an inborn handicap. It would be an honest action to say [Striking Roderigo.} So to the Moor.

MONTANO. IAGO. Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold your hand. Not I, for this whole beautiful island; I love Cassio well, and would do a lot CASSIO. To cure him of this evil. But, listen! What’s that Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the mazard. noise?

MONTANO. [Cry within, "Help! help!"] Come, come, you're drunk. [Re−enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo.] CASSIO.

Scene 3 49 Drunk! CASSIO. You rogue! You rascal! [They fight.] MONTANO. IAGO. What's the matter, lieutenant? Away, I say! go out and cry a mutiny. CASSIO. [Aside to Roderigo, who goes out.] A rogue teaching me my duty! I'll beat the rogue into Nay, good lieutenant,−−alas,, gentlemen:−− a wicker bottle. Help, ho!−−Lieutenant,−−sir,−−Montano,−−sir:−− Help, masters!−−Here's a goodly watch indeed! RODERIGO. Beat me! [Bell rings.] Who's that that rings the bell?−−Diablo, ho! CASSIO. The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant, hold; Do you chatter on, rogue? You will be sham'd forever. [Striking Roderigo.} [Re−enter Othello and Attendants.] MONTANO. OTHELLO. No, good lieutenant; I beg you, sir, stop. What is the matter here? CASSIO. MONTANO. Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you over the head. Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death. MONTANO. OTHELLO. Come on , come on, you're drunk. Hold, for your lives! CASSIO. IAGO. Drunk! Hold, ho! lieutenant,−−sir,−−Montano,−−gentlemen,−− Have you forgot all place of sense and duty? [They fight.] Hold! the general speaks to you; hold, hold, for shame! IAGO. OTHELLO. Away, I say! go out and cry a mutiny. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that [Aside to Roderigo, who goes out.] Which Heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: Nay, good lieutenant,−−alas,, gentlemen:−− He that stirs next to carve for his own rage Help, Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.−− ho!−−Lieutenant,−−sir,−−Montano,−−sir:−− Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle Help, masters!−−Here's a goodly watch indeed! From her propriety.−−What is the matter, masters?−− Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving, [Bell rings.] Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee. Who's that that rings the bell?−−Diablo, ho! The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant, hold; IAGO. You will be sham'd forever. I do not know:−−friends all but now, even now, In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom [Re−enter Othello and Attendants.] Devesting them for bed; and then, but now−−

Scene 3 50 As if some planet had unwitted men,−− OTHELLO. Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast What is the matter here? In opposition bloody. I cannot speak Any beginning to this peevish odds; MONTANO. And would in action glorious I had lost Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death. Those legs that brought me to a part of it! OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Hold, for your lives! How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? IAGO. CASSIO. Hold, ho! I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak. lieutenant,−−sir,−−Montano,−−gentlemen,−− Have you forgot all place of sense and duty? OTHELLO. Hold! the general speaks to you; hold, hold, for Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil; shame! The gravity and stillness of your youth The world hath noted, and your name is great OTHELLO. In mouths of wisest censure: what's the matter, Why, how now, ho! What started this? That you unlace your reputation thus, Have we turned to Turks, and do to ourselves And spend your rich opinion for the name What Heaven has forbidden the Ottoman? Of a night−brawler? give me answer to it. Because of Christian shame, stop this barbarous brawl. MONTANO. He moves next to carve out his own rage Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger: Values his soul lightly; he dies on his motion. Your officer, Iago, can inform you,−− Silence that dreadful bell. It frightens the isle While I spare speech, which something now offends From her sleep. What is the matter, gentlemen? me,−− Honest Iago, looking dead with grieving, Of all that I do know: nor know I aught Speak, who began this? On your love, I order you. By me that's said or done amiss this night: Unless self−charity be sometimes a vice, IAGO. And to defend ourselves it be a sin I don’t know. Everyone were friends until now, When violence assails us. even now, In quarters, and in terms like a bride and groom OTHELLO. Getting ready for bed; and then, but now Now, by heaven, As if some planet had stolen their wits, My blood begins my safer guides to rule; Swords out, and aiming at one another's breasts And passion, having my best judgement collied, In a bloody fight. I can’t tell you Assays to lead the way. If I once stir, How it started with these very small things, Or do but lift this arm, the best of you And I would have lost Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know Those legs that brought me to be a part of it! How this foul rout began, who set it on; And he that is approv'd in this offensc, OTHELLO. Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, How is it, Michael, that you have forgotten Shall lose me.−−What! in a town of war yourself? Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, To manage private and domestic quarrel, CASSIO. In night, and on the court and guard of safety! I beg you, pardon me; I cannot speak. 'Tis monstrous.−−Iago, who began't? OTHELLO. MONTANO. Worthy Montano, you were inclined to be civil;

Scene 3 51 If partially affin'd, or leagu'd in office, The world has marked he gravity and stillness of Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, your Thou art no soldier. youth and your name is great In mouths of wisest respect. What's the matter, IAGO. That you destroy your reputation like this, Touch me not so near: And waste your reputation for the name I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Of a night−brawler? Answer me. Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth MONTANO. Shall nothing wrong him.−−Thus it is, general. Worthy Othello, I am dangerously wounded. Montano and myself being in speech, Your officer, Iago, can tell you, There comes a fellow crying out for help; While I save speech, which somewhat now And Cassio following him with determin'd sword, offends me, To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman Of all that I know. I don’t know anything Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause: That I said or did wrong this night, Myself the crying fellow did pursue, Unless self−love is sometimes a vice, Lest by his clamour,−−as it so fell out,−− And to defend ourselves is a sin The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot, When we are attacked violently. Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, OTHELLO. And Cassio high in oath; which till to−night Now, by heaven, I ne'er might say before. When I came back,−− My blood begins to rule my safer sense, For this was brief,−−I found them close together, And passion, having influenced my better At blow and thrust; even as again they were judgment When you yourself did part them. Tries to lead the way. If I once get angry, More of this matter cannot I report;−− And only lift this arm, the best of you But men are men; the best sometimes forget:−− Shall sink in my scolding. Let me know Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,−− How this nasty fight began, who started it, As men in rage strike those that wish them best,−− And he that is guilty of this offense, Yet surely Cassio, I believe, receiv'd Even if he is my twin brother, both born at the From him that fled some strange indignity, same time, Which patience could not pass. He’ll be finished with me. What! In a town of war Still waging, the people's hearts brimful of fear, OTHELLO. To control private and domestic quarrels, I know, Iago, At night, and on the court and guard of safety! Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, It is monstrous. Iago, who started it ? Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine.−− MONTANO. If partially connected or together in office, [Renter Desdemona, attended.] You deliver more or less than truth, You are no soldier. Look, if my gentle love be not rais'd up!−− I'll make thee an example. IAGO. Don’t talk about me as if I’m not here. DESDEMONA. I’d rather have this tongue cut from my mouth What's the matter? Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; Still, I convince myself, speaking the truth OTHELLO. Shall not wrong him. It’s like this, general. All's well now, sweeting; come away to bed. Montano and myself were talking, and Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon: There comes a fellow crying out for help,

Scene 3 52 Lead him off. With Cassio following him with determined sword, [To Montano, who is lead off.] To kill him. Sir, this gentleman Turns around to Cassio and begs him to stop. Iago, look with care about the town, I pursued the crying fellow myself, And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.−− So that by his clamor, as it so came out, Come, Desdemona: 'tis the soldiers' life. The town might not fall into fright. He, fast of To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife. foot, Outran me; and I returned [Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio.] Because that I heard the clink and fall of swords, And Cassio swearing loudly; which, until tonight, IAGO. I never saw him do before. When I came back, What, are you hurt, lieutenant? For this was brief,−−I found them close together, Everyone was fighting, even as again they were CASSIO. When you yourself parted them. Ay, past all surgery. I can’t report more of this matter, But men are men; the best sometimes forget IAGO. themselves. Marry, heaven forbid! Though Cassio did only little wrong to him, As men in rage strike those that wish them best, CASSIO. Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my Some strange insult From him that fled, reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and Which patience could not let him get away with. what remains is bestial.−−My reputation, Iago, my reputation! OTHELLO. I know, Iago, IAGO. Your honesty and love minimize this matter, As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some Making it easier for Cassio. Cassio, I love you; bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in But never more be an officer of mine. reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false [Renter Desdemona, attended.] imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving: you have lost no reputation at all, unless you Look, my gentle love is awakened! repute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are ways I'll make you an example. to recover the general again: you are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice; even DESDEMONA. so as one would beat his offenceless dog to affright an What's the matter? imperious lion: sue to him again, and he is yours. OTHELLO. CASSIO. All's well now, sweetheart; come away to bed. I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a Sir, for your hurts, I myself will be your surgeon. commander with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet Take him away. an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own [To Montano, who is lead off.] shadow?−−O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil! Iago, look carefully about the town, And silence those whom this vile brawl has upset. IAGO. Come, Desdemona. it is the soldiers' life. What was he that you followed with your sword? To have their balmy slumbers awakened with What had he done to you? strife.

Scene 3 53 CASSIO. [Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio.] I know not. IAGO. IAGO. What, are you hurt, lieutenant? Is't possible? CASSIO. CASSIO. Yes, beyond all cures. I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore.−−O God, that men should IAGO. put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! By Mary, heaven forbid! that we should, with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause, transform ourselves into beasts! CASSIO. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost IAGO. my Why, but you are now well enough: how came you thus reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, recovered? and what remains is beastly. My reputation, Iago, my CASSIO. reputation! It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath: one unperfectness shows me another, to make IAGO. me As I am an honest man, I thought you had frankly despise myself. received some bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in IAGO. reputation. Reputation is an idle and very false Come, you are too severe a moraler: as the time, the burden, place, and the condition of this country stands, I could often got without merit and lost without being heartily wish this had not befallen; but since it is as it is, deserved. mend it for your own good. You have lost no reputation at all, unless you believe CASSIO. yourself to be such a loser. What, man! There are I will ask him for my place again;−−he shall tell me I am ways a to regain the general again. You are now only drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an fallen in his answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man, mood, a punishment more in policy than in by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O malice; even strange!−−Every as some one would beat his defenseless dog to inordinate cup is unbless'd, and the ingredient is a devil. scare an imperious lion. Talk to him again, and he’ll like IAGO. you again. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be CASSIO. well used: exclaim no more against it. And, good I will rather seek to be despised than to deceive so lieutenant, good I think you think I love you. a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and talk like a CASSIO. parrot? and I have well approved it, sir.−−I drunk! squabble? swagger? swear? and pick a fight with my IAGO. own shadow? O you invisible spirit of wine, if You, or any man living, may be drunk at a time, man. I'll you don’t

Scene 3 54 tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the have a name to be known by, let’s call you devil! general;−−I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, IAGO. and denotement of her parts and graces:−−confess Who were you following with your sword? yourself freely to her; importune her help to put What had he done to you? you in your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt, so CASSIO. blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness I don’t know. not to do more than she is requested: this broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to splinter; IAGO. and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack Is it possible? of your love shall grow stronger than it was before. CASSIO. CASSIO. I remember a lot, but nothing clearly, a quarrel, You advise me well. but not why. O God, that men should put an enemy in IAGO. their I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness. mouths to steal away their brains! That we should, with CASSIO. joy, pleasure, partying, and applause, transform I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will ourselves into beasts! beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me; I am IAGO. desperate of my fortunes if they check me here. Why, you’re sober enough now. How did you get this IAGO. sober? You are in the right. Good−night, lieutenant; I must to the watch. CASSIO. It has pleased the devil drunkenness to give place CASSIO. to the Good night, honest Iago. devil anger. One imperfection shows me another, to [Exit.] make me frankly hate myself.

IAGO. IAGO. And what's he, then, that says I play the villain? Come, you are too moral. As the time, the place, When this advice is free I give and honest, and the Probal to thinking, and, indeed, the course condition of this country stands, I could heartily To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy wish this The inclining Desdemona to subdue had not happen, but since it is what it is, fix it for In any honest suit: she's fram'd as fruitful your As the free elements. And then for her own good. To win the Moor,−−were't to renounce his baptism, All seals and symbols of redeemed sin,−− CASSIO. His soul is so enfetter'd to her love I’ll ask him for my job back; he’ll tell me I am a That she may make, unmake, do what she list, drunkard! Even as her appetite shall play the god If I had as many mouths as a seven−headed With his weak function. How am I, then, a villain goddess, To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, such an answer would shut them all. Now I’m a Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! sensible

Scene 3 55 When devils will the blackest sins put on, man, soon a fool, and now a beast! O strange! They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, Every As I do now: for whiles this honest fool uncontrolled cup is evil, and the ingredient is a Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, devil. And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I'll pour this pestilence into his ear,−− IAGO. That she repeals him for her body's lust; Come, come, good wine is a good familiar And by how much she strives to do him good, creature, if it is She shall undo her credit with the Moor. well used. Say no more against it. And, good So will I turn her virtue into pitch; lieutenant, I And out of her own goodness make the net think you think I love you. That shall enmesh them all. CASSIO. [Enter Roderigo.] I have well proven it, sir. I got drunk!

How now, Roderigo! IAGO. You, or any man living, may be drunk at a time, RODERIGO. man. I'll I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost now the spent; I general; I may say so in this respect, because that have been to−night exceedingly well cudgelled; and I he think has devoted and given up himself to the idea, the issue will be−−I shall have so much experience for my listen, and pains: and so, with no money at all and a little more wit, the list of her parts and graces. freely tell her the return again to Venice. truth; beg her help to put you in your place again. She is IAGO. so How poor are they that have not patience! free, so kind, so proper, so blessed a disposition, What wound did ever heal but by degrees? she Thou know'st we work by wit, and not by witchcraft; holds it a sin in her goodness not to do more than And wit depends on dilatory time. she is Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, asked. Beg her to fix this broken joint between And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashier'd Cassio; you and Though other things grow fair against the sun, her husband, and, I’ll bet against any thing worth Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe: naming, Content thyself awhile.−−By the mass, 'tis morning; this crack in your love shall grow stronger than it Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.−− was Retire thee; go where thou art billeted: before. Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter; Nay, get thee gone. CASSIO. You advise me well. [Exit Roderigo.] IAGO. Two things are to be done,−− No, only in the sincerity of love and honest My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; kindness. I'll set her on; Myself the while to draw the Moor apart, CASSIO. And bring him jump when he may Cassio find I think it is noble, and early in the morning, I will Soliciting his wife. Ay, that's the way; beg the

Scene 3 56 Dull not device by coldness and delay. virtuous Desdemona to help me; I am desperately out of [Exit.] luck if it stops me here.

IAGO. You are right. Good−night, lieutenant; I must get going to the guard.

CASSIO. Good night, honest Iago.

[Exit.]

IAGO. And who’s he, then, that says I play the villain? When this advice I give is free and honest, Calculated to his thinking, and, indeed, the way To win the Moor again? Because it is very easy To involve the listening Desdemona In any honest pursuit. She's been made as fruitful As the free elements. And then for her To win the Moor, if it meant renouncing his own baptism, All seals and symbols of forgiveness, His soul is so chained to her love That she may make, unmake, do whatever she wants, Even as her wishes shall play the god With his weak ability to think. How am I, then, a villain To advise Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils put on the blackest sins, At first, they suggest things that look heavenly, As I do now, because, while this honest fool Begs Desdemona to repair his bad luck, And she pleads strongly to the Moor for him, I'll pour this evil thought into his ear, That she rejects him for her body's sexual desires, And, by how much she begs to do Cassio good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So I will turn her virtue into black tar, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall tangle them all up.

[Enter Roderigo.]

What’s up, Roderigo!

Scene 3 57 RODERIGO. I followed you here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but like the hunted by the hound. My money is almost spent, I have been exceedingly well beaten tonight, and I think the result will be that I’ll only wind up with experience for my pains. and so, with no money at all and a little bit smarter, I’m going back to Venice.

IAGO. How poor are they who have no patience! What wound ever healed except bit by bit? You know we work by wit and not by witchcraft; And wit depends on slow time. Doesn’t it go well? Cassio has beaten you, and you, by That small hurt, have had Cassio kicked out of the Service. Although other things grow beautiful against the Sun, yet fruits that blossom first will ripen first. Be satisfied a while. By the mass, it is morning; Pleasure and work make the hours seem short. Go get some sleep; go where you are staying. Get going, I say; you shall know more later; No, get going.

[Exit Roderigo.]

Two things must be done, My wife must talk to her mistress about Cassio; I'll tell her to; In the meantime, I have to draw the Moor aside, And bring him quickly so that he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife. Yes, that's the way; Don’t lose this plan by coldness and delay.

[Exit.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Act III

1. Scene 1 2. Scene 2 3. Scene 3

Act III 58 4. Scene 4

Scene 1

Cyprus. Before the Castle. Cyprus. Before the Castle.

[Enter Cassio and some Musicians.] [Enter Cassio and some Musicians.]

CASSIO. CASSIO. Masters, play here,−−I will content your pains, Gentlemen, play here, I will reward your pains, Something that's brief; and bid good−morrow, general. Something that's brief and say, “Good morning, General.” [Music.] [Music.] [Enter Clown.] [Enter Clown.] CLOWN. Why, masters, have your instruments been in Naples, CLOWN. that Hey, fellows, have your instruments been in Naples, they speak i' the nose thus? that they sound as horrible as like this? FIRST MUSICIAN. How, sir, how! FIRST MUSICIAN. What, sir, how! CLOWN. Are these, I pray you, wind instruments? CLOWN. Are these, I beg you, wind instruments? FIRST MUSICIAN. Ay, marry, are they, sir. FIRST MUSICIAN. Yes, by Mary, they are, sir. CLOWN. O, thereby hangs a tale. CLOWN. O, knowing that is not even half the story. FIRST MUSICIAN. Whereby hangs a tale, sir? FIRST MUSICIAN. What “half the story,” sir? CLOWN. Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, CLOWN. masters, here's money for you: and the general so likes By Mary, sir, by many a wind instrument that I your know. But, music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to make no gents, here's money for you. and the general so likes more your music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to noise with it. make no more noise with it. FIRST MUSICIAN. Well, sir, we will not. FIRST MUSICIAN. Well, sir, we won’t. CLOWN.

Scene 1 59 If you have any music that may not be heard, to't again: CLOWN. but, as they say, to hear music the general does not If you have any music that may not be heard, try it greatly again. care. but, as they say, the general does not greatly care to hear music. FIRST MUSICIAN. We have none such, sir. FIRST MUSICIAN. We don’t have any, sir. CLOWN. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away: CLOWN. go, vanish into air, away! Then put your pipes away in your bag, because I'm leaving. Go, vanish into air, go away! [Exeunt Musicians.] [Exeunt Musicians.] CASSIO. Dost thou hear, mine honest friend? CASSIO. Did you hear, my honest friend? CLOWN. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you. CLOWN. No, I don’t hear your honest friend; I hear you. CASSIO. Pr'ythee, keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece of CASSIO. gold for thee: if the gentlewoman that attends the I beg you, keep up your jokes. There's a poor piece general's wife of be stirring, tell her there's one Cassio entreats her a little gold for you. If the gentlewoman that attends the favour of speech: wilt thou do this? general's wife is awake, tell her there's one Cassio begs CLOWN. a little favor of speaking with her. Will you do this? She is stirring, sir; if she will stir hither I shall seem to notify unto her. CLOWN. She is awake, sir; if she will get up, I shall seem to CASSIO. notify Do, good my friend. her.

[Exit Clown.] CASSIO. Do, my good friend. [Enter Iago.] [Exit Clown.] In happy time, Iago. [Enter Iago.] IAGO. You have not been a−bed, then? Good to see you, Iago.

CASSIO. IAGO. Why, no; the day had broke You have not been to bed then? Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, To send in to your wife: my suit to her CASSIO. Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona Why, no; the day dawned Procure me some access. Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, To send for your wife. My request to her

Scene 1 60 IAGO. Is, that she will manage to get me access I'll send her to you presently; To virtuous Desdemona. And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and business IAGO. May be more free. I'll send her to you right away, And I'll devise a plan to get the Moor CASSIO. Out of the way, that your conversation and business I humbly thank you for't. May be more free.

[Exit Iago.] CASSIO. I humbly thank you for it . I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest. [Exit Iago.]

