OTHELLO
By William Shakespeare
THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE.
Dramatis Personae.
OTHELLO, the Moor, a general in the service of the Duke of Venice.
DESDEMONA, Wife to Othello, daughter to Brabantio.
IAGO, a villain, Othello's Ensign.
EMILIA, Wife to Iago.
CASSIO, an honourable Lieutenant to Othello.
BIANCA, a Courtesan, mistress to Cassio.
CLOWN, Servant to Othello.
DUKE of Venice.
BRABANTIO, a Senator, father to Desdemona.
GRATIANO, Brother to Brabantio, }
LODOVICO, Kinsman to Brabantio, } two noble Venetians.
RODERIGO, a gulled Gentleman, of Venice.
MONTANO, Governor of Cyprus.
A HERALD.
A SAILOR.
1st SENATOR, 2nd SENATOR, Other Senators.
1st OFFICER, Other Officers.
1st GENTLEMAN, 2nd GENTLEMAN, 3rd GENTLEMAN, Other Gentlemen.
1st MUSICIAN, Other Musicians.
MESSENGERS.
Servants and Attendants.
Scene: the First Act in Venice; during the rest of the play at a seaport in
Cyprus.
ACT 1.
Scene 1. Venice. A Street.
Enter RODERIGO and IAGO.
Roderigo Tush, never tell me; I take it much unkindly
That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse
As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.
Iago 'Sblood, but you will not hear me.
If ever I did dream of such a matter,
Abhor me.
Roderigo Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate.
Iago Despise me if I do not. Three great ones of the city,
In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,
Off-capped to him; and, by the faith of man,
I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.
But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,
Evades them with a bombast circumstance
Horribly stuffed with epithets of war;
And in conclusion,
Non-suits my mediators. For "Certes," says he
"I have already chose my officer".
And what was he?
Forsooth, a great arithmetician,
One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,
A fellow almost damned in a fair wife,
That never set a squadron in the field,
Nor the division of a battle knows
More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric,
Wherein the toged consuls can propose
As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice
Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th' election,
And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof
At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds
Christian and heathen, must be belee'd and calmed
By debitor and creditor; this counter-caster,
He, in good time, must his lieutenant be,
And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship's ensign.
Roderigo By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.
Iago Why, there's no remedy; 'tis the curse of service:
Preferment goes by letter and affection,
Not by the old gradation, where each second
Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself
Whether I in any just term am affined
To love the Moor.
Roderigo I would not follow him then.
Iago O sir, content you;
I follow him to serve my turn upon him.
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,
Wears out his time, much like his master's ass,
For naught but provender; and when he's old, cashiered.
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are
Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty,
Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,
And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,
Do well thrive by them; and, when they have lined their coats,
Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul;
And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir,
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor I would not be Iago.
In following him I follow but myself.
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so for my peculiar end;
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.
Roderigo What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe,
If he can carry't thus!
Iago Call up her father.
Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight,
Proclaim him in the streets, incense her kinsmen,
And, though he in a fertile climate dwell,
Plague him with flies; though that his joy be joy,
Yet throw such changes of vexation on't
As it may lose some colour.
Roderigo Here is her father's house; I'll call aloud.
Iago Do; with like timorous accent and dire yell
As when, by night and negligence, the fire
Is spied in populous cities.
Roderigo What ho, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, ho!
Iago Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves!
Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!
Thieves, thieves!
Enter BRABANTIO above at a window.
Brabantio What is the reason of this terrible summons?
What is the matter there?
Roderigo Signor, is all your family within?
Iago Are your doors locked?
Brabantio Why, wherefore ask you this?
Iago Zounds, sir, you're robbed; for shame put on your gown;
Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul.
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise!
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.
Arise, I say.
Brabantio What, have you lost your wits?
Roderigo Most reverend signor, do you know my voice?
Brabantio Not I. What are you?
Roderigo My name is Roderigo.
Brabantio The worser welcome.
I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors.
In honest plainness thou hast heard me say
My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness,
Being full of supper and distempering draughts,
Upon malicious bravery dost thou come
To start my quiet.
Roderigo Sir, sir, sir!
Brabantio But thou must needs be sure
My spirit and my place have in them power
To make this bitter to thee.
Roderigo Patience, good sir.
Brabantio What tell'st thou me of robbing? This is Venice;
My house is not a grange.
Roderigo Most grave Brabantio,
In simple and pure soul I come to you.
Iago Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil
bid you. Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians,
you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have your
nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans.
Brabantio What profane wretch art thou?
Iago I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are
now making the beast with two backs.
Brabantio Thou art a villain.
Iago You are a senator.
Brabantio This shalt thou answer; I know thee, Roderigo
Roderigo Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you,
If't be your pleasure and most wise consent -
As partly I find it is -that your fair daughter,
At this odd-even and dull watch o'the night,
Transported with no worse nor better guard
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor -
If this be known to you, and your allowance,
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs;
But if you know not this, my manners tell me
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe
That from the sense of all civility
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence.
Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,
I say again, hath made a gross revolt;
Trying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger
Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself.
If she be in her chamber or your house,
Let loose on me the justice of the state
For thus deluding you.
Brabantio Strike on the tinder, ho!
Give me a taper; call up my all people.
This accident is not unlike my dream;
Belief of it oppresses me already.
Light, I say! Light!
[Exit.
Iago Farewell, for I must leave you.
It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place
To be produced, as if I stay I shall,
Against the Moor; for I do know the state,
However this may gall him with some check,
Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embarked
With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,
Which even now stand in act, that, for their souls,
Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business; in which regard,
Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains,
Yet, for necessity of present life,
I must show out a flag and sign of love,
Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him,
Lead to the Sagittary the raised search,
And there will I be with him. So, farewell.
[Exit.
Enter below, BRABANTIO in his nightgown, and SERVANTS with torches.
Brabantio It is too true an evil. Gone she is;
And what's to come of my despised time
Is nought but bitterness. Now, Roderigo,
Where didst thou see her? O unhappy girl!
With the Moor, sayst thou? Who would be a father?
How didst thou know 'twas she? O, she deceives me
Past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers.
Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you?
Roderigo Truly I think they are.
Brabantio O heaven! How got she out? O, treason of the blood!
Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds
By what you see them act. Is there not charms
By which the property of youth and maidhood
May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo,
Of some such thing?
Roderigo Yes, sir, I have indeed.
Brabantio Call up my brother. O that you had had her!
- Some one way, some another. -Do you know
Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?
Roderigo I think I can discover him, if you please
To get good guard and go along with me.
Brabantio Pray you lead on. At every house I'll call;
I may command at most. Get weapons, ho!
And raise some special officers of night.
On, good Roderigo; I'll deserve your pains.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 2. Another Street.
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and ATTENDANTS with torches.
Iago Though in the trade of war I have slain men,
Yet do I hold it very stuff o'th' conscience
To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity,
Sometime, to do me service. Nine or ten times
I had thought t'have yerked him here, under the ribs.
Othello 'Tis better as it is.
Iago Nay, but he prated,
And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
Against your honour
That, with the little godliness I have,
I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir,
Are you fast married? Be assured of this:
That the magnifico is much beloved,
And hath in his effect a voice potential
As double as the duke's. He will divorce you,
Or put upon you what restraint or grievance
The law, with all his might to enforce it on,
Will give him cable.
Othello Let him do his spite.
My services which I have done the signory
Shall outtongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know -
Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,
I shall promulgate -I fetch my life and being
From men of royal siege, and my demerits
May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
As this that I have reached. For know, Iago,
But that I love the gentle Desdemona
I would not my unhoused free condition
Put into circumscription and confine
For the seas' worth.
Enter CASSIO and OFFICERS with TORCHES.
But look, what lights come yond?
Iago Those are the raised father and his friends.
You were best go in.
Othello Not I; I must be found.
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?
Iago By Janus, I think no.
Othello The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant.
The goodness of the night upon you, friends!
What is the news?
Cassio The duke does greet you, general,
And he requires your haste-posthaste appearance
Even on the instant.
Othello What is the matter, think you?
Cassio Something from Cyprus, as I may divine;
It is a business of some heat: the galleys
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers
This very night at one another's heels,
And many of the consuls, raised and met,
Are at the duke's already. You have been hotly called for.
When being not at your lodging to be found
The senate sent about three several quests
To search you out.
Othello 'Tis well I am found by you.
I will but spend a word here in the house,
And go with you.
[Exit.
Cassio Ensign, what makes he here?
Iago Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land-carrack;
If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever.
Cassio I do not understand.
Iago He's married.
Cassio To who?
Re-enter OTHELLO.
Iago Marry, to -Come, captain, will you go?
Othello Have with you.
Cassio Here comes another troop to seek for you.
Enter BRABANTIO, RODERIGO, with OFFICERS, and TORCHES.
Iago It is Brabantio. General, be advised;
He comes to bad intent.
Othello Holla, stand there!
Roderigo Signor, it is the Moor.
Brabantio Down with him, thief!
[They draw on both sides.
Iago You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you.
Othello Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust 'em.
Good signor, you shall more command with years
Than with your weapons.
Brabantio O thou foul thief! Where hast thou stowed my daughter?
Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her,
For I'll refer me to all things of sense,
If she in chains of magic were not bound,
Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy,
So opposite to marriage that she shunned
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,
Would ever have, t'incur a general mock,
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou -to fear, not to delight.
Judge me the world if 'tis not gross in sense
That thou hast practised on her with foul charms,
Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
That weakens motion. I'll have't disputed on;
'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.
I therefore apprehend and do attach thee
For an abuser of the world, a practiser
Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.
Lay hold upon him. If he do resist,
Subdue him at his peril.
Othello Hold your hands,
Both you of my inclining and the rest.
Were it my cue to fight I should have known it
Without a prompter. Where will you that I go
To answer this your charge?
Brabantio To prison, till fit time
Of law and course of direct session
Call thee to answer.
Othello What if I do obey?
How may the duke be therewith satisfied,
Whose messengers are here about my side,
Upon some present business of the state
To bring me to him?
Officer 'Tis true, most worthy signor.
The duke's in council, and your noble self,
I am sure, is sent for.
Brabantio How, the duke in council?
In this time of the night? Bring him away.
Mine's not an idle cause; the duke himself,
Or any of my brothers of the state,
Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own;
For if such actions may have passage free,
Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 3. A Council Chamber.
Enter the DUKE and SENATORS set at a table with lights, and ATTENDANTS.
Duke There is no composition in these news
That gives them credit.
1st Senator Indeed, they are disproportioned.
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.
Duke And mine a hundred-forty.
2nd Senator And mine two hundred.
But though they jump not on a just account -
As in these cases, where the aim reports
'Tis oft with difference -yet do they all confirm
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
Duke Nay, it is possible enough to judgement.
I do not so secure me in the error,
But the main article I do approve
In fearful sense.
Sailor [Within.] What ho! What ho! What ho!
1st Officer A messenger from the galleys.
Enter a SAILOR.
Duke Now, what's the business?
Sailor The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes;
So was I bid report here to the state
By Signor Angelo.
Duke How say you by this change?
1st Senator This cannot be,
By no assay of reason. 'Tis a pageant
To keep us in false gaze. When we consider
The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk,
And let ourselves again but understand
That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,
So may he with more facile question bear it,
For that it stands not in such warlike brace,
But altogether lacks th' abilities
That Rhodes is dressed in. If we make thought of this,
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful
To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain
To wake and wage a danger profitless.
Duke Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes.
1st Officer Here is more news.
Enter a MESSENGER.
Messenger The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the Isle of Rhodes,
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
1st Senator Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?
Messenger Of thirty sail; and now they do restem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signor Montano,
Your trusty and most valiant servitor,
With his free duty recommends you thus,
And prays you to believe him.
Duke 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?
1st Senator He's now in Florence.
Duke Write from us to him post-posthaste dispatch.
Enter BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, CASSIO, IAGO, RODERIGO, and OFFICERS.
1st Senator Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.
Duke Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the general enemy Ottoman.
[To BRABANTIO.] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signor.
We lacked your counsel and your help tonight.
Brabantio So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me;
Neither my place nor aught I heard of business
Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general care
Take hold of me; for my particular grief
Is of so floodgate and o'erbearing nature
That it engluts and swallows other sorrows,
And it is still itself.
Duke Why, what's the matter?
Brabantio My daughter! O, my daughter!
Senators Dead?
Brabantio Ay, to me.
She is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted,
By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;
For nature so preposterously to err,
Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,
Sans witchcraft could not.
Duke Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding
Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself,
And you of her, the bloody book of law
You shall yourself read in the bitter letter,
After your own sense; yea, though our proper son
Stood in your action.
Brabantio Humbly I thank your grace.
Here is the man: this Moor, whom now it seems
Your special mandate for the state affairs
Hath hither brought.
All We are very sorry for't.
Duke [To OTHELLO.] What in your own part can you say to this?
