Othello PDF - Folger Shakespeare Library

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Folger Shakespeare Library https://shakespeare.folger.edu/ Get even more from the Folger You can get your own copy of this text to keep. Purchase a full copy to get the text, plus explanatory notes, illustrations, and more. Buy a copy Contents Front Matter From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library Textual Introduction Synopsis Characters in the Play ACT 1 Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 ACT 2 Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 ACT 3 Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 ACT 4 Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 ACT 5 Scene 1 Scene 2 From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own. Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as The Folger Shakespeare (formerly Folger Digital Texts), we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them. The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theatre. I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire. Michael Witmore Director, Folger Shakespeare Library Textual Introduction By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine Until now, with the release of The Folger Shakespeare (formerly Folger Digital Texts), readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text. Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero. The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Shakespeare texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “ If she in chains of magic were not bound, ”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information. Because the Folger Shakespeare texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare. Synopsis In Venice, at the start of Othello, the soldier Iago announces his hatred for his commander, Othello, a Moor. Othello has promoted Cassio, not Iago, to be his lieutenant. Iago crudely informs Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. Before the Venetian Senate, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching Desdemona. The Senators wish to send Othello to Cyprus, which is under threat from Turkey. They bring Desdemona before them. She tells of her love for Othello, and the marriage stands. The Senate agrees to let her join Othello in Cyprus. In Cyprus, Iago continues to plot against Othello and Cassio. He lures Cassio into a drunken fight, for which Cassio loses his new rank; Cassio, at Iago’s urging, then begs Desdemona to intervene. Iago uses this and other ploys—misinterpreted conversations, insinuations, and a lost handkerchief—to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers. Othello goes mad with jealousy and later smothers Desdemona on their marriage bed, only to learn of Iago’s treachery. He then kills himself. Characters in the Play OTHELLO, a Moorish general in the Venetian army DESDEMONA, a Venetian lady BRABANTIO, a Venetian senator, father to Desdemona IAGO, Othello’s standard-bearer, or “ancient” EMILIA, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant CASSIO, Othello’s second-in-command, or lieutenant RODERIGO, a Venetian gentleman Duke of Venice LODOVICO GRATIANO Venetian gentlemen, kinsmen to Brabantio Venetian senators MONTANO, an official in Cyprus BIANCA, a woman in Cyprus in love with Cassio Clown, a comic servant to Othello and Desdemona Gentlemen of Cyprus Sailors Servants, Attendants, Officers, Messengers, Herald, Musicians, Torchbearers. ACT 1 Scene 1 Enter Roderigo and Iago. RODERIGO FTLN 0001 FTLN 0002 FTLN 0003 FTLN 0004 FTLN 0005 FTLN 0006 Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. IAGO ’Sblood, but you’ll not hear me! If ever I did dream of such a matter, Abhor me. 5 RODERIGO FTLN 0007 FTLN 0008 FTLN 0009 FTLN 0010 FTLN 0011 FTLN 0012 FTLN 0013 FTLN 0014 FTLN 0015 FTLN 0016 FTLN 0017 FTLN 0018 FTLN 0019 FTLN 0020 FTLN 0021 FTLN 0022 Thou toldst me thou didst hold him in thy hate. Despise me If I do not. Three great ones of the city, In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, Off-capped to him; and, by the faith of man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, Evades them with a bombast circumstance, Horribly stuffed with epithets of war, And in conclusion, Nonsuits my mediators. For “Certes,” says he, “I have already chose my officer.” And what was he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, A fellow almost damned in a fair wife, 7 IAGO 10 15 20 9 FTLN 0023 FTLN 0024 FTLN 0025 FTLN 0026 FTLN 0027 FTLN 0028 FTLN 0029 FTLN 0030 FTLN 0031 FTLN 0032 FTLN 0033 FTLN 0034 FTLN 0035 Othello ACT 1. SC. 1 That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster—unless the bookish theoric, Wherein the togèd consuls can propose As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th’ election; And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christened and heathen, must be beleed and calmed By debitor and creditor. This countercaster, He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient. 25 30 35 RODERIGO FTLN 0036 By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. IAGO FTLN 0037 FTLN 0038 FTLN 0039 FTLN 0040 FTLN 0041 FTLN 0042 Why, there’s no remedy. ’Tis the curse of service. Preferment goes by letter and affection, And not by old gradation, where each second Stood heir to th’ first. Now, sir, be judge yourself Whether I in any just term am affined To love the Moor. 40 RODERIGO FTLN 0043 FTLN 0044 FTLN 0045 FTLN 0046 FTLN 0047 FTLN 0048 FTLN 0049 FTLN 0050 FTLN 0051 FTLN 0052 FTLN 0053 FTLN 0054 FTLN 0055 I would not follow him, then. O, sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass, For naught but provender, and when he’s old, cashiered. Whip me such honest knaves! Others there are Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, IAGO 45 50 55 11 FTLN 0056 FTLN 0057 FTLN 0058 FTLN 0059 FTLN 0060 FTLN 0061 FTLN 0062 FTLN 0063 FTLN 0064 FTLN 0065 FTLN 0066 FTLN 0067 FTLN 0068 FTLN 0069 FTLN 0070 FTLN 0071 Othello And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, Do well thrive by them; and when they have lined their coats, Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul, And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, It is as sure as you are Roderigo, Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him, I follow but myself. Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end. For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In complement extern, ’tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am. ACT 1. SC. 1 60 65 70 RODERIGO FTLN 0072 FTLN 0073 FTLN 0074 FTLN 0075 FTLN 0076 FTLN 0077 FTLN 0078 FTLN 0079 FTLN 0080 What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe If he can carry ’t thus! IAGO Call up her father. Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such chances of vexation on ’t As it may lose some color. 75 80 RODERIGO FTLN 0081 Here is her father’s house. I’ll call aloud. IAGO FTLN 0082 FTLN 0083 FTLN 0084 Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell As when, by night and negligence, the fire Is spied in populous cities. RODERIGO FTLN 0085 What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! IAGO FTLN 0086 Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves! 85 13 FTLN 0087 FTLN 0088 Othello ACT 1. SC. 1 Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! Thieves, thieves! Enter Brabantio, above. BRABANTIO FTLN 0089 FTLN 0090 What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is the matter there? 90 RODERIGO FTLN 0091 Signior, is all your family within? IAGO FTLN 0092 FTLN 0093 Are your doors locked? BRABANTIO Why, wherefore ask you this? IAGO FTLN 0094 FTLN 0095 FTLN 0096 FTLN 0097 FTLN 0098 FTLN 0099 FTLN 0100 FTLN 0101 FTLN 0102 Zounds, sir, you’re robbed. For shame, put on your gown! Your heart is burst. You have lost half your soul. Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. Arise, I say! BRABANTIO What, have you lost your wits? 95 100 RODERIGO FTLN 0103 FTLN 0104 Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? BRABANTIO Not I. What are you? RODERIGO FTLN 0105 FTLN 0106 FTLN 0107 FTLN 0108 FTLN 0109 FTLN 0110 FTLN 0111 FTLN 0112 FTLN 0113 FTLN 0114 My name is Roderigo. The worser welcome. I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. In honest plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee. And now in madness, Being full of supper and distemp’ring draughts, Upon malicious bravery dost thou come To start my quiet. RODERIGO Sir, sir, sir— BRABANTIO But thou must needs be sure 105 BRABANTIO 110 15 FTLN 0115 FTLN 0116 Othello ACT 1. SC. 1 My spirit and my place have in them power To make this bitter to thee. 115 RODERIGO FTLN 0117 FTLN 0118 FTLN 0119 FTLN 0120 FTLN 0121 FTLN 0122 FTLN 0123 FTLN 0124 FTLN 0125 FTLN 0126 FTLN 0127 FTLN 0128 FTLN 0129 FTLN 0130 FTLN 0131 FTLN 0132 FTLN 0133 Patience, good sir. What tell’st thou me of robbing? This is Venice. My house is not a grange. RODERIGO Most grave Brabantio, In simple and pure soul I come to you— IAGO Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you, you’ll have coursers for cousins and jennets for germans. BRABANTIO What profane wretch art thou? IAGO I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. BRABANTIO Thou art a villain. IAGO You are a senator. BRABANTIO 120 125 130 BRABANTIO FTLN 0134 This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo. RODERIGO FTLN 0135 FTLN 0136 FTLN 0137 FTLN 0138 FTLN 0139 FTLN 0140 FTLN 0141 FTLN 0142 FTLN 0143 FTLN 0144 FTLN 0145 FTLN 0146 FTLN 0147 Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you, If ’t be your pleasure and most wise consent— As partly I find it is—that your fair daughter, At this odd-even and dull watch o’ th’ night, Transported with no worse nor better guard But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor: If this be known to you, and your allowance, We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs. But if you know not this, my manners tell me We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe That from the sense of all civility I thus would play and trifle with your Reverence. 135 140 145 17 FTLN 0148 FTLN 0149 FTLN 0150 FTLN 0151 FTLN 0152 FTLN 0153 FTLN 0154 FTLN 0155 FTLN 0156 FTLN 0157 FTLN 0158 FTLN 0159 FTLN 0160 FTLN 0161 FTLN 0162 FTLN 0163 FTLN 0164 FTLN 0165 FTLN 0166 FTLN 0167 FTLN 0168 FTLN 0169 FTLN 0170 FTLN 0171 FTLN 0172 FTLN 0173 FTLN 0174 FTLN 0175 FTLN 0176 FTLN 0177 Othello ACT 1. SC. 1 Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, I say again, hath made a gross revolt, Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself. If she be in her chamber or your house, Let loose on me the justice of the state For thus deluding you. BRABANTIO Strike on the tinder, ho! Give me a taper. Call up all my people. This accident is not unlike my dream. Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say, light! He exits. IAGO, to Roderigo Farewell, for I must leave you. It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place To be producted, as if I stay I shall, Against the Moor. For I do know the state, However this may gall him with some check, Cannot with safety cast him, for he’s embarked With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, Which even now stands in act, that, for their souls, Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. In which regard, Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love— Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him, Lead to the Sagittary the raisèd search, And there will I be with him. So, farewell. He exits. Enter Brabantio in his nightgown, with Servants and Torches. BRABANTIO FTLN 0178 FTLN 0179 It is too true an evil. Gone she is, And what’s to come of my despisèd time 150 155 160 165 170 175 19 FTLN 0180 FTLN 0181 FTLN 0182 FTLN 0183 FTLN 0184 FTLN 0185 FTLN 0186 FTLN 0187 FTLN 0188 FTLN 0189 FTLN 0190 ACT 1. SC. 1 Othello Is naught but bitterness.—Now, Roderigo, Where didst thou see her?—O, unhappy girl!— With the Moor, sayst thou?—Who would be a father?— How didst thou know ’twas she?—O, she deceives me Past thought!—What said she to you?—Get more tapers. Raise all my kindred.—Are they married, think you? RODERIGO Truly, I think they are. 180 185 190 BRABANTIO FTLN 0191 FTLN 0192 FTLN 0193 FTLN 0194 FTLN 0195 FTLN 0196 FTLN 0197 O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood! Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds By what you see them act.—Is there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, Of some such thing? RODERIGO Yes, sir, I have indeed. 195 BRABANTIO FTLN 0198 FTLN 0199 FTLN 0200 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? 200 RODERIGO FTLN 0201 FTLN 0202 I think I can discover him, if you please To get good guard and go along with me. BRABANTIO FTLN 0203 FTLN 0204 FTLN 0205 FTLN 0206 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 will deserve your pains. 205 They exit. 21 Othello ACT 1. SC. 2 Scene 2 Enter Othello, Iago, Attendants, with Torches. IAGO FTLN 0207 FTLN 0208 FTLN 0209 FTLN 0210 FTLN 0211 FTLN 0212 Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o’ th’ conscience To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times I had thought t’ have yerked him here under the ribs. 5 OTHELLO FTLN 0213 FTLN 0214 FTLN 0215 FTLN 0216 FTLN 0217 FTLN 0218 FTLN 0219 FTLN 0220 FTLN 0221 FTLN 0222 FTLN 0223 FTLN 0224 FTLN 0225 FTLN 0226 FTLN 0227 FTLN 0228 FTLN 0229 FTLN 0230 FTLN 0231 FTLN 0232 FTLN 0233 FTLN 0234 FTLN 0235 FTLN 0236 FTLN 0237 FTLN 0238 ’Tis better as it is. Nay, but he prated And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms Against your Honor, That with the little godliness I have I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir, Are you fast married? Be assured of this, That the magnifico is much beloved, And hath in his effect a voice potential As double as the Duke’s. He will divorce you Or put upon you what restraint or grievance The law (with all his might to enforce it on) Will give him cable. OTHELLO Let him do his spite. My services which I have done the signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints. ’Tis yet to know (Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, I shall promulgate) I fetch my life and being From men of royal siege, and my demerits May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune As this that I have reached. For know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhousèd free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea’s worth. But look, what lights come yond? IAGO 10 15 20 25 30 23 Othello ACT 1. SC. 2 IAGO FTLN 0239 FTLN 0240 FTLN 0241 FTLN 0242 FTLN 0243 FTLN 0244 Those are the raisèd father and his friends. You were best go in. OTHELLO Not I. I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? IAGO By Janus, I think no. 35 Enter Cassio, with Officers, and Torches. OTHELLO FTLN 0245 FTLN 0246 FTLN 0247 FTLN 0248 FTLN 0249 FTLN 0250 FTLN 0251 The servants of the Duke and my lieutenant! The goodness of the night upon you, friends. What is the news? CASSIO The Duke does greet you, general, And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance, Even on the instant. OTHELLO What is the matter, think you? 40 45 CASSIO FTLN 0252 FTLN 0253 FTLN 0254 FTLN 0255 FTLN 0256 FTLN 0257 FTLN 0258 FTLN 0259 FTLN 0260 FTLN 0261 FTLN 0262 FTLN 0263 FTLN 0264 FTLN 0265 Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. It is a business of some heat. The galleys Have sent a dozen sequent messengers This very night at one another’s heels, And many of the Consuls, raised and met, Are at the Duke’s already. You have been hotly called for. When, being not at your lodging to be found, The Senate hath sent about three several quests To search you out. OTHELLO ’Tis well I am found by you. I will but spend a word here in the house And go with you. He exits. CASSIO Ancient, what makes he here? 50 55 IAGO FTLN 0266 FTLN 0267 Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack. If it prove lawful prize, he’s made forever. CASSIO FTLN 0268 I do not understand. 60 25 ACT 1. SC. 2 Othello He’s married. FTLN 0269 IAGO FTLN 0270 CASSIO To who? IAGO FTLN 0271 Marry, to— 65 Reenter Othello. FTLN 0272 FTLN 0273 OTHELLO Come, captain, will you go? Have with you. CASSIO FTLN 0274 Here comes another troop to seek for you. Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, with Officers, and Torches. IAGO FTLN 0275 FTLN 0276 FTLN 0277 It is Brabantio. General, be advised, He comes to bad intent. OTHELLO Holla, stand there! 70 RODERIGO FTLN 0278 FTLN 0279 Signior, it is the Moor. BRABANTIO Down with him, thief! FTLN 0280 They draw their swords. IAGO FTLN 0281 You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you. 75 OTHELLO FTLN 0282 FTLN 0283 FTLN 0284 FTLN 0285 Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall more command with years Than with your weapons. BRABANTIO FTLN 0286 FTLN 0287 FTLN 0288 FTLN 0289 FTLN 0290 FTLN 0291 FTLN 0292 FTLN 0293 FTLN 0294 O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her! For I’ll refer me to all things of sense, If she in chains of magic were not bound, Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunned The wealthy curlèd darlings of our nation, Would ever have, t’ incur a general mock, 80 85 27 FTLN 0295 FTLN 0296 FTLN 0297 FTLN 0298 FTLN 0299 FTLN 0300 FTLN 0301 FTLN 0302 FTLN 0303 FTLN 0304 FTLN 0305 FTLN 0306 FTLN 0307 FTLN 0308 FTLN 0309 FTLN 0310 FTLN 0311 FTLN 0312 FTLN 0313 FTLN 0314 FTLN 0315 FTLN 0316 FTLN 0317 FTLN 0318 FTLN 0319 FTLN 0320 FTLN 0321 FTLN 0322 FTLN 0323 FTLN 0324 FTLN 0325 FTLN 0326 FTLN 0327 FTLN 0328 FTLN 0329 Othello ACT 1. SC. 2 Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom Of such a thing as thou—to fear, not to delight! Judge me the world, if ’tis not gross in sense That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms, Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals That weakens motion. I’ll have ’t disputed on. ’Tis probable, and palpable to thinking. I therefore apprehend and do attach thee For an abuser of the world, a practicer Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.— Lay hold upon him. If he do resist, Subdue him at his peril. OTHELLO Hold your hands, Both you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it Without a prompter.—Whither will you that I go To answer this your charge? BRABANTIO To prison, till fit time Of law and course of direct session Call thee to answer. OTHELLO What if I do obey? How may the Duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side, Upon some present business of the state, To bring me to him? OFFICER ’Tis true, most worthy signior. The Duke’s in council, and your noble self I am sure is sent for. BRABANTIO How? The Duke in council? In this time of the night? Bring him away; Mine’s not an idle cause. The Duke himself, Or any of my brothers of the state, Cannot but feel this wrong as ’twere their own. For if such actions may have passage free, Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. They exit. 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 29 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 Scene 3 Enter Duke, Senators, and Officers. DUKE, FTLN 0330 FTLN 0331 FTLN 0332 FTLN 0333 reading a paper There’s no composition in these news That gives them credit. FIRST SENATOR, reading a paper Indeed, they are disproportioned. My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. DUKE FTLN 0334 FTLN 0335 FTLN 0336 FTLN 0337 FTLN 0338 FTLN 0339 And mine, a hundred forty. SECOND SENATOR, reading a paper And mine, two hundred. But though they jump not on a just account (As in these cases, where the aim reports ’Tis oft with difference), yet do they all confirm A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. 5 10 DUKE FTLN 0340 FTLN 0341 FTLN 0342 FTLN 0343 FTLN 0344 Nay, it is possible enough to judgment. I do not so secure me in the error, But the main article I do approve In fearful sense. SAILOR, within What ho, what ho, what ho! 15 Enter Sailor. FTLN 0345 OFFICER FTLN 0346 DUKE A messenger from the galleys. Now, what’s the business? SAILOR FTLN 0347 FTLN 0348 FTLN 0349 The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes. So was I bid report here to the state By Signior Angelo. He exits. 20 DUKE FTLN 0350 FTLN 0351 FTLN 0352 FTLN 0353 FTLN 0354 How say you by this change? This cannot be, By no assay of reason. ’Tis a pageant To keep us in false gaze. When we consider Th’ importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, FIRST SENATOR 25 31 FTLN 0355 FTLN 0356 FTLN 0357 FTLN 0358 FTLN 0359 FTLN 0360 FTLN 0361 FTLN 0362 FTLN 0363 FTLN 0364 FTLN 0365 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 And let ourselves again but understand That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, So may he with more facile question bear it, For that it stands not in such warlike brace, But altogether lacks th’ abilities That Rhodes is dressed in—if we make thought of this, We must not think the Turk is so unskillful To leave that latest which concerns him first, Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain To wake and wage a danger profitless. 30 35 DUKE FTLN 0366 FTLN 0367 Nay, in all confidence, he’s not for Rhodes. OFFICER Here is more news. Enter a Messenger. MESSENGER FTLN 0368 FTLN 0369 FTLN 0370 The Ottomites, Reverend and Gracious, Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an after fleet. 40 FIRST SENATOR FTLN 0371 Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? MESSENGER FTLN 0372 FTLN 0373 FTLN 0374 FTLN 0375 FTLN 0376 FTLN 0377 FTLN 0378 FTLN 0379 FTLN 0380 Of thirty sail; and now they do restem Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, Your trusty and most valiant servitor, With his free duty recommends you thus, And prays you to believe him. He exits. DUKE ’Tis certain, then, for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? FIRST SENATOR FTLN 0381 FTLN 0382 FTLN 0383 He’s now in Florence. Write from us to him. Post-post-haste. Dispatch. DUKE 45 50 33 ACT 1. SC. 3 Othello FIRST SENATOR FTLN 0384 Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. 55 Enter Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo, and Officers. DUKE FTLN 0385 FTLN 0386 FTLN 0387 FTLN 0388 FTLN 0389 Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Against the general enemy Ottoman. To Brabantio. I did not see you. Welcome, gentle signior. We lacked your counsel and your help tonight. 