Print This Page
Shakespeare on Stage
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Henry IV, Part One. To Jun. 24, 2012.
American Shakespeare Center, A Midsummer Night's Dream. To Jun. 14, 2012.
Folger Shakespeare Library, The Taming of the Shrew. To Jun. 10, 2012.
American Shakespeare Center, The Lion in Winter. To Nov. 24, 2012.
American Shakespeare Center, The Winter's Tale. To Jun. 16, 2012.
More Performances…
‌

Othello (Folio 1, 1623)

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Donald L. Bailey
Not Peer Reviewed
THE TRAGEDIE OF
Othello, the Moore of Venice.
1
Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.
Enter Rodorigo, and Iago.
Rodorigo.
NEuer tell me, I take it much vnkindly
5That thou (Iago) who hast had my purse,
As if ye strings were thine, should'st know of this.
Ia. But you'l not heare me. If euer I did dream
Of such a matter, abhorre me.
Rodo. Thou told'st me,
10Thou did'st hold him in thy hate.
Iago. Despise me
If I do not. Three Great-ones of the Cittie,
(In personall suite to make me his Lieutenant)
Off-capt to him: and by the faith of man
15I know my price, I am worth no worsse a place.
But he (as louing his owne pride, and purposes)
Euades them, with a bumbast Circumstance,
Horribly stufft with Epithites of warre,
Non-suites my Mediators. For certes, saies he,
20I haue already chose my Officer. And what was he?
For-sooth, a great Arithmatician,
One Michaell Cassio, a Florentine,
(A Fellow almost damn'd in a faire Wife)
That neuer set a Squadron in the Field,
25Nor the deuision of a Battaile knowes
More then a Spinster. Vnlesse the Bookish Theoricke:
Wherein the Tongued Consuls can propose
As Masterly as he. Meere pratle (without practise)
Is all his Souldiership. But he (Sir) had th'election;
30And I (of whom his eies had seene the proofe
At Rhodes, at Ciprus, and on others grounds
Christen'd, and Heathen) must be be-leed, and calm'd
By Debitor, and Creditor. This Counter-caster,
He (in good time) must his Lieutenant be,
35And I (blesse the marke) his Mooreships Auntient.
Rod. By heauen, I rather would haue bin his hangman.
Iago. Why, there's no remedie.
'Tis the cursse of Seruice;
Preferment goes by Letter, and affection,
40And not by old gradation, where each second
Stood Heire to'th'first. Now Sir, be iudge your selfe,
Whether I in any iust terme am Affin'd
To loue the Moore?
Rod. I would not follow him then.
45Iago. O Sir content you.
I follow him, to serue my turne vpon him.
We cannot all be Masters, nor all Masters
Cannot be truely follow'd. You shall marke
Many a dutious and knee-crooking knaue;
50That (doting on his owne obsequious bondage)
Weares out his time, much like his Masters Asse,
For naught but Prouender, & when he's old Casheer'd.
Whip me such honest knaues. Others there are
Who trym'd in Formes, and visages of Dutie,
55Keepe yet their hearts attending on themselues,
And throwing but showes of Seruice on their Lords
Doe well thriue by them.
And when they haue lin'd their Coates
Doe themselues Homage.
60These Fellowes haue some soule,
And such a one do I professe my selfe. For (Sir)
It is as sure as you are Rodorigo,
Were I the Moore, I would not be Iago:
In following him, I follow but my selfe.
65Heauen is my Iudge, not I for loue and dutie,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
For when my outward Action doth demonstrate
The natiue act, and figure of my heart
In Complement externe, 'tis not long after
70But I will weare my heart vpon my sleeue
For Dawes to pecke at; I am not what I am.
Rod. What a fall Fortune do's the Thicks-lips owe
If he can carry't thus?
Iago. Call vp her Father:
75Rowse him, make after him, poyson his delight,
Proclaime him in the Streets. Incense her kinsmen,
And though he in a fertile Clymate dwell,
Plague him with Flies: though that his Ioy be Ioy,
Yet throw such chances of vexation on't,
80As it may loose some colour.
Rodo. Heere is her Fathers house, Ile call aloud.
Iago. Doe, with like timerous accent, and dire yell,
As when (by Night and Negligence) the Fire
Is spied in populus Citties.
85Rodo. What hoa: Brabantio, Siginor Brabantio, hoa.
Iago. Awake: what hoa, Brabantio: Theeues, Theeues.
Looke to your house, your daughter, and your Bags,
Theeues, Theeues.
Bra.Aboue. What is the reason of this terrible
90Summons? What is the matter there?
Rodo. Signior is all your Familie within?
Iago. Are your Doores lock'd?
Bra. Why? Wherefore ask you this?
Iago. Sir, y'are rob'd, for shame put on your Gowne,
95Your heart is burst, you haue lost halfe your soule
Euen now, now, very now, an old blacke Ram
Is tupping your white Ewe. Arise, arise,
Awake the snorting Cittizens with the Bell,
Or else the deuill will make a Grand-sire of you.
100Arise I say.
Bra. What, haue you lost your wits?
Rod. Most reuerend Signior, do you know my voice?
Bra. Not I: what are you?
Rod. My name is Rodorigo.
105Bra. The worsser welcome:
I haue charg'd thee not to haunt about my doores:
In honest plainenesse thou hast heard me say,
My Daughter is not for thee. And now in madnesse
(Being full of Supper, and distempring draughtes)
110Vpon malitious knauerie, dost thou come
To start my quiet.
Rod. Sir, Sir, Sir.
Bra. But thou must needs be sure,
My spirits and my place haue in their power
115To make this bitter to thee.
Rodo. Patience good Sir.
Bra. What tell'st thou me of Robbing?
This is Venice : my house is not a Grange.
Rodo. Most graue Brabantio,
120In simple and pure soule, I come to you.
Ia. Sir: you are one of those that will not serue God,
if the deuill bid you. Because we come to do you seruice,
and you thinke we are Ruffians, you'le haue your Daugh-
ter couer'd with a Barbary horse, you'le haue your Ne-
125phewes neigh to you, you'le haue Coursers for Cozens :
and Gennets for Germaines.
Bra. What prophane wretch art thou?
Ia. I am one Sir, that comes to tell you, your Daugh-
ter and the Moore, are making the Beast with two backs.
130Bra. Thou art a Villaine.
Iago. You are a Senator.
Bra. This thou shalt answere. I know thee Rodorigo.
Rod. Sir, I will answere any thing. But I beseech you
If't be your pleasure, and most wise consent,
135(As partly I find it is) that your faire Daughter,
At this odde Euen and dull watch o'th'night
Transported with no worse nor better guard,
But with a knaue of common hire, a Gundelier,
To the grosse claspes of a Lasciuious Moore:
140If this be knowne to you, and your Allowance,
We then haue done you bold, and saucie wrongs.
But if you know not this, my Manners tell me,
We haue your wrong rebuke. Do not beleeue
That from the sence of all Ciuilitie,
145I thus would play and trifle with your Reuerence.
Your Daughter (if you haue not giuen her leaue)
I say againe, hath made a grosse reuolt,
Tying her Dutie, Beautie, Wit, and Fortunes
In an extrauagant, and wheeling Stranger,
150Of here, and euery where: straight satisfie your selfe.
If she be in her Chamber, or your house,
Let loose on me the Iustice of the State
For thus deluding you.
Bra. Strike on the Tinder, hoa:
155Giue me a Taper: call vp all my people,
This Accident is not vnlike my dreame,
Beleefe of it oppresses me alreadie.
Light, I say, light.
Exit.
Iag. Farewell: for I must leaue you.
160It seemes not meete, nor wholesome to my place
To be producted, (as if I stay, I shall,)
Against the Moore. For I do know the State,
(How euer this may gall him with some checke)
Cannot with safetie cast-him. For he's embark'd
165With such loud reason to the Cyprus Warres,
(Which euen now stands in Act) that for their soules
Another of his Fadome, they haue none,
To lead their Businesse. In which regard,
Though I do hate him as I do hell apines,
170Yet, for necessitie of present life,
I must show out a Flag, and signe of Loue,
(Which is indeed but signe) that you shal surely find him
Lead to the Sagitary the raised Search:
And there will I be with him. So farewell.
Exit.
175
Enter Brabantio, with Seruants and Torches.
Bra. It is too true an euill. Gone she is,
And what's to come of my despised time,
Is naught but bitternesse. Now Rodorigo,
Where didst thou see her? (Oh vnhappie Girle)
180With the Moore saist thou? (Who would be a Father?)
How didst thou know 'twas she? (Oh she deceaues me
Past thought:) what said she to you? Get moe Tapers:
Raise all my Kindred. Are they married thinke you?
Rodo. Truely I thinke they are.
185Bra. Oh Heauen: how got she out?
Oh treason of the blood.
Fathers, from hence trust not your Daughters minds
By what you see them act. Is there not Charmes,
By which the propertie of Youth, and Maidhood
190May be abus'd? Haue you not read Rodorigo,
Of some such thing?
Rod. Yes Sir: I haue indeed.
Bra. Call vp my Brother: oh would you had had her.
Some one way, some another. Doe you know
195Where we may apprehend her, and the Moore?
Rod. I thinke I can discouer him, if you please
To get good Guard, and go along with me.
Bra. Pray you lead on. At euery house Ile call,
(I may command at most) get Weapons (hoa)
200And raise some speciall Officers of might:
On good Rodorigo, I will deserue your paines.
Exeunt.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Othello, Iago, Attendants, with Torches.
Ia. Though in the trade of Warre I haue slaine men,
205Yet do I hold it very stuffe o'th'conscience
To do no contriu'd Murder: I lacke Iniquitie
Sometime to do me seruice. Nine, or ten times
I had thought t'haue yerk'd him here vnder the Ribbes.
Othello. 'Tis better as it is.
210Iago. Nay but he prated,
And spoke such scuruy, and prouoking termes
Against your Honor, that with the little godlinesse I haue
I did full hard forbeare him. But I pray you Sir,
Are you fast married? Be assur'd of this,
215That the Magnifico is much belou'd,
And hath in his effect a voice potentiall
As double as the Dukes: He will diuorce you.
Or put vpon you, what restraint or greeuance,
The Law (with all his might, to enforce it on)
220Will giue him Cable.
Othel. Let him do his spight;
My Seruices, which I haue done the Signorie
Shall out-tongue his Complaints. 'Tis yet to know,
Which when I know, that boasting is an Honour,
225I shall promulgate. I fetch my life and being,
From Men of Royall Seige. And my demerites
May speake (vnbonnetted) to as proud a Fortune
As this that I haue reach'd. For know Iago,
But that I loue the gentle Desdemona,
230I would not my vnhoused free condition
Put into Circumscription, and Confine,
For the Seas worth. But looke, what Lights come yond?
Enter Cassio, with Torches.
Iago. Those are the raised Father, and his Friends:
235You were best go in.
Othel. Not I: I must be found.
My Parts, my Title, and my perfect Soule
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?
Iago. By Ianus, I thinke no.
240Othel. The Seruants of the Dukes?
And my Lieutenant?
The goodnesse of the Night vpon you (Friends)
What is the Newes?
Cassio. The Duke do's greet you (Generall)
245And he requires your haste, Post-haste appearance,
Enen on the instant.
Othello. What is the matter, thinke you?
Cassio. Something from Cyprus, as I may diuine:
It is a businesse of some heate. The Gallies
250Haue sent a dozen sequent Messengers
This very night, at one anothers heeles:
And many of the Consuls, rais'd and met,
Are at the Dukes already. You haue bin hotly call'd for,
When being not at your Lodging to be found,
255The Senate hath sent about three seuerall Quests,
To search you out.
Othel. 'Tis well I am found by you:
I will but spend a word here in the house,
And goe with you.
260Cassio. Aunciant, what makes he heere?
Iago. Faith, he to night hath boarded a Land Carract,
If it proue lawfull prize, he's made for euer.
Cassio. I do not vnderstand.
Iago. He's married.
265Cassio. To who?
Iago. Marry to---Come Captaine, will you go?
Othel. Haue with you.
Cassio. Here come sanother Troope to seeke for you.
Enter Brabantio, Rodorigo, with Officers, and Torches.
270Iago. It is Brabantio: Generall be aduis'd,
He comes to bad intent.
Othello. Holla, stand there.
Rodo. Signior, it is the Moore.
Bra. Downe with him, Theefe.
275Iago. You, Rodorigoc?. Cme Sir, I am for you.
Othe. Keepe vp your bright Swords, for the dew will
rust them. Good Signior, you shall more command with
yeares, then with your Weapons.
Bra. Oh thou foule Theefe,
280Where hast thou stow'd my Daughter?
Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchaunted her
For Ile referre me to all things of sense,
(If she in Chaines of Magick were not bound)
Whether a Maid, so tender, Faire, and Happie,
285So opposite to Marriage, that she shun'd
The wealthy curled Deareling of our Nation,
Would euer haue (t'encurre a generall mocke)
Run from her Guardageto the sootie bosome,
Of such a thing as thou: to feare, not to delight?
290Iudge me the world, if 'tis not grosse in sense,
That thou hast practis'd on her with foule Charmes,
Abus'd her delicate Youth, with Drugs or Minerals,
That weakens Motion. Ile haue't disputed on,
'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking;
295I therefore apprehend and do attach thee,
For an abuser of the World, a practiser
Of Arts inhibited, and out of warrant;
Lay hold vpon him, if he do resist
Subdue him, at his perill.
300Othe. Hold your hands
Both you of my inclining, and the rest.
Were it my Cue to fight, I should haue knowne it
Without a Prompter. Whether will you that I goe
To answere this your charge?
305Bra. To Prison, till fit time
Of Law, and course of direct Session
Call thee to answer.
Othe. What if do obey?
How may the Duke be therewith satisfi'd,
310Whose Messengers are heere about my side,
Vpon some present businesse of the State,
To bring me to him.
Officer. 'Tis true most worthy Signior,
The Dukes in Counsell, and your Noble selfe,
315I am sure is sent for.
Bra. How? The Duke in Counsell?
In this time of the night? Bring him away;
Mine's not an idle Cause. The Duke himselfe,
Or any of my Brothers of the State,
320Cannot but feele this wrong, as 'twere their owne:
For if such Actions may haue passage free,
Bond-slaues, and Pagans shall our Statesmen be.
Exeunt
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Duke, Senators, and Officers.
325Duke. There's no composition in this Newes,
That giues them Credite.
1. Sen. Indeed, they are disproportioned;
My Letters say, a Hundred and seuen Gallies.
Duke. And mine a Hundred fortie.
3302. Sena. And mine two Hundred:
But though they iumpe not on a iust accompt,
(As in these Cases where the ayme reports,
'Tis oft with difference) yet do they all confirme
A Turkish Fleete, and bearing vp to Cyprus.
335Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to iudgement:
I do not so secure me in the Error,
But the maine Article I do approue
In fearefull sense.
Saylor within. What hoa, what hoa, what hoa.
340
Enter Saylor.
Officer. A Messenger from the Gallies.
Duke. Now? What's the businesse?
Sailor. The Turkish Preparation makes for Rhodes,
So was I bid report here to the State,
345By Signior Angelo.
Duke. How say you by this change?
1. Sen. This cannot be
By no assay of reason. 'Tis a Pageant
To keepe vs in false gaze, when we consider
350Th'importancie of Cyprus to the Turke;
And let our selues againe but vnderstand,
That as it more concernes the Turke then Rhodes,
So may he with more facile question beare it,
For that it stands not in such Warrelike brace,
355But altogether lackes th'abilities
That Rhodes is dress'd in. If we make thought of this,
We must not thinke the Turke is so vnskillfull,
To leaue that latest, which concernes him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease, and gaine
360To wake, and wage a danger profitlesse.
Duke. Nay, in all confidence he's not for Rhodes.
Officer. Here is more Newes.
Enter a Messenger.
Messen. The Ottamites. Reueren'd, and Gracious,
365Steering with due course toward the Ile of Rhodes,
Haue there inioynted them with an after Fleete.
1. Sen. I, so I thought: how many, as you guesse?
Mess. Of thirtie Saile: and now they do re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
370Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,
Your trustie and most Valiant Seruitour,
With his free dutie, recommends you thus,
And prayes you to beleeue him.
Duke. 'Tis certaine then for Cyprus:
375Marcus Luccicos is not he in Towne?
1. Sen. He's now in Florence.
Duke. Write from vs,
To him, Post, Post-haste, dispatch.
1. Sen. Here comes Brabantio, and the Valiant Moore.
380
Enter Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Rodorigo,
and Officers.
Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the generall Enemy Ottoman.
I did not see you: welcome gentle Signior,
385We lack't your Counsaile, and your helpe to night.
Bra. So didI yours: Good your Grace pardon me.
Neither my place, hor ought I heard of businesse
Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the generall care
Take hold on me. For my perticular griefe
390Is of so flood-gate, and ore-bearing Nature,
That it engluts, snd swallowes other sorrowes,
And it is still it selfe.
Duke. Why? What's the matter?
Bra. My Daughter: oh my Daughter!
395Sen. Dead?
Bra. I, to me.
She is abus'd, stolne from me, and corrupted
By Spels, and Medicines, bought of Mountebanks;
For Nature, so prepostrously to erre,
400(Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,)
Sans witch-craft could not.
Duke. Who ere he be, that in this foule proceeding
Hath thus beguil'd your Daughter of her selfe,
And you of her; the bloodie Booke of Law,
405You shall your selfe read, in the bitter letter,
After your owne sense: yea, though our proper Son
Stood in your Action.
Bra. Humbly I thanke your Grace,
Here is the man; this Moore, whom now it seemes
410Your speciall Mandate, for the State affaires
Hath hither brought.
All. We are veriesorry for't.
Duke. What in yonr owne part, can you say to this?
Bra. Nothing, but this is so.
415Othe. Most Potent, Graue, and Reueren'd Signiors,
My very Noble, and approu'd good Masters;
That I haue tane away this old mans Daughter,
It is most true: true I haue married her;
The verie head, and front of my offending,
420Hath this extent; no more. Rude am I, in my speech,
And little bless'd with the soft phrase of Peace;
For since these Armes of mine, had seuen yeares pith,
Till now, some nine Moones wasted, they haue vs'd
Their deerest action, in the Tented Field:
425And little of this great world can I speake,
More then pertaines to Feats ofBroiles, and Battaile,
And therefore little shall I grace my cause,
In speaking for my selfe. Yet, (by your gratious patience)
I will a round vn-varnish'd u Tale deliuer,
430Of my whole course of Loue.
What Drugges, what Charmes,
What Coniuration, and what mighty Magicke,
(For such proceeding I am charg'd withall)
I won his Daughter.
435Bra. A Maiden, neuer bold:
Of Spirit so still, and quiet, that her Motion
Blush'd at her selfe, and she, in spight of Nature,
Of Yeares, of Country, Credite, euery thing
To fall in Loue, with what she fear'd to looke on;
440It is a iudgement main'd, and most imperfect.
That will confesse Perfection so could erre
Against all rules of Nature, and must be driuen
To find out practises of cunning hell
Why this should be. I therefore vouch againe,
445That with some Mixtures, powrefull o're the blood,
Or with some Dram, (coniur'd to this effect)
He wtought vp on her.
To vouch this, is no proofe,
Without more wider, and more ouer Test
450Then these thin habits, and poore likely-hoods
Of moderne seeming, do prefer against him.