Brabantio Nothing, but this is so.
Othello Most potent, grave, and reverend signors,
My very noble and approved good masters,
That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
It is most true; true I have married her;
The very head and front of my offending
Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,
And little blest with the soft phrase of peace;
For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith,
Till now some nine moons wasted they have used
Their dearest action in the tented field,
And little of this great world can I speak
More than pertains to feats of broils and battle;
And therefore little shall I grace my cause
In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,
I will a round unvarnished tale deliver
Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms,
What conjuration and what mighty magic -
For such proceedings I am charged withal -
I won his daughter.
Brabantio A maiden never bold;
Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion
Blushed at her self; and she, in spite of nature,
Of years, of country, credit, everything,
To fall in love with what she feared to look on?
It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect
That will confess perfection so would err
Against all rules of nature, and must be driven
To find out practices of cunning hell
Why this should be. I therefore vouch again
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood,
Or with some dram conjured to this effect,
He wrought upon her.
Duke To vouch this is no proof
Without more wider and more overt test
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
Of modern seeming do prefer against him.
1st Senator But, Othello, speak.
Did you by indirect and forced courses
Subdue and poison this young maid's affections?
Or came it by request and such fair question
As soul to soul affordeth?
Othello I do beseech you
Send for the lady to the Sagittary,
And let her speak of me before her father.
If you do find me foul in her report,
The trust, the office I do hold of you,
Not only take away, but let your sentence
Even fall upon my life.
Duke Fetch Desdemona hither.
Othello Ensign, conduct them; you best know the place.
[Exit IAGO with two or three.
And till she come, as truely as to heaven
I do confess the vices of my blood,
So justly to your grave ears I'll present
How I did thrive in this fair lady's love,
And she in mine.
Duke Say it, Othello.
Othello Her father loved me, oft invited me,
Still questioned me the story of my life
From year to year: the battles, sieges, fortune,
That I have passed.
I ran it through, even from my boyish days
To th' very moment that he bade me tell it,
Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances:
Of moving accidents by flood and field,
Of hair-breadth 'scapes i'th' imminent deadly breach,
Of being taken by the insolent foe
And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence,
And portance in my traveller's history,
Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,
Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven,
It was my hint to speak -such was my process -
And of the Cannibals that each other eat,
The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads
Do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to hear
Would Desdemona seriously incline;
But still the house affairs would draw her thence,
Which ever as she could with haste dispatch,
She'd come again, and with a greedy ear
Devour up my discourse; which I observing,
Took once a pliant hour, and found good means
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart
That I would all my pilgrimage dilate,
Whereof by parcels she had something heard,
But not intentively. I did consent;
And often did beguile her of her tears
When I did speak of some distressful stroke
That my youth suffered. My story being done,
She gave me for my pains a world of kisses:
She swore, i'faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange,
'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful;
She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished
That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me,
And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her,
I should but teach him how to tell my story,
And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake:
She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.
This only is the witchcraft I have used.
Enter DESDEMONA, IAGO, and ATTENDANTS.
Here comes the lady; let her witness it.
Duke I think this tale would win my daughter too.
Good Brabantio,
Take up this mangled matter at the best.
Men do their broken weapons rather use
Than their bare hands.
Brabantio I pray you hear her speak.
If she confess that she was half the wooer,
Destruction on my head if my bad blame
Light on the man! Come hither, gentle mistress.
Do you perceive in all this noble company
Where most you owe obedience?
Desdemona My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you I am bound for life and education:
My life and education both do learn me
How to respect you. You are the lord of duty,
I am hitherto your daughter; but here's my husband,
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord.
Brabantio God be with you, I have done.
Please it your grace, on to the state affairs;
I had rather to adopt a child than get it.
Come hither, Moor.
I here do give thee that with all my heart
Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart
I would keep from thee.
[To DESDEMONA.] For your sake, jewel,
I am glad at soul I have no other child;
For thy escape would teach me tyranny,
To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord.
Duke Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence
Which as a grise or step may help these lovers
Into your favour.
When remedies are past, the griefs are ended
By seeing the worst which late on hopes depended.
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
Is the next way to draw more mischief on.
What cannot be preserved when fortune takes,
Patience her injury a mockery makes.
The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief;
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.
Brabantio So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile,
We lose it not so long as we can smile;
He bears the sentence well that nothing bears
But the free comfort which from thence he hears;
But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow
That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow.
These sentences, to sugar or to gall,
Being strong on both sides, are equivocal.
But words are words: I never yet did hear
That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear.
I humbly beseech you proceed to th' affairs of state.
Duke The Turk with most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. Othello, the
fortitude of the place is best known to you; and though we have there a
substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a more sovereign mistress
of effects, throws a more safer voice on you. You must therefore be content to
slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous
expedition.
Othello The tyrant custom, most grave senators,
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize
A natural and prompt alacrity
I find in hardness, and do undertake
This present wars against the Ottomites.
Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state,
I crave fit disposition for my wife,
Due reference of place and exhibition,
With such accommodation and besort
As levels with her breeding.
Duke Why, at her father's.
Brabantio I will not have it so.
Othello Nor I.
Desdemona Nor I; I would not there reside
To put my father in impatient thoughts
By being in his eye. Most gracious duke,
To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear,
And let me find a charter in your voice
T'assist my simpleness.
Duke What would you, Desdemona?
Desdemona That I did love the Moor to live with him,
My downright violence and storm of fortunes
May trumpet to the world. My heart's subdued
Even to the very quality of my lord.
I saw Othello's visage in his mind,
And to his honours and his valiant parts
Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate;
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him are bereft me,
And I a heavy interim shall support
By his dear absence. Let me go with him.
Othello Let her have your voice.
Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not
To please the palate of my appetite,
Nor to comply with heat -the young affects
In me defunct -and proper satisfaction,
But to be free and bounteous of her mind;
And heaven defend your good souls that you think
I will your serious and great business scant
When she is with me. No, when light-winged toys
Of feathered Cupid seel with wanton dullness
My speculative and officed instruments,
That my disports corrupt and taint my business,
Let housewives make a skillet of my helm,
And all indign and base adversities
Make head against my estimation!
Duke Be it, as you shall privately determine,
Either for her stay or going. Th' affair cries haste,
And speed must answer it.
1st Senator You must away tonight.
Desdemona Tonight, my Lord?
Duke This night.
Othello With all my heart.
Duke At nine i'th' morning here we'll meet again.
Othello, leave some officer behind,
And he shall our commission bring to you,
And such things else of quality and respect
As doth import you.
Othello So please your grace, my ensign;
A man he is of honesty and trust.
To his conveyance I assign my wife,
With what else needful your good grace shall think
To be sent after me.
Duke Let it be so.
Good night to everyone. [To BRABANTIO.] And, noble signor,
If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
1st Senator Adieu, brave Moor. Use Desdemona well.
Brabantio Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:
She has deceived her father, and may thee.
[Exeunt all but OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, RODERIGO and IAGO.
Othello My life upon her faith! Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leave to thee.
I prithee, let thy wife attend on her,
And bring them after in the best advantage.
Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour
Of love, of worldly matter, and direction
To spend with thee. We must obey the time.
[Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA.
Roderigo Iago.
Iago What sayst thou, noble heart?
Roderigo What will I do, think'st thou?
Iago Why, go to bed and sleep.
Roderigo I will incontinently drown myself.
Iago If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly gentleman?
Roderigo It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and then have we
a prescription to die, when death is our physician.
Iago O villainous! I have looked upon the world for four times seven years,
and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injury, I never found
man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself for
the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon.
Roderigo What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it
is not in my virtue to amend it.
Iago Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies
are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; so that if we will
plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one
gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with
idleness or manured with industry -why, the power and corrigible authority of
this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of
reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures
would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions. But we have reason to cool
our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts; whereof I take
this, that you call love, to be a sect or scion.
Roderigo It cannot be.
Iago It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come,
be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy
friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable
toughness. I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse;
follow thou the wars; defeat thy favour with an usurped beard. I say put money
in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue her love to the
Moor -put money in thy purse -nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement
in her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration -put but money in thy
purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills -fill thy purse with money.
The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as
bitter as the coloquintida. She must change fo youth: when she is sated with
his body she will find the error of her choice. Therefore put money in thy
purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than
drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt
an erring barbarian and a super-subtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits
and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make money. A pox
of drowning thyself! It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be hanged
in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without her.
Roderigo Wilt thou be fast to my hopes if I depend on the issue?
Iago Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I
retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted, thine hath
no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. If thou
canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many
events in the womb of time which will be delivered. Traverse! Go; provide thy
money. We will have more of this tomorrow. Adieu.
Roderigo Where shall we meet i'th' morning?
Iago At my lodging.
Roderigo I'll be with thee betimes.
Iago Go to, farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo?
Roderigo What say you?
Iago No more of drowning, do you hear?
Roderigo I am changed. I'll sell all my land.
Iago Go to; farewell. Put money enough in your purse.
[Exit RODERIGO.
Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
He's done my office. I know not if't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now:
To get his place and to plume up my will
In double knavery -how, how? Let's see -
After some time to abuse Othello's ears
That he is too familiar with his wife;
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
I have't, it is engendered; hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.
[Exit.
+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++
ACT 2.
Scene 1. A Seaport in Cyprus. An open place near the Quay.
Enter MONTANO and two GENTLEMEN.
Montano What from the cape can you discern at sea?
1st Gentleman Nothing at all; it is a high-wrought flood.
I cannot 'twixt the heaven and the main
Descry a sail.
Montano Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land;
A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements.
If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea,
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them,
Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this?
2nd Gentleman A segregation of the Turkish fleet;
For do but stand upon the foaming shore,
The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds;
The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane,
Seems to cast water on the burning Bear,
And quench the guards of th' ever-fixed Pole.
I never did like molestation view
On the enchafed flood.
Montano If that the Turkish fleet
Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned.
It is impossible they bear it out.
Enter a third GENTLEMAN.
3rd Gentleman News, lads! Our wars are done.
The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks
That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice
Hath seen a grievous wrack and sufferance
On most part of the fleet.
Montano How! Is this true?
3rd Gentleman The ship is here put in,
A Veronesa. Michael Cassio,
Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello,
Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea,
And is in full commission here for Cyprus.
Montano I am glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor.
3rd Gentleman But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort
Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly,
And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted,
With foul and violent tempest.
Montano Pray heaven he be;
For I have served him, and the man commands
Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho!
As well to see the vessel that's come in,
As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello,
Even till we make the main and th' aerial blue
An indistinct regard.
3rd Gentleman Come, let's do so;
For every minute is expectancy
Of more arrivance.
Enter CASSIO.
Cassio Thanks you, the valiant of this warlike isle
That so approve the Moor. O, let the heavens
Give him defence against the elements,
For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.
Montano Is he well shipped?
Cassio His bark is stoutly timbered, and his pilot
Of very expert and approved allowance;
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,
Stand in bold cure.
Shout within "A sail, a sail, a sail!"
Enter a MESSENGER.
Cassio What noise?
Messenger The town is empty; on the brow o'th' sea
Stand ranks of people, and they cry "A sail!"
Cassio My hopes do shape him for the governor.
[A shot within.
2nd Gentleman They do discharge their shot of courtesy:
Our friends at least.
Cassio I pray you, sir, go forth,
And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived.
2nd Gentleman I shall.
[Exit.
Montano But, good lieutenant, is your general wived?
Cassio Most fortunately. He hath achieved a maid
That paragons description and wild fame;
One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,
And in th' essential vesture of creation
Does tire the ingener.
Re-enter 2nd GENTLEMAN.
How now, who has put in?
2nd Gentleman 'Tis one Iago, ensign to the general.
Cassio He's had most favourable and happy speed.
Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,
The guttered rocks and congregated sands,
Traitors ensteeped to clog the guiltless keel,
As having sense of beauty do omit
Their common natures, letting go safely by
The divine Desdemona.
Montano What is she?
Cassio She that I spake of: our great captain's captain,
Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts
A sennight's speed. Great Jove, Othello guard,
And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath
That he may bless this bay with his tall ship,
Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms,
Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits,
And bring all Cyprus comfort.
Enter DESDEMONA, IAGO, EMILIA, and RODERIGO.
O, behold,
The riches of the ship is come on shore!
Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.
Hail to thee, lady! And the grace of heaven,
Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
Enwheel thee round!
Desdemona I thank you, valiant Cassio.
What tidings can you tell me of my lord?
Cassio He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught
But that he's well, and will be shortly here.
Desdemona O, but I fear -how lost you company?
Cassio The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship.
Shout Within "A sail, a sail!"
But hark, a sail.
[Shot within.
2nd Gentleman They give their greeting to the citadel:
This likewise is a friend.
Cassio See for the news!
