Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Othello (1623 First Folio Edition)
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About the electronic version
Othello (1623 First Folio Edition)
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Creation of machine-readable version: Hugh Craig, University of Newcastle
Conversion to TEI.2-conformant markup: University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center. ca. 245 kilobytes
This version available from the University of Virginia Library.
Charlottesville, Va.
Available from: Oxford Text Archive
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/modeng/modeng0.browse.html
1992
About the print version
Othello
The First Folio of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare Editor Charlton Hinman The Norton Facsimile
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
New York
1968 Prepared for the University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center.
Published: 1623
1604
English drama LCSH
Revisions to the electronic version
July 1996 corrector Catherine Tousignant, Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Added TEI header; updated tagging to conform to local practices
etextcenter@virginia.edu. Commercial use prohibited; all usage governed by our Conditions of Use: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/conditions.html
Act I
1: Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
2: [ Enter Rodorigo, and Iago.]
3:
Rodorigo.
4: Neuer tell me, I take it much vnkindly
5: That thou (Iago) who hast had my purse,
6: As if y strings were thine, should'st know of this.
7:
Ia.
But you'l not heare me. If euer I did dream
8: Of such a matter, abhorre me.
9:
Rodo.
Thou told'st me,
10: Thou did'st hold him in thy hate.
11:
Iago.
Despise me
12: If I do not. Three Great-ones of the Cittie,
13: (In personall suite to make me his Lieutenant)
14: Off-capt to him: and by the faith of man
15: I know my price, I am worth no worsse a place.
16: But he (as louing his owne pride, and purposes)
17: Euades them, with a bumbast Circumstance,
18: Horribly stufft with Epithites of warre,
19: Non-suites my Mediators. For certes, saies he,
20: I haue already chose my Officer. And what was he?
21: For-sooth, a great Arithmatician,
22: One Michaell Cassio, a Florentine,
23: (A Fellow almost damn'd in a faire Wife)
24: That neuer set a Squadron in the Field,
25: Nor the deuision of a Battaile knowes
26: More then a Spinster. Vnlesse the Bookish Theoricke:
27: Wherein the Tongued Consuls can propose
28: As Masterly as he. Meere pratle (without practise)
29: Is all his Souldiership. But he (Sir) had th' election;
30: And I (of whom his eies had seene the proofe
31: At Rhodes, at Ciprus, and on others grounds
32: Christen'd, and Heathen) must be be-leed, and calm'd
33: By Debitor, and Creditor. This Counter-caster,
34: He (in good time) must his Lieutenant be,
35: And I (blesse the marke) his Mooreships Auntient.
36:
Rod.
By heauen, I rather would haue bin his hangman.
37:
Iago.
Why, there's no remedie.
38: 'Tis the cursse of Seruice;
39: Preferment goes by Letter, and affection,
40: And not by old gradation, where each second
41: Stood Heire to'th' first. Now Sir, be iudge your selfe,
42: Whether I in any iust terme am Affin'd
43: To loue the Moore?
44:
Rod.
I would not follow him then.
45:
Iago.
O Sir content you.
46: I follow him, to serue my turne vpon him.
47: We cannot all be Masters, nor all Masters
48: Cannot be truely follow'd. You shall marke
49: Many a dutious and knee-crooking knaue;
50: That (doting on his owne obsequious bondage)
51: Weares out his time, much like his Masters Asse,
52: For naught but Prouender, & when he's old Casheer'd.
53: Whip me such honest knaues. Others there are
54: Who trym'd in Formes, and visages of Dutie,
55: Keepe yet their hearts attending on themselues,
56: And throwing but showes of Seruice on their Lords
57: Doe well thriue by them.
58: And when they haue lin'd their Coates
59: Doe themselues Homage.
60: These Fellowes haue some soule,
61: And such a one do I professe my selfe. For (Sir)
62: It is as sure as you are Rodorigo,
63: Were I the Moore, I would not be Iago:
64: In following him, I follow but my selfe.
65: Heauen is my Iudge, not I for loue and dutie,
66: But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
67: For when my outward Action doth demonstrate
68: The natiue act, and figure of my heart
69: In Complement externe, 'tis not long after
70: But I will weare my heart vpon my sleeue
71: For Dawes to pecke at; I am not what I am.
72:
Rod.
What a fall Fortune do's the Thicks-lips owe
73: If he can carry't thus?
74:
Iago.
Call vp her Father:
75: Rowse him, make after him, poyson his delight,
76: Proclaime him in the Streets. Incense her kinsmen,
77: And though he in a fertile Clymate dwell,
78: Plague him with Flies: though that his Ioy be Ioy,
79: Yet throw such chances of vexation on't,
80: As it may loose some colour.
81:
Rodo.
Heere is her Fathers house, Ile call aloud.
82:
Iago.
Doe, with like timerous accent, and dire yell,
83: As when (by Night and Negligence) the Fire
84: Is spied in populus Citties.
85:
Rodo.
What hoa: Brabantio, Signior Brabantio, hoa.
86:
Iago.
Awake: what hoa, Brabantio: Theeues, Theeues.
87: Looke to your house, your daughter, and your Bags,
88: Theeues, Theeues.
89:
Bra. Aboue.
What is the reason of this terrible
90: Summons? What is the matter there?
91:
Rodo.
Signior is all your Familie within?
92:
Iago.
Are your Doores lock'd?
93:
Bra.
Why? Wherefore ask you this?
94:
Iago.
Sir, y'are rob'd, for shame put on your Gowne,
95: Your heart is burst, you haue lost halfe your soule
96: Euen now, now, very now, an old blacke Ram
97: Is tupping your white Ewe. Arise, arise,
98: Awake the snorting Cittizens with the Bell,
99: Or else the deuill will make a Grand-sire of you.
100: Arise I say.
101:
Bra.
What, haue you lost your wits?
102:
Rod.
Most reuerend Signior, do you know my voice?
103:
Bra.
Not I: what are you?
104:
Rod.
My name is Rodorigo.
105:
Bra.
The worsser welcome:
106: I haue charg'd thee not to haunt about my doores:
107: In honest plainenesse thou hast heard me say,
108: My Daughter is not for thee. And now in madnesse
109: (Being full of Supper, and distempring draughtes)
110: Vpon malitious knauerie, dost thou come
111: To start my quiet.
112:
Rod.
Sir, Sir, Sir.
113:
Bra.
But thou must needs be sure,
114: My spirits and my place haue in their power
115: To make this bitter to thee.
116:
Rodo.
Patience good Sir.
117:
Bra.
What tell'st thou me of Robbing?
118: This is Venice: my house is not a Grange.
119:
Rodo.
Most graue Brabantio,
120: In simple and pure soule, I come to you.
121:
Ia.
Sir: you are one of those that will not serue God,
122: if the deuill bid you. Because we come to do you seruice,
123: and you thinke we are Ruffians, you'le haue your Daugh-ter
124: couer'd with a Barbary horse, you'le haue your Ne-phewes
125: neigh to you, you'le haue Coursers for Cozens:
126: and Gennets for Germaines.
127:
Bra.
What prophane wretch art thou?
128:
Ia.
I am one Sir, that comes to tell you, your Daugh-ter
129: and the Moore, are making the Beast with two backs.
130:
Bra.
Thou art a Villaine.
131:
Iago.
You are a Senator.
132:
Bra.
This thou shalt answere. I know thee Rodorigo.
133:
Rod.
Sir, I will answere any thing. But I beseech you
134: If't be your pleasure, and most wise consent,
135: (As partly I find it is) that your faire Daughter,
136: At this odde Euen and dull watch o'th' night
137: Transported with no worse nor better guard,
138: But with a knaue of common hire, a Gundelier,
139: To the grosse claspes of a Lasciuious Moore:
140: If this be knowne to you, and your Allowance,
141: We then haue done you bold, and saucie wrongs.
142: But if you know not this, my Manners tell me,
143: We haue your wrong rebuke. Do not beleeue
144: That from the sence of all Ciuilitie,
145: I thus would play and trifle with your Reuerence.
146: Your Daughter (if you haue not giuen her leaue)
147: I say againe, hath made a grosse reuolt,
148: Tying her Dutie, Beautie, Wit, and Fortunes
149: In an extrauagant, and wheeling Stranger,
150: Of here, and euery where: straight satisfie your selfe.
151: If she be in her Chamber, or your house,
152: Let loose on me the Iustice of the State
153: For thus deluding you.
154:
Bra.
Strike on the Tinder, hoa:
155: Giue me a Taper: call vp all my people,
156: This Accident is not vnlike my dreame,
157: Beleefe of it oppresses me alreadie.
158: Light, I say, light. [ Exit.]
159:
Iag.
Farewell: for I must leaue you.
160: It seemes not meete, nor wholesome to my place
161: To be producted, (as if I stay, I shall,)
162: Against the Moore. For I do know the State,
163: (How euer this may gall him with some checke)
164: Cannot with safetie cast-him. For he's embark'd
165: With such loud reason to the Cyprus Warres,
166: (Which euen now stands in Act) that for their soules
167: Another of his Fadome, they haue none,
168: To lead their Businesse. In which regard,
169: Though I do hate him as I do hell paines,
170: Yet, for necessitie of present life,
171: I must show out a Flag, and signe of Loue,
172: (Which is indeed but signe) that you shal surely find him
173: Lead to the Sagitary the raised Search:
174: And there will I be with him. So farewell. [ Exit.]
175: [ Enter Brabantio, with Seruants and Torches.]
176:
Bra.
It is too true an euill. Gone she is,
177: And what's to come of my despised time,
178: Is naught but bitternesse. Now Rodorigo,
179: Where didst thou see her? (Oh vnhappie Girle)
180: With the Moore saist thou? (Who would be a Father?)
181: How didst thou know 'twas she? (Oh she deceaues me
182: Past thought:) what said she to you? Get moe Tapers.
183: Raise all my Kindred. Are they married thinke you?
184:
Rodo.
Truely I thinke they are.
185:
Bra.
Oh Heauen: how got she out?
186: Oh treason of the blood.
187: Fathers, from hence trust not your Daughters minds
188: By what you see them act. Is there not Charmes,
189: By which the propertie of Youth, and Maidhood
190: May be abus'd? Haue you not read Rodorigo,
191: Of some such thing?
192:
Rod.
Yes Sir: I haue indeed.
193:
Bra.
Call vp my Brother: oh would you had had her.
194: Some one way, some another. Doe you know
195: Where we may apprehend her, and the Moore?
196:
Rod.
I thinke I can discouer him, if you please
197: To get good Guard, and go along with me.
198:
Bra.
Pray you lead on. At euery house Ile call,
199: (I may command at most) get Weapons (hoa)
200: And raise some speciall Officers of might:
201: On good Rodorigo, I will deserue your paines. [ Exeunt.]
202: Scena Secunda.
203: [ Enter Othello, Iago, Attendants, with Torches.]
204:
Ia.
Though in the trade of Warre I haue slaine men,
205: Yet do I hold it very stuffe o'th' conscience
206: To do no contriu'd Murder: I lacke Iniquitie
207: Sometime to do me seruice. Nine, or ten times
208: I had thought t'haue yerk'd him here vnder the Ribbes.
209:
Othello.
'Tis better as it is.
210:
Iago.
Nay but he prated,
211: And spoke such scuruy, and prouoking termes
212: Against your Honor, that with the little godlinesse I haue
213: I did full hard forbeare him. But I pray you Sir,
214: Are you fast married? Be assur'd of this,
215: That the Magnifico is much belou'd,
216: And hath in his effect a voice potentiall
217: As double as the Dukes: He will diuorce you.
218: Or put vpon you, what restraint or greeuance,
219: The Law (with all his might, to enforce it on)
220: Will giue him Cable.
221:
Othel.
Let him do his spight;
222: My Seruices, which I haue done the Signorie
223: Shall out-tongue his Complaints. 'Tis yet to know,
224: Which when I know, that boasting is an Honour,
225: I shall promulgate. I fetch my life and being,
226: From Men of Royall Seige. And my demerites
227: May speake (vnbonnetted) to as proud a Fortune
228: As this that I haue reach'd. For know Iago,
229: But that I loue the gentle Desdemona,
230: I would not my vnhoused free condition
231: Put into Circumscription, and Confine,
232: For the Seas worth. But looke, what Lights come yond?
233: [ Enter Cassio, with Torches.]
234:
Iago.
Those are the raised Father, and his Friends:
235: You were best go in.
236:
Othel.
Not I: I must be found.
237: My Parts, my Title, and my perfect Soule
238: Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?
239:
Iago.
By Ianus, I thinke no.
240:
Othel.
The Seruants of the Dukes?
241: And my Lieutenant?
242: The goodnesse of the Night vpon you (Friends)
243: What is the Newes?
244:
Cassio.
The Duke do's greet you (Generall)
245: And he requires your haste, Post-haste appearance,
246: Euen on the instant.
247:
Othello.
What is the matter, thinke you?
248:
Cassio.
Something from Cyprus, as I may diuine:
249: It is a businesse of some heate. The Gallies
250: Haue sent a dozen sequent Messengers
251: This very night, at one anothers heeles:
252: And many of the Consuls, rais'd and met,
253: Are at the Dukes already. You haue bin hotly call'd for,
254: When being not at your Lodging to be found,
255: The Senate hath sent about three seuerall Quests,
256: To search you out.
257:
Othel.
'Tis well I am found by you:
258: I will but spend a word here in the house,
259: And goe with you.
260:
Cassio.
Aunciant, what makes he heere?
261:
Iago.
Faith, he to night hath boarded a Land Carract,
262: If it proue lawfull prize, he's made for euer.
263:
Cassio.
I do not vnderstand.
264:
Iago.
He's married.
265:
Cassio.
To who?
266:
Iago.
Marry to=== Come Captaine, will you go?
267:
Othel.
Haue with you.
268:
Cassio.
Here comes another Troope to seeke for you.
269: [ Enter Brabantio, Rodorigo, with Officers, and Torches.]
270:
Iago.
It is Brabantio: Generall be aduis'd,
271: He comes to bad intent.
272:
Othello.
Holla, stand there.
273:
Rodo.
Signior, it is the Moore.
274:
Bra.
Downe with him, Theefe.
275:
Iago.
You, Rodorigo? Come Sir, I am for you.
276:
Othe.
Keepe vp your bright Swords, for the dew will
277: rust them. Good Signior, you shall more command with
278: yeares, then with your Weapons.
279:
Bra.
Oh thou foule Theefe,
280: Where hast thou stow'd my Daughter?
281: Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchaunted her
282: For Ile referre me to all things of sense,
283: (If she in Chaines of Magick were not bound)
284: Whether a Maid, so tender, Faire, and Happie,
285: So opposite to Marriage, that she shun'd
286: The wealthy curled Deareling of our Nation,
287: Would euer haue (t' encurre a generall mocke)
288: Run from her Guardage to the sootie bosome,
289: Of such a thing as thou: to feare, not to delight?
290: Iudge me the world, if 'tis not grosse in sense,
291: That thou hast practis'd on her with foule Charmes,
292: Abus'd her delicate Youth, with Drugs or Minerals,
293: That weakens Motion. Ile haue't disputed on,
294: 'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking;
295: I therefore apprehend and do attach thee,
296: For an abuser of the World, a practiser
297: Of Arts inhibited, and out of warrant;
298: Lay hold vpon him, if he do resist
299: Subdue him, at his perill.
300:
Othe.
Hold your hands
301: Both you of my inclining, and the rest.
302: Were it my Cue to fight, I should haue knowne it
303: Without a Prompter. Whether will you that I goe
304: To answere this your charge?
305:
Bra.
To Prison, till fit time
306: Of Law, and course of direct Session
307: Call thee to answer.
308:
Othe.
What if I do obey?
309: How may the Duke be therewith satisfi'd,
310: Whose Messengers are heere about my side,
311: Vpon some present businesse of the State,
312: To bring me to him.
313:
Officer.
'Tis true most worthy Signior,
314: The Dukes in Counsell, and your Noble selfe,
315: I am sure is sent for.
316:
Bra.
How? The Duke in Counsell?
317: In this time of the night? Bring him away;
318: Mine's not an idle Cause. The Duke himselfe,
319: Or any of my Brothers of the State,
320: Cannot but feele this wrong, as 'twere their owne:
321: For if such Actions may haue passage free,
322: Bond-slaues, and Pagans shall our Statesmen be. [ Exeunt]
323: Scaena Tertia.
324: [ Enter Duke, Senators, and Officers.]
325:
Duke.
There's no composition in this Newes,
326: That giues them Credite.
327:
1.Sen.
Indeed, they are disproportioned;
328: My Letters say, a Hundred and seuen Gallies.
329:
Duke.
And mine a Hundred fortie.
330:
2.Sena.
And mine two Hundred:
331: But though they iumpe not on a iust accompt,
332: (As in these Cases where the ayme reports,
333: 'Tis oft with difference) yet do they all confirme
334: A Turkish Fleete, and bearing vp to Cyprus.
335:
Duke.
Nay, it is possible enough to iudgement:
336: I do not so secure me in the Error,
337: But the maine Article I do approue
338: In fearefull sense.
339:
Saylor within.
What hoa, what hoa, what hoa.
340: [ Enter Saylor.]
341:
Officer.
A Messenger from the Gallies.
342:
Duke.
Now? What's the businesse?
343:
Sailor.
The Turkish Preparation makes for Rhodes,
344: So was I bid report here to the State,
345: By Signior Angelo.
346:
Duke.
How say you by this change?
347:
1.Sen.
This cannot be
348: By no assay of reason. 'Tis a Pageant
349: To keepe vs in false gaze, when we consider
350: Th' importancie of Cyprus to the Turke;
351: And let our selues againe but vnderstand,
352: That as it more concernes the Turke then Rhodes,
353: So may he with more facile question beare it,
354: For that it stands not in such Warrelike brace,
355: But altogether lackes th' abilities
356: That Rhodes is dress'd in. If we make thought of this,
357: We must not thinke the Turke is so vnskillfull,
358: To leaue that latest, which concernes him first,
359: Neglecting an attempt of ease, and gaine
360: To wake, and wage a danger profitlesse.
