William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Jessica Slights for the Internet Shakespeare Editions. Victoria: University of Victoria. Last modified 2019-01-11. https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Oth_M/complete/index.html

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) Slights, Jessica (Editor de la edición crítica) Tronch Pérez, Jesús (Editor digital)

English · Verso · 2647 versos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0697_TheTragedyOfOthelloTheMoorOfVenice

Bibliografía

Traducciones

Español

Shakespeare, William. Obras completas de Shakespeare, traducidas y anotadas por Cipriano Montoliu. Tra. Montoliu, Cipriano. Barcelona: Seguí, [1610].

Italiano

"Otello". Tra. Cecchi, Emilio; Cecchi D’Amico, Suso. Ed. Praz, Mario. Shakespeare: Teatro. Vol. 3. Firenze: Salvador Manero, 1946.

Note on this digital edition

©Internet Shakespeare Editions. In contrast to the line numbering based on the continuous Through Line Numbers (from Hinman’s Norton facsimile of Shakespeare’s First Folio), in this digital edition for EMOTHE numbers indicate verse lines and paragrafs in a prose speech within each scene.

List of characters

Othello the Moor

Brabantio father to Desdemona

Cassio an honorable lieutenant

Iago a villain

Roderigo a gulled gentleman

Duke of Venice

Senators

Montano Governor of Cyprus

Lodovico a noble Venetian

Gratiano a noble Venetian

Sailors

Clown

Desdemona wife to Othello

Emilia wife to Iago

Bianca a courtesan

Messenger

Herald

Officers

Gentlemen of Cyprus

Musicians

Attendants and servants

All

1.1

(Enter Roderigo and Iago.)

Roderigo

Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly 1

That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse 2

As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. 3

Iago

’Sblood, but you’ll not hear me! If ever I 4

Did dream of such a matter, abhor me. 5

Roderigo

Thou told’st me thou didst hold him in thy hate. 6

Iago

Despise me if I do not. Three great ones of the city, 7

In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, 8

Off-capped to him—and by the faith of man 9

I know my price; I am worth no worse a place— 10

But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, 11

Evades them with a bombast circumstance 12

Horribly stuffed with epithets of war, 13

Non-suits my mediators. For “Certes”, says he, 14

“I have already chose my officer”. 15

And what was he? 16

Forsooth, a great arithmetician, 17

One Michael Cassio, a Florentine— 18

A fellow almost damned in a fair wife— 19

That never set a squadron in the field, 20

Nor the division of a battle knows 21

More than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric 22

Wherein the tonguèd consuls can propose 23

As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice 24

Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th’election; 25

And I—of whom his eyes had seen the proof 26

At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds, 27

Christened and heathen—must be beleed and calmed 28

By debitor and creditor. This countercaster, 29

He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, 30

And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient. 31

Roderigo

By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. 32

Iago

Why, there’s no remedy. ’Tis the curse of service; 33

Preferment goes by letter and affection, 34

And not by old gradation, where each second 35

Stood heir to th’first. Now sir, be judge yourself 36

Whether I in any just term am affined 37

To love the Moor. 38

Roderigo

I would not follow him then. 39

Iago

Oh, sir, content you. 40

I follow him to serve my turn upon him. 41

We cannot all be masters, nor all masters 42

Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark 43

Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave 44

That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, 45

Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass, 46

For naught but provender, and when he’s old—cashiered. 47

Whip me such honest knaves! Others there are 48

Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, 49

Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, 50

And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, 51

Do well thrive by them—and, when they have lined their coats, 52

Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul, 53

And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, 54

It is as sure as you are Roderigo, 55

Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago. 56

In following him, I follow but myself. 57

Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, 58

But seeming so for my peculiar end. 59

For when my outward action doth demonstrate 60

The native act and figure of my heart 61

In complement extern, ’tis not long after 62

But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve 63

For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. 64

Roderigo

What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe 65

If he can carry’t thus! 66

Iago

Call up her father.

Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, 67

Proclaim him in the streets. Incense her kinsmen, 68

And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, 69

Plague him with flies; though that his joy be joy, 70

Yet throw such chances of vexation on’t 71

As it may lose some color. 72

Roderigo

Here is her father’s house. I’ll call aloud. 73

Iago

Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell 74

As when, by night and negligence, the fire 75

Is spied in populous cities. 76

Roderigo

What ho! Brabantio, Signor Brabantio, ho! 77

Iago

Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves! 78

Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! 79

Thieves, thieves! 80

([Enter Brabantio above at a window.])

Brabantio

What is the reason of this terrible summons? 81

What is the matter there? 82

Roderigo

Signor, is all your family within? 83

Iago

Are your doors locked? 84

Brabantio

Why? Wherefore ask you this?

Iago

Zounds, sir, you’re robbed! For shame, put on your gown! 85

Your heart is burst; you have lost half your soul. 86

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram 87

Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! 88

Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, 89

Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. 90

Arise, I say! 91

Brabantio

What, have you lost your wits?

Roderigo

Most reverend signor, do you know my voice? 92

Brabantio

Not I. What are you? 93

Roderigo

My name is Roderigo. 94

Brabantio

The worser welcome. 95

I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. 96

In honest plainness thou hast heard me say 97

My daughter is not for thee. And now in madness, 98

Being full of supper and distempering drafts, 99

Upon malicious bravery dost thou come 100

To start my quiet. 101

Roderigo

Sir, sir, sir—

Brabantio

But thou must needs be sure

My spirit and my place have in their power 102

To make this bitter to thee. 103

Roderigo

Patience, good sir.

Brabantio

What tell’st thou me of robbing? This is Venice; 104

My house is not a grange. 105

Roderigo

Most grave Brabantio,

In simple and pure soul, I come to you. 106

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? 108

Iago

I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs.

Brabantio

Thou art a villain. 110

Iago

You are a senator.

Brabantio

This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo. 111

Roderigo

Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you, 112

If’t be your pleasure and most wise consent, 113

As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter, 114

At this odd-even and dull watch o’th’night, 115

Transported with no worse nor better guard 116

But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, 117

To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor— 118

If this be known to you and your allowance, 119

We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs. 120

But if you know not this, my manners tell me 121

We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe 122

That from the sense of all civility 123

I thus would play and trifle with your reverence. 124

Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, 125

I say again, hath made a gross revolt, 126

Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes 127

In an extravagant and wheeling stranger 128

Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself: 129

If she be in her chamber or your house, 130

Let loose on me the justice of the state 131

For thus deluding you. 132

Brabantio

Strike on the tinder, ho!

Give me a taper. Call up all my people. 133

This accident is not unlike my dream; 134

Belief of it oppresses me already. 135

Light, I say, light! 136

(Exit [Brabantio].)

Iago

Farewell, for I must leave you.

It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place 137

To be produced—as, if I stay, I shall— 138

Against the Moor. For I do know the state, 139

However this may gall him with some check, 140

Cannot with safety cast him, for he’s embarked 141

With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, 142

Which even now stands in act, that for their souls 143

Another of his fathom they have none 144

To lead their business. In which regard, 145

Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, 146

Yet, for necessity of present life, 147

I must show out a flag and sign of love— 148

Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him, 149

Lead to the Sagittary the raisèd search, 150

And there will I be with him. So farewell. 151

(Exit [Iago].)

(Enter Brabantio in his nightgown, and servants with torches.)

Brabantio

It is too true an evil. Gone she is, 152

And what’s to come of my despisèd time 153

Is naught but bitterness. Now Roderigo, 154

Where didst thou see her?—Oh, unhappy girl!— 155

With the Moor sayst thou?—Who would be a father?— 156

How didst thou know ’twas she?—Oh, she deceives me 157

Past thought!—What said she to you? Get more tapers; 158

Raise all my kindred! Are they married think you? 159

Roderigo

Truly, I think they are. 160

Brabantio

O heaven! How got she out? Oh, treason of the blood! 161

Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds 162

By what you see them act. Is there not charms 163

By which the property of youth and maidhood 164

May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, 165

Of some such thing? 166

Roderigo

Yes, sir, I have indeed.

Brabantio

Call up my brother.—Oh, would you had had her!— 167

Some one way, some another.—Do you know 168

Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? 169

Roderigo

I think I can discover him, if you please 170

To get good guard and go along with me. 171

Brabantio

Pray you, lead on. At every house I’ll call— 172

I may command at most. Get weapons, ho, 173

And raise some special officers of night! 174

On, good Roderigo; I will deserve your pains. 175

(Exeunt.)

1.2

(Enter Othello, Iago, [and] attendants, with torches.)

Iago

Though in the trade of war I have slain men, 176

Yet do I hold it very stuff o’th’conscience 177

To do no contrived murder; I lack iniquity 178

Sometime to do me service. Nine or ten times 179

I had thought t’have yerked him here under the ribs. 180

Othello

’Tis better as it is. 181

Iago

Nay, but he prated,

And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms 182

Against your honor 183

That with the little godliness I have 184

I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir, 185

Are you fast married? Be assured of this, 186

That the magnifico is much beloved, 187

And hath in his effect a voice potential 188

As double as the duke’s. He will divorce you, 189

Or put upon you what restraint or grievance 190

The law, with all his might to enforce it on, 191

Will give him cable. 192

Othello

Let him do his spite;

My services, which I have done the signory, 193

Shall out-tongue his complaints. ’Tis yet to know— 194

Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, 195

I shall promulgate—I fetch my life and being 196

From men of royal siege; and my demerits 197

May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune 198

As this that I have reached. For know, Iago, 199

But that I love the gentle Desdemona, 200

I would not my unhousèd free condition 201

Put into circumscription and confine 202

For the sea’s worth. But look, what lights come yond? 203

(Enter Cassio [and officers] with torches.)

Iago

Those are the raisèd father and his friends; 204

You were best go in. 205

Othello

Not I. I must be found.

My parts, my title, and my perfect soul 206

Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? 207

Iago

By Janus, I think no. 208

Othello

The servants of the duke? And my lieutenant? 209

The goodness of the night upon you, friends. 210

What is the news? 211

Cassio

The duke does greet you, general,

And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance, 212

Even on the instant. 213

Othello

What is the matter, think you?

Cassio

Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. 214

It is a business of some heat. The galleys 215

Have sent a dozen sequent messengers 216

This very night at one another’s heels, 217

And many of the consuls, raised and met, 218

Are at the duke’s already. You have been hotly called for, 219

When, being not at your lodging to be found, 220

The Senate hath sent about three several quests 221

To search you out. 222

Othello

’Tis well I am found by you.

I will but spend a word here in the house 223

And go with you. 224

([Exit Othello.])

Cassio

Ancient, what makes he here?

Iago

Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack. 225

If it prove lawful prize, he’s made forever. 226

Cassio

I do not understand. 227

Iago

He’s married.

Cassio

To who?

Iago

Marry to— 228

([Enter Othello.])

Come captain, will you go?

Othello

Have with you.

Cassio

Here comes another troop to seek for you. 229

(Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, [and] officers [with] torches [and weapons].)

Iago

It is Brabantio. General, be advised; 230

He comes to bad intent. 231

Othello

Holla, stand there.

Roderigo

Signor, it is the Moor. 232

Brabantio

Down with him, thief.

([Both sides draw their swords.])

Iago

You, Roderigo? Come, sir, I am for you. 233

Othello

Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signor, you shall more command with years than with your weapons.

Brabantio

O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? 235

Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her; 236

For I’ll refer me to all things of sense 237

If she in chains of magic were not bound, 238

Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, 239

So opposite to marriage that she shunned 240

The wealthy curled darlings of our nation, 241

Would ever have, t’incur a general mock, 242

Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom 243

Of such a thing as thou—to fear, not to delight. 244

Judge me the world, if ’tis not gross in sense 245

That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms, 246

Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals 247

That weaken motion. I’ll have’t disputed on— 248

’Tis probable and palpable to thinking. 249

I therefore apprehend and do attach thee 250

For an abuser of the world, a practicer 251

Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. 252

Lay hold upon him; if he do resist, 253

Subdue him at his peril. 254

Othello

Hold your hands,

Both you of my inclining and the rest. 255

Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it 256

Without a prompter. Whither will you that I go 257

To answer this your charge? 258

Brabantio

To prison, till fit time

Of law and course of direct session 259

Call thee to answer. 260

Othello

What if I do obey?

How may the duke be therewith satisfied, 261

Whose messengers are here about my side 262

Upon some present business of the state 263

To bring me to him? 264

Officer

’Tis true, most worthy signor.

The duke’s in council, and your noble self 265

I am sure is sent for. 266

Brabantio

How? The duke in council?

In this time of the night? Bring him away! 267

Mine’s not an idle cause. The duke himself, 268

Or any of my brothers of the state, 269

Cannot but feel this wrong as ’twere their own; 270

For if such actions may have passage free, 271

Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. 272

(Exeunt.)

1.3

(Enter Duke [and] Senators [at a table, with lights] and officers.)

Duke

There is no composition in this news 273

That gives them credit. 274

1 Senator

Indeed, they are disproportioned;

My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. 275

Duke

And mine a hundred forty. 276

2 Senator

And mine two hundred.

But though they jump not on a just account— 277

As in these cases where the aim reports 278

’Tis oft with difference—yet do they all confirm 279

A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. 280

Duke

Nay, it is possible enough to judgment; 281

I do not so secure me in the error, 282

But the main article I do approve 283

In fearful sense. 284

Sailor

(Within) What ho, what ho, what ho! 285

(Enter Sailor.)

Officer

A messenger from the galleys. 286

Duke

Now, what’s the business? 287

Sailor

The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes, 288

So was I bid report here to the state 289

By Signor Angelo. 290

Duke

How say you by this change? 291

1 Senator

This cannot be,

By no assay of reason. ’Tis a pageant 292

To keep us in false gaze. When we consider 293

Th’importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, 294

And let ourselves again but understand 295

That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, 296

So may he with more facile question bear it, 297

For that it stands not in such warlike brace, 298

But altogether lacks th’abilities 299

That Rhodes is dressed in. If we make thought of this, 300

We must not think the Turk is so unskillful 301

To leave that latest which concerns him first, 302

Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain 303

To wake and wage a danger profitless. 304

Nay, in all confidence he’s not for Rhodes. 305

Officer

Here is more news. 306

(Enter a Messenger.)

Messenger

The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, 307

Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, 308

Have there injointed them with an after fleet. 309

1 Senator

Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? 310

Messenger

Of thirty sail; and now they do restem 311

Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance 312

Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signor Montano, 313

Your trusty and most valiant servitor, 314

With his free duty, recommends you thus 315

And prays you to believe him. 316

Duke

’Tis certain then for Cyprus. 317

Marcus Luccicos—is not he in town? 318

1 Senator

He’s now in Florence. 319

Duke

Write from us to him; post-post-haste, dispatch. 320

1 Senator

Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. 321

(Enter Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo, and officers.)

Duke

Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you 322

Against the general enemy Ottoman. 323

[To Brabantio] I did not see you. Welcome, gentle signor. 324

We lacked your counsel and your help tonight. 325

Brabantio

So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me. 326

Neither my place nor aught I heard of business 327

Hath raised me from my bed; nor doth the general care 328

Take hold on me, for my particular grief 329

Is of so floodgate and o’erbearing nature 330

That it engluts and swallows other sorrows 331

And it is still itself. 332

Duke

Why? What’s the matter?

Brabantio

My daughter! Oh, my daughter! 333

1 Senator

Dead?

Brabantio

Ay, to me.

She is abused, stolen from me, and corrupted 334

By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; 335

For nature so preposterously to err— 336

Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense— 337

Sans witchcraft could not. 338

Duke

Whoe’er he be that in this foul proceeding 339

Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself, 340

And you of her, the bloody book of law 341

You shall yourself read in the bitter letter 342

After your own sense, yea, though our proper son 343

Stood in your action. 344

Brabantio

Humbly I thank your grace.

Here is the man—this Moor, whom now it seems 345

Your special mandate for the state affairs 346

Hath hither brought. 347

We are very sorry for’t.