Sen. But Othello, speake,
Did you, by indirect, and forced courses
Subdue, and poyson this yong Maides affections?
455Or came it by request, and such faire question
As soule, to soule affordeth?
Othel. I do beseech you,
Send for the Lady to the Sagitary.
And let her speake of me before her Father;
460If you do finde me foule, in herreport,
The Trust, the Office, I do hold of you,
Not onely take away, but let your Sentence
Euen fall vpon my life.
Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither.
465Othe. Aunciant, conduct them:
You best know the place.
And tell she come, as truely as to heauen,
I do confesse the vices of my blood,
So iustly to your Graue eares, Ile present
470How I did thriue in this faire Ladies loue,
And she in mine.
Duke. Say it Othello.
Othe. Her Father lou'd me, oft inuited me:
Still question'd me the Storie of my life,
475From yeare to yeare: the Battaile, Sieges, Fortune,
That I haue past.
I ran it through, euen from my boyish daies,
Toth'very moment that he bad me tell it.
Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances:
480Of mouing Accidents by Flood and Field,
Of haire-breadth scapes i'th'imminent deadly breach;
Of being taken by the Insolent Foe,
And sold to slauery. Of my redemption thence,
And portance in my Trauellours historie.
485Wherein of Antars vast, and Desarts idle,
Rough Quarries, Rocks, Hills, whose head touch heauen,
It was my hint to speake. Such was my Processe,
And of the Canibals that each others eate,
The Antropophague, and men whose heads
490Grew beneath their shoulders. These things to heare,
Would Desdemona seriously incline:
But still the house Affaires would draw her hence:
Which euer as she could with haste dispatch,
She'l'd come againe, and with a greedie eare
495Deuoure vp my discourse. Which I obseruing,
Tooke once a pliant houre, and found good meanes
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart,
That I would all my Pilgrimage dilate,
Whereof by parcels she had something heard,
500But not instinctiuely: I did consent,
And often did beguile her of her teares,
When I did speake of some distressefull stroke
That my youth suffer'd: My Storie being done,
She gaue me for my paines a world of kisses:
505She swore in faith 'twas strange: 'twas passing strange,
'Twas pittifull: 'twas wondrous pittifull.
She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd
That Heauen had made her such a man. She thank'd me,
And bad me, if I had a Friend that lou'd her,
510I should but teach him how to tell my Story,
And that would wooe her. Vpon this hint I spake,
She lou'd me for the dangers I had past,
And I lou'd her, that she did pitty them.
This onely is the witch-craft I haue vs'd.
515Here comes the Ladie: Let her witnesse it.
Enter Desdemona, Iago, Attendants.
Duke. I thinke this tale would win my Daughter too,
Good Brabantio, take vp this mangled matter at the best:
Men do their broken Weapons rather vse,
520Then their bare hands.
Bra. I pray you heare her speake?
If she confesse that she was halfe the wooer,
Destruction on my head, if my bad blame
Light on the man. Come hither gentle Mistris,
525Do you perceiue in all this Noble Companie,
Where most you owe obedience?
Des. My Noble Father,
I do perceiue heere a diuided dutie.
To you I am bound for life, and education:
530My life and education both do learne me,
How to respect you. You are the Lord of duty,
I am hitherto your Daughter. But heere's my Husband;
And so much dutie, as my Mother shew'd
To you, preferring you before her Father:
535So much I challenge, that Imay professe
Due to the Moore my Lord.
Bra. God be with you: I haue done.
Please it your Grace, on to the State Affaires;
I had rather to adopt a Child, then get it.
540Come hither Moore;
I here do giue thee that with all my heart,
Which but thou hast already, with all my heart
I would keepe from thee. For your sake (Iewell)
I am glad at soule, I haue no other Child;
545For thy escape would teach me Tirranie
To hang clogges on them. I haue done my Lord.
Duke. Let me speake like your selfe:
And lay a Sentence,
Which as a grise, or step may helpe these Louers.
550When remedies are past, the griefes are ended
By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
To mourne a Mischeefe that is past and gon,
Is the next way to draw new mischiefe on.
What cannot be presern'd, when Fortune takes:
555Patience, her Iniury a mock'ry makes.
The rob'd that smiles, steales something from the Thiefe,
He robs himselfe, that spends a bootelesse griefe.
Bra. So let the Turke of Cyprus vs beguile,
We loose it not so long as we can smile:
560He beares the Sentence well, that nothing beares,
But the free comfort which from thence he heares.
But he beares both the Sentence, and the sorrow,
That to pay griefe, must of poore Patience borrow.
These Sentences, to Sugar, or to Gall,
565Being strong on both sides, are Equiuocall.
But words are words, I neuer yet did heare:
That the bruized heart was pierc'd through the eares.
I humbly beseech you proceed to th'Affaires of State.
Duke. The Turke with a most mighty Preparation
570makes for Cyprus: Othello, the Fortitude of the place is
best knowne to you. And though we haue there a Substi-
tute of most allowed sufficiencie; yet opinion, a more
soueraigne Mistris of Effects, throwes a more safer
voice on you : you must therefore be content to slubber
575the glosse of your new Fortunes, with this more stub-
borne, and boystrous expedition.
Othe. The Tirant Custome, most Graue Senators,
Hath made the flinty and Steele Coach of Warre
My thrice-driuen bed of Downe. I do agnize
580A Naturall and prompt Alacartie,
I finde in hardnesse: and do vndertake
This present Warres against the Ottamites.
Most humbly therefore bending to your State,
I craue fit disposition for my Wife,
585Due reference of Place, and Exhibition,
With such Accomodation and besort
As leuels with her breeding.
Duke. Why at her Fathers?
Bra. I will not haue it so.
590Othe. Nor I.
Des. Nor would I thererecide,
To put my Father in impatient thoughts
By being in his eye. Most Grcaious Duke,
To my vnfolding, lend your prosperous eare,
595And let me finde a Charter in your voice
T'assist my simplenesse.
Duke. What would you Desdemona?
Des. That I loue the Moore, to liue with him,
My downe-right violence, and storme of Fortunes,
600May trumpet to the world. My heart's subdu'd
Euen to the very quality of my Lord;
I saw Othello's visage in his mind,
And to his Honours and his valiant parts,
Did I my soule and Fortunes consecrate.
605So that (deere Lords) if I be left behind
A Moth of Peace, and he go to the Warre,
The Rites for why I loue him, are bereft me:
And I a heauie interim shall support
By his deere absence. Let me go with him.
610Othe. Let her haue your voice.
Vouch with me Heauen, I therefore beg it not
To please the pallate of my Appetite:
Nor to comply with heat the yong affects
In my defunct, and proper satisfaction.
615But to be free, and bounteous to her minde:
And Heauen defend your good soules, that you thinke
I will your serious and great businesse scant
When she is with me. No, when light wing'd Toyes
Of feather'd Cupid, seele with wanton dulnesse
620My speculatiue, and offic'd Instrument:
That my Disports corrupt, and taint my businesse:
Let House-wiues make a Skillet of my Helme,
And all indigne, and base aduersities,
Make head against my Estimation.
625Duke. Be it as you shall priuately determine,
Either for her stay, or going: th'Affaire cries hast:
And speed must answer it.
Sen. You must away to night.
Othe. With all my heart.
630Duke. At nine i'th'morning, here wee'l meete againe.
Othello, leaue some Officer behind
And he shall our Commission bring to you:
And such things else of qualitie and respect
As doth import you.
635Othe. So please your Grace, my Ancient,
A man he is of honesty and trust:
To his conueyance I assigne my wife,
With what else needfull, your good Grace shall think
To be sent after me.
640Duke. Let it be so:
Good night to euery one. And Noble Signior,
If Vertue no delighted Beautie lacke,
Your Son-in-law is farre more Faire then Blacke.
Sen. Adieu braue Moore, vse Desdemona well.
645Bra. Looke to her (Moore) if thou hast eies to see:
She ha's deceiu'd her Father, and may thee.
Exit.
Ot-he. My life vpon her faith. Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leaue to thee:
I prythee let thy wife attend on her,
650And bring them after in the best aduantage.
ComeDesdemona, I haue but an houre
Of Loue, of wordly matter, and direction
To spend with thee. We must obey the the time.
Exit.
Rod. Iago.
655Iago. What saist thou Noble heart?
Rod. What will I do, think'st thou?
Iago. Why go to bed and sleepe.
Rod. I will incontinently drowne my selfe.
Iago. If thou do'st, I shall neuer loue thee after. Why
660thou silly Gentleman?
Rod. It is sillynesse to liue, when to liue is torment:
and then haue we a prescription to dye, when death is
our Physition.
Iago. Oh villanous: I haue look'd vpon the world
665for foure times seuen yeares, and since I could distinguish
betwixt a Benefit, and an Iniurie: I neuer found man that
knew how to loue himselfe. Ere I would say, I would
drowne my selfe for the loue of a Gynney Hen, I would
change my Humanity with a Baboone.
670Rod. What should I do? I confesse it is my shame
to be so fond, but it is not in my vertue to amend it.
Iago. Vertue? A figge, 'tis in our selues that we are
thus, or thus. Our Bodies are our Gardens, to the which,
our Wills are Gardiners. So that if we will plant Net-
675tels, or sowe Lettice: Set Hisope, and weede vp Time:
Supplie it with one gender of Hearbes, or distract it with
many: either to haue it sterrill with idlenesse, or manu-
red with Industry, why the power, and Corrigeable au-
thoritie of this lies in our Wills. If the braine of our liues
680had not one Scale of Reason, to poize another of Sensu-
alitie, the blood, and basenesse of our Natures would
conduct vs to most prepostrous Conclusions. But we
haue Reason to coole our raging Motions, our carnall
Stings, or vnbitted Lusts: whereof I take this, that you
685call Loue, to be a Sect, or Seyen.
Rod. It cannot be.
Iago. It is meerly a Lust of the blood, and a permission
of the will. Come, be a man: drowne thy selfe? Drown
Cats, and blind Puppies. I haue profest me thy Friend,
690and I confesse me knit to thy deseruing, with Cables of
perdurable toughnesse. I could neuer better steed thee
then now. Put Money in thy purse: follow thou the
Warres, defeate thy fauour, with an vsurp'd Beard. I say
put Money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona
695should continue her loue to the Moore. Put Money in
thy purse: nor he his to her. It was a violent Commence-
ment in her, and thou shalt see an answerable Seque-
stration, put but Money in thy purse. These Moores
are changeable in their wils: fill thy purse with Money.
700The Food that to him now is as lushious as Locusts,
shalbe to him shortly, as bitter as Coloquintida. She
must change for youth: when she is sated with his body
she will find the errors of her choice. Therefore, put Mo-
ney in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damne thy selfe, do
705it a more delicate way then drowning. Make all the Mo-
ney thou canst: If Sanctimonie, and a fraile vow, be-
twixt an erring Barbarian, and super-subtle Venetian be
not too hard for my wits, and all the Tribe of hell, thou
shalt enioy her: therefore make Money: a pox of drow-
710ning thy selfe, it is cleane out of the way. Seeke thou ra-
ther to be hang'd in Compassing thy ioy, then to be
drown'd, and go without her.
Rodo. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on
the issue?
715Iago. Thou art sure of me: Go make Money: I haue
told thee often, and I re-tell thee againe, and againe, I
hate the Moore. My cause is hearted; thine hath no lesse
reason. Let vs be coniunctiue in our reuenge, against
him. If thou canst Cuckold him, thou dost thy selfe a
720pleasure, me a sport. There are many Euents in the
Wombe of Time, which wilbe deliuered. Trauerse, go,
prouide thy Money. We will haue more of this to mor-
row. Adieu.
Rod. Where shall we meete i'th'morning?
725Iago. At my Lodging.
Rod. Ile be with thee betimes.
Iago. Go too, farewell. Do you heare Rodorigo?
Rod. Ile sell all my Land.
Exit.
Iago. Thus do I euer make my Foole, my purse:
730For I mine owne gain'd knowledge should prophane
IfI would time expend with such Snpe ,
But for my Sport, and Profit: I hate the Moore,
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
She ha's done my Office. I know not if't be true,
735But I, for meere suspition in that kinde,
Will do, as if for Surety. He holds me well,
The better shall my purpose worke on him:
Cassio's a proper man: Let me see now,
To get his Place, and to plume vp my will
740In double Knauery. How? How? Let's see.
After some time, to abuse Othello's eares,
That he is too familiar with his wife:
He hath a person, and a smooth dispose
To be suspected: fram'd to make women false.
745The Moore is of a free, and open Nature,
That thinkes men honest, that but seeme to be so,
And will as tenderly be lead by'th'Nose
As Asses are:
I haue't: it is engendred: Hell, and Night,
750Must bring this monstrous Birth, to the worlds light.
Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
Enter Montano, and two Gentlemen.
Mon. What from the Cape, can you discerne at Sea?
1. Gent. Nothing at all, it is a high wrought Flood:
755I cannot 'twixt the Heauen, and the Maine,
Descry a Saile.
Mon. Me thinks, the wind hath spoke aloud at Land,
A fuller blast ne're shooke our Battlements:
If it hath ruffiand so vpon the Sea,
760What ribbes of Oake, when Mountaines melt on them,
Can hold the Morties. What shall we heare of this?
2 A Segregation of the Turkish Fleet:
For do but stand vpon the Foaming Shore,
The chidden Billow seemes to pelt the Clowds,
765The winde-shak'd-Surge, with high & monstrous Maine
Seemes to cast water on the burning Beare,
And quench the Guards of th'euer-fixed Pole:
I neuer did like mollestation view
On the enchafed Flood.
770Men. If that the Turkish Fleete
Be not enshelter'd, and embay'd, they are drown'd,
It is impossible to beare it out.
Enter a Gentleman.
3 Newes Laddes: our warres are done:
775The desperate Tempest hath so bang'd the Turkes,
That their designement halts. A Noble ship of Venice,
Hath seene a greeuous wracke and sufferance
On most part of their Fleet.
Mon. How? Is this true ?
7803 The Ship is heere put in : A Verennessa, Michael Cassio
Lieutenant to the warlike Moore, Othello,
Is come on Shore: the Moore himselfe at Sea,
And is in full Commission heere for Cyprus.
Mon. I am glad on't:
785'Tis a worthy Gouernour.
3 But this same Cassio, though he speake of comfort,
Touching the Turkish losse, yet he lookes sadly,
And praye the Moore be safe; for they were parted
With fowle and violent Tempest.
790Mon. Pray Heauens he be:
For I haue seru'd him, and the man commands
Like a full Soldier. Let's to the Sea-side (hoa)
As well to see the Vessell that's come in,
As to throw-out our eyes for braue Othello,
795Euen till we make the Maine, and th'Eriall blew,
An indistinct regard.
Gent. Come, let's do so;
For euery Minute is expectancie
Of more Arriuancie.
800
Enter Cassio.
Cassi. Thankes you, the valiant of the warlike Isle,
That so approoue the Moore: Oh let the Heauens
Giue him defence against the Elements,
For I haue lost him on a dangerous Sea.
805Mon. Is he well ship'd?
Cassio. His Barke is stoutly Timber'd, and his Pylot
Of verie expert, and approu'd Allowance;
Therefore my hope's (not surfetted to death)
Stand in bold Cure.
810Within. A Saile, a Saile, a Saile.
Cassio. What noise?
Gent. The Towne is empty; on the brow o'th'Sea
Stand rankes of People, and they cry, a Saile.
Cassio. My hopes do shape him for the Gouernor.
815Gent. They do discharge their Shot of Courtesie,
Our Friends, at least.
Cassio. I pray you Sir, go forth,
And giue vs truth who 'tis that is arriu'd.
Gent. I shall.
Exit.
820Mon. But good Lieutenant, is your Generall wiu'd?
Cassio. Most fortunately: he hath atchieu'd a Maid
That paragons description, and wilde Fame:
One that excels the quirkes of Blazoning pens,
And in th'essentiall Vesture of Creation,
825Do's tyre the Ingeniuer.
Enter Gentleman.
How now? Who ha's put in?
Gent. 'Tis one Iago, Auncient to the Generall.
Cassio. Ha's had most fauourable, and happie speed:
830Tempests themselues, high Seas, and howling windes,
The gutter'd-Rockes, and Congregated Sands,
Traitors ensteep'd, to enclogge the guiltlesse Keele,
As hauing sence of Beautie, do omit
Their mortall Natures, letting go safely by
835The Diuine Desdemona.
Mon. What is she?
Cassio. She that I spake of:
Our great Captains Captaine,
Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,
840Whose footing heere anticipates our thoughts,
A Senights speed. Great Ioue, Othello guard,
And swell his Saile with thine owne powrefull breath,
That he may blesse this Bay with his tall Ship,
Make loues quicke pants in Desdemonaes Armes,
845Giue renew'd fire to our extincted Spirits.
Enter Desdemona, Iago, Rodorigo, and Æmilia.
Oh behold,
The Riches of the Ship is come on shore:
You men of Cyprus, let her haue your knees.
850Haile to thee Ladie: and the grace of Heauen,
Before, behinde thee, and on euery hand
Enwheele thee round.
Des. I thanke you, Valiant Cassio,
What tydings can you tell of my Lord?
855Cas. He is not yet arriu'd, nor know I ought
But that he's well, and will be shortly heere.
Des. Oh, but I feare:
How lost you company?
Cassio. The great Contention of Sea, and Skies
860Parted our fellowship. But hearke, a Saile.
Within. A Saile, a Saile.
Gent. They giue this greeting to the Cittadell:
This likewise is a Friend.
Cassio. See for the Newes:
865Good Ancient, you are welcome. Welcome Mistris:
Let it not gaule your patience (good Iago)
That I extend my Manners. 'Tis my breeding,
That giues me this bold shew of Curtesie.
Iago. Sir, would she giue you somuch of her lippes,
870As of her tongue she oft bestowes on me,
You would haue enough.
Des. Alas: she ha's no speech.
Iago. Infaith too much:
I finde it still, when I haue leaue to sleepe.
875Marry before your Ladyship, I grant,
She puts het tongue a little in her heart,
And chides with thinking.
Æmil. You haue little cause to say so.
Iago. Come on, come on: you are Pictures out of
880doore: Bells in your Parlours: Wilde-Cats in your Kit-
chens: Saints in your Iniuries: Diuels being offended:
Players in your Huswiferie, and Huswiues in your
Beds.
Des. Oh, fie vpon thee, Slanderer
885Iago. Nay, it is true: or else I am a Turke,
You rise to play, and go to bed to worke.
Æmil. You shall not write my praise.
Iago. No, let me not.
Desde. What would'st write of me, if thou should'st
890praise me?
Iago. Oh, gentle Lady, do not put me too,t,
For I am nothing, if not Criticall.
Des. Come on, assay.
There's one gone to the Harbour?
895Iago. I Madam.
Des. I am not merry: but I do beguile
The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.
Come, how would'st thou praise me?
Iago. I am about it, but indeed my inuention comes
900from my pate, as Birdlyme do's from Freeze, it pluckes
out Braines and all. But my Muse labours, and thus she
is deliuer'd.
If she be faire, and wise: fairenesse, and wit,
The ones for vse, the other vseth it.
905Des. Well prais'd:
How if she be Blacke and Witty?
Iago. If she be blacke, and thereto haue a wit,
She'le find a white, that shall her blacknesse fit.
Des. Worse, and worse.
910Æmil. How if Faire, and Foolish?
Iago. She neuer yet was foolish that was faire,
For euen her folly helpt her to an heire.