361:
Duke.
Nay, in all confidence he's not for Rhodes.
362:
Officer.
Here is more Newes.
363: [ Enter a Messenger.]
364:
Messen.
The Ottamites, Reueren'd, and Gracious,
365: Steering with due course toward the Ile of Rhodes,
366: Haue there inioynted them with an after Fleete.
367:
1.Sen.
I, so I thought: how many, as you guesse?
368:
Mess.
Of thirtie Saile: and now they do re-stem
369: Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
370: Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,
371: Your trustie and most Valiant Seruitour,
372: With his free dutie, recommends you thus,
373: And prayes you to beleeue him.
374:
Duke.
'Tis certaine then for Cyprus:
375: Marcus Luccicos is not he in Towne?
376:
1.Sen.
He's now in Florence.
377:
Duke.
Write from vs,
378: To him, Post, Post-haste, dispatch.
379:
1.Sen.
Here comes Brabantio, and the Valiant Moore.
380: [ Enter Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Rodorigo,
and Officers]
382:
Duke.
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you,
383: Against the generall Enemy Ottoman.
384: I did not see you: welcome gentle Signior,
385: We lack't your Counsaile, and your helpe to night.
386:
Bra.
So did I yours: Good your Grace pardon me.
387: Neither my place, nor ought I heard of businesse
388: Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the generall care
389: Take hold on me. For my perticular griefe
390: Is of so flood-gate, and ore-bearing Nature,
391: That it engluts, and swallowes other sorrowes,
392: And it is still it selfe.
393:
Duke.
Why? What's the matter?
394:
Bra.
My Daughter: oh my Daughter!
395:
Sen.
Dead?
396:
Bra.
I, to me.
397: She is abus'd, stolne from me, and corrupted
398: By Spels, and Medicines, bought of Mountebanks;
399: For Nature, so prepostrously to erre,
400: (Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,)
401: Sans witch-craft could not.
402:
Duke.
Who ere he be, that in this foule proceeding
403: Hath thus beguil'd your Daughter of her selfe,
404: And you of her; the bloodie Booke of Law,
405: You shall your selfe read, in the bitter letter,
406: After your owne sense: yea, though our proper Son
407: Stood in your Action.
408:
Bra.
Humbly I thanke your Grace,
409: Here is the man; this Moore, whom now it seemes
410: Your speciall Mandate, for the State affaires
411: Hath hither brought.
412:
All.
We are verie sorry for't.
413:
Duke.
What in your owne part, can you say to this?
414:
Bra.
Nothing, but this is so.
415:
Othe.
Most Potent, Graue, and Reueren'd Signiors,
416: My very Noble, and approu'd good Masters;
417: That I haue tane away this old mans Daughter,
418: It is most true: true I haue married her;
419: The verie head, and front of my offending,
420: Hath this extent; no more. Rude am I, in my speech,
421: And little bless'd with the soft phrase of Peace;
422: For since these Armes of mine, had seuen yeares pith,
423: Till now, some nine Moones wasted, they haue vs'd
424: Their deerest action, in the Tented Field:
425: And little of this great world can I speake,
426: More then pertaines to Feats of Broiles, and Battaile,
427: And therefore little shall I grace my cause,
428: In speaking for my selfe. Yet, (by your gratious patience)
429: I will a round vn-varnish'd Tale deliuer,
430: Of my whole course of Loue.
431: What Drugges, what Charmes,
432: What Coniuration, and what mighty Magicke,
433: (For such proceeding I am charg'd withall)
434: I won his Daughter.
435:
Bra.
A Maiden, neuer bold:
436: Of Spirit so still, and quiet, that her Motion
437: Blush'd at her selfe, and she, in spight of Nature,
438: Of Yeares, of Country, Credite, euery thing
439: To fall in Loue, with what she fear'd to looke on;
440: It is a iudgement main'd, and most imperfect.
441: That will confesse Perfection so could erre
442: Against all rules of Nature, and must be driuen
443: To find out practises of cunning hell
444: Why this should be. I therefore vouch againe,
445: That with some Mixtures, powrefull o're the blood,
446: Or with some Dram, (coniur'd to this effect)
447: He wrought vpon her.
448: To vouch this, is no proofe,
449: Without more wider, and more ouer Test
450: Then these thin habits, and poore likely-hoods
451: Of moderne seeming, do prefer against him.
452:
Sen.
But Othello, speake,
453: Did you, by indirect, and forced courses
454: Subdue, and poyson this yong Maides affections?
455: Or came it by request, and such faire question
456: As soule, to soule affordeth?
457:
Othel.
I do beseech you,
458: Send for the Lady to the Sagitary,
459: And let her speake of me before her Father;
460: If you do finde me foule, in her report,
461: The Trust, the Office, I do hold of you,
462: Not onely take away, but let your Sentence
463: Euen fall vpon my life.
464:
Duke.
Fetch Desdemona hither.
465:
Othe.
Aunciant, conduct them:
466: You best know the place.
467: And tell she come, as truely as to heauen,
468: I do confesse the vices of my blood,
469: So iustly to your Graue eares, Ile present
470: How I did thriue in this faire Ladies loue,
471: And she in mine.
472:
Duke.
Say it Othello.
473:
Othe.
Her Father lou'd me, oft inuited me:
474: Still question'd me the Storie of my life,
475: From yeare to yeare: the Battaile, Sieges, Fortune,
476: That I haue past.
477: I ran it through, euen from my boyish daies,
478: Toth' very moment that he bad me tell it.
479: Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances:
480: Of mouing Accidents by Flood and Field,
481: Of haire-breadth scapes i'th' imminent deadly breach;
482: Of being taken by the Insolent Foe,
483: And sold to slauery. Of my redemption thence,
484: And portance in my Trauellours historie.
485: Wherein of Antars vast, and Desarts idle,
486: Rough Quarries, Rocks, Hills, whose head touch heauen,
487: It was my hint to speake. Such was my Processe,
488: And of the Canibals that each others eate,
489: The Antropophague, and men whose heads
490: Grew beneath their shoulders. These things to heare,
491: Would Desdemona seriously incline:
492: But still the house Affaires would draw her hence:
493: Which euer as she could with haste dispatch,
494: She'l'd come againe, and with a greedie eare
495: Deuoure vp my discourse. Which I obseruing,
496: Tooke once a pliant houre, and found good meanes
497: To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart,
498: That I would all my Pilgrimage dilate,
499: Whereof by parcels she had something heard,
500: But not instinctiuely: I did consent,
501: And often did beguile her of her teares,
502: When I did speake of some distressefull stroke
503: That my youth suffer'd: My Storie being done,
504: She gaue me for my paines a world of kisses:
505: She swore in faith 'twas strange: 'twas passing strange,
506: 'Twas pittifull: 'twas wondrous pittifull.
507: She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd
508: That Heauen had made her such a man. She thank'd me,
509: And bad me, if I had a Friend that lou'd her,
510: I should but teach him how to tell my Story,
511: And that would wooe her. Vpon this hint I spake,
512: She lou'd me for the dangers I had past,
513: And I lou'd her, that she did pitty them.
514: This onely is the witch-craft I haue vs'd.
515: Here comes the Ladie: Let her witnesse it.
516: [ Enter Desdemona, Iago, Attendants.]
517:
Duke.
I thinke this tale would win my Daughter too,
518: Good Brabantio, take vp this mangled matter at the best:
519: Men do their broken Weapons rather vse,
520: Then their bare hands.
521:
Bra.
I pray you heare her speake?
522: If she confesse that she was halfe the wooer,
523: Destruction on my head, if my bad blame
524: Light on the man. Come hither gentle Mistris,
525: Do you perceiue in all this Noble Companie,
526: Where most you owe obedience?
527:
Des.
My Noble Father,
528: I do perceiue heere a diuided dutie.
529: To you I am bound for life, and education:
530: My life and education both do learne me,
531: How to respect you. You are the Lord of duty,
532: I am hitherto your Daughter. But heere's my Husband;
533: And so much dutie, as my Mother shew'd
534: To you, preferring you before her Father:
535: So much I challenge, that I may professe
536: Due to the Moore my Lord.
537:
Bra.
God be with you: I haue done.
538: Please it your Grace, on to the State Affaires;
539: I had rather to adopt a Child, then get it.
540: Come hither Moore;
541: I here do giue thee that with all my heart,
542: Which but thou hast already, with all my heart
543: I would keepe from thee. For your sake (Iewell)
544: I am glad at soule, I haue no other Child,
545: For thy escape would teach me Tirranie
546: To hang clogges on them. I haue done my Lord.
547:
Duke.
Let me speake like your selfe:
548: And lay a Sentence,
549: Which as a grise, or step may helpe these Louers.
550: When remedies are past, the griefes are ended
551: By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
552: To mourne a Mischeefe that is past and gon,
553: Is the next way to draw new mischiefe on.
554: What cannot be preseru'd, when Fortune takes:
555: Patience, her Iniury a mock'ry makes.
556: The rob'd that smiles, steales something from the Thiefe,
557: He robs himselfe, that spends a bootelesse griefe.
558:
Bra.
So let the Turke of Cyprus vs beguile,
559: We loose it not so long as we can smile:
560: He beares the Sentence well, that nothing beares,
561: But the free comfort which from thence he heares.
562: But he beares both the Sentence, and the sorrow,
563: That to pay griefe, must of poore Patience borrow.
564: These Sentences, to Sugar, or to Gall,
565: Being strong on both sides, are Equiuocall.
566: But words are words, I neuer yet did heare:
567: That the bruized heart was pierc'd through the eares.
568: I humbly beseech you proceed to th' Affaires of State.
569:
Duke.
The Turke with a most mighty Preparation
570: makes for Cyprus: Othello, the Fortitude of the place is
571: best knowne to you. And though we haue there a Substi-tute
572: of most allowed sufficiencie; yet opinion, a more
573: soueraigne Mistris of Effects, throwes a more safer
574: voice on you: you must therefore be content to slubber
575: the glosse of your new Fortunes, with this more stub-borne,
576: and boystrous expedition.
577:
Othe.
The Tirant Custome, most Graue Senators,
578: Hath made the flinty and Steele Coach of Warre
579: My thrice-driuen bed of Downe. I do agnize
580: A Naturall and prompt Alacratie,
581: I finde in hardnesse: and do vndertake
582: This present Warres against the Ottamites.
583: Most humbly therefore bending to your State,
584: I craue fit disposition for my Wife,
585: Due reference of Place, and Exhibition,
586: With such Accomodation and besort
587: As leuels with her breeding.
588:
Duke.
Why at her Fathers?
589:
Bra.
I will not haue it so.
590:
Othe.
Nor I.
591:
Des.
Nor would I there recide,
592: To put my Father in impatient thoughts
593: By being in his eye. Most Gracious Duke,
594: To my vnfolding, lend your prosperous eare,
595: And let me finde a Charter in your voice
596: T' assist my simplenesse.
597:
Duke.
What would you Desdemona?
598:
Des.
That I loue the Moore, to liue with him,
599: My downe-right violence, and storme of Fortunes,
600: May trumpet to the world. My heart's subdu'd
601: Euen to the very quality of my Lord;
602: I saw Othello's visage in his mind,
603: And to his Honours and his valiant parts,
604: Did I my soule and Fortunes consecrate.
605: So that (deere Lords) if I be left behind
606: A Moth of Peace, and he go to the Warre,
607: The Rites for why I loue him, are bereft me:
608: And I a heauie interim shall support
609: By his deere absence. Let me go with him.
610:
Othe.
Let her haue your voice.
611: Vouch with me Heauen, I therefore beg it not
612: To please the pallate of my Appetite:
613: Nor to comply with heat the yong affects
614: In my defunct, and proper satisfaction.
615: But to be free, and bounteous to her minde:
616: And Heauen defend your good soules, that you thinke
617: I will your serious and great businesse scant
618: When she is with me. No, when light wing'd Toyes
619: Of feather'd Cupid, seele with wanton dulnesse
620: My speculatiue, and offic'd Instrument:
621: That my Disports corrupt, and taint my businesse:
622: Let House-wiues make a Skillet of my Helme,
623: And all indigne, and base aduersities,
624: Make head against my Estimation.
625:
Duke.
Be it as you shall priuately determine,
626: Either for her stay, or going: th' Affaire cries hast:
627: And speed must answer it.
628:
Sen.
You must away to night.
629:
Othe.
With all my heart.
630:
Duke.
At nine i'th' morning, here wee'l meete againe.
631: Othello, leaue some Officer behind
632: And he shall our Commission bring to you:
633: And such things else of qualitie and respect
634: As doth import you.
635:
Othe.
So please your Grace, my Ancient,
636: A man he is of honesty and trust:
637: To his conueyance I assigne my wife,
638: With what else needfull, your good Grace shall think
639: To be sent after me.
640:
Duke.
Let it be so:
641: Good night to euery one. And Noble Signior,
642: If Vertue no delighted Beautie lacke,
643: Your Son-in-law is farre more Faire then Blacke.
644:
Sen.
Adieu braue Moore, vse Desdemona well.
645:
Bra.
Looke to her (Moore) if thou hast eies to see:
646: She ha's deceiu'd her Father, and may thee. [ Exit.]
647:
Othe.
My life vpon her faith. Honest Iago,
648: My Desdemona must I leaue to thee:
649: I prythee let thy wife attend on her,
650: And bring them after in the best aduantage.
651: Come Desdemona, I haue but an houre
652: Of Loue, of wordly matter, and direction
653: To spend with thee. We must obey the time. [ Exit.]
654:
Rod.
Iago.
655:
Iago.
What saist thou Noble heart?
656:
Rod.
What will I do, think'st thou?
657:
Iago.
Why go to bed and sleepe.
658:
Rod.
I will incontinently drowne my selfe.
659:
Iago.
If thou do'st, I shall neuer loue thee after. Why
660: thou silly Gentleman?
661:
Rod.
It is sillynesse to liue, when to liue is torment:
662: and then haue we a prescription to dye, when death is
663: our Physition.
664:
Iago.
Oh villanous: I haue look'd vpon the world
665: for foure times seuen yeares, and since I could distinguish
666: betwixt a Benefit, and an Iniurie: I neuer found man that
667: knew how to loue himselfe. Ere I would say, I would
668: drowne my selfe for the loue of a Gynney Hen, I would
669: change my Humanity with a Baboone.
670:
Rod.
What should I do? I confesse it is my shame
671: to be so fond, but it is not in my vertue to amend it.
672:
Iago.
Vertue? A figge, 'tis in our selues that we are
673: thus, or thus. Our Bodies are our Gardens, to the which,
674: our Wills are Gardiners. So that if we will plant Net-tels,
675: or sowe Lettice: Set Hisope, and weede vp Time:
676: Supplie it with one gender of Hearbes, or distract it with
677: many: either to haue it sterrill with idlenesse, or manu-red
678: with Industry, why the power, and Corrigeable au-thoritie
679: of this lies in our Wills. If the braine of our liues
680: had not one Scale of Reason, to poize another of Sensu-alitie,
681: the blood, and basenesse of our Natures would
682: conduct vs to most prepostrous Conclusions. But we
683: haue Reason to coole our raging Motions, our carnall
684: Stings, or vnbitted Lusts: whereof I take this, that you
685: call Loue, to be a Sect, or Seyen.
686:
Rod.
It cannot be.
687:
Iago.
It is meerly a Lust of the blood, and a permission
688: of the will. Come, be a man: drowne thy selfe? Drown
689: Cats, and blind Puppies. I haue profest me thy Friend,
690: and I confesse me knit to thy deseruing, with Cables of
691: perdurable toughnesse. I could neuer better steed thee
692: then now. Put Money in thy purse: follow thou the
693: Warres, defeate thy fauour, with an vsurp'd Beard. I say
694: put Money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona
695: should continue her loue to the Moore. Put Money in
696: thy purse: nor he his to her. It was a violent Commence-ment
697: in her, and thou shalt see an answerable Seque-stration,
698: put but Money in thy purse. These Moores
699: are changeable in their wils: fill thy purse with Money.
700: The Food that to him now is as lushious as Locusts,
701: shalbe to him shortly, as bitter as Coloquintida. She
702: must change for youth: when she is sated with his body
703: she will find the errors of her choice. Therefore, put Mo-ney
704: in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damne thy selfe, do
705: it a more delicate way then drowning. Make all the Mo-ney
706: thou canst: If Sanctimonie, and a fraile vow, be-twixt
707: an erring Barbarian, and super-subtle Venetian be
708: not too hard for my wits, and all the Tribe of hell, thou
709: shalt enioy her: therefore make Money: a pox of drow-ning
710: thy selfe, it is cleane out of the way. Seeke thou ra-ther
711: to be hang'd in Compassing thy ioy, then to be
712: drown'd, and go without her.
713:
Rodo.
Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on
714: the issue?
715:
Iago.
Thou art sure of me: Go make Money: I haue
716: told thee often, and I re-tell thee againe, and againe, I
717: hate the Moore. My cause is hearted; thine hath no lesse
718: reason. Let vs be coniunctiue in our reuenge, against
719: him. If thou canst Cuckold him, thou dost thy selfe a
720: pleasure, me a sport. There are many Euents in the
721: Wombe of Time, which wilbe deliuered. Trauerse, go,
722: prouide thy Money. We will haue more of this to mor-row.
723: Adieu.
724:
Rod.
Where shall we meete i'th' morning?
725:
Iago.
At my Lodging.
726:
Rod.
Ile be with thee betimes.
727:
Iago.
Go too, farewell. Do you heare Rodorigo?
728:
Rod
Ile sell all my Land. [ Exit.]
729:
Iago.