Duke

[To Othello] What, in your own part, can you say to this? 348

Brabantio

Nothing but “This is so”. 349

Othello

Most potent, grave, and reverend signors, 350

My very noble and approved good masters, 351

That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter, 352

It is most true; true, I have married her. 353

The very head and front of my offending 354

Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, 355

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace— 356

For since these arms of mine had seven year’s pith, 357

Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used 358

Their dearest action in the tented field— 359

And little of this great world can I speak 360

More than pertains to feats of broils and battle, 361

And therefore little shall I grace my cause 362

In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, 363

I will a round, unvarnished tale deliver 364

Of my whole course of love—what drugs, what charms, 365

What conjuration, and what mighty magic— 366

For such proceeding I am charged withal— 367

I won his daughter. 368

Brabantio

A maiden never bold,

Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion 369

Blushed at herself, and she—in spite of nature, 370

Of years, of country, credit, everything— 371

To fall in love with what she feared to look on? 372

It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect 373

That will confess perfection so could err 374

Against all rules of nature, and must be driven 375

To find out practices of cunning hell 376

Why this should be. I therefore vouch again 377

That with some mixtures powerful o’er the blood, 378

Or with some dram conjured to this effect, 379

He wrought upon her. 380

Duke

To vouch this is no proof

Without more wider and more overt test 381

Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods 382

Of modern seeming do prefer against him. 383

1 Senator

But, Othello, speak: 384

Did you by indirect and forcèd courses 385

Subdue and poison this young maid’s affections? 386

Or came it by request and such fair question 387

As soul to soul affordeth? 388

Othello

I do beseech you,

Send for the lady to the Sagittary 389

And let her speak of me before her father; 390

If you do find me foul in her report, 391

The trust, the office I do hold of you 392

Not only take away, but let your sentence 393

Even fall upon my life. 394

Duke

Fetch Desdemona hither.

([Exeunt two or three officers.])

Othello

Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place. 395

([Exit Iago.])

And till she come, as truly as to heaven 396

I do confess the vices of my blood, 397

So justly to your grave ears I’ll present 398

How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love, 399

And she in mine. 400

Duke

Say it, Othello.

Othello

Her father loved me, oft invited me, 401

Still questioned me the story of my life 402

From year to year—the battle, sieges, fortune 403

That I have passed. 404

I ran it through, even from my boyish days 405

To th’very moment that he bade me tell it, 406

Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, 407

Of moving accidents by flood and field, 408

Of hairbreadth scapes i’th’imminent deadly breach; 409

Of being taken by the insolent foe 410

And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence 411

And portance in my traveler’s history, 412

Wherein of antars vast and deserts idle, 413

Rough quarries, rocks, hills whose heads touch heaven, 414

It was my hint to speak—such was my process— 415

And of the cannibals that each other eat, 416

The anthropophagi, and men whose heads 417

Do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to hear 418

Would Desdemona seriously incline, 419

But still the house affairs would draw her thence, 420

Which ever as she could with haste dispatch, 421

She’d come again and with a greedy ear 422

Devour up my discourse; which I, observing, 423

Took once a pliant hour and found good means 424

To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart 425

That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, 426

Whereof by parcels she had something heard, 427

But not intentively. I did consent, 428

And often did beguile her of her tears 429

When I did speak of some distressful stroke 430

That my youth suffered. My story being done, 431

She gave me for my pains a world of kisses; 432

She swore in faith ’twas strange, ’twas passing strange; 433

’Twas pitiful, ’twas wondrous pitiful. 434

She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished 435

That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me, 436

And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, 437

I should but teach him how to tell my story 438

And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake. 439

She loved me for the dangers I had passed, 440

And I loved her that she did pity them. 441

This only is the witchcraft I have used. 442

Here comes the lady; let her witness it. 443

(Enter Desdemona, Iago, [and] attendants.)

Duke

I think this tale would win my daughter too. 444

Good Brabantio, take up this mangled matter at the best. 445

Men do their broken weapons rather use 446

Than their bare hands. 447

Brabantio

I pray you hear her speak.

If she confess that she was half the wooer, 448

Destruction on my head if my bad blame 449

Light on the man. Come hither, gentle mistress. 450

Do you perceive in all this noble company 451

Where most you owe obedience? 452

Desdemona

My noble father,

I do perceive here a divided duty. 453

To you I am bound for life and education; 454

My life and education both do learn me 455

How to respect you. You are the lord of duty; 456

I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband, 457

And so much duty as my mother showed 458

To you, preferring you before her father, 459

So much I challenge that I may profess 460

Due to the Moor my lord. 461

Brabantio

God be with you! I have done. 462

Please it your grace, on to the state affairs. 463

I had rather to adopt a child than get it. 464

Come hither, Moor. 465

[To Othello] I here do give thee that with all my heart 466

Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart 467

I would keep from thee. 468

[To Desdemona] For your sake, jewel,

I am glad at soul I have no other child, 469

For thy escape would teach me tyranny 470

To hang clogs on them. 471

[To the Duke] I have done, my lord.

Duke

Let me speak like yourself and lay a sentence, 472

Which as a grise or step may help these lovers 473

Into your favor. 474

When remedies are past, the griefs are ended 475

By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. 476

To mourn a mischief that is past and gone 477

Is the next way to draw new mischief on. 478

What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, 479

Patience her injury a mockery makes. 480

The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief; 481

He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. 482

Brabantio

So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; 483

We lose it not so long as we can smile. 484

He bears the sentence well that nothing bears, 485

But the free comfort which from thence he hears; 486

But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow 487

That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. 488

These sentences to sugar or to gall, 489

Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. 490

But words are words; I never yet did hear 491

That the bruised heart was piercèd through the ears. 492

I humbly beseech you proceed to th’affairs of state. 493

Duke

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 more 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 boisterous expedition.

Othello

The tyrant custom, most grave senators, 495

Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war 496

My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize 497

A natural and prompt alacrity 498

I find in hardness, and do undertake 499

This present war against the Ottomites. 500

Most humbly therefore bending to your state, 501

I crave fit disposition for my wife, 502

Due reference of place and exhibition, 503

With such accommodation and besort 504

As levels with her breeding. 505

Duke

Why, at her father’s. 506

Brabantio

I will not have it so.

Othello

Nor I. 507

Desdemona

Nor would I there reside 508

To put my father in impatient thoughts 509

By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, 510

To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear, 511

And let me find a charter in your voice 512

T’assist my simpleness. 513

Duke

What would you, Desdemona?

Desdemona

That I did love the Moor to live with him, 514

My downright violence and storm of fortunes 515

May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued 516

Even to the very quality of my lord; 517

I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, 518

And to his honors and his valiant parts 519

Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. 520

So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, 521

A moth of peace, and he go to the war, 522

The rites for why I love him are bereft me, 523

And I a heavy interim shall support 524

By his dear absence. Let me go with him. 525

Othello

Let her have your voice. 526

Vouch with me, heaven; I therefore beg it not 527

To please the palate of my appetite, 528

Nor to comply with heat the young affects 529

In my defunct and proper satisfaction, 530

But to be free and bounteous to her mind; 531

And heaven defend your good souls that you think 532

I will your serious and great business scant 533

When she is with me. No, when light-winged toys 534

Of feathered Cupid seel with wanton dullness 535

My speculative and officed instruments 536

That my disports corrupt and taint my business, 537

Let housewives make a skillet of my helm 538

And all indign and base adversities 539

Make head against my estimation. 540

Duke

Be it as you shall privately determine, 541

Either for her stay or going. Th’affair cries haste, 542

And speed must answer it. 543

1 Senator

You must away tonight.

Desdemona

Tonight, my lord? 544

Duke

This night.

Othello

With all my heart.

Duke

At nine i’th’morning here we’ll meet again. 545

Othello, leave some officer behind 546

And he shall our commission bring to you, 547

And such things else of quality and respect 548

As doth import you. 549

Othello

So please your grace, my ancient—

A man he is of honesty and trust— 550

To his conveyance I assign my wife, 551

With what else needful your good grace shall think 552

To be sent after me. 553

Duke

Let it be so.

Goodnight to everyone—and, noble signor, 554

If virtue no delighted beauty lack, 555

Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. 556

1 Senator

Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. 557

Brabantio

Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; 558

She has deceived her father, and may thee. 559

(Exeunt [Duke, Senators, Brabantio, Cassio, Sailor, Messenger, officers, and attendants.])

Othello

My life upon her faith!—Honest Iago, 560

My Desdemona must I leave to thee. 561

I prithee let thy wife attend on her, 562

And bring them after in the best advantage. 563

Come Desdemona, I have but an hour 564

Of love, of worldly matter and direction 565

To spend with thee. We must obey the time. 566

(Exeunt [Othello and Desdemona].)

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.

Iago

Oh, 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 beam 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 preposterous 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 long that Desdemona should 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—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 acerb as coloquintida. She must change for youth; when she is sated with his body, she will find the errors 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 super-subtle 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.

Roderigo

I’ll sell all my land.

(Exit [Roderigo].)

Iago

Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; 590

For I mine own gained knowledge should profane 591

If I would time expend with such a snipe 592

But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, 593

And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets 594

He’s done my office. I know not if’t be true, 595

But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, 596

Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; 597

The better shall my purpose work on him. 598

Cassio’s a proper man—let me see now: 599

To get his place and to plume up my will 600

In double knavery—How? How? Let’s see: 601

After some time to abuse Othello’s ears 602

That he is too familiar with his wife. 603

He hath a person and a smooth dispose 604

To be suspected, framed to make women false. 605

The Moor is of a free and open nature 606

That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, 607

And will as tenderly be led by’th’nose as asses are. 608

I have’t. It is engendered. Hell and night 609

Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light. 610

(Exit [Iago].)

2.1

(Enter Montano, [Governor of Cyprus, with] two [other] Gentlemen.)

Montano

What from the cape can you discern at sea? 611

1 Gentleman

Nothing at all; it is a high-wrought flood. 612

I cannot ’twixt the heaven and the main 613

Descry a sail. 614

Montano

Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land. 615

A fuller blast ne’er shook our battlements; 616

If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea, 617

What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, 618

Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? 619

2 Gentleman

A segregation of the Turkish fleet— 620

For do but stand upon the foaming shore, 621

The chiding billow seems to pelt the clouds, 622

The wind-shaked surge with high and monstrous mane 623

Seems to cast water on the burning Bear 624

And quench the guards of th’ever-fixèd Pole. 625

I never did like molestation view 626

On the enchafèd flood. 627

Montano

If that the Turkish fleet

Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned; 628

It is impossible to bear it out. 629

(Enter a [third] Gentleman.)

3 Gentleman

News, lads! Our wars are done. 630

The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks 631

That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice 632

Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance 633

On most part of their fleet. 634

Montano

How? Is this true?

3 Gentleman

The ship is here put in, 635

A Veronnesa. Michael Cassio, 636

Lieutenant to the warlike Moor, Othello, 637

Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea, 638

And is in full commission here for Cyprus. 639

Montano

I am glad on’t; ’tis a worthy governor. 640

3 Gentleman

But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort 641

Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly 642

And prays the Moor be safe, for they were parted 643

With foul and violent tempest. 644

Montano

Pray heavens he be,

For I have served him, and the man commands 645

Like a full soldier. Let’s to the seaside, ho! 646

As well to see the vessel that’s come in 647

As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, 648

Even till we make the main and th’aerial blue 649

An indistinct regard. 650

3 Gentleman

Come, let’s do so;

For every minute is expectancy 651

Of more arrivancy. 652

(Enter Cassio.)

Cassio

Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle 653

That so approve the Moor. Oh, let the heavens 654

Give him defense against the elements, 655

For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. 656

Montano

Is he well shipped? 657

Cassio

His bark is stoutly timbered, and his pilot 658

Of very expert and approved allowance; 659

Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, 660

Stand in bold cure. 661

Voices Within

A sail! A sail! A sail!

Cassio

What noise?

1 Gentleman

The town is empty; on the brow o’th’sea 662

Stand ranks of people, and they cry “A sail”! 663

Cassio

My hopes do shape him for the governor. 664

([A shot])

2 Gentleman

They do discharge their shot of courtesy; 665

Our friends at least. 666

Cassio

I pray you sir, go forth

And give us truth who ’tis that is arrived. 667

2 Gentleman

I shall. 668

(Exit [2 Gentleman].)

Montano

But good lieutenant, is your general wived? 669

Cassio

Most fortunately; he hath achieved a maid 670

That paragons description and wild fame, 671

One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens 672

And in th’essential vesture of creation 673

Does tire the ingener. 674

(Enter [2] Gentleman.)

How now? Who has put in?

2 Gentleman

’Tis one Iago, ancient to the general. 675

Cassio

He’s had most favorable and happy speed. 676

Tempests themselves, high seas and howling winds, 677

The guttered rocks and congregated sands, 678

Traitors ensteeped to enclog the guiltless keel, 679

As having sense of beauty, do omit 680

Their mortal natures, letting go safely by 681

The divine Desdemona. 682

Montano

What is she?

Cassio

She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain, 683

Left in the conduct of the bold Iago, 684

Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts 685

A sennight’s speed. Great Jove, Othello guard, 686

And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath 687

That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, 688

Make love’s quick pants in Desdemona’s arms, 689

Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits 690

And bring all Cyprus comfort— 691

((Enter Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Emilia.))

Oh, behold,

The riches of the ship is come on shore! 692

You men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. 693

Hail to thee, lady, and the grace of heaven, 694

Before, behind thee, and on every hand 695

Enwheel thee round. 696

Desdemona

I thank you, valiant Cassio.

What tidings can you tell me of my lord? 697

Cassio

He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught 698

But that he’s well and will be shortly here. 699

Desdemona

Oh, but I fear—how lost you company? 700

Cassio

The great contention of the sea and skies 701

Parted our fellowship. 702

Voices Within

A sail! A sail!

Cassio

But hark, a sail.

([A shot])

2 Gentleman

They give this greeting to the citadel; 703

This likewise is a friend. 704

Cassio

See for the news.

Good ancient, you are welcome. Welcome, mistress. 705

([He kisses Emilia.])

Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, 706

That I extend my manners. ’Tis my breeding 707

That gives me this bold show of courtesy. 708

Iago

Sir, would she give you so much of her lips 709

As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, 710

You’d have enough. 711

Desdemona

Alas, she has no speech!

Iago

In faith, too much; 712

I find it still when I have leave to sleep. 713

Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, 714

She puts her tongue a little in her heart 715

And chides with thinking. 716

Emilia

You have little cause to say so. 717

Iago

Come on, come on! You are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.

Desdemona

Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer! 719

Iago

Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk. 720

You rise to play and go to bed to work. 721

Emilia

You shall not write my praise. 722

Iago

No, let me not.

Desdemona

What wouldst write of me, if thou shouldst praise me? 723

Iago

Oh, gentle lady, do not put me to’t, 724

For I am nothing if not critical. 725

Desdemona

Come on, assay—there’s one gone to the harbor? 726

Iago

Ay, madam. 727

Desdemona

I am not merry, but I do beguile 728

The thing I am by seeming otherwise. 729

Come, how wouldst thou praise me? 730

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; 732

The one’s for use, the other useth it. 733

Desdemona

Well praised! How if she be black and witty? 734

Iago

If she be black and thereto have a wit, 735

She’ll find a white that shall her blackness hit. 736

Desdemona

Worse and worse. 737

Emilia

How if fair and foolish?

Iago

She never yet was foolish that was fair, 738

For even her folly helped her to an heir. 739

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

There’s none so foul and foolish thereunto, 741

But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. 742

Desdemona

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.

Iago

She that was ever fair and never proud, 744

Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud, 745

Never lacked gold, and yet went never gay, 746

Fled from her wish, and yet said “now I may”. 747

She that being angered, her revenge being nigh, 748

Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly. 749

She that in wisdom never was so frail 750

To change the cod’s head for the salmon’s tail. 751

She that could think, and ne’er disclose her mind, 752

See suitors following, and not look behind. 753

She was a wight, if ever such wights were— 754

Desdemona

To do what?