[Enter Emilia.] I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest. EMILIA. Good−morrow, good lieutenant; I am sorry [Enter Emilia.] For your displeasure; but all will sure be well. The general and his wife are talking of it; EMILIA. And she speaks for you stoutly: the Moor replies Good morning, good lieutenant; I am sorry That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus For your misfortune, but all will surely be okay. And great affinity, and that, in wholesome wisdom, The general and his wife are talking about it; He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves And she strongly speaks up for you. The Moor you replies And needs no other suitor but his likings That the man you hurt is very famous in Cyprus To take the safest occasion by the front And has a great reputation, and that, in pure To bring you in again. wisdom, He might not refuse you, but he protests he loves CASSIO. you Yet, I beseech you,−− And needs no other person begging than his own If you think fit, or that it may be done,−− opinion Give me advantage of some brief discourse To take the safest public occasion With Desdemona alone. To bring you back again.

EMILIA. CASSIO. Pray you, come in: Still, I beg you, I will bestow you where you shall have time If you think it’s okay, or that it may be done, To speak your bosom freely. Get me a chance to speak briefly With Desdemona alone. CASSIO. I am much bound to you. EMILIA. I beg you, come in. [Exeunt.] I will hide you where you shall have time To speak your heart freely.

CASSIO. Thank you so much.

[Exeunt.]

Scene 1 61 » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2

Cyprus. A Room in the Castle. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle. [Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.] [Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.] OTHELLO. Iago, give these letters to the ship’s OTHELLO. captain, These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And by him pay my respects to the senate. And by him do my duties to the senate: That done, I will be walking on the That done, I will be walking on the works; battlements; Repair there to me. Come to me there. IAGO. IAGO. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. Well, my good lord, I'll do it. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. This fortification, gentlemen,−−shall we see't? This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see it? GENTLEMEN. We'll wait upon your lordship. GENTLEMEN. We'll wait for your lordship. [Exeunt.] [Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

Cyprus. The Garden of the Castle. Cyprus. The Garden of the Castle.

[Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia.] [Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia.]

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do Be assured, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf. All I can in your behalf.

EMILIA. EMILIA. Good madam, do: I warrant it grieves my husband Good madam, please do. I guarantee you that it As if the cause were his. grieves My husband as if the cause were his. DESDEMONA.

Scene 2 62 O, that's an honest fellow.−−Do not doubt, Cassio, DESDEMONA. But I will have my lord and you again O, that's an honest fellow. Don’t doubt it, Cassio, As friendly as you were. That I will have my lord and you As friendly again as you were. CASSIO. Bounteous madam, CASSIO. Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, Generous madam, He's never anything but your true servant. Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, He'll never be anything but your true servant. DESDEMONA. I know't,−−I thank you. You do love my lord: DESDEMONA. You have known him long; and be you well assur'd I know it. I thank you. You love my lord. He shall in strangeness stand no farther off You have known him a long time; and be assured Than in a politic distance. He shall stand no farther off in strangeness Than in a distance dictated by policy. CASSIO. Ay, but, lady, CASSIO. That policy may either last so long, Yes, but, lady, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, That policy may either last so long, Or breed itself so out of circumstance, Or feed on such nice and light diet, That, I being absent, and my place supplied, Or take itself so out of circumstance, My general will forget my love and service. That, with my absence and my place filled, My general will forget my love and service. DESDEMONA. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here DESDEMONA. I give thee warrant of thy place: assure thee, Don’t doubt that; before Emilia here If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it I guarantee your place. I assure you, To the last article: my lord shall never rest; That, If I promise a friendship, I'll deliver it I'll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience; To the very last point. My lord shall never rest; His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; I'll watch him calmly, and talk him out of patience; I'll intermingle everything he does His bed shall seem like a school, his meals a With Cassio's suit: therefore be merry, Cassio; confessional; I'll intermingle everything he does For thy solicitor shall rather die With Cassio's suit. Therefore be happy, Cassio; Than give thy cause away. Because your lawyer would rather die Than lose your case. EMILIA. Madam, here comes EMILIA. My lord. Madam, here comes My lord. CASSIO. Madam, I'll take my leave. CASSIO. Madam, I'll leave. DESDEMONA. Why, stay, DESDEMONA. And hear me speak. Why, stay, And listen to me speak. CASSIO. Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease, CASSIO. Unfit for mine own purposes. Madam, not now. I am very uncomfortable, Unfit for my own intentions.

Scene 2 63 DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Well, do your discretion. Well, have it your way.

[Exit Cassio.] [Exit Cassio.]

[Enter Othello and Iago.] [Enter Othello and Iago.]

IAGO. IAGO. Ha! I like not that. Ha! I don’t like that.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What dost thou say? What did you say?

IAGO. IAGO. Nothing, my lord: or if−−I know not what. Nothing, my lord. or if I don’t know what.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? Wasn’t that Cassio leaving my wife?

IAGO. IAGO. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot believe That he would steal away so guilty−like, That he would steal away so guiltily, Seeing you coming. Seeing you coming.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I do believe 'twas he. I do believe it was he.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. How now, my lord! How now, my lord! I have been talking with a suitor here, I have been talking with a petitioner here, A man that languishes in your displeasure. A man that suffers greatly in your displeasure.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Who is't you mean? Who is it you mean?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. My good lord, If I have any grace or power to move you, If I have any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take; Take his present efforts to reconcile, For if he be not one that truly loves you, Because if he isn’t one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, That made a mistake by accident, not on purpose I have no judgement in an honest face: I cannot judge an honest face. I pr'ythee, call him back. I beg you, call him back.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Went he hence now? Didn’t he just leave?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Ay, sooth; so humbled Yes, truly, so humbled That he hath left part of his grief with me That he has left part of his grief with me

Scene 2 64 To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Not now, sweet Desdemon; some other time. Not now, sweet Desdemon; some other time.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. But shall't be shortly? But shall it be soon?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. The sooner, sweet, for you. The sooner, sweet, for you.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Shall't be to−night at supper? Shall it be tonight at supper?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. No, not to−night. No, not tonight.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. To−morrow dinner then? Tomorrow night at dinner then?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I shall not dine at home; I won’t be eating at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. I have to meet the captains at the fortress.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Why then to−morrow night; or Tuesday morn; Why then tomorrow night; or Tuesday morning; On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn:−− On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morning. I pr'ythee, name the time; but let it not I beg you, name the time, but let it be Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent; More than three days. in faith, he's very sorry; And yet his trespass, in our common reason,−− And yet his crime, in our common reason, Save that, they say, the wars must make examples Except that, they say, the wars must make examples Out of their best,−−is not almost a fault Out of their best, is not almost a fault To incur a private check. When shall he come? To incur a private punishment. When shall he come? Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul, Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul What you would ask me, that I should deny, What you would ask me to do that I should deny, Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio, Or stand so hesitant about. What! Michael Cassio, That came awooing with you; and so many a time, That came with you to court me, and so many times, When I have spoke of you dispraisingly, When I have spoken about you insultingly, Hath ta'en your part;−−to have so much to do Has taken your side. To have so much to do To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much,−− To bring him back! Trust me, I could do a lot.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Pr'ythee, no more; let him come when he will; I beg you, no more. Let him come when he wants to. I will deny thee nothing. I will deny you nothing.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Why, this is not a boon; Why, this is not a favor. 'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, It’s as if I should beg you to wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, Or to eat better, or to keep yourself warm, Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit Or beg you to do a peculiar thing

Scene 2 65 To your own person: nay, when I have a suit To yourself. No, when I have a favor to ask Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, Where I mean to touch your love indeed, It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, It shall be full of confidence and heavy, And fearful to be granted. And fearful to be granted.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I will deny thee nothing: I will deny you nothing. Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, Where, I beg you, grant me this, To leave me but a little to myself. To leave me just a little to myself.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Shall I deny you? no: farewell, my lord. Shall I deny you? No. farewell, my lord.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Farewell, my Desdemona: I'll come to thee straight. Farewell, my Desdemona. I'll come to you right away.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Emilia, come.−−Be as your fancies teach you; Emilia, come. Be as your thoughts teach you; Whate'er you be, I am obedient. Whatever you are, I am obedient.

[Exit with Emilia.] [Exit with Emilia.]

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, Excellent wretch! Destruction take my soul, But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, But I do love you! and when I don’t love you, Chaos is come again. Chaos comes back.

IAGO. IAGO. My noble lord,−− My noble lord.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What dost thou say, Iago? What do you say, Iago?

IAGO. IAGO. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, Did Michael Cassio, when you courted my lady, Know of your love? Know about your love?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask? He did, from first to last. Why do you ask?

IAGO. IAGO. But for a satisfaction of my thought; Only to satisfy my thought, No further harm. No further harm.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Why of thy thought, Iago? What bout your thought, Iago?

IAGO. IAGO. I did not think he had been acquainted with her. I didn’t think he had been acquainted with her.

Scene 2 66 OTHELLO. OTHELLO. O, yes; and went between us very oft. O, yes; and went between us very often.

IAGO. IAGO. Indeed! Indeed!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Indeed! ay, indeed:−−discern'st thou aught in that? Indeed! Yes, indeed. Do you see anything in that? Is he not honest? Isn’t he honest?

IAGO. IAGO. Honest, my lord! Honest, my lord!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Honest! ay, honest. Honest! Yes, honest.

IAGO. IAGO. My lord, for aught I know. My lord, for all I know.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What dost thou think? What do you think?

IAGO. IAGO. Think, my lord! Think, my lord!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Think, my lord! Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, By heaven, he echoes me, As if there were some monster in his thought As if there were some monster in his thoughts Too hideous to be shown.−−Thou dost mean Too hideous to be shown. You do mean something. something: I heard you say just now, you didn’t like that, I heard thee say even now,−−thou lik'dst not that, When Cassio left my wife. What didn’t you like? When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like? And when I told you he knew everything And when I told thee he was of my counsel In my whole time of courting, you cried, "Indeed!" In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst, And contracted and wrinkled your eyebrows together, "Indeed!" As if you then had shut up some horrible lie And didst contract and purse thy brow together, In your brain. If you do love me, As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain Tell me what you were thinking. Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me, Show me thy thought. IAGO. My lord, you know I love you. IAGO. My lord, you know I love you. OTHELLO. I think you do; OTHELLO. And, because I know you are full of love and honesty I think thou dost; And weigh your words carefully before saying them, And,−−for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty These stops of yours frighten me even more, And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them Because such things in a false, disloyal rogue breath,−− Are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more: They're hidden delays, working from the heart,

Scene 2 67 For such things in a false disloyal knave That passion cannot control. Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just They're close delations, working from the heart, IAGO. That passion cannot rule. For Michael Cassio, I would swear I think that he is honest. IAGO. For Michael Cassio, OTHELLO. I dare be sworn I think that he is honest. I think so too.

OTHELLO. IAGO. I think so too. Men should be what they seem; Or those that are not, I wish wouldn’t seem so! IAGO. Men should be what they seem; OTHELLO. Or those that be not, would they might seem none! Certainly, men should be what they seem.

OTHELLO. IAGO. Certain, men should be what they seem. Why, then, I think Cassio's an honest man.

IAGO. OTHELLO. Why, then, I think Cassio's an honest man. No, there's still more in this. I beg you, tell me what you’re thinking, OTHELLO. Because you are thinking something and give your Nay, yet there's more in this: worst I pr'ythee, speak to me as to thy thinkings, of thoughts the worst of words. As thou dost ruminate; and give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words. IAGO. My good lord, pardon me. IAGO. Although I am bound to every act of duty, Good my lord, pardon me: I’m not bound to that that even all slaves are free to. Though I am bound to every act of duty, Speak my thoughts? Why, what if they are vile and I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. false, Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and Where's that palace that foul things sometimes false;−− intrude? As where's that palace whereinto foul things Who has a breast so pure Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure That some unclean thoughts But some uncleanly apprehensions Keep court records and legal holidays, and sit in Keep leets and law−days, and in session sit session With meditations lawful? With lawful deliberations?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, You conspire against your friend, Iago, If thou but think'st him wrong'd and mak'st his ear If you only think him wronged and won’t let him be A stranger to thy thoughts. Anything but a stranger to your thoughts.

IAGO. IAGO. I do beseech you,−− I do beg you, Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, Although I am, perhaps, vicious in my guess, As, I confess, it is my nature's plague As I confess it is a bad habit of mine To spy into abuses, and of my jealousy To look deeply into wrongs, and to find faults that

Scene 2 68 Shape faults that are not,−−that your wisdom yet, aren’t From one that so imperfectly conceits, By my jealousy, that your wisdom still would take no Would take no notice; nor build yourself a trouble Notice from one that so imperfectly imagines things, Out of his scattering and unsure observance:−− Or create a problem for yourself It were not for your quiet nor your good, Out of his scattered and unsure observations. Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom, It’s not good for your peace or your wellbeing, To let you know my thoughts. Or for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom To let you know my thoughts. OTHELLO. What dost thou mean? OTHELLO. What do you mean? IAGO. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, IAGO. Is the immediate jewel of their souls: A good name in man and woman, my dear lord, Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, Is the most precious jewel of their souls. nothing; Who steals my purse steals trash; it is something, 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; nothing; it was mine, it’s his, and has been slave to But he that filches from me my good name thousands; But he that steals my good name from me Robs me of that which not enriches him Robs me of something that can’t possibly make him And makes me poor indeed. rich And which makes me poor indeed. OTHELLO. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts. OTHELLO. By heaven, I'll know you’re thinking. IAGO. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; IAGO. Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. You cannot, unless my heart were in your hand, And that won’t happen while it is in my custody. OTHELLO. Ha! OTHELLO. Ha! IAGO. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; IAGO. It is the green−ey'd monster which doth mock O, beware, my lord, jealousy; The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss It is the green−eyed monster which makes a joke of Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; The meat it feeds on. That deceived man lives in bliss But O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who, certain of his fate, doesn’t love who wronged Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! him; But O, what damned stories he tells about OTHELLO. Who loves, but doubts, suspects, but strongly loves! O misery! OTHELLO. IAGO. O misery! Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as winter IAGO. To him that ever fears he shall be poor;−− To be poor and content is to be rich, and rich enough; Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend But endless riches are as poor as winter From jealousy! To him that always fears he shall be poor; Good heaven, the souls of all my family defend me OTHELLO. From jealousy!

Scene 2 69 Why, why is this? OTHELLO. Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy, Why, why is this? To follow still the changes of the moon Do you think I'd make a life of jealousy With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt To follow still the changes of the moon Is once to be resolv'd: exchange me for a goat With fresh suspicions? No, to be in doubt once When I shall turn the business of my soul Is to be resolved once. Trade me for a goat To such exsufflicate and blown surmises, When I shall turn the business of my soul Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous, To such puffed up and blown suspicions, To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, Matching your suggestion. It won’t make me jealous, Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well; To say my wife is beautiful, cooks well, loves Where virtue is, these are more virtuous: company, Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well; The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago; And I won’t draw from my own weak merits I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; The smallest fear or doubt of her turning against me, And on the proof, there is no more but this,−− Because she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, Away at once with love or jealousy! I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, I’ll need proof; And on the proof, there is no more but this, IAGO. To hell with love or jealousy at once! I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason To show the love and duty that I bear you IAGO. With franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound, I’m glad to hear it; because now I shall have reason Receive it from me:−−I speak not yet of proof. To show the love and duty that I bear you Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; With a more open spirit. Therefore, as I am supposed Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure: to, I would not have your free and noble nature, Receive it from me. I don’t speak yet of proof. Out of self−bounty, be abus'd; look to't. Look at your wife; observe her well with Cassio; I know our country disposition well; Wear your eye like this, not jealous or secure. In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks I would not have your free and noble nature, They dare not show their husbands; their best Out of my own generosity, be abused; see it . conscience I know our country’s disposition well; Is not to leave undone, but keep unknown. In Venice they let heaven see the pranks They wouldn’t dare show their husbands; their best OTHELLO. conscience Dost thou say so? Isn’t to leave it unfinished, but to keep it unknown.

IAGO. OTHELLO. She did deceive her father, marrying you; You say so? And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, She loved them most. IAGO. She deceived her father by marrying you; OTHELLO. And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, And so she did. She loved them most.

IAGO. OTHELLO. Why, go to then; And so she did. She that, so young, could give out such a seeming, To seal her father's eyes up close as oak,−− IAGO. He thought 'twas witchcraft,−−but I am much to Why, think about it then; blame; She that, so young, could give out such an appearance,

Scene 2 70 I humbly do beseech you of your pardon To seal her father's eyes up like oak. For too much loving you. He thought it was witchcraft, but I am much to blame; I humbly beg your pardon OTHELLO. Because I was loving you too much. I am bound to thee for ever. OTHELLO. IAGO. I am bound to you forever. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. IAGO. OTHELLO. I see this has dashed your spirits a little. Not a jot, not a jot. OTHELLO. IAGO. Not a jot, not a jot. Trust me, I fear it has. I hope you will consider what is spoke IAGO. Comes from my love; but I do see you're mov'd:−− Trust me, I fear it has. I am to pray you not to strain my speech I hope you will consider that what I have spoken To grosser issues nor to larger reach Comes from my love; but I see you're upset. Than to suspicion. I beg you not to push my speech To grosser issues or to reach beyond OTHELLO. Mere suspicion. I will not. OTHELLO. IAGO. I will not. Should you do so, my lord, My speech should fall into such vile success IAGO. Which my thoughts aim'd not. Cassio's my worthy Should you do so, my lord, friend:−− My speech should fall into such vile things My lord, I see you're mov'd. That my thoughts are not aimed at. Cassio's my worthy friend. My lord, I see you're upset. OTHELLO. No, not much mov'd. OTHELLO. I do not think but Desdemona's honest. No, not too upset. I can only think that Desdemona's honest. IAGO. Long live she so! and long live you to think so! IAGO. Long live she so! and long live you to think so! OTHELLO. And yet, how nature erring from itself,−− OTHELLO. And yet, how nature can wander from itself. IAGO. Ay, there's the point:−−as,−−to be bold with you,−− IAGO. Not to affect many proposed matches, Yes, there's the point. As, to be bold with you, Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Not to affect many promised engagements Whereto we see in all things nature tends,−− Of her own kind, complexion, and degree, Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank, Where we see in all things nature tends to do, Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural:−− Damn! One may smell in such a will very rotten, But pardon me: I do not in position Dirty intentions, unnatural thoughts. Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear, But pardon me. I don’t have the position Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, To speak knowingly of her; although I may fear,

Scene 2 71 May fall to match you with her country forms, Her will, rebelling against her better judgment, And happily repent. May decide to match you with her countrymen, And happily repent her ways. OTHELLO. Farewell, farewell: OTHELLO. If more thou dost perceive, let me know more; Farewell, farewell. Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, Iago. If more you see more, let me know more; Ask your wife to observe her. Leave me, Iago. IAGO. [Going.] My lord, I take my leave. IAGO. [Going.] My lord, I’m leaving. OTHELLO. Why did I marry?−−This honest creature doubtless OTHELLO. Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. Why did I get married? This honest creature undoubtedly IAGO. Sees and knows more, much more, than he reveals. [Returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour IAGO. To scan this thing no further; leave it to time: [Returning.] My lord, I wish I might be your honor Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,−− To think about this thing no further; leave it to time. For sure he fills it up with great ability,−− Although it is proper that Cassio have his place, Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile, Because he surely fills the job with great ability, You shall by that perceive him and his means: Yet, if it would please you to hold him off a while, Note if your lady strain his entertainment You shall see him and his plans, With any strong or vehement importunity; Note if your lady encourages you to consider his plea Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, With any strong or violent persistence; Let me be thought too busy in my fears,−− Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, As worthy cause I have to fear I am,−− Please think I am too occupied with my fears, And hold her free, I do beseech your honour. As there are strong reasons to fear I am, And consider her innocent, I beg your honor. OTHELLO. Fear not my government. OTHELLO. Don’t be afraid of what I think. IAGO. I once more take my leave. IAGO. Once more, I’m leaving. [Exit.] [Exit.] OTHELLO. This fellow's of exceeding honesty, OTHELLO. And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, This fellow's exceedingly honesty, Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, And knows all qualities, with an educated spirit, Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, Of human dealings. If I prove her unfaithful, I'd whistle her off, and let her down the wind Although that her leashes were my dear heartstrings, To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black, I'd suddenly go away, and let her follow the wind And have not those soft parts of conversation To plunder fortune. Maybe, because I am black, That chamberers have; or for I am declin'd And don’t have those soft parts of conversation Into the vale of years,−−yet that's not much,−− That gentlemen have; or because I am getting She's gone; I am abus'd, and my relief Much older, still that's not much, Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage, She's already unfaithful; I am abused, and my relief

Scene 2 72 That we can call these delicate creatures ours, Must be to hate her. O curses on marriage, And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad, That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And live upon the vapor of a dungeon, And not control their appetites! I had rather be a toad, Than keep a corner in the thing I love And live on the air of a dungeon, For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones: Than keep a piece of the thing I love Prerogativ'd are they less than the base; For others' uses. Still, it is the plague of great men, 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death: They have fewer choices than common men; Even then this forked plague is fated to us It is an unshakeable destiny, like death. When we do quicken. Desdemona comes: Even then, this double−edged disease is our fate If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!−− Before we are born. Desdemona comes. I'll not believe't. If she is false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I'll not believe it . [Re−enter Desdemona and Emilia.] [Re−enter Desdemona and Emilia.] DESDEMONA. How now, my dear Othello! DESDEMONA. Your dinner, and the generous islanders How are you, my dear Othello! By you invited, do attend your presence. Your dinner and the generous islanders You invited, wait for your presence. OTHELLO. I am to blame. OTHELLO. I am to blame. DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so faintly? DESDEMONA. Are you not well? Why do you speak so softly? Are you unwell? OTHELLO. I have a pain upon my forehead here. OTHELLO. I have a pain on my forehead here. DESDEMONA. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again; DESDEMONA. Let me but bind it hard, within this hour Faith, that's because of watching; it will go away It will be well. again; Just let me tie it hard with my napkin. Within this OTHELLO. hour, Your napkin is too little; It will be well.