Thus do I euer make my Foole, my purse:
730: For I mine owne gain'd knowledge should prophane
731: If I would time expend with such Snipe,
732: But for my Sport, and Profit: I hate the Moore,
733: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
734: She ha's done my Office. I know not if't be true,
735: But I, for meere suspition in that kinde,
736: Will do, as if for Surety. He holds me well,
737: The better shall my purpose worke on him:
738: Cassio's a proper man: Let me see now,
739: To get his Place, and to plume vp my will
740: In double Knauery. How? How? Let's see.
741: After some time, to abuse Othello's eares,
742: That he is too familiar with his wife:
743: He hath a person, and a smooth dispose
744: To be suspected: fram'd to make women false.
745: The Moore is of a free, and open Nature,
746: That thinkes men honest, that but seeme to be so,
747: And will as tenderly be lead by'th' Nose
748: As Asses are:
749: I hau't: it is engendred: Hell, and Night,
750: Must bring this monstrous Birth, to the worlds light.
Act II
751: Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
752: [ Enter Montano, and two Gentlemen.]
753:
Mon.
What from the Cape, can you discerne at Sea?
754:
1.Gent.
Nothing at all, it is a high wrought Flood:
755: I cannot 'twixt the Heauen, and the Maine,
756: Descry a Saile.
757:
Mon.
Me thinks, the wind hath spoke aloud at Land,
758: A fuller blast ne're shooke our Battlements:
759: If it hath ruffiand so vpon the Sea,
760: What ribbes of Oake, when Mountaines melt on them,
761: Can hold the Morties. What shall we heare of this?
762:
2
A Segregation of the Turkish Fleet:
763: For do but stand vpon the Foaming Shore,
764: The chidden Billow seemes to pelt the Clowds,
765: The winde-shak'd-Surge, with high & monstrous Maine
766: Seemes to cast water on the burning Beare,
767: And quench the Guards of th' euer-fixed Pole:
768: I neuer did like mollestation view
769: On the enchafed Flood.
770:
Men.
If that the Turkish Fleete
771: Be not enshelter'd, and embay'd, they are drown'd,
772: It is impossible to beare it out.
773: [ Enter a Gentleman.]
774:
3
Newes Laddes: our warres are done:
775: The desperate Tempest hath so bang'd the Turkes,
776: That their designement halts. A Noble ship of Venice,
777: Hath seene a greeuous wracke and sufferance
778: On most part of their Fleet.
779:
Mon.
How? Is this true?
780:
3
The Ship is heere put in: A Verennessa, Michael Cassio
781: Lieutenant to the warlike Moore, Othello,
782: Is come on Shore: the Moore himselfe at Sea,
783: And is in full Commission heere for Cyprus.
784:
Mon.
I am glad on't:
785: 'Tis a worthy Gouernour.
786:
3
But this same Cassio, though he speake of comfort,
787: Touching the Turkish losse, yet he lookes sadly,
788: And praye the Moore be safe; for they were parted
789: With fowle and violent Tempest.
790:
Mon.
Pray Heauens he be:
791: For I haue seru'd him, and the man commands
792: Like a full Soldier. Let's to the Sea-side (hoa)
793: As well to see the Vessell that's come in,
794: As to throw-out our eyes for braue Othello,
795: Euen till we make the Maine, and th' Eriall blew,
796: An indistinct regard.
797:
Gent.
Come, let's do so;
798: For euery Minute is expectancie
799: Of more Arriuancie.
800: [ Enter Cassio.]
801:
Cassi.
Thankes you, the valiant of the warlike Isle,
802: That so approoue the Moore: Oh let the Heauens
803: Giue him defence against the Elements,
804: For I haue lost him on a dangerous Sea.
805:
Mon.
Is he well ship'd?
806:
Cassio.
His Barke is stoutly Timber'd, and his Pylot
807: Of verie expert, and approu'd Allowance;
808: Therefore my hope's (not surfetted to death)
809: Stand in bold Cure.
810:
Within.
A Saile, a Saile, a Saile.
811:
Cassio.
What noise?
812:
Gent.
The Towne is empty; on the brow o'th' Sea
813: Stand rankes of People and they cry, a Saile.
814:
Cassio.
My hopes do shape him for the Gouernor.
815:
Gent.
They do discharge their Shot of Courtesie,
816: Our Friends, at least.
817:
Cassio.
I pray you Sir, go forth,
818: And giue vs truth who 'tis that is arriu'd.
819:
Gent
I shall. [ Exit.]
820:
Mon.
But good Lieutenant, is your Generall wiu'd?
821:
Cassio.
Most fortunately: he hath atchieu'd a Maid
822: That paragons description, and wilde Fame:
823: One that excels the quirkes of Blazoning pens,
824: And in th' essentiall Vesture of Creation,
825: Do's tyre the Ingeniuer.
826: [ Enter Gentleman.]
827: How now? Who ha's put in?
828:
Gent.
'Tis one Iago, Auncient to the Generall.
829:
Cassio.
Ha's had most fauourable, and happie speed:
830: Tempests themselues, high Seas, and howling windes,
831: The gutter'd-Rockes, and Congregated Sands,
832: Traitors ensteep'd, to enclogge the guiltlesse Keele,
833: As hauing sence of Beautie, do omit
834: Their mortall Natures, letting go safely by
835: The Diuine Desdemona.
836:
Mon.
What is she?
837:
Cassio.
She that I spake of:
838: Our great Captains Captaine,
839: Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,
840: Whose footing heere anticipates our thoughts,
841: A Senights speed. Great Ioue, Othello guard,
842: And swell his Saile with thine owne powrefull breath,
843: That he may blesse this Bay with his tall Ship,
844: Make loues quicke pants in Desdemonaes Armes,
845: Giue renew'd fire to our extincted Spirits.
846: [ Enter Desdemona, Iago, Rodorigo, and Aemilia.]
847: Oh behold,
848: The Riches of the Ship is come on shore:
849: You men of Cyprus, let her haue your knees.
850: Haile to thee Ladie: and the grace of Heauen,
851: Before, behinde thee, and on euery hand
852: Enwheele thee round.
853:
Des.
I thanke you, Valiant Cassio,
854: What tydings can you tell of my Lord?
855:
Cas.
He is not yet arriu'd, nor know I ought
856: But that he's well, and will be shortly heere.
857:
Des.
Oh, but I feare:
858: How lost you company?
859:
Cassio.
The great Contention of Sea, and Skies
860: Parted our fellowship. But hearke, a Saile.
861:
Within.
A Saile, a Saile.
862:
Gent.
They giue this greeting to the Cittadell:
863: This likewise is a Friend.
864:
Cassio.
See for the Newes:
865: Good Ancient, you are welcome. Welcome Mistris:
866: Let it not gaule your patience (good Iago)
867: That I extend my Manners. 'Tis my breeding,
868: That giues me this bold shew of Curtesie.
869:
Iago.
Sir, would she giue you so much of her lippes,
870: As of her tongue she oft bestowes on me,
871: You would haue enough.
872:
Des.
Alas: she ha's no speech.
873:
Iago.
Infaith too much:
874: I finde it still, when I haue leaue to sleepe.
875: Marry before your Ladyship, I grant,
876: She puts her tongue a little in her heart,
877: And chides with thinking.
878:
Aemil.
You haue little cause to say so.
879:
Iago.
Come on, come on: you are Pictures out of
880: doore: Bells in your Parlours: Wilde-Cats in your Kit-chens:
881: Saints in your Iniuries: Diuels being offended:
882: Players in your Huswiferie, and Huswiues in your
883: Beds.
884:
Des.
Oh, fie vpon thee, Slanderer.
885:
Iago.
Nay, it is true: or else I am a Turke,
886: You rise to play, and go to bed to worke.
887:
Aemil.
You shall not write my praise.
888:
Iago.
No, let me not.
889:
Desde.
What would'st write of me, if thou should'st
890: praise me?
891:
Iago.
Oh, gentle Lady, do not put me too't,
892: For I am nothing, if not Criticall.
893:
Des.
Come on, assay.
894: There's one gone to the Harbour?
895:
Iago.
I Madam.
896:
Des.
I am not merry: but I do beguile
897: The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.
898: Come, how would'st thou praise me?
899:
Iago.
I am about it, but indeed my inuention comes
900: from my pate, as Birdlyme do's from Freeze, it pluckes
901: out Braines and all. But my Muse labours, and thus she
902: is deliuer'd.
903: If she be faire, and wise: fairenesse, and wit,
904: The ones for vse, the other vseth it.
905:
Des.
Well prais'd:
906: How if she be Blacke and Witty?
907:
Iago.
If she be blacke, and thereto haue a wit,
908: She'le find a white, that shall her blacknesse fit.
909:
Des.
Worse, and worse.
910:
Aemil.
How if Faire, and Foolish?
911:
Iago.
She neuer yet was foolish that was faire,
912: For euen her folly helpt her to an heire.
913:
Desde.
These are old fond Paradoxes, to make Fooles
914: laugh i'th' Alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou
915: for her that's Foule, and Foolish.
916:
Iago.
There's none so foule and foolish thereunto,
917: But do's foule pranks, which faire, and wise-ones do.
918:
Desde.
Oh heauy ignorance: thou praisest the worst
919: best. But what praise could'st thou bestow on a deser-uing
920: woman indeed? One, that in the authorithy of her
921: merit, did iustly put on the vouch of very malice it
922: selfe.
923:
Iago.
She that was euer faire, and neuer proud,
924: Had Tongue at will, and yet was neuer loud:
925: Neuer lackt Gold, and yet went neuer gay,
926: Fled from her wish, and yet said now I may.
927: She that being angred, her reuenge being nie,
928: Bad her wrong stay, and her displeasure flie:
929: She that in wisedome neuer was so fraile,
930: To change the Cods-head for the Salmons taile:
931: She that could thinke, and neu'r disclose her mind,
932: See Suitors following, and not looke behind:
933: She was a wight, (if euer such wightes were)
934:
Des.
To do what?
935:
Iago.
To suckle Fooles, and chronicle small Beere.
936:
Desde.
Oh most lame and impotent conclusion. Do
937: not learne of him Aemillia, though he be thy husband.
938: How say you (Cassio) is he not a most prophane, and li-berall
939: Counsailor?
940:
Cassio.
He speakes home (Madam) you may rellish
941: him more in the Souldier, then in the Scholler.
942:
Iago.
He takes her by the palme: I, well said, whis-per.
943: With as little a web as this, will I ensnare as great
944: a Fly as Cassio. I smile vpon her, do: I will giue thee
945: in thine owne Courtship. You say true, 'tis so indeed.
946: If such tricks as these strip you out of your Lieutenan-trie,
947: it had beene better you had not kiss'd your three fin-gers
948: so oft, which now againe you are most apt to play
949: the Sir, in. Very good: well kiss'd, and excellent Curt-sie:
950: 'tis so indeed. Yet againe, your fingers to your
951: lippes? Would they were Cluster-pipes for your
952: sake.
953: The Moore I know his Trumpet.
954:
Cassio.
'Tis truely so.
955:
Des.
Let's meete him, and recieue him.
956:
Cassio.
Loe, where he comes.
957: [ Enter Othello, and Attendants.]
958:
Oth.
O, my faire Warriour.
959:
Des.
My deere Othello.
960:
Othe.
It giues me wonder great, as my content
961: To see you heere before me.
962: Oh my Soules Ioy:
963: If after euery Tempest, come such Calmes,
964: May the windes blow, till they haue waken'd death:
965: And let the labouring Barke climbe hills of Seas
966: Olympus high: and duck againe as low,
967: As hell's from Heauen. If it were now to dye,
968: 'Twere now to be most happy. For I feare,
969: My Soule hath her content so absolute,
970: That not another comfort like to this,
971: Succeedes in vnknowne Fate.
972:
Des.
The Heauens forbid
973: But that our Loues
974: And Comforts should encrease
975: Euen as our dayes do grow.
976:
Othe.
Amen to that (sweet Powers)
977: I cannot speake enough of this content,
978: It stoppes me heere: it is too much of ioy.
979: And this, and this the greatest discords be
980: That ere our hearts shall make.
981:
Iago.
Oh you are well tun'd now: But Ile set downe
982: the peggs that make this Musicke, as honest as I am.
983:
Othe.
Come: let vs to the Castle.
984: Newes (Friends) our Warres are done:
985: The Turkes are drown'd.
986: How do's my old Acquaintance of this Isle?
987: (Hony) you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,
988: I haue found great loue among'st them. Oh my Sweet,
989: I prattle out of fashion, and I doate
990: In mine owne comforts. I prythee, good Iago,
991: Go to the Bay, and disimbarke my Coffers:
992: Bring thou the Master to the Cittadell,
993: He is a good one, and his worthynesse
994: Do's challenge much respect. Come Desdemona,
995: Once more well met at Cyprus.
996: [ Exit Othello and Desdemona.]
997:
Iago.
Do thou meet me presently at the Harbour.
998: Come thither, if thou be'st Valiant, (as they say base men
999: being in Loue, haue then a Nobilitie in their Natures,
1000: more then is natiue to them) list-me; the Lieutenant to
1001: night watches on the Court of Guard. First, I must tell
1002: thee this: Desdemona, is directly in loue with him.
1003:
Rod.
With him? Why, 'tis not possible.
1004:
Iago.
Lay thy finger thus: and let thy soule be in-structed.
1005: Marke me with what violence she first lou'd
1006: the Moore, but for bragging, and telling her fantasticall
1007: lies. To loue him still for prating, let not thy discreet
1008: heart thinke it. Her eye must be fed. And what delight
1009: shall she haue to looke on the diuell? When the Blood
1010: is made dull with the Act of Sport, there should be a
1011: game to enflame it, and to giue Satiety a fresh appetite.
1012: Louelinesse in fauour, simpathy in yeares, Manners,
1013: and Beauties: all which the Moore is defectiue in. Now
1014: for want of these requir'd Conueniences, her delicate
1015: tendernesse wil finde it selfe abus'd, begin to heaue the,
1016: gorge, disrellish and abhorre the Moore, very Nature wil
1017: instruct her in it, and compell her to some second choice.
1018: Now Sir, this granted (as it is a most pregnant and vn-forc'd
1019: position) who stands so eminent in the degree of
1020: this Fortune, as Cassio do's: a knaue very voluble: no
1021: further conscionable, then in putting on the meere forme
1022: of Ciuill, and Humaine seeming, for the better compasse
1023: of his salt, and most hidden loose Affection? Why none,
1024: why none: A slipper, and subtle knaue, a finder of occa-sion:
1025: that he's an eye can stampe, and counterfeit Ad-uantages,
1026: though true Aduantage neuer present it selfe.
1027: A diuelish knaue: besides, the knaue is handsome, young:
1028: and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and greene
1029: mindes looke after. A pestilent compleat knaue, and the
1030: woman hath found him already.
1031:
Rodo.
I cannot beleeue that in her, she's full of most
1032: bless'd condition.
1033:
Iago.
Bless'd figges-end. The Wine she drinkes is
1034: made of grapes. If shee had beene bless'd, shee would
1035: neuer haue lou'd the Moore: Bless'd pudding. Didst thou
1036: not see her paddle with the palme of his hand? Didst not
1037: marke that?
1038:
Rod.
Yes, that I did: but that was but curtesie.
1039:
Iago
. Leacherie by this hand: an Index, and obscure
1040: prologue to the History of Lust and foule Thoughts.
1041: They met so neere with their lippes, that their breathes
1042: embrac'd together. Villanous thoughts Rodorigo, when
1043: these mutabilities so marshall the way, hard at hand
1044: comes the Master, and maine exercise, th' incorporate
1045: conclusion: Pish. But Sir, be you rul'd by me. I haue
1046: brought you from Venice. Watch you to night: for
1047: the Command, Ile lay't vpon you. Cassio knowes you
1048: not: Ile not be farre from you. Do you finde some oc-casion
1049: to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or
1050: tainting his discipline, or from what other course
1051: you please, which the time shall more fauorably mi-nister.
1052: _
1053:
Rod.
Well.
1054:
Iago.
Sir, he's rash, and very sodaine in Choller: and
1055: happely may strike at you, prouoke him that he may: for
1056: euen out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to Mutiny.
1057: Whose qualification shall come into no true taste a-gaine,
1058: but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you
1059: haue a shorter iourney to your desires, by the meanes I
1060: shall then haue to preferre them. And the impediment
1061: most profitably remoued, without the which there were
1062: no expectation of our prosperitie.
1063:
Rodo.
I will do this, if you can bring it to any oppor-tunity.
1064: _
1065:
Iago.
I warrant thee. Meete me by and by at the
1066: Cittadell. I must fetch his Necessaries a Shore. Fare-well.
1067: _
1068:
Rodo
Adieu. [ Exit.]
1069:
Iago.
That Cassio loues her, I do well beleeu't:
1070: That she loues him, 'tis apt, and of great Credite.
1071: The Moore (howbeit that I endure him not)
1072: Is of a constant, louing, Noble Nature,
1073: And I dare thinke, he'le proue to Desdemona
1074: A most deere husband. Now I do loue her too,
1075: Not out of absolute Lust, (though peraduenture
1076: I stand accomptant for as great a sin)
1077: But partely led to dyet my Reuenge,
1078: For that I do suspect the lustie Moore
1079: Hath leap'd into my Seate. The thought whereof,
1080: Doth (like a poysonous Minerall) gnaw my Inwardes:
1081: And nothing can, or shall content my Soule
1082: Till I am eeuen'd with him, wife, for wife.
1083: Or fayling so, yet that I put the Moore,
1084: At least into a Ielouzie so strong
1085: That iudgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,
1086: If this poore Trash of Venice, whom I trace
1087: For his quicke hunting, stand the putting on,
1088: Ile haue our Michael Cassio on the hip,
1089: Abuse him to the Moore, in the right garbe
1090: (For I feare Cassio with my Night-Cape too)
1091: Make the Moore thanke me, loue me, and reward me,
1092: For making him egregiously an Asse,
1093: And practising vpon his peace, and quiet,
1094: Euen to madnesse. 'Tis heere: but yet confus'd,
1095: Knaueries plaine face, is neuer seene, till vs'd. [ Exit.]
