Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.

2.3.21112Let's teach ourselves that honorable stop

2.3.31113Not to outsport discretion.

Iago hath direction what to do;

2.3.51115But notwithstanding, with my personal eye

2.3.61116Will I look to't.

Will I look to't. Iago is most honest.

2.3.71118Michael, goodnight. Tomorrow with your earliest

2.3.81119Let me have speech with you. [To Desdemona] Come, my dear love,

2.3.91120The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;

2.3.101121That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.

2.3.111122Goodnight.

Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch.

Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten 1126o'th'clock. Our general cast us thus early for the 1127love of his Desdemona, who let us not therefore blame; 1128he hath not yet made wanton the night with her, and 1129she is sport for Jove.

She's a most exquisite lady.

And I'll warrant her full of game.

Indeed she's a most fresh and delicate creature.

What an eye she has! 1134Methinks it sounds a parley to provocation.

An inviting eye--1136and yet methinks right modest.

And when she speaks, 1138is it not an alarum to love?

She is indeed perfection.

Well, happiness to their sheets. Come, 1141lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine and here without are a 1142brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a 1143measure to the health of black Othello.

Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor 1145and unhappy brains for drinking. I could well wish 1146courtesy would invent some other custom of 1147entertainment.

Oh, they are our friends--but one cup; I'll 1149drink for you.

I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that 1151was craftily qualified too, and behold what innovation 1152it makes here. I am infortunate in the infirmity and 1153dare not task my weakness with any more.

What, man? 'Tis a night of revels; the 1155gallants desire it.

Where are they?

Here at the door. I pray you call them in.

I'll do't, but it dislikes me.

If I can fasten but one cup upon him

2.3.311160With that which he hath drunk tonight already,

2.3.321161He'll be as full of quarrel and offense

2.3.331162As my young mistress's dog. 1163Now, my sick fool Roderigo,

2.3.341164Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out,

2.3.351165To Desdemona hath tonight caroused

2.3.361166Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch.

2.3.371167Three else of Cyprus--noble, swelling spirits

2.3.381168That hold their honors in a wary distance,

2.3.391169The very elements of this warlike isle--

2.3.401170Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups,

2.3.411171And they watch too. 1172Now 'mongst this flock of drunkards

2.3.421173Am I to put our Cassio in some action

2.3.431174That may offend the isle. But here they come.

2.3.451176If consequence do but approve my dream,

2.3.461177My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.

'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already.

Good faith, a little one--not past a pint, as I am a 1180soldier.

Some wine, ho!

2.3.541186Some wine, boys!

'Fore God, an excellent song!

I learned it in England, where indeed they are 1189most potent in potting. Your Dane, your German, 1190and your swag-bellied Hollander--drink, ho!--are 1191nothing to your English.

Is your Englishman so exquisite in his 1193drinking?

Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane 1195dead drunk. He sweats not to overthrow your 1196Almain. He gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next 1197pottle can be filled.

To the health of our general!

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

O sweet England!

2.3.701209Some wine, ho!

'Fore God, this is a more exquisite song than the 1211other.

Will you hear't again?

No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place 1214that does those things. Well, God's above all, and 1215there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must 1216not be saved.

It's true, good lieutenant.

For mine own part--no offense to the general 1219nor any man of quality--I hope to be saved.

And so do I too, lieutenant.

Ay--but by your leave, not before me. The 1222lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have 1223no more of this. Let's to our affairs. God forgive us our 1224sins. Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not 1225think, gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ancient, this 1226is my right hand and this is my left. I am not drunk 1227now. I can stand well enough, and I speak well enough.

Excellent well.

Why, very well then--you must not think, then, 1230that I am drunk.

To th'platform, masters; come, let's set the 1232watch.

You see this fellow that is gone before:

2.3.821234He's a soldier fit to stand by Caesar

2.3.831235And give direction. And do but see his vice:

2.3.841236'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,

2.3.851237The one as long as th'other. 'Tis pity of him;

2.3.861238I fear the trust Othello puts him in

2.3.871239On some odd time of his infirmity

2.3.881240Will shake this island.

Will shake this island. But is he often thus?

'Tis evermore his prologue to his sleep.

2.3.901243He'll watch the horologe a double set

2.3.911244If drink rock not his cradle.

If drink rock not his cradle. It were well

2.3.921246The general were put in mind of it;

2.3.931247Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature

2.3.941248Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio

2.3.951249And looks not on his evils. Is not this true?

[Aside to Roderigo] How now, Roderigo?

2.3.981252I pray you, after the lieutenant go.

And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor

2.3.1001254Should hazard such a place as his own second

2.3.1011255With one of an ingraft infirmity.

2.3.1021256It were an honest action to say so

2.3.1031257To the Moor.

To the Moor. Not I, for this fair island;

2.3.1041259I do love Cassio well, and would do much

2.3.1051260To cure him of this evil--

To cure him of this evil-- --but hark, what noise?

Zounds, you rogue! You rascal!

What's the matter, lieutenant?

A knave teach me my duty? I'll beat the 1265knave into a twiggen bottle.

