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  • Title: Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)
  • Editor: Donald Bailey
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-466-0

    Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Donald Bailey
    Peer Reviewed

    Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)

    42
    The Tragedy of Othello

    1605Cas. I but Lady,
    The pollicy may either last so long,
    Or feede vpon such nice, and watrish diet,
    Or breed it selfe, so out of circumstance,
    That I being absent, and my place supplied,
    1610My Generall will forget my loue and seruice:
    Desd. Doe not doubt that, before Emillia here,
    I giue thee warrant of thy place; assure thee
    If I doe vow a friendship, I'le performe it
    To the last Article; my Lord shall neuer rest,
    1615I'le watch him tame, and talke him out of patience;
    His bed shall seeme a schoole, his boord a shrift,
    I'le intermingle euery thing he does,
    With Cassio's suite; therefore be merry Cassio,
    For thy soiliciter shall rather die,
    1620Then giue thee cause: away.

    Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.
    Em. Madam, here comes my Lord.
    Cas. Madam, I'le take my leaue.
    Desd. Why stay and heare me speake.
    1625Cas. Madam not now, I am very ill at ease,
    Vnfit for mine owne purpose.
    Desd. Well, doe your discretion. Exit Cassi}o.
    Iag. Ha, I like not that.
    Oth. What doest thou say?
    1630Iag. Nothing my Lord; or if, I know not what.
    Oth. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
    Iag. Cassio my Lord? -- no sure, I cannot thinke it,
    That he would sneake away so guilty-like,
    Seeing you comming.
    1635Oth. I doe beleeue twas he.
    Desd. How now my Lord,
    I haue beene talking with a suiter here,
    A man that languishes in your displeasure.
    Oth. Who i'st you meane?
    1640Desd. Why your Leiutenant Cassio, good my Lord,
    If