[Exit 2nd GENTLEMAN.
Good ensign, you are welcome.
[To EMILIA.] Welcome, mistress.
Let it not gall your patience, good Iago,
That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding
That gives me this bold show of courtesy.
[Kisses her.
Iago Sir, would she give you so much of her lips
As of her tongue she oft bestows on me,
You would have enough.
Desdemona Alas, she has no speech.
Iago In faith, too much:
I find it still when I have leave to sleep.
Marry, before your ladyship, I grant
She puts her tongue a little in her heart,
And chides with thinking.
Emilia You have little cause to say so.
Iago Come on, come on; you are pictures out a-doors, bells in your
parlours, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being
offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.
Desdemona O fie upon thee, slanderer!
Iago Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk.
You rise to play, and go to bed to work.
Emilia You shall not write my praise.
Iago No, let me not.
Desdemona What wouldst thou write of me if thou shouldst praise me?
Iago O gentle lady, do not put me to't,
For I am nothing if not critical.
Desdemona Come on, assay. There's one gone to the harbour?
Iago Ay, madam.
Desdemona [Aside.] I am not merry, but I do beguile
The thing I am by seeming otherwise.
- Come, how wouldst thou praise me?
Iago I am about it, but indeed my invention
Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frieze:
It plucks out brains and all. But my Muse labours,
And thus she is delivered:
If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit,
The one's for use, the other useth it.
Desdemona Well praised. How if she be black and witty?
Iago If she be black, and thereto have a wit,
She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit.
Desdemona Worse and worse.
Emilia How if fair and foolish?
Iago She never yet was foolish, that was fair,
For even her folly helped her to an heir.
Desdemona These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i'th' alehouse.
What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish?
Iago There's none so foul and foolish thereunto,
But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do.
Desdemona O heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the worst best. But what praise
couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed? One that in the authority of
her merit did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself?
Iago She that was ever fair and never proud,
Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud;
Never lacked gold, and yet went never gay;
Fled from her wish, and yet said "Now I may";
She that being angered, her revenge being nigh,
Bade her wrong stay, and her displeasure fly;
She that in wisdom never was so frail
To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail;
She that could think, and ne'er disclose her mind;
See suitors following, and not look behind:
She was a wight, if ever such wights were -
Desdemona To do what?
Iago To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer.
Desdemona O most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn of him, Emilia,
though he be thy husband. How say you, Cassio, is he not a most profane and
liberal counsellor?
Cassio He speaks home, madam; you may relish him more in the soldier than
in the scholar.
Iago [Aside.] He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, whisper. With as
little a web as this will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon
her, do. I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, 'tis so
indeed. If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had
been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you
are most apt to play the sir in. Very good, well kissed, and excellent
courtesy! -'tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? Would they
were clyster-pipes for your sake!
[Trumpets within.
The Moor! I know his trumpet.
Cassio 'Tis truly so.
Desdemona Let's meet him, and receive him.
Enter OTHELLO and ATTENDANTS.
Cassio Lo, where he comes!
Othello O my fair warrior!
Desdemona My dear Othello!
Othello It gives me wonder great as my content
To see you here before me. O my soul's joy!
If after every tempest come such calms,
May the winds blow till they have wakened death,
And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas
Olympus-high, and duck again as low
As hell's from heaven. If it were now to die,
'Twere now to be most happy; for I fear
My soul hath her content so absolute
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.
Desdemona The heavens forbid
But that our loves and comforts should increase
Even as our days do grow.
Othello Amen to that, sweet powers!
I cannot speak enough of this content;
It stops me here -it is too much of joy.
[Kissing her.] And this, and this, the greatest discords be
That e'er our hearts shall make!
Iago [Aside.] O, you are well tuned now;
But I'll set down the pegs that make this music,
As honest as I am.
Othello Come, let us to the castle.
News, friends: our wars are done, the Turks are drowned.
How does my old acquaintance of this isle?
Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus;
I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet,
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
In mine own comforts. I prithee, good Iago,
Go to the bay and disembark my coffers;
Bring thou the master to the citadel;
He is a good one, and his worthiness
Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona,
Once more, well met at Cyprus.
[Exeunt all but IAGO and RODERIGO.
Iago [To an exiting ATTENDANT.] Do thou meet me presently at the harbour.
[To RODERIGO.] Come hither. If thou be'st valiant -as they say base men being
in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them
-list me. The lieutenant tonight watches on the court of guard. First, I must
tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him.
Roderigo With him? Why, 'tis not possible.
Iago Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what
violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging and telling her
fantastical lies. To love him still for prating? -let not thy discreet heart
think it. Her eye must be fed, and what delight shall she have to look on the
devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport there should be
-again to inflame it and give satiety a fresh appetite -loveliness in favour,
sympathy in years, manners and beauties: all which the Moor is defective in.
Now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will
find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor;
very nature will instruct her in it, and compel her to some second choice.
Now, sir, this granted, as it is a most pregnant and unforced position, who
stands so eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? -a knave very
voluble, no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and
humane seeming for the better compass of his salt and most hidden loose
affection. Why, none; why, none -a slipper and subtle knave, a finder of
occasion, that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true
advantage never present itself. A devilish knave! Besides, the knave is
handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green
minds look after; a pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath found him
already.
Roderigo I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most blest condition.
Iago Blest fig's end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes. If she had
been blest, she would never have loved the Moor. Blest pudding! Didst thou not
see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?
Roderigo Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy.
Iago Lechery, by this hand: an index and obscure prologue to the history of
lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips that their breaths
embraced together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutualities so
marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, th'
incorporate conclusion. Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought you
from Venice. Watch you tonight: for the command, I'll lay't upon you. Cassio
knows you not; I'll not be far from you. Do you find some occasion to anger
Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline, or from what
other course you please, which the time shall more favourably minister.
Roderigo Well.
Iago Sir, he's rash, and very sudden in choler, and haply may strike at
you. Provoke him that he may, for even out of that will I cause these of
Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but
by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your
desires by the means I shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment most
profitably removed, without which there were no expectation of our prosperity.
Roderigo I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity.
Iago I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I must fetch his
necessaries ashore. Farewell.
Roderigo Adieu.
[Exit.
Iago That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;
That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit.
The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not,
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;
And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now I do love her too;
Not out of absolute lust -though peradventure
I stand accountant for as great a sin -
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leaped into my seat; the thought whereof
Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards;
And nothing can or shall content my soul
Till I am evened with him, wife for wife;
Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong,
That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb -
For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too -
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me,
For making him egregiously an ass,
And practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused;
Knavery's plain face is never seen till used.
[Exit.
+ + + + + +
Scene 2. Cyprus. A Street.
Enter a HERALD reading a proclamation.
Herald It is Othello's pleasure -our noble and valiant general -that, upon
certain tidings now arrived importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet,
every man put himself into triumph: some to dance, some to make bonfires, each
man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him; for, besides these
beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So much was his
pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and there is full liberty
of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven.
Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!
[Exit.
+ + + + + +
Scene 3. Cyprus. A Hall in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and ATTENDANTS.
Othello Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.
Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop,
Not to outsport discretion.
Cassio Iago hath direction what to do;
But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye
Will I look to't.
Othello Iago is most honest.
Michael, good night; tomorrow with your earliest,
Let me have speech with you. Come, my dear love,
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.
Good night.
[Exeunt OTHELLO, DESDEMONA and ATTENDANTS.
Enter IAGO.
Cassio Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.
Iago Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o'th' clock. Our general
cast us thus early for the love of his Desdemona, who let us not therefore
blame. He hath not yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for
Jove.
Cassio She's a most exquisite lady.
Iago And, I'll warrant her, full of game.
Cassio Indeed, she's a most fresh and delicate creature.
Iago What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley of provocation.
Cassio An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.
Iago And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love.
Cassio She is indeed perfection.
Iago Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of
wine, and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a
measure to the health of black Othello.
Cassio Not tonight, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for
drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of
entertainment.
Iago O, they are our friends -but one cup; I'll drink for you.
Cassio I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was craftily qualified
too, and behold what innovation it makes here. I am unfortunate in the
infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more.
Iago What, man! 'Tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it.
Cassio Where are they?
Iago Here at the door. I pray you, call them in.
Cassio I'll do't, but it dislikes me.
[Exit.
Iago If I can fasten but one cup upon him
With that which he hath drunk tonight already,
He'll be as full of quarrel and offence
As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo,
Whom love has turned almost the wrong side out,
To Desdemona hath tonight caroused
Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch.
Three else of Cyprus -noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honours in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle -
Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups,
And they watch too. Now 'mongst this flock of drunkards
Am I to put our Cassio in some action
That may offend the isle.
Enter CASSIO, MONTANO, and GENTLEMEN.
But here they come.
If consequence do but approve my dream,
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
Cassio 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already.
Montano Good faith, a little one; not past a pint,
As I am a soldier.
Iago Some wine, ho!
[Sings.] And let me the cannikin clink, clink;
And let me the cannikin clink, clink.
A soldier's a man,
Oh, man's life's but a span;
Why, then let a soldier drink.
Some wine, boys!
Cassio 'Fore God, an excellent song.
Iago I learned it in England, where indeed they are most potent in potting.
Your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander -drink, ho! -are
nothing to your English.
Cassio Is your Englishman so exquisite in his drinking?
Iago Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not
to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle
can be filled.
Cassio To the health of our general!
Montano I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll do you justice.
Iago O sweet England!
[Sings.] King Stephen was and a worthy peer,
His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them sixpence all too dear,
With that he called the tailor lown.
He was a wight of high renown,
And thou art but of low degree;
'Tis pride that pulls the country down,
Then take thy auld cloak about thee.
Some wine, ho!
Cassio 'Fore God, this is a more exquisite song than the other.
Iago Will you hear't again?
Cassio No, for I hold him unworthy of his place that does those things.
Well, God's above all, and there be souls must be saved, and there be souls
must not be saved.
Iago It's true, good lieutenant.
Cassio For mine own part -no offence to the general nor any man of quality
-I hope to be saved.
Iago And so do I too, lieutenant.
Cassio Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved
before the ensign. Let's have no more of this; let's to our affairs. God
forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not think,
gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my ensign, this is my right hand, and this is
my left. I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.
All Excellent well.
Cassio Why, very well then; you must not think then that I am drunk.
[Exit.
Montano To th' platform, masters. Come, let's set the watch.
Iago You see this fellow that is gone before:
He's a soldier fit to stand by Caesar
And give direction; and do but see his vice:
'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as th' other. 'Tis pity of him.
I fear the trust Othello put him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.
Montano But is he often thus?
Iago 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep.
He'll watch the horologe a double set
If drink rock not his cradle.
Montano It were well
The general were put in mind of it;
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature
Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio,
And looks not on his evils. Is not this true?
Enter RODERIGO.
Iago [Aside to RODERIGO.] How now, Roderigo!
I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.
[Exit RODERIGO.
Montano And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place as his own second
With one of an ingraft infirmity;
It were an honest action to say so
To the Moor.
Iago Not I, for this fair island!
I do love Cassio well, and would do much
To cure him of this evil -
Cry within "Help, help!"
But hark, what noise?
Re-enter CASSIO, pursuing RODERIGO.
Cassio Zounds, you rogue, you rascal!
Montano What's the matter, lieutenant?
Cassio A knave teach me my duty? I'll beat the knave into a twiggen-bottle.
Roderigo Beat me?
Cassio Dost thou prate, rogue?
[Striking RODERIGO.
Montano Nay, good lieutenant, I pray you, sir, hold your hand.
Cassio Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.
Montano Come, come, you're drunk.
Cassio Drunk?
[They fight.
Iago [Aside to RODERIGO.] Away I say. Go out and cry a mutiny.
[Exit RODERIGO.
Nay, good lieutenant. God's will, gentlemen!
Help, ho! Lieutenant! Sir! Montano! Sir!
Help, masters! Here's a goodly watch indeed!
[A bell rung.
Who's that which rings the bell? Diablo, ho!
The town will rise. God's will, lieutenant, hold!
You'll be ashamed for ever.
Enter OTHELLO and GENTLEMEN with weapons.
Othello What is the matter here?
Montano Zounds, I bleed still.
I am hurt to th' death.
Othello Hold, for your lives!
Iago Hold, ho! Lieutenant, sir; Montano, gentlemen,
Have you forgot all place of sense and duty?
Hold, the general speaks to you. Hold, for shame!
Othello Why, how now, ho! From whence ariseth this?
Are we turned Turks, and to ourselves do that
Which heaven has forbid the Ottomites?
For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl.
He that stirs next to carve for his own rage
Holds his soul light: he dies upon his motion.
Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle
From her propriety. What's the matter, masters?
Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving,
Speak -who began this? On thy love I charge thee.
