Othello (1623 First Folio Edition)

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Othello (1623 First Folio Edition)
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Act III

1517: Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
1518: [ Enter Cassio, Musitians, and Clowne.]

1519:
Cassio.
Masters, play heere, I wil content your paines,
1520: Something that's briefe: and bid, goodmorrow General.
1521:
Clo.
Why Masters, haue your Instruments bin in Na-ples,
1522: that they speake i'th' Nose thus?
1523:
Mus.
How Sir? how?
1524:
Clo.
Are these I pray you, winde Instruments?
1525:
Mus.
I marry are they sir.
1526:
Clo.
Oh, thereby hangs a tale.
1527:
Mus.
Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
1528:
Clow.
Marry sir, by many a winde Instrument that I
1529: know. But Masters, heere's money for you: and the Ge-nerall
1530: so likes your Musick, that he desires you for loues
1531: sake to make no more noise with it.
1532:
Mus.
Well Sir, we will not.
1533:
Clo.
If you haue any Musicke that may not be heard,
1534: too't againe. But (as they say) to heare Musicke, the Ge-nerall
1535: do's not greatly care.
1536:
Mus.
We haue none such, sir.
1537:
Clow.
Then put vp your Pipes in your bagge, for Ile
1538: away. Go, vanish into ayre, away. [ Exit Mu.]

1539:
Cassio.
Dost thou heare me, mine honest Friend?
1540:
Clo.
No, I heare not your honest Friend:
1541: I heare you.
1542:
Cassio.
Prythee keepe vp thy Quillets, ther's a poore
1543: peece of Gold for thee: if the Gentlewoman that attends
1544: the Generall be stirring, tell her, there's one Cassio en-treats
1545: her a little fauour of Speech. Wilt thou do this?
1546:
Clo.
She is stirring sir: if she will stirre hither, I shall
1547: seeme to notifie vnto her. [ Exit Clo.]

1548: [ Enter Iago.]

1549: In happy time, Iago.
1550:
Iago.
You haue not bin a-bed then?
1551:
Cassio.
Why no: the day had broke before we parted.
1552: I haue made bold (Iago) to send in to your wife:
1553: My suite to her is, that she will to vertuous Desdemona
1554: Procure me some accesse.
1555:
Iago.
Ile send her to you presently:
1556: And Ile deuise a meane to draw the Moore
1557: Out of the way, that your conuerse and businesse
1558: May be more free. [ Exit]

1559:
Cassio.
I humbly thanke you for't. I neuer knew
1560: A Florentine more kinde, and honest.
1561: [ Enter Aemilia.]

1562:
Aemil.
Goodmorrow (good Lieutenant) I am sorrie
1563: For your displeasure: but all will sure be well.
1564: The Generall and his wife are talking of it,
1565: And she speakes for you stoutly. The Moore replies,
1566: That he you hurt is of great Fame in Cyprus,
1567: And great Affinitie: and that in wholsome Wisedome
1568: He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loues you
1569: And needs no other Suitor, but his likings
1570: To bring you in againe.
1571:
Cassio.
Yet I beseech you,
1572: If you thinke fit, or that it may be done,
1573: Giue me aduantage of some breefe Discourse
1574: With Desdemon alone.
1575:
Aemil.
Pray you come in:
1576: I will bestow you where you shall haue time
1577: To speake your bosome freely.
1578:
Cassio.
I am much bound to you.
1579: Scoena Secunda.
1580: [ Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.]

1581:
Othe.
These Letters giue (Iago) to the Pylot,
1582: And by him do my duties to the Senate:
1583: That done, I will be walking on the Workes,
1584: Repaire there to mee.
1585:
Iago.
Well, my good Lord, Ile doo't.
1586:
Oth.
This Fortification (Gentlemen) shall we see't?
1587:
Gent
Well waite vpon your Lordship. [ Exeunt]

1588: Scoena Tertia.
1589: [ Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Aemilia.]

1590:
Des.
Be thou assur'd (good Cassio) I will do
1591: All my abilities in thy behalfe.
1592:
Aemil.
Good Madam do:
1593: I warrant it greeues my Husband,
1594: As if the cause were his.
1595:
Des.
Oh that's an honest Fellow, Do not doubt Cassio
1596: But I will haue my Lord, and you againe
1597: As friendly as you were.
1598:
Cassio.
Bounteous Madam,
1599: What euer shall become of Michael Cassio,
1600: He's neuer any thing but your true Seruant.
1601:
Des.
I know't: I thanke you: you do loue my Lord:
1602: You haue knowne him long, and be you well assur'd
1603: He shall in strangenesse stand no farther off,
1604: Then in a politique distance.
1605:
Cassio.
I, but Lady,
1606: That policie may either last so long,
1607: Or feede vpon such nice and waterish diet,
1608: Or breede it selfe so out of Circumstances,
1609: That I being absent, and my place supply'd,
1610: My Generall will forget my Loue, and Seruice.
1611:
Des.
Do not doubt that: before Aemilia here,
1612: I giue thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
1613: If I do vow a friendship, Ile performe it
1614: To the last Article. My Lord shall neuer rest,
1615: Ile watch him tame, and talke him out of patience;
1616: His Bed shall seeme a Schoole, his Boord a Shrift,
1617: Ile intermingle euery thing he do's
1618: With Cassio's suite: Therefore be merry Cassio,
1619: For thy Solicitor shall rather dye,
1620: Then giue thy cause away.
1621: [ Enter Othello, and Iago.]