[He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops OTHELLO. it.] Your napkin is too little.

Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. [He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops it.]

DESDEMONA. Leave it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. I am very sorry that you are not well. DESDEMONA. [Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.] I am very sorry that you are not well.

EMILIA. [Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.] I am glad I have found this napkin; This was her first remembrance from the Moor. EMILIA.

Scene 2 73 My wayward husband hath a hundred times I am glad I have found this napkin. Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token,−− This was her first gift from the Moor. For he conjur'd her she should ever keep it,−− My wayward husband has a hundred times That she reserves it evermore about her Begged me to steal it; but she so loves the token, To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out, Because he ordered her to keep it forever, And give't Iago: She keeps it always with her What he will do with it heaven knows, not I; To kiss and talk to. I'll have the embroidery taken out, I nothing but to please his fantasy. And give it Iago. What he will do with it heaven knows, I don’t; [Re−enter Iago.] I only give it to him to please him.

IAGO. [Re−enter Iago.] How now! what do you here alone? IAGO. EMILIA. What! Why are you here alone? Do not you chide; I have a thing for you. EMILIA. IAGO. Don’t scold; I have something for you. A thing for me!−−it is a common thing. IAGO. EMILIA. A thing for me! It is a common thing… Ha! EMILIA. IAGO. Ha! To have a foolish wife. IAGO. EMILIA. To have a foolish wife. O, is that all? What will you give me now For that same handkerchief? EMILIA. O, is that all? What will you give me now IAGO. For that same handkerchief? What handkerchief? IAGO. EMILIA. What handkerchief? What handkerchief! Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; EMILIA. That which so often you did bid me steal. What handkerchief! Why, the one that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; IAGO. The one that you asked me so often to steal. Hast stol'n it from her? IAGO. EMILIA. Have you stolen it from her? No, faith; she let it drop by negligence, And, to the advantage, I being here, took't up. EMILIA. Look, here it is. No, faith; she carelessly dropped it. And, to my advantage, since I was here, I picked it up. IAGO. Look, here it is. A good wench; give it me. IAGO. EMILIA. A good wench; give it to me.

Scene 2 74 What will you do with't, that you have been so EMILIA. earnest What will you do with it, that you have been so eager To have me filch it? For me to steal it?

IAGO. IAGO. [Snatching it.] Why, what's that to you? [Snatching it.] Why, what's that to you?

EMILIA. EMILIA. If it be not for some purpose of import, If it’s not for an important purpose, Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad Give it back to me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad When she shall lack it. When she misses it.

IAGO. IAGO. Be not acknown on't; I have use for it. Mind your own business ; I have use for it. Go, leave me. Go, leave me.

[Exit Emilia.] [Exit Emilia.]

I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, I will put this napkin in Cassio's room, And let him find it. Trifles light as air And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong Are as strong a confirmation to the jealous As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. As proofs of the Bible. This may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison: The Moor already changes with my poison. Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, Dangerous ideas are poisons in their natures, Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, Which at the first are scarcely found to dislike, But, with a little act upon the blood, But, with a little action on the blood, Burn like the mines of sulphur.−−I did say so:−− Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so. Look, where he comes! Look, here he comes! Not poppy, nor mandragora, Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Nor all the drowsy drugs of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Shall ever bring you that sweet sleep Which thou ow'dst yesterday. Which you had yesterday.

[Re−enter Othello.] [Re−enter Othello.]

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Ha! ha! false to me? Ha! ha! False to me?

IAGO. IAGO. Why, how now, general! no more of that. Why, how are you, general! No more of that.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Avaunt! be gone! thou hast set me on the rack:−− Go away! Be gone! You have put me on the rack of I swear 'tis better to be much abus'd Torture. I swear it is better to be much abused Than but to know't a little. Than only know it a little.

IAGO. IAGO. How now, my lord! What, my lord!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO.

Scene 2 75 What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust? What sense did I have of her stolen hours of lust? I saw't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me: I didn’t see it, didn’t think it, it didn’t harm me. I slept the next night well, was free and merry; I slept well the next night, was free and merry; I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips: I didn’t find Cassio's kisses on her lips. He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n, He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen, Let him not know't and he's not robb'd at all. Don’t let him know it and he's not robbed at all.

IAGO. IAGO. I am sorry to hear this. I am sorry to hear this.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I had been happy if the general camp, I would’ve been happy if the entire camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known. O, now, for ever As long as I didn’t know about it. O, now, forever Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content! Farewell to the peaceful mind! Farewell happiness! Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars Farewell to the plumed forces and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell, That make ambition a virtue! O, farewell, Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, Farewell the neighing horse and the shrill trumpet, The spirit−stirring drum, the ear−piercing fife, The spirit−stirring drum, the ear−piercing fife, The royal banner, and all quality, The royal banner, and all goodness, Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats And, O you mortal device, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dread clamors counterfeit, Pretend to be the immortal Jove's dread clamors, Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone! Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!

IAGO. IAGO. Is't possible, my lord?−− Is it possible, my lord?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;−− Villain, be sure you prove my love a whore; [Taking him by the throat.] [Taking him by the throat.] Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof; Be sure of it. Give me the proof I can see; Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul, Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul, Thou hadst been better have been born a dog You would’ve been better born a dog Than answer my wak'd wrath! Than answer my aroused anger!

IAGO. IAGO. Is't come to this? Has it come to this?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Make me to see't; or at the least so prove it, Make me see it ; or at the least prove it so That the probation bear no hinge nor loop That the accusation has no hinges or loops To hang a doubt on; or woe upon thy life! To hang a doubt on, or woe on your life!

IAGO. IAGO. My noble lord,−− My noble lord…

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. If thou dost slander her and torture me, If you slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; Never pray again; abandon all sorrow;

Scene 2 76 On horror's head horrors accumulate; On your horrible head horrors will accumulate; Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amaz'd; Do deeds to make heaven weep, amaze all earth, For nothing canst thou to damnation add Because nothing you can add to damnation Greater than that. Will be greater than that.

IAGO. IAGO. O grace! O heaven defend me! O grace! O heaven defend me! Are you a man? have you a soul or sense?−− Are you a man? Have you got a soul or sense? God be wi' you; take mine office.−−O wretched fool, God be with you; take my job. O wretched fool, That liv'st to make thine honesty a vice!−− That lives to make your honesty a vice! O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, To be direct and honest is not safe.−− To be direct and honest is not safe. I thank you for this profit; and from hence I thank you for this lesson; and from this point I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such offense. forward, I'll love no friend, since love breeds such contempt. OTHELLO. Nay, stay:−−thou shouldst be honest. OTHELLO. No, stay. you should be honest. IAGO. I should be wise; for honesty's a fool, IAGO. And loses that it works for. I should be wise, because honesty's a fool, And loses what it works for. OTHELLO. By the world, OTHELLO. I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; By the world, I think that thou art just, and think thou art not: I think my wife is honest, and think she is not; I'll have some proof: her name, that was as fresh I think that you are just, and think you are not. As Dian's visage, is now begrim'd and black I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh As mine own face.−−If there be cords or knives, As Diana's face, is now as grimy and black Poison or fire, or suffocating streams, As my own face. If there are ropes or knives, I'll not endure 't.−−Would I were satisfied! Poison or fire, or suffocating streams, I'll not endure it. I wish I were satisfied! IAGO. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion: IAGO. I do repent me that I put it to you. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion. You would be satisfied? I am sorry that I told you. You would be satisfied? OTHELLO. Would! nay, I will. OTHELLO. Would? No, I will. IAGO. And may: but how? how satisfied, my lord? IAGO. Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,−− And may. But how? How satisfied, my lord? Behold her tupp'd? Would you, the planner, grossly look on, See her being screwed? OTHELLO. Death and damnation! O! OTHELLO. Death and damnation! O! IAGO. It were a tedious difficulty, I think, IAGO.

Scene 2 77 To bring them to that prospect: damn them then, It’s a lengthy problem, I think, If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster To bring them to that event. Damn them then, More than their own! What then? how then? If ever mortal eyes see them in any bed What shall I say? Where's satisfaction? Other than their own! What then? How then? It is impossible you should see this What shall I say? Where's satisfaction? Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, It is impossible that you should see this As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross If they were as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, As salty as wolves in a pride, and fools as disgusting If imputation and strong circumstances,−− As ignorance made drunk. But still, I say, Which lead directly to the door of truth,−− If suggestion and strong circumstances Will give you satisfaction, you may have't. Which lead directly to the door of truth, Will give you satisfaction, you may have it. OTHELLO. Give me a living reason she's disloyal. OTHELLO. Give me a living reason why she's unfaithful. IAGO. I do not like the office; IAGO. But, sith I am enter'd in this cause so far,−− I don’t like the job; Prick'd to it by foolish honesty and love,−− But, since I am entered already so far into this cause, I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately; Encouraged to it by foolish honesty and love, And, being troubled with a raging tooth, I will go on. I slept with Cassio lately, I could not sleep. And, being troubled with a raging tooth, There are a kind of men so loose of soul, I could not sleep. That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs: There are a kind of men so loose of soul, One of this kind is Cassio: That in their sleeps will speak about their affairs. In sleep I heard him say, "Sweet Desdemona, Cassio is one of this kind. Let us be wary, let us hide our loves"; In his sleep, I heard him say, "Sweet Desdemona, And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, Let’s be careful, let’s hide our loves," Cry, "O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard, And then, sir, he griped and wrung my hand, As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, Crying, "O sweet creature!" and then kissed me hard, That grew upon my lips: then laid his leg As if he pulled up kisses by their roots Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd; and then That grew on my lips. Then he laid his leg Cried, "Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!" Over my thigh, and sighed and kissed; and then Cried, "Cursed fate that gave you to the Moor!" OTHELLO. O monstrous! monstrous! OTHELLO. O monstrous! Monstrous! IAGO. Nay, this was but his dream. IAGO. No, this was only his dream. OTHELLO. But this denoted a foregone conclusion: OTHELLO. 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. But this indicated a foregone conclusion. It is a evil doubt, although it is only a dream. IAGO. And this may help to thicken other proofs IAGO. That do demonstrate thinly. And this may help to support other proofs That look questionable. OTHELLO. I'll tear her all to pieces. OTHELLO.

Scene 2 78 IAGO. I'll tear her all to pieces. Nay, but be wise: yet we see nothing done; She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,−− IAGO. Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief No, only be wise. We see nothing done yet. Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? She may be honest yet. Tell me but this, Haven’t you sometimes seen a handkerchief OTHELLO. Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift. OTHELLO. IAGO. I gave her such a one; it was my first gift. I know not that: but such a handkerchief,−− I am sure it was your wife's,−−did I today IAGO. See Cassio wipe his beard with. I don’t know that. but such a handkerchief, I am sure it was your wife's, did I today OTHELLO. See Cassio wipe his beard with. If it be that,−− OTHELLO. IAGO. If it is that,,, If it be that, or any that was hers, It speaks against her with the other proofs. IAGO. If it is that, or any that was hers, OTHELLO. It speaks against her with the other proofs. O, that the slave had forty thousand lives,−− One is too poor, too weak for my revenge! OTHELLO. Now do I see 'tis true.−−Look here, Iago; O, that that slave had forty thousand lives, All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: One is too poor, too weak for my revenge! 'Tis gone.−− Now I see it is true. Look here, Iago; Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell! All my fond love like this do I blow to heaven. Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne It is gone. To tyrannous hate! swell, bosom, with thy fraught, Arise, black vengeance, from your hollow hell! For 'tis of aspics' tongues! Yield up, O love, your crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with your fury, IAGO. Because it is from lavender’s tongues! Yet be content. IAGO. OTHELLO. Yet calm down. O, blood, Iago, blood! OTHELLO. IAGO. O, blood, Iago, blood! Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change. IAGO. OTHELLO. Patience, I say; your mind may perhaps change. Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea, Whose icy current and compulsive course OTHELLO. Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on Never, Iago. Like the Pontic Sea, To the Propontic and the Hellespont; Whose icy current and compulsive course Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Never feels a low ebb but keeps straight on Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love, To the Propontic and the Hellespont Oceans, Till that a capable and wide revenge Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Swallow them up.−−Now, by yond marble heaven, Shall never look back, never ebb to humble love,

Scene 2 79 In the due reverence of a sacred vow Unless a capable and wide revenge [Kneels.] Swallow them up. Now, by marble heaven above, I here engage my words. In the reverence due a sacred vow [Kneels.] IAGO. I here engage my words Do not rise yet.−− [Kneels.] IAGO. Witness, you ever−burning lights above, Don’t rise yet. You elements that clip us round about,−− [Kneels.] Witness that here Iago doth give up Witness, you ever−burning lights above, The execution of his wit, hands, heart, You elements that hit us round about, To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command, Witness that here Iago does give up And to obey shall be in me remorse, The execution of his wit, hands, heart, What bloody business ever. To wronged Othello's service! Let him command, And it shall be penance for me to obey, OTHELLO. Whatever the bloody business is. I greet thy love, Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, OTHELLO. And will upon the instant put thee to't: I welcome your love, Within these three days let me hear thee say Not with empty thanks, but with generous acceptance, That Cassio's not alive. And will put you to it instantly. Within these three days let me hear you say IAGO. That Cassio's not alive. My friend is dead; 'tis done at your request: But let her live. IAGO. My friend is dead; it is done at your request. OTHELLO. But let her live. Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her! Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw OTHELLO. To furnish me with some swift means of death Damn her, lewd cat! O, damn her! For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant. Come, go aside with me; I will leave so I can Equip me with some swift means of death IAGO. For the beautiful devil. Now you are my lieutenant. I am your own for ever. IAGO. [Exeunt.] I am your own forever.

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 4

Cyprus. Before the Castle. Cyprus. Before the Castle.

[Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown.] [Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown.]

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA.

Scene 4 80 Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? Do you know, servant, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? CLOWN. I dare not say he lies anywhere. CLOWN. I dare not say he lies anywhere. DESDEMONA. Why, man? DESDEMONA. Why, man? CLOWN. He's a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies is CLOWN. stabbing. He's a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies is DESDEMONA. stabbing him. Go to: where lodges he? DESDEMONA. CLOWN. OK. Where doe he live? To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie. CLOWN. DESDEMONA. To tell you where he lives is to tell you Can anything be made of this? where I lie.

CLOWN. DESDEMONA. I know not where he lodges; and for me to devise a Can anything be made out of this? lodging, and say he lies here or he lies there were to lie in mine own throat. CLOWN. I don’t know where he lives; and for me to DESDEMONA. make up a Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report? lodging, and say he lies here or he lies there is to lie in CLOWN. my own throat. I will catechize the world for him; that is, make questions and by them answer. DESDEMONA. Can you ask about him and be satisfied by DESDEMONA. the reports? Seek him, bid him come hither: tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well. CLOWN. I will preach to the world for him; that is, CLOWN. make To do this is within the compass of man's wit; and questions and answer them. therefore I will attempt the doing it. DESDEMONA. [Exit.] Seek him, bid him come here. Tell him I have moved DESDEMONA. my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia? well.

EMILIA. CLOWN. I know not, madam. To do this is within the scope of man's wit, and DESDEMONA. therefore, I will attempt to do it.

Scene 4 81 Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse [Exit.] Full of crusadoes: and, but my noble Moor Is true of mind and made of no such baseness DESDEMONA. As jealous creatures are, it were enough Where should I have lost that handkerchief, To put him to ill thinking. Emilia?

EMILIA. EMILIA. Is he not jealous? I don’t know, madam.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Who, he? I think the sun where he was born Believe me, I would rather have lost my Drew all such humours from him. purse Full of money, and, except that my noble EMILIA. Moor Look, where he comes. Is true of mind and made of no such lowness As jealous creatures are, it would be enough DESDEMONA. To put him to ill thinking. I will not leave him now till Cassio Be call'd to him. EMILIA. Isn’t he jealous? [Enter Othello.] DESDEMONA. How is't with you, my lord? Who, he? I think the sun where he was born Took all such humors out of him. OTHELLO. Well, my good lady.−−[Aside.] O, hardness to dissemble!−− EMILIA. How do you, Desdemona? Look, here he comes.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Well, my good lord. I will not leave him now until Cassio Is called to him. OTHELLO. Give me your hand: this hand is moist, my lady. [Enter Othello.]

DESDEMONA. How is it with you, my lord? It yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrow. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Well, my good lady. [Aside.] O, hardness to This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart:−− lie! Hot, hot, and moist: this hand of yours requires How are you, Desdemona? A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer, Much castigation, exercise devout; DESDEMONA. For here's a young and sweating devil here Well, my good lord. That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, A frank one. OTHELLO. Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my DESDEMONA. lady. You may, indeed, say so; For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart. DESDEMONA. It still hasn’t felt age or known any sorrow.

Scene 4 82 OTHELLO. OTHELLO. A liberal hand: the hearts of old gave hands; This indicates fruitfulness and a liberal heart. But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires DESDEMONA. A vacation from liberty, fasting, and prayer, I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise. Much punishment, holy exercise, Because here's a young and sweating devil OTHELLO. here What promise, chuck? That commonly rebels. It is a good hand, An open one. DESDEMONA. I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you. DESDEMONA. You may, indeed, say so, OTHELLO. Because it was that hand that gave away my I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; heart. Lend me thy handkerchief. OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands, Here, my lord. But our new code of behavior is hands, not hearts. OTHELLO. That which I gave you. DESDEMONA. I cannot speak about this. Come now, your DESDEMONA. promise. I have it not about me. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What promise, dear? Not? DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I have sent to bid Cassio to come and speak No, faith, my lord. with you.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. That is a fault. I have salty and sorry tears that bother me; That handkerchief Lend me your handkerchief. Did an Egyptian to my mother give; She was a charmer, and could almost read DESDEMONA. The thoughts of people: she told her, while she kept it, Here, my lord. 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father Entirely to her love; but if she lost it OTHELLO. Or made a gift of it, my father's eye The one I gave you. Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should hunt After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me; DESDEMONA. And bid me, when my fate would have me wive, I don’t have it with me. To give it her. I did so: and take heed on't; Make it a darling like your precious eye; OTHELLO. To lose't or give't away were such perdition No? As nothing else could match. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. No, faith, my lord.

Scene 4 83 Is't possible? OTHELLO. That is a mistake. OTHELLO. An Egyptian 'Tis true: there's magic in the web of it: Gave that handkerchief to my mother; A sibyl, that had number'd in the world She cast charms and could almost read The sun to course two hundred compasses, The thoughts of people. She told her, that, In her prophetic fury sew'd the work; while she kept The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk; It, it would make her sweet and soften my And it was dy'd in mummy which the skillful father Conserv'd of maiden's hearts. Entirely to her love; but if she lost it Or made a gift of it, my father's eye DESDEMONA. Should see her as hateful, and his spirits Indeed! is't true? should hunt After new loves. My mother, dying, gave it OTHELLO. to me, Most veritable; therefore look to't well. And asked me, when my fate would have me marry, DESDEMONA. To give it to my wife. I did so. And take Then would to God that I had never seen't! heed about it. Make it as darling as your precious eye. OTHELLO. To lose it or give it away is such complete Ha! wherefore? destruction That nothing else could match it. DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so startingly and rash? DESDEMONA. Is it possible? OTHELLO. Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out of the way? OTHELLO. It is true. There's magic in the weave of it. DESDEMONA. A witch who had been in the world Heaven bless us! About two hundred years, Did the embroidery work in her prophetic OTHELLO. fury. Say you? The worms were sacred that made the silk; And it was dyed in a liquid which the skillful DESDEMONA. Had saved from maiden's hearts. It is not lost; but what an if it were? DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. Indeed! Is it true? How! OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Very true; therefore look well for it. I say, it is not lost. DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. Then I wish to God that I had never seen it! Fetch't, let me see't. OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Ha! Why? Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now. This is a trick to put me from my suit: DESDEMONA.