Iago I do not know. Friends all but now, even now,
In quarter and in terms like bride and groom
Devesting them for bed; and then but now,
- As if some planet had unwitted men -
Swords out, and tilting one at other's breasts
In opposition bloody. I cannot speak
Any beginning to this peevish odds;
And would in action glorious I had lost
These legs that brought me to a part of it.
Othello How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?
Cassio I pray you pardon me; I cannot speak.
Othello Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil;
The gravity and stillness of your youth
The world hath noted, and your name is great
In mouths of wisest censure. What's the matter
That you unlace your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion for the name
Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it.
Montano Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger.
Your officer, Iago, can inform you,
While I spare speech, which something now offends me,
Of all that I do know; nor know I aught
By me that's said or done amiss this night,
Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
When violence assails us.
Othello Now, by heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion having my best judgement collied,
Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir,
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
How this foul rout began, who set it on,
And he that is approved in this offence,
Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me. What, in a town of war
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel,
In night, and on the court and guard of safety?
'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't?
Montano If, partially affined or leagued in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no soldier.
Iago Touch me not so near;
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general:
Montano and myself being in speech,
There comes a fellow crying out for help,
And Cassio following him with determined sword
To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
Steps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause;
Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
Lest by his clamour, as it so fell out,
The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot,
Outran my purpose, and I returned the rather
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight
I ne'er might say before. When I came back -
For this was brief -I found them close together
At blow and thrust, even as again they were
When you yourself did part them.
More of this matter can I not report;
But men are men: the best sometimes forget.
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received
From him that fled some strange indignity
Which patience could not pass.
Othello I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee,
But never more be officer of mine.
Enter DESDEMONA, attended.
Look if my gentle love be not raised up!
I'll make thee an example.
Desdemona What is the matter, dear?
Othello All's well, sweeting.
Come away to bed. Sir, for your hurts
Myself will be your surgeon. Lead him off.
[MONTANO is led off.
Iago, look with care about the town,
And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.
Come, Desdemona, 'tis the soldiers' life
To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
[Exeunt all but IAGO and CASSIO.
Iago What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
Cassio Ay, past all surgery.
Iago Marry, God forbid!
Cassio Reputation, reputation, reputation! -O, I have lost my reputation! I
have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My
reputation, Iago, my reputation!
Iago As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound:
there is more of sense in that than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and
most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving. You
have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What,
man, there are ways to recover the general again. You are but now cast in his
mood -a punishment more in policy than in malice -even so as one would beat
his offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion. Sue to him again, and he's
yours.
Cassio I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander
with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk! And speak
parrot! And squabble, swagger, swear, and discourse fustian with one's own
shadow! O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by,
let us call thee devil!
Iago What was he that you followed with your sword? What had he done to you?
Cassio I know not.
Iago Is't possible?
Cassio I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrel, but
nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to
steal away their brains! That we should with joy, pleasance, revel and
applause transform ourselves into beasts!
Iago Why, but you are now well enough. How came you thus recovered?
Cassio It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil
wrath: one unperfectness shows me another, to make me frankly despise myself.
Iago Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time, the place, and the
condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not befallen;
but since it is as it is, mend it for your own good.
Cassio I will ask him for my place again -he shall tell me I am a drunkard.
Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a
sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O strange! Every
inordinate cup is unblest, and the ingredient is a devil.
Iago Come, come; good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.
Exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you.
Cassio I have well approved it, sir. I, drunk?
Iago You or any man living may be drunk at some time, man. I'll tell you
what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the general. I may say so in this
respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation,
mark, and denotement of her parts and graces. Confess yourself freely to her;
importune her help to put you in your place again. She is so free, so kind, so
apt, so blest a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do
more than she is requested. This broken joint between you and her husband
entreat her to splinter; and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this
crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before.
Cassio You advise me well.
Iago I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness.
Cassio I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will beseech the
virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they
check me here.
Iago You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I must to the watch.
Cassio Good night, honest Iago.
[Exit.
Iago And what's he then that says I play the villain,
When this advice is free I give, and honest,
Probal to thinking, and indeed the course
To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy
Th' inclining Desdemona to subdue
In any honest suit. She's framed as fruitful
As the free elements; and then for her
To win the Moor -were't to renounce his baptism,
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin -
His soul is so enfettered to her love
That she may make, unmake, do what she list,
Even as her appetite shall play the god
With his weak function. How am I then a villain
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!
When devils will their blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,
As I do now; for whiles this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear:
That she repeals him for her body's lust;
And by how much she strives to do him good,
She shall undo her credit with the Moor.
So will I turn her virtue into pitch,
And out of her own goodness make the net
That shall enmesh 'em all.
Enter RODERIGO.
How now, Roderigo?
Roderigo I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but
one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent; I have been tonight
exceedingly well cudgelled; and I think the issue will be, I shall have so
much experience for my pains; and so, with no money at all, and a little more
wit, return again to Venice.
Iago How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
Thou know'st we work by wit, and not by witchcraft;
And wit depends on dilatory time.
Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashiered Cassio.
Though other things grow fair against the sun,
Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe.
Content thyself awhile. By th' mass, 'tis morning:
Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.
Retire thee; go where thou art billeted.
Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter.
Nay, get thee gone.
[Exit RODERIGO.
Two things are to be done:
My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress -
I'll set her on -
Myself awhile to draw the Moor apart,
And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
Soliciting his wife. Ay, that's the way:
Dull not device by coldness and delay.
[Exit.
+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++
ACT 3.
Scene 1. Cyprus. Before the Castle.
Enter CASSIO, MUSICIANS, and CLOWN.
Cassio Masters, play here -I will content your pains -
Something that's brief, and bid "Good morrow, general".
[They play.
Clown Why, masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that they speak
i'th'nose thus?
1st Musician How, sir, how?
Clown Are these, I pray you, wind-instruments?
1st Musician Ay, marry are they, sir.
Clown O, thereby hangs a tail.
1st Musician Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
Clown Marry, sir, by many a wind-instrument that I know. But, masters,
here's money for you; and the general so likes your music that he desires you,
for love's sake, to make no more noise with it.
1st Musician Well, sir, we will not.
Clown If you have any music that may not be heard, to't again; but, as they
say, to hear music the general does not greatly care.
1st Musician We have none such, sir.
Clown Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away. Go, vanish into
air. Away!
[Exeunt MUSICIANS.
Cassio Dost thou hear, mine honest friend?
Clown No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you.
Cassio Prithee keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece of gold for thee:
if the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife be stirring, tell her
there's one Cassio entreats her a little favour of speech. Wilt thou do this?
Clown She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify
unto her.
Cassio Do, good my friend.
[Exit CLOWN.
Enter IAGO.
In happy time, Iago.
Iago You have not been a-bed, then?
Cassio Why, no; the day had broke before we parted.
I have made bold, Iago,
To send in to your wife. My suit to her
Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access.
Iago I'll send her to you presently;
And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor
Out of the way, that your converse and business
May be more free.
Cassio I humbly thank you for't.
[Exit IAGO.
I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest.
Enter EMILIA.
Emilia Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry
For your displeasure, but all will sure be well.
The general and his wife are talking of it,
And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus,
And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom
He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves you,
And needs no other suitor but his likings
To take the safe'st occasion by the front
To bring you in again.
Cassio Yet, I beseech you,
If you think fit, or that it may be done,
Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemona alone.
Emilia Pray you, come in.
I will bestow you where you shall have time
To speak your bosom freely.
Cassio I am much bound to you.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 2. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and GENTLEMEN.
Othello These letters give, Iago, to the pilot,
And by him do my duties to the senate.
That done, I will be walking on the works;
Repair there to me.
Iago Well, my good lord, I'll do't.
[Exit.
Othello This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see't?
Gentlemen We'll wait upon your lordship.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 3. Cyprus. Before the Castle.
Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA.
Desdemona Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do
All my abilities in thy behalf.
Emilia Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband
As if the case were his.
Desdemona O, that's an honest fellow! Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were.
Cassio Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He's never anything but your true servant.
Desdemona I know't, I thank you. You do love my lord;
You have known him long, and be you well assured
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off
Than in a politic distance.
Cassio Ay, but, lady,
That policy may either last so long,
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstances,
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
Desdemona Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here
I give thee warrant of thy place; assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship I'll perform it
To the last article. My lord shall never rest;
I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience;
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift;
I'll intermingle everything he does
With Cassio's suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO.
Emilia Madam, here comes my lord.
Cassio Madam, I'll take my leave.
Desdemona Why, stay and hear me speak.
Cassio Madam, not now; I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.
Desdemona Well, do your discretion.
[Exit CASSIO.
Iago Ha! I like not that.
Othello What dost thou say?
Iago Nothing, my lord; or if, I know not what.
Othello Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago Cassio, my lord? No, sure; I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guilty-like,
Seeing you coming.
Othello I do believe 'twas he.
Desdemona How now, my lord?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Othello Who is't you mean?
Desdemona Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,
If I have any grace or power to move you,
His present reconciliation take;
For if he be not one that truly loves you,
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgement in an honest face.
I prithee call him back.
Othello Went he hence now?
Desdemona Ay, sooth; so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
Othello Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.
Desdemona But shall't be shortly?
Othello The sooner, sweet, for you.
Desdemona Shall't be tonight at supper?
Othello No, not tonight.
Desdemona Tomorrow dinner then?
Othello I shall not dine at home;
I meet the captains at the citadel.
Desdemona Why then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn,
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn;
I prithee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days. In faith, he's penitent;
And yet his trespass, in our common reason -
Save that, they say, the wars must make example
Out of their best -is not almost a fault
T' incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny,
Or stand so mamm'ring on? What! Michael Cassio,
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly
Hath ta'en your part -to have so much to-do
To bring him in? Byrlady, I could do much -
Othello Prithee no more; let him come when he will;
I will deny thee nothing.
Desdemona Why, this is not a boon;
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,
And fearful to be granted.
Othello I will deny thee nothing.
Whereon I do beseech thee grant me this:
To leave me but a little to myself.
Desdemona Shall I deny you? No: farewell, my lord.
Othello Farewell, my Desdemona; I'll come to thee straight.
Desdemona Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
[Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA.
Othello Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,
But I do love thee; and when I love thee not,
Chaos is come again.
Iago My noble lord?
Othello What dost thou say, Iago?
Iago Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady,
Know of your love?
Othello He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask?
Iago But for a satisfaction of my thought,
No further harm.
Othello Why of thy thought, Iago?
Iago I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
Othello O yes, and went between us very oft.
Iago Indeed!
Othello Indeed? Ay, Indeed. Discern'st thou aught in that?
Is he not honest?
Iago Honest, my lord?
Othello Honest? Ay, honest.
Iago My lord, for aught I know.
Othello What dost thou think?
Iago Think, my lord?
Othello "Think, my lord". By heaven, thou echo'st me,
As if there were some monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.
I heard thee say but now thou lik'st not that,
When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?
And when I told thee he was of my counsel
In my whole course of wooing, thou cried'st "Indeed",
And didst contract and purse thy brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me,
Show me thy thought.
Iago My lord, you know I love you.
Othello I think thou dost,
And for I know thou art full of love and honesty
And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more;
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just
They're close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.
Iago For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
Othello I think so too.
Iago Men should be that they seem;
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
Othello Certain, men should be what they seem.
Iago Why, then I think Cassio's an honest man.
Othello Nay, yet there's more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
Iago Good my lord, pardon me;
Though I am bound to every act of duty,
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false?
As where's that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? Who has a breast so pure
But some uncleanly apprehensions
Keep leets and law-days, and in sessions sit
With meditations lawful?
Othello Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think'st him wronged and mak'st his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
Iago I do beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess -
As I confess it is my nature's plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not -that your wisdom then,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of my scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom,
To let you know my thoughts.
Othello What dost thou mean?
Iago Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse, steals trash: 'tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
Othello By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.
Iago You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody.
Othello Ha!
Iago O beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;
But O what damned minutes tells he o'er
Who dotes yet doubts, suspects yet strongly loves!
Othello O misery!
Iago Poor and content is rich, and rich enough;
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
Good God, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
Othello Why, why is this?
Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No, to be once in doubt
Is once to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well;
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt;
For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago,
I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
And on the proof, there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!
Iago I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;
Wear your eye thus: not jealous, nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature,
Out of self-bounty, be abused. Look to't.
I know our country disposition well:
In Venice they do let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience
Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.
Othello Dost thou say so?
Iago She did deceive her father, marrying you;
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
Othello And so she did.
Iago Why, go to then!
She that so young could give out such a seeming
To seal her father's eyes up close as oak
He thought 'twas witchcraft -But I am much to blame;
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
Othello I am bound to thee for ever.
Iago I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
Othello Not a jot, not a jot.
Iago I'faith I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved;
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues, nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
Othello I will not.
Iago Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
As my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio's my worthy friend -
My lord, I see you're moved.