Desde. These are old fond Paradoxes, to make Fooles
laugh i'th'Alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou
915for her that's Foule, and Foolish.
Iago. There's none so foule and foolish thereunto,
But do's foule pranks, which faire, and wise-ones do.
Desde. Oh heauy ignorance: thou praisest the worst
best. But what praise could'st thou bestow on a deser-
920uing woman indeed? One, that in the authorithy of her
merit, did iustly put on the vouch of very malice it
selfe.
Iago. She that was euer faire, and neuer proud,
Had Tongue at will, and yet was neuer loud:
925Neuer lackt Gold, and yet went neuer gay,
Fled from her wish, and yet said now I may.
She that being angred, her reuenge being nie,
Bad her wrong stay, and her displeasure flie:
She that in wisedome neuer was so fraile,
930To change the Cods-head for the Salmons taile:
She that could thinke, and neu'r disclose her mind,
See Suitors following, and not looke behind:
She was a wight, (if euer such wightes were)
Des. To do what?
935Iago. To suckle Fooles, and chronicle small Beere.
Desde. Oh most lame and impotent conclusion. Do
not learne of him Æmillia, though he be thy husband.
How say you (Cassio) is he not a most prophane, and li-
berall Counsailor?
940Cassio. He speakes home (Madam) you may rellish
him more in the Souldier, then in the Scholler.
Iago. He takes her by the palme: I, well said, whis-
per. With as little a web as this, will I ensnare as great
a Fly as Cassio. I smile vpon her, do: I will giue thee
945in thine owne Courtship. You say true, 'tis so indeed.
If such tricks as these strip you out of your Lieutenan-
trie, it had beene better you had not kiss'd your three fin-
gers so oft, which now againe you are most apt to play
the Sir, in. Very good: well kiss'd, and excellent Curt-
950sie: 'tis so indeed. Yet againe, your fingers to your
lippes? Would they were Cluster-pipes for your
sake.
The Moore I know his Trumpet.
Cassio, 'Tis truely so.
955Des. Let's meete him, and recieue him.
Cassio. Loe, where he comes.
Enter Othello, and Attendants.
Oth. O, my faire Warriour.
Des. My deere Othello.
960Othe. It giues me wonder great, as my content
To see you heere before me.
Oh my Soules Ioy:
If after euery Tempest, come such Calmes,
May the windes blow, till they haue waken'd death:
965And let the labouring Barke climbe hills of Seas
Olympus high: and duck againe as low,
As hell's from Heauen. If it were now to dye,
'Twere now to be most happy. For I feare,
My Soule hath her content so absolute,
970That not another comfort like to this,
Succeedes in vnknowne Fate.
Des. The Heauens forbid
But that our Loues
And Comforts should encrease
975Euen as our dayes do grow.
Othe Amen to rhat (sweet Powers)
I cannot speake enough of this content,
It stoppes me heere: it is too much of ioy.
And this, and this the greatest discords be
980That ere our hearts shall make.
Iago. Oh you are well tun'd now: But Ile set downe
the peggs that make this Musicke, as honest as I am.
Othe. Come: let vs to the Castle.
Newes (Friends) our Warres are done:
985The Turkes are drown'd.
How do's my old Acquaintance of this Isle?
(Hony) you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,
I haue found great loue among'st them. Oh my Sweet,
I prattle out of fashion, and I doate
990In mine owne comforts. I prythee, good Iago,
Go to the Bay, and disimbarke my Coffers:
Bring thou the Master to the Cittadell,
He is a good one, and his worthynesse
Do's challenge much respect. Come Desdemona,
995Once more well met at Cyprus.
Exit Othello and Desdemona.
Iago. Do thou meet me presently at the Harbour.
Come thither, if thou be'st Valiant, (as they say base men
being in Loue, haue then a Nobilitie in their Natures,
1000more then is natiue to them) list-me; the Lieutenant to
night watches on the Court of Guard. First, I must tell
thee this: Desdemona, is directly in loue with him.
Rod. With him? Why,'tis not possible.
Iago. Lay thy finger thus: and let thy soule be in-
1005structed. Marke me with what violence she first lou'd
the Moore, but for bragging, and telling her fantasticall
lies. To loue him still for prating, let not thy discreet
heart thinke it. Her eye must be fed. And what delight
shall she haue to looke on the diuell? When the Blood
1010is made dull with the Act of Sport, there should be a
game to enflame it, and to giue Satiety a fresh appetite.
Louelinesse in fauour, simpathy in yeares, Manners,
and Beauties: all which the Moore is defectiue in. Now
for want of these requir'd Conueniences, her delicate
1015tendernesse wil finde it selfe abus'd, begin to heaue the,
gorge, disrellish and abhorre the Moore, very Nature wil
instruct her in it, and compell her to some second choice.
Now Sir, this granted (as it is a most pregnant and vn-
forc'd position) who stands so eminent in the degree of
1020this Forune, as Cassio do's: a knaue very voluble: no
further conscionable, then in putting on the meere forme
of Ciuill, and Humaine seeming, for the better compasse
of his salt, and most hidden loose Affection? Why none,
why none: A slipper, and subtle knaue, a finder of occa-
1025sion: that he's an eye can stampe, and counterfeit Ad-
uantages, though true Aduantage neuer present it selfe.
A diuelish knaue: besides, the knaue is handsome, young:
and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and greene
mindes looke after. A pestilent compleat knaue, and the
1030woman hath found him already.
Rodo. I cannot beleeue that in her, she's full of most
bless'd condition.
Iago. Bless'd figges-end. The Wine she drinkes is
made of grapes. If shee had beene bless'd, shee would
1035neuer haue lou'd the Moore: Bless'd pudding. Didst thou
not see her paddle with the palme of his hand? Didst not
marke that?
Rod. Yes, that I did: but that was but curtesie.
Iago. Leacherie by this hand: an Index, and obscure
1040prologue to the History of Lust and foule Thoughts.
They met so neere with their lippes, that their breathes
embrac'd together. Villanous thoughts Rodorigo, when
these mutabilities so marshall the way, hard at hand
comes the Master, and maine exercise, th'incorporate
1045conclusion: Pish. But Sir, be you rul'd by me. I haue
brought you from Venice. Watch you to night: for
the Command, Ile lay't vpon you. Cassio knowes you
not: Ile not be farre from you. Do you finde some oc-
casion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or
1050tainting his discipline, or from what other course
you please, which the time shall more fauorably mi-
nister.
Rod. Well.
Iago. Sir, he's rash, and very sodaine in Choller: and
1055happely may strike at you, prouoke him that he may: for
euen out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to Mutiny.
Whose qualification shall come into no true taste a-
gaine, but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you
haue a shorter iourney to your desires, by the meanes I
1060shall then haue to preferre them. And the impediment
most profitably remoued, without the which there were
no expectation of our prosperitie.
Rodo. I will do this, if you can bring it to any oppor-
tunity.
1065Iago. I warrant thee. Meete me by and by at the
Cittadell. I must fetch his Necessaries a Shore. Fare-
well.
Rodo. Adieu.
Exit.
Iago.That Cassio loues her, I do well beleeu't:
1070That she loues him, 'tis apt, and of great Credite.
The Moore (how beit that I endure him not)
Is of a constant, louing, Noble Nature,
And I dare thinke, he'le proue to Desdemona
A most deere husband. Now I do loue her too,
1075Not out of absolute Lust, (though peraduenture
I stand accomptant for as great a sin)
But partely led to dyet my Reuenge,
For that I do suspect the lustie Moore
Hath leap'd into my Seate. The thought whereof,
1080Doth (like a poysonous Minerall) gnaw my Inwardes:
And nothing can, or shall content my Soule
Till I am eeuen'd with him, wife, for wift.
Or fayling so, yet that I put the Moore,
At least into a Ielouzie so strong
1085That iudgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,
If this poore Trash of Venice, whom I trace
For his quicke hunting, stand the putting on,
Ile haue our Michael Cassio on the hip,
Abuse him to the Moore, in the right garbe
1090(For I feare Cassio with my Night-Cape too)
Make the Moore thanke me, loue me, and reward me,
For making him egregiously an Asse,
And practising vpon his peace, and quiet,
Euen to madnesse. 'Tis heere: but yet confus'd,
1095Knaueries plaine face, is neuer seene, till vs'd.
Exit.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Othello's, Herald with a Proclamation.
Herald. It is Othello's pleasure, our Noble and Vali-
ant Generall. That vpon certaine tydings now arriu'd,
1100importing the meere perdition of the Turkish Fleete:
euery man put himselfe into Triumph. Some to daunce,
some to make Bonfires, each man, to what Sport and
Reuels his addition leads him. For besides these bene-
ficiall Newes, it is the Celebration of his Nuptiall. So
1105much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offi-
ces are open, & there is full libertie of Feasting from this
presenr houre of fiue, till the Bell haue told eleuen.
Blesse the Isle of Cyprus, and our Noble Generall Othel-
lo.
Exit.
1110
Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.
Othe. Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night.
Let's teach our selues that Honourable stop,
Not to out-sport discretion.
Cas. Iago, hath direction what to do.
1115But notwithstanding with my personall eye
Will I looke to't.
Othe. Iago, is most honest:
Michael, goodnight. To morrow with your earliest,
Let me haue speech with you. Come my deere Loue,
1120The purchase made, the fruites are to ensue,
That profit's yet to come 'tweene me, and you.
Goodnight.
Exit.
Enter Iago.
Cas. Welcome Iago: we must to the Watch.
1125Iago. Not this houre Lieutenant: 'tis not yet ten
o'th'clocke. Our Generall cast vs thus earely for the
loue of his Desdemona: Who, let vs not therefore blame;
he hath not yet made wanton the night with her: and
she is sport for Ioue.
1130Cas. She's a most exquisite Lady.
Iago. And Ile warrant her, full of Game.
Cas. Indeed shes a most fresh anddelicate creature.
Iago. What an eye she ha's?
Methinkes it sounds a parley to prouocation.
1135Cas. An inuiting eye:
And yet me thinkes right modest.
Iago. And when she speakes,
Is it not an Alarum to Loue?
Cas. She is indeed perfection.
1140Iago. Well: happinesse to their Sheetes. Come Lieu-
tenant, I haue a stope of Wine, and heere without are a
brace of Cyprus Gallants, that would faine haue a mea-
sure to the health ofblacke Othello.
Cas. Not to night, good Iago, I haue very poore,
1145and vnhappie Braines for drinking. I could well wish
Curtesie would inuent some other Custome of enter-
tainment.
Iago. Oh, they are our Friends: but one Cup, Ile
drinke for you.
1150Cassio. I haue drunke but one Cup to night, and that
was craftily qualified too: and behold what inouation
it makes heere. I am infortunate in the infirmity, and
dare not taske my weakenesse with any more.
Iago. What man? 'Tis a night of Reuels, the Gal-
1155lants desire it.
Cas. Where are they?
Iago. Heere, at the doore: I pray you call them in.
Cas. Ile do't, but it dislikes me.
Exit.
Iago. If I can fasten but one Cup vpon him
1160With that which he hath drunke to night alreadie,
He'l be as full of Quarrell, and offence
As my yong Mistris dogge.
Now my sicke Foole Rodorigo,
Whom Loue hath turn'd almost the wrong side out,
1165To Desdemona hath to night Carrows'd.
Potations, pottle-deepe; and he's to watch.
Three else of Cyprus, Noble swelling Spirites,
(That hold their Honours in a wary distance,
The very Elements of this Warrelike Isle)
1170Haue I to night fluster'd with flowing Cups,
And they Watch too.
Now 'mongst this Flocke of drunkards
Am I put to our Cassio in some Action
That may offend the Isle. But here they come.
1175
Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen.
If Consequence do but approue my dreame,
My Boate sailes freely, both with winde and Streame.
Cas. 'Fore heauen, they haue giuen me a rowse already.
Mon. Good-faith a litle one: not past a pint, as I am a
1180Souldier.
Iago. Some Wine hoa.
And let me the Cannakin clinke, clinke:
And let me the Cannakin clinke.
A Souldiers a man: Oh, mans life's but a span,
1185Why then let a Souldier drinke.
Some Wine Boyes.
Cas. 'Fore Heauen: an excellent Song.
Iago. I learn'd it in England: where indeedthey are
most potent in Potting. Your Dane, your Germaine,
1190and your swag-belly'd Hollander, (drinke hoa) are
nothing to your English.
Cassio. Is your Englishmen so exquisite in his drin-
king?
Iago. Why, he drinkes you with facillitie, your Dane
1195dead drunke. He sweates not to ouerthrow your Al-
maine. He giues your Hollander a vomit, ere the next
Pottle can be fill'd.
Cas. To the health of our Generall.
Mon. I am for it Lieutenant: and Ile do you Iustice.
1200Iago. Oh sweet England.
King Stephen was and-a worthy Peere,
His Breeches cost him but a Crowne,
He held them Six pence all to deere,
With that he cal'd the Tailor Lowne:
1205He was a wight of high Renowne,
And thou art but of low degree:
'Tis Pride that pulls the Country downe,
And take thy awl'd Cloake about thee.
Some Wine hoa.
1210Cassio. Why this is a more exquisite Song then the o-
ther.
Iago. Will you heare't againe?
Cas. No: for I hold him to be vnworthy of his Place,
that do's those things. Well: heau'ns aboue all: and
1215there be soules must be saued, and there be soules must
not be saued.
Iago. It's true, good Lieutenant.
Cas. For mine owne part, no offence to the Generall,
nor any man of qualitie: I hope to be saued.
1220Iago. And so do I too Lieutenant.
Cassio. I: (but by your leaue) not before me. The
Lieutenant is to be saued before the Ancient. Let's haue
no more of this: let's to our Affaires. Forgiue vs our
sinnes: Gentlemen let's looke to our businesse. Do not
1225thinke Gentlemen, I am drunke: this is my Ancient, this
is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunke
now: I can stand well enough, and I speake well enough.
Gent. Excellent well.
Cas. Why very well then: you must not thinke then,
1230that I am drunke.
Exit.
Monta. To th'Platforme (Masters) come, let's set the
Watch.
Iago. You see this Fellow, that is gone before,
He's a Souldier, fit to stand by Cæsar,
1235And giue direction. And do but see his vice,
'Tis to his vertue, a iust Equinox,
The one as long as th'other. 'Tis pittie of him:
I feare the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odde time of his infirmitie
1240Will shake this Island.
Mont. But is he often thus?
Iago. 'Tis euermore his prologue to his sleepe,
He'le watch the Horologe a double Set,
If Drinke rocke not his Cradle.
1245Mont. It were well
The Generall were put in mind of it:
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature
Prizes the vertue that appeares in Cassio,
And lookes not on his euills: is not this true?
1250
Enter Rodorigo.
Iago. How now Rodorigo?
I pray you after the Lieutenant, go.
Mon. And 'tis great pitty, that the Noble Moore
Should hazard such a Place, as his owne Second
1255With one of an ingraft Infirmitie,
It were an honest Action, to say so
To the Moore.
Iago. Not I, for this faire Island,
I do loue Cassio well: and would do much
1260To cure him of this euill, But hearke, what noise?
Enter Cassio pursuing Rodorigo.
Cas. You Rogue: you Rascall.
Mon. What's the matter Lieutenant?
Cas. A Knaue teach me my dutie? Ile beate the
1265Knaue into a Twiggen-Bottle.
Rod. Beate me?
Cas. Dost thou prate, Rogue?
Mon. Nay, good Lieutenant:
I pray you Sir, hold your hand.
1270Cassio. Let me go (Sir)
Or Ile knocke you o're the Mazard.
Mon. Come, come: you're drunke.
Cassio. Drunke?
Iago. Away I say: go out and cry a Mutinie.
1275Nay good Lieutenant. Alas Gentlemen:
Helpe hoa. Lieutenant. Sir Montano:
Helpe Masters. Heere's a goodly Watch indeed.
Who's that which rings the Bell: Diablo, hoa:
The Towne will rise. Fie, fie Lieutenant,
1280You'le be asham'd for euer.
Enter Othello, and Attendants.
Othe. What is the matter heere?
Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to th'death. He dies.
Othe. Hold for your liues.
1285Iag. Hold hoa: Lieutenant, Sir Montano, Gentlemen:
Haue you forgot all place of sense and dutie?
Hold. The Generall speaks to you: hold for shame.
Oth. Why how now hoa? From whence ariseth this?
Are we turn'd Turkes? and to our selues do that
1290Which Heauen hath forbid the Ottamittes.
For Christian shame, put by this barbarous Brawle:
He that stirs next, to carue for his owne rage,
Holds his soule light: He dies vpon his Motion.
Silence that dreadfull Bell, it frights the Isle,
1295From her propriety. What is the matter, Masters?
Honest Iago, that lookes dead with greeuing,
Speake: who began this? On thy loue I charge thee?
Iago. I do not know: Friends all, but now, euen now.
In Quarter, and in termes like Bride, and Groome
1300Deuesting them for Bed: and then, but now:
(As if some Planet had vnwitted men)
Swords out, and tilting one at others breastes,
In opposition bloody. I cannot speake
Any begining to this peeuish oddes.
1305And would, in Action glorious, I had lost
Those legges, that brought me to a part of it.
Othe. How comes it (Michaell) you are thus forgot?
Cas. I pray you pardon me, I cannot speake.
Othe. Worthy Montano, you were wont to be ciuill:
1310The grauitie, and stillnesse of your youth
The world hath noted. And your name is great
In mouthes of wisest Censure. What's the matter
That you vnlace your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion, for the name
1315Of a night-brawler? Giue me answer to it.
Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger,
Your Officer Iago, can informe you,
While I spare speech which something now offends me.
Of all that Ido know, nor know I ought
1320By me, that's said, or done amisse this night,
Vnlesse selfe-charitie be sometimes a vice,
And to defend our selues, it be a sinne
When violence assailes vs.
Othe. Now by Heauen,
1325My blood begins my safer Guides to rule,
And passion (hauing my best iudgement collied)
Assaies to leade the way. If I once stir,
Or do but lift this Arme, the best of you
Shall sinke in my rebuke. Giue me to know
1330How this foule Rout began: Who set it on,
And he that is approu'd in this offence,
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall loose me. What in a Towne of warre,
Yet wilde, the peoples hearts brim-full of feare,
1335To Manage priuate, and domesticke Quarrell?
In night, and on theCourt and Guard of safetie?
'Tis monstrous: Iago, who began't?
Mon. If partially Affin'd, or league in office,
Thou dost deliuer more, or lesse then Truth,
1340Thou art no Souldier.
Iago. Touch me not so neere,
I had rather haue this tongue cut from my mouth,
Then it should do offence to Michaell Cassio.
Yet I perswade my selfe, to speake the truth
1345Shall nothing wrong him. This it is Generall:
Montano and my selfe being in speech,
There comes a Fellow, crying out for helpe,
And Cassio following him with determin'd Sword
To execute vpon him. Sir, this Gentleman,
1350Steppes in to Cassio, and entreats his pause;
My selfe, the crying Fellow did pursue,
Least by hisclamour (as it so fell out)
The Towne might fall in fright. He, (swift of foote)
Out-ran my purpose: and I return'd then rather
1355For that I heard the clinke, and fall of Swords,
And Cassio high in oath: Which till to night
I nere might say before. When I came backe
(For this was briefe) I found them close together
At blow, and thrust, euen as againe they were
1360When you your selfe did part them.