1096: Scena Secunda.
1097: [ Enter Othello's Herald with a Proclamation.]
1098:
Herald.
It is Othello's pleasure, our Noble and Vali-ant
1099: Generall. That vpon certaine tydings now arriu'd,
1100: importing the meere perdition of the Turkish Fleete:
1101: euery man put himselfe into Triumph. Some to daunce,
1102: some to make Bonfires, each man, to what Sport and
1103: Reuels his addition leads him. For besides these bene-ficiall
1104: Newes, it is the Celebration of his Nuptiall. So
1105: much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offi-ces
1106: are open, & there is full libertie of Feasting from this
1107: present houre of fiue, till the Bell haue told eleuen.
1108: Blesse the Isle of Cyprus, and our Noble Generall Othel-lo.
1109: [ Exit.]
1110: [ Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.]
1111:
Othe.
Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night.
1112: Let's teach our selues that Honourable stop,
1113: Not to out-sport discretion.
1114:
Cas.
Iago, hath direction what to do.
1115: But notwithstanding with my personall eye
1116: Will I looke to't.
1117:
Othe.
Iago, is most honest:
1118: Michael, goodnight. To morrow with your earliest,
1119: Let me haue speech with you. Come my deere Loue,
1120: The purchase made, the fruites are to ensue,
1121: That profit's yet to come 'tweene me, and you.
1122: Goodnight. [ Exit.]
1123: [ Enter Iago.]
1124:
Cas.
Welcome Iago: we must to the Watch.
1125:
Iago.
Not this houre Lieutenant: 'tis not yet ten
1126: o'th' clocke. Our Generall cast vs thus earely for the
1127: loue of his Desdemona: Who, let vs not therefore blame;
1128: he hath not yet made wanton the night with her: and
1129: she is sport for Ioue.
1130:
Cas.
She's a most exquisite Lady.
1131:
Iago.
And Ile warrant her, full of Game.
1132:
Cas.
Indeed shes a most fresh and delicate creature.
1133:
Iago.
What an eye she ha's?
1134: Me thinkes it sounds a parley to prouocation.
1135:
Cas.
An inuiting eye:
1136: And yet me thinkes right modest.
1137:
Iago.
And when she speakes,
1138: Is it not an Alarum to Loue?
1139:
Cas.
She is indeed perfection.
1140:
Iago.
Well: happinesse to their Sheetes. Come Lieu-tenant,
1141: I haue a stope of Wine, and heere without are a
1142: brace of Cyprus Gallants, that would faine haue a mea-sure
1143: to the health of blacke Othello.
1144:
Cas.
Not to night, good Iago, I haue very poore,
1145: and vnhappie Braines for drinking. I could well wish
1146: Curtesie would inuent some other Custome of enter-tainment.
1147: _
1148:
Iago.
Oh, they are our Friends: but one Cup, Ile
1149: drinke for you.
1150:
Cassio.
I haue drunke but one Cup to night, and that
1151: was craftily qualified too: and behold what inouation
1152: it makes heere. I am infortunate in the infirmity, and
1153: dare not taske my weakenesse with any more.
1154:
Iago.
What man? 'Tis a night of Reuels, the Gal-lants
1155: desire it.
1156:
Cas.
Where are they?
1157:
Iago.
Heere, at the doore: I pray you call them in.
1158:
Cas
Ile do't, but it dislikes me. [ Exit.]
1159:
Iago.
If I can fasten but one Cup vpon him
1160: With that which he hath drunke to night alreadie,
1161: He'l be as full of Quarrell, and offence
1162: As my yong Mistris dogge.
1163: Now my sicke Foole Rodorigo,
1164: Whom Loue hath turn'd almost the wrong side out,
1165: To Desdemona hath to night Carrows'd.
1166: Potations, pottle-deepe; and he's to watch.
1167: Three else of Cyprus, Noble swelling Spirites,
1168: (That hold their Honours in a wary distance,
1169: The very Elements of this Warrelike Isle)
1170: Haue I to night fluster'd with flowing Cups,
1171: And they Watch too.
1172: Now 'mongst this Flocke of drunkards
1173: Am I put to our Cassio in some Action
1174: That may offend the Isle. But here they come.
1175: [ Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen.]
1176: If Consequence do but approue my dreame,
1177: My Boate sailes freely, both with winde and Streame.
1178:
Cas.
'Fore heauen, they haue giuen me a rowse already.
1179:
Mon.
Good-faith a litle one: not past a pint, as I am a
1180: Souldier.
1181:
Iago.
Some Wine hoa.
1182: And let me the Cannakin clinke, clinke:
1183: And let me the Cannakin clinke.
1184: A Souldiers a man: Oh, mans life's but a span,
1185: Why then let a Souldier drinke.
1186: Some Wine Boyes.
1187:
Cas.
'Fore Heauen: an excellent Song.
1188:
Iago.
I learn'd it in England: where indeed they are
1189: most potent in Potting. Your Dane, your Germaine,
1190: and your swag-belly'd Hollander, (drinke hoa) are
1191: nothing to your English.
1192:
Cassio.
Is your Englishmen so exquisite in his drin-king?
1193: _
1194:
Iago.
Why, he drinkes you with facillitie, your Dane
1195: dead drunke. He sweates not to ouerthrow your Al-maine.
1196: He giues your Hollander a vomit, ere the next
1197: Pottle can be fill'd.
1198:
Cas.
To the health of our Generall.
1199:
Mon.
I am for it Lieutenant: and Ile do you Iustice.
1200:
Iago.
Oh sweet England.
1201: King Stephen was and-a worthy Peere,
1202: His Breeches cost him but a Crowne,
1203: He held them Six pence all to deere,
1204: With that he cal'd the Tailor Lowne:
1205: He was a wight of high Renowne,
1206: And thou art but of low degree:
1207: 'Tis Pride that pulls the Country downe,
1208: And take thy awl'd Cloake about thee.
1209: Some Wine hoa.
1210:
Cassio.
Why this is a more exquisite Song then the o-ther.
1211: _
1212:
Iago.
Will you heare't againe?
1213:
Cas.
No: for I hold him to be vnworthy of his Place,
1214: that do's those things. Well: heau'ns aboue all: and
1215: there be soules must be saued, and there be soules must
1216: not be saued.
1217:
Iago.
It's true, good Lieutenant.
1218:
Cas.
For mine owne part, no offence to the Generall,
1219: nor any man of qualitie: I hope to be saued.
1220:
Iago.
And so do I too Lieutenant.
1221:
Cassio.
I: (but by your leaue) not before me. The
1222: Lieutenant is to be saued before the Ancient. Let's haue
1223: no more of this: let's to our Affaires. Forgiue vs our
1224: sinnes: Gentlemen let's looke to our businesse. Do not
1225: thinke Gentlemen, I am drunke: this is my Ancient, this
1226: is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunke
1227: now: I can stand well enough, and I speake well enough.
1228:
Gent.
Excellent well.
1229:
Cas.
Why very well then: you must not thinke then,
1230: that I am drunke. [ Exit.]
1231:
Monta.
To th' Platforme (Masters) come, let's set the
1232: Watch.
1233:
Iago.
You see this Fellow, that is gone before,
1234: He's a Souldier, fit to stand by Caesar,
1235: And giue direction. And do but see his vice,
1236: 'Tis to his vertue, a iust Equinox,
1237: The one as long as th' other. 'Tis pittie of him:
1238: I feare the trust Othello puts him in,
1239: On some odde time of his infirmitie
1240: Will shake this Island.
1241:
Mont.
But is he often thus?
1242:
Iago.
'Tis euermore his prologue to his sleepe,
1243: He'le watch the Horologe a double Set,
1244: If Drinke rocke not his Cradle.
1245:
Mont.
It were well
1246: The Generall were put in mind of it:
1247: Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature
1248: Prizes the vertue that appeares in Cassio,
1249: And lookes not on his euills: is not this true?
1250: [ Enter Rodorigo.]
1251:
Iago.
How now Rodorigo?
1252: I pray you after the Lieutenant, go.
1253:
Mon.
And 'tis great pitty, that the Noble Moore
1254: Should hazard such a Place, as his owne Second
1255: With one of an ingraft Infirmitie,
1256: It were an honest Action, to say so
1257: To the Moore.
1258:
Iago.
Not I, for this faire Island,
1259: I do loue Cassio well: and would do much
1260: To cure him of this euill, But hearke, what noise?
1261: [ Enter Cassio pursuing Rodorigo.]
1262:
Cas.
You Rogue: you Rascall.
1263:
Mon.
What's the matter Lieutenant?
1264:
Cas.
A Knaue teach me my dutie? Ile beate the
1265: Knaue in to a Twiggen-Bottle.
1266:
Rod.
Beate me?
1267:
Cas.
Dost thou prate, Rogue?
1268:
Mon.
Nay, good Lieutenant:
1269: I pray you Sir, hold your hand.
1270:
Cassio.
Let me go (Sir)
1271: Or Ile knocke you o're the Mazard.
1272:
Mon.
Come, come: you're drunke.
1273:
Cassio.
Drunke?
1274:
Iago.
Away I say: go out and cry a Mutinie.
1275: Nay good Lieutenant. Alas Gentlemen:
1276: Helpe hoa. Lieutenant. Sir Montano:
1277: Helpe Masters. Heere's a goodly Watch indeed.
1278: Who's that which rings the Bell: Diablo, hoa:
1279: The Towne will rise. Fie, fie Lieutenant,
1280: You'le be asham'd for euer.
1281: [ Enter Othello, and Attendants.]
1282:
Othe.
What is the matter heere?
1283:
Mon.
I bleed still, I am hurt to th' death. He dies.
1284:
Othe.
Hold for your liues.
1285:
Iag.
Hold hoa: Lieutenant, Sir Montano, Gentlemen:
1286: Haue you forgot all place of sense and dutie?
1287: Hold. The Generall speaks to you: hold for shame.
1288:
Oth.
Why how now hoa? From whence ariseth this?
1289: Are we turn'd Turkes? and to our selues do that
1290: Which Heauen hath forbid the Ottamittes.
1291: For Christian shame, put by this barbarous Brawle:
1292: He that stirs next, to carue for his owne rage,
1293: Holds his soule light: He dies vpon his Motion.
1294: Silence that dreadfull Bell, it frights the Isle,
1295: From her propriety. What is the matter, Masters?
1296: Honest Iago, that lookes dead with greeuing,
1297: Speake: who began this? On thy loue I charge thee?
1298:
Iago.
I do not know: Friends all, but now, euen now.
1299: In Quarter, and in termes like Bride, and Groome
1300: Deuesting them for Bed: and then, but now:
1301: (As if some Planet had vnwitted men)
1302: Swords out, and tilting one at others breastes,
1303: In opposition bloody. I cannot speake
1304: Any begining to this peeuish oddes.
1305: And would, in Action glorious, I had lost
1306: Those legges, that brought me to a part of it.
1307:
Othe.
How comes it (Michaell) you are thus forgot?
1308:
Cas.
I pray you pardon me, I cannot speake.
1309:
Othe.
Worthy Montano, you were wont to be ciuill:
1310: The grauitie, and stillnesse of your youth
1311: The world hath noted. And your name is great
1312: In mouthes of wisest Censure. What's the matter
1313: That you vnlace your reputation thus,
1314: And spend your rich opinion, for the name
1315: Of a night-brawler? Giue me answer to it.
1316:
Mon.
Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger,
1317: Your Officer Iago, can informe you,
1318: While I spare speech which something now offends me.
1319: Of all that I do know, nor know I ought
1320: By me, that's said, or done amisse this night,
1321: Vnlesse selfe-charitie be sometimes a vice,
1322: And to defend our selues, it be a sinne
1323: When violence assailes vs.
1324:
Othe.
Now by Heauen,
1325: My blood begins my safer Guides to rule,
1326: And passion (hauing my best iudgement collied)
1327: Assaies to leade the way. If I once stir,
1328: Or do but lift this Arme, the best of you
1329: Shall sinke in my rebuke. Giue me to know
1330: How this foule Rout began: Who set it on,
1331: And he that is approu'd in this offence,
1332: Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
1333: Shall loose me. What in a Towne of warre,
1334: Yet wilde, the peoples hearts brim-full of feare,
1335: To Manage priuate, and domesticke Quarrell?
1336: In night, and on the Court and Guard of safetie?
1337: 'Tis monstrous: Iago, who began't?
1338:
Mon.
If partially Affin'd, or league in office,
1339: Thou dost deliuer more, or lesse then Truth,
1340: Thou art no Souldier.
1341:
Iago.
Touch me not so neere,
1342: I had rather haue this tongue cut from my mouth,
1343: Then it should do offence to Michaell Cassio.
1344: Yet I perswade my selfe, to speake the truth
1345: Shall nothing wrong him. This it is Generall:
1346: Montano and my selfe being in speech,
1347: There comes a Fellow, crying out for helpe,
1348: And Cassio following him with determin'd Sword
1349: To execute vpon him. Sir, this Gentleman,
1350: Steppes in to Cassio, and entreats his pause:
1351: My selfe, the crying Fellow did pursue,
1352: Least by his clamour (as it so fell out)
1353: The Towne might fall in fright. He, (swift of foote)
1354: Out-ran my purpose: and I return'd then rather
1355: For that I heard the clinke, and fall of Swords,
1356: And Cassio high in oath: Which till to night
1357: I nere might say before. When I came backe
1358: (For this was briefe) I found them close together
1359: At blow, and thrust, euen as againe they were
1360: When you your selfe did part them.
1361: More of this matter cannot I report,
1362: But Men are Men: The best sometimes forget,
1363: Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
1364: As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
1365: Yet surely Cassio, I beleeue receiu'd
1366: From him that fled, some strange Indignitie,
1367: Which patience could not passe.
1368:
Othe.
I know Iago
1369: Thy honestie, and loue doth mince this matter,
1370: Making it light to Cassio: Cassio, I loue thee,
1371: But neuer more be Officer of mine.
1372: [ Enter Desdemona attended.]
1373: Looke if my gentle Loue be not rais'd vp:
1374: Ile make thee an example.
1375:
Des.
What is the matter (Deere?)
1376:
Othe.
All's well, Sweeting:
1377: Come away to bed. Sir for your hurts,
1378: My selfe will be your Surgeon. Lead him off:
1379: Iago, looke with care about the Towne,
1380: And silence those whom this vil'd brawle distracted.
1381: Come Desdemona, 'tis the Soldiers life,
1382: To haue their Balmy slumbers wak'd with strife. [ Exit.]
1383:
Iago.
What are you hurt Lieutenant?
1384:
Cas.
I, past all Surgery.
1385:
Iago.
Marry Heauen forbid.
1386:
Cas.
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation: Oh I haue
1387: lost my Reputation. I haue lost the immortall part of
1388: myselfe, and what remaines is bestiall. My Reputation,
1389: Iago, my Reputation.
1390:
Iago.
As I am an honest man I had thought you had
1391: receiued some bodily wound; there is more sence in that
1392: then in Reputation. Reputation is an idle, and most false
1393: imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without de-seruing.
1394: You haue lost no Reputation at all, vnlesse you
1395: repute your selfe such a looser. What man, there are
1396: more wayes to recouer the Generall againe. You are
1397: but now cast in his moode, (a punishment more in poli-cie,
1398: then in malice) euen so as one would beate his of-fencelesse
1399: dogge, to affright an Imperious Lyon. Sue to
1400: him againe, and he's yours.
1401:
Cas.
I will rather sue to be despis'd, then to deceiue
1402: so good a Commander, with so slight, so drunken, and so
1403: indiscreet an Officer. Drunke? And speake Parrat? And
1404: squabble? Swagger? Sweare? And discourse Fustian
1405: with ones owne shadow? Oh thou invisible spirit of
1406: Wine, if thou hast no name to be knowne by, let vs call
1407: thee Diuell.
1408:
Iago.
What was he that you follow'd with your
1409: Sword? What had he done to you?
1410:
Cas.
I know not.
1411:
Iago.
Is't possible?
1412:
Cas.
I remember a masse of things, but nothing di-stinctly:
1413: a Quarrell, but nothing wherefore. Oh, that
1414: men should put an Enemie in their mouthes, to steale a-way
1415: their Braines? that we should with ioy, pleasance,
1416: reuell and applause, transforme our selues into Beasts.
1417:
Iago.
Why? But you are now well enough: how
1418: came you thus recouered?
1419:
Cas.
It hath pleas'd the diuell drunkennesse, to giue
1420: place to the diuell wrath, one vnperfectnesse, shewes me
1421: another to make me frankly despise my selfe.
1422:
Iago.
Come, you are too seuere a Moraller. As the
1423: Time, the Place, & the Condition of this Country stands
1424: I could hartily wish this had not befalne: but since it is, as
1425: it is, mend it for your owne good.
1426:
Cas.
I will aske him for my Place againe, he shall tell
1427: me, I am a drunkard: had I as many mouthes as Hydra,
1428: such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sen-sible
1429: man, by and by a Foole, and presently a Beast. Oh
1430: strange! Euery inordinate cup is vnbless'd, and the Ingre-dient
1431: is a diuell.
1432:
Iago.
Come, come: good wine, is a good familiar
1433: Creature, if it be well vs'd: exclaime no more against it.
1434: And good Lieutenant, I thinke, you thinke I loue
1435: you.
1436:
Cassio.
I haue well approued it, Sir. I drunke?
1437:
Iago.