Othello No, not much moved.
I do not think but Desdemona's honest.
Iago Long live she so! And long live you to think so!
Othello And yet, how nature erring from itself -
Iago Ay, there's the point: as, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposed matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends.
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural.
But, pardon me, I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgement,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
Othello Farewell, farewell.
If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
Iago [Going.] My lord, I take my leave.
Othello Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
Iago [Returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour
To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although 'tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure he fills it up with great ability,
Yet if you please to hold him off awhile
You shall by that perceive him and his means.
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
With any strong or vehement importunity -
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime
Let me be thought too busy in my fears,
- As worthy cause I have to fear I am -
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
Othello Fear not my government.
Iago I once more take my leave.
[Exit.
Othello This fellow's of exceeding honesty,
And knows all qualities with a learned spirit
Of human dealing. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings
I'd whistle her off and let her down the wind
To prey at fortune. Haply for I am black,
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years -yet that's not much -
She's gone. I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet 'tis the plague of great ones,
Prerogatived are they less than the base;
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forked plague is fated to us
When we do quicken.
Re-enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA.
Look where she comes.
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself;
I'll not believe it.
Desdemona How now, my dear Othello?
Your dinner and the generous islanders
By you invited do attend your presence.
Othello I am to blame.
Desdemona Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
Othello I have a pain upon my forehead, here.
Desdemona Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again.
[Taking out a handkerchief.
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well.
Othello Your napkin is too little.
[She drops the handkerchief.
Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you.
Desdemona I am very sorry that you are not well.
[Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA.
Emilia I am glad I have found this napkin;
This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
Wooed me to steal it; but she so loves the token
- For he conjured her she should ever keep it -
That she reserves it evermore about her,
To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out,
And give't Iago.
What he will do with it, heaven knows, not I:
I nothing, but to please his fantasy.
Re-enter IAGO.
Iago How now, what do you here alone?
Emilia Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.
Iago A thing for me? It is a common thing -
Emilia Ha!
Iago To have a foolish wife.
Emilia O, is that all? What will you give me now
For that same handkerchief?
Iago What handkerchief?
Emilia What handkerchief!
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
Iago Hast stol'n it from her?
Emilia No, faith, she let it drop by negligence;
And, to th' advantage, I being here took't up.
Look, here it is.
Iago A good wench! Give it me.
Emilia What will you do with't, that you have been so earnest
To have me filch it?
Iago [Snatching it.] Why, what is that to you?
Emilia If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give't me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad
When she shall lack it.
Iago Be not acknown on't.
I have use for it. Go, leave me.
[Exit EMILIA.
I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But, with a little act upon the blood,
Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so.
Re-enter OTHELLO.
Look where he comes! Not poppy nor mandragora
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owed'st yesterday.
Othello Ha, ha, false to me?
Iago Why, how now, general; no more of that.
Othello Avaunt, be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
I swear 'tis better to be much abused
Than but to know't a little.
Iago How now, my lord?
Othello What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw't not, thought it not, it harmed not me;
I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry;
I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know't and he's not robbed at all.
Iago I am sorry to hear this.
Othello I had been happy if the general camp,
Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. O, now for ever
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Farewell the plumed troops and the big wars
That makes ambition virtue! O farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And, O you mortal engines whose rude throats
Th' immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!
Iago Is't possible, my lord?
Othello Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;
Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof,
Or, by the worth of mine eternal soul,
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath.
Iago Is't come to this?
Othello Make me to see't; or, at the least, so prove it
That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on -or woe upon thy life!
Iago My noble lord -
Othello If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more; abandon all remorse.
On horror's head horrors accumulate;
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed;
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
Iago O grace! O heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?
God-buy you; take mine office. O wretched fool,
That liv'st to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit, and from hence
I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such offence.
Othello Nay, stay; thou shouldst be honest.
Iago I should be wise; for honesty's a fool,
And loses that it works for.
Othello By the world,
I think my wife be honest, and think she is not;
I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.
I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives,
Poison or fire or suffocating streams,
I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
Iago I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
Othello Would! Nay, I will.
Iago And may. But, how? How satisfied, my lord?
Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,
Behold her topped?
Othello Death and damnation! O!
Iago It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them, then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
More than their own! What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where's satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances,
Which lead directly to the door of truth,
Will give you satisfaction, you might have't.
Othello Give me a living reason she's disloyal.
Iago I do not like the office;
But sith I am entered in this cause so far -
Pricked to't by foolish honesty and love -
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,
And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleep.
There are a kind of men so loose of soul
That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs.
One of this kind is Cassio.
In sleep I heard him say "Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves";
And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry "O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard,
As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips; then laid his leg
Over my thigh, and sighed and kissed, and then
Cried "Cursed fate, that gave thee to the Moor!"
Othello O monstrous, monstrous!
Iago Nay, this was but his dream.
Othello But this denoted a foregone conclusion.
Iago 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream;
And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
Othello I'll tear her all to pieces.
Iago Nay, but be wise; yet we see nothing done.
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this:
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?
Othello I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift.
Iago I know not that; but such a handkerchief -
I am sure it was your wife's -did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
Othello If it be that -
Iago If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
Othello O, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see 'tis true. Look here, Iago,
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
For 'tis of aspics' tongues!
Iago Yet be content.
Othello O, blood, blood, blood!
Iago Patience I say; your mind perhaps may change.
Othello Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up.
[Kneels.
Now, by yond marble heaven,
In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words.
Iago Do not rise yet.
[Kneels.
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hand, heart,
To wronged Othello's service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
[They rise.
Othello I greet thy love,
Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous;
And will upon the instant put thee to't.
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio's not alive.
Iago My friend is dead;
'Tis done as you request. But let her live.
Othello Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!
Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
Iago I am your own for ever.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 4. Cyprus. Before the Castle.
Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, and CLOWN.
Desdemona Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?
Clown I dare not say he lies anywhere.
Desdemona Why, man?
Clown He is a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies, 'tis stabbing.
Desdemona Go to; where lodges he?
Clown To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.
Desdemona Can anything be made of this?
Clown I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging and say he
lies here, or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.
Desdemona Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report?
Clown I will catechize the world for him: that is, make questions, and by
them answer.
Desdemona Seek him; bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved my lord in
his behalf, and hope all will be well.
Clown To do this is within the compass of man's wit, and therefore I will
attempt the doing it.
[Exit.
Desdemona Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?
Emilia I know not, madam.
Desdemona Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes; and but my noble Moor
Is true of mind, and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill-thinking.
Emilia Is he not jealous?
Desdemona Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humours from him.
Enter OTHELLO.
Emilia Look where he comes.
Desdemona I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be called to him. How is't with you, my lord?
Othello Well, my good lady. [Aside.] O, hardness to dissemble!
- How do you, Desdemona?
Desdemona Well, my good lord.
Othello Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.
Desdemona It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.
Othello This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
Hot, hot and moist. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer,
Much castigation, exercise devout;
For here's a young and sweating devil here
That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.
Desdemona You may indeed say so,
For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart.
Othello A liberal hand! The hearts of old gave hands;
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.
Desdemona I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.
Othello What promise, chuck?
Desdemona I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.
Othello I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me;
Lend me thy handkerchief.
Desdemona Here, my lord.
Othello That which I gave you.
Desdemona I have it not about me.
Othello Not?
Desdemona No, faith, my lord.
Othello That's a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give.
She was a charmer, and could almost read
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it
'Twould make her amiable, and subdue my father
Entirely to her love; but if she lost it,
Or made a gift of it, my father's eye
Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me,
And bid me, when my fate would have me wive,
To give it her. I did so; and take heed on't,
Make it a darling like your precious eye.
To lose't, or give't away, were such perdition
As nothing else could match.
Desdemona Is't possible?
Othello 'Tis true: there's magic in the web of it.
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sewed the work;
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk;
And it was dyed in mummy, which the skilful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.
Desdemona I'faith, is't true?
Othello Most veritable; therefore look to't well.
Desdemona Then would to God that I had never seen it!
Othello Ha, wherefore?
Desdemona Why do you speak so startingly and rash?
Othello Is't lost? Is't gone? Speak -is't out o'th' way?
Desdemona Heaven bless us!
Othello Say you?
Desdemona It is not lost; but what an if it were?
Othello How?
Desdemona I say it is not lost.
Othello Fetch't, let me see't.
Desdemona Why, so I can; but I will not now.
This is a trick to put me from my suit.
Pray you let Cassio be received again.
Othello Fetch me the handkerchief, my mind misgives.
Desdemona Come, come;
You'll never meet a more sufficient man.
Othello The handkerchief!
Desdemona I pray, talk me of Cassio.
Othello The handkerchief!
Desdemona A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
Shared dangers with you -
Othello The handkerchief!
Desdemona I'faith, you are to blame.
Othello Zounds!
[Exit.
Emilia Is not this man jealous?
Desdemona I ne'er saw this before.
Sure, there's some wonder in this handkerchief;
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.
Emilia 'Tis not a year or two shows us a man:
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food;
They eat us hungerly, and when they are full
They belch us.
Enter IAGO and CASSIO.
Look you, Cassio and my husband.
Iago There is no other way, 'tis she must do't.
And lo, the happiness! Go and importune her.
Desdemona How now, good Cassio, what's the news with you?
Cassio Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you
That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist and be a member of his love,
Whom I, with all the office of my heart,
Entirely honour. I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
That nor my service past nor present sorrows
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit;
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
And shut myself up in some other course
To fortune's alms.
Desdemona Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,
My advocation is not now in tune.
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him
Were he in favour as in humour altered.
So help me every spirit sanctified,
As I have spoken for you all my best,
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient.
What I can do, I will; and more I will
Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.
Iago Is my lord angry?
Emilia He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.
Iago Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon
When it hath blown his ranks into the air,
And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puffed his own brother -and can he be angry?
Something of moment then. I will go meet him.
There's matter in't indeed if he be angry.
Desdemona I prithee do so.
[Exit IAGO.
Something, sure, of state,
Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit; and in such cases
Men's natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so;
For let our finger ache, and it endues
Our other healthful members even to a sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observancy
As fits the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
I was -unhandsome warrior as I am -
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul;
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And he's indicted falsely.
Emilia Pray heaven it be state matters, as you think,
And no conception nor no jealous toy
Concerning you.
Desdemona Alas the day, I never gave him cause.
Emilia But jealous souls will not be answered so;
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they're jealous. It is a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.
Desdemona Heaven keep the monster from Othello's mind!
Emilia Lady, amen.
Desdemona I will go seek him. Cassio, walk hereabout.
If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit,
And seek to effect it to my uttermost.
Cassio I humbly thank your ladyship.
[Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA.
Enter BIANCA.
Bianca Save you, friend Cassio!
Cassio What make you from home?
How is it with you, my most fair Bianca?
I'faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house.
Bianca And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours,
More tedious than the dial eight score times!
O weary reck'ning!
Cassio Pardon me, Bianca;
I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed;
But I shall in a more convenient time
Strike off this score of absence.
[Giving DESDEMONA's handkerchief.
Sweet Bianca,
Take me this work out.
Bianca O Cassio, whence came this?
This is some token from a newer friend.
To the felt absence now I feel a cause.
Is't come to this? Well, well.
Cassio Go to, woman;
Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth,
From whence you have them. You are jealous, now,
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.
No, in good troth, Bianca.
Bianca Why, whose is it?
Cassio I know not, neither. I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded -
As like enough it will -I would have it copied.
Take it and do't, and leave me for this time.
Bianca Leave you? Wherefore?
Cassio I do attend here on the general,
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned.
Bianca Why, I pray you?
Cassio Not that I love you not.
Bianca But that you do not love me.
I pray you, bring me on the way a little
And say if I shall see you soon at night.
Cassio 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend here; but I'll see you soon.
Bianca 'Tis very good; I must be circumstanced.
[Exeunt.
+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++
ACT 4.
Scene 1. Cyprus. Before the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO.
Iago Will you think so?
Othello Think so, Iago?
Iago What,
To kiss in private?
Othello An unauthorized kiss.
Iago Or to be naked with her friend in bed
An hour or more, not meaning any harm?
Othello Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm?
It is hypocrisy against the devil.
They that mean virtuously and yet do so,
The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.
Iago If they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip;
But if I give my wife a handkerchief -
Othello What then?
Iago Why, then 'tis hers, my lord; and being hers,
She may, I think, bestow't on any man.
Othello She is protectress of her honour too;
May she give that?
Iago Her honour is an essence that's not seen;
They have it very oft that have it not.
But, for the handkerchief -
Othello By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it.
Thou said'st -O, it comes o'er my memory
As doth the raven o'er the infected house,
Boding to all! -he had my handkerchief.
Iago Ay, what of that?
Othello That's not so good now.
Iago What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong?