Iago

To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. 756

Desdemona

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 by the hand.])

Iago

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 and excellent courtesy! ’Tis so indeed. Yet again, your fingers to your lips? Would they were clysterpipes for your sake.

Cassio

’Tis truly so. 761

Desdemona

Let’s meet him and receive him. 762

Cassio

Lo, where he comes. 763

(Enter Othello and attendants.)

Othello

O my fair warrior! 764

Desdemona

My dear Othello.

Othello

It gives me wonder great as my content 765

To see you here before me. O my soul’s joy! 766

If after every tempest come such calms, 767

May the winds blow till they have wakened death, 768

And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas 769

Olympus-high and duck again as low 770

As hell’s from heaven. If it were now to die, 771

’Twere now to be most happy, for I fear 772

My soul hath her content so absolute 773

That not another comfort like to this 774

Succeeds in unknown fate. 775

Desdemona

The heavens forbid

But that our loves and comforts should increase 776

Even as our days do grow. 777

Othello

Amen to that, sweet powers.

I cannot speak enough of this content; 778

It stops me here; it is too much of joy. 779

And this, and this— 780

([They kiss.])

—the greatest discords be

That ere our hearts shall make. 781

Iago

Oh, 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. 783

News, friends: our wars are done; the Turks are drowned. 784

How does my old acquaintance of this isle? 785

Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus; 786

I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, 787

I prattle out of fashion and I dote 788

In mine own comforts. I prithee, good Iago, 789

Go to the bay and disembark my coffers. 790

Bring thou the master to the citadel; 791

He is a good one, and his worthiness 792

Does challenge much respect.—Come, Desdemona, 793

Once more well met at Cyprus. 794

(Exeunt [all but Iago and Roderigo].)

Iago

Do thou meet me presently at the harbor. Come thither, 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. To 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 a game to enflame 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 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 compass of his salt and most hidden loose affection? Why none, why none! A slipper and subtle knave, a finder of occasion 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 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.

(Exit [Roderigo].)

Iago

That Cassio loves her, I do well believ’t; 807

That she loves him, ’tis apt and of great credit. 808

The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, 809

Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, 810

And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona 811

A most dear husband. Now I do love her too, 812

Not out of absolute lust (though peradventure 813

I stand accountant for as great a sin), 814

But partly led to diet my revenge, 815

For that I do suspect the lusty Moor 816

Hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof 817

Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards, 818

And nothing can or shall content my soul 819

Till I am evened with him, wife for wife; 820

Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor 821

At least into a jealousy so strong 822

That judgment cannot cure; which thing to do, 823

If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace 824

For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, 825

I’ll have our Michael Cassio on the hip, 826

Abuse him to the Moor in the right garb 827

(For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too), 828

Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me 829

For making him egregiously an ass 830

And practicing upon his peace and quiet 831

Even to madness. ’Tis here, but yet confused; 832

Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used. 833

(Exit [Iago].)

2.2

(Enter Othello’sHerald with a proclamation.)

Herald

[Reading] 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 tolled eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello.

(Exit [Herald].)

[2.3]

(Enter Othello, Desdemona,Cassio, and attendants.)

Othello

Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight. 835

Let’s teach ourselves that honorable stop 836

Not to outsport discretion. 837

Cassio

Iago hath direction what to do; 838

But notwithstanding, with my personal eye 839

Will I look to’t. 840

Othello

Iago is most honest.

Michael, goodnight. Tomorrow with your earliest 841

Let me have speech with you. 842

[To Desdemona] Come, my dear love,

The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; 843

That profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you. 844

Goodnight. 845

([Exeunt all but Cassio.])

(Enter Iago.)

Cassio

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

Oh, they are our friends—but one cup; I’ll drink for you.

Cassio

I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was craftily qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes here. I am infortunate 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.

(Exit [Cassio].)

Iago

If I can fasten but one cup upon him 863

With that which he hath drunk tonight already, 864

He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense 865

As my young mistress’s dog. Now, my sick fool Roderigo, 866

Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out, 867

To Desdemona hath tonight caroused 868

Potations pottle-deep; and he’s to watch. 869

Three else of Cyprus—noble, swelling spirits 870

That hold their honors in a wary distance, 871

The very elements of this warlike isle— 872

Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups, 873

And they watch too. Now ’mongst this flock of drunkards 874

Am I to put our Cassio in some action 875

That may offend the isle. But here they come. 876

(Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen [with wine].)

If consequence do but approve my dream, 877

My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. 878

Cassio

’Fore God, they have given me a rouse already. 879

Montano

Good faith, a little one—not past a pint, as I am a soldier. 880

Iago

Some wine, ho! 881

([Singing])

And let me the cannikin clink, clink, 882

And let me the cannikin clink. 883

A soldier’s a man; Oh, man’s life’s but a span, 884

Why then let a soldier drink. 885

Some wine, boys! 886

Cassio

’Fore God, an excellent song! 887

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? 889

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! 891

Montano

I am for it, lieutenant, and I’ll do you justice. 892

Iago

O sweet England! 893

([Singing])

King Stephen was and-a worthy peer, 894

His breeches cost him but a crown; 895

He held them sixpence all too dear, 896

With that he called the tailor lown. 897

He was a wight of high renown, 898

And thou art but of low degree; 899

’Tis pride that pulls the country down, 900

And take thy old cloak about thee. 901

Some wine, ho! 902

Cassio

’Fore God, this is a more exquisite song than the other. 903

Iago

Will you hear’t again? 904

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.

Iago

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.

Gentleman

Excellent well.

Cassio

Why, very well then—you must not think, then, that I am drunk.

(Exit [Cassio].)

Montano

To th’platform, masters; come, let’s set the watch.

Iago

You see this fellow that is gone before: 913

He’s a soldier fit to stand by Caesar 914

And give direction. And do but see his vice: 915

’Tis to his virtue a just equinox, 916

The one as long as th’other. ’Tis pity of him; 917

I fear the trust Othello puts him in 918

On some odd time of his infirmity 919

Will shake this island. 920

Montano

But is he often thus?

Iago

’Tis evermore his prologue to his sleep. 921

He’ll watch the horologe a double set 922

If drink rock not his cradle. 923

Montano

It were well

The general were put in mind of it; 924

Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature 925

Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio 926

And looks not on his evils. Is not this true? 927

(Enter Roderigo.)

Iago

How now, Roderigo? 928

I pray you, after the lieutenant go. 929

([Exit Roderigo.])

Montano

And ’tis great pity that the noble Moor 930

Should hazard such a place as his own second 931

With one of an ingraft infirmity. 932

It were an honest action to say so 933

To the Moor. 934

Iago

Not I, for this fair island;

I do love Cassio well, and would do much 935

To cure him of this evil— 936

Voices Within

Help! Help!

Iago

—but hark, what noise?

(Enter Cassio pursuing Roderigo.)

Cassio

Zounds, you rogue! You rascal! 937

Montano

What’s the matter, lieutenant? 938

Cassio

A knave teach me my duty? I’ll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle.

Roderigo

Beat me? 940

Cassio

Dost thou prate, rogue? 941

Montano

Nay, good lieutenant! Pray, sir, hold your hand. 942

Cassio

Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazard. 943

Montano

Come, come, you’re drunk. 944

Cassio

Drunk? 945

([They fight.])

Iago

Away, I say! Go out and cry a mutiny. 946

([Exit Roderigo.])

Nay, good lieutenant. God’s will, gentlemen! 947

Help, ho! Lieutenant! Sir Montano! Sir! 948

Help, masters! Here’s a goodly watch indeed. 949

([A bell rings.])

Who’s that which rings the bell? Diablo, ho! 950

The town will rise. God’s will, lieutenant, hold. 951

You’ll be ashamed forever. 952

(Enter Othello and attendants [with weapons].)

Othello

What is the matter here? 953

Montano

Zounds, I bleed still! I am hurt to th’death. 954

([Lunging at Cassio])

He dies! 955

Othello

Hold, for your lives!

Iago

Hold, ho! Lieutenant, Sir Montano, gentlemen! 956

Have you forgot all place of sense and duty? 957

Hold. The general speaks to you—hold, for shame. 958

Othello

Why, how now, ho? From whence ariseth this? 959

Are we turned Turks and to ourselves do that 960

Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? 961

For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl. 962

He that stirs next to carve for his own rage 963

Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion. 964

Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle 965

From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? 966

Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, 967

Speak. Who began this? On thy love, I charge thee. 968

Iago

I do not know. Friends all, but now, even now, 969

In quarter and in terms like bride and groom 970

Divesting them for bed; and then, but now, 971

As if some planet had unwitted men, 972

Swords out and tilting one at other’s breasts 973

In opposition bloody. I cannot speak 974

Any beginning to this peevish odds. 975

And would in action glorious I had lost 976

Those legs that brought me to a part of it. 977

Othello

How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? 978

Cassio

I pray you pardon me; I cannot speak. 979

Othello

Worthy Montano, you were wont to be civil; 980

The gravity and stillness of your youth 981

The world hath noted, and your name is great 982

In mouths of wisest censure. What’s the matter 983

That you unlace your reputation thus, 984

And spend your rich opinion for the name 985

Of a nightbrawler? Give me answer to it. 986

Montano

Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. 987

Your officer Iago can inform you— 988

While I spare speech, which something now offends me— 989

Of all that I do know; nor know I aught 990

By me that’s said or done amiss this night, 991

Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice, 992

And to defend ourselves it be a sin 993

When violence assails us. 994

Othello

Now, by heaven,

My blood begins my safer guides to rule, 995

And passion, having my best judgment collied, 996

Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir, 997

Or do but lift this arm, the best of you 998

Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know 999

How this foul rout began, who set it on, 1000

And he that is approved in this offense, 1001

Though he had twinned with me both at a birth, 1002

Shall lose me. What, in a town of war 1003

Yet wild, the people’s hearts brimful of fear, 1004

To manage private and domestic quarrel 1005

In night and on the court and guard of safety? 1006

’Tis monstrous! Iago, who began’t? 1007

Montano

If, partially affined or leagued in office, 1008

Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, 1009

Thou art no soldier. 1010

Iago

Touch me not so near.

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth 1011

Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; 1012

Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth 1013

Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general: 1014

Montano and myself being in speech, 1015

There comes a fellow crying out for help, 1016

And Cassio following with determined sword 1017

To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman 1018

Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause; 1019

Myself the crying fellow did pursue, 1020

Lest by his clamor, as it so fell out, 1021

The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot, 1022

Outran my purpose, and I returned then, rather 1023

For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, 1024

And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight 1025

I ne’er might say before. When I came back— 1026

For this was brief—I found them close together 1027

At blow and thrust, even as again they were 1028

When you yourself did part them. 1029

More of this matter cannot I report, 1030

But men are men; the best sometimes forget. 1031

Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, 1032

As men in rage strike those that wish them best, 1033

Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received 1034

From him that fled some strange indignity 1035

Which patience could not pass. 1036

Othello

I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, 1037

Making it light to Cassio.—Cassio, I love thee, 1038

But never more be officer of mine. 1039

((Enter Desdemona, attended.))

Look if my gentle love be not raised up. 1040

I’ll make thee an example. 1041

Desdemona

What is the matter, dear? 1042

Othello

All’s well, sweeting.

Come away to bed. 1043

[To Montano] Sir, for your hurts

Myself will be your surgeon. Lead him off. 1044

([Montano is led off.])

Iago, look with care about the town, 1045

And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. 1046

Come, Desdemona; ’tis the soldier’s life 1047

To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. 1048

(Exeunt [Othello, Desdemona, and attendants.])

Iago

What, are you hurt, lieutenant?

Cassio

Ay, past all surgery.

Iago

Marry, God forbid.

Cassio

Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, 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 had 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 more 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, 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 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—Oh, 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 tell you what you shall do: our general’s 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 devotement 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.

Iago

You are in the right. Goodnight, lieutenant. I must to the watch.

Cassio

Goodnight, honest Iago.

(Exit Cassio.)

Iago

And what’s he, then, that says I play the villain, 1071

When this advice is free I give, and honest, 1072

Probal to thinking, and, indeed, the course 1073

To win the Moor again? For ’tis most easy 1074

Th’inclining Desdemona to subdue 1075

In any honest suit. She’s framed as fruitful 1076

As the free elements. And then for her 1077

To win the Moor were to renounce his baptism, 1078

All seals and symbols of redeemèd sin; 1079

His soul is so enfettered to her love 1080

That she may make, unmake, do what she list 1081

Even as her appetite shall play the god 1082

With his weak function. How am I then a villain 1083

To counsel Cassio to this parallel course 1084

Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! 1085

When devils will the blackest sins put on, 1086

They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, 1087

As I do now. For whiles this honest fool 1088

Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, 1089

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, 1090

I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear: 1091

That she repeals him for her body’s lust; 1092

And by how much she strives to do him good, 1093

She shall undo her credit with the Moor. 1094

So will I turn her virtue into pitch, 1095

And out of her own goodness make the net 1096

That shall enmesh them all. 1097

(Enter Roderigo.)

How now, Roderigo?

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.

Iago

How poor are they that have not patience? 1099

What wound did ever heal but by degrees? 1100

Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft, 1101

And wit depends on dilatory time. 1102

Does’t not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, 1103

And thou by that small hurt hath cashiered Cassio. 1104

Though other things grow fair against the sun, 1105

Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. 1106

Content thyself awhile. By the mass, ’tis morning; 1107

Pleasure and action make the hours seem short. 1108

Retire thee; go where thou art billeted. 1109

Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter. 1110

Nay, get thee gone. 1111

((Exit Roderigo.))

Two things are to be done:

My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; 1112

I’ll set her on. 1113

Myself awhile to draw the Moor apart 1114

And bring him jump when he may Cassio find 1115

Soliciting his wife. Ay, that’s the way; 1116

Dull not device by coldness and delay. 1117

(Exit [Iago].)

3.1

(Enter Cassio, Musicians, and Clown.)

Cassio

Masters, play here—I will content your pains—something that’s brief, and bid “Good morrow, general”.

([The musicians play.])

Clown

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

Oh, thereby hangs a tale.

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.

(Exit Musicians.)

Cassio

Dost thou hear, mine honest friend?

Clown

No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you.

Cassio

Prithee keep up thy quillets. 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.

Cassio

Do, my good friend. 1136

(Exit Clown.)

(Enter Iago.)

Cassio

In happy time, Iago.

Iago

You have not been abed then? 1137

Cassio

Why, no; the day had broke before we parted. 1138

I have made bold, Iago, to send in to your wife. 1139

My suit to her is that she will to virtuous Desdemona 1140

Procure me some access. 1141

Iago

I’ll send her to you presently,

And I’ll devise a mean to draw the Moor 1142

Out of the way, that your converse and business 1143

May be more free. 1144

(Exit [Iago].)

Cassio

I humbly thank you for’t.

I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest. 1145

(Enter Emilia.)

Emilia

Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry 1146

For your displeasure, but all will sure be well. 1147

The general and his wife are talking of it, 1148

And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies 1149

That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus 1150

And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom 1151

He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loves you 1152

And needs no other suitor but his likings 1153

To take the safest occasion by the front 1154

To bring you in again. 1155

Cassio

Yet I beseech you,

If you think fit, or that it may be done, 1156

Give me advantage of some brief discourse 1157

With Desdemon alone. 1158

Emilia

Pray you come in.

I will bestow you where you shall have time 1159

To speak your bosom freely. 1160

Cassio

I am much bound to you.

([Exeunt.])

3.2

(Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.)

Othello

These letters give, Iago, to the pilot, 1161

And by him do my duties to the Senate. 1162

([Othello hands Iago some papers.])

That done, I will be walking on the works; 1163

Repair there to me. 1164

Iago

Well, my good lord, I’ll do’t.

Othello

This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see’t? 1165

Gentlemen

We’ll wait upon your lordship. 1166

(Exeunt.)

3.3

(Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia.)