You, or any man liuing, may be drunke at a
1438: time man. I tell you what you shall do: Our General's
1439: Wife, is now the Generall. I may say so, in this respect,
1440: for that he hath deuoted, and giuen vp himselfe to the
1441: Contemplation, marke: and deuotement of her parts
1442: and Graces. Confesse your selfe freely to her: Impor-tune
1443: her helpe to put you in your place againe. She is
1444: of so free, so kinde, so apt, so blessed a disposition,
1445: she holds it a vice in her goodnesse, not to do more
1446: then she is requested. This broken ioynt betweene
1447: you, and her husband, entreat her to splinter. And my
1448: Fortunes against any lay worth naming, this cracke of
1449: your Loue, shall grow stronger, then it was before.
1450:
Cassio.
You aduise me well.
1451:
Iago.
I protest in the sinceritie of Loue, and honest
1452: kindnesse.
1453:
Cassio.
I thinke it freely: and betimes in the mor-ning,
1454: I will beseech the vertuous Desdemona to vndertake
1455: for me: I am desperate of my Fortunes if they check me.
1456:
Iago.
You are in the right: good night Lieutenant, I
1457: must to the Watch.
1458:
Cassio.
Good night, honest Iago.
1459: [ Exit Cassio.]
1460:
Iago.
And what's he then,
1461: That saies I play the Villaine?
1462: When this aduise is free I giue, and honest,
1463: Proball to thinking, and indeed the course
1464: To win the Moore againe.
1465: For 'tis most easie
1466: Th' inclyning Desdemona to subdue
1467: In any honest Suite. She's fram'd as fruitefull
1468: As the free Elements. And then for her
1469: To win the Moore, were to renownce his Baptisme,
1470: All Seales, and Simbols of redeemed sin:
1471: His Soule is so enfetter'd to her Loue,
1472: That she may make, vnmake, do what she list,
1473: Euen as her Appetite shall play the God,
1474: With his weake Function. How am I then a Villaine,
1475: To Counsell Cassio to this paralell course,
1476: Directly to his good? Diuinitie of hell,
1477: When diuels will the blackest sinnes put on,
1478: They do suggest at first with heauenly shewes,
1479: As I do now. For whiles this honest Foole
1480: Plies Desdemona, to repaire his Fortune,
1481: And she for him, pleades strongly to the Moore,
1482: Ile powre this pestilence into his eare:
1483: That she repeales him, for her bodies Lust,
1484: And by how much she striues to do him good,
1485: She shall vndo her Credite with the Moore.
1486: So will I turne her vertue into pitch.
1487: And out of her owne goodnesse make the Net,
1488: That shall en-mash them all.
1489: How now Rodorigo?
1490: [ Enter Rodorigo.]
1491:
Rodorigo.
I do follow heere in the Chace, not
1492: like a Hound that hunts, but one that filles vp the
1493: Crie. My Money is almost spent; I haue bin to night
1494: exceedingly well Cudgell'd: And I thinke the issue
1495: will bee, I shall haue so much experience for my paines;
1496: And so, with no money at all, and a little more Wit, re-turne
1497: againe to Venice.
1498:
Iago.
How poore are they that haue not Patience?
1499: What wound did euer heale but by degrees?
1500: Thou know'st we worke by Wit, and not by Witchcraft
1501: And Wit depends on dilatory time:
1502: Dos't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
1503: And thou by that small hurt hath casheer'd Cassio:
1504: Though other things grow faire against the Sun,
1505: Yet Fruites that blossome first, will first be ripe:
1506: Content thy selfe, a-while. Introth 'tis Morning;
1507: Pleasure, and Action, make the houres seeme short.
1508: Retire thee, go where thou art Billited:
1509: Away, I say, thou shalt know more heereafter:
1510: Nay get thee gone. [ Exit Roderigo.]
1511: Two things are to be done:
1512: My Wife must moue for Cassio to her Mistris:
1513: Ile set her on my selfe, a while, to draw the Moor apart,
1514: And bring him iumpe, when he may Cassio finde
1515: Soliciting his wife: I, that's the way:
1516: Dull not Deuice, by coldnesse, and delay. [ Exit.]
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.]
Act IV
2369: Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
2370: [ Enter Othello, and Iago.]
2371:
Iago.
Will you thinke so?
2372:
Oth.
Thinke so, Iago?
2373:
Iago.
What, to kisse in priuate?
2374:
Oth.
An vnauthoriz'd kisse?
2375:
Iago.
Or to be naked with her Friend in bed,
2376: An houre, or more, not meaning any harme?
2377:
Oth.
Naked in bed (Iago) and not meane harme?
2378: It is hypocrisie against the Diuell:
2379: They that meane vertuously, and yet do so,
2380: The Diuell their vertue tempts, and they tempt Heauen.
2381:
Iago.
If they do nothing, 'tis a Veniall slip:
2382: But if I giue my wife a Handkerchiefe.
2383:
Oth.
What then?
2384:
Iago.
Why then 'tis hers (my Lord) and being hers,
2385: She may (I thinke) bestow't on any man.
2386:
Oth.
She is Protectresse of her honor too:
2387: May she giue that?
2388:
Iago.
Her honor is an Essence that's not seene,
2389: They haue it very oft, that haue it not.
2390: But for the Handkerchiefe.
2391:
Othe.
By heauen, I would most gladly haue forgot it:
2392: Thou saidst (oh, it comes ore my memorie,
2393: As doth the Rauen o're the infectious house:
2394: Boading to all) he had my Handkerchiefe.
2395:
Iago
. I: what of that?
2396:
Othe.
That's not so good now.
2397:
Iag.
What if I had said, I had seene him do you wrong?
2398: Or heard him say (as Knaues be such abroad,
2399: Who hauing by their owne importunate suit,
2400: Or voluntary dotage of some Mistris,
2401: Conuinced or supply'd them, cannot chuse
2402: But they must blab.)
2403:
Oth.
Hath he said any thing?
2404:
Iago.
He hath (my Lord) but be you well assur'd,
2405: No more then he'le vn-sweare.
2406:
Oth.
What hath he said?
2407:
Iago.
Why, that he did: I know not what he did.
2408:
Othe.
What? What?
2409:
Iago.
Lye.
2410:
Oth.
With her?
2411:
Iago.
With her? On her: what you will.
2412:
Othe.
Lye with her? lye on her? We say lye on her,
2413: when they be-lye-her. Lye with her: that's fullsome:
2414: Handkerchiefe: Confessions: Handkerchiefe. To con-fesse,
2415: and be hang'd for his labour. First, to be hang'd,
2416: and then to confesse: I tremble at it. Nature would not
2417: inuest her selfe in such shadowing passion, without some
2418: Instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus, (pish)
2419: Noses, Eares, and Lippes: is't possible. Confesse? Hand-kerchiefe?
2420: O diuell. [ Falls in a Traunce.]
2421:
Iago.
Worke on,
2422: My Medicine workes. Thus credulous Fooles are caught,
2423: And many worthy, and chast Dames euen thus,
2424: (All guiltlesse) meete reproach: what hoa? My Lord?
2425: My Lord, I say: Othello.
2426: [ Enter Cassio.]
2427: How now Cassio?
2428:
Cas.
What's the matter?
2429:
Iago.
My Lord is falne into an Epilepsie,
2430: This is his second Fit: he had one yesterday.
2431:
Cas.
Rub him about the Temples.
2432:
Iago.
The Lethargie must haue his quyet course:
2433: If not, he foames at mouth: and by and by
2434: Breakes out to sauage madnesse. Looke, he stirres:
2435: Do you withdraw your selfe a little while,
2436: He will recouer straight: when he is gone,
2437: I would on great occasion, speake with you.
2438: How is it Generall? Haue you not hurt your head?
2439:
Othe.
Dost thou mocke me?
2440:
Iago.
I mocke you not, by Heauen:
2441: Would you would beare your Fortune like a Man.
2442:
Othe.
A Horned man's a Monster, and a Beast.
2443:
Iago.
Ther's many a Beast then in a populous Citty,
2444: And many a ciuill Monster.
2445:
Othe.
Did he confesse it?
2446:
Iago.
Good Sir, be a man:
2447: Thinke euery bearded fellow that's but yoak'd
2448: May draw with you. There's Millions now aliue,
2449: That nightly lye in those vnproper beds,
2450: Which they dare sweare peculiar. Your case is better.
2451: Oh, 'tis the spight of hell, the Fiends Arch-mock,
2452: To lip a wanton in a secure Cowch;
2453: And to suppose her chast. No, let me know,
2454: And knowing what I am, I know what she shallbe.
2455:
Oth.
Oh, thou art wise: 'tis certaine.
2456:
Iago.
Stand you a while apart,
2457: Confine your selfe but in a patient List,
2458: Whil'st you were heere, o're-whelmed with your griefe
2459: (A passion most resulting such a man)
2460: Cassio came hither: I shifted him away,
2461: And layd good scuses vpon your Extasie,
2462: Bad him anon returne: and heere speake with me,
2463: The which he promis'd. Do but encaue your selfe,
2464: And marke the Fleeres, the Gybes, and notable Scornes
2465: That dwell in euery Region of his face.
2466: For I will make him tell the Tale anew;
2467: Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when
2468: He hath, and is againe to cope your wife.
2469: I say, but marke his gesture: marry Patience,
2470: Or I shall say y'are all in all in Spleene,
2471: And nothing of a man.
2472:
Othe.
Do'st thou heare, Iago,
2473: I will be found most cunning in my Patience:
2474: But (do'st thou heare) most bloody.
2475:
Iago.
That's not amisse,
2476: But yet keepe time in all: will you withdraw?
2477: Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,
2478: A Huswife that by selling her desires
2479: Buyes her selfe Bread, and Cloath. It is a Creature
2480: That dotes on Cassio, (as 'tis the Strumpets plague
2481: To be-guile many, and be be-guil'd by one)
2482: He, when he heares of her, cannot restraine
2483: From the excesse of Laughter. Heere he comes.
2484: [ Enter Cassio.]
2485: As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad:
2486: And his vnbookish Ielousie must conserue
2487: Poore Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behauiours
2488: Quite in the wrong. How do you Lieutenant?
2489:
Cas.
The worser, that you giue me the addition,
2490: Whose want euen killes me.
2491:
Iago.
Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't:
2492: Now, if this Suit lay in Bianca's dowre,
2493: How quickely should you speed?
2494:
Cas.
Alas poore Caitiffe.
2495:
Oth.
Looke how he laughes already.
2496:
Iago.
I neuer knew woman loue man so.
2497:
Cas.
Alas poore Rogue, I thinke indeed she loues me.
2498:
Oth.
Now he denies it faintly: and laughes it out.
2499:
Iago.
Do you heare Cassio?
2500:
Oth.
Now he importunes him
2501: To tell it o're: go too, well said, well said.
2502:
Iago.
She giues it out, that you shall marry her.
2503: Do you intend it?
2504:
Cas.
Ha, ha, ha.
2505:
Oth.
Do ye triumph, Romaine? do you triumph?
2506:
Cas.
I marry. What? A customer; prythee beare
2507: Some Charitie to my wit, do not thinke it
2508: So vnwholesome. Ha, ha, ha.
2509:
Oth.
So, so, so, so: they laugh, that winnes.
2510:
Iago.
Why the cry goes, that you marry her.
2511:
Cas.
Prythee say true.
2512:
Iago.
I am a very Villaine else.
2513:
Oth.
Haue you scoar'd me? Well.
2514:
Cas.
This is the Monkeys owne giuing out:
2515: She is perswaded I will marry her
2516: Out of her owne loue & flattery, not out of my promise.
2517:
Oth.
Iago becomes me: now he begins the story.
2518:
Cassio.
She was heere euen now: she haunts me in e-uery
2519: place. I was the other day talking on the Sea-banke
2520: with certaine Venetians, and thither comes the
2521: Bauble, and falls me thus about my neck.
2522:
Oth.
Crying oh deere Cassio, as it were: his iesture im-ports
2523: it.
2524:
Cassio.
So hangs, and lolls, and weepes vpon me:
2525: So shakes, and pulls me. Ha, ha, ha.
2526:
Oth.
Now he tells how she pluckt him to my Cham-ber:
2527: oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dogge, I
2528: shall throw it to.
2529:
Cassio.
Well, I must leaue her companie.
2530:
Iago.
Before me: looke where she comes.
2531: [ Enter Bianca.]
2532:
Cas.
'Tis such another Fitchew: marry a perfum'd one?
2533: What do you meane by this haunting of me?
2534:
Bian.
Let the diuell, and his dam haunt you: what
2535: did you meane by that same Handkerchiefe, you gaue
2536: me euen now? I was a fine Foole to take it: I must take
2537: out the worke? A likely piece of worke, that you should
2538: finde it in your Chamber, and know not who left it there.
2539: This is some Minxes token, & I must take out the worke?
2540: There, giue it your Hobbey-horse, wheresoeuer you had
2541: it, Ile take out no worke on't.
2542:
Cassio.
How now, my sweete Bianca?
2543: How now? How now?
2544:
Othe.
By Heauen, that should be my Handkerchiefe.
2545:
Bian.
If you'le come to supper to night you may, if
2546: you will not come when you are next prepar'd for. [ Exit]
2547:
Iago.
After her: after her.
2548:
Cas.
I must, shee'l rayle in the streets else.
2549:
Iago.
Will you sup there?
2550:
Cassio.
Yes, I intend so.
2551:
Iago.
Well, I may chance to see you: for I would ve-ry
2552: faine speake with you.
2553:
Cas.
Prythee come: will you?
2554:
Iago.
Go too; say no more.
2555:
Oth.
How shall I murther him, Iago.
2556:
Iago.
Did you perceiue how he laugh'd at his vice?
2557:
Oth.
Oh, Iago.
2558:
Iago.
And did you see the Handkerchiefe?
2559:
Oth.
Was that mine?
2560:
Iago.
Yours by this hand: and to see how he prizes
2561: the foolish woman your wife: she gaue it him and, he
2562: hath giu'n it his whore.
2563:
Oth.
I would haue him nine yeeres a killing:
2564: A fine woman, a faire woman, a sweete woman?
2565:
Iago.
Nay, you must forget that.
2566:
Othello.
I, let her rot and perish, and be damn'd to
2567: night, for she shall not liue. No, my heart is turn'd to
2568: stone: I strike it, and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world
2569: hath not a sweeter Creature: she might lye by an Em-perours
2570: side, and command him Taskes.
2571:
Iago.
Nay, that's not your way.
2572:
Othe.
Hang her, I do but say what she is: so delicate
2573: with her Needle: an admirable Musitian. Oh she will
2574: sing the Sauagenesse out of a Beare: of so high and plen-teous
2575: wit, and inuention?
2576:
Iago.
She's the worse for all this.
2577:
Othe.
Oh, a thousand, a thousand times:
2578: And then of so gentle a condition?
2579:
Iago.
I too gentle.
2580:
Othe.
Nay that's certaine:
2581: But yet the pitty of it, Iago: oh Iago, the pitty of it
2582: Iago.
2583:
Iago.
If you are so fond ouer her iniquitie: giue her
2584: pattent to offend, for if it touch not you, it comes neere
2585: no body.
2586:
Oth.
I will chop her into Messes: Cuckold me?
2587:
Iago.
Oh, 'tis foule in her.
2588:
Oth.
With mine Officer?
2589:
Iago.
That's fouler.
2590:
Othe.
Get me some poyson, Iago, this night. Ile not
2591: expostulate with her: least her body and beautie vnpro-uide
2592: my mind againe: this night Iago.
2593:
Iago.
Do it not with poyson, strangle her in her bed,
2594: Euen the bed she hath contaminated.
2595:
Oth.
Good, good:
2596: The Iustice of it pleases: very good.
2597:
Iago.
And for Cassio, let me be his vndertaker:
2598: You shall heare more by midnight.
2599: [ Enter Lodouico, Desdemona, and Attendants.]
2600:
Othe.
Excellent good: What Trumpet is that same?
2601:
Iago.
I warrant something from Venice,
2602: 'Tis Lodouico, this, comes from the Duke.
2603: See, your wife's with him.
2604:
Lodo.
Saue you worthy Generall.
2605:
Othe.
With all my heart Sir.
2606:
Lod.
The Duke, and the Senators of Venice greet you.
2607:
Othe.
I kisse the Instrument of their pleasures.
2608:
Des.
And what's the newes, good cozen Lodouico
2609:
Iago.
I am very glad to see you Signior:
2610: Welcome to Cyprus.
2611:
Lod.
I thanke you: how do's Lieutenant Cassio?
2612:
Iago.
Liues Sir,
2613:
Des.
Cozen, there's falne betweene him, & my Lord,
2614: An vnkind breach: but you shall make all well.
2615:
Othe.
Are you sure of that?
2616:
Des.
My Lord?
2617:
Othe.
This faile you not to do, as you will===
2618:
Lod.
He did not call: he's busie in the paper,
2619: Is there deuision 'twixt my Lord, and Cassio?
2620:
Des.
A most vnhappy one: I would do much
2621: T' attone, them, for the loue I beare to Cassio.
2622:
Oth.
Fire, and brimestone.
2623:
Des.
My Lord.
2624:
Oth.
Are you wise?
2625:
Des.
What is he angrie?
2626:
Lod.
May be the Letter mou'd him.
2627: For as I thinke, they do command him home,
2628: Deputing Cassio in his Gouernment.
2629:
Des.
Trust me, I am glad on't.
2630:
Othe.
Indeed?
2631:
Des.
My Lord?
2632:
Othe.
I am glad to see you mad.
2633:
Des.
Why, sweete Othello?
2634:
Othe.
Diuell.
2635:
Des.
I haue not deseru'd this.
2636:
Lod.
My Lord, this would not be beleeu'd in Venice,
2637: Though I should sweare I saw't. 'Tis very much,
2638: Make her amends: she weepes.
2639:
Othe.
Oh diuell, diuell:
2640: If that the Earth could teeme with womans teares,
2641: Each drop she falls, would proue a Crocodile:
2642: Out of my sight.
2643:
Des.
I will not stay to offend you.
2644:
Lod.
Truely obedient Lady:
2645: I do beseech your Lordship call her backe.