Scene 4 84 Pray you, let Cassio be receiv'd again. Why do you speak so haltingly and angrily?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives. Is it lost? Is it gone? Speak, is it missing?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Come, come; Heaven bless us! You'll never meet a more sufficient man. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What do you say? The handkerchief! DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. It is not lost; but what if it were? I pray, talk me of Cassio. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. How! The handkerchief! DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I say, it is not lost. A man that all his time Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, OTHELLO. Shar'd dangers with you,−− Go get it, let me see it .

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. The handkerchief! Why, so I can, sir, but I won’t now. This is a trick to distract me from my DESDEMONA. request. In sooth, you are to blame. I beg you, let Cassio be welcomed again.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Away! Get me the handkerchief. My mind senses doubt. [Exit.] DESDEMONA. EMILIA. Come, come; Is not this man jealous? You'll never meet a more capable man.

DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. I ne'er saw this before. The handkerchief! Sure there's some wonder in this handkerchief; I am most unhappy in the loss of it. DESDEMONA. I beg you, talk to me about Cassio. EMILIA. 'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: OTHELLO. They are all but stomachs and we all but food: The handkerchief! They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us.−−Look you,−−Cassio and my husband. DESDEMONA. A man that all his life [Enter Cassio and Iago.] Has founded his good fortunes on your love, Shared dangers with you,

Scene 4 85 IAGO. OTHELLO. There is no other way; 'tis she must do't: The handkerchief! And, lo, the happiness! go and importune her. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. In truth, you are to blame. How now, good Cassio! what's the news with you? OTHELLO. CASSIO. Go away! Madam, my former suit: I do beseech you That by your virtuous means I may again [Exit.] Exist, and be a member of his love, Whom I, with all the office of my heart, EMILIA. Entirely honour: I would not be delay'd. This man isn’t jealous? If my offence be of such mortal kind That nor my service past, nor present sorrows, DESDEMONA. Nor purpos'd merit in futurity, I never saw this before. Can ransom me into his love again, Surely there's some magic in this But to know so must be my benefit; handkerchief; So shall I clothe me in a forc'd content, I am very unhappy at the loss of it. And shut myself up in some other course, To fortune's alms. EMILIA. It’s not a year or two shows us a man. DESDEMONA. They are all only stomachs and we all only Alas, thrice−gentle Cassio! food. My advocation is not now in tune; They eat us hungrily, and when they are full, My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him They belch us. Look, Cassio and my Were he in favour as in humour alter'd. husband. So help me every spirit sanctified, As I have spoken for you all my best, [Enter Cassio and Iago.] And stood within the blank of his displeasure For my free speech! You must awhile be patient: IAGO. What I can do I will; and more I will There is no other way. She must do it . Than for myself I dare: let that suffice you. And, behold, the happiness! Go and beg her.

IAGO. DESDEMONA. Is my lord angry? Hello, good Cassio! what's the news with you? EMILIA. He went hence but now, CASSIO. And certainly in strange unquietness. Madam, my former favor. I beg you That I may again exist, IAGO. By your virtuous means, and be a member of Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon, his love, When it hath blown his ranks into the air Whom I, with all the duty of my heart, And, like the devil, from his very arm Entirely honor. I would not be delayed. Puff'd his own brother;−−and can he be angry? If my offense is of such mortal kind Something of moment, then: I will go meet him: That my past service or present sorrows, There's matter in't indeed if he be angry. Or something I can do in the future, Can restore his love to me again, DESDEMONA. My benefit must be only to know it.

Scene 4 86 I pr'ythee, do so. So I shall dress in a forced happiness, And put myself to some other work, [Exit Iago.] To fortune's charity.

Something sure of state,−− DESDEMONA. Either from Venice or some unhatch'd practice Alas, thrice−gentle Cassio! Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,−− My pleading is out of tune right now; Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases My lord is not my lord; and I wouldn’t know Men's natures wrangle with inferior things, him Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so; If he were he in favor as changed in For let our finger ache, and it indues disposition. Our other healthful members even to that sense So every holy spirit help me, Of pain: nay, we must think men are not gods, As I have spoken all my best for you, Nor of them look for such observancy And stood shocked at his displeasure As fits the bridal.−−Beshrew me much, Emilia, Over my free speech! You must be patient a I was,−−unhandsome warrior as I am,−− while. Arraigning his unkindness with my soul; What I can do, I will; and I will do as much But now I find I had suborn'd the witness, more And he's indicted falsely. Than I dare do for myself. Let that satisfy you. EMILIA. Pray heaven it be state matters, as you think, IAGO. And no conception nor no jealous toy Is my lord angry? Concerning you. EMILIA. DESDEMONA. He went just left, Alas the day, I never gave him cause! And certainly in a strange state of upset.

EMILIA. IAGO. But jealous souls will not be answer'd so; Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon, They are not ever jealous for the cause, Blow up his own brother when it has blown But jealous for they are jealous: 'tis a monster his ranks into Begot upon itself, born on itself. The air and, like the devil, from his very arm; DESDEMONA. And can he be angry? Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind! Something of the moment, then. I will go meet him. EMILIA. There's something to it indeed if he’s angry. Lady, amen. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I beg you, do so. I will go seek him.−−Cassio, walk hereabout: If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit, [Exit Iago.] And seek to effect it to my uttermost. Surely it’s some matter of state, CASSIO. Either from Venice or some minor problem I humbly thank your ladyship. Shown to him here in Cyprus, That has muddied his clear spirit, and in [Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.] such cases Men's natures fight with inferior things,

Scene 4 87 [Enter Bianca.] Although their object is great ones. It’s even so true BIANCA. That we let our finger ache and it infects Save you, friend Cassio! Our other healthful members, even to the point CASSIO. Of pain. No, we must not think men are What make you from home? gods, How is it with you, my most fair Bianca? Or look to them for such observations I'faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house. As suit a bride. Scold me a lot, Emilia, I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, BIANCA. Charging his unkindness with a crime of my And I was going to your lodging, Cassio. soul; What, keep a week away? seven days and nights? But now I find I had falsely testified, Eight score eight hours? and lovers' absent hours, And he's falsely accused. More tedious than the dial eight score times? O weary reckoning! EMILIA. Pray heaven it is state matters, as you think, CASSIO. And no plot or no jealous reason Pardon me, Bianca: Concerning you. I have this while with leaden thoughts been press'd; But I shall in a more continuate time DESDEMONA. Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, Alas the day, I never gave him reason!

[Giving her Desdemona's handkerchief.] EMILIA. But jealous souls will not be answered that Take me this work out. way; They are not ever jealous for a reason, BIANCA. But jealous because they are jealous. it is a O Cassio, whence came this? monster This is some token from a newer friend. Fathered by itself, born of itself. To the felt absence now I feel a cause: Is't come to this? Well, well. DESDEMONA. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's CASSIO. mind! Go to, woman! Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth, EMILIA. From whence you have them. You are jealous now Lady, amen. That this is from some mistress, some remembrance: No, in good troth, Bianca. DESDEMONA. I’ll go find him. Cassio, walk around here. BIANCA. If I do find him fit, I'll ask for your favor, Why, whose is it? And try to get it done the best way I can.

CASSIO. CASSIO. I know not neither: I found it in my chamber. I humbly thank your ladyship. I like the work well: ere it be demanded,−− As like enough it will,−−I'd have it copied: [Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.] Take it, and do't; and leave me for this time. [Enter Bianca.] BIANCA.

Scene 4 88 Leave you! wherefore? BIANCA. Save you, friend Cassio! CASSIO. I do attend here on the general; CASSIO. And think it no addition, nor my wish, What are doing away from home? To have him see me woman'd. How are you, my very beautiful Bianca? Actually, sweet love, I was just coming to BIANCA. your house. Why, I pray you? BIANCA. CASSIO. And I was going to your room, Cassio. Not that I love you not. What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights? BIANCA. One hundred sixty−eight hours? and lovers' But that you do not love me. absent hours I pray you, bring me on the way a little; Being more tedious than the clock one And say if I shall see you soon at night. hundred sixty times? O weary calculations! CASSIO. 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you, CASSIO. For I attend here: but I'll see you soon. Pardon me, Bianca. I have been pressed with leaden thoughts all BIANCA. this time, 'Tis very good; I must be circumstanc'd. But I shall wipe off this score of absence at a better time, [Exeunt.] Sweet Bianca,

[Giving her Desdemona's handkerchief.]

Take this work out for me.

BIANCA. O Cassio, where did you get this? This is some gift from a newer girlfriend. Now I feel a reason to this long absence. Has it come to this? Well, well.

CASSIO. Come one, woman! Throw your vile guesses into the devil's teeth, From where you got them. You are jealous now That this is from some mistress, some gift. No, in good truth, Bianca.

BIANCA. Why, whose is it?

CASSIO.

Scene 4 89 I don’t know either. I found it in my bedroom. I really like the work. Before it has to be given back, As it’s likely it will be, I’d like to have it copied. Take it, and do it, and leave me for this time.

BIANCA. Leave you! Why?

CASSIO. I’m waiting here for the general, And I don’t think it would help, and it’s not my wish, To have him see me talking with a woman.

BIANCA. Why, I beg you ?

CASSIO. Not that I don’t love you.

BIANCA. But it’s that you don’t love me. I beg you, walk with me on the way a little; And say if I shall see you later tonight.

CASSIO. I can only walk with you a little way, Because I’m waiting here. but I'll see you soon.

BIANCA. That’s very good; I must be patient.

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Act IV

1. Scene 1 2. Scene 2 3. Scene 3

Act IV 90 Scene 1 yprus. Before the Castle. Cyprus. Before the Castle.

[Enter Othello and Iago.] [Enter Othello and Iago.]

IAGO. IAGO. Will you think so? Will you think so?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Think so, Iago? Think so, Iago?

IAGO. IAGO. What, What, To kiss in private? To kiss in private?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. An unauthoriz'd kiss. An unauthorized kiss.

IAGO. IAGO. Or to be naked with her friend in bed Or to be naked with her friend in bed An hour or more, not meaning any harm? An hour or more, not meaning any harm?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! It is hypocrisy against the devil: It is hypocrisy against the devil. They that mean virtuously and yet do so, They that mean it virtuously and still do so, The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven. The devil tempts their virtue, and they tempt heaven. IAGO. So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip: IAGO. But if I give my wife a handkerchief,−− So they do nothing, It is a minor slip. But if I give my wife a handkerchief… OTHELLO. What then? OTHELLO. What then? IAGO. Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord, and being hers, IAGO. She may, I think, bestow't on any man. Why, then, it is hers, my lord, and being hers, She may, I think, give it to any man. OTHELLO. She is protectress of her honour too: OTHELLO. May she give that? She is protectress of her honor too. May she give that? IAGO. Her honour is an essence that's not seen; IAGO. They have it very oft that have it not: Her honor is an essence that's not seen; But, for the handkerchief,−− They that don’t have it, have it very often. But, for the handkerchief…

Scene 1 91 OTHELLO. OTHELLO. By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it:−− By heaven, I would have very gladly forgotten it. Thou said'st,−−O, it comes o'er my memory, You said, O, it comes over my memory, As doth the raven o'er the infected house, As the raven flies over the infected house, Boding to all,−−he had my handkerchief. Announcing to all, he had my handkerchief.

IAGO. IAGO. Ay, what of that? Yes, what of that?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. That's not so good now. That's not so good now.

IAGO. IAGO. What, What, If I had said I had seen him do you wrong? If I had said I had seen him do you wrong? Or heard him say,−−as knaves be such abroad, Or heard him say, as rogues abroad do, Who having, by their own importunate suit, Who having convinced or supplied them, Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, By their own pressing suit, Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose Or voluntary love of some Mistress, cannot But they must blab,−− choose But to blab. OTHELLO. Hath he said anything? OTHELLO. Has he said anything? IAGO. He hath, my lord; but be you well assur'd, IAGO. No more than he'll unswear. He has, my lord; but be well assured, No more than he'll deny. OTHELLO. What hath he said? OTHELLO. What has he said? IAGO. Faith, that he did,−−I know not what he did. IAGO. Faith, that he did, I don’t know what he did. OTHELLO. What? what? OTHELLO. What? what? IAGO. Lie,−− IAGO. Lie. OTHELLO. With her? OTHELLO. With her? IAGO. With her, on her, what you will. IAGO. With her, on her, whatever you want to think. OTHELLO. Lie with her! lie on her!−−We say lie on her when they OTHELLO. belie her.−−Lie with her! that's fulsome.−−Handkerchief− Lie with her! Lie on her! We say lie on her when −confessions−−handkerchief!−−To confess, and be they

Scene 1 92 hanged belie her. Lie with her! that's sickening. for his labour,−−first, to be hanged, and then to Handkerchief, confess.−−I Confessions, handkerchief! To confess, and be tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such hanged shadowing for his labor, first, to be hanged, and then to passion without some instruction. It is not words that confess.—I shake me tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in thus:−−pish!−−noses, ears, and lips.−−Is't such possible?−−Confess,−− shadowing passion without some reason. It is not handkerchief!−−O devil!−− words that shake me like this. Rubbish! Noses, ears, and [Falls in a trance.] lips. Is it possible? Confess, handkerchief! O devil! IAGO. Work on, [Falls in a trance.] My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught; And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, IAGO. All guiltless, meet reproach.−−What, ho! my lord! Work on, My lord, I say! Othello! My medicine, work! Believing fools are caught like this; [Enter Cassio.] And many worthy and chaste dames just like this, All How now, Cassio! innocent, meet punishment. What, ho! my lord! my lord, I CASSIO. say! Othello! What's the matter? [Enter Cassio.] IAGO. My lord is fallen into an epilepsy: How are you, Cassio! This is his second fit; he had one yesterday. CASSIO. CASSIO. What's the matter? Rub him about the temples. IAGO. IAGO. My lord is fallen into an epileptic fit. No, forbear; This is his second fit; he had one yesterday. The lethargy must have his quiet course: If not, he foams at mouth, and by and by CASSIO. Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs: Rub him around the temples. Do you withdraw yourself a little while, He will recover straight: when he is gone, IAGO. I would on great occasion speak with you. No, don’t; The disease must run its quiet course. [Exit Cassio.] If not, he foams at mouth, and by and by Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he’s coming How is it, general? have you not hurt your head? to. Step aside and hide yourself a little while, OTHELLO. He will recover right away. When he is gone, Dost thou mock me? I would like to speak with you urgently.

Scene 1 93 IAGO. [Exit Cassio.] I mock you! no, by heaven. Would you would bear your fortune like a man! How is it, general? Haven’t hurt your head?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. A horned man's a monster and a beast. Do you make fun of me?

IAGO. IAGO. There's many a beast, then, in a populous city, I make fun of you! No, by heaven. And many a civil monster. I wish you would bear your luck like a man!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Did he confess it? An adulterer's a monster and a beast

IAGO. IAGO. Good sir, be a man; There's many a beast, then, in a crowded city, Think every bearded fellow that's but yok'd And many a civil monster. May draw with you: there's millions now alive That nightly lie in those unproper beds OTHELLO. Which they dare swear peculiar: your case is better. Did he confess it? O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch−mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch, IAGO. And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know; Good sir, be a man; And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be. Do you think every bearded fellow that wears a harness OTHELLO. May be driven by you? There's millions now alive O, thou art wise; 'tis certain. That nightly lie in those adulterous beds which they dare IAGO. To swear is the first time. Your case is better. Stand you awhile apart; O, it is the spite of hell, the fiend's high mockery, Confine yourself but in a patient list. To kiss a whore on a safe couch, Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief,−− And to suppose her to be chaste! No, let me know; A passion most unsuiting such a man,−− And knowing what I am, I know what she shall Cassio came hither: I shifted him away, be. And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy; Bade him anon return, and here speak with me; OTHELLO. The which he promis'd. Do but encave yourself, O, you are wise; that is certain. And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns, That dwell in every region of his face; IAGO. For I will make him tell the tale anew,−− Stand you aside a while; Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when Restrict yourself only in patient way. He hath, and is again to cope your wife: While you were being overwhelmed here by your I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience; grief, Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, A passion very unsuitable to such a man, And nothing of a man. Cassio came here. I sent him away, And gave him a good excuse for your fit; OTHELLO. I told him to come back soon and speak here with Dost thou hear, Iago? me; I will be found most cunning in my patience; Which he promised to do. Only hide yourself, But,−−dost thou hear?−−most bloody. And mark the sneers, the taunts, and outstanding

Scene 1 94 IAGO. scorns, That's not amiss; That dwell in every region of his face, But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? Because I will make him tell the story as if it were new, [Othello withdraws.] About where, how, how often, how long ago, and when Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, He has had, and is again to have, sex with your A housewife that, by selling her desires, wife. Buys herself bread and clothes: it is a creature I say only notice his gestures. By Mary, have That dotes on Cassio,−−as 'tis the strumpet's plague patience; To beguile many and be beguil'd by one:−− Or I shall say you are totally in a temper, He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain And not a man. From the excess of laughter:−−here he comes:−− As he shall smile Othello shall go mad; OTHELLO. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Do you hear me, Iago? Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behavior I will be found very cunning in my patience; Quite in the wrong. But, do you hear me? Very bloody.

[Re−enter Cassio.] IAGO. There’s nothing wrong with that, How do you now, lieutenant? But still be patient in all. Will you leave and hide?

CASSIO. [Othello withdraws.] The worser that you give me the addition Whose want even kills me. Now I will question Cassio about Bianca, A housewife that, by selling her desires, IAGO. Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't. That dotes on Cassio, as it is the whore's disease Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power, [Speaking lower.] To trick many and be tricked by one. How quickly should you speed! He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain From excessive laughter. Here he comes. CASSIO. As he smiles, Othello shall go crazy; Alas, poor caitiff! And his ignorant jealousy must interpret Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and happy OTHELLO. behavior [Aside.] Look, how he laughs already! All wrong.

IAGO. [Re−enter Cassio.] I never knew a woman love man so. How are you now, lieutenant? CASSIO. Alas, poor rogue! I think, i'faith, she loves me. CASSIO. The worse that you give me the additional OTHELLO. information [Aside.] Now he denies it faintly and laughs it out. Whose lack of information even kills me.

IAGO. IAGO. Do you hear, Cassio? Persist with Desdemona well, and you are sure of it . OTHELLO. Now, if this promise was in Bianca's power,

Scene 1 95 [Aside.] Now he importunes him [Speaking To tell it o'er: go to; well said, well said. lower.] How quickly you would you succeed!

IAGO. CASSIO. She gives it out that you shall marry her: Alas, poor wretch! Do you intend it? OTHELLO. CASSIO. [Aside.] Look, how he laughs already! Ha, ha, ha! IAGO. OTHELLO. I never knew a woman could love man so. [Aside.] Do you triumph, Roman? do you triumph? CASSIO. CASSIO. Alas, poor rogue! I think, in faith, she loves me. I marry her!−−what? A customer! I pr'ythee, bear some charity to my wit; do not think it so unwholesome:−−ha, OTHELLO. ha, ha! [Aside.] Now he denies it faintly and laughs it out.

OTHELLO. IAGO. [Aside.] So, so, so, so: they laugh that win. Do you hear me, Cassio?

IAGO. OTHELLO. Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her. [Aside.] Now he urges him To tell it again. Do it, it’s well said, well said. CASSIO. Pr'ythee, say true. IAGO. She’s telling everyone that you shall marry her. IAGO. Do you intend to? I am a very villain else. CASSIO. OTHELLO. Ha, ha, ha! [Aside.] Have you scored me? Well. OTHELLO. CASSIO. [Aside.] Do you win, Roman? Do you win? This is the monkey's own giving out: she is persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of CASSIO. my promise. Me marry her! What? A customer! I beg you, have some OTHELLO. charity for my wit; don’t think it is so [Aside.] Iago beckons me; now he begins the story. unwholesome. ha, ha, ha!