1622:
Aemil.
Madam, heere comes my Lord.
1623:
Cassio.
Madam, Ile take my leaue.
1624:
Des.
Why stay, and heare me speake.
1625:
Cassio.
Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease,
1626: Vnfit for mine owne purposes.
1627:
Des
Well, do your discretion. [ Exit Cassio.]

1628:
Iago.
Hah? I like not that.
1629:
Othel.
What dost thou say?
1630:
Iago.
Nothing my Lord; or if=== I know not what.
1631:
Othel.
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
1632:
Iago.
Cassio my Lord? No sure, I cannot thinke it
1633: That he would steale away so guilty-like,
1634: Seeing your comming.
1635:
Oth.
I do beleeue 'twas he.
1636:
Des.
How now my Lord?
1637: I haue bin talking with a Suitor heere,
1638: A man that languishes in your displeasure.
1639:
Oth.
Who is't you meane?
1640:
Des.
Why your Lieutenant Cassio: Good my Lord,
1641: If I haue any grace, or power to moue you,
1642: His present reconciliation take.
1643: For if he be not one, that truly loues you,
1644: That erres in Ignorance, and not in Cunning,
1645: I haue no iudgement in an honest face.
1646: I prythee call him backe.
1647:
Oth.
Went he hence now?
1648:
Des.
I sooth; so humbled,
1649: That he hath left part of his greefe with mee
1650: To suffer with him. Good Loue, call him backe.
1651:
Othel.
Not now (sweet Desdemon) some other time.
1652:
Des.
But shall't be shortly?
1653:
Oth.
The sooner (Sweet) for you.
1654:
Des.
Shall't be to night, at Supper?
1655:
Oth.
No, not to night.
1656:
Des.
To morrow Dinner then?
1657:
Oth.
I shall not dine at home:
1658: I meete the Captaines at the Cittadell.
1659:
Des.
Why then to morrow night, on Tuesday morne,
1660: On Tuesday noone, or night; on Wensday Morne.
1661: I prythee name the time, but let it not
1662: Exceed three dayes. Infaith hee's penitent:
1663: And yet his Trespasse, in our common reason
1664: (Saue that they say the warres must make example)
1665: Out of her best, is not almost a fault
1666: T' encurre a priuate checke. When shall he come?
1667: Tell me Othello. I wonder in my Soule
1668: What you would aske me, that I should deny,
1669: Or stand so mam'ring on? What? Michael Cassio,
1670: That came a woing with you? and so many a time
1671: (When I haue spoke of you dispraisingly)
1672: Hath tane your part, to haue so much to do
1673: To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much.
1674:
Oth.
Prythee no more: Let him come when he will:
1675: I will deny thee nothing.
1676:
Des.
Why, this is not a Boone:
1677: 'Tis as I should entreate you weare your Gloues,
1678: Or feede on nourishing dishes, or keepe you warme,
1679: Or sue to you, to do a peculiar profit
1680: To your owne person. Nay, when I haue a suite
1681: Wherein I meane to touch your Loue indeed,
1682: It shall be full of poize, and difficult waight,
1683: And fearefull to be granted.
1684:
Oth.
I will deny thee nothing.
1685: Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
1686: To leaue me but a little to my selfe.
1687:
Des.
Shall I deny you? No: farewell my Lord.
1688:
Oth.
Farewell my Desdemona, Ile come to thee strait.
1689:
Des.
Aemilia come; be as your Fancies teach you:
1690: What ere you be, I am obedient. [ Exit.]