Or heard him say -as knaves be such abroad
Who, having by their own importunate suit
Or voluntary dotage of some mistress
Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose
But they must blab -
Othello Hath he said anything?
Iago He hath, my lord; but be you well assured,
No more than he'll unswear.
Othello What hath he said?
Iago Faith, that he did -I know not what he did.
Othello What, what?
Iago Lie.
Othello With her?
Iago With her, on her, what you will.
Othello Lie with her? Lie on her? We say lie on her when they belie her.
Lie with her? Zounds, that's fulsome! Handkerchief -confessions -Handkerchief!
To confess and be hanged for his labour. First to be hanged, and then to
confess. I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing
passion without some instruction. It is not words that shake me thus. Pish!
Noses, ears, and lips. Is't possible? -Confess? Handkerchief? -O devil!
[Falls in a trance.
Iago Work on,
My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught,
And many worthy and chaste dames even thus,
All guiltless, meet reproach. What ho, my lord!
My lord, I say! Othello!
Enter CASSIO.
How now, Cassio!
Cassio What's the matter?
Iago My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy.
This is his second fit; he had one yesterday.
Cassio Rub him about the temples.
Iago No, forbear;
The lethargy must have his quiet course.
If not, he foams at mouth, and by and by
Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs.
Do you withdraw yourself a little while.
He will recover straight; when he is gone,
I would on great occasion speak with you.
[Exit CASSIO.
How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head?
Othello Dost thou mock me?
Iago I mock you not, by heaven.
Would you would bear your fortune like a man!
Othello A horned man's a monster and a beast.
Iago There's many a beast then in a populous city,
And many a civil monster.
Othello Did he confess it?
Iago Good sir, be a man;
Think every bearded fellow that's but yoked
May draw with you. There's millions now alive
That nightly lie in those unproper beds
Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better.
O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock,
To lip a wanton in a secure couch,
And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know;
And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be.
Othello O, thou art wise, 'tis certain.
Iago Stand you awhile apart;
Confine yourself but in a patient list.
Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief,
- A passion most unsuiting such a man -
Cassio came hither. I shifted him away,
And laid good 'scuses upon your ecstasy;
Bade him anon return and here speak with me;
The which he promised. Do but encave yourself,
And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns
That dwell in every region of his face;
For I will make him tell the tale anew,
Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when
He hath, and is again, to cope your wife.
I say but mark his gesture. Marry, patience;
Or I shall say you're all in all in spleen,
And nothing of a man.
Othello Dost thou hear, Iago?
I will be found most cunning in my patience,
But -dost thou hear? -most bloody.
Iago That's not amiss;
But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?
[OTHELLO withdraws.
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,
A huswife that by selling her desires
Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature
That dotes on Cassio, as 'tis the strumpet's plague
To beguile many and be beguiled by one.
He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain
From the excess of laughter.
Re-enter CASSIO.
Here he comes.
As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad;
And his unbookish jealousy must construe
Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behaviours
Quite in the wrong. How do you now, lieutenant?
Cassio The worser that you give me the addition
Whose want even kills me.
Iago Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't.
[Speaking lower.] Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power,
How quickly should you speed!
Cassio Alas, poor caitiff!
Othello [Aside.] Look how he laughs already!
Iago I never knew woman love man so.
Cassio Alas, poor rogue! I think, i'faith, she loves me.
Othello [Aside.] Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out.
Iago Do you hear, Cassio?
Othello [Aside.] Now he importunes him
To tell it o'er. Go to; well said, well said.
Iago She gives it out that you shall marry her.
Do you intend it?
Cassio Ha, ha, ha!
Othello [Aside.] Do you triumph, Roman? Do you triumph?
Cassio I marry her! What, a customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit:
do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!
Othello [Aside.] So, so, so, so; they laugh that wins.
Iago Faith, the cry goes that you marry her.
Cassio Prithee say true.
Iago I am a very villain else.
Othello [Aside.] Have you scored me? Well.
Cassio This is the monkey's own giving out. She is persuaded I will marry
her out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise.
Othello [Aside.] Iago beckons me. Now he begins the story.
Cassio She was here even now. She haunts me in every place. I was the other
day talking on the sea-bank with certain Venetians, and thither comes the
bauble and falls me thus about my neck.
Othello [Aside.] Crying "O dear Cassio" as it were: his gesture imports it.
Cassio So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me; so hales and pulls me. Ha, ha,
ha!
Othello [Aside.] Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. O, I see
that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.
Cassio Well, I must leave her company.
Enter BIANCA.
Iago Before me, look where she comes!
Cassio 'Tis such another fitchew! Marry, a perfumed one.
What do you mean by this haunting of me?
Bianca Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same
handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take
out the work! A likely piece of work that you should find it in your chamber
and not know who left it there! This is some minx's token, and I must take out
the work? There, give it your hobby-horse, wheresoever you had it; I'll take
out no work on't.
Cassio How now, my sweet Bianca! How now, how now!
Othello [Aside.] By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!
Bianca If you'll come to supper tonight, you may; if you will not, come
when you are next prepared for.
[Exit.
Iago After her, after her.
Cassio Faith, I must; she'll rail in the street else.
Iago Will you sup there?
Cassio Faith, I intend so.
Iago Well, I may chance to see you; for I would very fain speak with you.
Cassio Prithee come, will you?
Iago Go to; say no more.
[Exit CASSIO.
Othello [Advancing.] How shall I murder him, Iago?
Iago Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?
Othello O, Iago!
Iago And did you see the handkerchief?
Othello Was that mine?
Iago Yours, by this hand. And to see how he prizes the foolish woman your
wife! She gave it him, and he hath giv'n it his whore.
Othello I would have him nine years a-killing. A fine woman, a fair woman,
a sweet woman!
Iago Nay, you must forget that.
Othello Ay, let her rot and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall
not live. No, my heart is turned to stone: I strike it, and it hurts my hand.
O, the world hath not a sweeter creature. She might lie by an emperor's side,
and command him tasks.
Iago Nay, that's not your way.
Othello Hang her! I do but say what she is: so delicate with her needle, an
admirable musician -O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear! -of so high
and plenteous wit and invention.
Iago She's the worse for all this.
Othello O, a thousand, a thousand times. And then of so gentle a condition.
Iago Ay, too gentle.
Othello Nay, that's certain; but yet the pity of it, Iago. O Iago, the pity
of it, Iago!
Iago If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend; for
if it touche not you, it comes near nobody.
Othello I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!
Iago O, 'tis foul in her.
Othello With mine officer!
Iago That's fouler.
Othello Get me some poison, Iago, this night; I'll not expostulate with
her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night, Iago.
Iago Do it not with poison: strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath
contaminated.
Othello Good, good: the justice of it pleases; very good.
Iago And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall hear more by
midnight.
Othello Excellent good.
[A trumpet sounds.
What trumpet is that same?
Iago I warrant something from Venice.
Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and ATTENDANTS.
'Tis Lodovico.
This comes from the duke. See, your wife's with him.
Lodovico God save you, worthy general!
Othello With all my heart, sir.
Lodovico [Giving a letter.]
The duke and senators of Venice greet you.
Othello I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.
[Reads.
Desdemona And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico?
Iago I am very glad to see you, signor.
Welcome to Cyprus.
Lodovico I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio?
Iago Lives, sir.
Desdemona Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord
An unkind breach; but you shall make all well.
Othello Are you sure of that?
Desdemona My lord?
Othello [Reads.] "This fail you not to do, as you will -"
Lodovico He did not call; he's busy in the paper.
Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio?
Desdemona A most unhappy one. I would do much
T'atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.
Othello Fire and brimstone!
Desdemona My lord?
Othello Are you wise?
Desdemona What, is he angry?
Lodovico Maybe the letter moved him;
For, as I think, they do command him home,
Deputing Cassio in his government.
Desdemona By my troth, I am glad on't.
Othello Indeed?
Desdemona My lord?
Othello I am glad to see you mad.
Desdemona Why, sweet Othello!
Othello Devil!
[Strikes her.
Desdemona I have not deserved this.
Lodovico My lord, this would not be believed in Venice
Though I should swear I saw't. 'Tis very much.
Make her amends; she weeps.
Othello O devil, devil!
If that the earth could teem with woman's tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
Out of my sight!
Desdemona I will not stay to offend you.
Lodovico Truly an obedient lady.
I do beseech your lordship call her back.
Othello Mistress!
Desdemona My lord?
Othello What would you with her, sir?
Lodovico Who? I, my lord?
Othello Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn.
Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on,
And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep;
And she's obedient, as you say, obedient,
Very obedient. -Proceed you in your tears. -
Concerning this, sir -O, well-painted passion! -
I am commanded home. -Get you away;
I'll send for you anon. -Sir, I obey the mandate,
And will return to Venice. -Hence, avaunt!
[Exit DESDEMONA.
Cassio shall have my place; and, sir, tonight,
I do entreat that we may sup together.
You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys!
[Exit.
Lodovico Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the noble nature
Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue
The shot of accident nor dart of chance
Could neither graze nor pierce?
Iago He is much changed.
Lodovico Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain?
Iago He's that he is. I may not breathe my censure
What he might be. If what he might he is not,
I would to heaven he were.
Lodovico What, strike his wife!
Iago Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew
That stroke would prove the worst!
Lodovico Is it his use?
Or did the letters work upon his blood,
And new create this fault?
Iago Alas, alas!
It is not honesty in me to speak
What I have seen and known. You shall observe him,
And his own courses will denote him so,
That I may save my speech. Do but go after,
And mark how he continues.
Lodovico I am sorry that I am deceived in him.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 2. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO and EMILIA.
Othello You have seen nothing then?
Emilia Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect.
Othello Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.
Emilia But then I saw no harm, and then I heard
Each syllable that breath made up between them.
Othello What, did they never whisper?
Emilia Never, my lord.
Othello Nor send you out o'th' way?
Emilia Never.
Othello To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing?
Emilia Never, my lord.
Othello That's strange.
Emilia I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest,
Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other,
Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom.
If any wretch have put this in your head,
Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse;
For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There's no man happy; the purest of their wives
Is foul as slander.
Othello Bid her come hither. Go.
[Exit EMILIA.
She says enough; yet she's a simple bawd
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore,
A closet lock and key of villainous secrets;
And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't.
Re-enter EMILIA with DESDEMONA.
Desdemona My lord, what is your will?
Othello Pray you, chuck, come hither.
Desdemona What is your pleasure?
Othello Let me see your eyes.
Look in my face.
Desdemona What horrible fancy's this?
Othello [To EMILIA.] Some of your function, mistress;
Leave procreants alone, and shut the door.
Cough, or cry "hem", if anybody come.
Your mystery, your mystery! Nay, dispatch.
[Exit EMILIA.
Desdemona Upon my knee, what doth your speech import?
I understand a fury in your words,
But not the words.
Othello Why, what art thou?
Desdemona Your wife, my lord, your true
And loyal wife.
Othello Come, swear it, damn thyself,
Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves
Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double-damned:
Swear thou art honest.
Desdemona Heaven doth truly know it.
Othello Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.
Desdemona To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?
Othello Ah Desdemona, away, away, away!
Desdemona Alas the heavy day! -why do you weep?
Am I the motive of these tears, my lord?
If haply you my father do suspect
An instrument of this your calling back,
Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him,
I have lost him too.
Othello Had it pleased heaven
To try me with affliction, had they rained
All kind of sores and shames on my bare head,
Steeped me in poverty to the very lips,
Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes,
I should have found in some place of my soul
A drop of patience. But alas, to make me
The fixed figure for the time of scorn
To point his slow unmoving finger at!
Yet could I bear that to -well, very well;
But there, where I have garnered up my heart,
Where either I must live or bear no life,
The fountain from the which my current runs
Or else dries up -to be discarded thence,
Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads
To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there,
Patience, thou young and rose-lipped cherubin;
Ay, here, look grim as hell!
Desdemona I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.
Othello O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles,
That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed,
Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet
That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst ne'er been born!
Desdemona Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?
Othello Was this fair paper, this most goodly book,
Made to write "whore" upon? What committed?
Committed? O thou public commoner!
I should make very forges of my cheeks,
That would to cinders burn up modesty,
Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed?
Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks,
The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets
Is hushed within the hollow mine of earth,
And will not hear't. What committed?
Impudent strumpet!
Desdemona By heaven, you do me wrong.
Othello Are not you a strumpet?
Desdemona No, as I am a Christian.
If to preserve this vessel for my lord
From any other foul unlawful touch
Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.
Othello What, not a whore?
Desdemona No, as I shall be saved.
Othello Is it possible?
Desdemona O, heaven forgive us!
Othello I cry you mercy then.
I took you for that cunning whore of Venice
That married with Othello. [Calling.] You, mistress,
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter,
And keeps the gate of hell.
Re-enter EMILIA.
You, you, ay, you!
We have done our course; there's money for your pains.
