Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Donald Bailey
Peer Reviewed

Othello (Quarto 1, 1622)

94
The Tragedy of Othello

Rot halfe a graine a day: he lies to'th heart,
She was too fond of her most filthy bargaine.
Oth. Ha?
3435Em. Doe thy worst,
This deed of thine is no more worthy heauen,
Then thou wast worthy her.
Oth. Peace, you were best.
Em. Thou hast not halfe the power to doe me harme,
3440As I haue to be hurt: O gull, O dolt,
As ignorant as dirtt; thou hast done a deed ---
I care not for thy sword, I'le make thee know,
Tho I lost twenty liues : helpe, helpe, O helpe;
The Moore has kild my Mistresse, murder, murder.
3445Enter Montano, Gratiano, Iago, and others.
Mon. What is the matter? how now Generall?
Em. O, are you come Iago? you haue done well,
That men must lay their murder on your neck.
All. What is the matter?
3450Em. Disproue this villaine, if thou bee'st a man;
He sayes thou toldst him that his wife was false,
I know thou didst not, thou art not such a villaine:
Speake, for my heart is full.
Iag. I told him what I thought, and told no more,
Then what he found himselfe was apt and true.
Em. But did you euer tell him she was false.
Iag. I did.
3460Em. You told a lie, an odious damned lie;
Vpon my soule, a lie, a wicked lie:
She false with Cassio; did you say with Cassio?
Iag. With Cassio mistresse; go to, charme your tongue.
Em. I will not charme my tongue, I am bound to speake.
Iag. What are you mad, I charge you get you home.
Em. Good Gentlemen let me haue leaue to speake,
Tis proper I obey him, but not now:
Perchance Iago, I will ne're goe home.
Oth. Oh, oh, oh. Oth. fals on the bed.
3485Em. Nay, lay thee downe, and rore,
For