60 BRABANTIO FTLN 0390 FTLN 0391 FTLN 0392 FTLN 0393 FTLN 0394 FTLN 0395 FTLN 0396 FTLN 0397 FTLN 0398 So did I yours. Good your Grace, pardon me. Neither my place nor aught I heard of business Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general care Take hold on me, for my particular grief Is of so floodgate and o’erbearing nature That it engluts and swallows other sorrows And it is still itself. DUKE Why, what’s the matter? 65 BRABANTIO FTLN 0399 FTLN 0400 FTLN 0401 FTLN 0402 FTLN 0403 FTLN 0404 FTLN 0405 FTLN 0406 My daughter! O, my daughter! FIRST SENATOR 70 Dead? Ay, to me. She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; For nature so prepost’rously to err— Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense— Sans witchcraft could not. BRABANTIO 75 DUKE FTLN 0407 FTLN 0408 FTLN 0409 FTLN 0410 FTLN 0411 FTLN 0412 Whoe’er he be that in this foul proceeding Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself And you of her, the bloody book of law You shall yourself read in the bitter letter, After your own sense, yea, though our proper son Stood in your action. 80 35 FTLN 0413 FTLN 0414 FTLN 0415 FTLN 0416 FTLN 0417 FTLN 0418 FTLN 0419 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 Humbly I thank your Grace. Here is the man—this Moor, whom now it seems Your special mandate for the state affairs Hath hither brought. ALL We are very sorry for ’t. DUKE, to Othello What, in your own part, can you say to this? BRABANTIO Nothing, but this is so. BRABANTIO 85 90 OTHELLO FTLN 0420 FTLN 0421 FTLN 0422 FTLN 0423 FTLN 0424 FTLN 0425 FTLN 0426 FTLN 0427 FTLN 0428 FTLN 0429 FTLN 0430 FTLN 0431 FTLN 0432 FTLN 0433 FTLN 0434 FTLN 0435 FTLN 0436 FTLN 0437 FTLN 0438 FTLN 0439 FTLN 0440 FTLN 0441 FTLN 0442 FTLN 0443 FTLN 0444 FTLN 0445 FTLN 0446 Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, My very noble and approved good masters: That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter, It is most true; true I have married her. The very head and front of my offending Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace; For since these arms of mine had seven years’ pith, Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used Their dearest action in the tented field, And little of this great world can I speak More than pertains to feats of broil and battle. And therefore little shall I grace my cause In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, I will a round unvarnished tale deliver Of my whole course of love—what drugs, what charms, What conjuration, and what mighty magic (For such proceeding I am charged withal) I won his daughter. BRABANTIO A maiden never bold, Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion Blushed at herself. And she, in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, everything, To fall in love with what she feared to look on! It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect 95 100 105 110 115 37 FTLN 0447 FTLN 0448 FTLN 0449 FTLN 0450 FTLN 0451 FTLN 0452 FTLN 0453 FTLN 0454 FTLN 0455 FTLN 0456 FTLN 0457 FTLN 0458 FTLN 0459 FTLN 0460 FTLN 0461 FTLN 0462 FTLN 0463 FTLN 0464 FTLN 0465 FTLN 0466 FTLN 0467 FTLN 0468 FTLN 0469 FTLN 0470 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature, and must be driven To find out practices of cunning hell Why this should be. I therefore vouch again That with some mixtures powerful o’er the blood, Or with some dram conjured to this effect, He wrought upon her. To vouch this is no proof DUKE Without more wider and more overt test Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods Of modern seeming do prefer against him. But, Othello, speak: FIRST SENATOR Did you by indirect and forcèd courses Subdue and poison this young maid’s affections? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth? OTHELLO I do beseech you, Send for the lady to the Sagittary And let her speak of me before her father. If you do find me foul in her report, The trust, the office I do hold of you, Not only take away, but let your sentence Even fall upon my life. DUKE Fetch Desdemona hither. 120 125 130 135 140 OTHELLO FTLN 0471 FTLN 0472 FTLN 0473 FTLN 0474 FTLN 0475 FTLN 0476 FTLN 0477 Ancient, conduct them. You best know the place. Iago and Attendants exit. And till she come, as truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood, So justly to your grave ears I’ll present How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love, And she in mine. DUKE Say it, Othello. 145 OTHELLO FTLN 0478 FTLN 0479 Her father loved me, oft invited me, Still questioned me the story of my life 150 39 FTLN 0480 FTLN 0481 FTLN 0482 FTLN 0483 FTLN 0484 FTLN 0485 FTLN 0486 FTLN 0487 FTLN 0488 FTLN 0489 FTLN 0490 FTLN 0491 FTLN 0492 FTLN 0493 FTLN 0494 FTLN 0495 FTLN 0496 FTLN 0497 FTLN 0498 FTLN 0499 FTLN 0500 FTLN 0501 FTLN 0502 FTLN 0503 FTLN 0504 FTLN 0505 FTLN 0506 FTLN 0507 FTLN 0508 FTLN 0509 FTLN 0510 FTLN 0511 FTLN 0512 FTLN 0513 FTLN 0514 FTLN 0515 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 From year to year—the battles, sieges, fortunes That I have passed. I ran it through, even from my boyish days To th’ very moment that he bade me tell it, Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances: Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hairbreadth ’scapes i’ th’ imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the insolent foe And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence, And portance in my traveler’s history, Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle, Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, It was my hint to speak—such was my process— And of the cannibals that each other eat, The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads Do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to hear Would Desdemona seriously incline. But still the house affairs would draw her thence, Which ever as she could with haste dispatch She’d come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my discourse. Which I, observing, Took once a pliant hour, and found good means To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, Whereof by parcels she had something heard, But not intentively. I did consent, And often did beguile her of her tears When I did speak of some distressful stroke That my youth suffered. My story being done, She gave me for my pains a world of sighs. She swore, in faith, ’twas strange, ’twas passing strange, ’Twas pitiful, ’twas wondrous pitiful. 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 41 FTLN 0516 FTLN 0517 FTLN 0518 FTLN 0519 FTLN 0520 FTLN 0521 FTLN 0522 FTLN 0523 FTLN 0524 FTLN 0525 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me, And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake. She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady. Let her witness it. 190 195 Enter Desdemona, Iago, Attendants. DUKE FTLN 0526 FTLN 0527 FTLN 0528 FTLN 0529 FTLN 0530 FTLN 0531 FTLN 0532 FTLN 0533 FTLN 0534 FTLN 0535 FTLN 0536 FTLN 0537 FTLN 0538 FTLN 0539 FTLN 0540 FTLN 0541 FTLN 0542 FTLN 0543 FTLN 0544 FTLN 0545 FTLN 0546 FTLN 0547 FTLN 0548 I think this tale would win my daughter, too. Good Brabantio, Take up this mangled matter at the best. Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands. BRABANTIO I pray you hear her speak. If she confess that she was half the wooer, Destruction on my head if my bad blame Light on the man.—Come hither, gentle mistress. Do you perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience? DESDEMONA My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education. My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband. And so much duty as my mother showed To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord. BRABANTIO God be with you! I have done. 200 205 210 215 43 FTLN 0549 FTLN 0550 FTLN 0551 FTLN 0552 FTLN 0553 FTLN 0554 FTLN 0555 FTLN 0556 FTLN 0557 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 Please it your Grace, on to the state affairs. I had rather to adopt a child than get it.— Come hither, Moor. I here do give thee that with all my heart Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart I would keep from thee.—For your sake, jewel, I am glad at soul I have no other child, For thy escape would teach me tyranny, To hang clogs on them.—I have done, my lord. 220 225 DUKE FTLN 0558 FTLN 0559 FTLN 0560 FTLN 0561 FTLN 0562 FTLN 0563 FTLN 0564 FTLN 0565 FTLN 0566 FTLN 0567 FTLN 0568 FTLN 0569 Let me speak like yourself and lay a sentence, Which as a grise or step may help these lovers Into your favor. When remedies are past, the griefs are ended By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to draw new mischief on. What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, Patience her injury a mock’ry makes. The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief; He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. 230 235 240 BRABANTIO FTLN 0570 FTLN 0571 FTLN 0572 FTLN 0573 FTLN 0574 FTLN 0575 FTLN 0576 FTLN 0577 FTLN 0578 FTLN 0579 FTLN 0580 FTLN 0581 FTLN 0582 So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile, We lose it not so long as we can smile. He bears the sentence well that nothing bears But the free comfort which from thence he hears; But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. These sentences to sugar or to gall, Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. But words are words. I never yet did hear That the bruised heart was piercèd through the ear. I humbly beseech you, proceed to th’ affairs of state. 245 250 45 FTLN 0583 FTLN 0584 FTLN 0585 FTLN 0586 FTLN 0587 FTLN 0588 FTLN 0589 FTLN 0590 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you. And though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you. You must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boist’rous expedition. DUKE 255 260 OTHELLO FTLN 0591 FTLN 0592 FTLN 0593 FTLN 0594 FTLN 0595 FTLN 0596 FTLN 0597 FTLN 0598 FTLN 0599 FTLN 0600 FTLN 0601 The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize A natural and prompt alacrity I find in hardness, and do undertake This present wars against the Ottomites. Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state, I crave fit disposition for my wife, Due reference of place and exhibition, With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding. 265 270 DUKE FTLN 0602 Why, at her father’s. FTLN 0603 BRABANTIO FTLN 0604 OTHELLO FTLN 0605 DESDEMONA FTLN 0606 FTLN 0607 FTLN 0608 FTLN 0609 FTLN 0610 FTLN 0611 I will not have it so. Nor I. Nor would I there reside To put my father in impatient thoughts By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear And let me find a charter in your voice T’ assist my simpleness. DUKE What would you, Desdemona? 