CASSIO. OTHELLO. She was here even now; she haunts me in every place. I [Aside.] So, so, so, so. They laugh that win. was the other day talking on the sea bank with certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble, and falls thus IAGO. about my neck,−− Faith, the rumor goes that you shall marry her.

OTHELLO. CASSIO. [Aside.] Crying, "O dear Cassio!" as it were: his gesture I beg you, tell the truth. imports

Scene 1 96 it. IAGO. I am a very villain if I don’t. CASSIO. So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me; so hales and OTHELLO. pulls me: ha, ha, ha! [Aside.] Have you played me? Well.

OTHELLO. CASSIO. [Aside.] Now he tells how she plucked him to my This is the monkey's own rumor. She is persuaded chamber. I O, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, shall throw it to. not out because of my promise. CASSIO. Well, I must leave her company. OTHELLO. [Aside.] Iago beckons me; now he begins the IAGO. story. Before me! look where she comes. CASSIO. CASSIO. She was here even now; she haunts me in every 'Tis such another fitchew! marry, a perfumed one. place. I was talking on the sea bank with certain Venetians [Enter Bianca.] the other day, and here comes the little gem, and falls What do you mean by this haunting of me? like this around my neck BIANCA. Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean OTHELLO. by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was [Aside.] Crying, "O dear Cassio!" as it were. His a fine gestures fool to take it. I must take out the work?−−A likely piece suggest it. of work that you should find it in your chamber and not CASSIO. know who So hangs, and lolls, and weeps on me; so hales left it there! This is some minx's token, and I must take and pulls out the me. Ha, ha, ha! work? There,−−give it your hobby−horse: wheresoever you had it, OTHELLO. I'll take out no work on't. [Aside.] Now he tells how she brought him to my bedroom. O, I see that nose of yours, but not that CASSIO. dog I How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! how now! shall throw it to.

OTHELLO. CASSIO. [Aside.] By heaven, that should be my handkerchief! Well, I must leave her company.

BIANCA. IAGO. An you'll come to supper to−night, you may; an you will Before me! Look, here she comes. not, come when you are next prepared for. CASSIO. [Exit.] It’s another such polecat! By Mary, a perfumed

Scene 1 97 IAGO. one. After her, after her. [Enter Bianca.] CASSIO. Faith, I must; she'll rail in the street else. What do you mean by this haunting of me?

IAGO. BIANCA. Will you sup there? Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean CASSIO. by that same handkerchief you just gave me? I Faith, I intend so. was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the embroidery? A IAGO. likely Well, I may chance to see you; for I would very fain piece of work that you should find it in your speak with you. bedroom and not know who left it there! This is some cat's gift, CASSIO. and I Pr'ythee, come; will you? must take out the work? There, give it to your whore. IAGO. Wherever you had it, I won’t take out any Go to; say no more. embroidery.

[Exit Cassio.] CASSIO. Come now, my sweet Bianca! Come now! Come OTHELLO. now! [Coming forward.] How shall I murder him, Iago? OTHELLO. IAGO. [Aside.] By heaven, that’s my handkerchief! Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? BIANCA. OTHELLO. If you'll come to supper tonight, you may; if you O Iago! will not, come when you are next ready to. IAGO. And did you see the handkerchief? [Exit.]

OTHELLO. IAGO. Was that mine? After her, after her.

IAGO. CASSIO. Yours, by this hand: and to see how he prizes the foolish Faith, I must, or else she'll raise a ruckus in the woman your wife! she gave it him, and he hath given it street. his whore. IAGO. OTHELLO. Will you have dinner there? I would have him nine years a−killing.−−A fine woman! a fair CASSIO. woman! a sweet woman! Faith, I intend to.

IAGO. IAGO.

Scene 1 98 Nay, you must forget that. Well, I maybe I’ll see you; because I would very gladly OTHELLO. speak with you. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned to−night; for she shall not live: no, my heart is turned to stone; I strike CASSIO. it, and it hurts my hand.−−O, the world hath not a sweeter I beg you, come; will you? creature: she might lie by an emperor's side, and command him IAGO. tasks. OK, say no more.

IAGO. [Exit Cassio.] Nay, that's not your way. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. [Coming forward.] How shall I murder him, Iago? Hang her! I do but say what she is:−−so delicate with her needle!−−an admirable musician! O, she will sing the IAGO. savageness out of a bear!−−Of so high and plenteous wit Did you see how he laughed at his sin? and invention!−− OTHELLO. IAGO. O Iago! She's the worse for all this. IAGO. OTHELLO. And did you see the handkerchief? O, a thousand, a thousand times:−−and then, of so gentle a OTHELLO. condition! Was that mine?

IAGO. IAGO. Ay, too gentle. Yours, I swear. And to see how he prizes the foolish OTHELLO. woman, your wife! She gave it him, and he has Nay, that's certain:−−but yet the pity of it, Iago! given it O Iago, the pity of it, Iago! his whore.

IAGO. OTHELLO. If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to I would take nine years to kill him. A fine woman! offend; for, if it touch not you, it comes near nobody. A beautiful woman! A sweet woman! OTHELLO. I will chop her into messes.−−Cuckold me! IAGO. No, you must forget that. IAGO. O, 'tis foul in her. OTHELLO. Yes, let her rot, and die, and be damned tonight; OTHELLO. because With mine officer! she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone; I hit IAGO. it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world has not a That's fouler. sweeter creature. She might lie by an emperor's side and

Scene 1 99 OTHELLO. order Get me some poison, Iago; this night.−−I'll not him to work. expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind IAGO. again:−− No, that's not your way. this night, Iago. OTHELLO. IAGO. Hang her! I only say what she is. So delicate with Do it not with poison; strangle her in her bed, even the her bed she hath contaminated. needle! An admirable musician! O, she will sing the OTHELLO. savageness out of a bear! Of so high and full Good, good: the justice of it pleases: very good. intelligence and imagination! IAGO. And for Cassio,−−let me be his undertaker:−−you shall IAGO. hear She's the worse for all this. more by midnight. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. O, a thousand, a thousand times. and then, of so Excellent good. [A trumpet within.] What trumpet is that gentle a same? disposition!

IAGO. IAGO. Something from Venice, sure. 'Tis Lodovico Yes, too gentle. Come from the duke: and, see, your wife is with him. OTHELLO. [Enter Lodovico, Desdemona, and Attendants.] No, that's certain. but yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, the pity of it, Iago! LODOVICO. Save you, worthy general! IAGO. If you’re so fond of her sin, give her permission to OTHELLO. offend; With all my heart, sir. because, if it doesn’t affect you, it affects nobody.

LODOVICO. OTHELLO. The duke and senators of Venice greet you. I will chop her into pieces. Unfaithful to me!

[Gives him a packet.] IAGO. O, it is evil in her. OTHELLO. I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. OTHELLO. With my officer! [Opens the packet and reads.] IAGO. DESDEMONA. That's even more evil. And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico? OTHELLO. IAGO. Get me some poison, Iago; this night. I'll not argue I am very glad to see you, signior; with

Scene 1 100 Welcome to Cyprus. her, should her body and beauty change my mind again. LODOVICO. this night, Iago. I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio? IAGO. IAGO. Don’t do it with poison. Strangle her in her bed, Lives, sir. even the bed she has contaminated. DESDEMONA. Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord OTHELLO. An unkind breach: but you shall make all well. Good, good. The justice of it pleases me. Very good. OTHELLO. Are you sure of that? IAGO. And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You DESDEMONA. shall hear My lord? more by midnight.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. [Reads.] "This fail you not to do, as you will,−−" Excellent good. [A trumpet within.] What trumpet is that one? LODOVICO. He did not call; he's busy in the paper. IAGO. Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio? Something from Venice, surely. It is Lodovico Come from the duke. And, see, your wife is with DESDEMONA. him. A most unhappy one: I would do much To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. [Enter Lodovico, Desdemona, and Attendants.]

OTHELLO. LODOVICO. Fire and brimstone! God save you, worthy general!

DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. My lord? With all my heart, sir.

OTHELLO. LODOVICO. Are you wise? The duke and senators of Venice greet you.

DESDEMONA. [Gives him a packet.] What, is he angry? OTHELLO. LODOVICO. I kiss the instrument of their desires. May be the letter mov'd him; For, as I think, they do command him home, [Opens the packet and reads.] Deputing Cassio in his government. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico? Trust me, I am glad on't. IAGO. OTHELLO. I am very glad to see you, Signior;

Scene 1 101 Indeed! Welcome to Cyprus.

DESDEMONA. LODOVICO. My lord? I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio?

OTHELLO. IAGO. I am glad to see you mad. He lives, sir.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Why, sweet Othello,−− Cousin, there's an angry break up that’s fallen between OTHELLO. him and my lord, but you shall make all well. Devil! [Striking her.] OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Are you sure of that? I have not deserv'd this. DESDEMONA. LODOVICO. My lord? My lord, this would not be believ'd in Venice, Though I should swear I saw't: 'tis very much: OTHELLO. Make her amends; she weeps. [Reads.] "Don’t fail to do this, as you will. "

OTHELLO. LODOVICO. O devil, devil! He didn’t call; he's busy with the paper. If that the earth could teem with woman's tears, Is there division between my lord and Cassio? Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.−− Out of my sight! DESDEMONA. A very unhappy one. I would do a lot DESDEMONA. To reconcile them, for the love I bear to Cassio. [Going.] I will not stay to offend you. OTHELLO. LODOVICO. Fire and brimstone! Truly, an obedient lady:−− I do beseech your lordship, call her back. DESDEMONA. My lord? OTHELLO. Mistress! OTHELLO. Are you wise? DESDEMONA. My lord? DESDEMONA. What, is he angry? OTHELLO. What would you with her, sir? LODOVICO. May be the letter upset him; LODOVICO. Because, I think, they command him to come Who, I, my lord? home, Making Cassio governor in his place. OTHELLO. Ay; you did wish that I would make her turn: DESDEMONA. Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, Trust me, I am glad about it .

Scene 1 102 And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; OTHELLO. And she's obedient, as you say,−−obedient,−− Indeed! Very obedient.−−Proceed you in your tears.−− Concerning this, sir,−−O well−painted passion! DESDEMONA. I am commanded home.−−Get you away; My lord? I'll send for you anon.−−Sir, I obey the mandate, And will return to Venice.−−Hence, avaunt! OTHELLO. I am glad to see you angry. [Exit Desdemona.] DESDEMONA. Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, to−night, Why, sweet Othello… I do entreat that we may sup together: You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.−−Goats and monkeys! OTHELLO. Devil! [Striking her.] [Exit.] DESDEMONA. LODOVICO. I have not deserved this. Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all−in−all sufficient? Is this the nature LODOVICO. Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, The shot of accident nor dart of chance Although I could swear I saw it. It is too much. Could neither graze nor pierce? Apologize to her; she weeps.

IAGO. OTHELLO. He is much chang'd. O devil, devil! If the earth could be flooded with woman's tears, LODOVICO. Each drop she lets fall would prove to be a Are his wits safe? is he not light of brain? crocodile. Out of my sight! IAGO. He's that he is: I may not breathe my censure DESDEMONA. What he might be,−−if what he might he is not,−− [Going.] I will not stay to offend you. I would to heaven he were! LODOVICO. LODOVICO. Truly, an obedient lady. What, strike his wife! I beg your lordship, call her back.

IAGO. OTHELLO. Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew Mistress! That stroke would prove the worst! DESDEMONA. LODOVICO. My lord? Is it his use? Or did the letters work upon his blood, OTHELLO. And new−create this fault? What do you want with her, sir?

IAGO. LODOVICO. Alas, alas! Who, I, my lord? It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and known. You shall observe him; OTHELLO.

Scene 1 103 And his own courses will denote him so Yes; you wished that I would make her return. That I may save my speech: do but go after, Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, And mark how he continues. And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; And she's obedient, as you say, obedient, LODOVICO. Very obedient. Proceed with your tears. I am sorry that I am deceiv'd in him. Concerning this, sir, O well−painted passion! I am commanded home. Go away; [Exeunt.] I'll send for you soon. Sir, I obey the mandate, And will return to Venice. Away, get going!

[Exit Desdemona.]

Cassio shall take my place. And, sir, tonight, I beg you that we may dine together. You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys!

[Exit.]

LODOVICO. Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Said had it all? Is this the nature That passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue Could be neither grazed nor pierced by The shot of accident or dart of fate?

IAGO. He is very changed.

LODOVICO. Is he sane? He’s not sick in the brain?

IAGO. He's what he is. I may not breathe my criticism of What he might be. If what he might he is not, I wish to heaven he were!

LODOVICO. What, strike his wife!

IAGO. Faith, that was not good; still I wish I knew if That stroke would prove to be the worst!

LODOVICO. Is it his habit? Or did the letters work on his blood, And newly create this fault?

IAGO.

Scene 1 104 Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to discuss What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, And his own actions will so show him That I may save my speech. But follow him, And watch how he goes on.

LODOVICO. I am sorry that I was wrong about him.

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2

Cyprus. A Room in the Castle. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.

[Enter Othello and Emilia.] [Enter Othello and Emilia.]

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. You have seen nothing, then? You have seen nothing, then?

EMILIA. EMILIA. Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. Not ever heard, or ever suspected.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together. Yes, you have seen Cassio and her together.

EMILIA. EMILIA. But then I saw no harm, and then I heard But then I saw no harm, and then I heard Each syllable that breath made up between them. Each syllable that was exchanged between them.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. What, did they never whisper? What, did they never whisper?

EMILIA. EMILIA. Never, my lord. Never, my lord.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Nor send you out o' the way? Nor send you out of the way?

EMILIA. EMILIA. Never. Never.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing? To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, or anything?

Scene 2 105 EMILIA. EMILIA. Never, my lord. Never, my lord.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. That's strange. That's strange.

EMILIA. EMILIA. I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, I dare, my lord, to bet that she is honest, Lay down my soul at stake: if you think other, Burn me at the stake. If you think otherwise, Remove your thought,−−it doth abuse your bosom. Remove your thought. It abuses your heart. If any wretch have put this in your head, If any wretch has put this in your head, Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse! Let heaven repay them with the serpent's curse! For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, Because if she is not honest, chaste, and true, There's no man happy; the purest of their wives There's no man happy; the purest of their wives Is foul as slander. Is wicked as the leis about them.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Bid her come hither.−−Go. Bid her come here. Go.

[Exit Emilia.] [Exit Emilia.]

She says enough; yet she's a simple bawd She says enough; yet she's a simple rabbit That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, A closet−lock−and−key of villainous secrets: A closet−lock−and−key of villainous secrets. And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't. And yet she'll kneel and pray; I’ve seen her do it .

[Enter Emilia with Desdemona.] [Enter Emilia with Desdemona.]

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. My lord, what is your will? My lord, what is your will?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Pray, chuck, come hither. Please, dear, come here.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. What is your pleasure? What is your pleasure?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Let me see your eyes; Let me see your eyes; Look in my face. Look into my face.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. What horrible fancy's this? What horrible desire is this?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Some of your function, mistress, [To Emilia.] Some of your function, mistress, [To Emilia.] Leave procreants alone and shut the door; Leave procreators alone and shut the door; Cough, or cry hem, if anybody come. Cough, or cry, “a− hem,” if anybody comes. Your mystery, your mystery;−−nay, despatch. Your mystery, your mystery; no, leave.

Scene 2 106 [Exit Emilia.] [Exit Emilia.]

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Upon my knees, what doth your speech import? On my knees, what does your speech mean? I understand a fury in your words, I understand a fury in your words, But not the words. But not the words.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Why, what art thou? Why, what are you?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Your wife, my lord; your true and loyal wife. Your wife, my lord; Your true and loyal wife.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Come, swear it, damn thyself; Come, swear it, damn yourself; Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves Should fear to seize thee: yherefore be Should fear to seize you. Therefore be double−damn'd.−− double−damned, Swear thou art honest. Swear you are honest.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Heaven doth truly know it. Heaven does truly know it.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. Heaven truly knows that you are as false as hell.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. To whom, my lord? with whom? how am I false? To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. O Desdemona!−−away! away! away! O Desdemona! Away! Away! Away!

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Alas the heavy day!−−Why do you weep? Alas the heavy day! Why do you cry? Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? Am I the motive for these tears, my lord? If haply you my father do suspect If you maybe suspect my father is An instrument of this your calling back, An instrument of this calling you back, Lay not your blame on me: if you have lost him, Don’t lay your blame on me. If you have lost him, Why, I have lost him too. Why, I have lost him too.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Had it pleas'd heaven Had it pleased heaven To try me with affliction; had they rain'd To test me with troubles, had they rained All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head; All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips; Soaked me in poverty to my very lips, Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes; Enslaved me and my utmost ambitions, I should have found in some place of my soul I should have found in some place of my soul A drop of patience: but, alas, to make me A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me A fixed figure for the time, for scorn A figure of example to the age, for scorn To point his slow unmoving finger at!−− To point his slow unmoving finger at!

Scene 2 107 Yet could I bear that too; well, very well: Yet I could bear that too, well, very well. But there, where I have garner'd up my heart; But there, where I have put my heart away, Where either I must live or bear no life,−− Where I must either live or have no life. The fountain from the which my current runs, The fountain from the which my current runs, Or else dries up; to be discarded thence! Dries up otherwise; to be discarded like this! Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads Or keep it as a jug to hold dirty toads To knot and gender in!−−turn thy complexion there, To knot and give birth in! Turn your face there, Patience, thou young and rose−lipp'd cherubin,−− Patience, you young and rose−lipped archangel, Ay, there, look grim as hell! Yes, there, look as grim as hell!

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. I hope my noble lord believes I am faithful.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. O, ay; as summer flies are in the shambles, O, yes; as summer flies are in the swamps, That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, That move quickly even with blowing. O you weed, Who art so lovely fair, and smell'st so sweet, Who are so lovely beautiful, and smell so sweet, That the sense aches at thee,−−would thou hadst ne'er That the sense aches at you, I wish you had never been been born! born!

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed? Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Was this beautiful paper, this very excellent book, Made to write whore upon? What committed! Made to write “whore” on? What sin committed! Committed!−−O thou public commoner! Committed! O you public commoner! I should make very forges of my cheeks, I should make very fires of my cheeks That would to cinders burn up modesty, Burn modesty into ashes, Did I but speak thy deeds.−−What committed! If I only spoke your deeds. What committed! Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; Heaven thumbs its nose at it, and the moon winks; The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, The obscene wind that kisses all it meets Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth, Is quiet within the hollow tunnels of earth, And will not hear it.−−What committed!−− And will not hear it. What committed! Impudent strumpet! Impudent prostitute!

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. By heaven, you do me wrong. By heaven, you do me wrong.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Are not you a strumpet? Aren’t you a prostitute?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. No, as I am a Christian: No, as I am a Christian. If to preserve this vessel for my lord If to preserve this body for my lord From any other foul unlawful touch From any other evil unlawful touch Be not to be a strumpet, I am none. Is not to be a prostitute, I am none.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO.

Scene 2 108 What, not a whore? What, not a whore?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. No, as I shall be sav'd. No, as I shall be saved.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Is't possible? Is it possible?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. O, heaven forgive us! O, heaven forgive us!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I cry you mercy then: I beg your mercy then. I took you for that cunning whore of Venice I took you for that cunning whore of Venice That married with Othello.−−You, mistress, That married with Othello. You, mistress, That have the office opposite to Saint Peter, That have the office next to Saint Peter, And keep the gate of hell! And keep the gate of hell!

[Re−enter Emilia.] [Re−enter Emilia.]