More of this matter cannot I report,
But Men are Men: The best sometimes forget,
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
1365Yet surely Cassio, I beleeue receiu'd
From him that fled, some strange Indignitie,
Which patience could not passe.
Othe. I know Iago
Thy honestie, and loue doth mince this matter,
1370Making it light to Cassio: Cassio, I loue thee,
But neuer more be Officer of mine.
Enter Desdemona attended.
Looke if my gentle Loue be not rais'd vp:
Ile make thee an example.
1375Des. What is the matter (Deere?)
Othe. All's well, Sweeting:
Come away to bed. Sir foryour hurts,
My selfe will be your Surgeon. Lead him off:
Iago, looke with care about the Towne,
1380And silence thosewhom this vil'd brawle distracted.
Come Desdemona, 'tis the Soldiers life,
To haue their Balmy slumbers wak'd with strife.
Exit.
Iago. What are you hurt Lieutenant?
Cas. I, past all Surgery.
1385Iago. Marry Heauen forbid.
Cas. Reputation, Reputation, Reputation: Oh I haue
lost my Reputation. I haue lost the immortall part of
myselfe, and what remaines is bestiall. My Reputation,
Iago, my Reputation.
1390Iago. As I am an honest man I had thought you had
receiued some bodily wound; there is more sence in that
then in Reputation. Reputation is an idle, and most false
imposition; oft got without merit, aud lost without de-
seruing. You haue lost no Reputation at all, vnlesse you
1395repute your selfe such a looser. What man, there are
more wayes to recouer the Generall againe. You are
but now cast in his moode, (a punishment more in poli-
cie, then in malice) euen so as one would beate his of-
fencelesse dogge, ro affright an Imperious Lyon. Sue to
1400him againe, and he's yours.
Cas. I will rather sue to be despis'd, then to deceiue
so good a Commander, with so slight, so drunken, and so
indiscreet an Officer. Drunke? And speake Parrat? And
squabble? Swagger? Sweare? And discourse Fustian
1405with ones owne shadow? Oh thou invisible spirit of
Wine, if thou hast no name to be knowne by, let vs call
thee Diuell.
Iago. What was he that you follow'd with your
Sword? What had he done to you?
1410Cas. I know not.
Iago. Is't possible?
Cas. I remember a masse of things, but nothing di-
stinctly: a Quarrell, but nothing wherefore. Oh, that
men should put an Enemie in their mouthes, to steale a-
1415way their Braines? that we should with ioy, pleasance,
reuell and applause, transforme our selues into Beasts.
Iago. Why? But you are now well enough: how
came you thus recouered?
Cas. It hath pleas'd the diuell drunkennesse, to giue
1420place to the diuell wrath, one vnperfectnesse, shewes me
another to make me frankly despise my selfe.
Iago. Come, you are too seuere a Moraller. As the
Time, the Place, & the Condition of this Country stands
I could hartily wish this had not befalne: but since it is, as
1425it is, mend it for your owne good.
Cas. I will aske him for my Place againe, he shall tell
me, I am a drunkard: had I as many mouthes as Hydra,
such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sen-
sible man, by and by a Foole, and presently a Beast. Oh
1430strange! Euery inordinate cup is vnbless'd, and the Ingre-
dient is a diuell.
Iago. Come, come: good wine, is a good famillar
Creature, if it be well vs'd: exclaime no more against it.
And good Lieutenant, I thinke, you thinke I loue
1435you.
Cassio. I haue well approued it, Sir. I drunke?
Iago. You, or any man liuing, may be drunke at a
time man. I tell you what you shall do: Our General's
Wife, is now the Generall. I may say so, in this respect,
1440for that he hath deuoted, and giuen vp himselfe to the
Contemplation, marke: and deuotement of her parts
and Graces. Confesse your selfe freely to her: Impor-
tune her helpe to put you in your place againe. She is
of so free, so kinde, so apt, so blessed a disposition,
1445she holds it a vice in her goodnesse, not to do more
then she is requested. This broken ioynt betweene
you, and her husband, entreat her to splinter. And my
Fortunes against any lay worth naming, this cracke of
your Loue, shall grow stronger, then it was before.
1450Cassio. You aduise me well.
Iago. I protest in the sinceritie of Loue, and honest
kindnesse.
Cassio. I thinke it freely: and betimes in the mor-
ning, I will beseech the vertuous Desdemona to vndertake
1455for me: I am desperate of my Fortunes if they check me.
Iago. You are in the right: good night Lieutenant, I
must to the Watch.
Cassio. Good night, honest Iago.
Exit Cassio.
1460Iago. And what's he then,
That saies I play the Villaine?
When this aduise is free I giue, and honest,
Proball to thinking, and indeed the course
To win the Moore againe.
1465For 'tis most easie
Th'inclyning Desdemona to subdue
In any honest Suite. She's fram'd as fruitefull
As the free Elements. And then for her
To win the Moore, were to renownce his Baptisme,
1470All Seales, and Simbols of redeemed sin:
His Soule is so enfetter'd to her Loue,
That she may make, vnmake, do what she list,
Euen as her Appetite shall play the God,
With his weake Function. How am I then a Villaine,
1475To Counsell Cassio to this paralell course,
Directly to his good? Diuinitie of hell,
When diuels will the blackest sinnes put on,
They do suggest at first with heauenly shewes,
As I do now. For whiles this honest Foole
1480Plies Desdemona, to repaire his Fortune,
And she for him, pleades strongly to the Moore,
Ile powre this pestilence into his eare:
That she repeales him, for her bodies Lust'
And by how much she striues to do him good,
1485She shall vndo her Credite with the Moore.
So will I turne her vertue into pitch,
And out of her owne goodnesse make the Net,
That shall en-mash them all.
How now Rodorigo?
1490
Enter Rodorigo.
Rodorigo. I do follow heere in the Chace, not
like a Hound that hunts, but one that filles vp the
Crie. My Money is almost spent; I haue bin to night
exceedingly well Cudgell'd: And I thinke the issue
1495will bee, I shall haue so much experience for my paines;
And so, with no money at all, and a little more Wit, re-
turne againe to Venice.
Iago.How poore are they that haue not Patience?
What wound did euer heale but by degrees?
1500Thou know'st we worke by Wit, and not by Witchcraft
And Wit depends on dilatory time:
Dos't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
And thou by that small hurt hath casheer'd Cassio:
Though other things grow faire against the Sun,
1505Yet Fruites that blossome first, will first be ripe:
Content thy selfe, a-while. Introth 'tis Morning;
Pleasure, and Action, make the houres seeme short.
Retire thee, go where thou art Billited:
Away, I say, thou shalt know more heereafter:
1510Nay get thee gone.
Exit Roderigo.
Two things are to be done:
My Wife must moue for Cassio to her Mistris:
Ile set her on my selfe, a while, to draw the Moor apart,
And bring him iumpe, when he may Cassio finde
1515Soliciting his wife: I, that's the way:
Dull not Deuice, by coldnesse, and delay.
Exit.
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
Enter Cassio, Musitians, and Clowne.
Cassio. Masters, play heere, I wil content your paines,
1520Something that's briefe: and bid, goodmorrow General.
Clo. Why Masters, haue your Instruments bin in Na-
ples, that they speake i'th'Nose thus?
Mus. How Sir? how?
Clo. Are these I pray you, winde Instruments?
1525Mus. I marry are they sir.
Clo. Oh, thereby hangs a tale.
Mus. Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
Clow. Marry sir, by many a winde Instrument that I
know. But Masters, heere's money for you: and the Ge-
1530nerall so likes your Musick, that he desires you for loues
sake to make no more noise with it.
Mus. Well Sir, we will not.
Clo. If you haue any Musicke that may not be heard,
too't againe. But (as they say) to heare Musicke, the Ge-
1535nerall do's not greatly care.
Mus. We haue none such, sir.
Clow. Then put vp your Pipes in your bagge, for Ile
away. Go, vanish into ayre, away.
Exit Mu.
Cassio Dost thou heare me, mine honest Friend?
1540Clo. No, I heare not your honest Friend:
I heare you.
Cassio. Prythee keepe vp thy Quillets, ther's a poore
peece of Gold for thee: if the Gentlewoman that attends
the Generall be stirring, tell her, there's one Cassio en-
1545treats her a little fauour of Speech. Wilt thou do this?
Clo. She is stirring sir: if she will stirre hither, I shall
seeme to notifie vnto her.
Exit Clo.
Enter Iago.
In happy time, Iago.
1550Iago. You haue not bin a-bed then?
Cassio. Why no: the day had broke before we parted.
I haue made bold (Iago) to send in to your wife:
My suite to her is, that she will to vertuous Desdemona
Procure me some accesse.
1555Iago. Ile send her to you presently:
And Ile deuise a meane to draw the Moore
Out of the way, that your conuerse and businesse
May be more free.
Exit
Cassio. I humbly thanke you for't. I neuer knew
1560A Florentine more kinde, and honest.
Enter Æmilia.
Æmil. Goodmorrow (good Lieutenant) I am sorrie
For your displeasure: but all will sure be well.
The Generall and his wife are talking of it,
1565And she speakes for you stoutly. The Moore replies,
That he you hurt is of great Fame in Cyprus,
And great Affinitie: and that in wholsome Wisedome
He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loues you
And needs no other Suitor, but his likings
1570To bring you in againe.
Cassio. Yet I beseech you,
If you thinke fit, or that it may be done,
Giue me aduantage of some breefe Discourse
With Desdemon alone.
1575Æmil. Pray you come in:
I will bestow you where you shall haue time
To speake your bosome freely.
Cassio. I am much bound to you.
Scœna Secunda.
1580
Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.
Othe. These Letters giue (Iago) to the Pylot,
And by him do my duties to the Senate:
That done, I will be walking on the Workes,
Repaire there to mee.
1585Iago. Well, my good Lord, Ile doo't.
Oth. This Fortification (Gentlemen) shall we see't?
Gent. Well waite vpon your Lordship.
Exeunt
Scœna Tertia.
Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Æmilia.
1590Des. Be thou assur'd (good Cassio) I will do
All my abilities in thy behalfe.
Æmil. Good Madam do:
I warrant it greeues my Husband,
As if the cause were his.
1595Des. Oh that's an honest Fellow, Do not doubt Cassio
But I will haue my Lord, and you againe
As friendly as you were.
Cassio. Bounteous Madam,
What euer shall become of Michael Cassio,
1600He's neuer any thing but your true Seruant.
Des. I know't: I thanke you: you do loue my Lord:
You haue knowne him long, and be you well assur'd
He shall in strangenesse stand no farther off,
Then in a politique distance.
1605Cassio. I, but Lady,
That policie may either last so long,
Or feede vpon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breede it selfe so out of Circumstances,
That I being absent, and my place supply'd,
1610My Generall will forget my Loue, and Seruice.
Des. Do not doubt that: before Æmilia here,
I giue thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, Ile performe it
To the last Article. My Lord shall neuer rest,
1615Ile watch him tame, and talke him out of patience;
His Bed shall seeme a Schoole, his Boord a Shrift,
Ile intermingle euery thing he do's
With Cassio's suite: Therefore be merry Cassio,
For thy Solicitor shall rather dye,
1620Then giue thy cause away.
Enter Othello, and Iago.
Æmil. Madam, heere comes my Lord.
Cassio. Madam, Ile take my leaue.
Des. Why stay, and heare me speake.
1625Cassio. Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease,
Vnfit for mine owne purposes.
Des. Well, do your discretion.
Exit Cassio.
Iago. Hah? I like not that.
Othel. What dost thou say?
1630Iago. Nothing my Lord; or if---I know not what.
Othel. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago. Cassio my Lord? No sure, I cannot thinke it
That he would steale away so guilty-like,
Seeing your comming.
1635Oth. I do beleeue 'twas he.
Des. How now my Lord?
I haue bin talking with a Suitor heere,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Oth. Who is't you meane?
1640Des. Why your Lieutenant Cassio: Good my Lord,
If I haue any grace, or power to moue you,
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one, that truly loues'you,
That erres in Ignorance, and not in Cunning,
1645I haue no iudgement in an honest face.
I prythee call him backe.
Oth. Went he hence now?
Des. I sooth; so humbled,
That he hath left part of his greefe with mee
1650To suffer with him. Good Loue, call him backe.
Othel. Not now (sweet Desdemon) some other time.
Des. But shall't be shortly?
Oth. The sooner (Sweet) for you.
Des. Shall't be to night, at Supper?
1655Oth. No, not to night.
Des. To morrow Dinner then?
Oth. I shall not dine at home:
I meete the Captaines at the Cittadell.
Des. Why then to morrow night, on Tuesday morne,
1660On Tuesday noone, or night; on Wensday Morne.
I prythee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three dayes. Infaith hee's penitent:
And yet his Trespasse, in our common reason
(Saue that they say the warres must make example)
1665Out of her best, is not almost a fault
T'encurre a priuate checke. When shall he come?
Tell me Othello. I wonder in my Soule
What you would aske me, that I should deny,
Or stand so mam'ring on? What? Michael Cassio,
1670That came a woing wirh you? and so many a time
(When I haue spoke of you dispraisingly)
Hath tane your part, to haue so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much.
Oth. Prythee no more: Let him come when he will:
1675I will deny thee nothing.
Des. Why, this is not a Boone:
'Tis as I should entreate you weare your Gloues,
Or feede on nourishing dishes, or keepe you warme,
Or sue to you, to do a peculiar profit
1680To your owne person. Nay, when I haue a suite
Wherein I meane to touch your Loue indeed,
It shall be full of poize, and difficult waight,
And fearefull to be granted.
Oth. I will deny thee nothing.
1685Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leaue me but a little to my selfe.
Des. Shall I deny you? No: farewell my Lord.
Oth. Farewell my Desdemona, Ile come to thee strait.
Des. Æmilia come; be as your Fancies teach you:
1690What ere you be, I am obedient.
Exit.
Oth. Excellent wretch: Perdition catch my Soule
But I do loue thee: and when I loue thee not,
Chaos is come againe.
Iago. My Noble Lord.
1695Oth. What dost thou say, Iago?
Iago. Did Michael Cassio
When he woo'd my Lady, know of your loue?
Oth. He did, from first to last:
Why dost thou aske?
1700Iago. But for a satisfaction of my Thought,
No further harme.
Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago?
Iago. I did not thinke he had bin acquainted with hir.
Oth. O yes, and went betweene vs very oft.
1705Iago. Indeed?
Oth. Indeed? I indeed. Discern'st thou ought in that?
Is he not honest?
Iago. Honest, my Lord?
Oth. Honest? I, Honest.
1710Iago. My Lord, for ought I know.
Oth. What do'st thou thinke?
Iago. Thinke, my Lord?
Oth. Thinke, my Lord? Alas, thou ecchos't me;
As if there were some Monster in thy thought
1715Too hideous to be shewne. Thou dost mean somthing:
I heard thee say euen now, thou lik'st not that,
When Cassio left my wife. What didd'st not like?
And when I told thee, he was of my Counsaile,
Of my whole course of wooing; thou cried'st, Indeede?
1720And didd'st contract, and purse thy brow together,
As if thou then hadd'st shut vp in thy Braine
Some horrible Conceite. If thou do'st loue me,
Shew me thy thought.
Iago. My Lord, you know I loue you.
1725Oth. I thinke thou do'st:
And for I know thou'rt full of Loue, and Honestie,
And weigh'st thy words before thou giu'st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine, fright me the more:
For such things in a false disloyall Knaue
1730Are trickes of Custome: but in a man that's iust,
They're close dilations, working from the heart,
That Passion cannot rule.
Iago. For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworne, I thinke that he is honest.
1735Oth. I thinke so too.
Iago. Men should be what they seeme,
Or those that be not, would they might seeme none.
Oth. Certaine, men should be what they seeme.
Iago. Why then I thinke Cassio's an honest man.
1740Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this?
I prythee speake to me, as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and giue thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
Iago. Good my Lord pardon me,
1745Though I am bound to euery Acte of dutie,
I am not bound to that: All Slaues are free:
Vtter my Thoughts? Why say, they are vild, and falce?
As where's that Palace, whereinto foule things
Sometimes intrude not? Who ha's that breast so pure,
1750Wherein vncleanly Apprehensions
Keepe Leetes, and Law-dayes, and in Sessions sit
With meditations lawfull?
Oth. Thou do'st conspire against thy Friend (Iago)
If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and mak'st his eare
1755A stranger to thy Thoughts.
Iago. I do beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my guesse
(As I confesse it is my Natures plague
To spy into Abuses, and of my iealousie
1760Shapes faults that are not) that your wisedome
From one, that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build your selfe a trouble
Out of his scattering, and vnsure obseruance:
It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
1765Nor for my Manhood, Honesty, and Wisedome,
To let you know my thoughts.
Oth. What dost thou meane?
Iago. Good name in Man, & woman (deere my Lord)
Is the immediate Iewell of their Soules;
1770Who steales my purse, steales trash:
'Tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has bin slaue to thousands:
But he that filches from me my good Name,
Robs me of that, which not enriches him,
1775And makes me poore indeed.
Oth. Ile know thy Thoughts.
Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whil'st 'tis in my custodie.
Oth. Ha?
1780Iago. Oh, beware my Lord, of iealousie,
It is the greene-ey'd Monster, which doth mocke
The meate it feeds on. That Cuckold liues in blisse,
Who certaine ofhis Fate, loues not his wronger:
But oh, what damned minutes tels he ore,
1785Who dotes, yet doubts: Suspects, yet soundly loues?
Oth. O miserie.
Iago. Poore, and Content, is rich, and rich enough,
But Riches finelesse, is as poore as Winter,
To him that euer feares he shall be poore:
1790Good Heauen, the Soules of all my Tribe defend
From Iealousie.
Oth. Why? why is this?
Think'st thou, I'ld make a Life ofIealousie;
To follow still the changes of the Moone
1795With fresh suspitions? No: to be once in doubt,
Is to be resolu'd: Exchange me for a Goat,
When I shall turne the businesse of my Soule
To such exufflicate , and blow'd Surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me Iealious,
1800To say my wife is faire, feeds well, loues company,
Is free of Speech, Sings, Playes, and Dances:
Where Vertue is, these are more vertuous.
Nor from mine owne weake merites, will I draw
The smallest feare, or doubt ofher reuolt,
1805For she had eyes, and chose me. No Iago,
Ile see before I doubt; when I doubt, proue;
And on the proofe, there is no more but this,
Away at once with Loue, or Iealousie.
Ia. I am glad of this: For now I shall haue reason
1810To shew the Loue and Duty that I beare you
With franker spirit. Therefore (as I am bound)
Receiue it from me. I speake not yet of proofe:
Looke to your wife, obserue her well with Cassio,
Weare your eyes, thus: not Iealious, nor Secure:
1815I would not haue your free, and Noble Nature,
Out of selfe-Bounty, be abus'd: Looke too't:
I know our Country disposition well:
In Venice, they do let Heauen see the prankes
They dare not shew their Husbands.
1820Their best Conscience,
Is not to leaue't vndone, but kept vnknowne.
Oth. Dost thou say so?
Iago. She did deceiue her Father, marrying you,
And when she seem'd to shake, and feare your lookes,
1825She lou'd them most.
Oth. And so she did.
Iago. Why go too then:
Shee that so young could giue out such a Seeming
To seele her Fathers eyes vp, close as Oake,
1830He thought 'twas Witchcraft.
But I am much too blame:
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much louing you.
Oth. I am bound to thee for euer.