275 280 DESDEMONA FTLN 0612 FTLN 0613 FTLN 0614 FTLN 0615 That I love the Moor to live with him My downright violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued Even to the very quality of my lord. 285 47 FTLN 0616 FTLN 0617 FTLN 0618 FTLN 0619 FTLN 0620 FTLN 0621 FTLN 0622 FTLN 0623 FTLN 0624 FTLN 0625 FTLN 0626 FTLN 0627 FTLN 0628 FTLN 0629 FTLN 0630 FTLN 0631 FTLN 0632 FTLN 0633 FTLN 0634 FTLN 0635 FTLN 0636 FTLN 0637 FTLN 0638 Othello I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, A moth of peace, and he go to the war, The rites for why I love him are bereft me And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him. OTHELLO Let her have your voice. Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not To please the palate of my appetite, Nor to comply with heat (the young affects In me defunct) and proper satisfaction, But to be free and bounteous to her mind. And heaven defend your good souls that you think I will your serious and great business scant For she is with me. No, when light-winged toys Of feathered Cupid seel with wanton dullness My speculative and officed instruments, That my disports corrupt and taint my business, Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, And all indign and base adversities Make head against my estimation. ACT 1. SC. 3 290 295 300 305 DUKE FTLN 0639 FTLN 0640 FTLN 0641 Be it as you shall privately determine, Either for her stay or going. Th’ affair cries haste, And speed must answer it. 310 FIRST SENATOR FTLN 0642 FTLN 0643 FTLN 0644 You must away tonight. OTHELLO With all my heart. 315 DUKE FTLN 0645 FTLN 0646 FTLN 0647 FTLN 0648 FTLN 0649 At nine i’ th’ morning here we’ll meet again. Othello, leave some officer behind And he shall our commission bring to you, With such things else of quality and respect As doth import you. 320 49 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 So please your Grace, my FTLN 0650 OTHELLO FTLN 0651 ancient. A man he is of honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good Grace shall think To be sent after me. DUKE Let it be so. Good night to everyone. To Brabantio. And, noble signior, If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. FTLN 0652 FTLN 0653 FTLN 0654 FTLN 0655 FTLN 0656 FTLN 0657 FTLN 0658 FTLN 0659 FTLN 0660 325 330 FIRST SENATOR FTLN 0661 Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. BRABANTIO FTLN 0662 FTLN 0663 Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee. He exits. OTHELLO FTLN 0664 FTLN 0665 FTLN 0666 FTLN 0667 FTLN 0668 FTLN 0669 FTLN 0670 FTLN 0671 FTLN 0672 FTLN 0673 FTLN 0674 FTLN 0675 FTLN 0676 FTLN 0677 FTLN 0678 FTLN 0679 FTLN 0680 FTLN 0681 My life upon her faith! The Duke, the Senators, Cassio, and Officers exit. Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee. I prithee let thy wife attend on her, And bring them after in the best advantage.— Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour Of love, of worldly matters, and direction To spend with thee. We must obey the time. Othello and Desdemona exit. RODERIGO Iago— IAGO What sayst thou, noble heart? RODERIGO What will I do, think’st thou? IAGO Why, go to bed and sleep. RODERIGO I will incontinently drown myself. IAGO If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly gentleman! RODERIGO It is silliness to live, when to live is torment, and then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician. 335 340 345 350 51 FTLN 0682 FTLN 0683 FTLN 0684 FTLN 0685 FTLN 0686 FTLN 0687 FTLN 0688 FTLN 0689 FTLN 0690 FTLN 0691 FTLN 0692 FTLN 0693 FTLN 0694 FTLN 0695 FTLN 0696 FTLN 0697 FTLN 0698 FTLN 0699 FTLN 0700 FTLN 0701 FTLN 0702 FTLN 0703 FTLN 0704 FTLN 0705 FTLN 0706 FTLN 0707 FTLN 0708 FTLN 0709 FTLN 0710 FTLN 0711 FTLN 0712 FTLN 0713 FTLN 0714 FTLN 0715 FTLN 0716 FTLN 0717 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 O, villainous! I have looked upon the world for four times seven years, and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injury, I never found man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon. RODERIGO What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it. IAGO Virtue? A fig! ’Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry, why the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most prepost’rous conclusions. But we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts— whereof I take this that you call love to be a sect, or scion. RODERIGO It cannot be. IAGO It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man! Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness. I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse. Follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse— nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement in her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration IAGO 355 360 365 370 375 380 385 53 FTLN 0718 FTLN 0719 FTLN 0720 FTLN 0721 FTLN 0722 FTLN 0723 FTLN 0724 FTLN 0725 FTLN 0726 FTLN 0727 FTLN 0728 FTLN 0729 FTLN 0730 FTLN 0731 FTLN 0732 FTLN 0733 FTLN 0734 FTLN 0735 FTLN 0736 FTLN 0737 FTLN 0738 FTLN 0739 FTLN 0740 FTLN 0741 FTLN 0742 FTLN 0743 FTLN 0744 FTLN 0745 FTLN 0746 FTLN 0747 FTLN 0748 FTLN 0749 FTLN 0750 FTLN 0751 FTLN 0752 FTLN 0753 Othello ACT 1. SC. 3 —put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills. Fill thy purse with money. The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She must change for youth. When she is sated with his body she will find the error of her choice. Therefore, put money in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her. Therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself! It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without her. RODERIGO Wilt thou be fast to my hopes if I depend on the issue? IAGO Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered. Traverse, go, provide thy money. We will have more of this tomorrow. Adieu. RODERIGO Where shall we meet i’ th’ morning? IAGO At my lodging. RODERIGO I’ll be with thee betimes. IAGO Go to, farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo? RODERIGO What say you? IAGO No more of drowning, do you hear? RODERIGO I am changed. IAGO Go to, farewell. Put money enough in your purse. 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 55 FTLN 0754 RODERIGO Othello I’ll sell all my land. ACT 1. SC. 3 He exits. 425 IAGO FTLN 0755 FTLN 0756 FTLN 0757 FTLN 0758 FTLN 0759 FTLN 0760 FTLN 0761 FTLN 0762 FTLN 0763 FTLN 0764 FTLN 0765 FTLN 0766 FTLN 0767 FTLN 0768 FTLN 0769 FTLN 0770 FTLN 0771 FTLN 0772 FTLN 0773 FTLN 0774 FTLN 0775 FTLN 0776 Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets ’Has done my office. I know not if ’t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well. The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery—How? how?—Let’s see. After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are. I have ’t. It is engendered. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light. He exits. 430 435 440 445 ACT 2 Scene 1 Enter Montano and two Gentlemen. MONTANO FTLN 0777 What from the cape can you discern at sea? FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0778 FTLN 0779 FTLN 0780 Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood. I cannot ’twixt the heaven and the main Descry a sail. MONTANO FTLN 0781 FTLN 0782 FTLN 0783 FTLN 0784 FTLN 0785 Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land. A fuller blast ne’er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea, What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? 5 SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0786 FTLN 0787 FTLN 0788 FTLN 0789 FTLN 0790 FTLN 0791 FTLN 0792 FTLN 0793 FTLN 0794 FTLN 0795 FTLN 0796 FTLN 0797 A segregation of the Turkish fleet. For do but stand upon the foaming shore, The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds, The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane, Seems to cast water on the burning Bear And quench the guards of th’ ever-fixèd pole. I never did like molestation view On the enchafèd flood. MONTANO If that the Turkish fleet Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned. It is impossible to bear it out. 59 10 15 20 61 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 Enter a third Gentleman. FTLN 0798 FTLN 0799 FTLN 0800 FTLN 0801 FTLN 0802 News, lads! Our wars are done. The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wrack and sufferance On most part of their fleet. THIRD GENTLEMAN 25 MONTANO FTLN 0803 FTLN 0804 FTLN 0805 FTLN 0806 FTLN 0807 FTLN 0808 How? Is this true? The ship is here put in, A Veronesa. Michael Cassio, Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea, And is in full commission here for Cyprus. THIRD GENTLEMAN 30 MONTANO FTLN 0809 I am glad on ’t. ’Tis a worthy governor. THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 0810 FTLN 0811 FTLN 0812 FTLN 0813 FTLN 0814 FTLN 0815 FTLN 0816 FTLN 0817 FTLN 0818 FTLN 0819 FTLN 0820 FTLN 0821 FTLN 0822 FTLN 0823 But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly And prays the Moor be safe, for they were parted With foul and violent tempest. MONTANO Pray heaven he be; For I have served him, and the man commands Like a full soldier. Let’s to the seaside, ho! As well to see the vessel that’s come in As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, Even till we make the main and th’ aerial blue An indistinct regard. Come, let’s do so; THIRD GENTLEMAN For every minute is expectancy Of more arrivance. Enter Cassio. CASSIO FTLN 0824 FTLN 0825 Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle, That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens 35 40 45 63 FTLN 0826 FTLN 0827 FTLN 0828 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 Give him defense against the elements, For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. MONTANO Is he well shipped? 50 CASSIO FTLN 0829 FTLN 0830 FTLN 0831 FTLN 0832 His bark is stoutly timbered, and his pilot Of very expert and approved allowance; Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, Stand in bold cure. Voices cry within. “A sail, a sail, a sail!” 55 Enter a Messenger. FTLN 0833 CASSIO What noise? MESSENGER FTLN 0834 FTLN 0835 The town is empty; on the brow o’ th’ sea Stand ranks of people, and they cry “A sail!” CASSIO FTLN 0836 My hopes do shape him for the Governor. 60 A shot. SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0837 FTLN 0838 FTLN 0839 FTLN 0840 FTLN 0841 They do discharge their shot of courtesy. Our friends, at least. CASSIO I pray you, sir, go forth, And give us truth who ’tis that is arrived. SECOND GENTLEMAN I shall. He exits. 65 MONTANO FTLN 0842 But, good lieutenant, is your general wived? CASSIO FTLN 0843 FTLN 0844 FTLN 0845 FTLN 0846 FTLN 0847 Most fortunately. He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame, One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, And in th’ essential vesture of creation Does tire the ingener. Enter Second Gentleman. FTLN 0848 How now? Who has put in? 70 65 ACT 2. SC. 1 Othello SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0849 ’Tis one Iago, ancient to the General. CASSIO FTLN 0850 FTLN 0851 FTLN 0852 FTLN 0853 FTLN 0854 FTLN 0855 FTLN 0856 FTLN 0857 ’Has had most favorable and happy speed! Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds, The guttered rocks and congregated sands (Traitors ensteeped to clog the guiltless keel), As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by The divine Desdemona. MONTANO What is she? 75 80 CASSIO FTLN 0858 FTLN 0859 FTLN 0860 FTLN 0861 FTLN 0862 FTLN 0863 FTLN 0864 FTLN 0865 FTLN 0866 She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain, Left in the conduct of the bold Iago, Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts A sennight’s speed. Great Jove, Othello guard, And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, Make love’s quick pants in Desdemona’s arms, Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits, And bring all Cyprus comfort! 85 90 Enter Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Emilia. FTLN 0867 FTLN 0868 FTLN 0869 O, behold, The riches of the ship is come on shore! You men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. He kneels. FTLN 0870 FTLN 0871 FTLN 0872 FTLN 0873 FTLN 0874 Hail to thee, lady, and the grace of heaven, Before, behind thee, and on every hand Enwheel thee round. He rises. DESDEMONA I thank you, valiant Cassio. What tidings can you tell of my lord? 95 CASSIO FTLN 0875 FTLN 0876 He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught But that he’s well and will be shortly here. DESDEMONA FTLN 0877 O, but I fear—How lost you company? 100 67 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 CASSIO FTLN 0878 FTLN 0879 FTLN 0880 The great contention of sea and skies Parted our fellowship. Within “A sail, a sail!” A shot. But hark, a sail! SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0881 FTLN 0882 FTLN 0883 FTLN 0884 FTLN 0885 FTLN 0886 FTLN 0887 They give their greeting to the citadel. This likewise is a friend. CASSIO See for the news. Second Gentleman exits. Good ancient, you are welcome. Welcome, mistress. He kisses Emilia. Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, That I extend my manners. ’Tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy. 105 110 IAGO FTLN 0888 FTLN 0889 FTLN 0890 Sir, would she give you so much of her lips As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, You would have enough. DESDEMONA FTLN 0891 FTLN 0892 FTLN 0893 FTLN 0894 FTLN 0895 FTLN 0896 FTLN 0897 FTLN 0898 FTLN 0899 FTLN 0900 FTLN 0901 FTLN 0902 Alas, she has no speech! In faith, too much. I find it still when I have list to sleep. Marry, before your Ladyship, I grant, She puts her tongue a little in her heart And chides with thinking. EMILIA You have little cause to say so. IAGO Come on, come on! You are pictures out of door, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds. DESDEMONA Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer. IAGO IAGO FTLN 0903 FTLN 0904 Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk. You rise to play, and go to bed to work. EMILIA FTLN 0905 115 You shall not write my praise. 120 125 69 FTLN 0906 IAGO ACT 2. SC. 1 Othello No, let me not. 130 DESDEMONA FTLN 0907 FTLN 0908 What wouldst write of me if thou shouldst praise me? IAGO FTLN 0909 FTLN 0910 O, gentle lady, do not put me to ’t, For I am nothing if not critical. DESDEMONA FTLN 0911 FTLN 0912 FTLN 0913 FTLN 0914 FTLN 0915 FTLN 0916 FTLN 0917 FTLN 0918 FTLN 0919 FTLN 0920 FTLN 0921 Come on, assay.—There’s one gone to the harbor? IAGO Ay, madam. DESDEMONA, aside I am not merry, but I do beguile The thing I am by seeming otherwise.— Come, how wouldst thou praise me? IAGO I am about it, but indeed my invention comes from my pate as birdlime does from frieze: it plucks out brains and all. But my muse labors, and thus she is delivered: If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, The one’s for use, the other useth it. 135 140 145 DESDEMONA FTLN 0922 Well praised! How if she be black and witty? IAGO FTLN 0923 FTLN 0924 If she be black, and thereto have a wit, She’ll find a white that shall her blackness hit. DESDEMONA FTLN 0925 FTLN 0926 Worse and worse. EMILIA How if fair and foolish? 150 IAGO FTLN 0927 FTLN 0928 FTLN 0929 FTLN 0930 FTLN 0931 She never yet was foolish that was fair, For even her folly helped her to an heir. DESDEMONA These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i’ th’ alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that’s foul and foolish? IAGO FTLN 0932 FTLN 0933 There’s none so foul and foolish thereunto, But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. 155 71 FTLN 0934 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 O heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the worst best. But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed, one that in the authority of her merit did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself? DESDEMONA FTLN 0935 FTLN 0936 FTLN 0937 FTLN 0938 160 IAGO FTLN 0939 FTLN 0940 FTLN 0941 FTLN 0942 FTLN 0943 FTLN 0944 FTLN 0945 FTLN 0946 FTLN 0947 FTLN 0948 FTLN 0949 FTLN 0950 She that was ever fair and never proud, Had tongue at will and yet was never loud, Never lacked gold and yet went never gay, Fled from her wish, and yet said “Now I may,” She that being angered, her revenge being nigh, Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly, She that in wisdom never was so frail To change the cod’s head for the salmon’s tail, She that could think and ne’er disclose her mind, See suitors following and not look behind, She was a wight, if ever such wight were— DESDEMONA To do what? 165 170 IAGO FTLN 0951 FTLN 0952 FTLN 0953 FTLN 0954 FTLN 0955 FTLN 0956 FTLN 0957 FTLN 0958 FTLN 0959 FTLN 0960 FTLN 0961 FTLN 0962 FTLN 0963 FTLN 0964 FTLN 0965 FTLN 0966 To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. O, most lame and impotent conclusion! —Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband.—How say you, Cassio? Is he not a most profane and liberal counselor? CASSIO He speaks home, madam. You may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar. Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand. IAGO, aside He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, whisper. With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do. I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, ’tis so indeed. If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; well kissed; an excellent courtesy! ’Tis so, indeed. Yet 175 DESDEMONA 180 185 190 73 FTLN 0967 FTLN 0968 FTLN 0969 FTLN 0970 FTLN 0971 FTLN 0972 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 again your fingers to your lips? Would they were clyster pipes for your sake! Trumpets within. The Moor. I know his trumpet. CASSIO ’Tis truly so. DESDEMONA Let’s meet him and receive him. CASSIO Lo, where he comes! 195 Enter Othello and Attendants. OTHELLO FTLN 0973 FTLN 0974 O, my fair warrior! DESDEMONA My dear Othello! OTHELLO FTLN 0975 FTLN 0976 FTLN 0977 FTLN 0978 FTLN 0979 FTLN 0980 FTLN 0981 FTLN 0982 FTLN 0983 FTLN 0984 FTLN 0985 FTLN 0986 FTLN 0987 FTLN 0988 FTLN 0989 FTLN 0990 FTLN 0991 FTLN 0992 FTLN 0993 FTLN 0994 FTLN 0995 FTLN 0996 FTLN 0997 FTLN 0998 FTLN 0999 It gives me wonder great as my content To see you here before me. O my soul’s joy! If after every tempest come such calms, May the winds blow till they have wakened death, And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas Olympus high, and duck again as low As hell’s from heaven! If it were now to die, ’Twere now to be most happy, for I fear My soul hath her content so absolute That not another comfort like to this Succeeds in unknown fate. DESDEMONA The heavens forbid But that our loves and comforts should increase Even as our days do grow! OTHELLO Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this content. It stops me here; it is too much of joy. They kiss. And this, and this, the greatest discords be That e’er our hearts shall make! IAGO, aside O, you are well tuned now, But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am. OTHELLO Come. Let us to the castle.— News, friends! Our wars are done. The Turks are drowned. 200 205 210 215 220 75 FTLN 1000 FTLN 1001 FTLN 1002 FTLN 1003 FTLN 1004 FTLN 1005 FTLN 1006 FTLN 1007 FTLN 1008 FTLN 1009 FTLN 1010 FTLN 1011 FTLN 1012 FTLN 1013 FTLN 1014 FTLN 1015 FTLN 1016 FTLN 1017 FTLN 1018 FTLN 1019 FTLN 1020 FTLN 1021 FTLN 1022 FTLN 1023 FTLN 1024 FTLN 1025 FTLN 1026 FTLN 1027 FTLN 1028 FTLN 1029 FTLN 1030 FTLN 1031 FTLN 1032 FTLN 1033 FTLN 1034 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 How does my old acquaintance of this isle?— Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus. I have found great love amongst them. O, my sweet, I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine own comforts.—I prithee, good Iago, Go to the bay and disembark my coffers. Bring thou the master to the citadel. He is a good one, and his worthiness Does challenge much respect.—Come, Desdemona. Once more, well met at Cyprus. All but Iago and Roderigo exit. IAGO, to a departing Attendant Do thou meet me presently at the harbor. To Roderigo. Come hither. If thou be’st valiant—as they say base men being in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them—list me. The Lieutenant tonight watches on the court of guard. First, I must tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him. RODERIGO With him? Why, ’tis not possible. IAGO Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies. And will she love him still for prating? Let not thy discreet heart think it. Her 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 sport, there should be, again to inflame it and to give satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties, all which the Moor is defective in. Now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor. Very nature will instruct her in it and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir, this granted—as it is a most pregnant and unforced position—who stands so eminent in the degree of 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 77 FTLN 1035 FTLN 1036 FTLN 1037 FTLN 1038 FTLN 1039 FTLN 1040 FTLN 1041 FTLN 1042 FTLN 1043 FTLN 1044 FTLN 1045 FTLN 1046 FTLN 1047 FTLN 1048 FTLN 1049 FTLN 1050 FTLN 1051 FTLN 1052 FTLN 1053 FTLN 1054 FTLN 1055 FTLN 1056 FTLN 1057 FTLN 1058 FTLN 1059 FTLN 1060 FTLN 1061 FTLN 1062 FTLN 1063 FTLN 1064 FTLN 1065 FTLN 1066 FTLN 1067 FTLN 1068 FTLN 1069 FTLN 1070 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 this fortune as Cassio does? A knave very voluble, no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection. Why, none, why, none! A slipper and subtle knave, a finder-out of occasions, that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself; a devilish knave! Besides, the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after. A pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath found him already. RODERIGO I cannot believe that in her. She’s full of most blessed condition. IAGO Blessed fig’s end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes. If she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor. Blessed pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that? RODERIGO Yes, that I did. But that was but courtesy. IAGO Lechery, by this hand! An index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, th’ incorporate conclusion. Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought you from Venice. Watch you tonight. For the command, I’ll lay ’t upon you. Cassio knows you not. I’ll not be far from you. Do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline, or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favorably minister. RODERIGO Well. IAGO Sir, he’s rash and very sudden in choler, and 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 79 FTLN 1071 FTLN 1072 FTLN 1073 FTLN 1074 FTLN 1075 FTLN 1076 FTLN 1077 FTLN 1078 FTLN 1079 FTLN 1080 FTLN 1081 FTLN 1082 FTLN 1083 Othello ACT 2. SC. 1 haply may strike at you. Provoke him that he may, for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the means I shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity. RODERIGO I will do this, if you can bring it to any opportunity. IAGO I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. RODERIGO Adieu. He exits. 295 300 305 IAGO FTLN 1084 FTLN 1085 FTLN 1086 FTLN 1087 FTLN 1088 FTLN 1089 FTLN 1090 FTLN 1091 FTLN 1092 FTLN 1093 FTLN 1094 FTLN 1095 FTLN 1096 FTLN 1097 FTLN 1098 FTLN 1099 FTLN 1100 FTLN 1101 FTLN 1102 FTLN 1103 FTLN 1104 FTLN 1105 That Cassio loves her, I do well believe ’t. That she loves him, ’tis apt and of great credit. The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too, Not out of absolute lust (though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin) But partly led to diet my revenge For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards, And nothing can or shall content my soul Till I am evened with him, wife for wife, Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do, If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, I’ll have our Michael Cassio on the hip, Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb (For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too), 310 315 320 325 81 FTLN 1106 FTLN 1107 FTLN 1108 FTLN 1109 FTLN 1110 Othello ACT 2. SC. 2/3 Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me For making him egregiously an ass And practicing upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. ’Tis here, but yet confused. Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used. He exits. 330 Scene 2 Enter Othello’s Herald with a proclamation. FTLN 1111 FTLN 1112 FTLN 1113 FTLN 1114 FTLN 1115 FTLN 1116 FTLN 1117 FTLN 1118 FTLN 1119 FTLN 1120 FTLN 1121 FTLN 1122 It is Othello’s pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph: some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addition leads him. For besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed All offices are open, and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general, Othello! He exits. HERALD 5 10 Scene 3 Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants. OTHELLO FTLN 1123 FTLN 1124 FTLN 1125 Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight. Let’s teach ourselves that honorable stop Not to outsport discretion. CASSIO FTLN 1126 FTLN 1127 FTLN 1128 Iago hath direction what to do, But notwithstanding, with my personal eye Will I look to ’t. 5 83 FTLN 1129 FTLN 1130 FTLN 1131 FTLN 1132 FTLN 1133 FTLN 1134 FTLN 1135 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Iago is most honest. Michael, goodnight. Tomorrow with your earliest Let me have speech with you. To Desdemona. Come, my dear love, The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; That profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you.— Goodnight. Othello and Desdemona exit, with Attendants. OTHELLO 10 Enter Iago. CASSIO FTLN 1136 FTLN 1137 FTLN 1138 FTLN 1139 FTLN 1140 FTLN 1141 FTLN 1142 FTLN 1143 FTLN 1144 FTLN 1145 FTLN 1146 FTLN 1147 FTLN 1148 FTLN 1149 FTLN 1150 FTLN 1151 FTLN 1152 FTLN 1153 FTLN 1154 FTLN 1155 FTLN 1156 FTLN 1157 FTLN 1158 FTLN 1159 FTLN 1160 FTLN 1161 Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch. IAGO Not this hour, lieutenant. ’Tis not yet ten o’ th’ clock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of his Desdemona—who let us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her, and she is sport for Jove. CASSIO She’s a most exquisite lady. IAGO And, I’ll warrant her, full of game. CASSIO Indeed, she’s a most fresh and delicate creature. IAGO What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to provocation. CASSIO An inviting eye, and yet methinks right modest. IAGO And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love? CASSIO She is indeed perfection. IAGO Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello. CASSIO Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking. I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. IAGO O, they are our friends! But one cup; I’ll drink for you. 15 20 25 30 35 85 FTLN 1162 FTLN 1163 FTLN 1164 FTLN 1165 FTLN 1166 FTLN 1167 FTLN 1168 FTLN 1169 FTLN 1170 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was craftily qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes here. I am unfortunate in the infirmity and dare not task my weakness with any more. IAGO What, man! ’Tis a night of revels. The gallants desire it. CASSIO Where are they? IAGO Here at the door. I pray you, call them in. CASSIO I’ll do ’t, but it dislikes me. He exits. CASSIO 40 45 IAGO FTLN 1171 FTLN 1172 FTLN 1173 FTLN 1174 FTLN 1175 FTLN 1176 FTLN 1177 FTLN 1178 FTLN 1179 FTLN 1180 FTLN 1181 FTLN 1182 FTLN 1183 FTLN 1184 FTLN 1185 FTLN 1186 FTLN 1187 FTLN 1188 If I can fasten but one cup upon him With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo, Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out, To Desdemona hath tonight caroused Potations pottle-deep; and he’s to watch. Three else of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits That hold their honors in a wary distance, The very elements of this warlike isle, Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups; And they watch too. Now, ’mongst this flock of drunkards Am I to put our Cassio in some action That may offend the isle. But here they come. If consequence do but approve my dream, My boat sails freely both with wind and stream. 50 55 60 65 Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen, followed by Servants with wine. FTLN 1189 FTLN 1190 FTLN 1191 FTLN 1192 FTLN 1193 ’Fore God, they have given me a rouse already. MONTANO Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier. IAGO Some wine, ho! CASSIO 70 87 FTLN 1194 FTLN 1195 FTLN 1196 FTLN 1197 FTLN 1198 FTLN 1199 FTLN 1200 FTLN 1201 FTLN 1202 FTLN 1203 FTLN 1204 FTLN 1205 FTLN 1206 FTLN 1207 FTLN 1208 FTLN 1209 FTLN 1210 FTLN 1211 FTLN 1212 FTLN 1213 FTLN 1214 FTLN 1215 FTLN 1216 FTLN 1217 FTLN 1218 FTLN 1219 FTLN 1220 FTLN 1221 FTLN 1222 FTLN 1223 FTLN 1224 FTLN 1225 FTLN 1226 FTLN 1227 FTLN 1228 FTLN 1229 FTLN 1230 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Sings. And let me the cannikin clink, clink, And let me the cannikin clink. A soldier’s a man, O, man’s life’s but a span, Why, then, let a soldier drink. Some wine, boys! CASSIO ’Fore God, an excellent song. IAGO I learned it in England, where indeed they are most potent in potting. Your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander—drink, ho!—are nothing to your English. CASSIO Is your Englishman so exquisite in his drinking? IAGO Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk. He sweats not to overthrow your Almain. He gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled. CASSIO To the health of our general! MONTANO I am for it, lieutenant, and I’ll do you justice. IAGO O sweet England! Sings. King Stephen was and-a worthy peer, His breeches cost him but a crown; He held them sixpence all too dear; With that he called the tailor lown. He was a wight of high renown, And thou art but of low degree; ’Tis pride that pulls the country down, Then take thy auld cloak about thee. Some wine, ho! CASSIO ’Fore God, this is a more exquisite song than the other! IAGO Will you hear ’t again? CASSIO No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those things. Well, God’s above all; and there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 89 FTLN 1231 FTLN 1232 FTLN 1233 FTLN 1234 FTLN 1235 FTLN 1236 FTLN 1237 FTLN 1238 FTLN 1239 FTLN 1240 FTLN 1241 FTLN 1242 FTLN 1243 FTLN 1244 FTLN 1245 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 It’s true, good lieutenant. CASSIO For mine own part—no offense to the General, nor any man of quality—I hope to be saved. IAGO And so do I too, lieutenant. CASSIO Ay, but, by your leave, not before me. The Lieutenant is to be saved before the Ancient. Let’s have no more of this. Let’s to our affairs. God forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let’s look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now. I can stand well enough, and I speak well enough. GENTLEMEN Excellent well. CASSIO Why, very well then. You must not think then that I am drunk. He exits. IAGO 110 115 120 MONTANO FTLN 1246 FTLN 1247 FTLN 1248 FTLN 1249 FTLN 1250 FTLN 1251 FTLN 1252 FTLN 1253 FTLN 1254 FTLN 1255 To th’ platform, masters. Come, let’s set the watch. Gentlemen exit. IAGO, to Montano You see this fellow that is gone before? He’s a soldier fit to stand by Caesar And give direction; and do but see his vice. ’Tis to his virtue a just equinox, The one as long as th’ other. ’Tis pity of him. I fear the trust Othello puts him in, On some odd time of his infirmity, Will shake this island. MONTANO But is he often thus? 125 130 IAGO FTLN 1256 FTLN 1257 FTLN 1258 FTLN 1259 FTLN 1260 FTLN 1261 FTLN 1262 FTLN 1263 ’Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. He’ll watch the horologe a double set If drink rock not his cradle. MONTANO It were well The General were put in mind of it. Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio And looks not on his evils. Is not this true? 135 140 91 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Enter Roderigo. FTLN 1264 FTLN 1265 IAGO, aside to Roderigo How now, Roderigo? I pray you, after the Lieutenant, go. Roderigo exits. MONTANO FTLN 1266 FTLN 1267 FTLN 1268 FTLN 1269 FTLN 1270 FTLN 1271 FTLN 1272 FTLN 1273 FTLN 1274 And ’tis great pity that the noble Moor Should hazard such a place as his own second With one of an engraffed infirmity. It were an honest action to say so To the Moor. IAGO Not I, for this fair island. I do love Cassio well and would do much To cure him of this evil— “Help, help!” within. But hark! What noise? 145 150 Enter Cassio, pursuing Roderigo. FTLN 1275 FTLN 1276 FTLN 1277 FTLN 1278 FTLN 1279 FTLN 1280 FTLN 1281 FTLN 1282 FTLN 1283 FTLN 1284 FTLN 1285 FTLN 1286 FTLN 1287 FTLN 1288 FTLN 1289 FTLN 1290 Zounds, you rogue, you rascal! MONTANO What’s the matter, lieutenant? CASSIO A knave teach me my duty? I’ll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. RODERIGO Beat me? CASSIO Dost thou prate, rogue? He hits Roderigo. MONTANO Nay, good lieutenant. I pray you, sir, hold your hand. CASSIO Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazard. MONTANO Come, come, you’re drunk. CASSIO Drunk? They fight. IAGO, aside to Roderigo Away, I say! Go out and cry a mutiny. Roderigo exits. Nay, good lieutenant.— God’s will, gentlemen!— Help, ho! Lieutenant—sir—Montano— sir — Help, masters!—Here’s a goodly watch indeed! A bell is rung. CASSIO 155 160 165 93 FTLN 1291 FTLN 1292 FTLN 1293 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Who’s that which rings the bell? Diablo, ho! The town will rise. God’s will, lieutenant, hold! You will be shamed forever. 