Desdemona

Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do 1167

All my abilities in thy behalf. 1168

Emilia

Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband 1169

As if the cause were his. 1170

Desdemona

Oh, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio, 1171

But I will have my lord and you again 1172

As friendly as you were. 1173

Cassio

Bounteous madam,

Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, 1174

He’s never anything but your true servant. 1175

Desdemona

I know’t. I thank you. You do love my lord; 1176

You have known him long, and be you well assured 1177

He shall in strangeness stand no farther off 1178

Than in a politic distance. 1179

Cassio

Ay, but, lady,

That policy may either last so long, 1180

Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, 1181

Or breed itself so out of circumstances 1182

That I being absent and my place supplied, 1183

My general will forget my love and service. 1184

Desdemona

Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here, 1185

I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee, 1186

If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it 1187

To the last article. My lord shall never rest: 1188

I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; 1189

His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; 1190

I’ll intermingle everything he does 1191

With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio, 1192

For thy solicitor shall rather die 1193

Than give thy cause away. 1194

(Enter Othello and Iago.)

Emilia

Madam, here comes my lord.

Cassio

Madam, I’ll take my leave. 1195

Desdemona

Why stay, and hear me speak.

Cassio

Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease, 1196

Unfit for mine own purposes. 1197

Desdemona

Well, do your discretion. 1198

(Exit Cassio.)

Iago

Ha? I like not that. 1199

Othello

What dost thou say?

Iago

Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what. 1200

Othello

Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? 1201

Iago

Cassio, my lord? No sure, I cannot think it 1202

That he would steal away so guilty-like, 1203

Seeing your coming. 1204

Othello

I do believe ’twas he.

Desdemona

How now, my lord? 1205

I have been talking with a suitor here, 1206

A man that languishes in your displeasure. 1207

Othello

Who is’t you mean? 1208

Desdemona

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, 1209

If I have any grace or power to move you, 1210

His present reconciliation take; 1211

For if he be not one that truly loves you, 1212

That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, 1213

I have no judgment in an honest face. 1214

I prithee call him back. 1215

Othello

Went he hence now? 1216

Desdemona

Aye, sooth, so humbled

That he hath left part of his grief with me 1217

To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. 1218

Othello

Not now, sweet Desdemon—some other time. 1219

Desdemona

But shall’t be shortly? 1220

Othello

The sooner, sweet, for you.

Desdemona

Shall’t be tonight, at supper? 1221

Othello

No, not tonight.

Desdemona

Tomorrow dinner, then? 1222

Othello

I shall not dine at home;

I meet the captains at the citadel. 1223

Desdemona

Why then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, 1224

On Tuesday noon or night, or Wednesday morn. 1225

I prithee name the time, but let it not 1226

Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent; 1227

And yet his trespass, in our common reason— 1228

Save that they say the wars must make example 1229

Out of her best—is not almost a fault 1230

T’incur a private check. When shall he come? 1231

Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul 1232

What you would ask me that I should deny 1233

Or stand so mamm’ring on? What? Michael Cassio, 1234

That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time 1235

When I have spoke of you dispraisingly 1236

Hath ta’en your part—to have so much to do 1237

To bring him in? By’r Lady, I could do much— 1238

Othello

Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will; 1239

I will deny thee nothing. 1240

Desdemona

Why, this is not a boon;

’Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, 1241

Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, 1242

Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit 1243

To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit 1244

Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, 1245

It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, 1246

And fearful to be granted. 1247

Othello

I will deny thee nothing.

Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this: 1248

To leave me but a little to myself. 1249

Desdemona

Shall I deny you? No! Farewell, my lord. 1250

Othello

Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight. 1251

Desdemona

Emilia, come. 1252

[To Othello] Be as your fancies teach you.

Whate’er you be, I am obedient. 1253

(Exeunt [Desdemona and Emilia].)

Othello

Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul 1254

But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, 1255

Chaos is come again. 1256

Iago

My noble lord— 1257

Othello

What dost thou say, Iago?

Iago

Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady, 1258

Know of your love? 1259

Othello

He did, from first to last.

Why dost thou ask? 1260

Iago

But for a satisfaction of my thought, 1261

No further harm. 1262

Othello

Why of thy thought, Iago?

Iago

I did not think he had been acquainted with her. 1263

Othello

Oh yes, and went between us very oft. 1264

Iago

Indeed? 1265

Othello

Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discern’st thou aught in that? 1266

Is he not honest? 1267

Iago

Honest, my lord? 1268

Othello

Honest? Ay, honest. 1269

Iago

My lord, for aught I know. 1270

Othello

What dost thou think? 1271

Iago

Think, my lord? 1272

Othello

“Think, my lord”? By heaven, thou echo’st me 1273

As if there were some monster in thy thought 1274

Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something. 1275

I heard thee say even now, thou lik’st not that 1276

When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like? 1277

And when I told thee he was of my counsel 1278

Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried’st “Indeed”? 1279

And didst contract and purse thy brow together 1280

As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain 1281

Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me, 1282

Show me thy thought. 1283

Iago

My lord, you know I love you. 1284

Othello

I think thou dost;

And for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty, 1285

And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath, 1286

Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more. 1287

For such things in a false disloyal knave 1288

Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just, 1289

They’re close dilations, working from the heart, 1290

That passion cannot rule. 1291

Iago

For Michael Cassio,

I dare be sworn, I think that he is honest. 1292

Othello

I think so too. 1293

Iago

Men should be what they seem,

Or those that be not, would they might seem none. 1294

Othello

Certain, men should be what they seem. 1295

Iago

Why then, I think Cassio’s an honest man. 1296

Othello

Nay, yet there’s more in this. 1297

I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings, 1298

As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts 1299

The worst of words. 1300

Iago

Good my lord, pardon me.

Though I am bound to every act of duty, 1301

I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. 1302

Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false— 1303

As where’s that palace whereinto foul things 1304

Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure 1305

Wherein uncleanly apprehensions 1306

Keep leets and law-days, and in sessions sit 1307

With meditations lawful? 1308

Othello

Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, 1309

If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear 1310

A stranger to thy thoughts. 1311

Iago

I do beseech you,

Though I perchance am vicious in my guess— 1312

As I confess it is my nature’s plague 1313

To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy 1314

Shapes faults that are not—that your wisdom 1315

From one that so imperfectly conceits 1316

Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble 1317

Out of his scattering and unsure observance. 1318

It were not for your quiet nor your good, 1319

Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom 1320

To let you know my thoughts. 1321

Othello

What dost thou mean?

Iago

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, 1322

Is the immediate jewel of their souls. 1323

Who steals my purse, steals trash—’tis something, nothing; 1324

’Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands— 1325

But he that filches from me my good name 1326

Robs me of that which not enriches him, 1327

And makes me poor indeed. 1328

Othello

I’ll know thy thoughts.

Iago

You cannot, if my heart were in your hand, 1329

Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody. 1330

Othello

Ha? 1331

Iago

Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy.

It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock 1332

The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss 1333

Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; 1334

But oh, what damnèd minutes tells he o’er 1335

Who dotes yet doubts, suspects yet soundly loves? 1336

Othello

Oh, misery! 1337

Iago

Poor and content is rich, and rich enough, 1338

But riches fineless is as poor as winter 1339

To him that ever fears he shall be poor. 1340

Good God, the souls of all my tribe defend 1341

From jealousy. 1342

Othello

Why? Why is this?

Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy, 1343

To follow still the changes of the moon 1344

With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt 1345

Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat 1346

When I shall turn the business of my soul 1347

To such exsuffilate and blowed surmises 1348

Matching thy inference. ’Tis not to make me jealous 1349

To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, 1350

Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances; 1351

Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. 1352

Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw 1353

The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, 1354

For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, 1355

I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; 1356

And on the proof, there is no more but this: 1357

Away at once with love or jealousy. 1358

Iago

I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason 1359

To show the love and duty that I bear you 1360

With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound, 1361

Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof. 1362

Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio. 1363

Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure. 1364

I would not have your free and noble nature 1365

Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to’t. 1366

I know our country disposition well. 1367

In Venice they do let God see the pranks 1368

They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience 1369

Is not to leave’t undone, but keep’t unknown. 1370

Othello

Dost thou say so? 1371

Iago

She did deceive her father, marrying you; 1372

And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, 1373

She loved them most. 1374

Othello

And so she did.

Iago

Why, go to then.

She that so young could give out such a seeming 1375

To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak 1376

He thought ’twas witchcraft—but I am much to blame. 1377

I humbly do beseech you of your pardon 1378

For too much loving you. 1379

Othello

I am bound to thee forever.

Iago

I see this hath a little dashed your spirits. 1380

Othello

Not a jot, not a jot. 1381

Iago

I’faith, I fear it has.

I hope you will consider what is spoke 1382

Comes from your love. But I do see you’re moved. 1383

I am to pray you not to strain my speech 1384

To grosser issues, nor to larger reach 1385

Than to suspicion. 1386

Othello

I will not. 1387

Iago

Should you do so, my lord,

My speech should fall into such vile success, 1388

Which my thoughts aimed not. Cassio’s my worthy friend. 1389

My lord, I see you’re moved. 1390

Othello

No, not much moved.

I do not think but Desdemona’s honest. 1391

Iago

Long live she so, and long live you to think so. 1392

Othello

And yet how nature, erring from itself— 1393

Iago

Ay, there’s the point—as, to be bold with you, 1394

Not to affect many proposed matches 1395

Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, 1396

Whereto we see in all things nature tends— 1397

Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank, 1398

Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural. 1399

But, pardon me, I do not in position 1400

Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear 1401

Her will, recoiling to her better judgment, 1402

May fall to match you with her country forms, 1403

And happily repent. 1404

Othello

Farewell, farewell.

If more thou dost perceive, let me know more. 1405

Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago. 1406

Iago

[Starting to exit] My lord, I take my leave. 1407

Othello

Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless 1408

Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. 1409

Iago

[Returning] My lord, I would I might entreat your honor 1410

To scan this thing no farther; leave it to time. 1411

Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place— 1412

For sure he fills it up with great ability— 1413

Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile, 1414

You shall by that perceive him and his means. 1415

Note if your lady strain his entertainment 1416

With any strong or vehement importunity; 1417

Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, 1418

Let me be thought too busy in my fears, 1419

(As worthy cause I have to fear I am), 1420

And hold her free, I do beseech your honor. 1421

Othello

Fear not my government. 1422

Iago

I once more take my leave.

(Exit [Iago].)

Othello

This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, 1423

And knows all qualities with a learned spirit 1424

Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, 1425

Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, 1426

I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind 1427

To prey at fortune. Haply for I am black 1428

And have not those soft parts of conversation 1429

That chamberers have, or for I am declined 1430

Into the vale of years—yet that’s not much— 1431

She’s gone. I am abused and my relief 1432

Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage, 1433

That we can call these delicate creatures ours 1434

And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad 1435

And live upon the vapor of a dungeon 1436

Than keep a corner in the thing I love 1437

For others’ uses. Yet ’tis the plague to great ones, 1438

Prerogatived are they less than the base; 1439

’Tis destiny unshunnable, like death. 1440

Even then this forkèd plague is fated to us 1441

When we do quicken. Look where she comes— 1442

((Enter Desdemona and Emilia.))

If she be false, heaven mocked itself; 1443

I’ll not believe’t. 1444

Desdemona

How now, my dear Othello?

Your dinner, and the generous islanders 1445

By you invited, do attend your presence. 1446

Othello

I am to blame. 1447

Desdemona

Why do you speak so faintly?

Are you not well? 1448

Othello

I have a pain upon my forehead, here. 1449

Desdemona

Why, that’s with watching; ’twill away again. 1450

Let me but bind it hard; within this hour 1451

It will be well. 1452

([Desdemona tries to bind Othello’s head with her handkerchief.])

Othello

Your napkin is too little.

([The handkerchief falls.])

Let it alone. Come, I’ll go in with you. 1453

Desdemona

I am very sorry that you are not well. 1454

(Exeunt [Othello and Desdemona].)

Emilia

[Picking up the handkerchief] I am glad I have found this napkin. 1455

This was her first remembrance from the Moor. 1456

My wayward husband hath a hundred times 1457

Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token— 1458

For he conjured her she should ever keep it— 1459

That she reserves it evermore about her 1460

To kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work taken out 1461

And give’t Iago. What he will do with it, 1462

Heaven knows, not I; 1463

I nothing but to please his fantasy. 1464

(Enter Iago.)

Iago

How now? What do you here alone? 1465

Emilia

Do not you chide; I have a thing for you. 1466

Iago

You have a thing for me? It is a common thing— 1467

Emilia

Ha? 1468

Iago

To have a foolish wife. 1469

Emilia

Oh, is that all? What will you give me now 1470

For that same handkerchief? 1471

Iago

What handkerchief?

Emilia

What handkerchief? 1472

Why that the Moor first gave to Desdemona, 1473

That which so often you did bid me steal. 1474

Iago

Hast stolen it from her? 1475

Emilia

No, but she let it drop by negligence, 1476

And, to th’advantage, I, being here, took’t up. 1477

Look, here ’tis. 1478

Iago

A good wench. Give it me.

Emilia

What will you do with’t, that you have been 1479

So earnest to have me filch it? 1480

([Iago snatches the handkerchief.])

Iago

Why, what is that to you?

Emilia

If it be not for some purpose of import, 1481

Giv’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run mad 1482

When she shall lack it. 1483

Iago

Be not acknown on’t;

I have use for it. Go, leave me. 1484

(Exit Emilia.)

I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin 1485

And let him find it. Trifles light as air 1486

Are to the jealous confirmations strong 1487

As proofs of holy writ. This may do something. 1488

The Moor already changes with my poison. 1489

Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, 1490

Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, 1491

But with a little act upon the blood, 1492

Burn like the mines of sulfur. I did say so. 1493

(Enter Othello.)

Look where he comes. Not poppy, nor mandragora, 1494

Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world 1495

Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep 1496

Which thou owedst yesterday. 1497

Othello

Ha, ha! False to me?

Iago

Why, how now, general? No more of that. 1498

Othello

Avaunt, be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack. 1499

I swear ’tis better to be much abused 1500

Than but to know’t a little. 1501

Iago

How now, my lord?

Othello

What sense had I in her stolen hours of lust? 1502

I saw’t not, thought it not, it harmed not me. 1503

I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry. 1504

I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips. 1505

He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen, 1506

Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all. 1507

Iago

I am sorry to hear this. 1508

Othello

I had been happy if the general camp, 1509

Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, 1510

So I had nothing known. Oh, now, forever 1511

Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell content; 1512

Farewell the plumèd troops and the big wars 1513

That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell! 1514

Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, 1515

The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, 1516

The royal banner, and all quality, 1517

Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! 1518

And O you mortal engines whose rude throats 1519

The immortal Jove’s dread clamors counterfeit, 1520

Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone. 1521

Iago

Is’t possible, my lord? 1522

Othello

Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore! 1523

Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof, 1524

([Othello grabs Iago.])

Or, by the worth of mine eternal soul, 1525

Thou hadst been better have been born a dog 1526

Than answer my waked wrath. 1527

Iago

Is’t come to this?

Othello

Make me to see’t, or at the least so prove it 1528

That the probation bear no hinge nor loop 1529

To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life! 1530

Iago

My noble lord— 1531

Othello

If thou dost slander her and torture me, 1532

Never pray more; abandon all remorse, 1533

On horror’s head horrors accumulate, 1534

Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed, 1535

For nothing canst thou to damnation add 1536

Greater than that. 1537

Iago

O grace! O heaven forgive me!

Are you a man? Have you a soul? or sense? 1538

God b’wi’you, take mine office. O wretched fool 1539

That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice! 1540

O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, 1541

To be direct and honest is not safe. 1542

I thank you for this profit, and from hence 1543

I’ll love no friend sith love breeds such offense. 1544

Othello

Nay, stay; thou shouldst be honest. 1545

Iago

I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool 1546

And loses that it works for. 1547

Othello

By the world,

I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; 1548

I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. 1549

I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh 1550

As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black 1551

As mine own face. If there be cords or knives, 1552

Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams, 1553

I’ll not endure it. Would I were satisfied. 1554

Iago

I see you are eaten up with passion; 1555

I do repent me that I put it to you. 1556

You would be satisfied? 1557

Othello

Would? Nay, and I will.