I pray you turn the key, and keep our counsel.
[Exit.
Emilia Alas, what does this gentleman conceive?
How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?
Desdemona Faith, half asleep.
Emilia Good madam, what's the matter with my lord?
Desdemona With who?
Emilia Why, with my lord, madam.
Desdemona Who is thy lord?
Emilia He that is yours, sweet lady.
Desdemona I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia;
I cannot weep, nor answers have I none
But what should go by water. Prithee tonight
Lay on my bed our wedding sheets, remember;
And call thy husband hither.
Emilia Here's a change indeed!
[Exit.
Desdemona 'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet.
How have I been behaved that he might stick
The small'st opinion on my least misuse?
Re-enter EMILIA with IAGO.
Iago What is your pleasure, madam? How is't with you?
Desdemona I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes
Do it with gentle means and easy tasks:
He might have chid me so, for, in good faith,
I am a child to chiding.
Iago What is the matter, lady?
Emilia Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her,
Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her,
That true hearts cannot bear it.
Desdemona Am I that name, Iago?
Iago What name, fair lady?
Desdemona Such as she said my lord did say I was?
Emilia He called her whore. A beggar in his drink
Could not have laid such terms upon his callet.
Iago Why did he so?
Desdemona I do not know. I am sure I am none such.
Iago Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day!
Emilia Hath she forsook so many noble matches,
Her father, and her country, and her friends,
To be called whore? Would it not make one weep?
Desdemona It is my wretched fortune.
Iago Beshrew him for't!
How comes this trick upon him?
Desdemona Nay, heaven doth know.
Emilia I will be hanged if some eternal villain,
Some busy and insinuating rogue,
Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office
Have not devised this slander; I will be hanged else.
Iago Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible.
Desdemona If any such there be, heaven pardon him!
Emilia A halter pardon him, and hell gnaw his bones!
Why should he call her whore? Who keeps her company?
What place, what time, what form, what likelihood?
The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave,
Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow.
O heavens, that such companions thou'dst unfold,
And put in every honest hand a whip
To lash the rascals naked through the world,
Even from the east to th' west!
Iago Speak within door.
Emilia O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was
That turned your wit the seamy side without,
And made you to suspect me with the Moor.
Iago You are a fool; go to.
Desdemona Alas, Iago,
What shall I do to win my lord again?
Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of heaven,
I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:
If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love,
Either in discourse of thought or actual deed,
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense
Delighted them in any other form,
Or that I do not yet, and ever did,
And ever will -though he do shake me off
To beggarly divorcement -love him dearly,
Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much,
And his unkindness may defeat my life,
But never taint my love. I cannot say "whore";
It does abhor me now I speak the word:
To do the act that might the addition earn
Not the world's mass of vanity could make me.
Iago I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humour:
The business of the state does him offence,
And he does chide with you.
Desdemona If 'twere no other -
Iago It is but so, I warrant.
[Trumpets sound.
Hark how these instruments summon you to supper!
The messengers of Venice stays the meat.
Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well.
[Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA.
Enter RODERIGO.
How now, Roderigo!
Roderigo I do not find that thou deal'st justly with me.
Iago What in the contrary?
Roderigo Every day thou daff'st me with some device, Iago, and rather, as
it seems to me now, keep'st from me all conveniency than supply'st me with the
least advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor am I yet
persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.
Iago Will you hear me, Roderigo?
Roderigo Faith, I have heard too much; and your words and performances are
no kin together
Iago You charge me most unjustly.
Roderigo With nought but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means. The
jewels you have had from me to deliver Desdemona would half have corrupted a
votarist. You have told me she has received them, and returned me expectations
and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.
Iago Well, go to, very well.
Roderigo Very well, go to! I cannot go to, man, nor 'tis not very well.
Nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.
Iago Very well.
Roderigo I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself known to
Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and
repent my unlawful solicitation; if not, assure yourself I will seek
satisfaction of you.
Iago You have said now.
Roderigo Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.
Iago Why, now I see there's mettle in thee, and even from this instant do
build on thee a better opinion than ever before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo.
Thou hast taken against me a most just exception; but yet I protest I have
dealt most directly in thy affair.
Roderigo It hath not appeared.
Iago I grant indeed it hath not appeared; and your suspicion is not without
wit and judgement; but, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I
have greater reason to believe now than ever -I mean purpose, courage, and
valour -his night show it. If thou the next night following enjoy not
Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery, and devise engines for my
life.
Roderigo Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass?
Iago Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in
Othello's place.
Roderigo Is that true? Why, then Othello and Desdemona return again to
Venice.
Iago O no; he goes into Mauritania, and taketh away with him the fair
Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident; wherein none
can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio.
Roderigo How do you mean "removing" him?
Iago Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place -knocking out his
brains.
Roderigo And that you would have me to do.
Iago Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups tonight with
a harlotry; and thither will I go to him. He knows not yet of his honourable
fortune. If you will watch his going thence, which I will fashion to fall out
between twelve and one, you may take him at your pleasure. I will be near to
second your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at
it, but go along with me; I will show you such a necessity in his death that
you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high suppertime,
and the night grows to waste. About it.
Roderigo I will hear further reason for this.
Iago And you shall be satisfied.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 3. Cyprus. Another Room in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, EMILIA, and ATTENDANTS.
Lodovico I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further.
Othello O, pardon me, 'twill do me good to walk.
Lodovico Madame, good night. I humbly thank your ladyship.
Desdemona Your honour is most welcome.
Othello Will you walk, sir?
O, Desdemona!
Desdemona My lord?
Othello Get you to bed on th'instant; I will be returned forthwith. Dismiss
your attendant there. Look't be done.
Desdemona I will, my lord.
[Exeunt OTHELLO, LODOVICO and ATTENDANTS.
Emilia How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did.
Desdemona He says he will return incontinent.
And hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bid me to dismiss you.
Emilia Dismiss me?
Desdemona It was his bidding. Therefore, good Emilia,
Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu.
We must not now displease him.
Emilia I would you had never seen him!
Desdemona So would not I. My love doth so approve him
That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns -
Prithee unpin me -have grace and favour.
Emilia I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed.
Desdemona All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our minds!
If I do die before, prithee shroud me
In one of these same sheets.
Emilia Come, come, you talk.
Desdemona My mother had a maid called Barbary:
She was in love; and he she loved proved mad,
And did forsake her. She had a song of willow;
An old thing 'twas, but it expressed her fortune,
And she died singing it. That song tonight
Will not go from my mind; I have much to do
But to go hang my head all at one side
And sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee dispatch.
Emilia Shall I go fetch your nightgown?
Desdemona No, unpin me here.
This Lodovico is a proper man.
Emilia A very handsome man.
Desdemona He speaks well.
Emilia I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to Palestine for
a touch of his nether lip.
Desdemona [Sings.]
The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,
Sing all a green willow;
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
Sing willow, willow, willow.
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmured her moans,
Sing willow, willow, willow.
Her salt tears fell from her, and softened the stones,
Sing willow -
Lay by these: -
willow, willow. -
Prithee hie thee; he'll come anon. -
[Sings.]
Sing all a green willow must be my garland.
Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve -
Nay, that's not next. Hark, who is't that knocks?
Emilia It's the wind.
Desdemona [Sings.]
I called my love false love, but what said he then?
Sing willow, willow, willow;
If I court more women, you'll couch with more men.
So get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do itch -
Does that bode weeping?
Emilia 'Tis neither here nor there.
Desdemona I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men!
Dost thou in conscience think, tell me, Emilia,
That there be women do abuse their husbands
In such gross kind?
Emilia There be some such, no question.
Desdemona Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?
Emilia Why, would not you?
Desdemona No, by this heavenly light.
Emilia Nor I neither, by this heavenly light: I might do it as well i'th'
dark.
Desdemona Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?
Emilia The world's a huge thing: it is a great price for a small vice.
Desdemona In troth, I think thou wouldst not.
Emilia In troth, I think I should; and undo't when I had done. Marry, I
would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, nor for measures of lawn, nor for
gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty exhibition; -but, for all the whole
world? Ud's pity, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a
monarch? I should venture purgatory for't.
Desdemona Beshrew me if I would do such a wrong for the whole world.
Emilia Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'th' world; and, having the world for
your labour, 'tis a wrong in your own world, and you might quickly make it
right.
Desdemona I do not think there is any such woman.
Emilia Yes, a dozen; and as many to th' vantage as would store the world
they played for.
But I do think it is their husbands' faults
If wives do fall. Say that they slack their duties,
And pour our treasures into foreign laps;
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite -
Why, we have galls; and though we have some grace,
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know
Their wives have sense like them: they see, and smell,
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. What is it that they do
When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is. And doth affection breed it?
I think it doth. Is't frailty that thus errs?
It is so too. And have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?
Then let them use us well; else let them know
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.
Desdemona Good night, good night. God me such uses send,
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend!
[Exeunt.
+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++
ACT 5.
Scene 1. Cyprus. A Street.
Enter IAGO and RODERIGO.
Iago Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come.
Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home.
Quick, quick, fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow.
It makes us or it mars us; think on that,
And fix most firm thy resolution.
Roderigo Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't.
Iago Here, at thy hand. Be bold, and take thy stand.
[Retires.
Roderigo I have no great devotion to the deed,
And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons:
'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword; he dies!
Iago [Aside.] I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense,
And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio,
Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,
Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo,
He calls me to a restitution large
Of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him
As gifts to Desdemona.
It must not be. If Cassio do remain,
He hath a daily beauty in his life
That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor
May unfold me to him -there stand I in much peril.
No, he must die. But so, I hear him coming.
Enter CASSIO.
Roderigo I know his gait; 'tis he. Villain, thou diest!
[Lunging at CASSIO.
Cassio That thrust had been my enemy indeed
But that my coat is better than thou know'st;
I will make proof of thine.
[Wounds RODERIGO.
Roderigo O, I am slain!
[IAGO wounds CASSIO in the leg.
[Exit IAGO.
Cassio I am maimed for ever. Help, ho! Murder, murder!
Enter OTHELLO at a distance.
Othello The voice of Cassio. Iago keeps his word.
Roderigo O, villain that I am!
Othello It is even so.
Cassio O help, ho! Light! A surgeon!
Othello 'Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just,
That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong!
Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead,
And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come!
Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted;
Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lust's blood be spotted.
[Exit.
Enter LODOVICO and GRATIANO.
Cassio What ho! No watch? No passage? Murder, murder!
Gratiano 'Tis some mischance; the voice is very direful.
Cassio O, help!
Lodovico Hark!
Roderigo O wretched villain!
Lodovico Two or three groan. 'Tis heavy night;
These may be counterfeits: let's think't unsafe
To come into the cry without more help.
Roderigo Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death.
Enter IAGO with a light.
Lodovico Hark!
Gratiano Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and weapons.
Iago Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries on murder?
Lodovico We do not know.
Iago Do not you hear a cry?
Cassio Here, here. For heaven's sake, help me!
Iago What's the matter?
Gratiano This is Othello's ensign, as I take it.
Lodovico The same indeed; a very valiant fellow.
Iago What are you here that cry so grievously?
Cassio Iago? O, I am spoiled, undone by villains.
Give me some help.
Iago O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this?
Cassio I think the one of them is hereabout,
And cannot make away.
Iago O treacherous villains!
[To LODOVICO and GRATIANO.]
What are you there? Come in and give some help.
Roderigo O help me, there!
Cassio That's one of them.
Iago O murd'rous slave! O villain!
[Stabs RODERIGO.
Roderigo O damned Iago! O inhuman dog!
Iago Kill men i'th' dark? Where be these bloody thieves?
How silent is this town! Ho, murder, murder!
What may you be? Are you of good or evil?
Lodovico As you shall prove us, praise us.
Iago Signor Lodovico?
Lodovico He, sir.
Iago I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains.
Gratiano Cassio?
Iago How is't, brother?
Cassio My leg is cut in two.
Iago Marry, heaven forbid!
Light, gentlemen; I'll bind it with my shirt.
Enter BIANCA.
Bianca What is the matter, ho? Who is't that cried?
Iago Who is't that cried?
Bianca O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio!
O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!
Iago O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect
Who they should be that have thus mangled you?
Cassio No.
Gratiano I am sorry to find you thus; I have been to seek you.
Iago Lend me a garter. So. O for a chair
To bear him easily hence!
Bianca Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!
Iago Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash
To be a party in this injury.
Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come,
Lend me a light. Know we this face or no?
Alas, my friend and my dear countryman
Roderigo? No? -yes, sure. O heaven, Roderigo!
Gratiano What, of Venice?
Iago Even he, sir. Did you know him?
Gratiano Know him? Ay.
Iago Signor Gratiano, I cry your gentle pardon;
These bloody accidents must excuse my manners
That so neglected you.
Gratiano I am glad to see you.
Iago How do you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair!
Gratiano Roderigo!
Iago He, he, 'tis he.