170 Enter Othello and Attendants. OTHELLO FTLN 1294 FTLN 1295 FTLN 1296 FTLN 1297 FTLN 1298 What is the matter here? Zounds, I bleed still. I am hurt to th’ death. He dies! He attacks Cassio. OTHELLO Hold, for your lives! MONTANO 175 IAGO FTLN 1299 FTLN 1300 FTLN 1301 FTLN 1302 Hold, ho! Lieutenant—sir—Montano— gentlemen— Have you forgot all sense of place and duty? Hold! The General speaks to you. Hold, for shame! 180 OTHELLO FTLN 1303 FTLN 1304 FTLN 1305 FTLN 1306 FTLN 1307 FTLN 1308 FTLN 1309 FTLN 1310 FTLN 1311 FTLN 1312 Why, how now, ho! From whence ariseth this? Are we turned Turks, and to ourselves do that Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl! He that stirs next to carve for his own rage Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion. Silence that dreadful bell. It frights the isle From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, Speak. Who began this? On thy love, I charge thee. 185 190 IAGO FTLN 1313 FTLN 1314 FTLN 1315 FTLN 1316 FTLN 1317 FTLN 1318 FTLN 1319 FTLN 1320 FTLN 1321 I do not know. Friends all but now, even now, In quarter and in terms like bride and groom Divesting them for bed; and then but now, As if some planet had unwitted men, Swords out, and tilting one at other’s breast, In opposition bloody. I cannot speak Any beginning to this peevish odds, And would in action glorious I had lost Those legs that brought me to a part of it! 195 95 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 OTHELLO FTLN 1322 How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? 200 CASSIO FTLN 1323 I pray you pardon me; I cannot speak. OTHELLO FTLN 1324 FTLN 1325 FTLN 1326 FTLN 1327 FTLN 1328 FTLN 1329 FTLN 1330 Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil. The gravity and stillness of your youth The world hath noted. And your name is great In mouths of wisest censure. What’s the matter That you unlace your reputation thus, And spend your rich opinion for the name Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it. 205 MONTANO FTLN 1331 FTLN 1332 FTLN 1333 FTLN 1334 FTLN 1335 FTLN 1336 FTLN 1337 FTLN 1338 FTLN 1339 FTLN 1340 FTLN 1341 FTLN 1342 FTLN 1343 FTLN 1344 FTLN 1345 FTLN 1346 FTLN 1347 FTLN 1348 FTLN 1349 FTLN 1350 FTLN 1351 FTLN 1352 FTLN 1353 Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. Your officer Iago can inform you, While I spare speech, which something now offends me, Of all that I do know; nor know I aught By me that’s said or done amiss this night, Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice, And to defend ourselves it be a sin When violence assails us. OTHELLO Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule, And passion, having my best judgment collied, Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir, Or do but lift this arm, the best of you Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know How this foul rout began, who set it on; And he that is approved in this offense, Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth, Shall lose me. What, in a town of war Yet wild, the people’s hearts brimful of fear, To manage private and domestic quarrel, In night, and on the court and guard of safety? ’Tis monstrous. Iago, who began ’t? 210 215 220 225 230 97 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 MONTANO FTLN 1354 FTLN 1355 FTLN 1356 FTLN 1357 FTLN 1358 FTLN 1359 FTLN 1360 FTLN 1361 FTLN 1362 FTLN 1363 FTLN 1364 FTLN 1365 FTLN 1366 FTLN 1367 FTLN 1368 FTLN 1369 FTLN 1370 FTLN 1371 FTLN 1372 FTLN 1373 FTLN 1374 FTLN 1375 FTLN 1376 FTLN 1377 FTLN 1378 FTLN 1379 FTLN 1380 FTLN 1381 FTLN 1382 FTLN 1383 FTLN 1384 FTLN 1385 FTLN 1386 FTLN 1387 If partially affined, or leagued in office, Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, Thou art no soldier. IAGO Touch me not so near. I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio. Yet I persuade myself, to speak the truth Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general: Montano and myself being in speech, There comes a fellow crying out for help, And Cassio following him with determined sword To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman Pointing to Montano. Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause. Myself the crying fellow did pursue, Lest by his clamor—as it so fell out— The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot, Outran my purpose, and I returned the rather For that I heard the clink and fall of swords And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight I ne’er might say before. When I came back— For this was brief—I found them close together At blow and thrust, even as again they were When you yourself did part them. More of this matter cannot I report. But men are men; the best sometimes forget. Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, As men in rage strike those that wish them best, Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received From him that fled some strange indignity Which patience could not pass. OTHELLO I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio.—Cassio, I love thee, But nevermore be officer of mine. 235 240 245 250 255 260 265 99 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Enter Desdemona attended. FTLN 1388 FTLN 1389 Look if my gentle love be not raised up! I’ll make thee an example. DESDEMONA FTLN 1390 FTLN 1391 FTLN 1392 FTLN 1393 FTLN 1394 FTLN 1395 FTLN 1396 FTLN 1397 FTLN 1398 FTLN 1399 FTLN 1400 FTLN 1401 FTLN 1402 FTLN 1403 FTLN 1404 FTLN 1405 FTLN 1406 FTLN 1407 FTLN 1408 FTLN 1409 FTLN 1410 FTLN 1411 FTLN 1412 FTLN 1413 FTLN 1414 FTLN 1415 FTLN 1416 FTLN 1417 FTLN 1418 FTLN 1419 What is the matter, dear? All’s well now, sweeting. Come away to bed. To Montano. Sir, for your hurts, Myself will be your surgeon.—Lead him off. Montano is led off. Iago, look with care about the town And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.— Come, Desdemona. ’Tis the soldier’s life To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. All but Iago and Cassio exit. IAGO What, are you hurt, lieutenant? CASSIO Ay, past all surgery. IAGO Marry, God forbid! CASSIO Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation! IAGO As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound. There is more sense in that than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving. You have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What, man, there are ways to recover the General again! You are but now cast in his mood—a punishment more in policy than in malice, even so as one would beat his offenseless dog to affright an imperious lion. Sue to him again and he’s yours. CASSIO I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with so slight, so drunken, OTHELLO 270 275 280 285 290 295 101 FTLN 1420 FTLN 1421 FTLN 1422 FTLN 1423 FTLN 1424 FTLN 1425 FTLN 1426 FTLN 1427 FTLN 1428 FTLN 1429 FTLN 1430 FTLN 1431 FTLN 1432 FTLN 1433 FTLN 1434 FTLN 1435 FTLN 1436 FTLN 1437 FTLN 1438 FTLN 1439 FTLN 1440 FTLN 1441 FTLN 1442 FTLN 1443 FTLN 1444 FTLN 1445 FTLN 1446 FTLN 1447 FTLN 1448 FTLN 1449 FTLN 1450 FTLN 1451 FTLN 1452 FTLN 1453 FTLN 1454 FTLN 1455 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? And speak parrot? And squabble? Swagger? Swear? And discourse fustian with one’s own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil! IAGO What was he that you followed with your sword? What had he done to you? CASSIO I know not. IAGO Is ’t possible? CASSIO I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! That we should with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause transform ourselves into beasts! IAGO Why, but you are now well enough. How came you thus recovered? CASSIO It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath. One unperfectness shows me another, to make me frankly despise myself. IAGO Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time, the place, and the condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not so befallen. But since it is as it is, mend it for your own good. CASSIO I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O, strange! Every inordinate cup is unblessed, and the ingredient is a devil. IAGO Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used. Exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you. CASSIO I have well approved it, sir.—I drunk! IAGO You or any man living may be drunk at a time, man. I’ll tell you what you shall do. Our general’s 300 305 310 315 320 325 330 103 FTLN 1456 FTLN 1457 FTLN 1458 FTLN 1459 FTLN 1460 FTLN 1461 FTLN 1462 FTLN 1463 FTLN 1464 FTLN 1465 FTLN 1466 FTLN 1467 FTLN 1468 FTLN 1469 FTLN 1470 FTLN 1471 FTLN 1472 FTLN 1473 FTLN 1474 FTLN 1475 FTLN 1476 FTLN 1477 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 wife is now the general: I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement of her parts and graces. Confess yourself freely to her. Importune her help to put you in your place again. She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested. This broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to splinter, and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before. CASSIO You advise me well. IAGO I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness. CASSIO I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me here. IAGO You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant. I must to the watch. CASSIO Good night, honest Iago. Cassio exits. 335 340 345 350 355 IAGO FTLN 1478 FTLN 1479 FTLN 1480 FTLN 1481 FTLN 1482 FTLN 1483 FTLN 1484 FTLN 1485 FTLN 1486 FTLN 1487 FTLN 1488 FTLN 1489 FTLN 1490 And what’s he, then, that says I play the villain, When this advice is free I give and honest, Probal to thinking, and indeed the course To win the Moor again? For ’tis most easy Th’ inclining Desdemona to subdue In any honest suit. She’s framed as fruitful As the free elements. And then for her To win the Moor— were ’t to renounce his baptism, All seals and symbols of redeemèd sin— His soul is so enfettered to her love That she may make, unmake, do what she list, Even as her appetite shall play the god With his weak function. How am I then a villain 360 365 105 FTLN 1491 FTLN 1492 FTLN 1493 FTLN 1494 FTLN 1495 FTLN 1496 FTLN 1497 FTLN 1498 FTLN 1499 FTLN 1500 FTLN 1501 FTLN 1502 FTLN 1503 FTLN 1504 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 To counsel Cassio to this parallel course Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now. For whiles this honest fool Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear: That she repeals him for her body’s lust; And by how much she strives to do him good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So will I turn her virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all. 370 375 380 Enter Roderigo. How now, Roderigo? I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent, I have been tonight exceedingly well cudgeled, and I think the issue will be I shall have so much experience for my pains, and so, with no money at all and a little more wit, return again to Venice. FTLN 1505 FTLN 1506 RODERIGO FTLN 1507 FTLN 1508 FTLN 1509 FTLN 1510 FTLN 1511 FTLN 1512 385 390 IAGO FTLN 1513 FTLN 1514 FTLN 1515 FTLN 1516 FTLN 1517 FTLN 1518 FTLN 1519 FTLN 1520 FTLN 1521 FTLN 1522 FTLN 1523 How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft, And wit depends on dilatory time. Does ’t not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashiered Cassio. Though other things grow fair against the sun, Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. Content thyself awhile. By th’ Mass, ’tis morning! Pleasure and action make the hours seem short. Retire thee; go where thou art billeted. 