You, you, ay, you! You, you, yes, you! We have done our course; there's money for your We have done our business; there's money for your pains: pains. I beg you, turn the key, and keep our secrets. I pray you, turn the key, and keep our counsel. [Exit.] [Exit.] EMILIA. EMILIA. Alas, what does this gentleman mean? Alas, what does this gentleman conceive?−− How are you, madam? How are you, my good lady? How do you, madam? how do you, my good lady? DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Faith, half asleep. Faith, half asleep. EMILIA. EMILIA. Good madam, what's the matter with my lord? Good madam, what's the matter with my lord? DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. With who? With who? EMILIA. EMILIA. Why, with my lord, madam. Why, with my lord, madam. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Who is your lord? Who is thy lord? EMILIA. EMILIA. He that is yours, sweet lady. He that is yours, sweet lady. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I have none. Don’t talk to me, Emilia;

Scene 2 109 I have none: do not talk to me, Emilia; I cannot weep, and I don’t have any answers, I cannot weep; nor answer have I none Except what should go by water. I beg you, tonight But what should go by water. Pr'ythee, to−night Lay my wedding sheets on my bed, remember? Lay on my bed my wedding sheets,−−remember;−− And I’ll call your husband here. And call thy husband hither. EMILIA. EMILIA. Here's a change indeed! Here's a change indeed! [Exit.] [Exit.] DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. It’s right I should be used this way, very right. 'Tis meet I should be us'd so, very meet. How have I behaved, that he might put How have I been behav'd, that he might stick The smallest opinion on my least misconduct? The small'st opinion on my least misuse? [Re−enter Emilia with Iago.] [Re−enter Emilia with Iago.] IAGO. IAGO. What is your pleasure, madam? How is it with you? What is your pleasure, madam? How is't with you? DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I cannot tell. Those that teach young babies I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes Do it with gentle ways and easy tasks. Do it with gentle means and easy tasks: He might have scolded me that way, because, in good He might have chid me so; for in good faith, faith, I am a child to scolding. I am a child to chiding. IAGO. IAGO. What's the matter, lady? What's the matter, lady? EMILIA. EMILIA. Alas, Iago, my lord has accused her of being a Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhor'd her, prostitute, Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, Thrown such angry and horrible words at her, As true hearts cannot bear. As true hearts cannot bear.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Am I that name, Iago? Am I that name, Iago?

IAGO. IAGO. What name, fair lady? What name, beautiful lady?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Such as she says my lord did say I was. Such as she says my lord said I was.

EMILIA. EMILIA. He call'd her whore: a beggar in his drink He called her whore. A drunken beggar Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. Could not have laid such terms on his prostitute.

IAGO. IAGO. Why did he so? Why did he do it?

Scene 2 110 DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I do not know; I am sure I am none such. I don’t know; I am sure I am no one like that.

IAGO. IAGO. Do not weep, do not weep:−−alas the day! Don’t weep, don’t weep. alas the day!

EMILIA. EMILIA. Hath she forsook so many noble matches, She has abandoned so many noble matches, Her father, and her country, and her friends, Her father, and her country, and her friends, To be call'd whore? would it not make one weep? To be called whore? Wouldn’t it make one weep?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. It is my wretched fortune. It is my wretched luck.

IAGO. IAGO. Beshrew him for't! Curse him for it ! How comes this trick upon him? How did this trick come on him?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Nay, heaven doth know. No, only heaven knows.

EMILIA. EMILIA. I will be hang'd, if some eternal villain, I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Some scheming, lying slave, to get some job, Have not devis'd this slander; I'll be hang'd else. Hasn’t made up this slander, or else, I'll be hanged.

IAGO. IAGO. Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. Damn, there is no such man; it is impossible.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. If any such there be, heaven pardon him! If there is a man like that, heaven pardon him!

EMILIA. EMILIA. A halter pardon him! and hell gnaw his bones! A noose pardon him! And hell chew on his bones! Why should he call her whore? who keeps her Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company? company? What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave, The Moor's abused by some very villainous rogue, Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow:−− Some base notorious rogue, some scurvy fellow. O heaven, that such companions thou'dst unfold, O heaven, that you would expose such companions, And put in every honest hand a whip And put a whip in every honest hand To lash the rascals naked through the world To whip the rascals naked throughout the world, Even from the east to the west! Even from the east to the west!

IAGO. IAGO. Speak within door. Speak behind the door.

EMILIA. EMILIA. O, fie upon them! some such squire he was O, damn on them! He was some such squire

Scene 2 111 That turn'd your wit the seamy side without, That turned your wit inside out, And made you to suspect me with the Moor. And made you to suspect me of sleeping with the Moor. IAGO. You are a fool; go to. IAGO. You are a fool; be quiet. DESDEMONA. Alas, Iago, DESDEMONA. What shall I do to win my lord again? Alas, Iago, Good friend, go to him; for by this light of heaven, What shall I do to win my lord again? I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:−− Good friend, go to him; because, by this light of If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love, heaven, Either in discourse of thought or actual deed; I don’t know how I lost him. Here I kneel. Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, If ever my will did sin against his love, Delighted them in any other form; Either in thinking or by actual deed; Or that I do not yet, and ever did, Or that my eyes, my ears, or any sense, And ever will, though he do shake me off Delighted themselves in any other man, To beggarly divorcement,−−love him dearly, Or that I don’t yet, or ever did, Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much; Or ever will, although he shakes me off And his unkindness may defeat my life, To a beggarly divorce, love him dearly, But never taint my love. I cannot say whore,−− Comfort perjure me! Unkindness may do much, It does abhor me now I speak the word; And his unkindness may kill my life, To do the act that might the addition earn But never taint my love. I cannot say “whore,” Not the world's mass of vanity could make me. It shocks me now that I speak the word; To do the act? Earning the addition of IAGO. The world's mass of vanity couldn’t make me.. I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humour: The business of the state does him offence, IAGO. And he does chide with you. I beg you, be content; it is only his mood. The business of the state upsets him, DESDEMONA. And he takes it out on you. If 'twere no other,−− DESDEMONA. IAGO. If it were any other… 'Tis but so, I warrant. IAGO. [Trumpets within.] It’s only that, I guarantee it.

Hark, how these instruments summon to supper! [Trumpets within.] The messengers of Venice stay the meat: Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well. Listen how these instruments summon us to supper! The messengers of Venice wait for the meat. [Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.] Go in, and don’t cry; all things shall be well.

[Enter Roderigo.] [Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.]

How now, Roderigo! [Enter Roderigo.]

RODERIGO. What now, Roderigo! I do not find that thou dealest justly with me.

Scene 2 112 IAGO. RODERIGO. What in the contrary? I don’t believe that you deal justly with me.

RODERIGO. IAGO. Every day thou daffest me with some device, Iago; On the contrary. and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all RODERIGO. conveniency than suppliest me with the least Every day you get me out of the way with some plan, advantage Iago; and rather, as it seems to me now, keep from me of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it; nor am I yet all convenience than supplies me with the least persuaded to put up in peace what already I have advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. foolishly suffered. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up with in peace what IAGO. already I Will you hear me, Roderigo? have foolishly suffered.

RODERIGO. IAGO. Faith, I have heard too much; for your words and Will you listen to me, Roderigo? performances are no kin together. RODERIGO. IAGO. I’ve heard too much already, because your words and You charge me most unjustly. actions don’t agree with each other.

RODERIGO. IAGO. With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my You accuse me most unjustly. means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist: you RODERIGO. have told With nothing but truth. I have wasted myself out of me she hath received them, and returned me my expectations and money. The jewels you have had from me to comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance; deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a but I find none. nun. You have told me she has received them, and returned to me IAGO. expectations and comforts of sudden respect and Well; go to; very well. acquaintance. But I don’t have any.

RODERIGO. IAGO. Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis not Well; OK; very well. very well: nay, I say 'tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fobbed in it. RODERIGO. Very well! OK! I cannot “OK,” man and it is not very IAGO. well. Very well. No, I say it is very contemptible, and begin to find myself RODERIGO. fooled by it. I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona: if she will return me my jewels, IAGO. I will give Very well. over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation; if not, assure RODERIGO.

Scene 2 113 yourself I will seek satisfaction of you. I tell you it is not very well. I will make myself known to IAGO. Desdemona. If she will return my jewels to me, I will You have said now. stop my courting and repent my unlawful offers. If not, RODERIGO. assure Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of yourself I will seek satisfaction of you. doing. IAGO. IAGO. You have said so. Why, now I see there's mettle in thee; and even from this RODERIGO. instant do build on thee a better opinion than ever Yes, and said nothing except that which I have every before. intention of doing. Give me thy hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken against me a most IAGO. just exception; but yet, I protest, have dealt most Why, now I see there's spirit in you; and even from directly in this thy affair. instant, you build a better opinion of yourself than ever RODERIGO. before. Give me your hand, Roderigo. You have It hath not appeared. taken a very just exception against me; but still, I protest, I IAGO. have I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your suspicion dealt very directly concerning your affair. is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if thou RODERIGO. hast that in thee indeed, which I have greater reason to It doesn’t seem so. believe now than ever,−−I mean purpose, courage, and valour,−−this night show it: if thou the next night IAGO. following I grant indeed it hasn’t seemed so, and your suspicion enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with is treachery not without wit and judgment. But, Roderigo, if you and devise engines for my life. have that spirit in you indeed, which I have greater reason RODERIGO. to Well, what is it? is it within reason and compass? believe now than ever, I mean purpose, courage, and valor, show it tonight. If you are not enjoying IAGO. Desdemona Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to the following night, take me from this world with depute treachery Cassio in Othello's place. and devise plans for my life.

RODERIGO. RODERIGO. Is that true? why then Othello and Desdemona return Well, what is it? Is it within reason and can be done? again to Venice. IAGO. Sir, there is special commission come from Venice to IAGO. put O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with Cassio in Othello's place.

Scene 2 114 him the RODERIGO. fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by Is that true? Why, then Othello and Desdemona return some again accident: wherein none can be so determinate as the to Venice. removing of Cassio. IAGO. O, no; He goes into Mauritania, and takes the RODERIGO. beautiful How do you mean removing of him? Desdemona away with him, unless his living here can be IAGO. delayed by some accident which no one can be so Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's determined about removing of Cassio. place;−−knocking out his brains. RODERIGO. How do you mean removing of him? RODERIGO. And that you would have me to do? IAGO. Why, by making him incapable of Othello's place; IAGO. knocking his brains out. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups RODERIGO. to−night with a harlotry, and thither will I go to And you would have me do that? him:−−he knows not yet of his honourable fortune. If you will IAGO. watch his going thence,−−which his will fashion to Yes, if you dare to do yourself a profit and a right. He fall out eats tonight with a harlot, and I will go there to him. between twelve and one,−−you may take him at your He pleasure: I will be near to second your attempt, and he doesn’t know yet about his honorable fortune. If you shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, will but watch his going there, which according to his habit go along with me; I will show you such a necessity in will be his between twelve and one, you may attack him at your death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on pleasure. I will be near to back up your attempt, and him. he It is now high supper−time, and the night grows to shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, waste: but about it. go along with me; I will show you such a necessity in his RODERIGO. death that you shall think yourself bound to kill him. I will hear further reason for this. It is now high dinner time, and the night is being wasted. IAGO. Let’s And you shall be satisfied. go.

[Exeunt.] RODERIGO. I will hear further reason for this.

IAGO. And you shall be satisfied.

Scene 2 115 [Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

Cyprus. Another Room in the Castle. Cyprus. Another Room in the Castle.

[Enter Othello, Lodovico, Desdemona, Emilia, and [Enter Othello, Lodovico, Desdemona, Emilia, and Attendants.] Attendants.]

LODOVICO. LODOVICO. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further. I do beg you, sir, trouble yourself no further.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. O, pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk. O, pardon me; it will do me good to walk.

LODOVICO. LODOVICO. Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship. Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. Your honour is most welcome. Your honor is very welcome.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Will you walk, sir?−− Will you walk, sir? O,−−Desdemona,−− O, Desdemona.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. My lord? My lord?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Get you to bed on the instant; I will be returned Get you to bed instantly. I’ll be back soon. forthwith: dismiss your attendant there: look't be done. Dismiss your attendant there. See that it’s done.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I will, my lord. I will, my lord.

[Exeunt Othello, Lodovico, and Attendants.] [Exeunt Othello, Lodovico, and Attendants.]

EMILIA. EMILIA. How goes it now? he looks gentler than he did. How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. He says he will return incontinent: He says he will return soon. He hath commanded me to go to bed, He has commanded me to go to bed, And bade me to dismiss you. And told me to dismiss you.

EMILIA. EMILIA.

Scene 3 116 Dismiss me! Dismiss me?

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. It was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, It was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu: Give me my nightgown, and goodbye. We must not now displease him. We must not now displease him.

EMILIA. EMILIA. I would you had never seen him! I wish you had never seen him!

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. So would not I: my love doth so approve him, So do I. My love forgives him so, That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns,−− That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns, Pr'ythee, unpin me,−−have grace and favour in them. I beg you, unpin my hair, have grace and favor in them. EMILIA. I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed. EMILIA. I have put on those sheets you asked me to. DESDEMONA. All's one.−−Good faith, how foolish are our minds!−− DESDEMONA. If I do die before thee, pr'ythee, shroud me Makes no difference. Good faith, how foolish are our In one of those same sheets. minds! If I die before you, I beg you, shroud me In one of those same sheets. EMILIA. Come, come, you talk. EMILIA. Come, come, how you talk. DESDEMONA. My mother had a maid call'd Barbara; DESDEMONA. She was in love; and he she lov'd prov'd mad My mother had a maid called Barbara; And did forsake her: she had a song of "willow"; She was in love; and the man she loved went crazy An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune, And left her. She had a song of "willow," And she died singing it: that song to−night It was an old thing but it expressed her fortune, Will not go from my mind; I have much to do And she died singing it. I can’t get that song out of But to go hang my head all at one side, my And sing it like poor Barbara. Pr'ythee, despatch. Head tonight. I have a lot to do Besides going to hang my head all at one side, EMILIA. And sing it like poor Barbara. I beg you, leave. Shall I go fetch your night−gown? EMILIA. DESDEMONA. Shall I go get your nightgown? No, unpin me here.−− This Lodovico is a proper man. DESDEMONA. No, unpin my hair. EMILIA. This Lodovico is a proper man A very handsome man. EMILIA. DESDEMONA. A very handsome man. He speaks well. DESDEMONA. EMILIA. He speaks well.

Scene 3 117 I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to EMILIA. Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to DESDEMONA. Palestine for a touch of his lower lip. [Sings.] "The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree, DESDEMONA. Sing all a green willow; [Sings.] Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee, "The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree, Sing willow, willow, willow: Sing all a green willow; The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans; Her hand on her breast, her head on her knee, Sing willow, willow, willow; Sing willow, willow, willow. Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones;−−" The fresh streams ran by her, and murmured her moans; Lay be these:−− Sing willow, willow, willow; Her salt tears fell from her, and softened the stones; " [Sings.] "Sing willow, willow, willow;−−" Let these be.

Pr'ythee, hie thee; he'll come anon:−− [Sings.] [Sings.] "Sing willow, willow, willow; " "Sing all a green willow must be my garland. Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve,−−" Pr'ythee, hie thee; he'll come anon:−− [Sings.] Nay, that's not next.−−Hark! who is't that knocks? "Sing all a green willow must be my garland. Let nobody blame him; I earned his scorn. " EMILIA. It's the wind. No, that's not next. Listen! Who is it ?

DESDEMONA. EMILIA. [Sings.] It's the wind. "I call'd my love false love; but what said he then? Sing willow, willow, willow: DESDEMONA. If I court mo women, you'll couch with mo men.−−" [Sings.] "I called my love false love; but what said he then? So get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do itch; Sing willow, willow, willow. Doth that bode weeping? If I court more women, you'll couch with more men. " EMILIA. 'Tis neither here nor there. So get going; good night. My eyes itch; Does that predict tears? DESDEMONA. I have heard it said so.−−O, these men, these men!−− EMILIA. Dost thou in conscience think,−−tell me, Emilia,−− it is neither here nor there. That there be women do abuse their husbands In such gross kind? DESDEMONA. I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men! EMILIA. Do you in conscience think, tell me, Emilia, There be some such, no question. That there are women who abuse their husbands In such a disgusting way? DESDEMONA.

Scene 3 118 Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? EMILIA. There are some such, no doubt. EMILIA. Why, would not you? DESDEMONA. Would you do such a deed for all the world? DESDEMONA. No, by this heavenly light! EMILIA. Why, wouldn’t you? EMILIA. Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do't as DESDEMONA. well i' the dark. No, by this heavenly light!

DESDEMONA. EMILIA. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do it as well in the dark. EMILIA. The world's a huge thing; it is a great price DESDEMONA. For a small vice. Would you do such a deed for all the world?

DESDEMONA. EMILIA. In troth, I think thou wouldst not. The world's a huge thing; it is a great price to pay For a small sin. EMILIA. In troth, I think I should; and undo't when I had done. DESDEMONA. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint−ring, nor In truth, I think you wouldn’t. for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, EMILIA. nor In truth, I think I should; and undo it when I had any petty exhibition; but, for the whole world−−−why, done. By who would Mary, I wouldn’t do such a thing for a gold ring, or not make her husband a cuckold to make him a for monarch? I should measures of soft cotton, or for gowns, petticoats, or venture purgatory for't. caps, or any little show; but, for the whole world −why, DESDEMONA. who Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong for the whole wouldn’t unfaithful to her husband to make him a world. king? I would risk purgatory for it . EMILIA. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i' the world; and having DESDEMONA. the Curse me, if I would do such a wrong thing for the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in your own world, whole world. and you might quickly make it right. EMILIA. Why, the wrong is but a wrong in the world; and DESDEMONA. having I do not think there is any such woman. the world for your work, it is a wrong in your own world, EMILIA. and you might quickly make it right. Yes, a dozen; and as many to the vantage as would

Scene 3 119 store DESDEMONA. the world they play'd for. I don’t think there is any such woman. But I do think it is their husbands' faults If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties EMILIA. And pour our treasures into foreign laps; Yes, a dozen; and as many to profit as would store Or else break out in peevish jealousies, the world they played for. Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us, But I do think it is their husbands' faults Or scant our former having in despite; If wives do fall. Say that they are lazy about their Why, we have galls; and though we have some grace, duties Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know and pour our treasures into foreign laps, Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell or else break out in little jealousies, And have their palates both for sweet and sour, throwing restraint on us, or say they strike us, As husbands have. What is it that they do or cut back our allowance in spite; When they change us for others? Is it sport? Why, we have nerves, and although we have some I think it is: and doth affection breed it? grace, I think it doth : is't frailty that thus errs? still we have some revenge. It is so too. And have not we affections, Let husbands know their wives have senses like Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? them. Then let them use us well: else let them know They see and smell And have their taste both for The ills we do their ills instruct us so. sweet and sour, as husbands have. What is it that they DESDEMONA. do when they exchange us for others? Good−night, good−night: heaven me such usage send, Is it sport? I think it is, and does it breed affection? Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! I think it does. Is it frailty makes mistakes like this? It’s so too. And haven’t we got affections, [Exeunt.] desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well. Or else let them know Their mistakes teach us what mistakes we make.

DESDEMONA. Good−night, good−night. heaven me send such usage, Not to pick bad from bad, but to change my ways by bad!

[Exeunt.] » Back to Section Index » Back to Table of Contents

Act V

1. Scene 1 2. Scene 2

Scene 1

Cyprus. A Street. Cyprus. A Street.

Act V 120 [Enter Iago and Roderigo.] [Enter Iago and Roderigo.]

IAGO. IAGO. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come: Here, stand behind this pillar; he will come right Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home: away. Quick, quick; fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow: Pull your good sword out, and drive it home. It makes us, or it mars us; think on that, Quickly, quickly; fear nothing; I'll be at your elbow. And fix most firm thy resolution. It makes us or it ruins us; think on that, And make your resolution very firm. RODERIGO. Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't. RODERIGO. Be near at hand; I mess it up. IAGO. Here, at thy hand: be bold, and take thy stand. IAGO. I’m here, at your hand. Be bold, and make your stand. [Retires to a little distance.] [Retires to a little distance.] RODERIGO. I have no great devotion to the deed; RODERIGO. And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons:−− I have no great devotion to the deed; 'Tis but a man gone.−−Forth, my sword; he dies. And yet he has given me satisfying reasons. It’s only a man gone. Go forth, my sword; he dies. [Goes to his stand.] [Goes to his stand.] IAGO. I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense, IAGO. And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio, I have rubbed this young pimple almost to the Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, purpose, Every way makes my gain: live Roderigo, And he grows angry. Now, whether or not he kills He calls me to a restitution large Cassio, Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him, Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, As gifts to Desdemona; I gain in every way. Live, Roderigo, It must not be: if Cassio do remain, He calls me to give back all He hath a daily beauty in his life Of gold and jewels that I robbed from him, That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor As gifts to Desdemona; May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril; It can’t happen. If Cassio lives, No, he must die.−−But, so, I hear him coming. He has a daily beauty in his life That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor [Enter Cassio.] May disclose me to him; I stand there in great danger; No, he must die. But, so, I hear him coming. RODERIGO. I know his gait; 'tis he.−−Villain, thou diest! [Enter Cassio.]

