Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Donald Bailey
Peer Reviewed

Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)

39
The Moore of Venice.

Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but
one that filles vp the cry: my money is almost spent, I ha bin to night
exceedingly well cudgeld: I thinke the issue will be, I shall haue so
1495much experience for my paines, as that comes to, and no money at
all, and with that wit returne to Venice.
Iag. How poore are they, that ha not patience?
What wound did euer heale, but by degrees?
1500Thou knowest we worke by wit, and not by wichcraft,
And wit depends on dilatory time.
Do'st not goe well? Cassio has beaten thee,
And thou, by that small hurt, hast casheird Cassio,
Tho other things grow faire against the sun,
1505But fruites that blosome first, will first be ripe,
Content thy selfe awhile; bi'the masse tis morning;
Pleasure, and action, make the houres seeme short:
Retire thee, goe where thou art bill ted,
Away I say, thou shalt know more hereafter:
1510Nay get thee gon. Some things are to be done,
My wife must moue for Cassio to her mistris,
I'le set her on.
My selfe awhile, to draw the Moore apart,
And bring him iumpe, when he may Cassio finde,
1515Soliciting his wife: I, that's the way,
Dull not deuise by coldnesse and delay.
1516.1 Exeunt.
Enter Cassi}o,with Musitians and the Clowne.
Cas. MAsters, play here, I will content your paines,
1520Something that's briefe, and bid good morrow Generall.
Clo. Why masters, ha your instruments bin at Naples, that they
speake i'the nose thus?
Boy. How sir, how?
Clo. Are these I pray, cald wind Instruments?
1525Boy. I marry are they sir.
Clo. O, thereby hangs a tayle.
Boy. Whereby hangs a tayle sir?
Clo. Marry sir, by many a winde Instrument that I know: But
maisters,