1691:
Oth.
Excellent wretch: Perdition catch my Soule
1692: But I do loue thee: and when I loue thee not,
1693: Chaos is come againe.
1694:
Iago.
My Noble Lord.
1695:
Oth.
What dost thou say, Iago?
1696:
Iago.
Did Michael Cassio
1697: When he woo'd my Lady, know of your loue?
1698:
Oth.
He did, from first to last:
1699: Why dost thou aske?
1700:
Iago.
But for a satisfaction of my Thought,
1701: No further harme.
1702:
Oth.
Why of thy thought, Iago?
1703:
Iago.
I did not thinke he had bin acquainted with hir.
1704:
Oth.
O yes, and went betweene vs very oft.
1705:
Iago.
Indeed?
1706:
Oth.
Indeed? I indeed. Discern'st thou ought in that?
1707: Is he not honest?
1708:
Iago.
Honest, my Lord?
1709:
Oth.
Honest? I, Honest.
1710:
Iago.
My Lord, for ought I know.
1711:
Oth.
What do'st thou thinke?
1712:
Iago.
Thinke, my Lord?
1713:
Oth.
Thinke, my Lord? Alas, thou ecchos't me;
1714: As if there were some Monster in thy thought
1715: Too hideous to be shewne. Thou dost mean somthing:
1716: I heard thee say euen now, thou lik'st not that,
1717: When Cassio left my wife. What didd'st not like?
1718: And when I told thee, he was of my Counsaile,
1719: Of my whole course of wooing; thou cried'st, Indeede?
1720: And didd'st contract, and purse thy brow together,
1721: As if thou then hadd'st shut vp in thy Braine
1722: Some horrible Conceite. If thou do'st loue me,
1723: Shew me thy thought.
1724:
Iago.
My Lord, you know I loue you.
1725:
Oth.
I thinke thou do'st:
1726: And for I know thou'rt full of Loue, and Honestie,
1727: And weigh'st thy words before thou giu'st them breath,
1728: Therefore these stops of thine, fright me the more:
1729: For such things in a false disloyall Knaue
1730: Are trickes of Custome: but in a man that's iust,
1731: They're close dilations, working from the heart,
1732: That Passion cannot rule.
1733:
Iago.
For Michael Cassio,
1734: I dare be sworne, I thinke that he is honest.
1735:
Oth.
I thinke so too.
1736:
Iago.
Men should be what they seeme,
1737: Or those that be not, would they might seeme none.
1738:
Oth.
Certaine, men should be what they seeme.
1739:
Iago.
Why then I thinke Cassio's an honest man.
1740:
Oth.
Nay, yet there's more in this?
1741: I prythee speake to me, as to thy thinkings,
1742: As thou dost ruminate, and giue thy worst of thoughts
1743: The worst of words.
1744:
Iago.
Good my Lord pardon me,
1745: Though I am bound to euery Acte of dutie,
1746: I am not bound to that: All Slaues are free:
1747: Vtter my Thoughts? Why say, they are vild, and falce?
1748: As where's that Palace, whereinto foule things
1749: Sometimes intrude not? Who ha's that breast so pure,
1750: Wherein vncleanly Apprehensions
1751: Keepe Leetes, and Law-dayes, and in Sessions sit
1752: With meditations lawfull?
1753:
Oth.
Thou do'st conspire against thy Friend (Iago)
1754: If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and mak'st his eare
1755: A stranger to thy Thoughts.
1756:
Iago.
I do beseech you,
1757: Though I perchance am vicious in my guesse
1758: (As I confesse it is my Natures plague
1759: To spy into Abuses, and of my iealousie
1760: Shapes faults that are not) that your wisedome
1761: From one, that so imperfectly conceits,
1762: Would take no notice, nor build your selfe a trouble
1763: Out of his scattering, and vnsure obseruance:
1764: It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
1765: Nor for my Manhood, Honesty, and Wisedome,
1766: To let you know my thoughts.
1767:
Oth.
What dost thou meane?
1768:
Iago.
Good name in Man, & woman (deere my Lord)
1769: Is the immediate Iewell of their Soules;
1770: Who steales my purse, steales trash:
1771: 'Tis something, nothing;
1772: 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has bin slaue to thousands:
1773: But he that filches from me my good Name,
1774: Robs me of that, which not enriches him,
1775: And makes me poore indeed.
1776:
Oth.
Ile know thy Thoughts.
1777:
Iago.
You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
1778: Nor shall not, whil'st 'tis in my custodie.
1779:
Oth.
Ha?
1780:
Iago.
Oh, beware my Lord, of iealousie,
1781: It is the greene-ey'd Monster, which doth mocke
1782: The meate it feeds on. That Cuckold liues in blisse,
1783: Who certaine of his Fate, loues not his wronger:
1784: But oh, what damned minutes tels he ore,
1785: Who dotes, yet doubts: Suspects, yet soundly loues?
1786:
Oth.
O miserie.
1787:
Iago.
Poore, and Content, is rich, and rich enough,
1788: But Riches finelesse, is as poore as Winter,
1789: To him that euer feares he shall be poore:
1790: Good Heauen, the Soules of all my Tribe defend
1791: From Iealousie.
1792:
Oth.
Why? why is this?
1793: Think'st thou, I'ld make a Life of Iealousie;
1794: To follow still the changes of the Moone
1795: With fresh suspitions? No: to be once in doubt,
1796: Is to be resolu'd: Exchange me for a Goat,
1797: When I shall turne the businesse of my Soule
1798: To such exufflicate, and blow'd Surmises,
1799: Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me Iealious,
1800: To say my wife is faire, feeds well, loues company,
1801: Is free of Speech, Sings, Playes, and Dances:
1802: Where Vertue is, these are more vertuous.
1803: Nor from mine owne weake merites, will I draw
1804: The smallest feare, or doubt of her reuolt,
1805: For she had eyes, and chose me. No Iago,
1806: Ile see before I doubt; when I doubt, proue;
1807: And on the proofe, there is no more but this,
1808: Away at once with Loue, or Iealousie.
1809:
Ia.
I am glad of this: For now I shall haue reason
1810: To shew the Loue and Duty that I beare you
1811: With franker spirit. Therefore (as I am bound)
1812: Receiue it from me. I speake not yet of proofe:
1813: Looke to your wife, obserue her well with Cassio,
1814: Weare your eyes, thus: not Iealious, nor Secure:
1815: I would not haue your free, and Noble Nature,
1816: Out of selfe-Bounty, be abus'd: Looke too't:
1817: I know our Country disposition well:
1818: In Venice, they do let Heauen see the prankes
1819: They dare not shew their Husbands.
1820: Their best Conscience,
1821: Is not to leaue't vndone, but kept vnknowne.
1822:
Oth.
Dost thou say so?
1823:
Iago.
She did deceiue her Father, marrying you,
1824: And when she seem'd to shake, and feare your lookes,
1825: She lou'd them most.
1826:
Oth.
And so she did.
1827:
Iago.
Why go too then:
1828: Shee that so young could giue out such a Seeming
1829: To seele her Fathers eyes vp, close as Oake,
1830: He thought 'twas Witchcraft.
1831: But I am much too blame:
1832: I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
1833: For too much louing you.
1834:
Oth.
I am bound to thee for euer.
1835:
Iago.
I see this hath a little dash'd your Spirits:
1836:
Oth.
Not a iot, not a iot.
1837:
Iago.
Trust me, I feare it has:
1838: I hope you will consider what is spoke
1839: Comes from your Loue.
1840: But I do see y'are moou'd:
1841: I am to pray you, not to straine my speech
1842: To grosser issues, nor to larger reach,
1843: Then to Suspition.
1844:
Oth.
I will not.
1845:
Iago.
Should you do so (my Lord)
1846: My speech should fall into such vilde successe,
1847: Which my Thoughts aym'd not.
1848: Cassio's my worthy Friend:
1849: My Lord, I see y'are mou'd.
1850:
Oth.
No, not much mou'd:
1851: I do not thinke but Desdemona's honest.
1852:
Iago.
Long liue she so;
1853: And long liue you to thinke so.
1854:
Oth.
And yet how Nature erring from it selfe.
1855:
Iago.
I, there's the point:
1856: As (to be bold with you)
1857: Not to affect many proposed Matches
1858: Of her owne Clime, Complexion, and Degree,
1859: Whereto we see in all things, Nature tends:
1860: Foh, one may smel in such, a will most ranke,
1861: Foule disproportions, Thoughts vnnaturall.
1862: But (pardon me) I do not in position
1863: Distinctly speake of her, though I may feare
1864: Her will, recoyling to her better iudgement,
1865: May fal to match you with her Country formes,
1866: And happily repent.
1867:
Oth.
Farewell, farewell:
1868: If more thou dost perceiue, let me know more:
1869: Set on thy wife to obserue.
1870: Leaue me Iago.
1871:
Iago.
My Lord, I take my leaue.
1872:
Othel.
Why did I marry?
1873: This honest Creature (doubtlesse)
1874: Sees, and knowes more, much more then he vnfolds.
1875:
Iago.
My Lord, I would I might intreat your Honor
1876: To scan this thing no farther: Leaue it to time,
1877: Although 'tis fit that Cassio haue his Place;
1878: For sure he filles it vp with great Ability;
1879: Yet if you please, to him off a-while:
1880: You shall by that perceiue him, and his meanes:
1881: Note if your Lady straine his Entertainment
1882: With any strong, or vehement importunitie,
1883: Much will be seene in that: In the meane time,
1884: Let me be thought too busie in my feares,
1885: (As worthy cause I haue to feare I am)
1886: And hold her free, I do beseech your Honor.
1887:
Oth.
Feare not my gouernment.
1888:
Iago
I once more take my leaue. [ Exit.]