2646:
Othe.
Mistris.
2647:
Des.
My Lord.
2648:
Othe.
What would you with her, Sir?
2649:
Lod.
Who I, my Lord?
2650:
Othe.
I, you did wish, that I would make her turne:
2651: Sir, she can turne, and turne: and yet go on
2652: And turne againe. And she can weepe, Sir, weepe.
2653: And she's obedient: as you say obedient.
2654: Very obedient: proceed you in your teares.
2655: Concerning this Sir, (oh well-painted passion)
2656: I am commanded home: get you away:
2657: Ile send for you anon. Sir I obey the Mandate,
2658: And will returne to Venice. Hence, auaunt:
2659: Cassio shall haue my Place. And Sir, to night
2660: I do entreat, that we may sup together.
2661: You are welcome Sir to Cyprus.
2662: Goates, and Monkeys. [ Exit.]
2663:
Lod.
Is this the Noble Moore, whom our full Senate
2664: Call all in all sufficient? Is this the Nature
2665: Whom Passion could not shake? Whose solid vertue
2666: The shot of Accident, nor dart of Chance
2667: Could neither graze, nor pierce?
2668:
Iago.
He is much chang'd.
2669:
Lod.
Are his wits safe? Is he not light of Braine?
2670:
Iago.
He's that he is: I may not breath my censure.
2671: What he might be: if what he might, he is not,
2672: I would to heauen he were.
2673:
Lod.
What? Strike his wife?
2674:
Iago.
'Faith that was not so well: yet would I knew
2675: That stroke would proue the worst.
2676:
Lod.
Is it his vse?
2677: Or did the Letters, worke vpon his blood,
2678: And new create his fault?
2679:
Iago.
Alas, alas:
2680: It is not honestie in me to speake
2681: What I haue seene, and knowne. You shall obserue him,
2682: And his owne courses will denote him so,
2683: That I may saue my speech: do but go after
2684: And marke how he continues.
2685:
Lod
I am sorry that I am deceiu'd in him. [ Exeunt.]
2686: Scena Secunda.
2687: [ Enter Othello and Aemilia.]
2688:
Othe.
You haue seene nothing then?
2689:
Aemil.
Nor euer heard: nor euer did suspect.
2690:
Othe.
Yes, you haue seene Cassio, and she together.
2691:
Aemi.
But then I saw no harme: and then I heard,
2692: Each syllable that breath made vp betweene them.
2693:
Othe.
What? Did they neuer whisper?
2694:
Aemil.
Neuer my Lord.
2695:
Othe.
Nor send you out o'th' way?
2696:
Aemil.
Neuer.
2697:
Othe.
To fetch her Fan, her Gloues, her Mask, nor nothing?
2698:
Aemil.
Neuer my Lord.
2699:
Othe.
That's strange.
2700:
Aemil.
I durst (my Lord) to wager, she is honest:
2701: Lay downe my Soule at stake: If you thinke other,
2702: Remoue your thought. It doth abuse your bosome:
2703: If any wretch haue put this in your head,
2704: Let Heauen requit it with the Serpents curse,
2705: For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
2706: There's no man happy. The purest of their Wiues
2707: Is foule as Slander.
2708:
Othe
Bid her come hither: go. [ Exit Aemilia.]
2709: She saies enough: yet she's a simple Baud
2710: That cannot say as much. This is a subtile Whore:
2711: A Closset Locke and Key of Villanous Secrets,
2712: And yet she'le kneele, and pray: I haue seene her do't.
2713: [ Enter Desdemona, and Aemilia.]
2714:
Des.
My Lord, what is your will?
2715:
Othe.
Pray you Chucke come hither.
2716:
Des.
What is your pleasure?
2717:
Oth.
Let me see your eyes: looke in my face.
2718:
Des.
What horrible Fancie's this?
2719:
Othe.
Some of your Function Mistris:
2720: Leaue Procreants alone, and shut the doore:
2721: Cough, or cry hem; if any body come:
2722: Your Mystery, your Mystery: May dispatch. [ Exit Aemi.]
2723:
Des.
Vpon my knee, what doth your speech import?
2724: I vnderstand a Fury in your words.
2725:
Othe.
Why? What art thou?
2726:
Des.
Your wife my Lord: your true and loyall wife.
2727:
Othello.
Come sweare it: damne thy selfe, least
2728: being like one of Heauen, the diuells themselues should
2729: feare to ceaze thee. Therefore be double damn'd: sweare
2730: thou art honest.
2731:
Des.
Heauen doth truely know it.
2732:
Othe.
Heauen truely knowes, that thou art false as hell.
2733:
Des.
To whom my Lord?
2734: With whom? How am I false?
2735:
Othe.
Ah Desdemon, away, away, away.
2736:
Des.
Alas the heauy day: why do you weepe?
2737: Am I the motiue of these teares my Lord?
2738: If happely you my Father do suspect,
2739: An Instrument of this your calling backe,
2740: Lay not your blame on me: if you haue lost him,
2741: I haue lost him too.
2742:
Othe.
Had it pleas'd Heauen,
2743: To try me with Affliction, had they rain'd
2744: All kind of Sores, and Shames on my bare-head:
2745: Steep'd me in pouertie to the very lippes.
2746: Giuen to Captiuitie, me, and my vtmost hopes,
2747: I should haue found in some place of my Soule
2748: A drop of patience. But alas, to make me
2749: The fixed Figure for the time of Scorne,
2750: To point his slow, and mouing finger at.
2751: Yet could I beare that too, well, very well:
2752: But there where I haue garnerd vp my heart,
2753: Where either I must liue, or beare no life,
2754: The Fountaine from the which my currant runnes,
2755: Or else dries vp: to be discarded thence,
2756: Or keepe it as a Cesterne, for foule Toades
2757: To knot and gender in. Turne thy complexion there:
2758: Patience, thou young and Rose-lip'd Cherubin,
2759: I heere looke grim as hell.
2760:
Des.
I hope my Noble Lord esteemes me honest.
2761:
Othe.
Oh I, as Sommer Flyes are in the Shambles,
2762: That quicken euen with blowing. Oh thou weed:
2763: Who art so louely faire, and smell'st so sweete,
2764: That the Sense akes at thee,
2765: Would thou had'st neuer bin borne.
2766:
Des.
Alas, what ignorant sin haue I committed?
2767:
Othe.
Was this faire Paper? This most goodly Booke
2768: Made to write Whore vpon? What commited,
2769: Committed? Oh, thou publicke Commoner,
2770: I should make very Forges of my cheekes,
2771: That would to Cynders burne vp Modestie,
2772: Did I but speake thy deedes. What commited?
2773: Heauen stoppes the Nose at it, and the Moone winks:
2774: The baudy winde that kisses all it meetes,
2775: Is hush'd within the hollow Myne of Earth
2776: And will not hear't. What commited?
2777:
Des.
By Heauen you do me wrong.
2778:
Othe.
Are not you a Strumpet?
2779:
Des.
No, as I am a Christian.
2780: If to preserue this vessell for my Lord,
2781: From any other foule vnlawfull touch
2782: Be not to be a Strumpet, I am none.
2783:
Othe.
What, not a Whore?
2784:
Des.
No, as I shall be sau'd.
2785:
Othe.
Is't possible?
2786:
Des.
Oh Heauen forgiue vs.
2787:
Othe.
I cry you mercy then.
2788: I tooke you for that cunning Whore of Venice,
2789: That married with Othello. You Mistris,
2790: [ Enter Aemilia.]
2791: That haue the office opposite to Saint Peter,
2792: And keepes the gate of hell. You, you: I you.
2793: We haue done our course: there's money for your paines:
2794: I pray you turne the key, and keepe our counsaile. [ Exit.]
2795:
Aemil.
Alas, what do's this Gentleman conceiue?
2796: How do you Madam? how do you my good Lady?
2797:
Des.
Faith, halfe a sleepe.
2798:
Aemi.
Good Madam,
2799: What's the matter with my Lord?
2800:
Des.
With who?
2801:
Aemil.
Why, with my Lord, Madam?
2802:
Des.
Who is thy Lord?
2803:
Aemil.
He that is yours, sweet Lady.
2804:
Des.
I haue none: do not talke to me, Aemilia,
2805: I cannot weepe: nor answeres haue I none,
2806: But what should go by water. Prythee to night,
2807: Lay on my bed my wedding sheetes, remember,
2808: And call thy husband hither.
2809:
Aemil
Heere's a change indeed. [ Exit.]
2810:
Des.
'Tis meete I should be vs'd so: very meete.
2811: How haue I bin behau'd, that he might sticke
2812: The small'st opinion on my least misvse?
2813: [ Enter Iago, and Aemilia.]
2814:
Iago.
What is your pleasure Madam?
2815: How is't with you?
2816:
Des.
I cannot tell: those that do teach yong Babes
2817: Do it with gentle meanes, and easie taskes.
2818: He might haue chid me so; for in good faith
2819: I am a Child to chiding.
2820:
Iago.
What is the matter Lady?
2821:
Aemil.
Alas (Iago) my Lord hath so bewhor'd her,
2822: Throwne such dispight, and heauy termes vpon her
2823: That true hearts cannot beare it.
2824:
Des.
Am I that name, Iago?
2825:
Iago.
What name, (faire Lady?)
2826:
Des.
Such as she said my Lord did say I was.
2827:
Aemil.
He call'd her whore: a Begger in his drinke:
2828: Could not haue laid such termes vpon his Callet.
2829:
Iago.
Why did he so?
2830:
Des.
I do not know: I am sure I am none such.
2831:
Iago.
Do not weepe, do not weepe: alas the day.
2832:
Aemil.
Hath she forsooke so many Noble Matches?
2833: Her Father? And her Country? And her Friends?
2834: To be call'd Whore? Would it not make one weepe?
2835:
Des.
It is my wretched Fortune.
2836:
Iago.
Beshrew him for't:
2837: How comes this Tricke vpon him?
2838:
Des.
Nay, Heauen doth know.
2839:
Aemi.
I will be hang'd, if some eternall Villaine,
2840: Some busie and insinuating Rogue,
2841: Some cogging, cozening Slaue, to get some Office,
2842: Haue not deuis'd this Slander: I will be hang'd else.
2843:
Iago.
Fie, there is no such man: it is impossible.
2844:
Des.
If any such there be, Heauen pardon him.
2845:
Aemil.
A halter pardon him:
2846: And hell gnaw his bones.
2847: Why should he call her Whore?
2848: Who keepes her companie?
2849: What Place? What Time?
2850: What Forme? What liklyhood?
2851: The Moore's abus'd by some most villanous Knaue,
2852: Some base notorious Knaue, some scuruy Fellow.
2853: Oh Heauens, that such companions thou'd'st vnfold,
2854: And put in euery honest hand a whip
2855: To lash the Rascalls naked through the world,
2856: Euen from the East to th' West.
2857:
Iago.
Speake within doore.
2858:
Aemil.
Oh fie vpon them: some such Squire he was
2859: That turn'd your wit, the seamy-side without,
2860: And made you to suspect me with the Moore.
2861:
Iago.
You are a Foole: go too.
2862:
Des.
Alas Iago,
2863: What shall I do to win my Lord againe?
2864: Good Friend, go to him: for by this light of Heauen,
2865: I know not how I lost him. Heere I kneele:
2866: If ere my will did trespasse 'gainst his Loue,
2867: Either in discourse of thought, or actuall deed,
2868: Or that mine Eyes, mine Eares, or any Sence
2869: Delighted them: or any other Forme.
2870: Or that I do not yet, and euer did,
2871: And euer will, (though he do shake me off
2872: To beggerly diuorcement) Loue him deerely,
2873: Comfort forsweare me. Vnkindnesse may do much,
2874: And his vnkindnesse may defeat my life,
2875: But neuer taynt my Loue. I cannot say Whore,
2876: It do's abhorre me now I speake the word,
2877: To do the Act, that might the addition earne,
2878: Not the worlds Masse of vanitie could make me.
2879:
Iago.
I pray you be content: 'tis but his humour:
2880: The businesse of the State do's him offence.
2881:
Des.
If 'twere no other.
2882:
Iago.
It is but so, I warrant,
2883: Hearke how these Instruments summon to supper:
2884: The Messengers of Venice staies the meate,
2885: Go in, and weepe not: all things shall be well.
2886: [ Exeunt Desdemona and Aemilia.]
2887: [ Enter Rodorigo.]
2888: How now Rodorigo?
2889:
Rod.
I do not finde
2890: That thou deal'st iustly with me.
2891:
Iago.
What in the contrarie?
2892:
Rodori.
Euery day thou dafts me with some deuise
2893: Iago, and rather, as it seemes to me now, keep'st from
2894: me all conueniencie, then suppliest me with the least ad-uantage
2895: of hope: I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor
2896: am I yet perswaded to put vp in peace, what already I
2897: haue foolishly suffred.
2898:
Iago.
Will you heare me Rodorigo?
2899:
Rodori.
I haue heard too much: and your words and
2900: Performances are no kin together.
2901:
Iago.
You charge me most vniustly.
2902:
Rodo.
With naught but truth: I haue wasted my
2903: selfe out of my meanes. The Iewels you haue had from
2904: me to deliuer Desdemona, would halfe haue corrupted a
2905: Votarist. You haue told me she hath receiu'd them,
2906: and return'd me expectations and comforts of sodaine
2907: respect, and acquaintance, but I finde none.
2908:
Iago.
Well, go too: very well.
2909:
Rod.
Very well, go too: I cannot go too, (man) nor
2910: 'tis not very well. Nay I think it is scuruy: and begin to
2911: finde my selfe fopt in it.
2912:
Iago.
Very well.
2913:
Rodor.
I tell you, 'tis not very well: I will make my
2914: selfe knowne to Desdemona. If she will returne me my
2915: Iewels, I will giue ouer my Suit, and repent my vnlaw-full
2916: solicitation. If not, assure your selfe, I will seeke
2917: satisfaction of you.
2918:
Iago.
You haue said now.
2919:
Rodo.
I: and said nothing but what I protest intend-ment
2920: of doing.
2921:
Iago.
Why, now I see there's mettle in thee: and
2922: euen from this instant do build on thee a better o-pinion
2923: then euer before: giue me thy hand Rodorigo.
2924: Thou hast taken against me a most iust excepti-on:
2925: but yet I protest I haue dealt most directly in thy
2926: Affaire.
2927:
Rod.
It hath not appeer'd.
2928:
Iago.
I grant indeed it hath not appeer'd: and
2929: your suspition is not without wit and iudgement.
2930: But Rodorigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which
2931: I haue greater reason to beleeue now then euer (I
2932: meane purpose, Courage, and Valour) this night
2933: shew it. If thou the next night following enioy not
2934: Desdemona, take me from this world with Treache-rie,
2935: and deuise Engines for my life.
2936:
Rod.
Well: what is it? Is it within, reason and com-passe?
2937: _
2938:
Iago.
Sir, there is especiall Commission come from
2939: Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place.
2940:
Rod.
Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona
2941: returne againe to Venice.
2942:
Iago.
Oh no: he goes into Mauritania and taketh
2943: away with him the faire Desdemona, vnlesse his a-bode
2944: be lingred heere by some accident. Where-in
2945: none can be so determinate, as the remouing of
2946: Cassio.
2947:
Rod.
How do you meane remouing him?
2948:
Iago.
Why, by making him vncapable of Othello's
2949: place: knocking out his braines.
2950:
Rod.
And that you would haue me to do.
2951:
Iago.
I: if you dare do your selfe a profit, and a
2952: right. He sups to night with a Harlotry: and thither
2953: will I go to him. He knowes not yet of his Honourable
2954: Fortune, if you will watch his going thence (which
2955: I will fashion to fall out betweene twelue and one)
2956: you may take him at your pleasure. I will be neere
2957: to second your Attempt, and he shall fall betweene
2958: vs. Come, stand not amaz'd at it, but go along with
2959: me: I will shew you such a necessitie in his death, that
2960: you shall thinke your selfe bound to put it on him. It
2961: is now high supper time: and the night growes to wast.
2962: About it.
2963:
Rod.
I will heare further reason for this.
2964:
Iago
And you shalbe satisfi'd. [ Exeunt.]
2965: Scena Tertia.
2966: [ Enter Othello, Lodouico, Desdemona, Aemilia,
and Atendants]
2968:
Lod.
I do beseech you Sir, trouble your selfe no further.
2969:
Oth.
Oh pardon me: 'twill do me good to walke.
2970:
Lodoui.
Madam, good night: I humbly thanke your
2971: Ladyship.
2972:
Des.
Your Honour is most welcome.
2973:
Oth.
Will you walke Sir? Oh Desdemona.
2974:
Des.
My Lord.
2975:
Othello.
Get you to bed on th' instant, I will be re-turn'd
2976: forthwith: dismisse your Attendant there: look't
2977: be done. [ Exit.]
2978:
Des.
I will my Lord.
2979:
Aem.
How goes it now? He lookes gentler then he did.
2980:
Des.
He saies he will returne incontinent,
2981: And hath commanded me to go to bed,
2982: And bid me to dismisse you.
2983:
Aemi.
Dismisse me?
2984:
Des.
It was his bidding: therefore good Aemilia,
2985: Giue me my nightly wearing, and adieu.
2986: We must not now displease him.
2987:
Aemil.
I, would you had neuer seene him.
2988:
Des.
So would not I: my loue doth so approue him,
2989: That euen his stubbornesse, his checks, his frownes,
2990: (Prythee vn-pin me) haue grace and fauour.
2991:
Aemi.
I haue laid those Sheetes you bad me on the bed.
2992:
Des.
All's one: good Father, how foolish are our minds?
2993: If I do die before, prythee shrow'd me
2994: In one of these same Sheetes.
2995:
Aemil.
Come, come: you talke.
2996:
Des.