1835Iago. I see this hath a little dash'd your Spirits:
Oth. Not a iot, not a iot.
Iago. Trust me, I feare it has:
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from your Loue.
1840But I do see y'are moou'd:
I am to pray you, not to straine my speech
To grosser issues, nor to larger reach,
Then to Suspition.
Oth. I will not.
1845Iago. Should you do so (my Lord)
My speech should fall into such vilde successe,
Which my Thoughts aym'd not.
Cassio's my worthy Friend:
My Lord, I see y'are mou'd.
1850Oth. No, not much mou'd:
I do not thinke but Desdemona's honest.
Iago. Long liue she so;
And long liue you to thinke so.
Oth. And yet how Nature erring from it selfe.
1855Iago. I, there's the point:
As (to be bold with you)
Not to affect many proposed Matches
Of her owne Clime, Complexion, and Degree,
Whereto we see in all things, Nature tends:
1860Foh, one may smel in such, a will most ranke,
Foule disproportions, Thoughts vnnaturall.
But (pardon me) I do not in position
Distinctly speake of her, though I may feare
Her will, recoyling to her better iudgement,
1865May fal to match you with her Country formes,
And happily repent.
Oth. Farewell, farewell:
If more thou dost perceiue, let me know more:
Set on thy wife to obserue.
1870Leaue me Iago.
Iago. My Lord, I take my leaue.
Othel. Why did I marry?
This honest Creature (doubtlesse)
Sees, and knowes more, much more then he vnfolds.
1875Iago. My Lord, I would I might intreat your Honor
To scan this thing no farther: Leaue it to time,
Although 'tis fit that Cassio haue his Place;
For sure he filles it vp with great Ability;
Yet if you please, to him off a-while:
1880You shall by that perceiue him, and his meanes:
Note if your Lady straine his Encertainment
With any strong, or vehement importunitie,
Much will be seene in that: In the meane time,
Let me be thought too busie in my feares,
1885(As worthy cause I haue to feare I am)
And hold her free, I do beseech your Honor.
Oth. Feare not my gouernment.
Iago. I once more take my leaue.
Exit.
Oth. This Fellow's of exceeding honesty,
1890And knowes all Quantities with a learn'd Spirit
Of humane dealings. If I do proue her Haggard,
Though that her Iesses were my deere heart-strings,
I'ld whistle her off, and let her downe the winde
To prey at Fortune. Haply, for I am blacke,
1895And haue not those soft parts of Conuersation
That Chamberers haue: Or for I am declin'd
Into the vale of yeares (yet that's not much)
Shee's gone. I am abus'd, and my releefe
Must be to loath her. Oh Curse of Marriage!
1900That we can call these delicate Creatures ours,
And not their Appetites? I had rather be a Toad,
And liue vpon the vapour of a Dungeon,
Then keepe a corner in the thing I loue
For others vses. Yet 'tis the plague to Great-ones,
1905Prerogatiu'd are they lesse then the Base,
'Tis destiny vnshunnable, like death:
Euen then, this forked plague is Fated to vs,
When we do quicken. Looke where she comes:
Enter Desdemona and Æmilia.
1910If she be false, Heauen mock'd it selfe:
Ile not beleeue't.
Des. How now, my deere Othello?
Your dinner, and the generous Islanders
By you inuited, do attend your presence.
1915Oth. I am too blame.
Des. Why do you speake so faintly?
Are you not well?
Oth. I haue a paine vpon my Forehead, heere.
Des. Why that's with watching, 'twill away againe.
1920Let me but binde it hard, within this houre
It will be well.
Oth. Your Napkin is too little:
Let it alone: Come, Ile go in with you.
Exit.
Des. I am very sorry that you are not well.
1925Æmil. I am glad I haue found this Napkin:
This was her first remembrance from the Moore,
My wayward Husband hath a hundred times
Woo'd me to steale it. But she so loues the Token,
(For he coniur'd her, she should euer keepe it)
1930That she reserues it euermore about her,
To kisse, and talke too. Ile haue the worke tane out,
And giu't Iago: what he will do with it
Heauen knowes, not I:
I nothing, but to please his Fantasie.
1935
Enter Iago.
Iago. How now? What do you heere alone?
Æmil. Do not you chide: I haue a thing for you.
Iago. You haue a thing for me?
It is a common thing---
1940Æmil. Hah?
Iago. To haue a foolish wife.
Æmil. Oh, is that all? What will you giue me now
For that same Handkerchiefe.
Iago. What Handkerchiefe?
1945Æmil. What Handkerchiefe?
Why that the Moore first gaue to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steale.
Iago. Hast stolne it from her?
Æmil. No: but she let it drop by negligence,
1950And to th'aduantage, I being heere, took't vp:
Looke, heere 'tis.
Iago. A good wench, giue it me.
Æmil. What will you do with't, that you haue bene
so earnest to haue me filch it?
1955Iago. Why, what is that to you?
Æmil. If it be not for some purpose of import,
Giu't me againe. Poore Lady, shee'l run mad
When she shall lacke it.
Iago. Be not acknowne on't:
1960I haue vse for it. Go, leaue me.
Exit Æmil.
I will in Cassio's Lodging loose this Napkin,
And let him finde it. Trifles light as ayre,
Are to the iealious, confirmations strong,
As proofes of holy Writ. This may do something.
1965The Moore already changes with my poyson:
Dangerous conceites, are in their Natures poysons,
Which at the first are scarse found to distaste:
But with a little acte vpon the blood,
Burne like the Mines of Sulphure. I did say so.
1970
Enter Othello.
Looke where he comes: Not Poppy, nor Mandragora,
Nor all the drowsie Syrrups of the world
Shall euer medicine thee to that sweete sleepe
Which thou owd'st yesterday.
1975Oth. Ha, ha, false to mee?
Iago. Why how now Generall? No more of that.
Oth. Auant, be gone: Thou hast set me on the Racke:
I sweare 'tis better to be much abus'd,
Then but to know't a little.
1980Iago. How now, my Lord?
Oth. What sense had I, in her stolne houres of Lust?
I saw't not, thought it not: it harm'd not me:
I slept the next night well, fed well, was free, and merrie.
I found not Cassio's kisses on her Lippes:
1985He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stolne,
Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all.
Iago. I am sorry to heare this?
Oth. I had beene happy, if the generall Campe,
Pyoners and all, had tasted her sweet Body,
1990So I had nothing knowne. Oh now, for euer
Farewell the Tranquill minde; farewell Content;
Farewell the plumed Troopes, and the bigge Warres,
That makes Ambition, Vertue! Oh farewell;
Farewell the neighing Steed, and the shrill Trumpe,
1995The Spirit-stirring Drum, th'Eare-piercing Fife,
The Royall Banner, and all Qualitie,
Pride, Pompe, and Circumstance of glorious Warre:
And O you mortall Engines, whose rudethroates
Th'immortall Ioues dread Clamours, counterfet,
2000Farewell: Othello's Occupation's gone.
Iago. Is't possible my Lord?
Oth. Villaine, be sure thou proue my Loue a Whore;
Be sure of it: Giue me the Occular proofe,
Or by the worth of mine eternall Soule,
2005Thou had'st bin better haue bin borne a Dog
Then answer my wak'd wrath.
Iago. Is't come to this?
Oth. Make me to see't: or (at the least) so proue it,
That the probation beare no Hindge, nor Loope,
2010To hang a doubt on: Or woe vpon thy life.
Iago. My Noble Lord.
Oth. If thou dost slander her, and torture me,
Neuer pray more: Abandon all remorse
On Horrors head, Horrors accumulate:
2015Do deeds to make Heauen weepe, all Earth amaz'd;
For nothing canst thou to damnation adde,
Greater then that.
Iago. O Grace! O Heauen forgiue me!
Are you a Man? Haue you a Soule? or Sense?
2020God buy you: take mine Office. Oh wretched Foole,
That lou'st to make thine Honesty, a Vice!
Oh monstrous world! Take note, take note (O World)
To be direct and honest, is not safe.
I thanke you for this profit, and from hence
2025Ile loue no Friend, sith Loue breeds such offence.
Oth. Nay stay: thou should'st be honest.
Iago. I should be wise; for Honestie's a Foole,
And looses that it workes for.
Oth. By the World,
2030I thinke my Wife be honest, and thinke she is not:
I thinke that thou art iust, and thinke thou art not:
Ile haue some proofe. My name that was as fresh
As Dians Visage, is now begrim'd and blacke
As mine owne face. If there be Cords, or Kniues,
2035Poyson, or Fire, or suffocating streames,
Ile not indure it. Would I were satisfied.
Iago. I see you are eaten vp with Passion:
I do repent me, that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
2040Oth. Would? Nay, and I will.
Iago. And may: but how? How satisfied, my Lord?
Would you the super-vision grossely gape on?
Behold her top'd?
Oth. Death, and damnation. Oh!
2045Iago. It were a tedious difficulty, I thinke,
To bring them to that Prospect: Damne them then,
If euer mortall eyes do see them boulster
More then their owne. What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where's Satisfaction?
2050It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as Goates, as hot as Monkeyes,
As salt as Wolues in pride, and Fooles as grosse
As Ignorance, made drunke. But yet, I say,
If imputation, and strong circumstances,
2055Which leade directly to the doore of Truth,
Will giue you satisfaction, you might haue't.
Oth. Giue me a liuing reason she's disloyall.
Iago. I do not like the Office.
But sith I am entred in this cause so farre
2060(Prick'd too't by foolish Honesty, and Loue)
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,
And being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleepe. There are a kinde of men,
So loose of Soule, that in their sleepes will mutter
2065Their Affayres: one of this kinde is Cassio:
In sleepe I heard him say, sweet Desdemona,
Let vs be wary, let vs hide our Loues,
And then (Sir) would he gripe, and wring my hand:
Cry, oh sweet Creature: then kisse me hard,
2070As if he pluckt vp kisses by the rootes,
That grew vpon my lippes, laid his Leg ore my Thigh,
And sigh, and kisse, and then cry cursed Fate,
That gaue thee to the Moore.
Oth. O monstrous! monstrous!
2075Iago. Nay, this was but his Dreame.
Oth. But this denoted a fore-gone conclusion,
'Tis a shrew'd doubt, though it be but a Dreame.
Iago, And this may helpe to thicken other proofes,
That do demonstrate thinly.
2080Oth. Ile teare her all to peeces.
Iago. Nay yet be wise; yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet: Tell me but this,
Haue you not sometimes seene a Handkerchiefe
Spotted with Strawberries, in your wiues hand?
2085Oth. I gaue her such a one: 'twas my first gift.
Iago. I know not that: but such a Handkerchiefe
(I am sure it was your wiues) did I to day
See Cassio wipe his Beard with.
Oth. If it be that.
2090Iago. If it be that, or any, it was hers.
It speakes against her with the other proofes.
Othel. O that the Slaue had forty thousand liues:
One is too poore, too weake for my reuenge.
Now do I see 'tis true. Looke heere Iago,
2095All my fond loue thus do I blow to Heauen. 'Tis gone,
Arise blacke vengeance, from the hollow hell,
Yeeld vp (O Loue) thy Crowne, and hearted Throne
To tyrannous Hate. Swell bosome with thy fraught,
For 'tis of Aspickes tongues.
2100Iago. Yet be content.
Oth. Oh blood, blood, blood.
Iago. Patience I say: your minde may change.
Oth. Neuer Iago. Like to the Ponticke Sea,
Whose Icie Current, and compulsiue course,
2105Neu'r keepes retyring ebbe, but keepes due on
To the Proponticke, and the Hellespont:
Euen so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace
Shall neu'r looke backe, neu'r ebbe to humble Loue,
Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge
2110Swallow them vp. Now by yond Marble Heauen,
In the due reuerence of a Sacred vow,
I heere engage my words.
Iago. Do not rise yet:
Witnesse you euer-burning Lights aboue,
2115You Elements, that clip vs round about,
Witnesse that heere Iago doth giue vp
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wrong'd Othello's Seruice. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
2120What bloody businesse euer.
Oth. I greet thy loue,
Not with vaine thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,
And will vpon the instant put thee too't.
Within these three dayes let me heare thee say,
2125That Cassio's not aliue.
Iago. My Friend is dead:
'Tis done at your Request.
But let her liue.
Oth. Damne her lewde Minx:
2130O damne her, damne her.
Come go with me a-part, I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift meanes of death
For the faire Diuell.
Now art thou my Lieutenant.
2135Iago. I am your owne for euer.
Exeunt.
Scæna Quarta.
Enter Desdemona, Æmilia, and Clown.
Des. Do you know Sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio
lyes?
2140Clow. I dare not say he lies any where.
Des. Why man?
Clo. He's a Soldier, and for me to say a Souldier lyes,
'tis stabbing.
Des. Go too: where lodges he?
2145Clo. To tell you where he lodges, is to tel you where
I lye.
Des. Can any thing be made of this?
Clo. I know not where he lodges, and for mee to de-
uise a lodging, and say he lies heere, or he lies there, were
2150to lye in mine owne throat.
Des. Can you enquire him out? and be edified by re-
port?
Clo. I will Catechize the world for him, that is, make
Questions, and by them answer.
2155Des. Seeke him, bidde him come hither: tell him, I
haue moou'd my Lord on his behalfe, and hope all will
be well.
Clo. To do this, is within the compasse of mans Wit,
and therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Exit Clo.
2160Des. Where should I loose the Handkerchiefe, Æ-
milia?
Æmil. I know not Madam.
Des. Beleeue me, I had rather haue lost my purse
Full of Cruzadoes. And but my Noble Moore
2165Is true of minde, and made of no such basenesse,
As iealious Creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill-thinking.
Æmil. Is he not iealious?
Des. Who, he? I thinke the Sun where he was borne,
2170Drew all such humors from him.
Æmil. Looke where he comes.
Enter Othello.
Des. I will not leaue him now, till Cassio be
Call'd to him. How is't with you, my Lord?
2175Oth. Well my good Lady. Oh hardnes to dissemble!
How do you, Desdemona?
Des. Well, my good Lord.
Oth. Giue me your hand.
This hand is moist, my Lady.
2180Des. It hath felt no age, nor knowne no sorrow.
Oth. This argues fruitfulnesse, and liberall heart:
Hot, hot, and moyst. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from Liberty: Fasting, and Prayer,
Much Castigation, Exercise deuout,
2185For heere's a yong, and sweating Diuell heere
That commonly rebels: 'Tis a good hand,
A franke one.
Des. You may (indeed) say so:
For 'twas that hand that gaue away my heart.
2190Oth. A liberall hand. The hearts of old, gaue hands:
But our new Heraldry is hands, not hearts.
Des. I cannot speake of this:
Come, now your promise.
Oth. What promise, Chucke?
2195Des. I haue sent to bid Cassio come speake with you.
Oth. I haue a salt and sorry Rhewme offends me:
Lend me thy Handkerchiefe.
Des. Heere my Lord.
Oth. That which I gaue you.
2200Des. I haue it not about me.
Oth. Not?
Des. No indeed, my Lord.
Oth. That's a fault: That Handkerchiefe
Did an Ægyptian to my Mother giue:
2205She was a Charmer, and could almost read
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it,
'T would make her Amiable, and subdue my Father
Intirely to her loue: But if she lost it,
Or made a Guift of it, my Fathers eye
2210Should hold her loathed, and his Spirits should hunt
After new Fancies. She dying, gaue it me,
And bid me (when my Fate would haue me Wiu'd)
To giue it her. I did so; and take heede on't,
Make it a Darling, like your precious eye:
2215To loose't, or giue't away, were such perdition,
As nothing else could match.
Des, Is't possible?
Oth. 'Tis true: There's Magicke in the web of it:
A Sybill that had numbred in the world
2220The Sun to course, two hundred compasses,
In her Prophetticke furie sow'd the Worke:
The Wormes were hallowed, that did breede the Silke,
And it was dyde in Mummey, which the Skilfull
Conseru'd of Maidens hearts.
2225Des. Indeed? Is't true?
Oth. Most veritable, therefore looke too't well.
Des. Then would to Heauen, that I had neuer seene't?
Oth. Ha? wherefore?
Des. Why do you speake so startingly, and rash?
2230Oth. Is't lost? Is't gon? Speak, is't out o'th'way?
Des. Blesse vs.
Oth. Say you?
Des. It is not lost: but what and if it were?
Oth. How?
2235Des. I say it is not lost.
Oth. Fetcht, let me see't.
Des. Why so I can: but I will not now:
This is a tricke to put me from my suite,
Pray you let Cassio be receiu'd againe.
2240Oth. Fetch me the Handkerchiefe,
My minde mis-giues.
Des. Come, come: you'l neuer meete a more suffici-
ent man.
Oth. The Handkerchiefe.
2245Des. A man that all his time
Hath founded his good Fortunes on your loue;
Shar'd dangers with you.
Oth. The Handkerchiefe.
Des. Insooth, you are too blame.
2250Oth. Away.
Exit Othello.
Æmil. Is not this man iealious?
Des. I neu'r saw this before.
Sure, there's some wonder in this Handkerchikfe,
I am most vnhappy in the losse of it.
2255Æmil. 'Tis not a yeare or two shewes vs a man:
They are all but Stomackes, and we all but Food,
They eate vs hungerly, and when they are full
They belch vs.
Enter Iago, and Cassio.
2260Looke you, Cassio and my Husband.
Iago. There is no other way: 'tis she must doo't:
And loe the happinesse: go, and importune her.
Des. How now (good Cassio) what's the newes with
you?
2265Cassio. Madam, my former suite. I do beseech you,
That by your vertuous meanes, I may againe
Exist, and be a member of his loue,
Whom I, with all the Office of my heart
Intirely honour, I would not be delayd.
2270If my offence, be of such mortall kinde,
That nor my Seruice past, nor present Sorrowes,
Nor purpos'd merit in futurity,
Can ransome me into his loue againe,
But to know so, must be my benefit:
2275So shall I cloath me in a forc'd content,
And shut my selfe vp in some other course
To Fortunes Almes.
Des. Alas (thrice-gentle Cassio)
My Aduocation is not now in Tune;
2280My Lord, is not my Lord; nor should I know him,
Were he in Fauour, as in Humour alter'd.
So helpe me euery spirit sanctified,
As I haue spoken for you all my best,
And stood within the blanke of his displeasure
2285For my free speech. You must awhile be patient:
What I can do, I will: and more I will
Then for my selfe, I dare. Let that suffice you.
Iago. Is my Lord angry?
Æmil. He went hence but now:
2290And certainly in strange vnquietnesse.
Iago. Can he be angry? I haue seene the Cannon
When it hath blowne his Rankes into the Ayre,
And like the Diuell from his very Arme
Puff't his owne Brother: And is he angry?
2295Something of moment then: I will go meet him,
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry.
Exit
Des. I prythee do so. Something sure of State,
Either from Venice, or some vnhatch'd practise
Made demonstrable heere in Cyprus, to him,
2300Hath pudled his cleare Spirit: and in such cases,
Mens Natures wrangle with inferiour things,
Though great ones are their obiect. 'Tis euen so.
For let our finger ake, and it endues
Our other healthfull members, euen to a sense
2305Of paine. Nay, we must thinke men are not Gods,
Nor of them looke for such obseruancie
As fits the Bridall. Beshrew me much, Æmilia,
I was (vnhandsome Warrior, as I am)
Arraigning his vnkindnesse with my soule:
2310But now I finde, I had suborn'd the Witnesse,
And he's Indited falsely.