1889:
Oth.
This Fellow's of exceeding honesty,
1890: And knowes all Quantities with a learn'd Spirit
1891: Of humane dealings. If I do proue her Haggard,
1892: Though that her Iesses were my deere heart-strings,
1893: I'ld whistle her off, and let her downe the winde
1894: To prey at Fortune. Haply, for I am blacke,
1895: And haue not those soft parts of Conuersation
1896: That Chamberers haue: Or for I am declin'd
1897: Into the vale of yeares (yet that's not much)
1898: Shee's gone. I am abus'd, and my releefe
1899: Must be to loath her. Oh Curse of Marriage!
1900: That we can call these delicate Creatures ours,
1901: And not their Appetites? I had rather be a Toad,
1902: And liue vpon the vapour of a Dungeon,
1903: Then keepe a corner in the thing I loue
1904: For others vses. Yet 'tis the plague to Great-ones,
1905: Prerogatiu'd are they lesse then the Base,
1906: 'Tis destiny vnshunnable, like death:
1907: Euen then, this forked plague is Fated to vs,
1908: When we do quicken. Looke where she comes:
1909: [ Enter Desdemona and Aemilia.]

1910: If she be false, Heauen mock'd it selfe:
1911: Ile not beleeue't.
1912:
Des.
How now, my deere Othello?
1913: Your dinner, and the generous Islanders
1914: By you inuited, do attend your presence.
1915:
Oth.
I am too blame.
1916:
Des.
Why do you speake so faintly?
1917: Are you not well?
1918:
Oth.
I haue a paine vpon my Forehead, heere.
1919:
Des.
Why that's with watching, 'twill away againe.
1920: Let me but binde it hard, within this houre
1921: It will be well.
1922:
Oth.
Your Napkin is too little:
1923: Let it alone: Come, Ile go in with you. [ Exit.]

1924:
Des.
I am very sorry that you are not well.
1925:
Aemil.
I am glad I haue found this Napkin:
1926: This was her first remembrance from the Moore,
1927: My wayward Husband hath a hundred times
1928: Woo'd me to steale it. But she so loues the Token,
1929: (For he coniur'd her, she should euer keepe it)
1930: That she reserues it euermore about her,
1931: To kisse, and talke too. Ile haue the worke tane out,
1932: And giu't Iago: what he will do with it
1933: Heauen knowes, not I:
1934: I nothing, but to please his Fantasie.
1935: [ Enter Iago.]