Enter ATTENDANTS with a chair.
O, that's well said, the chair!
Some good men bear him carefully from hence.
I'll fetch the general's surgeon.
[To BIANCA.] For you, mistress,
Save you your labour. -He that lies slain here, Cassio,
Was my dear friend. What malice was between you?
Cassio None in the world, nor do I know the man.
Iago [To BIANCA.]
What, look you pale? -O, bear him out o'th'air.
[CASSIO and the body of RODERIGO are borne off.
Stay you, good gentlemen. -Look you pale, mistress?
Do you perceive the gastness of her eye?
[To BIANCA.] Nay, if you stare we shall hear more anon.
Behold her well; I pray you look upon her.
Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness will speak
Though tongues were out of use.
Enter EMILIA.
Emilia Alas, what is the matter? What is the matter, husband?
Iago Cassio hath here been set on in the dark
By Roderigo and fellows that are 'scaped.
He's almost slain, and Roderigo quite dead.
Emilia Alas, good gentleman! Alas, good Cassio!
Iago This is the fruits of whoring. Prithee, Emilia,
Go know of Cassio where he supped tonight.
[To BIANCA.] What, do you shake at that?
Bianca He supped at my house, but I therefore shake not.
Iago O, did he so? I charge you go with me.
Emilia O fie upon thee, strumpet!
Bianca I am no strumpet, but of life as honest
As you that thus abuse me.
Emilia As I? Fie upon thee!
Iago Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dressed.
Come, mistress, you must tell's another tale.
Emilia, run you to the citadel,
And tell my lord and lady what hath happed.
Will you go on afore? [Aside.] This is the night
That either makes me or fordoes me quite.
[Exeunt.
+ + + + + +
Scene 2. A Bedchamber in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, with a light. DESDEMONA in bed asleep.
Othello It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul -
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars -
It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then, put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Should I repent me; but once put out thy light,
Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose,
I cannot give it vital growth again;
It must needs wither. I'll smell thee on the tree.
[Kisses her.
O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword. One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee
And love thee after. One more, and that's the last.
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep;
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow's heavenly:
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
Desdemona Who's there? Othello?
Othello Ay, Desdemona.
Desdemona Will you come to bed, my lord?
Othello Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?
Desdemona Ay, my lord.
Othello If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
Solicit for it straight.
Desdemona Alack, my lord, what may you mean by that?
Othello Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by:
I would not kill thy unprepared spirit;
No -heavens forfend! -I would not kill thy soul.
Desdemona Talk you of killing?
Othello Ay, I do.
Desdemona Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
Othello Amen, with all my heart!
Desdemona If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.
Othello Hum!
Desdemona And yet I fear you; for you're fatal then
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear.
Othello Think on thy sins.
Desdemona They are loves I bear to you.
Othello Ay, and for that thou diest.
Desdemona That death's unnatural that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope
They do not point on me.
Othello Peace, and be still!
Desdemona I will so. What's the matter?
Othello That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee,
Thou gav'st to Cassio.
Desdemona No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man and ask him.
Othello Sweet soul, take heed,
Take heed of perjury; thou art on thy death-bed.
Desdemona Ay, but not yet to die.
Othello Yes, presently.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
Desdemona Then Lord have mercy on me!
Othello I say, amen.
Desdemona And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love. I never gave him token.
Othello By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in's hand.
O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart,
And mak'st me call what I intend to do
A murder which I thought a sacrifice.
I saw the handkerchief.
Desdemona He found it then;
I never gave it him. Send for him hither;
Let him confess a truth.
Othello He hath confessed.
Desdemona What, my lord?
Othello That he hath used thee.
Desdemona How? Unlawfully?
Othello Ay.
Desdemona He will not say so.
Othello No, his mouth is stopped;
Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't.
Desdemona O, my fear interprets. What, is he dead?
Othello Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge
Had stomach for them all.
Desdemona Alas, he is betrayed, and I undone.
Othello Out strumpet! Weep'st thou for him to my face?
Desdemona O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not.
Othello Down, strumpet!
Desdemona Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight.
Othello Nay, if you strive -
Desdemona But half an hour!
Othello Being done, there is no pause.
Desdemona But while I say one prayer!
Othello It is too late.
[Smothers her.
Desdemona O Lord, Lord, Lord!
Emilia [Within.] My lord, my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord!
Othello What noise is this? Not dead? Not yet quite dead?
I that am cruel am yet merciful;
I would not have thee linger in thy pain.
So, so.
Emilia [Within.] What ho! My lord, my lord!
Othello Who's there?
Emilia [Within.] O good my lord, I would speak a word with you.
Othello Yes, 'tis Emilia. [Calling.] By and by. -She's dead.
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death;
The noise was high. Ha, no more moving?
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were't good?
I think she stirs again. No. What's the best to do?
If she come in she'll sure speak to my wife.
My wife, my wife! What wife? I have no wife.
O, insupportable! O heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
Emilia [Within.] I do beseech you
That I may speak with you. O, good my lord!
Othello I had forgot thee. O, come in, Emilia.
Soft, by and by; let me the curtains draw.
[Draws the bed curtains.
Where art thou?
[Unlocks the door.
Enter EMILIA.
What's the matter with thee now?
Emilia O my good lord, yonder's foul murders done.
Othello What, now?
Emilia But now, my lord.
Othello It is the very error of the moon:
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont,
And makes men mad.
Emilia Cassio, my lord, has killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
Othello Roderigo killed?
And Cassio killed?
Emilia No, Cassio is not killed.
Othello Not Cassio killed! Then murder's out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
Desdemona O, falsely, falsely murdered!
Emilia O Lord, what cry is that?
Othello That? What?
Emilia Out and alas, that was my lady's voice!
[Draws back the bed curtains.
Help, help, ho, help! O lady, speak again!
Sweet Desdemona, O sweet mistress, speak!
Desdemona A guiltless death I die.
Emilia O, who has done this deed?
Desdemona Nobody -I myself. Farewell.
Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell!
[Dies.
Othello Why, how should she be murdered?
Emilia Alas, who knows?
Othello You heard her say herself it was not I.
Emilia She said so; I must needs report the truth.
Othello She's like a liar gone to burning hell:
'Twas I that killed her.
Emilia O, the more angel she,
And you the blacker devil.
Othello She turned to folly, and she was a whore.
Emilia Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
Othello She was false as water.
Emilia Thou art rash as fire to say
That she was false. O, she was heavenly true.
Othello Cassio did top her -ask thy husband else.
O, I were damned beneath all depth in hell
But that I did proceed upon just grounds
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
Emilia My husband?
Othello Thy husband.
Emilia That she was false to wedlock?
Othello Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite
I'd not have sold her for it.
Emilia My husband?
Othello Ay, 'twas he that told me on her first.
An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
Emilia My husband?
Othello What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.
Emilia O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!
My husband say she was false?
Othello He, woman;
I say thy husband. Dost understand the word?
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
Emilia If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day. He lies to th' heart:
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
Othello [Threatening her.] Ha!
Emilia Do thy worst.
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
Othello Peace! -you were best.
Emilia Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
As I have to be hurt. O gull, O dolt
As ignorant as dirt, thou hast done a deed -
I care not for thy sword; I'll make thee known
Though I lost twenty lives. Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath killed my mistress. Murder, murder!
Enter MONTANO, GRATIANO, and IAGO.
Montano What is the matter? How now, general?
Emilia O, are you come, Iago? you have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
All What is the matter?
Emilia Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man.
He says thou told'st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.
Speak, for my heart is full.
Iago I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
Emilia But did you ever tell him she was false?
Iago I did.
Emilia You told a lie, an odious damned lie.
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie!
She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio?
Iago With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
Emilia I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak:
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed.
All O heavens forfend!
Emilia And your reports have set the murder on.
Othello Nay, stare not, masters; it is true indeed.
Gratiano 'Tis a strange truth.
Montano O monstrous act!
Emilia Villainy, villainy, villainy!
I think upon't, I think -I smell't -O villainy!
I thought so then. I'll kill myself for grief.
O villainy, villainy!
Iago What, are you mad? I charge you get you home.
Emilia Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
Othello O, O, O!
[Falls on the bed.
Emilia Nay, lay thee down and roar,
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
Othello [Rising.] O, she was foul.
[To GRATIANO.]
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece,
Whose breath indeed these hands have newly stopped.
I know this act shows horrible and grim.
Gratiano Poor Desdemon, I am glad thy father's dead;
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now
This sight would make him do a desperate turn,
Yea, curse his better angel from his side,
And fall to reprobance.
Othello 'Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it;
And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her -I saw it in his hand.
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
Emilia O God, O heavenly God!
Iago Zounds, hold your peace!
Emilia 'Twill out, 'twill out. I, peace?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north;
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.
Iago Be wise, and get you home.
Emilia I will not.
[IAGO draws his sword.
Gratiano Fie,
Your sword upon a woman?
Emilia O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak'st of
I found by fortune, and did give my husband;
For often with a solemn earnestness,
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle,
He begged of me to steal't.
Iago Villainous whore!
Emilia She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it,
And I did give't my husband.
Iago Filth, thou liest!
Emilia By heaven I do not; I do not, gentlemen.
O murd'rous coxcomb, what should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
Othello Are there no stones in heaven
But what serves for the thunder? Precious villain!
[He runs at IAGO. MONTANO disarms him.
[IAGO stabs EMILIA and exit.
Gratiano The woman falls -sure he hath killed his wife.
Emilia Ay, ay. O, lay me by my mistress' side.
Gratiano He's gone, but his wife's killed.
Montano 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon
Which I have here recovered from the Moor.
Come, guard the door without; let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain,
For 'tis a damned slave.
[Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO.
Othello I am not valiant neither,
But every puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honour outlive honesty?
Let it go all.
Emilia What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan,
And die in music:
[Sings.] Willow, willow, willow.
Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor,
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.
So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
[She dies.
Othello I have another weapon in this chamber:
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper.
O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
Gratiano [Within.] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear;
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
Othello Look in upon me then, and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
Re-enter GRATIANO.
Gratiano What is the matter?
Othello Behold, I have a weapon;
A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier's thigh. I have seen the day
That with this little arm and this good sword
I have made my way through more impediments
Than twenty times your stop. But -O vain boast! -
Who can control his fate? 'Tis not so now.
Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed;
Here is my journey's end, here is my butt
And very seamark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed? 'Tis a lost fear.
Man but a rush against Othello's breast,
And he retires. Where should Othello go?
[He moves to the bed.
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench,
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt,
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven,
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl?
Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight;
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulphur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire.
O Desdemon! Dead Desdemon! Dead! O, O!
Enter LODOVICO, MONTANO, CASSIO carried in a chair, and IAGO prisoner to
OFFICERS.
Lodovico Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
Othello That's he that was Othello -Here I am.
Lodovico Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
Othello I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable.
If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
[Wounds IAGO.
Lodovico Wrench his sword from him.
Iago I bleed, sir, but not killed.
Othello I am not sorry neither: I'd have thee live;
For in my sense 'tis happiness to die.
Lodovico O thou, Othello, that was once so good,
Fall'n in the practice of a cursed slave,
What shall be said to thee?
Othello Why, anything:
An honourable murderer, if you will;
For nought did I in hate, but all in honour.
Lodovico This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?
Othello Ay.
Cassio Dear general, I never gave you cause.
Othello I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
Iago Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
Lodovico What, not to pray?
Gratiano Torments will ope your lips.
Othello Well, thou dost best.
Lodovico Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,
And here another. The one of them imports
The death of Cassio, to be undertook
By Roderigo.
Othello O villain!
Cassio Most heathenish and most gross!
Lodovico Now here's another discontented paper
Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant t'have sent this damned villain;
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
Othello O thou pernicious caitiff!
How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife's?
Cassio I found it in my chamber;
And he himself confessed it but even now
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
Othello O fool, fool, fool!
Cassio There is, besides, in Roderigo's letter,
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came
That I was cast; and even but now he spake
- After long seeming dead -Iago hurt him,
Iago set him on.
Lodovico You must forsake this room and go with us.
Your power and your command is taken off,
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
That can torment him much and hold him long,
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest
Till that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state. Come, bring him away.
Othello Soft you; a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know't:
No more of that. I pray you in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drops tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinable gum. Set you down this;
And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by th' throat the circumcised dog,
And smote him thus.
[Stabs himself.
Lodovico O bloody period!
Gratiano All that is spoke is marred.
Othello I kissed thee ere I killed thee -no way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
[Falls beside DESDEMONA and dies.
Cassio This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
For he was great of heart.
Lodovico [To IAGO.] O Spartan dog,
More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed:
This is thy work. The object poisons sight;
Let it be hid.
[The bed curtains are drawn.
Gratiano, keep the house
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you. To you, Lord Governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture -O, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
[Exeunt.