Æmil. Pray heauen it bee
State matters, as you thinke, and no Conception,
Nor no Iealious Toy, concerning you.
2315Des. Alas the day, I neuer gaue him cause.
Æmil. But Iealious soules will not be answer'd so;
They are not euer iealious for the cause,
But iealious, for they're iealious. It is a Monster
Begot vpon it selfe, borne on it selfe.
2320Des. Heauen keepe the Monster from Othello's mind.
Æmil. Lady, Amen.
Des. I will go seeke him. Cassio, walke heere about:
If I doe finde him fit, Ile moue your suite,
And seeke to effect it to my vttermost.
Exit
2325Cas. I humbly thanke your Ladyship.
Enter Bianca.
Bian. 'Saue you (Friend Cassio.)
Cassio. What make you from home?
How is't with you, my most faire Bianca?
2330Indeed (sweet Loue) I was comming to your house.
Bian. And I was going to your Lodging, Cassio.
What? keepe a weeke away? Seuen dayes, and Nights?
Eight score eight houres? And Louers absent howres
More tedious then the Diall, eight score times?
2335Oh weary reck'ning.
Cassio. Pardon me, Bianca:
I haue this while with leaden thoughts beene prest,
But I shall in a more continuate time
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca
2340Take me this worke out.
Bianca. Oh Cassio, whence came this?
This is some Token from a newer Friend,
To the felt-Absence: now I feele a Cause:
Is't come to this? Well, well.
2345Cassio. Go too, woman:
Throw your vilde gesses in the Diuels teeth,
From whence you haue them. You are iealious now,
That this is from some Mistris, some remembrance;
No, in good troth Bianca.
2350Bian. Why, who's is it?
Cassio. I know not neither:
I found it in my Chamber,
I like the worke well; Ere it be demanded
(As like enough it will) I would haue it coppied:
2355Take it, and doo't, and leaue me for this time.
Bian. Leaue you? Wherefore?
Cassio. I do attend heere on the Generall,
And thinke it no addition nor my wish
To haue him see me woman'd.
2360Bian. Why, I ptay you?
Cassio. Not that I loue you not.
Bian. But that you do not loue me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little,
And say, if I shall see you soone at night?
2365Cassio. 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend heere: But Ile see you soone.
Bian. 'Tis very good: I must be circumstanc'd.
Exeunt omnes.
Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
2370
Enter Othello, and Iago.
Iago. Will you thinke so?
Oth. Thinke so, Iago?
Iago. What, to kisse in priuate?
Oth. An vnauthoriz'd kisse?
2375Iago. Or to be naked with her Friend in bed,
An houre, or more, not meaning any harme?
Oth. Naked in bed (Iago) and not meane harme?
It is hypocrisie against the Diuell:
They that meane vertuously, and yet do so,
2380The Diuell their vertue tempts, and they tempt Heauen.
Iago. If they do nothing, 'tis a Veniall slip:
But if I giue my wife a Handkerchiefe.
Oth. What then?
Iago. Why then 'tis hers (my Lord) and being hers,
2385She may (I thinke) bestow't on any man.
Oth. She is Protectresse of her honor too:
May she giue that?
Iago. Her honor is an Essence that's not seene,
They haue it very oft, that haue it not.
2390But for the Handkerchiefe.
Othe. By heauen, I would most gladly haue forgot it:
Thou saidst (oh, it comes ore my memorie,
As doth the Rauen o're the infectious house:
Boading to all) he had my Handkerchiefe.
2395Iago. I: what of that?
Othe. That's not so good now.
Iag. What if I had said, I had seene him do you wrong?
Or heard him say (as Knaues be such abroad,
Who hauing by their owne importunate suit,
2400Or voluntary dotage of some Mistris,
Conuinced or supply'd them, cannot chuse
But they must blab.)
Oth. Hath he said any thing?
Iago. He hath (my Lord) but be you well assur'd,
2405No more then he'le vn-sweare.
Oth. What hath he said?
Iago. Why, that he did: I know not what he did.
Othe. What? What?
Iago. Lye.
2410Oth. With her?
Iago. With her? On her: what you will.
Othe. Lye with her? lye on her? We say lye on her,
when they be-lye-her. Lye with her: that's fullsome:
Handkerchiefe: Confessions: Handkerchiefe. To con-
2415fesse, and be hang'd for his labour. First, to be hang'd,
and then to confesse: I tremble at it. Nature would not
inuest her selfe in such shadowing passion, without some
Iustruction. It is not words that shakes me thus, (pish)
Noses, Eares, and Lippes: is't possible. Confesse? Hand-
2420kerchiefe? O diuell.
Falls in a Traunce.
Iago. Worke on,
My Medicine workes. Thus credulous Fooles are caught,
And many worthy, and chast Dames euen thus,
(All guiltlesse) meete reproach: what hoa? My Lord?
2425My Lord, I say: Othello.
Enter Cassio.
How now Cassio?
Cas. What's the matter?
Iago. My Lord is falne into an Epilepsie,
2430This is his second Fit: he had one yesterday.
Cas. Rub him about the Temples.
Iago. The Lethargie must haue his quyet course:
If not, he foames at mouth: and by and by
Breakes out to sauage madnesse. Looke, he stirres:
2435Do you withdraw your selfe a little while,
He will recouer straight: when he is gone,
I would on great occasion, speake with you.
How is it Generall? Haue you not hurt your head?
Othe. Dost thou mocke me?
2440Iago. I mocke you not, by Heauen:
Would you would beare your Fortune like a Man.
Othe. A Horned man's a Monster, and a Beast.
Iago. Ther's many a Beast then in a populous Citty,
And many a ciuill Monster.
2445Othe. Did he confesse it?
Iago. Good Sir, be a man:
Thinke euery bearded fellow that's but yoak'd
May draw with you. There's Millions now aliue,
That nightly lye in those vnproper beds,
2450Which they dare sweare peculiar. Your case is better.
Oh, 'tis the spight of hell, the Fiends Arch-mock,
To lip a wanton in a secure Cowch;
And to suppose her chast. No, let me know,
And knowing what I am, I know what she shallbe.
2455Oth. Oh, thou art wise: 'tis certaine.
Iago. Stand you a while apart,
Confine your selfe but in a patient List,
Whil'st you were heere, o're-whelmed with your griefe
(A passion most resulting such a man)
2460Cassio came hither. I shifted him away,
And layd good scuses vpon your Extasie,
Bad him anon returne: and heere speake with me,
The which he promis'd. Do but encaue your selfe,
And marke the Fleeres, the Gybes, and notable Scornes
2465That dwell in euery Region of his face.
For I will make him tell the Tale anew;
Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when
He hath, and is againe to cope your wife.
I say, but marke his gesture: marry Patience,
2470Or I shall say y'are all in all in Spleene,
And nothing of a man.
Othe. Do'st thou heare, Iago,
I will be found most cunning in my Patience:
But (do'st thou heare) most bloody.
2475Iago. That's not amisse,
But yet keepe time in all: will you withdraw?
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,
A Huswife that by selling her desires
Buyes her selfe Bread, and Cloath. It is a Creature
2480That dotes on Cassio, (as 'tis the Strumpets plague
To be-guile many, and be be-guil'd by one)
He, when he heares of her, cannot restraine
From the excesse of Laughter. Heere he comes.
Enter Cassio.
2485As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad:
And his vnbookish Ielousie must conserue
Poore Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behauiours
Quite in the wrong. How do you Lieutenant?
Cas. The worser, that you giue me the addition,
2490Whose want euen killes me.
Iago. Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't:
Now, if this Suit lay in Bianca's dowre,
How quickely should you speed?
Cas. Alas poore Caitiffe.
2495Oth. Looke how he laughes already.
Iago. I neuer knew woman loue man so.
Cas. Alas poore Rogue, I thinke indeed she loues me.
Oth. Now he denies it faintly: and laughes it out.
Iago. Do you heare Cassio?
2500Oth. Now he importunes him
To tell it o're: go too, well said, well said.
Iago. She giues it out, that you shall marry her.
Do you intend it?
Cas. Ha, ha, ha.
2505Oth. Do ye triumph, Romaine? do you triumph?
Cas. I marry. What? A customer; prythee beare
Some Charitie to my wit, do not thinke it
So vnwholesome. Ha, ha, ha.
Oth. So, so, so, so: they laugh, that winnes.
2510Iago. Why the cry goes, that you marry her.
Cas. Prythee say true.
Iago. I am a very Villaine else.
Oth. Haue you scoar'd me? Well.
Cas. This is the Monkeys owne giuing out:
2515She is perswaded I will marry her
Out of her owne loue & flattery, not out of my promise.
Oth. Iago becomes me: now he begins the story.
Cassio. She was heere euen now: she haunts me in e-
uery place. I was the other day talking on the Sea-
2520banke with certaine Venetians, and thither comes the
Bauble, and falls me thus about my neck.
Oth Crying oh deere Cassio, as it were: his iesture im-
ports it.
Cassio. So hangs, and lolls, and weepes vpon me:
2525So shakes, and pulls me. Ha, ha, ha.
Oth. Now he tells how she pluckt him to my Cham-
ber: oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dogge, I
shall throw it to.
Cassio. Well, I must leaue her companie.
2530Iago. Before me: looke where she comes.
Enter Bianca.
Cas. 'Tis such another Fitchew: marry a perfum'd one?
What do you meane by this haunting of me?
Bian. Let the diuell, and his dam haunt you: what
2535did you meane by that same Handkerchiefe, you gaue
me euen now? I was a fine Foole to take it: I must take
out the worke? A likely piece of worke, that you should
finde it in your Chamber, and know not who left it there.
This is some Minxes token, & I must take out the worke?
2540There, giue it your Hobbey-horse, wheresoeuer you had
it, Ile take out no worke on't.
Cassio. How now, my sweete Bianca?
How now? How now?
Othe. By Heauen, that should be my Handkerchiefe.
2545Bian. If you'le come to supper to night you may, if
you will not, come when you are next prepar'd for.
Exit
Iago. After her: after her.
Cas. I must, shee'l rayle in the streets else.
Iago. Will you sup there?
2550Cassio. Yes, I intend so.
Iago. Well, I may chance to see you: for I would ve-
ry faine speake with you.
Cas. Prythee come: will you?
Iago. Go too: say no more.
2555Oth. How shall I murther him, Iago.
Iago. Did you perceiue how he laugh'd at his vice?
Oth. Oh, Iago.
Iago. And did you see the Handkerchiefe?
Oth. Was that mine?
2560Iago. Yours by this hand: and to see how he prizes
the foolish woman your wife: she gaue it him, and he
hath giu'n it his whore.
Oth. I would haue him nine yeeres a killing:
A fine woman, a faire woman, a sweete woman?
2565Iago. Nay, you must forget that.
Othello. I, let her rot and perish, and be damn'd to
night, for she shall not liue. No, my heart is turn'd to
stone: I strike it, and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world
hath not a sweeter Creature: she might lye by an Em-
2570perours side, and command him Taskes.
Iago. Nay, that's not your way.
Othe. Hang her, I do but say what she is: so delicate
with her Needle: an admirable Musitian. Oh she will
sing the Sauagenesse out of a Beare: of so high and plen-
2575teous wit, and inuention?
Iago. She's the worse for all this.
Othe. Oh, a thousand, a thousand times:
And then of so gentle a condition?
Iago. I too gentle.
2580Othe. Nay that's certaine:
But yet the pitty of it, Iago: oh Iago, the pitty of it
Iago.
Iago. If you are so fond ouer her iniquitie: giue her
pattent to offend, for if it touch not you, it comes neere
2585no body.
Oth. I will chop her into Messes: Cuckold me?
Iago. Oh, 'tis foule in her.
Oth. With mine Officer?
Iago. That's fouler.
2590Othe. Get me some poyson, Iago, this night. Ile not
expostulate with her: least her body and beautie vnpro-
uide my mind againe: this night Iago.
Iago. Do it not with poyson, strangle her in her bed,
Euen the bed she hath contaminated.
2595Oth. Good, good:
The Iustice of it pleases: very good.
Iago. And for Cassio, let me be his vndertaker:
You shall heare more by midnight.
Enter Lodouico, Desdemona, and Attendants.
2600Othe. Excellent good: What Trumpet is that same?
Iago. I warrant something from Venice,
'Tis Lodouico, this, comes from the Duke.
See, your wife's with him.
Lodo. Saue you worthy Generall.
2605Othe. With all my heart Sir.
Lod. The Duke, and the Senators of Venice greet you.
Othe. I kisse the Instrument of their pleasures.
Des. And what's the newes, good cozen Lodouico?
Iago. I am very glad to see you Signior:
2610Welcome to Cyprus.
Lod. I thanke you: how do's Lieutenant Cassio?
Iago. Liues Sir,
Des. Cozen, there's falne betweene him, & my Lord,
An vnkind breach: but you shall make all well.
2615Othe. Are you sure of that?
Des. My Lord?
Othe. This faile you not to do, as you will---
Lod. He did not call: he's busie in the paper,
Is there deuision 'twixt my Lord, and Cassio?
2620Des. A most vnhappy one: I would do much
T'attone them, for the loue I beare to Cassio.
Oth. Fire, and brimestone.
Des. My Lord.
Oth. Are you wise?
2625Des. What is he angrie?
Lod. May be th Letter mou'd him.
For as I thinke, they do command him home,
Deputing Cassio in his Gouernment.
Des. Trust me, I am glad on't.
2630Othe. Indeed?
Des. My Lord?
Othe. I am glad to see you mad.
Des. Why, sweete Othello?
Othe. Diuell.
2635Des. I haue not deseru'd this.
Lod. My Lord, this would not be beleeu'd in Venice,
Though I should sweare I saw't. 'Tis very much,
Make her amends: she weepes.
Othe. Oh diuell, diuell:
2640If that the Earth could teeme with womans teares,
Each drop she falls, would proue a Crocodile:
Out of my sight.
Des. I will not stay to offend you.
Lod. Truely obedient Lady:
2645I do beseech your Lordship call her backe.
Othe. Mistris.
Des. My Lord.
Othe. What would you with her, Sir?
Lod. Who I, my Lord?
2650Othe. I, you did wish, that I would make her turne:
Sir, she can turne, and turne: and yet go on
And turne againe. And she can weepe, Sir, weepe.
And she's obedient: as you say obedient.
Very obedient: proceed you in your teares.
2655Concerning this Sir, (oh well-painted passion)
I am commanded home: get you away:
Ile send for you anon. Sir I obey the Mandate,
And will returne to Venice. Hence, auaunt:
Cassio shall haue my Place. And Sir, to night
2660I do entreat, that we may sup together.
You are welcome Sir to Cyprus.
Goates, and Monkeys.
Exit.
Lod. Is this the Noble Moore, whom our full Senate
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the Nature
2665Whom Passion could not shake? Whose solid vertue
The shot of Accident, nor dart of Chance
Could neither graze, nor pierce?
Iago. He is much chang'd.
Lod. Are his wits safe? Is he not light of Braine?
2670Iago. He's that he is: I may not breath my censure.
What he might be: if what he might, he is not,
I would to heauen he were.
Lod. What? Strike his wife?
Iago. 'Faith that was not so well: yet would I knew
2675That stroke would proue the worst.
Lod. Is it his vse?
Or did the Letters, worke vpon his blood,
And new create his fault?
Iago. Alas, alas:
2680It is not honestie in me to speake
What I haue seene, and knowne. You shall obserue him,
And his owne courses will deonte him so,
That I may saue my speech: do but go after
And marke how he continues.
2685Lod. I am sorry that I am deceiu'd in him.
Exeunt.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Othello, and Æmilia.
Othe. You haue seene nothing then?
Æmil. Nor euer heard: nor euer did suspect.
2690Othe. Yes, you haue seene Cassio, and she together.
Æmi. But then I saw no harme: and then I heard,
Each syllable that breath made vp betweene them.
Othe. What? Did they neuer whisper?
Æmil. Neuer my Lord.
2695Othe. Nor send you out o'th'way?
Æmil. Neuer.
Othe. To fetch her Fan, her Gloues, her Mask, nor no
Æmil. Neuer my Lord.
Othe: That's strange.
2700Æmil. I durst (my Lord) to wager, she is honest:
Lay downe my Soule at stake: If you thinke other,
Remoue your thought. It doth abuse your bosome:
If any wretch haue put this in your head,
Let Heauen requit it with the Serpents curse,
2705For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There's no man happy. The purest of their Wiues
Is foule as Slander.
Othe. Bid her come hither: go.
Exit Æmilia.
She saies enough: yet she's a simple Baud
2710That cannot say as much. This is a subtile Whore:
A Closset Lockeand Key of Villanous Secrets,
And yet she'le kneele, and pray: I haue seene her do't.
Enter Desdemona, and Æmilia.
Des. My Lord, what is your will?
2715Othe. Pray you Chucke come hither.
Des. What is your pleasure?
Oth. Let me see your eyes: looke in my face.
Des. What horrible Fancie's this?
Othe. Some of your Function Mistris:
2720Leaue Procreants alone, and shut the doore:
Cough, or cry hem; if any bodycome:
Your Mystery, your Mystery: May dispatch.
Exit Æmi.
Des. Vpon my knee, what doth your speech import?
I vnderstand a Fury in your words.
2725Othe. Why? What art thou?
Des. Your wife my Lord: your true and loyall wife.
Othello. Come sweare it: damne thy selfe, least
being like one of Heauen, the diuells themselues should
feare to ceaze thee. Therefore be double damn'd: sweare
2730thou art honest.
Des. Heauen doth truely know it.
Othe. Heauen truely knowes, that thou art false as hell.
Des. To whom my Lord?
With whom? How am I false?
2735Othe. Ah Desdemon, away, away, away.
Des. Alas the heauy day: why do you weepe?
Am I the motiue of these teares my Lord?
If happely you my Father do suspect,
An Instrument of this your calling backe,
2740Lay not your blame on me: if you haue lost him,
I haue lost him too.
Othe. Had it pleas'd Heauen,
To try me with Affliction, had they rain'd
All kind of Sores, and Shames on my bare-head:
2745Steep'd me in pouertie to the very lippes.
Giuen to Captiuitie, me, and my vtmost hopes,
I should haue found in some place of my Soule
A drop of patience. But alas, to make me
The fixed Figure for the time of Scorne,
2750To point his slow, and mouing finger at.
Yet could I beare that too, well, very well:
But there where I haue garnerd vp my heart,
Where either I must liue, or beare no life,
The Fountaine from the which my currant runnes,
2755Or else dries vp: to be discarded thence,
Or keepe it as a Cesterne, for foule Toades
To knot and gender in. Turne thy complexion there:
Patience, thou young and Rose-lip'd Cherubin,
I heere looke grim as hell.
2760Des. I hope my Noble Lord esteemes me honest.
Othe. Oh I, as Sommer Flyes are in the Shambles,
That quicken euen with blowing. Oh thou weed:
Who art so louely faire, and smell'st so sweete,
That the Sense akes at thee,
2765Would thou had'st neuer bin borne.
Des. Alas, what ignorant sin haue I committed?
Othe. Was this faire Paper? This most goodly Booke
Made to write Whore vpon? What commited,
Committed? Oh, thou publicke Commoner,
2770I should make very Forges of my cheekes,
That would to Cynders burne vp Modestie,
Did I but speake thy deedes. What commited?
