diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 1793.txt | 4473 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 1793.zip | bin | 0 -> 70081 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
5 files changed, 4489 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/1793.txt b/1793.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..30cb417 --- /dev/null +++ b/1793.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4473 @@ + + + +******************************************************************* +THIS EBOOK WAS ONE OF PROJECT GUTENBERG'S EARLY FILES PRODUCED AT A +TIME WHEN PROOFING METHODS AND TOOLS WERE NOT WELL DEVELOPED. THERE +IS AN IMPROVED EDITION OF THIS TITLE WHICH MAY BE VIEWED AS EBOOK +(#1531) at https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1531 +******************************************************************* + + +This Etext file is presented by Project Gutenberg, in +cooperation with World Library, Inc., from their Library of the +Future and Shakespeare CDROMS. Project Gutenberg often releases +Etexts that are NOT placed in the Public Domain!! + +*This Etext has certain copyright implications you should read!* + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND +MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES +(1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT +DISTRIBUTED OR USED COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL +DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD +TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + +*Project Gutenberg is proud to cooperate with The World Library* +in the presentation of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare +for your reading for education and entertainment. HOWEVER, THIS +IS NEITHER SHAREWARE NOR PUBLIC DOMAIN. . .AND UNDER THE LIBRARY +OF THE FUTURE CONDITIONS OF THIS PRESENTATION. . .NO CHARGES MAY +BE MADE FOR *ANY* ACCESS TO THIS MATERIAL. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED!! +TO GIVE IT AWAY TO ANYONE YOU LIKE, BUT NO CHARGES ARE ALLOWED!! + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**Etexts Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*These Etexts Prepared By Hundreds of Volunteers and Donations* + +Information on contacting Project Gutenberg to get Etexts, and +further information is included below. We need your donations. + + +The Complete Works of William Shakespeare +The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice + +June, 1999 [Etext #1793] + + +The Library of the Future Complete Works of William Shakespeare +Library of the Future is a TradeMark (TM) of World Library Inc. +******This file should be named 1793.txt or 1793.zip***** + + +The official release date of all Project Gutenberg Etexts is at +Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month. A +preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment +and editing by those who wish to do so. To be sure you have an +up to date first edition [xxxxx10x.xxx] please check file sizes +in the first week of the next month. + + +Information about Project Gutenberg (one page) + +We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work. The +fifty hours is one conservative estimate for how long it we take +to get any etext selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright +searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc. This +projected audience is one hundred million readers. If our value +per text is nominally estimated at one dollar, then we produce 2 +million dollars per hour this year we, will have to do four text +files per month: thus upping our productivity from one million. +The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away One Trillion Etext +Files by the December 31, 2001. [10,000 x 100,000,000=Trillion] +This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers, +which is 10% of the expected number of computer users by the end +of the year 2001. + +We need your donations more than ever! + +All donations should be made to "Project Gutenberg/CMU", and are +tax deductible to the extent allowable by law ("CMU" is Carnegie +Mellon University). + +Please mail to: + +Project Gutenberg +P. O. Box 2782 +Champaign, IL 61825 + +You can visit our web site at promo.net for complete information +about Project Gutenberg. + +When all other else fails try our Executive Director: +dircompg@pobox.com or hart@pobox.com + +****** + +**Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor** + + +***** SMALL PRINT! for COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE ***** + +THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990--1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., +AND IS PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF +CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY WITH PERMISSION. + +Since unlike many other Project Gutenberg--tm etexts, this etext +is copyright protected, and since the materials and methods you +use will effect the Project's reputation, your right to copy and +distribute it is limited by the copyright and other laws, and by +the conditions of this "Small Print!" statement. + +1. LICENSE + + A) YOU MAY (AND ARE ENCOURAGED) TO DISTRIBUTE ELECTRONIC AND +MACHINE READABLE COPIES OF THIS ETEXT, SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES +(1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT +DISTRIBUTED OR USED COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL +DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD +TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP. + + B) This license is subject to the conditions that you honor +the refund and replacement provisions of this "small print!" +statement; and that you distribute exact copies of this etext, +including this Small Print statement. Such copies can be +compressed or any proprietary form (including any form resulting +from word processing or hypertext software), so long as +*EITHER*: + + (1) The etext, when displayed, is clearly readable, and does + *not* contain characters other than those intended by the + author of the work, although tilde (~), asterisk (*) and + underline (_) characters may be used to convey punctuation + intended by the author, and additional characters may be used + to indicate hypertext links; OR + + (2) The etext is readily convertible by the reader at no + expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent form by the + program that displays the etext (as is the case, for instance, + with most word processors); OR + + (3) You provide or agree to provide on request at no + additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the