1936:
Iago.
How now? What do you heere alone?
1937:
Aemil.
Do not you chide: I haue a thing for you.
1938:
Iago.
You haue a thing for me?
1939: It is a common thing===
1940:
Aemil.
Hah?
1941:
Iago.
To haue a foolish wife.
1942:
Aemil.
Oh, is that all? What will you giue me now
1943: For that same Handkerchiefe.
1944:
Iago.
What Handkerchiefe?
1945:
Aemil.
What Handkerchiefe?
1946: Why that the Moore first gaue to Desdemona,
1947: That which so often you did bid me steale.
1948:
Iago.
Hast stolne it from her?
1949:
Aemil.
No: but she let it drop by negligence,
1950: And to th' aduantage, I being heere, took't vp:
1951: Looke, heere 'tis.
1952:
Iago.
A good wench, giue it me.
1953:
Aemil.
What will you do with't, that you haue bene
1954: so earnest to haue me filch it?
1955:
Iago.
Why, what is that to you?
1956:
Aemil.
If it be not for some purpose of import,
1957: Giu't me againe. Poore Lady, shee'l run mad
1958: When she shall lacke it.
1959:
Iago.
Be not acknowne on't:
1960: I haue vse for it. Go, leaue me. [ Exit Aemil.]

1961: I will in Cassio's Lodging loose this Napkin,
1962: And let him finde it. Trifles light as ayre,
1963: Are to the iealious, confirmations strong,
1964: As proofes of holy Writ. This may do something.
1965: The Moore already changes with my poyson:
1966: Dangerous conceites, are in their Natures poysons,
1967: Which at the first are scarse found to distaste:
1968: But with a little acte vpon the blood,
1969: Burne like the Mines of Sulphure. I did say so.
1970: [ Enter Othello.]