Iago

And may—but how? how satisfied, my lord? 1558

Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on? 1559

Behold her topped? 1560

Othello

Death and damnation! Oh!

Iago

It were a tedious difficulty, I think, 1561

To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then, 1562

If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster 1563

More than their own. What then? How then? 1564

What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction? 1565

It is impossible you should see this 1566

Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, 1567

As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross 1568

As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, 1569

If imputation and strong circumstances, 1570

Which lead directly to the door of truth, 1571

Will give you satisfaction, you might have’t. 1572

Othello

Give me a living reason she’s disloyal. 1573

Iago

I do not like the office; 1574

But sith I am entered in this cause so far— 1575

Pricked to’t by foolish honesty and love— 1576

I will go on: I lay with Cassio lately, 1577

And, being troubled with a raging tooth, 1578

I could not sleep. There are a kind of men 1579

So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter 1580

Their affairs; one of this kind is Cassio. 1581

In sleep I heard him say "Sweet Desdemona”, 1582

"Let us be wary; let us hide our loves”. 1583

And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, 1584

Cry “O sweet creature”!, then kiss me hard, 1585

As if he plucked up kisses by the roots 1586

That grew upon my lips, then laid his leg 1587

O’er my thigh, and sighed, and kissed, and then 1588

Cried “Cursèd fate that gave thee to the Moor”! 1589

Othello

Oh, monstrous! monstrous! 1590

Iago

Nay, this was but his dream.

Othello

But this denoted a foregone conclusion; 1591

’Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. 1592

Iago

And this may help to thicken other proofs 1593

That do demonstrate thinly. 1594

Othello

I’ll tear her all to pieces!

Iago

Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done; 1595

She may be honest yet. Tell me but this: 1596

Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief 1597

Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand? 1598

Othello

I gave her such a one; ’twas my first gift. 1599

Iago

I know not that, but such a handkerchief— 1600

I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today 1601

See Cassio wipe his beard with. 1602

Othello

If it be that—

Iago

If it be that, or any, it was hers. 1603

It speaks against her with the other proofs. 1604

Othello

Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives! 1605

One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. 1606

Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago: 1607

All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven—’tis gone! 1608

Arise, black vengeance from the hollow hell. 1609

Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne 1610

To tyrannous hate. Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, 1611

For ’tis of aspics’ tongues. 1612

Iago

Yet be content.

([Othello kneels.])

Othello

Oh, blood, blood, blood! 1613

Iago

Patience, I say. Your mind may change. 1614

Othello

Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea, 1615

Whose icy current and compulsive course 1616

Ne’er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on 1617

To the Propontic and the Hellespont, 1618

Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace 1619

Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, 1620

Till that a capable and wide revenge 1621

Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven, 1622

In the due reverence of a sacred vow, 1623

I here engage my words. 1624

Iago

Do not rise yet.

Witness, you ever-burning lights above, 1625

You elements that clip us round about, 1626

([Iago kneels.])

Witness that here Iago doth give up 1627

The execution of his wit, hands, heart 1628

To wronged Othello’s service. Let him command, 1629

And to obey shall be in me remorse, 1630

What bloody business ever. 1631

([Othello and Iago rise.])

Othello

I greet thy love

Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous, 1632

And will upon the instant put thee to’t. 1633

Within these three days let me hear thee say 1634

That Cassio’s not alive. 1635

Iago

My friend is dead;

’Tis done at your request. But let her live. 1636

Othello

Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her! 1637

Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw 1638

To furnish me with some swift means of death 1639

For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant. 1640

Iago

I am your own forever. 1641

(Exeunt.)

3.4

(Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown.)

Desdemona

Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?

Clown

I dare not say he lies anywhere.

Desdemona

Why, man?

Clown

He’s a soldier, and for me to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.

Desdemona

Go to! Where lodges he?

Clown

To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.

Desdemona

Can anything be made of this?

Clown

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging, and say he lies here or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.

Desdemona

Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?

Clown

I will catechize the world for him—that is, make questions and by them answer.

Desdemona

Seek him, bid him come hither, tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.

Clown

To do this is within the compass of man’s wit, and therefore I will attempt the doing it.

(Exit Clown.)

Desdemona

Where should I lose the handkerchief, Emilia? 1654

Emilia

I know not, madam. 1655

Desdemona

Believe me, I had rather lose my purse 1656

Full of crusadoes; and but my noble Moor 1657

Is true of mind and made of no such baseness 1658

As jealous creatures are, it were enough 1659

To put him to ill thinking. 1660

Emilia

Is he not jealous?

Desdemona

Who, he? I think the sun where he was born 1661

Drew all such humors from him. 1662

Emilia

Look where he comes.

(Enter Othello.)

Desdemona

I will not leave him now till Cassio 1663

Be called to him. How is’t with you, my lord? 1664

Othello

– Oh, hardness to dissemble! 1665

How do you, Desdemona? 1666

Desdemona

Well, my good lord.

Othello

Give me your hand. 1667

([Othello takes Desdemona’s hand.])

This hand is moist, my lady.

Desdemona

It hath felt no age, nor known no sorrow. 1668

Othello

This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart— 1669

Hot, hot and moist. This hand of yours requires 1670

A sequester from liberty—fasting and prayer, 1671

Much castigation, exercise devout— 1672

For here’s a young and sweating devil here 1673

That commonly rebels. ’Tis a good hand, 1674

A frank one. 1675

Desdemona

You may indeed say so,

For ’twas that hand that gave away my heart. 1676

Othello

A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands, 1677

But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. 1678

Desdemona

I cannot speak of this. Come, now your promise. 1679

Othello

What promise, chuck? 1680

Desdemona

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you. 1681

Othello

I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; 1682

Lend me thy handkerchief. 1683

Desdemona

Here, my lord.

Othello

That which I gave you. 1684

Desdemona

I have it not about me.

Othello

Not? 1685

Desdemona

No, faith, my lord. 1686

Othello

That’s a fault. That handkerchief 1687

Did an Egyptian to my mother give. 1688

She was a charmer and could almost read 1689

The thoughts of people. She told her while she kept it 1690

’Twould make her amiable and subdue my father 1691

Entirely to her love, but if she lost it, 1692

Or made a gift of it, my father’s eye 1693

Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should hunt 1694

After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me, 1695

And bid me, when my fate would have me wived, 1696

To give it her. I did so; and, take heed on’t, 1697

Make it a darling like your precious eye. 1698

To lose’t or give’t away were such perdition 1699

As nothing else could match. 1700

Desdemona

Is’t possible?

Othello

’Tis true. There’s magic in the web of it: 1701

A sybil that had numbered in the world 1702

The sun to course two hundred compasses, 1703

In her prophetic fury sewed the work; 1704

The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk, 1705

And it was dyed in mummy, which the skillful 1706

Conserved of maidens’ hearts. 1707

Desdemona

I’faith, is’t true?

Othello

Most veritable; therefore look to’t well. 1708

Desdemona

Then would to God that I had never seen’t! 1709

Othello

Ha? Wherefore? 1710

Desdemona

Why do you speak so startingly and rash? 1711

Othello

Is’t lost? Is’t gone? Speak, is’t out o’th’way? 1712

Desdemona

Heaven bless us! 1713

Othello

Say you? 1714

Desdemona

It is not lost; but what and if it were? 1715

Othello

How? 1716

Desdemona

I say it is not lost. 1717

Othello

Fetch’t, let me see’t. 1718

Desdemona

Why so I can; but I will not now. 1719

This is a trick to put me from my suit. 1720

Pray you, let Cassio be received again. 1721

Othello

Fetch me the handkerchief, my mind misgives. 1722

Desdemona

Come, come! 1723

You’ll never meet a more sufficient man— 1724

Othello

The handkerchief. 1725

Desdemona

A man that all his time

Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, 1726

Shared dangers with you— 1727

Othello

The handkerchief.

Desdemona

I’faith, you are to blame. 1728

Othello

Zounds!

(Exit Othello.)

Emilia

Is not this man jealous? 1729

Desdemona

I ne’er saw this before.

Sure there’s some wonder in this handkerchief; 1730

I am most unhappy in the loss. 1731

Emilia

’Tis not a year or two shows us a man. 1732

They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; 1733

They eat us hungerly, and when they are full 1734

They belch us. 1735

((Enter Iago and Cassio.))

Look you, Cassio and my husband.

Iago

There is no other way; ’tis she must do’t— 1736

And lo, the happiness! Go and importune her. 1737

Desdemona

How now, good Cassio, what’s the news with you? 1738

Cassio

Madam, my former suit: I do beseech you 1739

That by your virtuous means I may again 1740

Exist and be a member of his love, 1741

Whom I, with all the office of my heart, 1742

Entirely honor. I would not be delayed. 1743

If my offense be of such mortal kind 1744

That nor my service past, nor present sorrows, 1745

Nor purposed merit in futurity 1746

Can ransom me into his love again, 1747

But to know so must be my benefit; 1748

So shall I clothe me in a forced content 1749

And shut myself up in some other course 1750

To fortune’s alms. 1751

Desdemona

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,

My advocation is not now in tune; 1752

My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him 1753

Were he in favor as in humor altered. 1754

So help me every spirit sanctified 1755

As I have spoken for you all my best, 1756

And stood within the blank of his displeasure 1757

For my free speech. You must awhile be patient. 1758

What I can do, I will; and more I will 1759

Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you. 1760

Iago

Is my lord angry? 1761

Emilia

He went hence but now,

And certainly in strange unquietness. 1762

Iago

Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon 1763

When it hath blown his ranks into the air 1764

And, like the devil, from his very arm 1765

Puffed his own brother—and is he angry? 1766

Something of moment then. I will go meet him; 1767

There’s matter in’t indeed if he be angry. 1768

Desdemona

I prithee do so. 1769

(Exit [Iago].)

Something sure of state,

Either from Venice or some unhatched practise 1770

Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, 1771

Hath puddled his clear spirit; and in such cases 1772

Men’s natures wrangle with inferior things, 1773

Though great ones are their object. ’Tis even so. 1774

For let our finger ache and it endues 1775

Our other healthful members even to a sense 1776

Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods, 1777

Nor of them look for such observancy 1778

As fits the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia. 1779

I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, 1780

Arraigning his unkindness with my soul; 1781

But now I find I had suborned the witness, 1782

And he’s indicted falsely. 1783

Emilia

Pray heaven it be

State matters, as you think, and no conception 1784

Nor no jealous toy concerning you. 1785

Desdemona

Alas the day! I never gave him cause. 1786

Emilia

But jealous souls will not be answered so; 1787

They are not ever jealous for the cause, 1788

But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster 1789

Begot upon itself, born on itself. 1790

Desdemona

Heaven keep the monster from Othello’s mind. 1791

Emilia

Lady, amen. 1792

Desdemona

I will go seek him. Cassio, walk here about. 1793

If I do find him fit, I’ll move your suit 1794

And seek to effect it to my uttermost. 1795

Cassio

I humbly thank your ladyship. 1796

(Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.)

(Enter Bianca.)

Bianca

’Save you, friend Cassio. 1797

Cassio

What make you from home?

How is’t with you, my most fair Bianca? 1798

I’faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house. 1799

Bianca

And I was going to your lodging, Cassio. 1800

What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights? 1801

Eight score eight hours? And lovers’ absent hours 1802

More tedious than the dial eight score times? 1803

Oh, weary reckoning! 1804

Cassio

Pardon me, Bianca.

I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed, 1805

But I shall in a more continuate time 1806

Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, 1807

Take me this work out. 1808

([Cassio gives Desdemona’s handkerchief to Bianca.])

Bianca

O Cassio, whence came this?

This is some token from a newer friend. 1809

To the felt absence now I feel a cause. 1810

Is’t come to this? Well, well. 1811

Cassio

Go to, woman!

Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth, 1812

From whence you have them. You are jealous now 1813

That this is from some mistress, some remembrance? 1814

No, by my faith, Bianca. 1815

Bianca

Why, whose is it?

Cassio

I know not neither; I found it in my chamber. 1816

I like the work well; ere it be demanded, 1817

As like enough it will, I would have it copied. 1818

Take it and do’t, and leave me for this time. 1819

Bianca

Leave you? Wherefore? 1820

Cassio

I do attend here on the general, 1821

And think it no addition nor my wish 1822

To have him see me womaned. 1823

Bianca

Why, I pray you?

Cassio

Not that I love you not. 1824

Bianca

But that you do not love me.

I pray you bring me on the way a little, 1825

And say if I shall see you soon at night. 1826

Cassio

’Tis but a little way that I can bring you, 1827

For I attend here, but I’ll see you soon. 1828

Bianca

’Tis very good. I must be circumstanced. 1829

(Exeunt.)

4.1

(Enter Othello and Iago.)

Iago

Will you think so? 1830

Othello

Think so, Iago?

Iago

What,

To kiss in private? 1831

Othello

An unauthorized kiss?

Iago

Or to be naked with her friend in bed 1832

An hour or more, not meaning any harm? 1833

Othello

Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm? 1834

It is hypocrisy against the devil. 1835

They that mean virtuously and yet do so, 1836

The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven. 1837

Iago

If they do nothing, ’tis a venial slip; 1838

But if I give my wife a handkerchief— 1839

Othello

What then? 1840

Iago

Why then ’tis hers, my lord, and, being hers, 1841

She may, I think, bestow’t on any man. 1842

Othello

She is protectress of her honor too; 1843

May she give that? 1844

Iago

Her honor is an essence that’s not seen; 1845

They have it very oft, that have it not. 1846

But for the handkerchief— 1847

Othello

By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it! 1848

Thou saidst—Oh, it comes o’re my memory 1849

As doth the raven o’er the infectious house, 1850

Boding to all—he had my handkerchief. 1851

Iago

Ay, what of that? 1852

Othello

That’s not so good now.

Iago

What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong? 1853

Or heard him say—as knaves be such abroad 1854

Who, having by their own importunate suit 1855

Or voluntary dotage of some mistress 1856

Convincèd or supplied them, cannot choose 1857

But they must blab— 1858

Othello

Hath he said anything?

Iago

He hath, my lord, but be you well assured, 1859

No more than he’ll unswear. 1860

Othello

What hath he said?

Iago

Faith, that he did—I know not what he did. 1861

Othello

What? What? 1862

Iago

Lie.

Othello

With her?

Iago

With her, on her—what you will. 1863

Othello

Lie with her? Lie on her? We say “lie on her” when they belie her. Lie with her? Zounds, that’s fulsome! Handkerchief! Confessions! Handkerchief!—To confess and be hanged for his labor. First to be hanged and then to confess! I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips!—Is’t possible? Confess? Handkerchief? O devil!

([Othello] falls in a trance.)

Iago

Work on, 1865

My medicine works! Thus credulous fools are caught, 1866

And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, 1867

All guiltless, meet reproach. What ho! My lord? 1868

My lord, I say! Othello! 1869

((Enter Cassio.))

How now, Cassio?

Cassio

What’s the matter? 1870

Iago

My lord is fallen into an epilepsy. 1871

This is his second fit; he had one yesterday. 1872

Cassio

Rub him about the temples. 1873

Iago

No, forbear.

The lethargy must have his quiet course; 1874

If not, he foams at mouth and by and by 1875

Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs. 1876

Do you withdraw yourself a little while. 1877

He will recover straight. When he is gone, 1878

I would on great occasion speak with you. 1879

([Exit Cassio.])

How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head? 1880

Othello

Dost thou mock me? 1881

Iago

I mock you not, by heaven!

Would you would bear your fortune like a man. 1882

Othello

A hornèd man’s a monster and a beast. 1883

Iago

There’s many a beast then in a populous city, 1884

And many a civil monster. 1885

Othello

Did he confess it? 1886

Iago

Good sir, be a man.

Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked 1887

May draw with you. There’s millions now alive 1888

That nightly lie in those unproper beds, 1889

Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. 1890

Oh, ’tis the spite of hell, the fiend’s arch-mock, 1891

To lip a wanton in a secure couch 1892

And to suppose her chaste. No, let me know, 1893

And, knowing what I am, I know what she shall be. 1894

Othello

Oh, thou art wise, ’tis certain. 1895

Iago

Stand you awhile apart;

Confine yourself but in a patient list: 1896

Whilst you were here, o’erwhelmèd with your grief— 1897

A passion most unsuiting such a man— 1898

Cassio came hither. I shifted him away 1899

And laid good ’scuses upon your ecstasy, 1900

Bade him anon return and here speak with me, 1901

The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, 1902

And mark the fleers, the gibes and notable scorns 1903

That dwell in every region of his face. 1904

For I will make him tell the tale anew: 1905

Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when 1906

He hath and is again to cope your wife. 1907

I say, but mark his gesture—marry, patience! 1908

Or I shall say you’re all in all in spleen 1909

And nothing of a man. 1910

Othello

Dost thou hear, Iago?

I will be found most cunning in my patience, 1911

But—dost thou hear?—most bloody. 1912

Iago

That’s not amiss,

But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? 1913

([Othello withdraws.])

Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, 1914

A huswife that by selling her desires 1915

Buys herself bread and cloth. It is a creature 1916

That dotes on Cassio—as ’tis the strumpet’s plague 1917

To beguile many and be beguiled by one. 1918

He, when he hears of her, cannot restrain 1919

From the excess of laughter. Here he comes. 1920

((Enter Cassio.))

As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; 1921

And his unbookish jealousy must conster 1922

Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behaviors 1923

Quite in the wrong. How do you, lieutenant? 1924

Cassio

The worser that you give me the addition 1925

Whose want even kills me. 1926

Iago

Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on’t. 1927

Now if this suit lay in Bianca’s power, 1928

How quickly should you speed. 1929

Cassio

Alas, poor caitiff!

Othello

Look how he laughs already. 1930

Iago

I never knew a woman love man so. 1931

Cassio

Alas, poor rogue, I think i’faith she loves me. 1932

Othello

Now he denies it faintly and laughs it out. 1933

Iago

Do you hear, Cassio? 1934

Othello

Now he importunes him

To tell it o’er. Go to, well said, well said. 1935

Iago

She gives it out that you shall marry her. 1936

Do you intend it? 1937

Cassio

Ha, ha, ha! 1938

Othello

Do you triumph, Roman? Do you triumph? 1939

Cassio

I marry? What, a customer? 1940

Prithee bear some charity to my wit; 1941

Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha! 1942

Othello

So, so, so, so! They laugh that wins. 1943

Iago

Faith, the cry goes that you marry her. 1944

Cassio

Prithee say true. 1945

Iago

I am a very villain else. 1946

Othello

Have you scored me? Well. 1947

Cassio

This is the monkey’s own giving out. 1948

She is persuaded I will marry her 1949

Out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise. 1950

Othello

Iago beckons me; now he begins the story. 1951

Cassio

She was here even now; she haunts me in every place. I was the other day talking on the seabank with certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck.

Othello

Crying “O dear Cassio”! as it were; his gesture imports it.

Cassio

So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me; so shakes and pulls me. Ha, ha, ha!

Othello

Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. Oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.

Cassio

Well, I must leave her company.

Iago

Before me! Look where she comes.

(Enter Bianca.)

Cassio

’Tis such another fitchew—marry, a perfumed one! 1958

What do you mean by this haunting of me? 1959

Bianca

Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it! I must take out the work? A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber and know not who left it there. This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There, give it your hobby-horse! [Bianca throws down the handkerchief.] Wheresoever you had it, I’ll take out no work on’t.

Cassio

How now, my sweet Bianca? How now? How now?

Othello

By heaven, that should be my handkerchief! 1963

Bianca

If you’ll come to supper tonight, you may; if you will not, come when you are next prepared for.

(Exit [Bianca].)

Iago

After her, after her!

Cassio

Faith, I must; she’ll rail in the streets else.

Iago

Will you sup there?

Cassio

Faith, I intend so.

Iago

Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very fain speak with you.

Cassio

Prithee come, will you?

Iago

Go to, say no more.

([Exit Cassio.])

Othello

[Coming forward] How shall I murder him, Iago? 1972

Iago

Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? 1973

Othello

Oh, Iago!

Iago

And did you see the handkerchief? 1975

Othello

Was that mine?

Iago

Yours, by this hand—and to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife; she gave it him, and he hath given it his whore.

Othello

I would have him nine years a-killing! A fine woman, a fair woman, a sweet woman!

Iago

Nay, you must forget that.

Othello

Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world hath not a sweeter creature! She might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks.

Iago

Nay, that’s not your way.

Othello

Hang her, I do but say what she is: so delicate with her needle, an admirable musician—Oh, she will sing the savageness out of a bear—of so high plenteous wit and invention!

Iago

She’s the worse for all this.

Othello

Oh, a thousand, a thousand times—and then of so gentle a condition!

Iago

Ay, too gentle.

Othello

Nay, that’s certain—but yet the pity of it, Iago! Oh, Iago, the pity of it, Iago!

Iago

If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend; for if it touch not you, it comes near nobody.

Othello

I will chop her into messes—cuckold me?

Iago

Oh, ’tis foul in her.

Othello

With mine officer?

Iago

That’s fouler.

Othello

Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I’ll not expostulate with her lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night, Iago.

Iago

Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.

Othello

Good, good—the justice of it pleases! Very good.

Iago

And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall hear more by midnight.

Othello

Excellent good— 1997

([A trumpet sounds.])

What trumpet is that same?

Iago

I warrant something from Venice. 1998

(Enter Lodovico, Desdemona, and attendants.)

’Tis Lodovico, this, comes from the duke. 1999

See, your wife’s with him. 2000

Lodovico

God save you, worthy general.

Othello

With all my heart, sir.

Lodovico

[Giving Othello a letter] The Duke and the Senators of Venice greet you. 2003

Othello

I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. 2004

Desdemona

And what’s the news, good cousin Lodovico? 2005

Iago

I am very glad to see you, signor. 2006

Welcome to Cyprus. 2007

Lodovico

I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio? 2008

Iago

Lives, sir. 2009

Desdemona

Cousin, there’s fallen between him and my lord 2010

An unkind breach, but you shall make all well. 2011

Othello

Are you sure of that? 2012

Desdemona

My lord?

Othello

[Reading] “This fail you not to do, as you will—”

Lodovico

He did not call; he’s busy in the paper. 2014

Is there division ’twixt my lord and Cassio? 2015

Desdemona

A most unhappy one. I would do much 2016

T’atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. 2017

Othello

Fire and brimstone! 2018

Desdemona

My lord?

Othello

Are you wise?

Desdemona

What, is he angry? 2019

Lodovico

Maybe the letter moved him.

For, as I think, they do command him home, 2020

Deputing Cassio in his government. 2021

Desdemona

By my troth, I am glad on’t. 2022

Othello

Indeed?

Desdemona

My lord?

Othello

I am glad to see you mad. 2023

Desdemona

Why, sweet Othello?

Othello

[Striking her] Devil!

Desdemona

I have not deserved this. 2024

Lodovico

My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, 2025

Though I should swear I saw’t. ’Tis very much. 2026

Make her amends; she weeps. 2027

Othello

O devil, devil!

If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, 2028

Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.— 2029

Out of my sight! 2030

Desdemona

[Starting to exit] I will not stay to offend you.

Lodovico

Truly obedient lady! 2031

I do beseech your lordship call her back. 2032

Othello

Mistress! 2033

Desdemona

[Returning] My lord?

Othello

What would you with her, sir?

Lodovico

Who I, my lord? 2034

Othello

Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn. 2035

Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on 2036

And turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep; 2037

And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, 2038

Very obedient.—Proceed you in your tears!— 2039

Concerning this, sir—O well-painted passion!— 2040

I am commanded home.—Get you away! 2041

I’ll send for you anon.—Sir, I obey the mandate 2042

And will return to Venice.—Hence, avaunt!— 2043

([Exit Desdemona.])

Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight 2044

I do entreat that we may sup together. 2045

You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.—Goats and monkeys! 2046

(Exit [Othello].)

Lodovico

Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate 2047

Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature 2048

Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue 2049

The shot of accident nor dart of chance 2050

Could neither graze nor pierce? 2051

Iago

He is much changed.

Lodovico

Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain? 2052

Iago

He’s that he is; I may not breathe my censure. 2053

What he might be—if what he might, he is not— 2054

I would to heaven he were. 2055

Lodovico

What? Strike his wife?

Iago

Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew 2056

That stroke would prove the worst. 2057

Lodovico

Is it his use?

Or did the letters work upon his blood 2058

And new-create his fault? 2059

Iago

Alas, alas!

It is not honesty in me to speak 2060

What I have seen and known. You shall observe him 2061

And his own courses will denote him so 2062

That I may save my speech; do but go after 2063

And mark how he continues. 2064

Lodovico

I am sorry that I am deceived in him. 2065

(Exeunt.)

4.2

(Enter Othello and Emilia.)

Othello

You have seen nothing then? 2066

Emilia

Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. 2067

Othello

Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together. 2068

Emilia

But then I saw no harm; and then I heard 2069

Each syllable that breath made up between them. 2070

Othello

What? Did they never whisper? 2071

Emilia

Never, my lord. 2072

Othello

Nor send you out o’th’way? 2073

Emilia

Never. 2074

Othello

To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing? 2075

Emilia

Never, my lord. 2076

Othello

That’s strange. 2077

Emilia

I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, 2078

Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other, 2079

Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom. 2080

If any wretch have put this in your head, 2081

Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse, 2082

For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, 2083

There’s no man happy. The purest of their wives 2084

Is foul as slander. 2085

Othello

Bid her come hither—go.

((Exit Emilia.))

She says enough; yet she’s a simple bawd 2086

That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, 2087

A closet lock and key of villainous secrets, 2088

And yet she’ll kneel and pray—I have seen her do’t. 2089

(Enter Desdemona and Emilia.)

Desdemona

My lord, what is your will? 2090

Othello

Pray you, chuck, come hither.

Desdemona

What is your pleasure? 2091

Othello

Let me see your eyes;

Look in my face. 2092

Desdemona

What horrible fancy’s this?

Othello

[To Emilia] of your function, mistress, 2093

Leave procreants alone and shut the door, 2094

Cough or cry “hem”! if anybody come. 2095

Your mystery, your mystery—nay, dispatch! 2096

(Exit Emilia.)

Desdemona

[Kneeling] Upon my knee, what doth your speech import? 2097

I understand a fury in your words, 2098

But not the words. 2099

Othello

Why? What art thou?

Desdemona

Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife. 2100

Othello

Come, swear it; damn thyself, 2101

Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves 2102

Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double damned: 2103

Swear thou art honest. 2104

Desdemona

Heaven doth truly know it.

Othello

Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. 2105

Desdemona

[Rising] To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false? 2106

Othello

Ah Desdemon, away, away, away. 2107

Desdemona

Alas the heavy day! Why do you weep? 2108

Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? 2109

If haply you my father do suspect 2110

An instrument of this your calling back, 2111

Lay not your blame on me; if you have lost him, 2112

I have lost him too. 2113

Othello

Had it pleased heaven

To try me with affliction, had they rained 2114

All kind of sores and shames on my bare head, 2115

Steeped me in poverty to the very lips, 2116

Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, 2117

I should have found in some place of my soul 2118

A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me 2119

The fixèd figure for the time of scorn 2120

To point his slow and moving finger at! 2121

Yet could I bear that too, well, very well; 2122

But there where I have garnered up my heart, 2123

Where either I must live or bear no life, 2124

The fountain from the which my current runs 2125

Or else dries up—to be discarded thence— 2126

Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads 2127

To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there, 2128

Patience, thou young and rose-lipped cherubin; 2129

I here look grim as hell. 2130

Desdemona

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. 2131

Othello

Oh ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, 2132

That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, 2133

Who art so lovely fair and smell’st so sweet 2134

That the sense aches at thee, 2135

Would thou had’st ne’er been born! 2136

Desdemona

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed? 2137

Othello

Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, 2138

Made to write “whore” upon? What committed? 2139

Committed? O thou public commoner, 2140

I should make very forges of my cheeks 2141

That would to cinders burn up modesty 2142

Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed? 2143

Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks; 2144

The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets 2145

Is hushed within the hollow mine of earth 2146

And will not hear’t—what committed?—impudent strumpet! 2147

Desdemona

By heaven, you do me wrong. 2148

Othello

Are not you a strumpet? 2149

Desdemona

No, as I am a Christian.

If to preserve this vessel for my lord 2150

From any other foul unlawful touch 2151

Be not to be a strumpet, I am none. 2152

Othello

What, not a whore? 2153

Desdemona

No, as I shall be saved.

Othello

Is’t possible? 2154

Desdemona

O heaven, forgive us.

Othello

I cry you mercy then. 2155

I took you for that cunning whore of Venice 2156

That married with Othello. 2157

((Enter Emilia.))

[To Emilia] You, mistress,

That have the office opposite to Saint Peter 2158

And keeps the gate of hell. You, you! Ay, you. 2159

We have done our course. 2160

[Giving her money]) There’s money for your pains.

I pray you turn the key and keep our counsel. 2161

(Exit [Othello].)

Emilia

Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? 2162

How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady? 2163

Desdemona

Faith, half asleep. 2164

Emilia

Good madam, what’s the matter with my lord? 2165

Desdemona

With who? 2166

Emilia

Why, with my lord, madam.

Desdemona

Who is thy lord? 2167

Emilia

He that is yours, sweet lady.

Desdemona

I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia. 2168

I cannot weep, nor answers have I none 2169

But what should go by water. Prithee tonight 2170

Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, remember, 2171

And call thy husband hither. 2172

Emilia

Here’s a change indeed.

(Exit [Emilia].)

Desdemona

’Tis meet I should be used so, very meet. 2173

How have I been behaved that he might stick 2174

The smallest opinion on my least misuse? 2175

(Enter Iago and Emilia.)

Iago

What is your pleasure, madam? How is’t with you? 2176

Desdemona

I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes 2177

Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. 2178

He might have chid me so, for in good faith 2179

I am a child to chiding. 2180

Iago

What is the matter, lady?

Emilia

Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her, 2181

Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her 2182

That true hearts cannot bear it. 2183

Desdemona

Am I that name, Iago? 2184

Iago

What name, fair lady?

Desdemona

Such as she said my lord did say I was. 2185

Emilia

He called her whore! A beggar in his drink 2186

Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. 2187

Iago

Why did he so? 2188

Desdemona

I do not know; I am sure I am none such. 2189

Iago

Do not weep, do not weep—alas the day! 2190

Emilia

Hath she forsook so many noble matches, 2191

Her father, and her country, and her friends, 2192

To be called whore? Would it not make one weep? 2193

Desdemona

It is my wretched fortune. 2194

Iago

Beshrew him for’t!

How comes this trick upon him? 2195

Desdemona

Nay, heaven doth know.

Emilia

I will be hanged if some eternal villain, 2196

Some busy and insinuating rogue, 2197

Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, 2198

Have not devised this slander; I will be hanged else. 2199

Iago

Fie, there is no such man! It is impossible. 2200

Desdemona

If any such there be, heaven pardon him. 2201

Emilia

A halter pardon him and hell gnaw his bones. 2202

Why should he call her whore? Who keeps her company? 2203

What place? What time? What form? What likelihood? 2204

The Moor’s abused by some most villainous knave, 2205

Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. 2206

O heavens, that such companions thou’d’st unfold 2207

And put in every honest hand a whip 2208

To lash the rascals naked through the world 2209

Even from the east to th’west. 2210

Iago

Speak within door.