395 400 107 FTLN 1524 FTLN 1525 FTLN 1526 FTLN 1527 FTLN 1528 FTLN 1529 FTLN 1530 FTLN 1531 FTLN 1532 Othello ACT 2. SC. 3 Away, I say! Thou shalt know more hereafter. Nay, get thee gone. Roderigo exits. Two things are to be done. My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress. I’ll set her on. Myself the while to draw the Moor apart And bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife. Ay, that’s the way. Dull not device by coldness and delay. He exits. 405 410 ACT 3 Scene 1 Enter Cassio with Musicians. CASSIO FTLN 1533 FTLN 1534 FTLN 1535 Masters, play here (I will content your pains) Something that’s brief; and bid “Good morrow, general.” They play. Enter the Clown. FTLN 1536 FTLN 1537 FTLN 1538 FTLN 1539 FTLN 1540 FTLN 1541 FTLN 1542 FTLN 1543 FTLN 1544 FTLN 1545 FTLN 1546 FTLN 1547 FTLN 1548 FTLN 1549 FTLN 1550 FTLN 1551 FTLN 1552 FTLN 1553 Why masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that they speak i’ th’ nose thus? MUSICIAN How, sir, how? CLOWN Are these, I pray you, wind instruments? MUSICIAN Ay, marry, are they, sir. CLOWN O, thereby hangs a tail. MUSICIAN Whereby hangs a tale, sir? CLOWN Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, masters, here’s money for you; and the General so likes your music that he desires you, for love’s sake, to make no more noise with it. MUSICIAN Well, sir, we will not. CLOWN If you have any music that may not be heard, to ’t again. But, as they say, to hear music the General does not greatly care. MUSICIAN We have none such, sir. CLOWN Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I’ll away. Go, vanish into air, away! 111 CLOWN 5 10 15 20 113 ACT 3. SC. 1 Othello Musicians exit. Dost thou hear, mine honest friend? No, I hear not your honest friend. I hear you. CASSIO Prithee, keep up thy quillets. Giving money. There’s a poor piece of gold for thee. If the gentlewoman that attends the General’s wife be stirring, tell her there’s one Cassio entreats her a little favor of speech. Wilt thou do this? CLOWN She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her. FTLN 1554 CASSIO FTLN 1555 CLOWN FTLN 1556 FTLN 1557 FTLN 1558 FTLN 1559 FTLN 1560 FTLN 1561 FTLN 1562 25 30 CASSIO FTLN 1563 Clown exits. Do, good my friend. Enter Iago. FTLN 1564 FTLN 1565 FTLN 1566 FTLN 1567 FTLN 1568 FTLN 1569 FTLN 1570 FTLN 1571 FTLN 1572 FTLN 1573 FTLN 1574 In happy time, Iago. IAGO You have not been abed, then? CASSIO Why, no. The day had broke Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, To send in to your wife. My suit to her Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona Procure me some access. IAGO I’ll send her to you presently, And I’ll devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and business May be more free. 35 40 CASSIO FTLN 1575 FTLN 1576 FTLN 1577 I humbly thank you for ’t. Iago exits. I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest. Enter Emilia. EMILIA FTLN 1578 FTLN 1579 FTLN 1580 FTLN 1581 Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry For your displeasure, but all will sure be well. The General and his wife are talking of it, And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies 45 115 FTLN 1582 FTLN 1583 FTLN 1584 FTLN 1585 FTLN 1586 FTLN 1587 FTLN 1588 FTLN 1589 FTLN 1590 FTLN 1591 FTLN 1592 FTLN 1593 FTLN 1594 FTLN 1595 FTLN 1596 Othello ACT 3. SC. 2 That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loves you And needs no other suitor but his likings To take the safest occasion by the front To bring you in again. CASSIO Yet I beseech you, If you think fit, or that it may be done, Give me advantage of some brief discourse With Desdemon alone. EMILIA Pray you come in. I will bestow you where you shall have time To speak your bosom freely. CASSIO I am much bound to you. They exit. 50 55 60 Scene 2 Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen. OTHELLO FTLN 1597 FTLN 1598 FTLN 1599 FTLN 1600 FTLN 1601 These letters give, Iago, to the pilot And by him do my duties to the Senate. He gives Iago some papers. That done, I will be walking on the works. Repair there to me. IAGO Well, my good lord, I’ll do ’t. OTHELLO FTLN 1602 This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see ’t? GENTLEMEN FTLN 1603 We wait upon your Lordship. They exit. 5 117 Othello ACT 3. SC. 3 Scene 3 Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. DESDEMONA FTLN 1604 FTLN 1605 Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf. EMILIA FTLN 1606 FTLN 1607 Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband As if the cause were his. DESDEMONA FTLN 1608 FTLN 1609 FTLN 1610 FTLN 1611 FTLN 1612 FTLN 1613 O, that’s an honest fellow! Do not doubt, Cassio, But I will have my lord and you again As friendly as you were. CASSIO Bounteous madam, Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, He’s never anything but your true servant. 5 10 DESDEMONA FTLN 1614 FTLN 1615 FTLN 1616 FTLN 1617 FTLN 1618 FTLN 1619 FTLN 1620 FTLN 1621 FTLN 1622 FTLN 1623 I know ’t. I thank you. You do love my lord; You have known him long; and be you well assured He shall in strangeness stand no farther off Than in a politic distance. CASSIO Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, Or breed itself so out of circumstance, That, I being absent and my place supplied, My general will forget my love and service. 15 20 DESDEMONA FTLN 1624 FTLN 1625 FTLN 1626 FTLN 1627 FTLN 1628 FTLN 1629 FTLN 1630 FTLN 1631 Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here, I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee, If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it To the last article. My lord shall never rest: I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; I’ll intermingle everything he does With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio, 25 119 FTLN 1632 FTLN 1633 ACT 3. SC. 3 Othello For thy solicitor shall rather die Than give thy cause away. 30 Enter Othello and Iago. Madam, here comes my lord. Madam, I’ll take my leave. DESDEMONA Why, stay, and hear me speak. FTLN 1634 EMILIA FTLN 1635 CASSIO FTLN 1636 CASSIO FTLN 1637 FTLN 1638 FTLN 1639 Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease, Unfit for mine own purposes. DESDEMONA Well, do your discretion. 35 Cassio exits. IAGO FTLN 1640 FTLN 1641 Ha, I like not that. OTHELLO What dost thou say? IAGO FTLN 1642 Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what. OTHELLO FTLN 1643 Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? 40 IAGO FTLN 1644 FTLN 1645 FTLN 1646 FTLN 1647 FTLN 1648 FTLN 1649 FTLN 1650 FTLN 1651 Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing your coming. OTHELLO I do believe ’twas he. DESDEMONA How now, my lord? I have been talking with a suitor here, A man that languishes in your displeasure. OTHELLO Who is ’t you mean? 45 DESDEMONA FTLN 1652 FTLN 1653 FTLN 1654 FTLN 1655 FTLN 1656 FTLN 1657 FTLN 1658 FTLN 1659 Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take; For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, I have no judgment in an honest face. I prithee call him back. OTHELLO Went he hence now? 50 55 121 FTLN 1660 FTLN 1661 FTLN 1662 Othello ACT 3. SC. 3 Yes, faith, so humbled That he hath left part of his grief with me To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. DESDEMONA OTHELLO FTLN 1663 Not now, sweet Desdemon. Some other time. 60 DESDEMONA FTLN 1664 FTLN 1665 But shall ’t be shortly? OTHELLO The sooner, sweet, for you. DESDEMONA FTLN 1666 Shall ’t be tonight at supper? No, not tonight. Tomorrow dinner, then? OTHELLO I shall not dine at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. FTLN 1667 OTHELLO FTLN 1668 DESDEMONA FTLN 1669 FTLN 1670 65 DESDEMONA FTLN 1671 FTLN 1672 FTLN 1673 FTLN 1674 FTLN 1675 FTLN 1676 FTLN 1677 FTLN 1678 FTLN 1679 FTLN 1680 FTLN 1681 FTLN 1682 FTLN 1683 FTLN 1684 FTLN 1685 Why then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, On Tuesday noon or night; on Wednesday morn. I prithee name the time, but let it not Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent; And yet his trespass, in our common reason— Save that, they say, the wars must make example Out of her best—is not almost a fault T’ incur a private check. When shall he come? Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul What you would ask me that I should deny, Or stand so mamm’ring on? What? Michael Cassio, That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time, When I have spoke of you dispraisingly, Hath ta’en your part—to have so much to do To bring him in! By ’r Lady, I could do much— 70 75 80 OTHELLO FTLN 1686 FTLN 1687 FTLN 1688 FTLN 1689 FTLN 1690 Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing. DESDEMONA Why, this is not a boon! ’Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, 85 123 FTLN 1691 FTLN 1692 FTLN 1693 FTLN 1694 FTLN 1695 FTLN 1696 FTLN 1697 FTLN 1698 Othello ACT 3. SC. 3 Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, And fearful to be granted. OTHELLO I will deny thee nothing! Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, To leave me but a little to myself. 90 95 DESDEMONA FTLN 1699 Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord. OTHELLO FTLN 1700 Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight. DESDEMONA FTLN 1701 FTLN 1702 Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies teach you. Whate’er you be, I am obedient. Desdemona and Emilia exit. OTHELLO FTLN 1703 FTLN 1704 FTLN 1705 FTLN 1706 Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, Chaos is come again. IAGO My noble lord— 100 OTHELLO FTLN 1707 FTLN 1708 FTLN 1709 What dost thou say, Iago? Did Michael Cassio, When you wooed my lady, know of your love? IAGO 105 OTHELLO FTLN 1710 He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask? IAGO FTLN 1711 FTLN 1712 FTLN 1713 But for a satisfaction of my thought, No further harm. OTHELLO Why of thy thought, Iago? IAGO FTLN 1714 I did not think he had been acquainted with her. OTHELLO FTLN 1715 FTLN 1716 O yes, and went between us very oft. IAGO Indeed? 110 125 Othello ACT 3. SC. 3 OTHELLO FTLN 1717 FTLN 1718 FTLN 1719 FTLN 1720 Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern’st thou aught in that? Is he not honest? IAGO Honest, my lord? OTHELLO Honest—ay, honest. 115 IAGO FTLN 1721 My lord, for aught I know. FTLN 1722 OTHELLO FTLN 1723 IAGO What dost thou think? Think, my lord? 120 OTHELLO FTLN 1724 FTLN 1725 FTLN 1726 FTLN 1727 FTLN 1728 FTLN 1729 FTLN 1730 FTLN 1731 FTLN 1732 FTLN 1733 FTLN 1734 FTLN 1735 FTLN 1736 FTLN 1737 FTLN 1738 FTLN 1739 FTLN 1740 FTLN 1741 FTLN 1742 FTLN 1743 FTLN 1744 FTLN 1745 FTLN 1746 FTLN 1747 FTLN 1748 “Think, my lord?” By heaven, thou echo’st me As if there were some monster in thy thought Too hideous to be shown.