1971: Looke where he comes: Not Poppy, nor Mandragora,
1972: Nor all the drowsie Syrrups of the world
1973: Shall euer medicine thee to that sweete sleepe
1974: Which thou owd'st yesterday.
1975:
Oth.
Ha, ha, false to mee?
1976:
Iago.
Why how now Generall? No more of that.
1977:
Oth.
Auant, be gone: Thou hast set me on the Racke:
1978: I sweare 'tis better to be much abus'd,
1979: Then but to know't a little.
1980:
Iago.
How now, my Lord?
1981:
Oth.
What sense had I, in her stolne houres of Lust?
1982: I saw't not, thought it not: it harm'd not me:
1983: I slept the next night well, fed well, was free, and merrie.
1984: I found not Cassio's kisses on her Lippes:
1985: He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stolne,
1986: Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all.
1987:
Iago.
I am sorry to heare this?
1988:
Oth.
I had beene happy, if the generall Campe,
1989: Pyoners and all, had tasted her sweet Body,
1990: So I had nothing knowne. Oh now, for euer
1991: Farewell the Tranquill minde; farewell Content;
1992: Farewell the plumed Troopes, and the bigge Warres,
1993: That makes Ambition, Vertue! Oh farewell,
1994: Farewell the neighing Steed, and the shrill Trumpe,
1995: The Spirit-stirring Drum, th' Eare-piercing Fife,
1996: The Royall Banner, and all Qualitie,
1997: Pride, Pompe, and Circumstance of glorious Warre:
1998: And O you mortall Engines, whose rude throates
1999: Th' immortall Ioues dread Clamours, counterfet,
2000: Farewell: Othello's Occupation's gone.
2001:
Iago.
Is't possible my Lord?
2002:
Oth.
Villaine, be sure thou proue my Loue a Whore;
2003: Be sure of it: Giue me the Occular proofe,
2004: Or by the worth of mine eternall Soule,
2005: Thou had'st bin better haue bin borne a Dog
2006: Then answer my wak'd wrath.
2007:
Iago.
Is't come to this?
2008:
Oth.
Make me to see't: or (at the least) so proue it,
2009: That the probation beare no Hindge, nor Loope,
2010: To hang a doubt on: Or woe vpon thy life.
2011:
Iago.
My Noble Lord.
2012:
Oth.
If thou dost slander her, and torture me,
2013: Neuer pray more: Abandon all remorse
2014: On Horrors head, Horrors accumulate:
2015: Do deeds to make Heauen weepe, all Earth amaz'd;
2016: For nothing canst thou to damnation adde,
2017: Greater then that.
2018:
Iago.
O Grace! O Heauen forgiue me!
2019: Are you a Man? Haue you a Soule? or Sense?
2020: God buy you: take mine Office. Oh wretched Foole,
2021: That lou'st to make thine Honesty, a Vice!
2022: Oh monstrous world! Take note, take note (O World)
2023: To be direct and honest, is not safe.
2024: I thanke you for this profit, and from hence
2025: Ile loue no Friend, sith Loue breeds such offence.
2026:
Oth.
Nay stay: thou should'st be honest.
2027:
Iago.
I should be wise; for Honestie's a Foole,
2028: And looses that it workes for.
2029:
Oth.
By the World,
2030: I thinke my Wife be honest, and thinke she is not:
2031: I thinke that thou art iust, and thinke thou art not:
2032: Ile haue some proofe. My name that was as fresh
2033: As Dians Visage, is now begrim'd and blacke
2034: As mine owne face. If there be Cords, or Kniues,
2035: Poyson, or Fire, or suffocating streames,
2036: Ile not indure it. Would I were satisfied.
2037:
Iago.
I see you are eaten vp with Passion:
2038: I do repent me, that I put it to you.
2039: You would be satisfied?
2040:
Oth.
Would? Nay, and I will.
2041:
Iago.
And may: but how? How satisfied, my Lord?
2042: Would you the super-vision grossely gape on?
2043: Behold her top'd?
2044:
Oth.
Death, and damnation. Oh!
2045:
Iago.
It were a tedious difficulty, I thinke,
2046: To bring them to that Prospect: Damne them then,
2047: If euer mortall eyes do see them boulster
2048: More then their owne. What then? How then?
2049: What shall I say? Where's Satisfaction?
2050: It is impossible you should see this,
2051: Were they as prime as Goates, as hot as Monkeyes,
2052: As salt as Wolues in pride, and Fooles as grosse
2053: As Ignorance, made drunke. But yet, I say,
2054: If imputation, and strong circumstances,
2055: Which leade directly to the doore of Truth,
2056: Will giue you satisfaction, you might haue't.
2057:
Oth.
Giue me a liuing reason she's disloyall.
2058:
Iago.
I do not like the Office.
2059: But sith I am entred in this cause so farre
2060: (Prick'd too't by foolish Honesty, and Loue)
2061: I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,
2062: And being troubled with a raging tooth,
2063: I could not sleepe. There are a kinde of men,
2064: So loose of Soule, that in their sleepes will mutter
2065: Their Affayres: one of this kinde is Cassio:
2066: In sleepe I heard him say, sweet Desdemona,
2067: Let vs be wary, let vs hide our Loues,
2068: And then (Sir) would he gripe, and wring my hand:
2069: Cry, oh sweet Creature: then kisse me hard,
2070: As if he pluckt vp kisses by the rootes,
2071: That grew vpon my lippes, laid his Leg ore my Thigh,
2072: And sigh, and kisse, and then cry cursed Fate,
2073: That gaue thee to the Moore.
2074:
Oth.
O monstrous! monstrous!
2075:
Iago.
Nay, this was but his Dreame.
2076:
Oth.
But this denoted a fore-gone conclusion,
2077: 'Tis a shrew'd doubt, though it be but a Dreame.
2078:
Iago.
And this may helpe to thicken other proofes,
2079: That do demonstrate thinly.
2080:
Oth.
Ile teare her all to peeces.
2081:
Iago.
Nay yet be wise; yet we see nothing done,
2082: She may be honest yet: Tell me but this,
2083: Haue you not sometimes seene a Handkerchiefe
2084: Spotted with Strawberries, in your wiues hand?
2085:
Oth.
I gaue her such a one: 'twas my first gift.
2086:
Iago.
I know not that: but such a Handkerchiefe
2087: (I am sure it was your wiues) did I to day
2088: See Cassio wipe his Beard with.
2089:
Oth.
If it be that.
2090:
Iago.
If it be that, or any, it was here.
2091: It speakes against her with the other proofes.
2092:
Othel.
O that the Slaue had forty thousand liues:
2093: One is too poore, too weake for my reuenge.
2094: Now do I see 'tis true. Looke heere Iago,
2095: All my fond loue thus do I blow to Heauen. 'Tis gone.
2096: Arise blacke vengeance, from the hollow hell,
2097: Yeeld vp (O Loue) thy Crowne, and hearted Throne
2098: To tyrannous Hate. Swell bosome with thy fraught,
2099: For 'tis of Aspickes tongues.
2100:
Iago.
Yet be content.
2101:
Oth.
Oh blood, blood, blood.
2102:
Iago.
Patience I say: your minde may change.
2103:
Oth.
Neuer Iago. Like to the Ponticke Sea,
2104: Whose Icie Current, and compulsiue course,
2105: Neu'r keepes retyring ebbe, but keepes due on
2106: To the Proponticke, and the Hellespont:
2107: Euen so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace
2108: Shall neu'r looke backe, neu'r ebbe to humble Loue,
2109: Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge
2110: Swallow them vp. Now by yond Marble Heauen,
2111: In the due reuerence of a Sacred vow,
2112: I heere engage my words.
2113:
Iago.
Do not rise yet:
2114: Witnesse you euer-burning Lights aboue,
2115: You Elements, that clip vs round about,
2116: Witnesse that heere Iago doth giue vp
2117: The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
2118: To wrong'd Othello's Seruice. Let him command,
2119: And to obey shall be in me remorse,
2120: What bloody businesse euer.
2121:
Oth.
I greet thy loue,
2122: Not with vaine thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,
2123: And will vpon the instant put thee too't.
2124: Within these three dayes let me heare thee say,
2125: That Cassio's not aliue.
2126:
Iago.
My Friend is dead:
2127: 'Tis done at your Request.
2128: But let her liue.
2129:
Oth.
Damne her lewde Minx:
2130: O damne her, damne her.
2131: Come go with me a-part, I will withdraw
2132: To furnish me with some swift meanes of death
2133: For the faire Diuell.
2134: Now art thou my Lieutenant.
2135:
Iago
I am your owne for euer. [ Exeunt.]

2136: Scaena Quarta.
2137: [ Enter Desdemona, Aemilia, and Clown.]

2138:
Des.
Do you know Sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio
2139: lyes?
2140:
Clow.
I dare not say he lies any where.
2141:
Des.
Why man?
2142:
Clo.
He's a Soldier, and for me to say a Souldier lyes,
2143: 'tis stabbing.
2144:
Des.
Go too: where lodges he?
2145:
Clo.
To tell you where he lodges, is to tel you where
2146: I lye.
2147:
Des.
Can any thing be made of this?
2148:
Clo.
I know not where he lodges, and for mee to de-uise
2149: a lodging, and say he lies heere, or he lies there, were
2150: to lye in mine owne throat.
2151:
Des.
Can you enquire him out? and be edified by re-port?
2152: _
2153:
Clo.
I will Catechize the world for him, that is, make
2154: Questions, and by them answer.
2155:
Des.
Seeke him, bidde him come hither: tell him, I
2156: haue moou'd my Lord on his behalfe, and hope all will
2157: be well.
2158:
Clo.
To do this, is within the compasse of mans Wit,
2159: and therefore I will attempt the doing it. [ Exit Clo.]