Emilia

Oh, fie upon them! Some such squire he was 2211

That turned your wit the seamy side without 2212

And made you to suspect me with the Moor. 2213

Iago

You are a fool; go to. 2214

Desdemona

Alas, Iago,

What shall I do to win my lord again? 2215

Good friend, go to him; for by this light of heaven, 2216

I know not how I lost him. 2217

([She kneels.])

Here I kneel.

If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love, 2218

Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, 2219

Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense 2220

Delighted them in any other form, 2221

Or that I do not yet, and ever did, 2222

And ever will—though he do shake me off 2223

To beggarly divorcement—love him dearly, 2224

Comfort forswear me. 2225

[She stands.] Unkindness may do much,

And his unkindness may defeat my life, 2226

But never taint my love. I cannot say “whore”. 2227

It does abhor me now I speak the word; 2228

To do the act that might the addition earn, 2229

Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me. 2230

Iago

I pray you be content; ’tis but his humor. 2231

The business of the state does him offense, 2232

And he does chide with you. 2233

Desdemona

If ’twere no other— 2234

Iago

It is but so, I warrant.

([Trumpets within])

Hark how these instruments summon to supper. 2235

The messengers of Venice stays the meat. 2236

Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well. 2237

((Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.))

((Enter Roderigo.))

How now Roderigo? 2238

Roderigo

I do not find that thou deal’st justly with me. 2239

Iago

What in the contrary?

Roderigo

Every day thou doff’st me with some device, Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keep’st from me all conveniency, then suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.

Iago

Will you hear me, Roderigo?

Roderigo

Faith, I have heard too much, and your words and performances are no kin together.

Iago

You charge me most unjustly.

Roderigo

With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means; the jewels you have had from me to deliver Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me she hath received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

Iago

Well, go to, very well.

Roderigo

“Very well, go to”! I cannot “go to”, man, nor ’tis not “very well”. By this hand, I say ’tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.

Iago

Very well.

Roderigo

I tell you, ’tis not very well! I will make myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation. If not, assure yourself, I will seek satisfaction of you.

Iago

You have said now.

Roderigo

Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

Iago

Why, now I see there’s mettle in thee, and even from this instant do build on thee a better opinion than ever before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken against me a most just exception, but yet I protest I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

Roderigo

It hath not appeared.

Iago

I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed which I have greater reason to believe now than ever—I mean purpose, courage, and valor—this night show it. If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery and devise engines for my life.

Roderigo

Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?

Iago

Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello’s place.

Roderigo

Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

Iago

Oh no, he goes into Mauritania and taketh away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident, wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.

Roderigo

How do you mean removing him?

Iago

Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place—knocking out his brains.

Roderigo

And that you would have me to do.

Iago

Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with a harlotry, and thither will I go to him. He knows not yet of his honorable fortune. If you will watch his going thence—which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one—you may take him at your pleasure. I will be near to second your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with me; I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high supper time, and the night grows to waste. About it.

Roderigo

I will hear further reason for this.

Iago

And you shall be satisfied.

(Exeunt.)

4.3

(Enter Othello,Lodovico, Desdemona, Emilia, and attendants.)

Lodovico

I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further. 2266

Othello

Oh, pardon me; ’twill do me good to walk. 2267

Lodovico

Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship. 2268

Desdemona

Your honor is most welcome. 2269

Othello

Will you walk, sir? O Desdemona—

Desdemona

My lord.

Othello

Get you to bed on th’instant. I will be returned forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there; look’t be done.

Desdemona

I will, my lord.

(Exeunt [Othello, Lodovico, and attendants.])

Emilia

How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did. 2274

Desdemona

He says he will return incontinent, 2275

And hath commanded me to go to bed, 2276

And bid me to dismiss you. 2277

Emilia

Dismiss me?

Desdemona

It was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, 2278

Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu. 2279

We must not now displease him. 2280

Emilia

I would you had never seen him. 2281

Desdemona

So would not I; my love doth so approve him 2282

That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns— 2283

Prithee unpin me—have grace and favor in them. 2284

Emilia

I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed. 2285

Desdemona

All’s one. Good faith, how foolish are our minds? 2286

If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me 2287

In one of these same sheets. 2288

Emilia

Come, come, you talk.

Desdemona

My mother had a maid called Barbary; 2289

She was in love, and he she loved proved mad 2290

And did forsake her. She had a "Song of Willow"— 2291

An old thing ’twas, but it expressed her fortune, 2292

And she died singing it. That song tonight 2293

Will not go from my mind; I have much to do 2294

But to go hang my head all at one side 2295

And sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee dispatch. 2296

Emilia

Shall I go fetch your nightgown? 2297

Desdemona

No, unpin me here.

This Lodovico is a proper man. 2298

Emilia

A very handsome man. 2299

Desdemona

He speaks well.

Emilia

I know a lady in Venice would have walked 2300

Barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. 2301

Desdemona

[Singing] The poor soul sat singing by a sycamore tree, 2302

Sing all a green willow; 2303

Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee. 2304

Sing willow, willow, willow. 2305

The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans, 2306

Sing willow, willow, willow; 2307

Her salt tears fell from her and softened the stones. 2308

Sing willow— 2309

Lay by these.— 2310

[Singing] willow, willow.—

Prithee, hie thee; he’ll come anon. 2311

[Singing] Sing all a green willow must be my garland. 2312

Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve. 2313

Nay, that’s not next. Hark, who is’t that knocks? 2314

Emilia

It’s the wind. 2315

Desdemona

[Singing] I called my love false love, but what said he then? 2316

Sing willow, willow, willow; 2317

If I court more women, you’ll couch with more men. 2318

So get thee gone, goodnight. Mine eyes do itch; 2319

Doth that bode weeping? 2320

Emilia

’Tis neither here nor there.

Desdemona

I have heard it said so. Oh, these men, these men! 2321

Dost thou in conscience think—tell me, Emilia— 2322

That there be women do abuse their husbands 2323

In such gross kind? 2324

Emilia

There be some such, no question.

Desdemona

Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? 2325

Emilia

Why, would not you? 2326

Desdemona

No, by this heavenly light.

Emilia

Nor I neither, by this heavenly light; 2327

I might do’t as well i’th’dark. 2328

Desdemona

Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? 2329

Emilia

The world’s a huge thing; it is a great price 2330

For a small vice. 2331

Desdemona

In troth, I think thou wouldst not.

Emilia

In troth, I think I should, and undo’t when I had done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint ring, nor for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for all the whole world—’ud’s pity!—who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for’t.

Desdemona

Beshrew me if I would do such a wrong 2333

For the whole world. 2334

Emilia

Why, the wrong is but a wrong i’th’world; and having the world for your labor ’tis a wrong in your own world, and you might quickly make it right.

Desdemona

I do not think there is any such woman. 2336

Emilia

Yes, a dozen—and as many to th’vantage as would store the world they played for.

But I do think it is their husbands’ faults 2338

If wives do fall. Say that they slack their duties 2339

And pour our treasures into foreign laps; 2340

Or else break out in peevish jealousies, 2341

Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us, 2342

Or scant our former having in despite. 2343

Why, we have galls; and though we have some grace, 2344

Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know 2345

Their wives have sense like them; they see, and smell, 2346

And have their palates both for sweet and sour, 2347

As husbands have. What is it that they do 2348

When they change us for others? Is it sport? 2349

I think it is. And doth affection breed it? 2350

I think it doth. Is’t frailty that thus errs? 2351

It is so too. And have not we affections, 2352

Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? 2353

Then let them use us well; else let them know, 2354

The ills we do, their ills instruct us so. 2355

Desdemona

Good night, good night. God me such uses send, 2356

Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad, mend. 2357

(Exeunt.)

5.1

(Enter Iago and Roderigo.)

Iago

Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come. 2358

Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home. 2359

Quick, quick, fear nothing; I’ll be at thy elbow. 2360

It makes us or it mars us; think on that, 2361

And fix most firm thy resolution. 2362

Roderigo

Be near at hand; I may miscarry in’t. 2363

Iago

Here, at thy hand. Be bold, and take thy stand. 2364

([Iago withdraws.])

Roderigo

I have no great devotion to the deed, 2365

And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. 2366

’Tis but a man gone. 2367

[Drawing his sword] Forth my sword: he dies!

Iago

I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense, 2368

And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio, 2369

Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, 2370

Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo, 2371

He calls me to a restitution large 2372

Of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him 2373

As gifts to Desdemona. 2374

It must not be! If Cassio do remain, 2375

He hath a daily beauty in his life 2376

That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor 2377

May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril. 2378

No, he must die. But so — I hear him coming. 2379

(Enter Cassio.)

Roderigo

I know his gait, ’tis he. Villain, thou diest! 2380

([Roderigo attacks Cassio.])

Cassio

That thrust had been mine enemy indeed, 2381

But that my coat is better than thou know’st. 2382

[Drawing his sword] I will make proof of thine. 2383

(Cassio wounds Roderigo.)

Roderigo

Oh, I am slain!

([Iago wounds Cassio in the leg from behind and exits.])

Cassio

I am maimed forever! Help, ho! Murder, murder! 2384

([Enter Othello above.])

Othello

The voice of Cassio. Iago keeps his word. 2385

Roderigo

Oh, villain that I am! 2386

Othello

It is even so.

Cassio

Oh, help ho! Light! A surgeon! 2387

Othello

’Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just, 2388

That hast such noble sense of thy friend’s wrong, 2389

Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead, 2390

And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come. 2391

Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted. 2392

Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lust’s blood be spotted. 2393

(Exit Othello.)

(Enter Lodovico and Gratiano.)

Cassio

What ho! No watch? No passage? Murder, murder! 2394

Gratiano

’Tis some mischance; the voice is very direful. 2395

Cassio

Oh, help! 2396

Lodovico

Hark! 2397

Roderigo

O wretched villain! 2398

Lodovico

Two or three groan. ’Tis heavy night. 2399

These may be counterfeits; let’s think’t unsafe 2400

To come into the cry without more help. 2401

Roderigo

Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death. 2402

(Enter Iago [with a light and sword.])

Lodovico

Hark! 2403

Gratiano

Here’s one comes in his shirt, with light and weapons. 2404

Iago

Who’s there? Whose noise is this that cries on murder? 2405

Lodovico

We do not know. 2406

Iago

Do not you hear a cry?

Cassio

Here, here! For heaven sake, help me! 2407

Iago

What’s the matter?

Gratiano

This is Othello’s ancient, as I take it. 2408

Lodovico

The same indeed, a very valiant fellow. 2409

Iago

What are you here that cry so grievously? 2410

Cassio

Iago? Oh, I am spoiled, undone by villains. 2411

Give me some help. 2412

Iago

Oh, me, lieutenant! What villains have done this? 2413

Cassio

I think that one of them is hereabout 2414

And cannot make away. 2415

Iago

O treacherous villains!

[To Lodovico and Gratiano] What are you there? Come in and give some help. 2416

Roderigo

Oh, help me there! 2417

Cassio

That’s one of them.

Iago

O murd’rous slave! O villain! 2418

([Iago stabs Roderigo.])

Roderigo

O damned Iago! O inhuman dog! 2419

Iago

Kill men i’th’dark? Where be these bloody thieves? 2420

How silent is this town? Ho, murder, murder! 2421

What may you be? Are you of good or evil? 2422

Lodovico

As you shall prove us, praise us. 2423

Iago

Signor Lodovico? 2424

Lodovico

He, sir. 2425

Iago

I cry you mercy—here’s Cassio hurt by villains. 2426

Gratiano

Cassio? 2427

Iago

How is’t brother? 2428

Cassio

My leg is cut in two. 2429

Iago

Marry, heaven forbid—Light, gentlemen! 2430

I’ll bind it with my shirt. 2431

(Enter Bianca.)

Bianca

What is the matter, ho? Who is’t that cried? 2432

Iago

Who is’t that cried? 2433

Bianca

O my dear Cassio,

My sweet Cassio—O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! 2434

Iago

O notable strumpet. Cassio, may you suspect 2435

Who they should be that have thus mangled you? 2436

Cassio

No. 2437

Gratiano

I am sorry to find you thus; 2438

I have been to seek you. 2439

Iago

Lend me a garter. So—

([Iago binds Cassio’s leg.])

O for a chair to bear him easily hence! 2440

Bianca

Alas, he faints. O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! 2441

Iago

Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash 2442

To be a party in this injury. 2443

Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come, 2444

Lend me a light. Know we this face or no? 2445

Alas, my friend and my dear countryman 2446

Roderigo? No—Yes, sure! O heaven, Roderigo! 2447

Gratiano

What, of Venice? 2448

Iago

Even he, sir. Did you know him? 2449

Gratiano

Know him? Ay. 2450

Iago

Signor Gratiano? I cry your gentle pardon. 2451

These bloody accidents must excuse my manners 2452

That so neglected you. 2453

Gratiano

I am glad to see you.

Iago

How do you, Cassio?—Oh, a chair, a chair! 2454

Gratiano

Roderigo? 2455

Iago

He, he, ’tis he. 2456

([Enter attendants with a chair.])

Oh, that’s well said, the chair.

Some good man bear him carefully from hence; 2457

I’ll fetch the general’s surgeon. For you, mistress, 2458

Save you your labor. He that lies slain here, Cassio, 2459

Was my dear friend. What malice was between you? 2460

Cassio

None in the world; nor do I know the man. 2461

Iago

[To Bianca] What? Look you pale? 2462

[To attendants] Oh, bear him out o’th’air.

([Exeunt attendants carrying off Cassio in the chair, and Roderigo’s body.])

[To Lodovico and Gratiano] Stay you, good gentlemen. 2463

[To Bianca] Look you pale, mistress?

[To Lodovico and Gratiano] Do you perceive the gastness of her eye? 2464

Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon. 2465

Behold her well. I pray you, look upon her. 2466

Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness will speak 2467

Though tongues were out of use. 2468

([Enter Emilia.])

Emilia

Alas, what is the matter? What is the matter, husband? 2469

Iago

Cassio hath here been set on in the dark 2470

By Roderigo and fellows that are scaped; 2471

He’s almost slain, and Roderigo quite dead. 2472

Emilia

Alas, good gentleman! Alas, good Cassio! 2473

Iago

This is the fruits of whoring. Prithee, Emilia, 2474

Go know of Cassio where he supped tonight. 2475

What, do you shake at that? 2476

Bianca

He supped at my house, but I therefore shake not. 2477

Iago

Oh, did he so? I charge you go with me. 2478

Emilia

O fie upon thee, strumpet! 2479

Bianca

I am no strumpet, but of life as honest 2480

As you that thus abuse me. 2481

Emilia

As I? Fie upon thee!

Iago

Kind gentlemen, let’s go see poor Cassio dressed. 2482

Come, mistress, you must tell’s another tale. 2483

Emilia, run you to the citadel 2484

And tell my lord and lady what hath happed. 2485

This is the night 2486

That either makes me or fordoes me quite. 2487

(Exeunt.)

5.2

(Enter Othello [with a light], and Desdemona in her bed.)

Othello

It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. 2488

Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars. 2489

It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood, 2490

Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow 2491

And smooth as monumental alabaster— 2492

Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men. 2493

Put out the light, and then put out the light— 2494

If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, 2495

I can again thy former light restore 2496

Should I repent me. But once put out thy light, 2497

Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature, 2498

I know not where is that Promethean heat 2499

That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose, 2500

I cannot give it vital growth again; 2501

It needs must wither. I’ll smell thee on the tree. 2502

([He kisses her.])

O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade 2503

Justice to break her sword—one more, one more. 2504

([He kisses her.])

Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee 2505

And love thee after—one more, and that’s the last. 2506

([He kisses her.])

So sweet was ne’er so fatal. I must weep, 2507

But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly; 2508

It strikes where it doth love. She wakes. 2509

Desdemona

Who’s there? Othello? 2510

Othello

Ay, Desdemona.

Desdemona

Will you come to bed, my lord? 2511

Othello

Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon? 2512

Desdemona

Ay, my lord.