My Mother had a Maid call'd Barbarie,
2997: She was in loue: and he she lou'd prou'd mad,
2998: And did forsake her. She had a Song of Willough,
2999: An old thing 'twas: but it express'd her Fortune,
3000: And she dy'd singing it. That Song to night,
3001: Will not go from my mind: I haue much to do,
3002: But to go hang my head all at one side
3003: And sing it like poore Barbarie: prythee dispatch.
3004:
Aemi.
Shall I go fetch your Night-gowne?
3005:
Des.
No, vn-pin me here,
3006: This Lodouico is a proper man.
3007:
Aemil.
A very handsome man.
3008:
Des.
He speakes well.
3009:
Aemil.
I know a Lady in Venice would haue walk'd
3010: barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.
3011:
Des.
The poore Soule sat singing, by a Sicamour tree.
3012: Sing all a greene Willough:
3013: Her hand on her bosome her head on her knee,
3014: Sing Willough, Willough, Willough.
3015: The fresh Streames ran by her, and murmur'd her moanes
3016: Sing Willough, &c.
3017: Her salt teares fell from her, and softned the stones,
3018: Sing Willough, &c. (Lay by these)
3019: Willough, Willough. (Prythee high thee: he'le come anon)
3020: Sing all a greene Willough must be my Garland.
3021: Let no body blame him, his scorne I approue.
3022: (Nay that's not next. Harke, who is't that knocks?
3023:
Aemil.
It's the wind.
3024:
Des.
I call'd my Loue false Loue: but what said he then?
3025: Sing Willough, &c.
3026: If I court mo women, you'le couch with mo men.
3027: So get thee gone, good night: mine eyes do itch:
3028: Doth that boade weeping?
3029:
Aemil.
'Tis neyther heere, nor there.
3030:
Des.
I haue heard it said so. O these Men, these men!
3031: Do'st thou in conscience thinke (tell me Aemilia)
3032: That there be women do abuse their husbands
3033: In such grosse kinde?
3034:
Aemil.
There be some such, no question.
3035:
Des.
Would'st thou do such a deed for all the world?
3036:
Aemil.
Why, would not you?
3037:
Des.
No, by this Heauenly light.
3038:
Aemil.
Nor I neither, by this Heauenly light:
3039: I might doo't as well i'th' darke.
3040:
Des.
Would'st thou do such a deed for al the world?
3041:
Aemil.
The world's a huge thing:
3042: It is a great price, for a small vice.
3043:
Des.
Introth, I thinke thou would'st not.
3044:
Aemil.
Introth I thinke I should, and vndoo't when
3045: I had done. Marry, I would not doe such a thing for a
3046: ioynt Ring, nor for measures of Lawne, nor for Gownes,
3047: Petticoats, nor Caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for
3048: all the whole world: why, who would not make her hus-band
3049: a Cuckold, to make him a Monarch? I should ven-ture
3050: Purgatory for't.
3051:
Des.
Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong
3052: For the whole world.
3053:
Aemil.
Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'th' world;
3054: and hauing the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in
3055: your owne world, and you might quickly make it right.
3056:
Des.
I do not thinke there is any such woman.
3057:
Aemil.
Yes, a dozen: and as many to'th' vantage, as
3058: would store the world they plaid for.
3059: But I do thinke it is their Husbands faults
3060: If Wiues do fall: (Say, that they slacke their duties,
3061: And powre our Treasures into forraigne laps;
3062: Or else breake out in peeuish Iealousies,
3063: Throwing restraint vpon vs: Or say they strike vs,
3064: Or scant our former hauing in despight)
3065: Why we haue galles: and though we haue some Grace,
3066: Yet haue we some Reuenge. Let Husbands know,
3067: Their wiues haue sense like them: They see, and smell,
3068: And haue their Palats both for sweet, and sowre,
3069: As Husbands haue. What is it that they do,
3070: When they change vs for others? Is it Sport?
3071: I thinke it is: and doth Affection breed it?
3072: I thinke it doth. Is't Frailty that thus erres?
3073: It is so too. And haue not we Affections?
3074: Desires for Sport? and Frailty, as men haue?
3075: Then let them vse vs well: else let them know,
3076: The illes we do, their illes instruct vs so.
3077:
Des.
Good night, good night:
3078: Heauen me such vses send,
3079: Not to picke bad, from bad; but by bad, mend. [ Exeunt]
Act V
3080: Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.
3081: [ Enter Iago, and Rodorigo.]
3082:
Iago.
Heere, stand behinde this Barke,
3083: Straight will he come:
3084: Weare thy good Rapier bare, and put it home:
3085: Quicke, quicke, feare nothing; Ile be at thy Elbow,
3086: It makes vs, or it marres vs, thinke on that,
3087: And fixe most firme thy Resolution.
3088:
Rod.
Be neere at hand, I may miscarry in't.
3089:
Iago.
Heere, at thy hand: Be bold, & take thy stand.
3090:
Rod.
I haue no great deuotion to the deed,
3091: And yet he hath giuen me satisfying Reasons:
3092: 'Tis but a man gone. Forth my Sword: he dies.
3093:
Iago.
I haue rub'd this yong Quat almost to the sense,
3094: And he growes angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio,
3095: Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,
3096: Euery way makes my gaine. Liue Rodorigo,
3097: He calles me to a restitution large
3098: Of Gold, and Iewels, that I bob'd from him,
3099: As Guifts to Desdemona.
3100: It must not be: If Cassio do remaine,
3101: He hath a dayly beauty in his life,
3102: That makes me vgly: and besides, the Moore
3103: May vnfold me to him: there stand I in much perill:
3104: No, he must dye. But so, I heard him comming.
3105: [ Enter Cassio.]
3106:
Rod.
I know his gate, 'tis he: Villaine thou dyest.
3107:
Cas.
That thrust had beene mine enemy indeed,
3108: But that my Coate is better then thou know'st:
3109: I will make proofe of thine.
3110:
Rod.
Oh, I am slaine.
3111:
Cassio.
I am maym'd for euer:
3112: Helpe hoa: Murther, murther.
3113: [ Enter Othello.]
3114:
Oth.
The voyce of Cassio. Iago keepes his word.
3115:
Rod.
O Villaine that I am.
3116:
Oth.
It is euen so.
3117:
Cas.
Oh helpe hoa: Light, a Surgeon.
3118:
Oth.
'Tis he: O braue Iago, honest, and iust,
3119: That hast such Noble sense of thy Friends wrong,
3120: Thou teachest me. Minion, your deere lyes dead,
3121: And your vnblest Fate highes: Strumpet I come:
3122: For of my heart, those Charmes thine Eyes, are blotted.
3123: Thy Bed lust-stain'd, shall with Lusts blood bee spotted.
3124: [ Exit Othello.]
3125: [ Enter Lodouico and Gratiano.]
3126:
Cas.
What hoa? no Watch? No passage?
3127: Murther, Murther.
3128:
Gra.
'Tis some mischance, the voyce is very direfull.
3129:
Cas.
Oh helpe.
3130:
Lodo.
Hearke.
3131:
Rod.
Oh wretched Villaine.
3132:
Lod.
Two or three groane. 'Tis heauy night;
3133: These may be counterfeits: Let's think't vnsafe
3134: To come into the cry, without more helpe.
3135:
Rod.
Nobody come: then shall I bleed to death.
3136: [ Enter Iago.]
3137:
Lod.
Hearke.
3138:
Gra.
Here's one comes in his shirt, with Light, and
3139: Weapons.
3140:
Iago.
Who's there?
3141: Who's noyse is this that cries on murther?
3142:
Lodo.
We do not know.
3143:
Iago.
Do not you heare a cry?
3144:
Cas.
Heere, heere: for heauen sake helpe me.
3145:
Iago.
What's the matter?
3146:
Gra.
This is Othello's Ancient, as I take it.
3147:
Lodo.
The same indeede, a very valiant Fellow.
3148:
Iago.
What are you heere, that cry so greeuously?
3149:
Cas.
Iago? Oh I am spoyl'd, vndone by Villaines:
3150: Giue me some helpe.
3151:
Iago.
O mee, Lieutenant!
3152: What Villaines haue done this?
3153:
Cas.
I thinke that one of them is heereabout.
3154: And cannot make away.
3155:
Iago.
Oh treacherous Villaines:
3156: What are you there? Come in, and giue some helpe.
3157:
Rod.
O helpe me there.
3158:
Cassio.
That's one of them.
3159:
Iago.
Oh murd'rous Slaue! O Villaine!
3160:
Rod.
O damn'd Iago! O inhumane Dogge!
3161:
Iago.
Kill men i'th' darke?
3162: Where be these bloody Theeues?
3163: How silent is this Towne? Hoa, murther, murther.
3164: What may you be? Are you of good, or euill?
3165:
Lod.
As you shall proue vs, praise vs.
3166:
Iago.
Signior Lodouico?
3167:
Lod.
He Sir.
3168:
Iago.
I cry you mercy: here's Cassio hurt by Villaines.
3169:
Gra.
Cassio?
3170:
Iago.
How is't Brother?
3171:
Cas.
My Legge is cut in two.
3172:
Iago.
Marry heauen forbid:
3173: Light Gentlemen, Ile binde it with my shirt.
3174: [ Enter Bianca.]
3175:
Bian.
What is the matter hoa? Who is't that cry'd?
3176:
Iago.
Who is't that cry'd?
3177:
Bian.
Oh my deere Cassio,
3178: My sweet Cassio: Oh Cassio, Cassio, Cassio.
3179:
Iago.
O notable Strumpet. Cassio, may you suspect
3180: Who they should be, that haue thus mangled you?
3181:
Cas.
No.
3182:
Gra.
I am sorry to finde you thus;
3183: I haue beene to seeke you.
3184:
Iago.
Lend me a Garter. So: === Oh for a Chaire
3185: To beare him easily hence.
3186:
Bian.
Alas he faints. Oh Cassio, Cassio, Cassio.
3187:
Iago.
Gentlemen all, I do suspect this Trash
3188: To be a party in this Iniurie.
3189: Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come;
3190: Lend me a Light: know we this face, or no?
3191: Alas my Friend, and my deere Countryman
3192: Rodorigo? No: Yes sure: Yes, 'tis Rodorigo.
3193:
Gra.
What, of Venice?
3194:
Iago.
Euen he Sir: Did you know him?
3195:
Gra.
Know him? I.
3196:
Iago.
Signior Gratiano? I cry your gentle pardon:
3197: These bloody accidents must excuse my Manners,
3198: That so neglected you.
3199:
Gra.
I am glad to see you.
3200:
Iago.
How do you Cassio? Oh, a Chaire, a Chaire.
3201:
Gra.
Rodorigo?
3202:
Iago.
He, he, 'tis he:
3203: Oh that's well said, the Chaire.
3204: Some good man beare him carefully from hence,
3205: Ile fetch the Generall's Surgeon. For you Mistris,
3206: Saue you your labour. He that lies slaine heere (Cassio)
3207: Was my deere friend. What malice was between you.
3208:
Cas.
None in the world: nor do I know the man?
3209:
Iago.
What? looke you pale? Oh beare him o'th' Ayre.
3210: Stay you good Gentlemen. Looke you pale, Mistris?
3211: Do you perceiue the gastnesse of her eye?
3212: Nay, if you stare, we shall heare more anon.
3213: Behold her well: I pray you looke vpon her:
3214: Do you see Gentlemen? Nay, guiltinesse will speake
3215: Though tongues were out of vse.
3216:
Aemil.
Alas, what is the matter?
3217: What is the matter, Husband?
3218:
Iago.
Cassio hath heere bin set on in the darke
3219: By Rodorigo, and Fellowes that are scap'd:
3220: He's almost slaine, and Rodorigo quite dead.
3221:
Aemil.
Alas good Gentleman: alas good Cassio.
3222:
Iago.
This is the fruits of whoring. Prythe Aemilia,
3223: Go know of Cassio where he supt to night.
3224: What, do you shake at that?
3225:
Bian.
He supt at my house, but I therefore shake not.
3226:
Iago.
O did he so? I charge you go with me.
3227:
Aemil.
Oh fie vpon thee Strumpet.
3228:
Bian.
I am no Strumpet, but of life as honest,
3229: As you that thus abuse me.
3230:
Aemil.
As I? Fie vpon thee.
3231:
Iago.
Kinde Gentlemen:
3232: Let's go see poore Cassio drest.
3233: Come Mistris, you must tel's another Tale.
3234: Aemilia, run you to the Cittadell,
3235: And tell my Lord and Lady, what hath happ'd:
3236: Will you go on afore? This is the night
3237: That either makes me, or foredoes me quight. [ Exeunt]
3238: Scoena Secunda.
3239: [ Enter Othello, and Desdemona in her bed.]
3240:
Oth.
It is the Cause, it is the Cause (my Soule)
3241: Let me not name it to you, you chaste Starres,
3242: It is the Cause. Yet Ile not shed her blood,
3243: Nor scarre that whiter skin of hers, then Snow,
3244: And smooth as Monumentall Alablaster:
3245: Yet she must dye, else shee'l betray more men:
3246: Put out the Light, and then put out the Light:
3247: If I quench thee, thou flaming Minister,
3248: I can againe thy former light restore,
3249: Should I repent me. But once put out thy Light,
3250: Thou cunning'st Patterne of excelling Nature,
3251: I know not where is that Promethaean heate
3252: That can thy Light re-Lume.
3253: When I haue pluck'd thy Rose,
3254: I cannot giue it vitall growth againe,
3255: It needs must wither. Ile smell thee on the Tree.
3256: Oh Balmy breath, that dost almost perswade
3257: Iustice to breake her Sword. One more, one more:
3258: Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,
3259: And loue thee after. One more, and that's the last.
3260: So sweet, was ne're so fatall. I must weepe,
3261: But they are cruell Teares: This sorrow's heauenly,
3262: It strikes, where it doth loue. She wakes.
3263:
Des.
Who's there? Othello?
3264:
Othel.
I Desdemona.
3265:
Des.
Will you come to bed, my Lord?
3266:
Oth.
Haue you pray'd to night, Desdemon?
3267:
Des.
I my Lord.
3268:
Oth.
If you bethinke your selfe of any Crime
3269: Vnreconcil'd as yet to Heauen, and Grace,
3270: Solicite for it straight.
3271:
Des.
Alacke, my Lord,
3272: What may you meane by that?
3273:
Oth.
Well, do it, and be breefe, I will walke by:
3274: I would not kill thy vnprepared Spirit,
3275: No, Heauens fore-fend) I would not kill thy Soule.
3276:
Des.
Talke you of killing?
3277:
Oth.
I, I do.
3278:
Des.
Then Heauen haue mercy on mee.
3279:
Oth.
Amen, with all my heart.
3280:
Des.
If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
3281:
Oth.
Humh.
3282:
Des.
And yet I feare you: for you're fatall then
3283: When your eyes rowle so.
3284: Why I should feare, I know not,
3285: Since guiltinesse I know not: But yet I feele I feare.
3286:
Oth.
Thinke on thy sinnes.
3287:
Des.
They are Loues I beare to you.
3288:
Oth.
I, and for that thou dy'st.
3289:
Des.
That death's vnnaturall, that kils for louing.
3290: Alas, why gnaw you so your nether-lip?
3291: Some bloody passion shakes your very Frame:
3292: These are portents: but yet I hope, I hope,
3293: They do not point on me.
3294:
Oth.
Peace, and be still.
3295:
Des.
I will so: What's the matter?
3296:
Oth.
That Handkerchiefe
3297: Which I so lou'd, and gaue thee, thou gau'st to Cassio.
3298:
Des.
No by my Life, and Soule: send for the man,
3299: And aske him.
3300:
Oth.
Sweet Soule, take heed, take heed of Periury,
3301: Thou art on thy death-bed.
3302:
Des.
I, but not yet to dye.
3303:
Oth.
Presently.
3304: Therefore confesse thee freely of thy sinne:
3305: For to deny each Article with Oath,
3306: Cannot remoue, nor choake the strong Conception
3307: That I do grone withall. Thou art to dye.
3308:
Des.
O Heauen haue mercy on me.
3309:
Oth.
I say, Amen.
3310:
Des.
And haue you mercy too. I neuer did
3311: Offend you in my life: neuer lou'd Cassio,
3312: But with such generall warrantie of Heauen,
3313: As I might loue. I neuer gaue him Token.
3314:
Oth.
By Heauen I saw my Handkerchiefe in's hand.
3315: O periur'd woman, thou do'st stone my heart,
3316: And makes me call, what I intend to do,
3317: A Murther, which I thought a Sacrifice.
3318: I saw the Handkerchiefe.
3319:
Des.
He found it then:
3320: I neuer gaue it him: Send, for him hither:
3321: Let him confesse a truth.
3322:
Oth.
He hath confest.
3323:
Des.
What, my Lord?
3324:
Oth.
That he hath vs'd thee.
3325:
Des.
How? vnlawfully?
3326:
Oth.
I.
3327:
Des.
He will not say so.
3328:
Oth.
No: his mouth is stopp'd:
3329: Honest Iago hath 'tane order for't.
3330:
Des.
Oh, my feare interprets. What is he dead?
3331:
Oth.
Had all his haires bin liues, my great Reuenge
3332: Had stomacke for them all.
3333:
Des.
Alas, he is betray'd, and I vndone.
3334:
Oth.
Out Strumpet: weep'st thou for him to my face?
3335:
Des.
O banish me, my Lord, but kill me not.
3336:
Oth.
Downe Strumpet.
3337:
Des.
Kill me to morrow, let me liue to night.
3338:
Oth.
Nay, if you striue.
3339:
Des.
But halfe an houre.
3340:
Oth.
Being done, there is no pawse.
3341:
Des.
But while I say one prayer.
3342:
Oth
It is too late. [ Smothers her.]
3343: [ Aemilia at the doore.]
3344:
Aemil.
My Lord, my Lord? What hoa?
3345: My Lord, my Lord.
3346:
Oth.
What noise is this? Not dead? not yet quite dead?