2160:
Des.
Where should I loose the Handkerchiefe, Ae-milia?
2161: _
2162:
Aemil.
I know not Madam.
2163:
Des.
Beleeue me, I had rather haue lost my purse
2164: Full of Cruzadoes. And but my Noble Moore
2165: Is true of minde, and made of no such basenesse,
2166: As iealious Creatures are, it were enough
2167: To put him to ill-thinking.
2168:
Aemil.
Is he not iealious?
2169:
Des.
Who, he? I thinke the Sun where he was borne,
2170: Drew all such humors from him.
2171:
Aemil.
Looke where he comes.
2172: [ Enter Othello.]

2173:
Des.
I will not leaue him now, till Cassio be
2174: Call'd to him. How is't with you, my Lord?
2175:
Oth.
Well my good Lady. Oh hardnes to dissemble!
2176: How do you, Desdemona?
2177:
Des.
Well, my good Lord.
2178:
Oth.
Giue me your hand.
2179: This hand is moist, my Lady.
2180:
Des.
It hath felt no age, nor knowne no sorrow.
2181:
Oth.
This argues fruitfulnesse, and liberall heart:
2182: Hot, hot, and moyst. This hand of yours requires
2183: A sequester from Liberty: Fasting, and Prayer,
2184: Much Castigation, Exercise deuout,
2185: For heere's a yong, and sweating Diuell heere
2186: That commonly rebels: 'Tis a good hand,
2187: A franke one.
2188:
Des.
You may (indeed) say so:
2189: For 'twas that hand that gaue away my heart.
2190:
Oth.
A liberall hand. The hearts of old, gaue hands:
2191: But our new Heraldry is hands, not hearts.
2192:
Des.
I cannot speake of this:
2193: Come, now your promise.
2194:
Oth.
What promise, Chucke?
2195:
Des.
I haue sent to bid Cassio come speake with you.
2196:
Oth.
I haue a salt and sorry Rhewme offends me:
2197: Lend me thy Handkerchiefe.
2198:
Des.
Heere my Lord.
2199:
Oth.
That which I gaue you.
2200:
Des.
I haue it not about me.
2201:
Oth.
Not?
2202:
Des.
No indeed, my Lord.
2203:
Oth.
That's a fault: That Handkerchiefe
2204: Did an Aegyptian to my Mother giue:
2205: She was a Charmer, and could almost read
2206: The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it,
2207: 'T would make her Amiable, and subdue my Father
2208: Intirely to her loue: But if she lost it,
2209: Or made a Guift of it, my Fathers eye
2210: Should hold her loathed, and his Spirits should hunt
2211: After new Fancies. She dying, gaue it me,
2212: And bid me (when my Fate would haue me Wiu'd)
2213: To giue it her. I did so; and take heede on't,
2214: Make it a Darling, like your precious eye:
2215: To loose't, or giue't away, were such perdition,
2216: As nothing else could match.
2217:
Des.
Is't possible?
2218:
Oth.
'Tis true: There's Magicke in the web of it:
2219: A Sybill that had numbred in the world
2220: The Sun to course, two hundred compasses,
2221: In her Prophetticke furie sow'd the Worke:
2222: The Wormes were hallowed, that did breede the Silke,
2223: And it was dyde in Mummey, which the Skilfull
2224: Conseru'd of Maidens hearts.
2225:
Des.
Indeed? Is't true?
2226:
Oth.
Most veritable, therefore looke too't well.
2227:
Des.
Then would to Heauen, that I had neuer seene't?
2228:
Oth.
Ha? wherefore?
2229:
Des.
Why do you speake so startingly, and rash?
2230:
Oth.
Is't lost? Is't gon? Speak, is't out o'th' way?
2231:
Des.
Blesse vs.
2232:
Oth.
Say you?
2233:
Des.
It is not lost: but what and if it were?
2234:
Oth.
How?
2235:
Des.
I say it is not lost.
2236:
Oth.
Fetcht, let me see't.
2237:
Des.
Why so I can: but I will not now:
2238: This is a tricke to put me from my suite,
2239: Pray you let Cassio be receiu'd againe.
2240:
Oth.
Fetch me the Handkerchiefe,
2241: My minde mis-giues.
2242:
Des.
Come, come: you'l neuer meete a more suffici-ent
2243: man.
2244:
Oth.
The Handkerchiefe.
2245:
Des.
A man that all his time
2246: Hath founded his good Fortunes on your loue;
2247: Shar'd dangers with you.
2248:
Oth.
The Handkerchiefe.
2249:
Des.
Insooth, you are too blame.
2250:
Oth
Away. [ Exit Othello.]

2251:
Aemil.
Is not this man iealious?
2252:
Des.
I neu'r saw this before.
2253: Sure, there's some wonder in this Handkerchiefe,
2254: I am most vnhappy in the losse of it.
2255:
Aemil.
'Tis not a yeare or two shewes vs a man:
2256: They are all but Stomackes, and we all but Food,
2257: They eate vs hungerly, and when they are full
2258: They belch vs.
2259: [ Enter Iago, and Cassio.]