[Rushes out, and makes a pass at Cassio.] RODERIGO. I know his walk; it is he. Villain, you die! CASSIO. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed, [Rushes out, and makes a pass at Cassio.] But that my coat is better than thou know'st: I will make proof of thine. CASSIO. That thrust would’ve been my enemy indeed,

Act V 121 [Draws, and wounds Roderigo.] But my coat is better than you know. I will make sure of yours. RODERIGO. O, I am slain! [Draws, and wounds Roderigo.]

[Iago rushes from his post, cuts Cassio behind in the RODERIGO. leg, and O, I am slain! exit.] [Iago rushes from his post, cuts Cassio behind in the CASSIO. leg, and I am maim'd forever.−−Help, ho! murder! murder! exits.]

[Falls.] CASSIO. I am maimed forever. Help, ho! murder! murder! [Enter Othello at a distance.] [Falls.] OTHELLO. The voice of Cassio: Iago keeps his word. [Enter Othello at a distance.]

RODERIGO. OTHELLO. O, villain that I am! The voice of Cassio. Iago keeps his word.

OTHELLO. RODERIGO. It is even so. O, villain that I am!

CASSIO. OTHELLO. O, help, ho! light! a surgeon! It is even so.

OTHELLO. CASSIO. 'Tis he:−−O brave Iago, honest and just, O, help, ho! light! a surgeon! That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong! Thou teachest me,−−minion, your dear lies dead, OTHELLO. And your unbless'd fate hies. Strumpet, I come! It is he. O brave Iago, honest and just, Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are That have such noble sense of your friend's wrong! blotted; You teach me, you devil, your dear is dead, Thy bed, lust−stain'd, shall with lust's blood be And your own unholy fate hurries. Prostitute, I’m spotted. coming! Those charms, your eyes, are erased from my heart; [Exit.] Your bed, lust−stained, shall be spotted with lust's blood. [Enter Lodovico and Gratiano at a distance.] [Exit.] CASSIO. What, ho! no watch? no passage? murder! murder! [Enter Lodovico and Gratiano at a distance.]

GRATIANO. CASSIO. 'Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful. What, ho! no guard? no safety? murder! murder!

CASSIO. GRATIANO. O, help! It is some misfortune; the cry is very sorrowful.

Act V 122 LODOVICO. CASSIO. Hark! O, help!

RODERIGO. LODOVICO. O wretched villain! Listen!

LODOVICO. RODERIGO. Two or three groan:−−it is a heavy night: O wretched villain! These may be counterfeits: let's think't unsafe To come in to the cry without more help. LODOVICO. Two or three groan. It is a heavy night. RODERIGO. These may be fakers. Let's think it’s unsafe Nobody come? then shall I bleed to death. To come in answer to the cry without back up.

LODOVICO. RODERIGO. Hark! Nobody comes? Then I shall bleed to death.

GRATIANO. LODOVICO. Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and Listen! weapons. GRATIANO. [Re−enter Iago, with a light.] Here's someone comes in his shirt, with light and weapons. IAGO. Who's there? whose noise is this that cries on murder? [Re−enter Iago, with a light.]

LODOVICO. IAGO. We do not know. Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries, “murder?” IAGO. Did not you hear a cry? LODOVICO. We don’t know. CASSIO. Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me! IAGO. Didn’t you hear a cry? IAGO. What's the matter? CASSIO. Here, here! For heaven's sake, help me! GRATIANO. This is Othello's ancient, as I take it. IAGO. What's the matter? LODOVICO. The same indeed; a very valiant fellow. GRATIANO. This is Othello's ensign, as I take it. IAGO. What are you here that cry so grievously? LODOVICO. The same indeed; a very valiant fellow. CASSIO. Iago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains! IAGO. Give me some help. Who are you here that cry so grievously?

Act V 123 IAGO. CASSIO. O me, lieutenant! what villains have done this? Iago? O, I am attacked, undone by villains! Give me some help. CASSIO. I think that one of them is hereabout, IAGO. And cannot make away. O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this?

IAGO. CASSIO. O treacherous villains!−− I think that one of them is still around here, [To Lodovico and Gratiano.] What are you there? And cannot make a getaway. Come in and give some help. IAGO. RODERIGO. O treacherous villains! O, help me here! [To Lodovico and Gratiano.] Who are you there? Come in and give some help. CASSIO. That's one of them. RODERIGO. O, help me here! IAGO. O murderous slave! O villain! CASSIO. That's one of them. [Stabs Roderigo.] IAGO. RODERIGO. O murderous slave! O villain! O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog! [Stabs Roderigo.] IAGO. Kill men i' the dark!−−Where be these bloody RODERIGO. thieves?−− O damned Iago! O inhuman dog! How silent is this town!−−Ho! murder! murder!−− What may you be? are you of good or evil? IAGO. Kill men in the dark! Where are these bloody thieves? LODOVICO. How silent is this town! Ho! murder! murder! As you shall prove us, praise us. What are you? are you of good or evil?

IAGO. LODOVICO. Signior Lodovico? As you shall prove us to be, praise us.

LODOVICO. IAGO. He, sir. Signior Lodovico?

IAGO. LODOVICO. I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains. He, sir.

GRATIANO. IAGO. Cassio! I be your mercy. Here's Cassio, hurt by villains.

IAGO. GRATIANO. How is't, brother? Cassio!

Act V 124 CASSIO. IAGO. My leg is cut in two. How is it, brother?

IAGO. CASSIO. Marry, heaven forbid!−− My leg is cut in two. Light, gentlemen:−−I'll bind it with my shirt. IAGO. [Enter Bianca.] By Mary, heaven forbid! Light, gentlemen. I'll bind it with my shirt. BIANCA. What is the matter, ho? who is't that cried? [Enter Bianca.]

IAGO. BIANCA. Who is't that cried! What is the matter, ho? Who is it that cried?

BIANCA. IAGO. O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio, Cassio, Who is it that cried! Cassio! BIANCA. IAGO. O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio, O notable strumpet!−−Cassio, may you suspect Cassio, Who they should be that have thus mangled you? Cassio!

CASSIO. IAGO. No. O notable prostitute! Cassio, do you any idea Who they are that have mangled you like this? GRATIANO. I am sorry to find you thus: I have been to seek you. CASSIO. No. IAGO. Lend me a garter:−−so.−−O, for a chair, GRATIANO. To bear him easily hence! I am sorry to find you like this. I have been to see you. BIANCA. Alas, he faints!−−O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! IAGO. Lend me a garter. So. O, for a chair, IAGO. To carry him easily from here! Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash To be a party in this injury.−− BIANCA. Patience awhile, good Cassio.−−Come, come; Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! Lend me a light.−−Know we this face or no? Alas, my friend and my dear countryman IAGO. Roderigo? no:−−yes, sure; O heaven! Roderigo. Gentlemen all, I suspect this trash To be a party to this injury. GRATIANO. Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come; What, of Venice? Lend me a light. Do we know this face or not? Alas, my friend and my dear countryman IAGO. Roderigo? No. Yes, surely; O heaven! Roderigo. Even he, sir: did you know him? GRATIANO.

Act V 125 GRATIANO. What, of Venice? Know him! ay. IAGO. IAGO. Even he, sir. did you know him? Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle pardon; These bloody accidents must excuse my manners, GRATIANO. That so neglected you. Know him! Yes.

GRATIANO. IAGO. I am glad to see you. Signior Gratiano? I beg your gentle pardon; These bloody accidents must excuse my manners, IAGO. That so neglected you. How do you, Cassio?−−O, a chair, a chair! GRATIANO. GRATIANO. I am glad to see you Roderigo! IAGO. IAGO. How are you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair! He, he, 'tis he.−−O, that's well said; [A chair brought in.]−−the chair:−− GRATIANO. Some good man bear him carefully from hence; Roderigo! I'll fetch the general's surgeon. [To Bianca.]−−For you, mistress, IAGO. Save you your labour.−−He that lies slain here, He, he, it is he. O, that's well said; [A chair brought Cassio, in.] Was my dear friend: what malice was between you? the chair. Some good men carry him carefully from here; CASSIO. I'll fetch the general's surgeon. [To Bianca.] For you, None in the world; nor do I know the man. mistress, save you your labor. He that lies slain here, Cassio, was my dear friend. What malice was IAGO. between [To Bianca.] What, look you pale?−−O, bear him out you? o' the air. CASSIO. [Cassio and Roderigo are borne off.] None in the world; I don’t know the man.

Stay you, good gentlemen.−−Look you pale, IAGO. mistress?−− [To Bianca.] What, do you look pale? O, carry him Do you perceive the gastness of her eye?−− out of the air. Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon.−− Behold her well; I pray you, look upon her: [Cassio and Roderigo are borne off.] Do you see, gentlemen? nay, guiltiness will speak Though tongues were out of use. Stay you, good gentlemen. Do you Look pale, mistress? [Enter Emilia.] Do you see the ghastliness of her eye? No, if you stare, we shall hear more soon. EMILIA. Watch her well; I beg you, look after her. 'Las, what's the matter? what's the matter, husband? Do you see, gentlemen? No, guiltiness will speak Even if tongues are out of use. IAGO.

Act V 126 Cassio hath here been set on in the dark [Enter Emilia.] By Roderigo, and fellows that are 'scap'd: He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead. EMILIA. Alas, what's the matter? What's the matter, husband? EMILIA. Alas, good gentleman! alas, good Cassio! IAGO. Cassio has here been attacked in the dark IAGO. By Roderigo and fellows that have escaped. This is the fruit of whoring.−−Pr'ythee, Emilia, He's almost slain, and Roderigo is dead. Go know of Cassio where he supp'd to−night.−− What, do you shake at that? EMILIA. Alas, good gentleman! Alas, good Cassio! BIANCA. He supp'd at my house; but I therefore shake not. IAGO. This is the fruit of whoring. I beg you, Emilia, IAGO. Go find out about Cassio, where he had dinner O, did he so? I charge you, go with me. tonight. What, you shake at that? EMILIA. Fie, fie upon thee, strumpet! BIANCA. He dined at my house; but I don’t shake because of BIANCA. that. I am no strumpet, but of life as honest As you that thus abuse me. IAGO. O, did he? I charge you, go with me. EMILIA. As I! foh! fie upon thee! EMILIA. Damn, damn you, prostitute! IAGO. Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dress'd.−− BIANCA. Come, mistress, you must tell's another tale.−− I am no prostitute, but have life as honest Emilia, run you to the citadel, As you that abuse me like this. And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd.−− Will you go on? [Aside.] This is the night EMILIA. That either makes me or fordoes me quite. As I! damn! damn you!

[Exeunt.] IAGO. Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio bandaged. Come, mistress, you must tell us another tale. Emilia, run to the fortress, And tell my lord and lady what has happened. Will you go ahead? [Aside.] This is the night That either makes me or breaks me.

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Act V 127 Scene 2

Cyprus. A Bedchamber in the castle: Desdemona in bed Cyprus. A Bedchamber in the castle. asleep; a light burning. Desdemona in bed asleep; a light burning. [Enter Othello.] [Enter Othello.] OTHELLO. It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,−− OTHELLO. Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!−− It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul, It is the cause.−−Yet I'll not shed her blood; Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars! Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, It is the cause. Still I won’t shed her blood; And smooth as monumental alabaster. Or scar that skin of hers whiter than snow, And as smooth as the marble that makes [Takes off his sword.] monuments.

Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. [Takes off his sword.] Put out the light, and then put out the light: If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, Yet she must die, or else she'll betray more I can again thy former light restore, men. Should I repent me:−−but once put out thy light, Put out the light, and then put out the light. Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature, If I put you out, you flaming minister, I know not where is that Promethean heat I can again restore your former light, That can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd thy rose, If I change my mind. But once I put out your I cannot give it vital growth again, light, It must needs wither:−−I'll smell it on the tree.−− You cunning pattern of excelling nature, I don’t know where the stolen fire from [Kissing her.] Olympus is That can relight your fire. When I have O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade plucked your rose, Justice to break her sword!−−One more, one more;−− I cannot give it vital growth again, Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, It has to wither. I'll smell it on the tree. And love thee after.−−One more, and this the last; So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, [Kissing her.] But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly; It strikes where it doth love.−−She wakes. O, balmy breath, that almost persuades Justice to break her sword! One more, one DESDEMONA. more; Who's there? Othello? Be like this when you are dead, and I will kill you, OTHELLO. And love you after. One more, and this is the Ay, Desdemona. last; So sweet was never so fatal. I must weep, DESDEMONA. But they are cruel tears. This sorrow's Will you come to bed, my lord? heavenly; It strikes where it loves. She awakes. OTHELLO. Have you pray'd to−night, Desdemona? DESDEMONA. Who's there? Othello?

Scene 2 128 DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. Ay, my lord. Yes, Desdemona.

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. If you bethink yourself of any crime Will you come to bed, my lord? Unreconcil'd as yet to heaven and grace, Solicit for it straight. OTHELLO. Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona? DESDEMONA. Alack, my lord, what may you mean by that? DESDEMONA. Yes, my lord. OTHELLO. Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by. OTHELLO. I would not kill thy unprepared spirit; If you can think of any crime No,−−heaven forfend!−−I would not kill thy soul. Not yet confessed to heaven and grace, Do it right away. DESDEMONA. Talk you of killing? DESDEMONA. Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that? OTHELLO. Ay, I do. OTHELLO. Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk over DESDEMONA. here. Then heaven I would not kill your unprepared spirit; Have mercy on me! No, heaven forbid! I would not kill your soul. OTHELLO. Amen, with all my heart! DESDEMONA. You talk about killing? DESDEMONA. If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. OTHELLO. Yes, I do. OTHELLO. Hum! DESDEMONA. Then heaven DESDEMONA. Have mercy on me! And yet I fear you; for you are fatal then When your eyes roll so: why I should fear I know not, OTHELLO. Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear. Amen, with all my heart!

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Think on thy sins. If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.

DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. They are loves I bear to you. Hum!

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Ay, and for that thou diest. And yet I fear you; because you are deadly When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear, I DESDEMONA. don’t know,

Scene 2 129 That death's unnatural that kills for loving.−− Since I don’t know guiltiness, but yet I feel I Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? fear. Some bloody passion shakes your very frame: These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope, OTHELLO. They do not point on me. Think on your sins.

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Peace, and be still! They are loves I bear to you.

DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. I will so. What's the matter? Yes, and for that you die.

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee That death is unnatural that kills for loving. Thou gav'st to Cassio. Alas, why do you chew your nether lip so? Some bloody passion shakes your very DESDEMONA. frame. No, by my life and soul! These are omens, but yet I hope, I hope, Send for the man, and ask him. They don’t point to me.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Sweet soul, take heed, Peace, and be quiet! Take heed of perjury; thou'rt on thy death−bed. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. I will do so. What's the matter? Ay, but not yet to die. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. That handkerchief which I so loved and gave Yes, presently: you, Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin; You gave to Cassio. For to deny each article with oath Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception DESDEMONA. That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. No, by my life and soul! Send for the man and ask him. DESDEMONA. Then, Lord have mercy on me! OTHELLO. Sweet soul, take care, OTHELLO. Take care of perjury; you are on your I say, amen. death−bed.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. And have you mercy too!−−I never did Yes, but not to die yet. Offend you in my life; never lov'd Cassio But with such general warranty of heaven OTHELLO. As I might love: I never gave him token. Yes, soon. Therefore confess your sin freely; OTHELLO. Because to deny each article with swearing it By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in 's hand. is true O perjur'd woman! thou dost stone my heart, Cannot remove nor kill the strong ideas And mak'st me call what I intend to do That I groan with besides. You are to die.

Scene 2 130 A murder, which I thought a sacrifice: DESDEMONA. I saw the handkerchief. Then, Lord have mercy on me!

DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. He found it then; I say, amen. I never gave it him:−−send for him hither; Let him confess a truth. DESDEMONA. And you have mercy too! I never OTHELLO. Offended you in my life; never loved Cassio He hath confess'd. Except with such general lawfulness of heaven DESDEMONA. As I might love. I never gave him gifts. What, my lord? OTHELLO. OTHELLO. By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in his That he hath us'd thee. hand. O lying woman! You stone my heart, DESDEMONA. And make me call what I intend to do How? unlawfully? A murder, which I thought was a sacrifice. I saw the handkerchief. OTHELLO. Ay. DESDEMONA. He found it then; DESDEMONA. I never gave it to him. Send for him t come He will not say so. here. Let him confess the truth. OTHELLO. No, his mouth is stopp'd; OTHELLO. Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't. He has confessed.

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. O, my fear interprets!−−What, is he dead? What, my lord?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge That he has used you. Had stomach for them all. DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. How? Unlawfully? Alas, he is betray'd, and I undone! OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Yes. Out, strumpet! Weep'st thou for him to my face? DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA. He will not say so. O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! OTHELLO. OTHELLO. No, his mouth is stopped; Down, strumpet! Honest Iago has taken orders for it .

DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA.

Scene 2 131 Kill me to−morrow; let me live to−night! O, my fear interprets! What, is he dead?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Nay, if you strive,−− Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge DESDEMONA. Had stomach for them all. But half an hour! DESDEMONA. OTHELLO. Alas, he is betrayed, and I have no hope! Being done, there is no pause. OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. Out, prostitute! You weep for him to my But while I say one prayer! face?

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. It is too late. O, banish me, my lord, but don’t kill me!

[Smothers her.] OTHELLO. Down, prostitute! EMILIA. [Within.] My lord, my lord! what, ho! my lord, my lord! DESDEMONA. Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight! OTHELLO. What noise is this?−−Not dead? not yet quite dead? OTHELLO. I that am cruel am yet merciful; No, if you strive… I would not have thee linger in thy pain:−− So, so. DESDEMONA. But half an hour! EMILIA. [Within.] What, ho! my lord, my lord! OTHELLO. Being done, there is no pause. OTHELLO. Who's there? DESDEMONA. But while I say one prayer! EMILIA. [Within.] O, good my lord, I would speak a word with you! OTHELLO. It is too late. OTHELLO. Yes:−−'tis Emilia:−−by and by.−−She's dead.−− [Smothers her.] 'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death; The noise was high.−−Ha! no more moving? EMILIA. Still as the grave.−−Shall she come in?−−Were't good?−− [Within.] My lord, my lord! what, ho! my I think she stirs again:−−no.−−What's best to do? lord, my lord! If she come in, she'll sure speak to my wife: My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife. OTHELLO. O, insupportable! O heavy hour! What noise is this? Not dead? Not yet quite Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse dead? Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe I who is cruel am yet merciful; Should yawn at alteration. I would not have you linger in your pain. So, so.

Scene 2 132 EMILIA. EMILIA. [Within.] I do beseech you [Within.] What, ho! my lord, my lord! That I may speak with you, O, good my lord! OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Who's there? I had forgot thee: O, come in, Emilia:−− Soft,−−by and by:−−let me the curtains draw.−− EMILIA. Where art thou? [Within.] O, my good lord, I would speak with you! [Unlocks the door.] OTHELLO. [Enter Emilia.] Yes. It is Emilia. By and by. She's dead. It’s likely she comes to speak about Cassio's What's the matter with thee now? death; The noise was great. Ha! no more moving? EMILIA. As still as the grave. Shall she come in? O, my good lord, yonder's foul murders done! Were it good? I think she moves again. No. What's best to OTHELLO. do? What, now? If she comes in, she'll surely speak to my wife. EMILIA. My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no But now, my lord. wife. O, unbelievable! O heavy hour! OTHELLO. I think there should now be a huge eclipse It is the very error of the moon; Of sun and moon, and that the frightened She comes more nearer earth than she was wont globe And makes men mad. Should yawn at changes.

EMILIA. EMILIA. Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young Venetian [Within.] I beg you Call'd Roderigo. To let me speak with you, O, my good lord!

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Roderigo kill'd? I had forgotten about you. O, come in, And Cassio kill'd? Emilia. Softly, by and by. Let me draw the curtains. EMILIA. Where are you? No, Cassio is not kill'd. [Unlocks the door.] OTHELLO. Not Cassio kill'd! then murder's out of tune, [Enter Emilia.] And sweet revenge grows harsh. What's the matter with you now? DESDEMONA. O, falsely, falsely murder'd! EMILIA. O, my good lord, there's foul murders done EMILIA. over there! Alas, what cry is that? OTHELLO.

Scene 2 133 OTHELLO. What, now? That! what? EMILIA. EMILIA. Just now, my lord. Out, and alas! That was my lady's voice.−− Help! help, ho! help!−−O lady, speak again! OTHELLO. Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak! It is the very mistake of the moon; She comes more nearer earth than she DESDEMONA. usually does A guiltless death I die. And makes men mad.