Beat me?

Dost thou prate, rogue?

Nay, good lieutenant! 1269Pray, sir, hold your hand.

Let me go, sir, 1271or I'll knock you o'er the mazard.

Come, come, you're drunk.

Drunk?

[Aside to Roderigo] Away, I say! Go out and cry a mutiny.

2.3.1181275Nay, good lieutenant. God's will, gentlemen!

2.3.1191276Help, ho! Lieutenant! Sir Montano! Sir!

2.3.1201277Help, masters! Here's a goodly watch indeed.

2.3.1211278Who's that which rings the bell? Diablo, ho!

2.3.1221279The town will rise. God's will, lieutenant, hold.

2.3.1231280You'll be ashamed forever.

What is the matter here?

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

2.3.127He dies!

He dies! Hold, for your lives!

Hold, ho! Lieutenant, Sir Montano, gentlemen!

2.3.1291286Have you forgot all place of sense and duty?

2.3.1301287Hold. The general speaks to you--hold, for shame.

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

2.3.1321289Are we turned Turks and to ourselves do that

2.3.1331290Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?

2.3.1341291For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl.

2.3.1351292He that stirs next to carve for his own rage

2.3.1361293Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.

2.3.1371294Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle

2.3.1381295From her propriety. What is the matter, masters?

2.3.1391296Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving,

2.3.1401297Speak. Who began this? On thy love, I charge thee.

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

2.3.1421299In quarter and in terms like bride and groom

2.3.1431300Divesting them for bed; and then, but now,

2.3.1441301As if some planet had unwitted men,

2.3.1451302Swords out and tilting one at other's breasts

2.3.1461303In opposition bloody. I cannot speak

2.3.1471304Any beginning to this peevish odds.

2.3.1481305And would in action glorious I had lost

2.3.1491306Those legs that brought me to a part of it.

How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?

I pray you pardon me; I cannot speak.

Worthy Montano, you were wont to be civil;

2.3.1531310The gravity and stillness of your youth

2.3.1541311The world hath noted, and your name is great

2.3.1551312In mouths of wisest censure. What's the matter

2.3.1561313That you unlace your reputation thus,

2.3.1571314And spend your rich opinion for the name

2.3.1581315Of a nightbrawler? Give me answer to it.

Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger.

2.3.1601317Your officer Iago can inform you--

2.3.1611318While I spare speech, which something now offends me--

2.3.1621319Of all that I do know; nor know I ought

2.3.1631320By me that's said or done amiss this night,

2.3.1641321Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,

2.3.1651322And to defend ourselves it be a sin

2.3.1661323When violence assails us.

When violence assails us. Now, by heaven,

2.3.1671325My blood begins my safer guides to rule,

2.3.1681326And passion, having my best judgment collied,

2.3.1691327Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir,

2.3.1701328Or do but lift this arm, the best of you

2.3.1711329Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know

2.3.1721330How this foul rout began, who set it on,

2.3.1731331And he that is approved in this offense,

2.3.1741332Though he had twinned with me both at a birth,

2.3.1751333Shall lose me. What, in a town of war

2.3.1761334Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,

2.3.1771335To manage private and domestic quarrel

2.3.1781336In night and on the court and guard of safety?

2.3.1791337'Tis monstrous! Iago, who began't?

If, partially affined or leagued in office,

2.3.1811339Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,

2.3.1821340Thou art no soldier.

Thou art no soldier. Touch me not so near.

2.3.1831342I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth

2.3.1841343Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;

2.3.1851344Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth

2.3.1861345Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general:

2.3.1871346Montano and myself being in speech,

2.3.1881347There comes a fellow crying out for help,

2.3.1891348And Cassio following with determined sword

2.3.1901349To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman

2.3.1911350Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause;

2.3.1921351Myself the crying fellow did pursue,

2.3.1931352Lest by his clamor, as it so fell out,

2.3.1941353The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot,

2.3.1951354Outran my purpose, and I returned then, rather

2.3.1961355For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,

2.3.1971356And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight

2.3.1981357I ne'er might say before. When I came back--

2.3.1991358For this was brief--I found them close together

2.3.2001359At blow and thrust, even as again they were

2.3.2011360When you yourself did part them.

2.3.2021361More of this matter cannot I report,

2.3.2031362But men are men; the best sometimes forget.

2.3.2041363Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,

2.3.2051364As men in rage strike those that wish them best,

2.3.2061365Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received

2.3.2071366From him that fled some strange indignity

2.3.2081367Which patience could not pass.

Which patience could not pass. I know, Iago,

2.3.2091369Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,

2.3.2101370Making it light to Cassio.--Cassio, I love thee,

2.3.2111371But never more be officer of mine.

2.3.2131373Look if my gentle love be not raised up.

2.3.2141374I'll make thee an example.

What is the matter, dear?

What is the matter, dear? All's well, sweeting.

2.3.2161377Come away to bed. [To Montano] Sir, for your hurts

2.3.2171378Myself will be your surgeon. Lead him off.

2.3.2181379Iago, look with care about the town,

2.3.2191380And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.