Heauen stoppes the Nose at it, and the Moone winks:
The baudy winde that kisses all it meetes,
2775Is hush'd within the hollow Myne of Earth
And will not hear't. What commited?
Des. By Heauen you do me wrong.
Othe. Are not you a Strumpet?
Des. No, as I am a Christian.
2780If to preserue this vessell for my Lord,
From any other foule vnlawfull touch
Be not to be a Strumpet, I am none.
Othe. What, not a Whore?
Des. No, as I shall be sau'd.
2785Othe. Is't possible?
Des. Oh Heauen forgiue vs.
Othe. I cry you mercy then.
I tooke you for that cunning Whore of Venice,
That married with Othello. You Mistris,
2790
Enter Æmilia.
That haue the office opposite to Saint Peter,
And keepes the gate of hell. You, you: I you.
We haue done our course: there's money for your paines:
I pray you turne the key, and keepe our counsaile.
Exit.
2795Æmil. Alas, what do's this Gentleman conceiue?
How do you Madam? how do you my good Lady?
Des. Faith, halfe a sleepe.
Æmi. Good Madam,
What's the matter with my Lord?
2800Des. With who?
Æmil. Why, with my Lord, Madam?
Des. Who is thy Lord?
Æmil. He that is yours, sweet Lady.
Des. I haue none: do not talke to me, Æmilia,
2805I cannot weepe: nor answeres haue I none,
But what should go by water. Prythee to night,
Lay on my bed my wedding sheetes, remember,
And call thy husband hither.
Æmil. Heere's a change indeed.
Exit.
2810Des. 'Tis meete I should be vs'd so: very meete.
How haue I bin behau'd, that he might sticke
The small'st opinion on my least misvse?
Enter Iago, and Æmilia.
Iago. What is your pleasure Madam?
2815How is't with you?
Des. I cannot tell: those that do teach yong Babes
Do it with gentle meanes, and easie taskes.
He might haue chid me so: for in good faith
I am a Child to chiding.
2820Iago. What is the matter Lady?
Æmil. Alas (Iago) my Lord hath so bewhor'd her,
Throwne such dispight, and heauy termes vpon her
That true hearts cannot beare it.
Des. Am I that name, Iago?
2825Iago. What namewe (faire Lady?)
Des. Such as she said my Lord did say I was.
Æmil. He call'd her whore: a Begger in his drinke:
Could not haue laid such termes vpon his Callet.
Iago. Why did he so?
2830Des. I do not know: I am sure I am none such.
Iago. Do not weepe, do not weepe: alas the day.
Æmil. Hath she forsooke so many Noble Matches?
Her Father? And her Country? And her Friends?
To be call'd Whore? Would it not make one weepe?
2835Des. It is my wretched Fortune.
Iago. Beshrew him for't:
How comes this Tricke vpon him?
Des. Nay, Heauen doth know.
Æmi. I will be hang'd, if some eternall Villaine,
2840Some busie and insinuating Rogue,
Some cogging, cozening Slaue, to get some Office,
Haue not deuis'd this Slander: I will be hang'd else.
Iago. Fie, there is no such man: it is impossible.
Des. If any such there be, Heauen pardon him.
2845Æmil. A halter pardon him:
And hell gnaw his bones.
Why should he call her Whore?
Who keepes her companie?
What Place? What Time?
2850What Forme? What liklyhood?
The Moore's abus'd by some most villanous Knaue,
Some base notorious Knaue, some scuruy Fellow.
Oh Heauens, that such companions thou'd'st vnfold,
And put in euery honest hand a whip
2855To lash the Rascalls naked through the world,
Euen from the East to th'West.
Iago. Speake within doore.
Æmil. Oh fie vpon them: some such Squire he was
That turn'd your wit, the seamy-side without,
2860And made you to suspect me with the Moore.
Iago. You are a Foole: go too.
Des. Alas Iago,
What shall I do to win my Lord againe?
Good Friend, go to him: for by this light ofHeauen,
2865I know not how I lost him. Heere I kneele:
If ere my will did trespasse 'gainst his Loue,
Either in discourse of thought, or actuall deed,
Or that mine Eyes, mine Eares, or any Sence
Delighted them: or any other Forme.
2870Or that I do not yet, and euer did,
And euer will, (though he do shake me off
To beggerly diuorcement) Loue him deerely,
Comfort forsweare me. Vnkindnesse may do much,
And his vnkindnesse may defeat my life,
2875But neuer taynt my Loue. I cannot say Whore,
It do's abhorre me now I speake the word,
To do the Act, that might the addition earne,
Not the worlds Masse of vanitie could make me.
Iago. I pray you be content: 'tis but his humour:
2880The businesse of the State do's him offence.
Des. If 'twere no other.
Iago. It is but so, I warrant,
Hearke how these Instruments summon to supper:
The Messengers of Venice staies the meate,
2885Go in, and weepe not: all things shall be well.
Exeunt Desdemona and Æmilia.
Enter Rodorigo.
How now Rodorigo?
Rod. I do not finde
2890That thou deal'st iustly with me.
Iago. What in the contrarie?
Rodori. Euery day thou dafts me with some deuise
Iago, and rather, as it seemes to me now, keep'st from
me all conueniencie, then suppliest me with the least ad-
2895uantage of hope: I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor
am I yet perswaded to put vp in peace, what already I
haue foolishly suffred.
Iago. Will you heare me Rodorigo?
Rodori. I haue heard too much: and your words and
2900Performances are no kin together.
Iago. You charge me most vniustly.
Rodo. With naught but truth: I haue wasted my
selfe out of my meanes. The Iewels you haue had from
me to deliuer Desdemona, would halfe haue corrupted a
2905Votarist. You haue told me she hath receiu'd them,
and return'd me expectations and comforts of sodaine
respect, and acquaintance, but I finde none.
Iago. Well, go too: very well.
Rod. Very well, go too: I cannot go too, (man) nor
2910tis not very well. Nay I think it is scuruy: and begin to
finde my selfe fopt in it.
Iago. Very well.
Rodor. I tell you, 'tis not very well: I will make my
selfe knowne to Desdemona. If she will returne me my
2915Iewels, I will giue ouer my Suit, and repent my vnlaw-
full solicitation. If not, assure your selfe, I will seeke
satisfaction of you.
Iago. You haue said now.
Rodo. I: and said nothing but what I protest intend-
2920ment of doing.
Iago. Why, now I see there's mettle in thee: and
euen from this instant do build on thee a better o-
pinion then euer before: giue me thy hand Rodorigo.
Thou hast taken against me a most iust excepti-
2925on: but yet I protest I haue dealt most directly in thy
Affaire.
Rod. It hath not appeer'd.
Iago. I grant indeed it hath not appeer'd: and
your suspition is not without wit and iudgement.
2930But Rodorigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which
I haue greater reason to beleeue now then euer (I
meane purpose, Courage, and Valour) this night
shew it. If thou the next night following enioy not
Desdemona, take me from this world with Treache-
2935rie, and deuise Engines for my life.
Rod. Well: what is it? Is it within, reason and com-
passe?
Iago. Sir, there is especiall Commission come from
Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place.
2940Rod. Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona
returne againe to Venice.
Iago. Oh no: he goes into Mauritania and taketh
away with him the faire Desdemona, vnlesse his a-
bode be lingred heere by some accident. Where-
2945in none can be so determinate, as the remouing of
Cassio.
Rod. How do you meane remouing him?
Iago. Why, by making him vncapable of Othello's
place: knocking out his braines.
2950Rod. And that you would haue me to do.
Iago. I: if you dare do your selfe a profit, and a
right. He sups to night with a Harlotry: and thither
will I go to him. He knowes not yet of his Honourable
Fortune, if you will watch his going thence (which
2955I will fashion to fall out betweene twelue and one)
you may take him at your pleasure. I will be neere
to second your Attempt, and he shall fall betweene
vs. Come, stand not amaz'd at it, but go along with
me: I will shew you such a necessitie in his death, that
2960you shall thinke your selfe bound to put it on him. It
is now high supper time: and the night growes to wast.
About it.
Rod. I will heare further reason for this.
Iago. And you shalbe satisfi'd.
Exeunt.
2965
Scena Tertia.
Enter Othello, Lodouico, Desdemona, Æmilia,
and Atendants.
Lod. I do beseech you Sir, trouble your selfe no further.
Oth. Oh pardon me: 'twill do me good to walke.
2970Lodoui. Madam, good night: I humbly thanke your
Ladyship.
Des. Your Honour is most welcome.
Oth. Will you walke Sir? Oh Desdemona.
Des. My Lord.
2975Othello Get you to bed on th'instant, I will be re-
turn'd forthwith: dismisse your Attendant there: look't
be done.
Exit.
Des. I will my Lord.
Æm. How goes it now? He lookes gentler then he did.
2980Des. He saies he will returne incontinent,
And hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bid me to dismisse you.
Æmi. Dismisse me?
Des. It was his bidding: therefore good Æmilia,
2985Giue me my nightly wearing, and adieu.
We must not now displease him.
Æmil. I, would you had neuer seene him.
Des. So would not I: my loue doth so approue him,
That euen his stubbornesse, his checks, his frownes,
2990(Prythee vn-pin me) haue grace and fauour.
Æmi. I haue laid those Sheetes you bad me on the bed.
Des. All's one: good Father, how foolish are our minds?
If I do die before, prythee shrow'd me
In one of these same Sheetes.
2995Æmil. Come, come: you talke.
Des. My Mother had a Maid call'd Barbarie,
She was in loue: and he she lou'd prou'd mad,
And did forsake her. She had a Song of Willough,
An old thing 'twas: but it express'd her Fortune,
3000And she dy'd singing it. That Song to night,
Will not go from my mind: I haue much to do,
But to go hang my head all at one side
And sing it like poore Brabarie: prythee dispatch.
Æmi. Shall I go fetch your Night-gowne?
3005Des. No, vn-pin me here,
This Lodouico is a proper man.
Æmil. A very handsome man.
Des. He speakes well.
Æmil. I know a Lady in Venice would haue walk'd
3010barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.
Des. The poore Soule sat singing, by a Sicamour tree.
Sing all a greene Willough:
Her hand on her bosome her head on her knee,
Sing Willough, Willough, Wtllough.
3015The fresh Streames ran by her, and murmur'd her moanes
Sing Willough, &c.
Her salt teares fell from her, and softned the stones,
Sing Willough, &c.
(Lay by these)
Willough, Willough. (Prythee high thee: he'le come anon)
3020Sing all a greene Willough must be my Garland.
Let no body blame him, his scorne I approue.
(Nay that's not next. Harke, who is't that knocks?
Æmil. It's the wind.
Des. I call'd my Loue false Loue: but what said he then?
3025Sing Willough, &c.
If I court mo women, you'le couch with mo men.
So get thee gone, good night: mine eyes do itch:
Doth that boade weeping?
Æmil, 'Tis neyther heere, nor there.
3030Des. I haue heard it said so. O these Men, these men!
Do'st thou in conscience thinke (tell me Æmilia)
That there be women do abuse their husbands
In such grosse kinde?
Æmil. There be some such, no question.
3035Des. Would'st thou do such a deed for all the world?
Æmil. Why, would not you?
Des. No, by this Heauenly light.
Æmil. Nor I neither, by this Heauenly light:
I might doo't as well i'th'darke.
3040Des. Would'st thou do such a deed for al the world?
Æmil. The world's a huge thing:
It is a great price, for a small vice.
Des. Introth, I thinke thou would'st not.
Æmil. Introth I thinke I should, and vndoo't when
3045I had done. Marry, I would not doe such a thing for a
ioynt Ring, nor for measures of Lawne, nor for Gownes,
Petticoats, nor Caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for
all the whole world: why, who would not make her hus-
banda Cuckold, to make him a Monarch? I should ven-
3050ture Purgatory for't.
Des. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong
For the whole world.
Æmil. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'th'world;
and hauing the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in
3055your owne world, and you might quickly make it right.
Des. I do not thinke there is any such woman.
Æmil. Yes, a dozen: and as many to'th'vantage, as
would store the world they plaid for.
But I do thinke it is their Husbands faults
3060If Wiues do fall: (Say, that they slacke their duties,
And powre our Treasures into forraigne laps;
Or else breake out in peeuish Iealousies,
Throwing restraint vpon vs: Or say they strike vs,
Or scant our former hauing in despight)
3065Why we haue galles: and though we haue some Grace,
Yet haue we some Reuenge. Let Husbands know,
Their wiues haue sense like them: They see, and smell,
And haue their Palats both for sweet, and sowre,
As Husbands haue. What is it that they do,
3070When they change vs for others? Is it Sport?
I thinke it is: and doth Affection breed it?
I thinke it doth. Is't Frailty that thus erres?
It is so too. And haue not we Affections?
Desires for Sport? and Frailty, as men haue?
3075Then let them vse vs well: else let them know,
The illes we do, their illes instruct vs so.
Des. Good night, good night:
Heauen me such vses send,
Not to picke bad, from bad; but by bad, mend.
Exeunt
3080
Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.
Enter Iago, and Rodorigo.
Iago. Heere, stand behinde this Barke,
Straight will he come:
Weare thy good Rapier bare, and put it home:
3085Quicke, quicke, feare nothing; Ile be at thy Elbow,
It makes vs, or it marres vs, thinke on that,
And fixe most firme thy Resolution.
Rod. Be neere at hand, I may miscarry in't.
Iago. Heere, at thy hand: Be bold, & take thy stand.
3090Rod. I haue no great deuotion to the deed,
And yet he hath giuen me satisfying Reasons:
'Tis but a man gone. Forth my Sword: he dies.
Iago. I haue rub'd this yong Quat almost to the sense,
And he growes angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio,
3095Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,
Euery way makes my gaine. Liue Rodorigo,
He calles me to a restitution large
Of Gold, and Iewels, that I bob'd from him,
As Guifts to Desdemona.
3100It must not be: If Cassio do remaine,
He hath a dayly beauty in his life,
That makes me vgly: and besides, the Moore
May vnfold me to him: there stand I in much perill:
No, he must dye. But so, I heard him comming.
3105
Enter Cassio.
Rod. I know his gate, 'tis he: Villaine thou dyest.
Cas. That thrust had beene mine enemy indeed,
But that my Coate is better then thou know'st:
I will make proofe of thine.
3110Rod. Oh, I am slaine.
Cassio. I am maym'd for euer:
Helpe hoa: Murther, murther.
Enter Othello.
Oth. The voyce of Cassio, Iago keepes his word.
3115Rod. O Villaine that I am.
Oth. It is euen so.
Cas. Oh helpe hoa: Light, a Surgeon.
Oth. 'Tis he: O braue Iago, honest, and iust,
That hast such Noble sense of thy Friends wrong,
3120Thou teachest me. Minion, your deere lyes dead,
And your vnblest Fate highes: Strumpet I come:
For of my heart, those Charmes thine Eyes, are blotted.
Thy Bed lust-stain'd, shall with Lusts blood bee spotted.
Exit Othello.
3125
Enter Lodouico and Gratiano.
Cas. What hoa? no Watch? No passage?
Murther, Murther.
Gra. 'Tis some mischance, the voyce is very direfull.
Cas. Oh helpe.
3130Lodo. Hearke.
Rod. Oh wretched Villaine.
Lod. Two or three groane. 'Tis heauy night;
These may be counterfeits: Let's think't vnsafe
To come into the cry, without more helpe.
3135Rod. Nobody come: then shall I bleed to death.
Enter Iago.
Lod. Hearke.
Gra. Here's one comes in his shirt, with Light, and
Weapons.
3140Iago. Who's there?
Who's noyse is this that cries on murther?
Lodo. We do not know.
Iago. Do not you heare a cry?
Cas. Heere, heere: for heauen sake helpe me.
3145Iago. What's the matter?
Gra. This is Othello's Ancient, as I take it.
Lodo. The same indeede, a very valiant Fellow.
Iago. What are you heere, that cry so greeuously?
Cas. Iago? Oh I am spoyl'd, vndone by Villaines:
3150Giue me some helpe.
Iago. O mee, Lieutenant!
What Villaines haue done this?
Cas. I thinke that one of them is heereabout.
And cannot make away.
3155Iago. Oh treacherous Villaines:
What are you there? Come in, and giue some helpe.
Rod. O helpe me there.
Cassio. That's one of them.
Iago. Oh murd'rous Slaue! O Villaine!
3160Rod. O damn'd Iago! O inhumane Dogge!
Iago. Kill men i'th'darke?
Where be these bloody Theeues?
How silent is this Towne? Hoa, murther, murther.
What may you be? Are you of good, or euill?
3165Lod. As you shall proue vs, praise vs.
Iago. Signior Lodouico?
Lod. He Sir.
Iago. I cry you mercy: here's Cassio hurt by Villaines.
Gra. Cassio?
3170Iago. How is't Brother?
Cas. My Legge is cut in two.
Iago. Marry heauen forbid:
Light Gentlemen, Ile binde it with my shirt.
Enter Bianca.
3175Bian. What is the matter hoa? Who is't that cry'd?
Iago. Who is't that cry'd?
Bian. Oh my deere Cassio,
My sweet Cassio: Oh Cassio, Cassio, Cassio.
Iago. O notable Strumpet. Cassio, may you suspect
3180Who they should be, that haue thus mangled you?
Cas. No.
Gra. I am sorry to finde you thus;
I haue beene to seeke you.
Iago. Lend me a Garter. So: ---Oh for a Chaire
3185To beare him easily hence.
Bian. Alas he faints. Oh Cassio, Cassio, Cassio.
Iago. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this Trash
To be a party in this Iniurie.
Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come;
3190Lend me a Light: know we this face, or no?
Alas my Friend, and my deere Countryman
Rodorigo? No: Yes sure: Yes, 'tis Rodorigo.
Gra. What, of Venice?
Iago. Euen he Sir: Did you know him?
3195Gra. Know him? I.
Iago. Signior Gratiano? I cry your gentle pardon:
These bloody accidents must excuse my Manners,
That so neglected you.
Gra. I am glad to see you.
3200Iago. How do you Cassio? Oh, a Chaire, a Chaire.
Gra. Rodorigo?
Iago. He, he, 'tis he:
Oh that's well said, the Chaire.
Some good man beare him carefully from hence,
3205Ile fetch the Generall's Surgeon. For you Mistris,
Saue you your labour. He that lies slaine heere (Cassio)
Was my deere friend. What malice was between you?
Cas. None in the world: nor do I know the man?
Iago. What? looke you pale? Oh beare him o'th'Ayre.
3210Stay you good Gentlemen. Looke you pale, Mistris?
Do you perceiue the gastnesse of her eye?
Nay, if you stare, we shall heare more anon.
Behold her well: I pray you looke vpon her:
Do you see Gentlemen? Nay, guiltinesse will speake
3215Though tongues were out of vse.
Æmil. Alas, what is the matter?
What is the matter, Husband?
Iago. Cassio hath heere bin set on in the darke
By Rodorigo, and Fellowes that are scap'd:
3220He's almost slaine, and Rodorigo quite dead.
Æmil. Alas good Gentleman: alas good Cassio.
Iago. This is the fruits of whoring. Prythe Æmilia,
Go know of Cassio where he supt to night.
What, do you shake at that?
3225Bian. He supt at my house, but I therefore shake not.
Iago. O did he so? I charge you go with me.
Æmil. Oh fie vpon thee Strumpet.
Bian. I am no Strumpet, but of life as honest,
As you that thus abuse me.
3230Æmil. As I? Fie vpon thee.