etext in plain + ASCII. + +2. LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES + +This etext may contain a "Defect" in the form of incomplete, +inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or +other infringement, a defective or damaged disk, computer virus, +or codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment. But +for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below, the +Project (and any other party you may receive this etext from as +a PROJECT GUTENBERG--tm etext) disclaims all liability to you for +damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and YOU HAVE +NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR +BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF +YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. + +If you discover a Defect in this etext within 90 days of receiv-- +ing it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid +for it by sending an explanatory note within that time to the +person you received it from. If you received it on a physical +medium, you must return it with your note, and such person may +choose to alternatively give you a replacement copy. If you +received it electronically, such person may choose to +alternatively give you a second opportunity to receive it +electronically. + +THIS ETEXT IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS--IS". NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS +TO THE ETEXT OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT +LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A +PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimers of +implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of consequen-- +tial damages, so the above disclaimers and exclusions may not +apply to you, and you may have other legal rights. + +3. INDEMNITY: You will indemnify and hold the Project, its +directors, officers, members and agents harmless from all lia-- +bility, cost and expense, including legal fees, that arise +directly or indirectly from any of the following that you do or +cause: [A] distribution of this etext, [B] alteration, +modification, or addition to the etext, or [C] any Defect. + +4. WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? +Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of +public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed +in machine readable form. The Project gratefully accepts +contributions in money, time, scanning machines, OCR software, +public domain etexts, royalty free copyright licenses, and +whatever else you can think of. Money should be paid to "Pro-- +ject Gutenberg Association / Carnegie Mellon University". + +WRITE TO US! We can be reached at: + Internet: hart@pobox.com + Mail: Prof. Michael Hart + P.O. Box 2782 + Champaign, IL 61825 + +This "Small Print!" by Charles B. Kramer, Attorney +Internet (72600.2026@compuserve.com); TEL: (212--254--5093) +**** SMALL PRINT! FOR __ COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE **** +["Small Print" V.12.08.93] + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990--1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND +IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + + + +1605 + + +THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE + +by William Shakespeare + + + +Dramatis Personae + + OTHELLO, the Moor, general of the Venetian forces + DESDEMONA, his wife + IAGO, ensign to Othello + EMILIA, his wife, lady--in--waiting to Desdemona + CASSIO, lieutenant to Othello + THE DUKE OF VENICE + BRABANTIO, Venetian Senator, father of Desdemona + GRATIANO, nobleman of Venice, brother of Brabantio + LODOVICO, nobleman of Venice, kinsman of Brabantio + RODERIGO, rejected suitor of Desdemona + BIANCA, mistress of Cassio + MONTANO, a Cypriot official + A Clown in service to Othello + Senators, Sailors, Messengers, Officers, Gentlemen, Musicians, +and + Attendants + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990--1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND +IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + +SCENE: Venice and Cyprus + +ACT I. SCENE I. +Venice. A street. + +Enter Roderigo and Iago. + + RODERIGO. Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly + That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse + As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. + IAGO. 'Sblood, but you will not hear me. + If ever I did dream of such a matter, + Abhor me. + RODERIGO. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate. + IAGO. Despise me, if I do not. Three great ones of the city, + In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, + Off--capp'd to him; and, by the faith of man, + I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. + But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, + Evades them, with a bumbast circumstance + Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war, + And, in conclusion, + Nonsuits my mediators; for, "Certes," says he, + "I have already chose my officer." + And what was he? + Forsooth, a great arithmetician, + One Michael Cassio, a Florentine + (A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife) + That never set a squadron in the field, + Nor the division of a battle knows + More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric, + Wherein the toged consuls can propose + As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice + Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election; + And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof + At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds + Christian and heathen, must be belee'd and calm'd + By debitor and creditor. This counter--caster, + He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, + And I--God bless the mark!