3347: I that am cruell, am yet mercifull,
3348: I would not haue thee linger in thy paine?
3349: So, so.
3350:
Aemil. within.
What hoa? my Lord, my Lord?
3351:
Oth.
Who's there?
3352:
Aemil.
Oh good my Lord, I would speake a word
3353: with you.
3354:
Oth.
Yes: 'Tis Aemilia: by and by. Shee's dead.
3355: 'Tis like she comes to speake of Cassio's death:
3356: The noise was high. Hah, no more moouing?
3357: Still as the Graue. Shall she come in? Wer't good?
3358: I thinke she stirres againe. No, what's best to do?
3359: If she come in, shee'l sure speake to my wife:
3360: My wife, my wife: what wife? I haue no wife.
3361: Oh insupportable! Oh heauy houre!
3362: Me thinkes, it should be now a huge Eclipse
3363: Of Sunne, and Moone; and that th' affrighted Globe
3364: Did yawne at Alteration.
3365:
Aemil.
I do beseech you
3366: That I may speake with you. Oh good my Lord.
3367:
Oth.
I had forgot thee: oh come in Aemilia.
3368: Soft, by and by, let me the Curtaines draw.
3369: Where art thou? What's the matter with thee now?
3370: [ Enter Aemilia.]
3371:
Aemil.
Oh my good Lord, yonders foule Murthers
3372: done.
3373:
Oth.
What? now?
3374:
Aemil.
But now, my Lord.
3375:
Oth.
It is the very error of the Moone,
3376: She comes more neerer Earth then she was wont,
3377: And makes men mad.
3378:
Aemil.
Cassio, my Lord, hath kill'd
3379: A young Venetian, call'd Rodorigo.
3380:
Oth.
Rodorigo kill'd? and Cassio kill'd?
3381:
Aemil.
No, Cassio is not kill'd.
3382:
Oth.
Not Cassio kill'd? Then Murther's out of tune,
3383: And sweet Reuenge growes harsh.
3384:
Des.
O falsely, falsely murder'd.
3385:
Aemil.
Alas! what cry is that?
3386:
Oth.
That? What?
3387:
Aemil.
Out, and alas, that was my Ladies voice.
3388: Helpe, helpe hoa, helpe. Oh Ladie speake againe,
3389: Sweet Desdemona, oh sweet Mistris, speake.
3390:
Des.
A guiltlesse death, I dye.
3391:
Aemil.
Oh who hath done this deed?
3392:
Des.
No body: I my selfe, farewell:
3393: Commend me to my kinde Lord: oh farewell.
3394:
Oth.
Why, how should she be murdred?
3395:
Aemil.
Alas: who knowes?
3396:
Oth.
You heare her say her selfe, it was not I.
3397:
Aemil.
She said so: I must needs report the truth.
3398:
Oth.
She's like a Liar gone to burning hell,
3399: 'Twas I that kill'd her.
3400:
Aemil.
Oh the more Angell she, and you the black-er
3401: Diuell.
3402:
Oth.
She turn'd to folly: and she was a whore.
3403:
Aemil.
Thou do'st bely her, and thou art a diuell.
3404:
Oth.
She was false as water.
3405:
Aemil.
Thou art rash as fire, to say
3406: That she was false. Oh she was heauenly true.
3407:
Oth.
Cassio did top her: Ask thy husband else.
3408: O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell:
3409: But that I did proceed vpon iust grounds
3410: To this extremity. Thy Husband knew it all.
3411:
Aemil.
My Husband?
3412:
Oth.
Thy Husband.
3413:
Aemil.
That she was false to Wedlocke?
3414:
Oth.
I, with Cassio: had she bin true,
3415: If Heauen would make me such another world,
3416: Of one entyre and perfect Chrysolite,
3417: I'ld not haue sold her for it.
3418:
Aemil.
My Husband?
3419:
Oth.
I, 'twas he that told me on her first,
3420: An honest man he is, and hates the slime
3421: That stickes on filthy deeds.
3422:
Aemil.
My Husband?
3423:
Oth.
What needs this itterance, Woman?
3424: I say, thy Husband.
3425:
Aemil.
Oh Mistris,
3426: Villany hath made mockes with loue:
3427: My Husband say she was false?
3428:
Oth.
He, Woman;
3429: I say thy Husband: Do'st vnderstand the word?
3430: My Friend, thy Husband; honest, honest Iago.
3431:
Aemil.
If he say so, may his pernicious Soule
3432: Rot halfe a graine a day: he lyes to'th' heart,
3433: She was too fond of her most filthy Bargaine.
3434:
Oth.
Hah?
3435:
Aemil.
Do thy worst:
3436: This deede of thine is no more worthy Heauen,
3437: Then thou was't worthy her.
3438:
Oth.
Peace, you were best.
3439:
Aemil.
Thou hast not halfe that powre to do me harm,
3440: As I haue to be hurt. Oh Gull, oh dolt,
3441: As ignorant as durt: thou hast done a deed
3442: (I care not for thy Sword) Ile make thee known,
3443: Though I lost twenty liues. Helpe, helpe, hoa, helpe:
3444: The Moore hath kill'd my Mistris. Murther, murther.
3445: [ Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago.]
3446:
Mon.
What is the matter? How now Generall?
3447:
Aemil.
Oh, are you come, Iago: you haue done well,
3448: That men must lay their Murthers on your necke.
3449:
Gra.
What is the matter?
3450:
Aemil.
Disproue this Villaine, if thou bee'st a man:
3451: He sayes, thou told'st him that his wife was false:
3452: I know thou did'st not: thou'rt not such a Villain.
3453: Speake, for my heart is full.
3454:
Iago.
I told him what I thought,
3455: And told no more
3456: Then what he found himselfe was apt, and true.
3457:
Aemil.
But did you euer tell him,
3458: She was false?
3459:
Iago.
I did.
3460:
Aemil.
You told a Lye an odious damned Lye:
3461: Vpon my Soule, a Lye; a wicked Lye.
3462: Shee false with Cassio?
3463: Did you say with Cassio?
3464:
Iago.
With Cassio, Mistris?
3465: Go too, charme your tongue.
3466:
Emil.
I will not charme my Tongue;
3467: I am bound to speake,
3468: My Mistris heere lyes murthered in her bed.
3469:
All.
Oh Heauens, forefend.
3470:
Emil.
And your reports haue set the Murder on.
3471:
Othello.
Nay stare not Masters,
3472: It is true indeede.
3473:
Gra.
'Tis a strange Truth.
3474:
Mont.
O monstrous Acte.
3475:
Emil.
Villany, villany, villany:
3476: I thinke vpon't, I thinke: I smel't: O Villany:
3477: I thought so then: Ile kill my selfe for greefe.
3478: O villany! villany!
3479:
Iago.
What, are you mad?
3480: I charge you get you home.
3481:
Emil.
Good Gentlemen, let me haue leaue to speake:
3482: 'Tis proper I obey him; but not now:
3483: Perchance Iago, I will ne're go home.
3484:
Oth.
Oh, oh, oh.
3485:
Emil.
Nay, lay thee downe, and roare:
3486: For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent,
3487: That ere did lift vp eye.
3488:
Oth.
Oh she was fowle!
3489: I scarse did know you Vnkle, there lies your Neece,
3490: Whose breath (indeed) these hands haue newly stopp'd:
3491: I know this acte shewes horrible and grim.
3492:
Gra.
Poore Desdemon:
3493: I am glad thy Father's dead,
3494: Thy Match was mortall to him: and pure greefe
3495: Shore his old thred in twaine. Did he liue now,
3496: This sight would make him do a desperate turne:
3497: Yea, curse his better Angell from his side,
3498: And fall to Reprobance.
3499:
Oth.
'Tis pittifull: but yet Iago knowes
3500: That she with Cassio, hath the Act of shame
3501: A thousand times committed. Cassio confest it,
3502: And she did gratifie his amorous workes
3503: With that Recognizance and pledge of Loue
3504: Which I first gaue her: I saw it in his hand:
3505: It was a Handkerchiefe, an Antique Token
3506: My Father gaue my Mother.
3507:
Emil.
Oh Heauen! oh heauenly Powres!
3508:
Iago.
Come, hold your peace.
3509:
Emil.
'Twill out, 'twill out. I peace?
3510: No, I will speake as liberall as the North;
3511: Let Heauen, and Men, and Diuels, let them all,
3512: All, all, crie shame against me, yet Ile speake.
3513:
Iago.
Be wise, and get you home.
3514:
Emil.
I will not.
3515:
Gra.
Fye, your Sword vpon a Woman.
3516:
Emil.
Oh thou dull Moore,
3517: That Handkerchiefe thou speak'st of
3518: I found by Fortune, and did giue my Husband:
3519: For often, with a solemne earnestnesse,
3520: (More then indeed belong'd to such a Trifle)
3521: He begg'd of me, to steale't.
3522:
Iago.
Villanous Whore.
3523:
Emil.
She giue it Cassio? No, alas I found it,
3524: And I did giu't my Husband.
3525:
Iago.
Filth, thou lyest.
3526:
Emil.
By Heauen I do not, I do not Gentlemen:
3527: Oh murd'rous Coxcombe, what should such a Foole
3528: Do with so good a wife?
3529:
Oth.
Are there no stones in Heauen,
3530: But what serues for the Thunder?
3531: Precious Villaine.
3532:
Gra.
The woman falles:
3533: Sure he hath kill'd his Wife.
3534:
Emil.
I, I: oh lay me by my Mistris side.
3535:
Gra.
Hee's gone, but his wife's kill'd.
3536:
Mon.
'Tis a notorious Villain: take you this weapon
3537: Which I haue recouer'd from the Moore:
3538: Come guard the doore without, let him not passe,
3539: But kill him rather. Ile after that same villaine,
3540: For 'tis a damned Slaue. [ Exit.]
3541:
Oth.
I am not valiant neither:
3542: But euery Punie whipster gets my Sword.
3543: But why should Honor out-liue Honesty?
3544: Let it go all.
3545:
Aemil.
What did thy Song boad Lady?
3546: Hearke, canst thou heare me? I will play the Swan,
3547: And dye in Musicke: Willough, Willough, Willough.
3548: Moore, she was chaste: She lou'd thee, cruell Moore,
3549: So come my Soule to blisse, as I speake true:
3550: So speaking as I thinke, alas, I dye.
3551:
Oth.
I haue another weapon in this Chamber,
3552: It was a Sword of Spaine, the Ice brookes temper:
3553: Oh heere it is: Vnkle I must come forth.
3554:
Gra.
If thou attempt it, it will cost thee deere;
3555: Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
3556:
Oth.
Looke in vpon me then, and speake with me,
3557: Or naked as I am I will assault thee.
3558:
Gra.
What is the matter?
3559:
Othel.
Behold, I haue a weapon:
3560: A better neuer did it selfe sustaine
3561: Vpon a Soldiers Thigh. I haue seene the day,
3562: That with this little Arme, and this good Sword,
3563: I haue made my way through more impediments
3564: Then twenty times your stop. But (oh vaine boast)
3565: Who can controll his Fate? 'Tis not so now.
3566: Be not affraid, though you do see me weapon'd:
3567: Heere is my iournies end, heere is my butt
3568: And verie Sea-marke of my vtmost Saile.
3569: Do you go backe dismaid? 'Tis a lost feare:
3570: Man but a Rush against Othello's brest,
3571: And he retires. Where should Othello go?
3572: Now: how dost thou looke now? Oh ill-Starr'd wench,
3573: Pale as thy Smocke: when we shall meete at compt,
3574: This looke of thine will hurle my Soule from Heauen,
3575: And Fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my Girle?
3576: Euen like thy Chastity. O cursed, cursed Slaue!
3577: Whip me ye Diuels,
3578: From the possession of this Heauenly sight:
3579: Blow me about in windes, roast me in Sulphure,
3580: Wash me in steepe-downe gulfes of Liquid fire.
3581: Oh Desdemon! dead Desdemon: dead. Oh, oh!
3582: [ Enter Lodouico, Cassio, Montano, and Iago,
with Officers]
3584:
Lod.
Where is this rash, and most vnfortunate man?
3585:
Oth.
That's he that was Othello: heere I am.
3586:
Lod.
Where is that Viper?
3587: Bring the Villaine forth.
3588:
Oth.
I look down towards his feet; but that's a Fable,
3589: If that thou bee'st a Diuell, I cannot kill thee.
3590:
Lod.
Wrench his Sword from him.
3591:
Iago.
I bleed Sir, but not kill'd.
3592:
Othel.
I am not sorry neither, Il'd haue thee liue:
3593: For in my sense, 'tis happinesse to die.
3594:
Lod.
Oh thou Othello, that was once so good,
3595: Falne in the practise of a cursed Slaue,
3596: What shall be saide to thee.
3597:
Oth.
Why any thing:
3598: An honourable Murderer, if you will:
3599: For nought I did in hate, but all in Honour.
3600:
Lod.
This wretch hath part confest his Villany:
3601: Did you and he consent in Cassio's death.
3602:
Oth.
I.
3603:
Cas.
Deere Generall, I neuer gaue you cause.
3604:
Oth.
I do beleeue it, and I aske your pardon:
3605: Will you, I pray, demand that demy-Diuell,
3606: Why he hath thus ensnar'd my Soule and Body.
3607:
Iag.
Demand me nothing: what you know, you know:
3608: From this time forth, I neuer will speake word.
3609:
Lod.
What? not to pray?
3610:
Gra.
Torments will ope your lips.
3611:
Oth.
Well, thou dost best.
3612:
Lod.
Sir,
3613: You shall vnderstand what hath befalne,
3614: (Which, as I thinke, you know not) heere is a Letter
3615: Found in the pocket of the slaine Rodorigo,
3616: And heere another, the one of them imports
3617: The death of Cassio, to be vndertooke
3618: By Rodorigo.
3619:
Oth.
O Villaine!
3620:
Cassio.
Most Heathenish, and most grosse.
3621:
Lod.
Now, heere's another discontented paper
3622: Found in his pocket too: and this it seemes
3623: Rodorigo meant t'haue sent this damned villaine:
3624: But that (belike) Iago in the interim
3625: Came in, and satisfi'd him.
3626:
Oth.
Oh thou pernitious Caitiffe;
3627: How came you (Cassio) by that Handkerchiefe
3628: That was my wiues?
3629:
Cassio.
I found it in my Chamber:
3630: And he himselfe confest it but euen now,
3631: That there he dropt it for a speciall purpose,
3632: Which wrought to his desire.
3633:
Othel.
O Foole, foole, foole!
3634:
Cassio.
There is besides, in Rodorigo's Letter,
3635: How he vpbraides Iago, that he made him
3636: Braue me vpon the Watch: whereon it came
3637: That I was cast: and euen but now he spake
3638: (After long seeming dead) Iago hurt him,
3639: Iago set him on.
3640:
Lod.
You must forsake this roome, and go with vs:
3641: Your Power, and your Command is taken off,
3642: And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this Slaue,
3643: If there be any cunning Crueltie,
3644: That can torment him much, and hold him long,
3645: It shall be his. You shall close Prisoner rest,
3646: Till that the Nature of your fault be knowne
3647: To the Venetian State. Come, bring away.
3648:
Oth.
Soft you; a word or two before you goe:
3649: I haue done the State some seruice, and they know't:
3650: No more of that. I pray you in your Letters,
3651: When you shall these vnluckie deeds relate,
3652: Speake of me, as I am. Nothing extenuate,
3653: Nor set downe ought in malice.
3654: Then must you speake,
3655: Of one that lou'd not wisely, but too well:
3656: Of one, not easily Iealious, but being wrought,
3657: Perplexed in the extreame: Of one, whose hand
3658: (Like the base Iudean) threw a Pearle away
3659: Richer then all his Tribe: Of one, whose subdu'd Eyes,
3660: Albeit vn-vsed to the melting moode,
3661: Drops teares as fast as the Arabian Trees
3662: Their Medicinable gumme. Set you downe this:
3663: And say besides, that in Aleppo once,
3664: Where a malignant, and a Turbond-Turke
3665: Beate a Venetian, and traduc'd the State,
3666: I tooke by th' throat the circumcised Dogge,
3667: And smoate him, thus.
3668:
Lod.
Oh bloody period.
3669:
Gra.
All that is spoke, is marr'd.
3670:
Oth.
I kist thee, ere I kill'd thee: No way but this,
3671: Killing my selfe, to dye vpon a kisse. [ Dyes]
3672:
Cas.
This did I feare, but thought he had no weapon:
3673: For he was great of heart.
3674:
Lod.
Oh Sparton Dogge:
3675: More fell then Anguish, Hunger, or the Sea:
3676: Looke on the Tragicke Loading of this bed:
3677: This is thy worke:
3678: The Obiect poysons Sight,
3679: Let it be hid. Gratiano, keepe the house,
3680: And seize vpon the Fortunes of the Moore,
3681: For they succeede on you. To you, Lord Gouernor,
3682: Remaines the Censure of this hellish villaine:
3683: The Time, the Place, the Torture, oh inforce it:
3684: My selfe will straight aboord, and to the State,
3685: This heauie Act, with heauie heart relate. [ Exeunt.]
3686: FINIS.
3687: The Names of the Actors.
3688: Othello, the Moore.
3689: Brabantio, Father to Desdemona.
3690: Cassio, an Honourable Lieutenant.
3691: Iago, a Villaine.
3692: Rodorigo, a gull'd Gentleman.
3693: Duke of Venice.
3694: Senators.
3695: Montano, Gouernour of Cyprus.
3696: Gentlemen of Cyprus.
3697: Lodouico, and Gratiano, two Noble Venetians.
3698: Saylors.
3699: Clowne.
3700: Desdemona, Wife to Othello.
3701: Aemilia, Wife to Iago.
3702: Bianca, a Curtezan.
3703: THE TRAGEDIE OF
3704: Othello, the Moore of Venice