Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Donald Bailey
Peer Reviewed

Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)

29
The Moore of Venice.

1085That Iudgement cannot cure; which thing to doe,
If this poore trash of Venice, whom I crush,
For his quicke hunting, stand the putting on,
I'le haue our Michael Cassio on the hip,
Abuse him to the Moore, in the ranke garbe,
1090(For I feare Cassio, with my nightcap to)
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 here, but yet confus'd,
1095Knaueries plaine face is neuer seene, till vs'd.
Exit.
Enter a Gentleman reading a Proclamation.

It is Othello's pleasure; our noble and valiant Generall, that vpon
certaine tidings now arriued, importing the meere perdition of the
1100Turkish Fleete; that euery man put himselfe into triumph: Some to
dance, some make bonefires; each man to what sport and Re-
uels his minde leades him; for besides these beneficiall newes, it
is the celebration of his Nuptialls: So much was his pleasure
1105should bee proclaimed. All Offices are open, and there is full
liberty, from this present houre of fiue, till the bell hath told
eleuen. Heauen blesse the Isle of Cypres, and our noble Generall
Othello.

1110Enter Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona.

Oth. Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night,
Lets teach our selues the honourable stoppe,
Not to out sport discretion.
Cas. Iago hath directed what to doe:
1115But notwithstanding with my personall eye
Will I looke to it.
Oth. Iago is most honest,
Michael good night, to morrow with your earliest,
Let me haue speech with you, come my deare loue,
1120The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue,
The
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