Othello

If you bethink yourself of any crime 2513

Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, 2514

Solicit for it straight. 2515

Desdemona

Alack, my lord, what may you mean by that? 2516

Othello

Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by. 2517

I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit. 2518

No, heavens forfend!—I would not kill thy soul. 2519

Desdemona

Talk you of killing? 2520

Othello

Ay, I do.

Desdemona

Then heaven have mercy on me. 2521

Othello

Amen, with all my heart.

Desdemona

If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. 2522

Othello

Humh. 2523

Desdemona

And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then 2524

When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not, 2525

Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear. 2526

Othello

Think on thy sins. 2527

Desdemona

They are loves I bear to you.

Othello

Ay, and for that thou diest. 2528

Desdemona

That death’s unnatural that kills for loving. 2529

Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? 2530

Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. 2531

These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope, 2532

They do not point on me. 2533

Othello

Peace, and be still.

Desdemona

I will so. What’s the matter? 2534

Othello

That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee, 2535

Thou gav’st to Cassio. 2536

Desdemona

No, by my life and soul!

Send for the man and ask him. 2537

Othello

Sweet soul, take heed;

Take heed of perjury; thou art on thy deathbed. 2538

Desdemona

Ay, but not yet to die. 2539

Othello

Yes, presently.

Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin; 2540

For to deny each article with oath 2541

Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception 2542

That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. 2543

Desdemona

O heaven have mercy on me! 2544

Othello

I say amen.

Desdemona

And have you mercy too. I never did 2545

Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio 2546

But with such general warranty of heaven 2547

As I might love. I never gave him token. 2548

Othello

By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in’s hand. 2549

O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart, 2550

And makes me call what I intend to do 2551

A murder, which I thought a sacrifice. 2552

I saw the handkerchief. 2553

Desdemona

He found it then.

I never gave it him. Send for him hither. 2554

Let him confess a truth. 2555

Othello

He hath confessed.

Desdemona

What, my lord? 2556

Othello

That he hath—’ud’s death!—used thee.

Desdemona

How? Unlawfully? 2557

Othello

Ay.

Desdemona

He will not say so.

Othello

No, his mouth is stopped. 2558

Honest Iago hath ta’en order for’t. 2559

Desdemona

Oh, my fear interprets. What, is he dead? 2560

Othello

Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge 2561

Had stomach for them all. 2562

Desdemona

Alas, he is betrayed, and I undone. 2563

Othello

Out, strumpet! Weep’st thou for him to my face? 2564

Desdemona

Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not. 2565

Othello

Down, strumpet. 2566

Desdemona

Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight. 2567

Othello

Nay, if you strive. 2568

Desdemona

But half an hour.

Othello

Being done, there is no pause. 2569

Desdemona

But while I say one prayer.

Othello

It is too late. 2570

([Othello] smothers her.)

(Emilia [is heard] at the door.)

Emilia

[Within] My lord, my lord? What ho? My lord, my lord! 2571

Othello

What noise is this? Not dead? Not yet quite dead? 2572

I that am cruel am yet merciful; 2573

I would not have thee linger in thy pain— 2574

[Smothering her again] So, so. 2575

Emilia

(Within) What ho? My lord, my lord? 2576

Othello

Who’s there?

Emilia

O good my lord, I would speak a word with you. 2577

Othello

Yes—’Tis Emilia.—By and by!—She’s dead. 2578

’Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death. 2579

The noise was high. Ha, no more moving? 2580

Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were’t good? 2581

I think she stirs again. No. What’s best to do? 2582

If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife— 2583

My wife, my wife—what wife? I have no wife. 2584

Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour! 2585

Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse 2586

Of sun and moon, and that th’affrighted globe 2587

Did yawn at alteration. 2588

Emilia

[Within] I do beseech you

That I may speak with you. O good my lord. 2589

Othello

I had forgot thee. O come in, Emilia. 2590

Soft,—By and by!—let me the curtains draw. 2591

([He closes the bed curtains.])

Where art thou? What’s the matter with thee now? 2592

([He unlocks the door.])

(Enter Emilia.)

Emilia

O my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done. 2593

Othello

What? Now? 2594

Emilia

But now, my lord.

Othello

It is the very error of the moon; 2595

She comes more nearer Earth than she was wont, 2596

And makes men mad. 2597

Emilia

Cassio, my lord, hath killed

A young Venetian called Roderigo. 2598

Othello

Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed? 2599

Emilia

No, Cassio is not killed. 2600

Othello

Not Cassio killed? Then murder’s out of tune, 2601

And sweet revenge grows harsh. 2602

Desdemona

Oh, falsely, falsely murdered. 2603

Emilia

O Lord! What cry is that? 2604

Othello

That? What?

Emilia

Out and alas, that was my lady’s voice! 2605

([She opens the bed curtains.])

Help, help, ho, help! O lady, speak again. 2606

Sweet Desdemona, O sweet mistress, speak. 2607

Desdemona

A guiltless death I die. 2608

Emilia

Oh, who hath done this deed? 2609

Desdemona

Nobody—I myself. Farewell— 2610

Commend me to my kind lord—Oh, farewell. 2611

([Desdemona dies.])

Othello

Why, how should she be murdered? 2612

Emilia

Alas, who knows?

Othello

You heard her say herself, it was not I. 2613

Emilia

She said so; I must needs report the truth. 2614

Othello

She’s like a liar gone to burning hell; 2615

’Twas I that killed her. 2616

Emilia

Oh, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil. 2617

Othello

She turned to folly, and she was a whore. 2618

Emilia

Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil. 2619

Othello

She was false as water. 2620

Emilia

Thou art rash as fire

To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly true. 2621

Othello

Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else. 2622

Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell, 2623

But that I did proceed upon just grounds 2624

To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all. 2625

Emilia

My husband? 2626

Othello

Thy husband.

Emilia

That she was false to wedlock?

Othello

Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true, 2627

If heaven would make me such another world 2628

Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, 2629

I’d not have sold her for it. 2630

Emilia

My husband?

Othello

Ay, ’twas he that told me on her first. 2631

An honest man he is, and hates the slime 2632

That sticks on filthy deeds. 2633

Emilia

My husband?

Othello

What needs this iterance, woman? I say, thy husband. 2634

Emilia

O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love— 2635

My husband say she was false? 2636

Othello

He, woman;

I say thy husband—dost understand the word?— 2637

My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago. 2638

Emilia

If he say so, may his pernicious soul 2639

Rot half a grain a day; he lies to th’heart. 2640

She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. 2641

Othello

Ha? 2642

Emilia

Do thy worst. 2643

This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven, 2644

Than thou wast worthy her. 2645

Othello

Peace, you were best.

Emilia

Thou hast not half that power to do me harm 2646

As I have to be hurt. O gull, O dolt, 2647

As ignorant as dirt, thou hast done a deed— 2648

([Othello threatens Emilia with his sword.])

I care not for thy sword; I’ll make thee known 2649

Though I lost twenty lives. Help, help, ho, help! 2650

The Moor hath killed my mistress. Murder, murder! 2651

(Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago.)

Montano

What is the matter? How now, general? 2652

Emilia

Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well, 2653

That men must lay their murders on your neck. 2654

Gratiano

What is the matter? 2655

Emilia

[To Iago] Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man. 2656

He says thou told’st him that his wife was false. 2657

I know thou didst not; thou’rt not such a villain. 2658

Speak, for my heart is full. 2659

Iago

I told him what I thought, and told no more 2660

Than what he found himself was apt and true. 2661

Emilia

But did you ever tell him she was false? 2662

Iago

I did. 2663

Emilia

You told a lie, an odious damnèd lie, 2664

Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie. 2665

She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio? 2666

Iago

With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue. 2667

Emilia

I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak. 2668

My mistress here lies murdered in her bed. 2669

All

O heavens forfend! 2670

Emilia

And your reports have set the murder on. 2671

Othello

Nay, stare not, masters; it is true indeed. 2672

Gratiano

’Tis a strange truth. 2673

Montano

O monstrous act!

Emilia

Villainy, villainy, villainy! 2674

I think upon’t, I think I smell’t. O villainy— 2675

I thought so then—I’ll kill myself for grief! 2676

O villainy! Villainy! 2677

Iago

What, are you mad? I charge you get you home. 2678

Emilia

Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak. 2679

’Tis proper I obey him, but not now. 2680

Perchance, Iago, I will ne’er go home. 2681

Othello

Oh, Oh, Oh! 2682

([Othello falls on the bed.])

Emilia

Nay, lay thee down and roar,

For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent 2683

That ere did lift up eye. 2684

Othello

Oh, she was foul!

I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece, 2685

Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopped. 2686

I know this act shows horrible and grim. 2687

Gratiano

Poor Desdemon, I am glad thy father’s dead; 2688

Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief 2689

Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now, 2690

This sight would make him do a desperate turn; 2691

Yea, curse his better angel from his side 2692

And fall to reprobance. 2693

Othello

’Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows 2694

That she with Cassio hath the act of shame 2695

A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it, 2696

And she did gratify his amorous works 2697

With that recognizance and pledge of love 2698

Which I first gave her;—I saw it in his hand— 2699

It was a handkerchief, an antique token 2700

My father gave my mother. 2701

Emilia

O God, O heavenly God! 2702

Iago

Zounds, hold your peace.

Emilia

’Twill out, ’twill out. I peace? 2703

No, I will speak as liberal as the north; 2704

Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, 2705

All, all cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak. 2706

Iago

Be wise, and get you home. 2707

Emilia

I will not.

([Iago threatens Emilia with his sword.])

Gratiano

Fie, your sword upon a woman? 2708

Emilia

O thou dull Moor, that handkerchief thou speak’st of 2709

I found by fortune, and did give my husband; 2710

For often, with a solemn earnestness— 2711

More than indeed belonged to such a trifle— 2712

He begged of me to steal’t. 2713

Iago

Villainous whore!

Emilia

She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it, 2714

And I did give’t my husband. 2715

Iago

Filth, thou liest.

Emilia

By heaven, I do not. I do not, gentlemen.— 2716

O murderous coxcomb, what should such a fool 2717

Do with so good a wife? 2718

([Othello runs at Iago and is disarmed by Montano. Iago stabs Emilia.])

Othello

Are there no stones in heaven

But what serves for the thunder? Precious villain! 2719

Gratiano

The woman falls; sure he hath killed his wife. 2720

Emilia

Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress’s side. 2721

([Exit Iago.])

Gratiano

He’s gone, but his wife’s killed. 2722

Montano

’Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon 2723

Which I have here recovered from the Moor. 2724

Come guard the door without; let him not pass, 2725

But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain, 2726

For ’tis a damnèd slave. 2727

(Exeunt [Montano and Gratiano].)

Othello

I am not valiant neither,

But every puny whipster gets my sword. 2728

But why should honor outlive honesty? 2729

Let it go all. 2730

Emilia

What did thy song bode, lady?

Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan, 2731

And die in music: 2732

[Singing] Willow, willow, willow.

Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor. 2733

So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; 2734

So speaking as I think, alas, I die. 2735

([Emilia dies.])

Othello

I have another weapon in this chamber; 2736

It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper— 2737

Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth. 2738

Gratiano

[Within] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear; 2739

Thou hast no weapon and perforce must suffer. 2740

Othello

Look in upon me then, and speak with me, 2741

Or naked as I am I will assault thee. 2742

([Enter Gratiano.])

Gratiano

What is the matter? 2743

Othello

Behold, I have a weapon;

A better never did itself sustain 2744

Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day 2745

That with this little arm and this good sword 2746

I have made my way through more impediments 2747

Than twenty times your stop. But—O vain boast!— 2748

Who can control his fate? ’Tis not so now. 2749

Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed. 2750

Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt 2751

And very seamark of my utmost sail. 2752

Do you go back dismayed? ’Tis a lost fear. 2753

Man but a rush against Othello’s breast 2754

And he retires. Where should Othello go? 2755

Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench, 2756

Pale as thy smock; when we shall meet at compt, 2757

This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven 2758

And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl? 2759

Even like thy chastity. O cursèd, cursèd slave! 2760

Whip me, ye devils, from the possession of this heavenly sight, 2761

Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur, 2762

Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire— 2763

O Desdemon! Dead Desdemon! Dead—Oh, Oh! 2764

(Enter Lodovico, Cassio [in a chair], Montano, and Iago with officers.)

Lodovico

Where is this rash and most unfortunate man? 2765

Othello

That’s he that was Othello; here I am. 2766

Lodovico

Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth. 2767

Othello

I look down toward his feet, but that’s a fable; 2768

If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee. 2769

([Othello wounds Iago.])

Lodovico

Wrench his sword from him. 2770

Iago

I bleed, sir, but not killed.

Othello

I am not sorry neither; I’d have thee live, 2771

For in my sense ’tis happiness to die. 2772

Lodovico

O thou Othello, that was once so good, 2773

Fallen in the practice of a damnèd slave, 2774

What shall be said to thee? 2775

Othello

Why, anything—

An honorable murderer, if you will, 2776

For naught I did in hate, but all in honor. 2777

Lodovico

This wretch hath part confessed his villainy. 2778

Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death? 2779

Othello

Ay. 2780

Cassio

Dear general, I never gave you cause. 2781

Othello

I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. 2782

Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil 2783

Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body? 2784

Iago

Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. 2785

From this time forth, I never will speak word. 2786

Lodovico

What, not to pray? 2787

Gratiano

Torments will ope your lips.

Othello

Well, thou dost best. 2788

Lodovico

Sir, you shall understand what hath befallen, 2789

Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter 2790

Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo, 2791

And here another. The one of them imports 2792

The death of Cassio, to be undertook 2793

By Roderigo. 2794

Othello

O villain! 2795

Cassio

Most heathenish and most gross!

Lodovico

Now here’s another discontented paper 2796

Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, 2797

Roderigo meant t’have sent this damnèd villain, 2798

But that, belike, Iago in the interim 2799

Came in and satisfied him. 2800

Othello

O thou pernicious caitiff! 2801

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief 2802

That was my wife’s? 2803

Cassio

I found it in my chamber,

And he himself confessed it but even now 2804

That there he dropped it for a special purpose 2805

Which wrought to his desire. 2806

Othello

O fool, fool, fool!

Cassio

There is besides in Roderigo’s letter 2807

How he upbraids Iago that he made him 2808

Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came 2809

That I was cast; and even but now he spake, 2810

After long seeming dead, Iago hurt him, 2811

Iago set him on. 2812

Lodovico

[To Othello] You must forsake this room and go with us. 2813

Your power and your command is taken off, 2814

And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave, 2815

If there be any cunning cruelty 2816

That can torment him much and hold him long, 2817

It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest, 2818

Till that the nature of your fault be known 2819

To the Venetian state. Come, bring away. 2820

Othello

Soft you, a word or two before you go. 2821

I have done the state some service, and they know’t; 2822

No more of that. I pray you in your letters, 2823

When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, 2824

Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate, 2825

Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak 2826

Of one that loved not wisely, but too well; 2827

Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, 2828

Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand, 2829

Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away 2830

Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes, 2831

Albeit unused to the melting mood, 2832

Drops tears as fast as the Arabian trees 2833

Their medicinable gum. Set you down this, 2834

And say besides that in Aleppo once, 2835

Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk 2836

Beat a Venetian and traduced the state, 2837

I took by th’throat the circumcisèd dog 2838

And smote him—thus. 2839

([Othello stabs himself.])

Lodovico

O bloody period. 2840

Gratiano

All that is spoke is marred.

Othello

I kissed thee ere I killed thee—no way but this, 2841

Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. 2842

([Othello kisses Desdemona and] dies.)

Cassio

This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon, 2843

For he was great of heart. 2844

Lodovico

O Spartan dog,

More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea, 2845

Look on the tragic loading of this bed. 2846

This is thy work. The object poisons sight; 2847

Let it be hid. Gratiano, keep the house 2848

And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, 2849

For they succeed on you. [To Cassio] To you, lord governor, 2850

Remains the censure of this hellish villain; 2851

The time, the place, the torture, oh, enforce it. 2852

Myself will straight aboard, and to the state 2853

This heavy act with heavy heart relate. 2854

(Exeunt.)