EMILIA. EMILIA. O, who hath done this deed? Cassio, my lord, has killed a young Venetian Called Roderigo. DESDEMONA. Nobody; I myself. Farewell: OTHELLO. Commend me to my kind lord: O, farewell! Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed? [Dies.] EMILIA. OTHELLO. No, Cassio is not killed. Why, how should she be murder'd? OTHELLO. EMILIA. Cassio not killed! Then murder's out of tune, Alas, who knows? And sweet revenge grows harsh.

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. You heard her say herself it was not I. O, falsely, falsely murdered!

EMILIA. EMILIA. She said so: I must needs report the truth. Alas, what cry is that?

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. She's like a liar, gone to burning hell: That! what? 'Twas I that kill'd her. EMILIA. EMILIA. Out, and alas! That was my lady's voice. O, the more angel she, Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again! And you the blacker devil! Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore. I die an innocent death.

EMILIA. EMILIA. Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil. O, who has done this deed?

OTHELLO. DESDEMONA. She was false as water. Nobody; I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell! EMILIA.

Scene 2 134 Thou art rash as fire, to say [Dies.] That she was false: O, she was heavenly true! OTHELLO. OTHELLO. Why should she be murdered? Cassio did tup her; ask thy husband else. O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell, EMILIA. But that I did proceed upon just grounds Alas, who knows? To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all. OTHELLO. EMILIA. You heard her say it herself it wasn’t I. My husband! EMILIA. OTHELLO. She said so. I must report the truth. Thy husband. OTHELLO. EMILIA. She's a liar, gone to burning hell. That she was false to wedlock? It was I that killed her.

OTHELLO. EMILIA. Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true, O, she is more the angel, If heaven would make me such another world And you the blacker devil! Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, I'd not have sold her for it. OTHELLO. She turned to folly, and she was a whore. EMILIA. My husband! EMILIA. You lie about her, and you are a devil. OTHELLO. Ay, 'twas he that told me first: OTHELLO. An honest man he is, and hates the slime She was false as water. That sticks on filthy deeds. EMILIA. EMILIA. You are impatient as fire, to say My husband! That she was false. O, she was heavenly true! OTHELLO. What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband. OTHELLO. Cassio screwed her; ask your husband EMILIA. otherwise. O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!−− O, I was damned beneath all the depths of My husband say that she was false! hell, And I proceeded on just grounds OTHELLO. To this extremity. Your husband knew it all. He, woman; I say thy husband: dost understand the word? EMILIA. My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago. My husband!

EMILIA. OTHELLO. If he say so, may his pernicious soul Your husband. Rot half a grain a day! he lies to the heart:

Scene 2 135 She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. EMILIA. That she was unfaithful in marriage? OTHELLO. Ha! OTHELLO. Yes, with Cassio. No, had she been true, EMILIA. If heaven would make me such another Do thy worst: world This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven Of one entire and perfect crystal, Than thou wast worthy her. I wouldn’t have sold her for it.

OTHELLO. EMILIA. Peace, you were best. My husband!

EMILIA. OTHELLO. Thou hast not half that power to do me harm Yes, it was he that told me first. As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! He is an honest man, and hates the slime As ignorant as dirt! thou hast done a deed,−− That sticks on filthy deeds. I care not for thy sword; I'll make thee known, Though I lost twenty lives.−−Help! help, ho! help! EMILIA. The Moor hath kill'd my mistress! murder, murder! My husband!

[Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago.] OTHELLO. Why do you repeat it, woman? I said your MONTANO. husband. What is the matter?−−How now, general! EMILIA. EMILIA. O mistress, villainy has made fun with love! O, are you come, Iago? you have done well, My husband said that she was unfaithful! That men must lay their murders on your neck. OTHELLO. GRATIANO. He, woman; What is the matter? I say your husband. Do you understand the word? EMILIA. My friend, your husband, honest, honest Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man: Iago. He says thou told'st him that his wife was false: I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain: EMILIA. Speak, for my heart is full. If he said so, may his evil soul Rot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart. IAGO. She was too fond of her very filthy bargain. I told him what I thought; and told no more Than what he found himself was apt and true. OTHELLO. Ha! EMILIA. But did you ever tell him she was false? EMILIA. Do your worst. IAGO. This deed of yours is no more worthy of I did. heaven Than you were worthy of her. EMILIA.

Scene 2 136 You told a lie; an odious, damned lie; OTHELLO. Upon my soul, a lie; a wicked lie:−− Peace, you’d better stop. She false with Cassio!−−Did you say with Cassio? EMILIA. IAGO. You have not half that power to do me harm With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue. As I have to be hurt. O fool! O idiot! As stupid as dirt! You have done a deed, EMILIA. I don’t care about your sword; I'll make you I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak: famous, My mistress here lies murder'd in her bed,−− Although I lose twenty lives. Help! help, ho! help! ALL. The Moor has killed my mistress! murder, O heavens forfend! murder!

EMILIA. [Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago.] And your reports have set the murder on. MONTANO. OTHELLO. What is the matter? What’s wrong, general! Nay, stare not, masters: it is true, indeed. EMILIA. GRATIANO. O, are you here, Iago? You have done well, 'Tis a strange truth. That men must lay their murders on your neck. MONTANO. O monstrous act! GRATIANO. What is the matter? EMILIA. Villany, villany, villany! EMILIA. I think upon't,−−I think,−−I smell't;−−O villany!−− Arrest this villain, if you are a man. I thought so then;−−I'll kill myself for grief:−− He says you told him that his wife was O villany, villany! unfaithful. I know you didn’t, you aren’t such a villain. IAGO. Speak, because my heart is full. What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home. IAGO. EMILIA. I told him what I thought; and told no more Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak: Than what he himself discovered was right 'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.−− and true. Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home. EMILIA. OTHELLO. But did you ever tell him she was unfaithful? O! O! O! IAGO. [Hanging over his wife.] I did.

EMILIA. EMILIA. Nay, lay thee down and roar; You told a lie; an stinking, damned lie; For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent On my soul, a lie; a wicked lie. That e'er did lift up eye. She unfaithful with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?

Scene 2 137 OTHELLO. IAGO. [Rising.] O, she was foul!−− With Cassio, mistress. Watch it, control your I scarce did know you, uncle; there lies your niece, tongue. Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopp'd: I know this act shows horrible and grim. EMILIA. I will not control my tongue; I have to speak. GRATIANO. My mistress lies here murdered in her bed. Poor Desdemona! I am glad thy father's dead: Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief ALL. Shore his old thread in twain: did he live now, O heavens forbid! This sight would make him do a desperate turn, Yea, curse his better angel from his side, EMILIA. And fall to reprobance. And your stories have egged the murder on.

OTHELLO. OTHELLO. 'Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows No, don’t stare, gentlemen. It is true, indeed. That she with Cassio hath the act of shame A thousand times committed; Cassio confess'd it: GRATIANO. And she did gratify his amorous works It is a strange truth. With that recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand: MONTANO. It was a handkerchief, an antique token O monstrous act! My father gave my mother. EMILIA. EMILIA. Villainy, villainy, villainy! O heaven! O heavenly powers! I think about it, I think, I smell it ; O villainy! IAGO. I thought so then; I'll kill myself for grief. Come, hold your peace. O villainy, villainy!

EMILIA. IAGO. 'Twill out, 'twill out:−−I peace! What, are you crazy? I order you, go home. No, I will speak as liberal as the north: Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, EMILIA. All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak. Good gentlemen, let me have permission to speak. IAGO. It is proper I obey him, but not now. Be wise, and get you home. Maybe, Iago, I will never go home.

EMILIA. OTHELLO. I will not. O! O! O!

[Iago offers to stab his wife.] [Hanging over his wife.]

GRATIANO. EMILIA. Fie! No, lay down and roar; Your sword upon a woman? Because you have killed the sweetest innocent EMILIA. That ever lifted open eyes. O thou dull Moor! that handkerchief thou speak'st of

Scene 2 138 I found by fortune and did give my husband; OTHELLO. For often with a solemn earnestness,−− [Rising.] O, she was evil! More than, indeed, belong'd to such a trifle,−− I scarcely knew you, uncle; there lies your He begg'd of me to steal it. niece, Whose breath, indeed, these hands have just IAGO. stopped. Villanous whore! I know this act looks horrible and grim.

EMILIA. GRATIANO. She give it Cassio! no, alas, I found it, Poor Desdemona! I am glad your father's And I did give't my husband. dead. Your match was death to him, and pure grief IAGO. Cut his old threads in two. If he were alive Filth, thou liest! now, This sight would make him do a desperate EMILIA. act, By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.−− Yes, drive his better angel from his side, O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool And fall to sin. Do with so good a wife? OTHELLO. [Iago stabs Emilia, and then runs out.] It is pitiful; but yet Iago knows That she has committed the act of shame OTHELLO. With Cassio a thousand times; Cassio Are there not stones in heaven confessed But what serve for thunder?−−Precious villain! And she did gratify his amorous desires With that recognition and pledge of love GRATIANO. Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand. The woman falls; sure, he hath kill'd his wife. It was a handkerchief, an antique token My father gave my mother. EMILIA. Ay, ay:−−O, lay me by my mistress' side. EMILIA. O heaven! O heavenly powers! GRATIANO. He's gone, but his wife's kill'd. IAGO. Come, hold your peace. MONTANO. 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon, EMILIA. Which I have here recover'd from the Moor: It will be out, it will be out. Me quiet! Come, guard the door without; let him not pass, No, I will speak as loudly as the north. But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain, Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, For 'tis a damned slave. All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.

[Exit Montano and Gratiano.] IAGO. Be wise, and go home. OTHELLO. I am not valiant neither, EMILIA. But every puny whipster gets my sword:−− I will not. But why should honour outlive honesty? Let it go all. [Iago offers to stab his wife.]

Scene 2 139 EMILIA. GRATIANO. What did thy song bode, lady? Damn! Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan, Your sword on a woman? And die in music:−− [Sings.] "Willow, willow, willow." Moor, she was chaste; she lov'd thee, cruel Moor; EMILIA. So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; O you stupid Moor! That handkerchief you So speaking as I think, I die,−−I die. speak of I found by luck and gave it to my husband; [Dies.] Because, he begged me to steal it Often with a solemn earnestness, OTHELLO. More than, indeed, belonged to such a trifle. I have another weapon in this chamber; It is a sword of Spain, the ice−brook's temper:−− IAGO. O, here it is.−−Uncle, I must come forth. Villainous whore!

GRATIANO. EMILIA. [Within.] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear: She give it Cassio! No, alas, I found it, Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer. And I gave it to my husband.

OTHELLO. IAGO. Look in upon me then, and speak with me, Filth, you lie! Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee. EMILIA. [Re−enter Gratiano.] By heaven, I don’t, I don’t, gentlemen. O murderous simpleton! What should such a GRATIANO. fool What is the matter? Do with so good a wife?

OTHELLO. [Iago stabs Emilia, and then runs out.] Behold, I have a weapon; A better never did itself sustain OTHELLO. Upon a soldier's thigh: I have seen the day Are there no stones in heaven That with this little arm and this good sword To serve as thunder? Precious villain! I have made my way through more impediments Than twenty times your stop:−−but, O vain boast! GRATIANO. Who can control his fate? 'tis not so now.−− The woman falls; surely, he has killed his Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd; wife. Here is my journey's end, here is my butt, And very sea−mark of my utmost sail. EMILIA. Do you go back dismay'd? 'tis a lost fear; Yes, yes. O, lay me by my mistress' side. Man but a rush against Othello's breast, And he retires:−−where should Othello go?−− GRATIANO. Now, how dost thou look now? O ill−starr'd wench! He's gone, but his wife's killed. Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt, This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven, MONTANO. And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl! He is a notorious villain. Take this weapon, Even like thy chastity.−− Which I have here recovered from the Moor. O cursed, cursed slave!−−Whip me, ye devils, Come, guard the door outside; don’t let him From the possession of this heavenly sight! pass, Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur! But rather kill him. I'll go after that same

Scene 2 140 Wash me in steep−down gulfs of liquid fire!−− villain, O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! O! Because he is a damned slave.

[Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair, [Exit Montano and Gratiano.] and Officers with Iago prisoner.] OTHELLO. LODOVICO. I am not valiant either, Where is this rash and most unfortunate man? But every puny man with a whip gets my sword. OTHELLO. But why should honor outlive honesty? That's he that was Othello;−−here I am. Let it all go.

LODOVICO. EMILIA. Where is that viper? bring the villain forth. What did your song predict, lady? Listen, can you hear me? I will play the OTHELLO. swan, I look down towards his feet;−−but that's a fable.−− And die in music. [Sings.] "Willow, willow, If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. willow." Moor, she was chaste; she loved you, cruel [Wounds Iago.] Moor; So my soul goes to heaven, because I tell the LODOVICO. truth; Wrench his sword from him. So speaking as I think, I die, I die.

IAGO. [Dies.] I bleed, sir, but not kill'd. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I have another weapon in this chamber; I am not sorry neither: I'd have thee live; It is a sword of Spain, made by the For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die. ice−breaker. O, here it is. Uncle, I must come out. LODOVICO. O thou Othello, that wert once so good, GRATIANO. Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, [Within.] If you try it, it will be a costly What shall be said to thee? mistake. You have no weapon, and must be forced to OTHELLO. suffer. Why, anything; An honourable murderer, if you will; OTHELLO. For naught did I in hate, but all in honour. Look in on me then, and speak with me, Or, naked as I am, I will attack you. LODOVICO. This wretch hath part confess'd his villany: [Re−enter Gratiano.] Did you and he consent in Cassio's death? GRATIANO. OTHELLO. What’s the matter? Ay. OTHELLO. CASSIO. Behold, I have a weapon; Dear general, I never gave you cause. A better one never sustained itself

Scene 2 141 OTHELLO. On a soldier's thigh. I have seen the day I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. That I have made my way through more Will you, I pray, demand that demi−devil impediments Why he hath thus ensnar'd my soul and body? With this little arm and this good sword Than you could stop twenty times. But, O IAGO. vain boast! Demand me nothing: what you know, you know: Who can control his fate? It is not so now. From this time forth I never will speak word. Don’t be afraid although you see me armed, Here is my journey's end, here is my bottom LODOVICO. And very sea−mark of my last ship. What, not to pray? Do you go back dismayed? It is a lost fear; Man can only rush against Othello's breast, GRATIANO. And he retires. Where should Othello go? Torments will ope your lips. Now, how do you look now? O ill−starred wench! OTHELLO. Pale as your smock! When we shall meet at Well, thou dost best. elegance, This look of yours will hurl my soul from LODOVICO. heaven, Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n, And devil will scratch at it. Cold, cold, my Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter girl! Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo, Even like your chastity. And here another: the one of them imports O cursed, cursed slave! Whip me, you The death of Cassio to be undertook devils, By Roderigo. From the possession of this heavenly sight! Blow me about in winds! Roast me in fires OTHELLO. of sulphur! O villain! Wash me in steep−down gulfs of liquid fire! O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! O! CASSIO. Most heathenish and most gross! [Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair, LODOVICO. and Officers with Iago prisoner.] Now here's another discontented paper, Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, LODOVICO. Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain; Where is this impatient and very unfortunate But that, belike, Iago in the interim man? Came in and satisfied him. OTHELLO. OTHELLO. That would be Othello; here I am. O the pernicious caitiff!−− How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief LODOVICO. That was my wife's? Where is that snake? Bring the villain out.

CASSIO. OTHELLO. I found it in my chamber; I look down towards his feet; but that's a And he himself confess'd but even now fable. That there he dropp'd it for a special purpose If you are a devil, I cannot kill you. Which wrought to his desire. [Wounds Iago.]

Scene 2 142 OTHELLO. LODOVICO. O fool! fool! fool! Grab his sword from him.

CASSIO. IAGO. There is besides in Roderigo's letter,−− I bleed, sir, but I am not killed. How he upbraids Iago, that he made him Brave me upon the watch; whereon it came OTHELLO. That I was cast: and even but now he spake, I am not sorry either. I'd have you live; After long seeming dead,−−Iago hurt him, Because, in my thinking, it is happiness to Iago set him on. die.

LODOVICO. LODOVICO. You must forsake this room, and go with us: O you Othello, that was once so good, Your power and your command is taken off, Fallen in the plan of a damned slave, And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,−− What shall be said to you? If there be any cunning cruelty That can torment him much and hold him long, OTHELLO. It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest, Why, anything; Till that the nature of your fault be known An honorable murderer, if you will; To the Venetian state.−−Come, bring away. Because nothing I did was in hate, but done all in honor. OTHELLO. Soft you; a word or two before you go. LODOVICO. I have done the state some service, and they know't.−− This wretch has part confessed his villainy. No more of that.−−I pray you, in your letters, Did you and he agree to Cassio's death? When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, OTHELLO. Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak Yes. Of one that loved not wisely, but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, CASSIO. Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand, Dear general, I never gave you any reason. Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdu'd eyes, OTHELLO. Albeit unused to the melting mood, I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees Will you, I beg you, demand that demi−devil Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; To tell why he has trapped my soul and body And say besides,−−that in Aleppo once, like this? Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk Beat a Venetian and traduc'd the state, IAGO. I took by the throat the circumcised dog Demand me nothing. What you know, you And smote him−−thus. know. From this time forward, I’ll never speak [Stabs himself.] word.

LODOVICO. LODOVICO. O bloody period! What, not even to pray?

GRATIANO. GRATIANO. All that's spoke is marr'd. Torture will open your lips.

Scene 2 143 OTHELLO. OTHELLO. I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee:−−no way but this, Well, you do what’s best. [Falling upom Desdemona.] Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. LODOVICO. Sir, you shall understand what has happened, CASSIO. Which, as I think, you don’t know. Here is a This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; letter For he was great of heart. Found in the pocket of the murdered Roderigo, LODOVICO. And here another. One of them shows that [To Iago.] O Spartan dog, The death of Cassio was to be undertaken More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! By Roderigo. Look on the tragic loading of this bed; This is thy work:−−the object poisons sight; OTHELLO. Let it be hid.−−Gratiano, keep the house, O villain! And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, For they succeed on you.−−To you, lord governor, CASSIO. Remains the censure of this hellish villain; Very heathenish and very gross! The time, the place, the torture,−−O, enforce it! Myself will straight aboard; and to the state LODOVICO. This heavy act with heavy heart relate. Now here's another unhappy document, Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, [Exeunt.] That Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain; But that, very likely, Iago in the meantime Came in and satisfied him.

OTHELLO. O the pernicious wretch! Cassio, how did you come by that handkerchief That was my wife's?

CASSIO. I found it in my bedroom; And he himself confessed just now That he dropped it there for a special purpose Which would be bent to his desires.

OTHELLO. O fool! fool! fool!

CASSIO. There is besides in Roderigo's letter, How he scolds Iago, that he made him Fight with me on the watch, where it happened That I was thrown out, and even just now he spoke,

Scene 2 144 After seeming dead a long time, Iago hurt him, Iago set him up.

LODOVICO. You must leave this room, and go with us. Your power and your command is removed, And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave, If there be any cunning cruelty That can torment him a lot and stop him a long time, It shall be his. You shall remain a prisoner, Until the nature of your crime is known To the Venetian state. Come, bring him away.

OTHELLO. Pardon me, a word or two before you go. I have done the state some service, and they know it . No more of that. I beg you, in your letters, When you shall tell about these unlucky deeds, Speak of me as I am; nothing farfetched, And don’t write anything in malice. Then you must speak Of one that loved not wisely, but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but, being aggravated, Confused in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the low Judas, threw a pearl away That was richer than all his tribe; of one whose sad eyes, Albeit unused to a crying spell, Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees drop Their medicinal gum. Write this down; And say besides, that in Aleppo once, Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk Beat a Venetian and double−crossed the state, I took the circumcised dog by the throat And killed him like this.

[Stabs himself.]

LODOVICO. O bloody period!

GRATIANO. All that's spoken is marred.

Scene 2 145 OTHELLO. I kissed you before I killed you. No way but this, [Falling on Desdemona.] Killing myself, to die on a kiss.

CASSIO. I was afraid of this, but I thought he had no weapon; He was great of heart.

LODOVICO. [To Iago.] O Spartan dog, More evil than anguish, hunger, or the sea! Look on the tragic load on this bed; This is your work. The object of poison’s sight; Let it be hidden. Gratiano, keep the house, And seize on the fortunes of the Moor, Because they fall on you. To you, lord governor, Remains the sentencing of this hellish villain; The time, the place, the torture, O, enforce it! I myself will board the ship right away and go to the state To relate his heavy act with heavy heart.

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Scene 2 146