Iago. Kinde Gentlemen:
Let's go see poore Cassio drest.
Come Mistris, you must tel's another Tale.
Æmilia, run you to the Cittadell,
3235And tell my Lord and Lady, what hath happ'd:
Will you go on afore? This is the night
That either makes me, or foredoes me quight.
Exeunt
Scœna Secunda.
Enter Othello, and Desdemona in her bed.
3240Oth. It is the Cause, it is the Cause (my Soule)
Let me not name it to you, you chaste Starres,
It is the Cause. Yet Ile not shed her blood,
Nor scarre that whiter skin of hers, then Snow,
And smooth as Monumentall Alablaster:
3245Yet she must dye, else shee'l betray more men:
Put out the Light, and then put out the Light:
If I quench thee, thou flaming Minister,
I can againe thy former light restore,
Should I repent me. But once put out thy Light,
3250Thou cunning'st Patterne of excelling Nature,
I know not where is that Promethæan heate
That can thy Light re-Lume.
When I haue pluck'd thy Rose,
I cannot giue it vitall growth againe,
3255It needs must wither. Ile smell thee on the Tree.
Oh Balmy breath, that dost almost perswade
Iustice to breake her Sword. One more, one more:
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,
And loue thee after. One more, and that's the last.
3260So sweet, was ne're so fatall. I must weepe,
But they are cruell Teares: This sorrow's heauenly,
It strikes, where it doth loue. She wakes.
Des. Who's there? Othello?
Othel. I Desdemona.
3265Des. Will you come to bed, my Lord?
Oth. Haue you pray'd to night, Desdemon?
Des. I my Lord.
Oth. If you bethinke your selfe of any Crime
Vnreconcil'd as yet to Heauen, and Grace,
3270Solicite for it straight.
Des. Alacke, my Lord,
What may you meane by that?
Oth. Well, do it, and be breefe, I will walke by:
I would not kill thy vnprepared Spirit,
3275No, Heauens fore-fend) I would not kill thy Soule.
Des. Talke you of killing?
Oth. I, I do.
Des. Then Heauen haue mercy on mee.
Oth. Amen, with all my heart.
3280Des. If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
Oth. Humh.
Des. And yet I feare you: for you're fatall then
When your eyes rowle so.
Why I should feare, I know not,
3285Since guiltinesse I know not: But yet I feele I feare.
Oth. Thinke on thy sinnes.
Des. They are Loues I beare to you.
Oth. I, and for that thou dy'st.
Des. That death's vnnaturall, that kils for louing.
3290Alas, why gnaw you so your nether-lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very Frame:
These are portents: but yet I hope, I hope,
They do not point on me.
Oth. Peace, and be still.
3295Des. I will so: What's the matter?
Oth. That Handkerchiefe
Which I so lou'd, and gaue thee, thou gau'st to Cassio.
Des. No by my Life, and Soule: send for the man,
And aske him.
3300Oth. Sweet Soule, take heed, take heed of Periury,
Thou art on thy death-bed.
Des. I, but not yet to dye.
Oth. Presently.
Therefore confesse thee freely of thy sinne:
3305For to deny each Article with Oath,
Cannot remoue, nor choake the strong Conception
That I do grone withall. Thou art to dye.
Des. O Heauen haue mercy on me.
Oth. I say, Amen.
3310Des. And haue you mercy too. I neuer did
Offend you in my life: neuer lou'd Cassio,
But with such generall warrantie of Heauen,
As I might loue. I neuer gaue him Token.
Oth. By Heauen I saw my Handkerchiefe in's hand.
3315O periur'd woman, thou do'st stone my heart,
And makes me call, what I intend to do,
A Murther, which I thought a Sacrifice.
I saw the Handkerchiefe.
Des. He found it then:
3320I neuer gaue it him: Send, for him hither:
Let him confesse a truth.
Oth. He hath confest.
Des. What, my Lord?
Oth. That he hath vs'd thee.
3325Des. How? vnlawfully?
Oth. I.
Des. He will not say so.
Oth. No: his mouth is stopp'd:
Honest Iago hath 'tane order for't.
3330Des. Oh, my feare interprets. What is he dead?
Oth. Had all his haires bin liues, my great Reuenge
Had stomacke for them all.
Des. Alas, he is betray'd, and I vndone.
Oth. Out Strumpet: weep'st thou for him to my face?
3335Des. O banish me, my Lord, but kill me not.
Oth. Downe Strumpet.
Des. Kill me to morrow, let me liue to night.
Oth. Nay, if you striue.
Des. But halfe an houre.
3340Oth. Being done, there is no pawse.
Des. But while I say one prayer.
Oth. It is too late.
Smothers her.
Æmilia at the doore.
Æmil My Lord, my Lord? What hoa?
3345My Lord, my Lord.
Oth. What noise is this? Not dead? not yet quite dead?
I that am cruell, am yet mercifull,
I would not haue thee linger in thy paine?
So, so.
3350Æmil. within. What hoa? my Lord, my Lord?
Oth. Who's there?
Æmil. Oh good my Lord, I would speake a word
with you.
Oth. Yes: 'Tis Æmilia: by and by. Shee's dead.
3355'Tis like she comes to speake of Cassio's death:
The noise was high. Hah, no more moouing?
Still as the Graue. Shall she come in? Wer't good?
I thinke she stirres againe. No, what's best to do?
If she come in, shee'l sure speake to my wife:
3360My wife, my wife: what wife? I haue no wife.
Oh insupportable! Oh heauy houre!
Me thinkes, it should be now a huge Eclipse
Of Sunne, and Moone; and that th'affrighted Globe
Did yawne at Alteration.
3365Æmil. I do beseech you
That I may speake with you. Oh good my Lord.
Oth. I had forgot thee: oh come in Æmilia.
Soft, by and by, let me the Curtaines draw.
Where art thou? What's the matter with thee now?
3370
Enter Æmilia.
Æmil. Oh my good Lord, yonders foule Murthers
done.
Oth. What? now?
Æmil. But now, my Lord.
3375Oth. It is the very error of the Moone,
She comes more neerer Earth then she was wont,
And makes men mad.
Æmil. Cassio, my Lord, hath kill'd
A young Venetian, call'd Rodorigo.
3380Oth. Rodorigo kill'd? and Cassio kill'd?
Æmil. No, Cassio is not kill'd.
Oth. Not Cassio kill'd? Then Murther's out of tune,
And sweet Reuenge growes harsh.
Des. O falsely, falsely murder'd.
3385Æmil. Alas! what cry is that?
Oth. That? What?
Æmil. Out, and alas, that was my Ladies voice.
Helpe, helpe hoa, helpe. Oh Ladie speake againe,
Sweet Desdemona, oh sweet Mistris, speake.
3390Des. A guiltlesse death, I dye.
Æmil. Oh who hath done this deed?
Des. No body: I my selfe, farewell:
Commend me to my kinde Lord: oh farewell.
Oth. Why, how should she be murdred?
3395Æmil. Alas: who knowes?
Oth. You heare her say her selfe, it was not I.
Æmil. She said so: I must needs report the truth.
Oth. She's like a Liar gone to burning hell,
'Twas I that kill'd her.
3400Æmil. Oh the more Angell she, and you the black-
er Diuell.
Oth. She turn'd to folly: and she was a whore.
Æmil. Thou do'st bely her, and thou art a diuell.
Oth. She was false as water.
3405Æmil. Thou art rash as fire, to say
That she was false. Oh she was heauenly true.
Oth. Cassio did top her: Ask thy husband else.
O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell:
But that I did proceed vpon iust grounds
3410To this extremity. Thy Husband knew it all.
Æmil. My Husband?
Oth. Thy Husband.
Æmil. That she was false to Wedlocke?
Oth. I, with Cassio: had she bin true,
3415If Heauen would make me such another world,
Of one entyre and perfect Chrysolite,
I'ld not haue sold her for it.
Æmil. My Husband?
Oth. I, 'twas he that told me on her first,
3420An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That stickes on filthy deeds.
Æmil. My Husband?
Oth. What needs this itterance, Woman?
I say, thy Husband.
3425Æmil. Oh Mistris,
Villany hath made mockes with loue:
My Husband say she was false?
Oth. He, Woman;
I say thy Husband: Do'st vnderstand the word?
3430My Friend, thy Husband; honest, honest Iago.
Aemil. If he say so, may his pernicious Soule
Rot halfe a graine a day: he lyes to'th'heart,
She was too fond of her most filthy Bargaine.
Oth. Hah?
3435Æmil. Do thy wotst:
This deede of thine is no more worthy Heauen,
Then thou was't worthy her.
Oth. Peace, you were best.
Æmil Thou hast not halfe that powre to do me harm,
3440As I haue to be hurt. Oh Gull, oh dolt,
As ignorant as durt: thou hast done a deed
(I care not for thy Sword) Ile make thee known,
Though I lost twenty liues. Helpe, helpe, hoa, helpe:
The Moore hath kill'd my Mistris. Murther, murther.
3445
Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago.
Mon. What is the matter? How now Generall?
Æmil. Oh, are you come, Iago: you haue done well,
That men must lay their Murthers on your necke.
Gra. What is the matter?
3450Æmil. Disproue this Villaine, if thou bee'st a man:
He sayes, thou told'st him that his wife was false:
I know thou did'st not: thou'rt not such a Villain.
Speake, for my heart is full.
Iago. I told him what I thought,
3455And told no more
Then what he found himselfe was apt, and true.
Æmil. But did you euer tell him,
She was false?
Iago. I did.
3460Æmil. You told a Lye an odious damned Lye:
Vpon my Soule, a Lye; a wicked Lye.
Shee false with Cassio?
Did you say with Cassio?
Iago. With Cassio, Mistris?
3465Go too, charme your tongue.
Emil. I will not charme my Tongue;
I am bound to speake,
My Mistris heere lyes murthered in her bed.
All. Oh Heauens, forefend.
3470Emil. And your reports haue set the Murder on.
Othello. Nay stare not Masters,
It is true indeede.
Gra. 'Tis a strange Truth.
Mont. O monstrous Acte.
3475Emil. Villany, villany, villany:
I thinke vpon't, I thinke: I smel't: O Villany:
I thought so then: Ile kill my selfe for greefe.
O villany! villany!
Iago. What, are you mad?
3480I charge you get you home.
Emil. Good Gentlemen, let me haue leaue to speake:
'Tis proper I obey him; but not now:
Perchance Iago, I will ne're go home.
Oth. Oh, oh, oh.
3485Emil. Nay; lay thee downe, and roare:
For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent,
That ere did lift vp eye.
Oth. Oh she was fowle!
I scarse did know you Vnkle, there lies your Neece,
3490Whose breath (indeed) these hands haue newly stopp'd:
I know this acte shewes horrible and grim.
Gra. Poore Desdemon:
I am glad thy Father's dead,
Thy Match was mortall to him: and pure greefe
3495Shore his old thred in twaine. Did he liue now,
This sight would make him do a desperate turne:
Yea, curse his better Angell from his side,
And fall to Reprobance.
Oth. 'Tis pittifull: but yet Iago knowes
3500That she with Cassio, hath the Act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confest it,
And she did gratifie his amorous workes
With that Recognizance and pledge of Loue
Which I first gaue her: I saw it in his hand:
3505It was a Handkerchiefe, an Antique Token
My Father gaue my Mother.
Emil. Oh Heauen! oh
heauenly Powres!
Iago. Come, hold your peace.
Emil. 'Twill out, 'twill out. I peace?
3510No, I will speake as liberall as the North;
Let Heauen, and Men, and Diuels, let them all,
All, all, crie shame against me, yet Ile speake.
Iago. Be wise, and get you home.
Emil. I will not.
3515Gra. Fye, your Sword vpon a Woman.
Emil. Oh thou dull Moore,
That Handkerchiefe thou speak'st of
I found by Fortune, and did giue my Husband:
For often, with a solemne earnestnesse,
3520(More then indeed belong'd to such a Trifle)
He begg'd of me, to steale't.
Iago. Villanous Whore.
Emil. She giue it Cassio? No, alas I found it,
And I did giu't my Husband.
3525Iago. Filth, thou lyest.
Emil. By Heauen I do not, I do not Gentlemen:
Oh murd'rous Coxcombe, what should such a Foole
Do with so good a wife?
Oth. Are there no stones in Heauen,
3530But what serues for the Thunder?
Precious Villaine.
Gra. The woman falles:
Sure he hath kill'd his Wife.
Emil. I, I: oh lay me by my Mistris side.
3535Gra. Hee's gone, but his wife's kill'd.
Mon. 'Tis a notorious Villain: take you this weapon
Which I haue recouer'd from the Moore:
Come guard the doore without, let him not passe,
But kill him rather. Ile after that same villaine,
3540For 'tis a damned Slaue.
Exit.
Oth. I am not valiant neither:
But euery Punie whipster gets my Sword.
But why should Honor out-liue Honesty?
Let it go all.
3545Æmil. What did thy Song boad Lady?
Hearke, canst thou heare me? I will play the Swan,
And dye in Musicke: Willough, Willough, Willough.
Moore, she was chaste: She lou'd thee, cruell Moore,
So come my Soule to blisse, as I speake true:
3550So speaking as I thinke, alas, I dye.
Oth. I haue another weapon in this Chamber,
It was a Sword of Spaine, the Ice brookes temper:
Oh heere it is: Vnkle I must come forth.
Gra. If thou attempt it, it will cost thee deere;
3555Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
Oth. Looke in vpon me then, and speake with me,
Or naked as I am I will assault thee.
Gra. What is the matter?
Othel. Behold, I haue a weapon:
3560A better neuer did it selfe sustaine
Vpon a Soldiers Thigh. I haue seene the day,
That with this little Arme, and this good Sword,
I haue made my way through more impediments
Then twenty times your stop. But (oh vaine boast)
3565Who can controll his Fate? 'Tis not so now.
Be not affraid, though you do see me weapon'd:
Heere is my iournies end, heere is my butt
And verie Sea-marke of my vtmost Saile.
Do you go backe dismaid? 'Tis a lost feare:
3570Man but a Rush against Othello's brest,
And he retires. Where should Othello go?
Now: how dost thou looke now? Oh ill-Starr'd wench,
Pale as thy Smocke: when we shall meete at compt,
This looke of thine will hurle my Soule from Heauen,
3575And Fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my Girle?
Euen like thy Chastity. O cursed, cursed Slaue!
Whip me ye Diuels,
From the possession of this Heauenly sight:
Blow me about in windes, roast me in Sulphure,
3580Wash me in steepe-downe gulfes of Liquid fire.
Oh Desdemon! dead Desdemon: dead. Oh, oh!
Enter Lodouico, Cassio, Montano, and Iago,
with Officers.
Lod. Where is this rash, and most vnfortunate man?
3585Oth. That's he that was Othello: heere I am.
Lod. Where is that Viper?
Bring the Villaine forth.
Oth. I look down towards his feet; but that's a Fable,
If that thou bee'st a Diuell, I cannot kill thee.
3590Lod. Wrench his Sword from him.
Iago. I bleed Sir, but not kill'd.
Othel. I am not sorry neither, Il'd haue thee liue:
For in my sense, 'tis happinesse to die.
Lod. Oh thou Othello, that was once so good,
3595Falne in the practise of a cursed Slaue,
What shall be saide to thee.
Oth. Why any thing:
An honourable Murderer, if you will:
For nought I did in hate, but all in Honour.
3600Lod. This wretch hath part confest his Villany:
Did you and he consent in Cassio's death.
Oth. I.
Cas. Deere Generall, I neuer gaue you cause.
Oth. I do beleeue it, and I aske your pardon:
3605Will you, I pray, demand that demy-Diuell,
Why he hath thus ensnar'd my Soule and Body.
Iag. Demand me nothing: what you know, you know:
From this time forth, I neuer will speake word.
Lod. What? not to pray?
3610Gra. Torments will ope your lips.
Oth. Well, thou dost best.
Lod. Sir,
You shall vnderstand what hath befalne,
(Which, as I thinke, you know not) heere is a Letter
3615Found in the pocket of the slaine Rodorigo,
And heere another, the one of them imports
The death of Cassio, to be vndertooke
By Rodorigo.
Oth. O Villaine!
3620Cassio. Most Heathenish, and most grosse.
Lod. Now, heere's another discontented paper
Found in his pocket too: and this it seemes
Rodorigo meant t'haue sent this damned villaine:
But that (belike) Iago in the interim
3625Came in, and satisfi'd him.
Oth. Oh thou pernitious Caitiffe;
How came you (Cassio) by that Handkerchiefe
That was my wiues?
Cassio. I found it in my Chamber:
3630And he himselfe confest it but euen now,
That there he dropt it for a speciall purpose,
Which wrought to his desire.
Othel. O Foole, foole, foole!
Cassio. There is besides, in Rodorigo's Letter,
3635How he vpbraides Iago, that he made him
Braue me vpon the Watch: whereon it came
That I was cast: and euen but now he spake
(After long seeming dead) Iago hurt him,
Iago set him on.
3640Lod. You must forsake this roome, and go with vs:
Your Power, and your Command is taken off,
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this Slaue,
If there be any cunning Crueltie,
That can torment him much, and hold him long,
3645It shall be his. You shall close Prisoner rest,
Till that the Nature of your fault be knowne
To the Venetian State. Come, bring away.
Oth. Soft you; a word or two before you goe:
I haue done the State some seruice, and they know't:
3650No more of that. I pray you in your Letters,
When you shall these vnluckie deeds relate,
Speake of me, as I am. Nothing extenuate,
Nor set downe ought in malice.
Then must you speake,
3655Of one that lou'd not wisely, but too well:
Of one, not easily Iealious, but being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreame: Of one, whose hand
(Like the base Iudean) threw a Pearle away
Richer then all his Tribe: Of one, whose subdu'd Eyes,
3660Albeit vn-vsed to the melting moode,
Drops teares as fast as the Arabian Trees
Their Medicinable gumme. Set you downe this:
And say besides, that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant, and a Turbond-Turke
3665Beate a Venetian, and traduc'd the State,
I tooke by th'throat the circumcised Dogge,
And smoate him, thus.
Lod. Oh bloody period.
Gra. All that is spoke, is marr'd.
3670Oth. I kist thee, ere I kill'd thee: No way but this,
Killing my selfe, to dye vpon a kisse.
Dyes
Cas. This did I feare, but thought he had no weapon:
For he was great of heart.
Lod. Oh Sparton Dogge:
3675More fell then Anguish, Hunger, or the Sea:
Looke on the Tragicke Loading of this bed:
This is thy worke:
The Obiect poysons Sight,
Let it be hid. Gratiano, keepe the house,
3680And seize vpon the Fortunes of the Moore,
For they succeede on you. To you, Lord Gouernor,
Remaines theCensure of this hellish villaine:
The Time, the Place, the Torture, oh inforce it:
My selfe will straight aboord, and to the State,
3685This heauie Act, with heauie heart relate.
Exeunt.
FINIS.
The Names of the Actors.
(:* * *:)
OThello, the Moore. Brabantio, Father to Desdemona.Cassio, an Honourable Lieutenant. Iago, a Villaine. Rodorigo, a gull'd Gentleman. Duke of Venice. Senators. Montano, Gouernour of Cyprus. Gentlemen of Cyprus. Lodouico, and Gratiano, two Noble Venetians. Saylors. Clowne. Desdemona, Wife to Othello. Æmilia, Wife to Iago. Bianca, a Curtezan.