Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Donald Bailey
Peer Reviewed

Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)

34
The Tragedy of Othello

For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawle;
He that stirres next, to carue forth his owne rage,
Holds his soule light, he dies vpon his motion;
Silence that dreadfull bell, it frights the Isle
1295From her propriety: what's the matter masters?
Honest Iago, that lookes dead with grieuing,
Speake, who began this, on thy loue I charge thee.
Iag. I doe not know, friends all but now, euen now,
In quarter, and in termes, like bride and groome,
1300Deuesting them to bed, and then but now,
As if some plannet had vnwitted men,
Swords out, and tilting one at others breast,
In opposition bloody. I cannot speake
Any beginning to this peeuish odds;
1305And would in action glorious, I had lost
These legges, that brought me to a part of it.
Oth. How came it Michael, you were thus forgot?
Cas. I pray you pardon me, I cannot speake.
Oth. Worthy Montanio, you were wont to be ciuill,
1310The grauity and stilnesse of your youth,
The world hath noted, and your name is great,
In men 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't?
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 I doe know, nor know I ought
1320By me, that's sed or done amisse this night,
Vnlesse selfe-charity be sometime a vice,
And to defend our selues it be a sinne,
When violence assayles vs.
Oth. Now by heauen
1325My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion hauing my best iudgement coold,
Assayes to leade the way. Zouns, if I stirre,
Or