2.3.2201381Come, Desdemona; 'tis the soldier's life

2.3.2211382To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.

What, are you hurt, lieutenant?

Ay, past all surgery.

Marry, God forbid.

Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have 1387lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of 1388myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, 1389Iago, my reputation.

As I am an honest man, I had thought you had 1391received some bodily wound; there is more sense in that 1392than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false 1393imposition, oft got without merit and lost without 1394deserving. You have lost no reputation at all unless you 1395repute yourself such a loser. What, man, there are 1396more ways to recover the general again. You are 1397but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in 1398policy than in malice--even so as one would beat his 1399offenseless dog to affright an imperious lion. Sue to 1400him again and he's yours.

I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive 1402so good a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so 1403indiscrete an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and 1404squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian 1405with one's own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of 1406wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call 1407thee devil!

What was he that you followed with your 1409sword? What had he done to you?

I know not.

Is't possible?

I remember a mass of things, but nothing 1413distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that 1414men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal 1415away their brains! that we should with joy, pleasance, 1416revel and applause transform ourselves into beasts!

Why, but you are now well enough. How 1418came you thus recovered?

It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give 1420place to the devil wrath; one unperfectness shows me 1421another to make me frankly despise myself.

Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the 1423time, the place, and the condition of this country stands, 1424I could heartily wish this had not befallen; but since it is as 1425it is, mend it for your own good.

I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell 1427me I am a drunkard. Had I as many mouths as Hydra, 1428such an answer would stop them all. To be now a 1429sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast--Oh, 1430strange! Every inordinate cup is unblessed, and the 1431ingredient is a devil.

Come, come, good wine is a good familiar 1433creature if it be well used; exclaim no more against it. 1434And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love 1435you.

I have well approved it, sir--I drunk?

You, or any man living, may be drunk at a 1438time, man. I tell you what you shall do: our general's 1439wife is now the general. I may say so in this respect, 1440for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the 1441contemplation, mark, and devotement of her parts 1442and graces. Confess yourself freely to her; 1443importune her help to put you in your place again. She is 1444of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition 1445she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more 1446than she is requested. This broken joint between 1447you and her husband entreat her to splinter, and, my 1448fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of 1449your love shall grow stronger than it was before.

You advise me well.

I protest in the sincerity of love and honest 1452kindness.

I think it freely; and betimes in the 1454morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake 1455for me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me.

You are in the right. Goodnight, lieutenant. I 1457must to the watch.

Goodnight, honest Iago.

And what's he, then, 1461that says I play the villain,

2.3.2461462When this advice is free I give, and honest,

2.3.2471463Probal to thinking, and, indeed, the course

2.3.2481464To win the Moor again? 1465For 'tis most easy

2.3.2491466Th'inclining Desdemona to subdue

2.3.2501467In any honest suit. She's framed as fruitful

2.3.2511468As the free elements. And then for her

2.3.2521469To win the Moor were to renounce his baptism,

2.3.2531470All seals and symbols of redeemèd sin;

2.3.2541471His soul is so enfettered to her love

2.3.2551472That she may make, unmake, do what she list

2.3.2561473Even as her appetite shall play the god

2.3.2571474With his weak function. How am I then a villain

2.3.2581475To counsel Cassio to this parallel course

2.3.2591476Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!

2.3.2601477When devils will the blackest sins put on,

2.3.2611478They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,

2.3.2621479As I do now. For whiles this honest fool

2.3.2631480Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune,

2.3.2641481And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,

2.3.2651482I'll pour this pestilence into his ear:

2.3.2661483That she repeals him for her body's lust;

2.3.2671484And by how much she strives to do him good,

2.3.2681485She shall undo her credit with the Moor.

2.3.2691486So will I turn her virtue into pitch,

2.3.2701487And out of her own goodness make the net

2.3.2711488That shall enmesh them all.

That shall enmesh them all. 1489How now, Roderigo?

I do follow here in the chase, not 1492like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the 1493cry. My money is almost spent, I have been tonight 1494exceedingly well cudgeled, and I think the issue 1495will be I shall have so much experience for my pains, 1496and so, with no money at all and a little more wit, 1497return again to Venice.

How poor are they that have not patience?

2.3.2751499What wound did ever heal but by degrees?

2.3.2761500Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft,

2.3.2771501And wit depends on dilatory time.

2.3.2781502Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,

2.3.2791503And thou by that small hurt hath cashiered Cassio.

2.3.2801504Though other things grow fair against the sun,

2.3.2811505Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe.

2.3.2821506Content thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning;

2.3.2831507Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.

2.3.2841508Retire thee; go where thou art billeted.

2.3.2851509Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter.

2.3.2861510Nay, get thee gone.

Nay, get thee gone. 1511Two things are to be done:

2.3.2871512My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress;

2.3.2881513I'll set her on.

2.3.2891513.1Myself awhile to draw the Moor apart

2.3.2901514And bring him jump when he may Cassio find

2.3.2911515Soliciting his wife. Ay, that's the way;

2.3.2921516Dull not device by coldness and delay.