2260: Looke you, Cassio and my Husband.
2261:
Iago.
There is no other way: 'tis she must doo't:
2262: And loe the happinesse: go, and importune her.
2263:
Des.
How now (good Cassio) what's the newes with
2264: you?
2265:
Cassio.
Madam, my former suite. I do beseech you,
2266: That by your vertuous meanes, I may againe
2267: Exist, and be a member of his loue,
2268: Whom I, with all the Office of my heart
2269: Intirely honour, I would not be delayd.
2270: If my offence, be of such mortall kinde,
2271: That nor my Seruice past, nor present Sorrowes,
2272: Nor purpos'd merit in futurity,
2273: Can ransome me into his loue againe,
2274: But to know so, must be my benefit:
2275: So shall I cloath me in a forc'd content,
2276: And shut my selfe vp in some other course
2277: To Fortunes Almes.
2278:
Des.
Alas (thrice-gentle Cassio)
2279: My Aduocation is not now in Tune;
2280: My Lord, is not my Lord; nor should I know him,
2281: Were he in Fauour, as in Humour alter'd.
2282: So helpe me euery spirit sanctified,
2283: As I haue spoken for you all my best,
2284: And stood within the blanke of his displeasure
2285: For my free speech. You must awhile be patient:
2286: What I can do, I will: and more I will
2287: Then for my selfe, I dare. Let that suffice you.
2288:
Iago.
Is my Lord angry?
2289:
Aemil.
He went hence but now:
2290: And certainly in strange vnquietnesse.
2291:
Iago.
Can he be angry? I haue seen the Cannon
2292: When it hath blowne his Rankes into the Ayre,
2293: And like the Diuell from his very Arme
2294: Puff't his owne Brother: And is he angry?
2295: Something of moment then: I will go meet him,
2296: There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry. [ Exit]

2297:
Des.
I prythee do so. Something sure of State,
2298: Either from Venice, or some vnhatch'd practise
2299: Made demonstrable heere in Cyprus, to him,
2300: Hath pudled his cleare Spirit: and in such cases,
2301: Mens Natures wrangle with inferiour things,
2302: Though great ones are their obiect. 'Tis euen so.
2303: For let our finger ake, and it endues
2304: Our other healthfull members, euen to a sense
2305: Of paine. Nay, we must thinke men are not Gods,
2306: Nor of them looke for such obseruancie
2307: As fits the Bridall. Beshrew me much, Aemilia,
2308: I was (vnhandsome Warrior, as I am)
2309: Arraigning his vnkindnesse with my soule:
2310: But now I finde, I had suborn'd the Witnesse,
2311: And he's Indited falsely.
2312:
Aemil.
Pray heauen it bee
2313: State matters, as you thinke, and no Conception,
2314: Nor no Iealious Toy, concerning you.
2315:
Des.
Alas the day, I neuer gaue him cause.
2316:
Aemil.
But Iealious soules will not be answer'd so;
2317: They are not euer iealious for the cause,
2318: But iealious, for they're iealious. It is a Monster
2319: Begot vpon it selfe, borne on it selfe.
2320:
Des.
Heauen keepe the Monster from Othello's mind.
2321:
Aemil.
Lady, Amen.
2322:
Des.
I will go seeke him. Cassio, walke heere about:
2323: If I doe finde him fit, Ile moue your suite,
2324: And seeke to effect it to my vttermost. [ Exit]

2325:
Cas.
I humbly thanke your Ladyship.
2326: [ Enter Bianca.]

2327:
Bian.
'Saue you (Friend Cassio.)
2328:
Cassio.
What make you from home?
2329: How is't with you, my most faire Bianca?
2330: Indeed (sweet Loue) I was comming to your house.
2331:
Bian.
And I was going to your Lodging, Cassio.
2332: What? keepe a weeke away? Seuen dayes, and Nights?
2333: Eight score eight houres? And Louers absent howres
2334: More tedious then the Diall, eight score times?
2335: Oh weary reck'ning.
2336:
Cassio.
Pardon me, Bianca:
2337: I haue this while with leaden thoughts beene prest,
2338: But I shall in a more continuate time
2339: Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca
2340: Take me this worke out.
2341:
Bianca.
Oh Cassio, whence came this?
2342: This is some Token from a newer Friend,
2343: To the felt-Absence: now I feele a Cause:
2344: Is't come to this? Well, well.
2345:
Cassio.
Go too, woman:
2346: Throw your vilde gesses in the Diuels teeth,
2347: From whence you haue them. You are iealious now,
2348: That this is from some Mistris, some remembrance;
2349: No, in good troth Bianca.
2350:
Bian.
Why, who's is it?
2351:
Cassio.
I know not neither:
2352: I found it in my Chamber,
2353: I like the worke well; Ere it be demanded
2354: (As like enough it will) I would haue it coppied:
2355: Take it, and doo't, and leaue me for this time.
2356:
Bian.
Leaue you? Wherefore?
2357:
Cassio.
I do attend heere on the Generall,
2358: And thinke it no addition, nor my wish
2359: To haue him see me woman'd.
2360:
Bian.
Why, I pray you?
2361:
Cassio.
Not that I loue you not.
2362:
Bian.
But that you do not loue me.
2363: I pray you bring me on the way a little,
2364: And say, if I shall see you soone at night?
2365:
Cassio.
'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
2366: For I attend heere: But Ile see you soone.
2367:
Bian.
'Tis very good: I must be circumstanc'd.
2368: [ Exeunt omnes.]