--his Moorship's ancient. + RODERIGO. By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. + IAGO. Why, there's no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service, + Preferment goes by letter and affection, + And not by old gradation, where each second + Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself + Whether I in any just term am affined + To love the Moor. + RODERIGO. I would not follow him then. + IAGO. O, sir, content you. + I follow him to serve my turn upon him: + We cannot all be masters, nor all masters + Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark + Many a duteous and knee--crooking knave, + That doting on his own obsequious bondage + Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, + For nought but provender, and when he's old, cashier'd. + Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are + Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, + Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, + And throwing but shows of service on their lords + Do well thrive by them; and when they have lined their coats + Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul, + And such a one do I profess myself. + For, sir, + It is as sure as you are Roderigo, + Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago. + In following him, I follow but myself; + Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, + But seeming so, for my peculiar end. + For when my outward action doth demonstrate + The native act and figure of my heart + In complement extern, 'tis not long after + But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve + For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. + RODERIGO. What a full fortune does the thick--lips owe, + If he can carry't thus! + IAGO. Call up her father, + Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, + Proclaim him in the streets, incense her kinsmen, + And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, + Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy, + Yet throw such changes of vexation on't + As it may lose some color. + RODERIGO. Here is her father's house; I'll call aloud. + IAGO. Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell + As when, by night and negligence, the fire + Is spied in populous cities. + RODERIGO. What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! + IAGO. Awake! What, ho, Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves! Thieves! + Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! + Thieves! Thieves! + + Brabantio appears above, at a window. + + BRABANTIO. What is the reason of this terrible summons? + What is the matter there? + RODERIGO. Signior, is all your family within? + IAGO. Are your doors lock'd? + BRABANTIO. Why? Wherefore ask you this? + IAGO. 'Zounds, sir, you're robb'd! For shame, put on your gown; + Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul; + Even now, now, very now, an old black ram + Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! + Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, + Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. + Arise, I say! + BRABANTIO. What, have you lost your wits? + RODERIGO. Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? + BRABANTIO. Not I. What are you? + RODERIGO. My name is Roderigo. + BRABANTIO. The worser welcome. + I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. + In honest plainness thou hast heard me say + My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness, + Being full of supper and distempering draughts, + Upon malicious bravery, dost thou come + To start my quiet. + RODERIGO. Sir, sir, sir-- + BRABANTIO. But thou must needs be sure + My spirit and my place have in them power + To make this bitter to thee. + RODERIGO. Patience, good sir. + BRABANTIO. What tell'st thou me of robbing? This is Venice; + My house is not a grange. + RODERIGO. Most grave Brabantio, + In simple and pure soul I come to you. + IAGO. 'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve +God, + if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service and +you + think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with +a + Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll +have + coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. + BRABANTIO. What profane wretch art thou? + IAGO. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and +the + Moor are now making the beast with two backs. + BRABANTIO. Thou are a villain. + IAGO. You are--a senator. + BRABANTIO. This thou shalt answer; I know thee, Roderigo. + RODERIGO. Sir, I will answer anything. But, I beseech you, + If't be your pleasure and most wise consent, + As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter, + At this odd--even and dull watch o' the night, + Transported with no worse nor better guard + But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, + To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor-- + If this be known to you, and your allowance, + We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs; + But if you know not this, my manners tell me + We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe + That, from the sense of all civility, + I thus would play and trifle with your reverence. + Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, + I say again, hath made a gross revolt, + Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes + In an extravagant and wheeling stranger + Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself: + If she be in her chamber or your house, + Let loose on me the justice of the state + For thus deluding you. + BRABANTIO. Strike on the tinder, ho! + Give me a taper! Call up all my people! + This accident is not unlike my dream; + Belief of it oppresses me already. + Light, I say, light! Exit +above. + IAGO. Farewell, for I must leave you. + It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place, + To be produced--as, if I stay, I shall-- + Against the Moor; for I do know, the state, + However this may gall him with some check, + Cannot with safety cast him, for he's embark'd + With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, + Which even now stands in act, that, for their souls, + Another of his fathom they have none + To lead their business; in which regard, + Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, + Yet for necessity of present life, + I must show out a flag and sign of love, + Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him, + Lead to the Sagittary the raised search, + And there will I be with him. So farewell. +Exit. + + Enter, below, Brabantio, in his nightgown, and + Servants with torches. + + BRABANTIO. It is too true an evil: gone she is, + And what's to come of my despised time + Is nought but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, + Where didst thou see her? O unhappy girl! + With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father! + How didst thou know 'twas she? O, she deceives me + Past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers. + Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you? + RODERIGO. Truly, I think they are. + BRABANTIO. O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood! + Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds + By what you see them act. Is there not charms + By which the property of youth and maidhood + May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, + Of some such thing? + RODERIGO. Yes, sir, I have indeed. + BRABANTIO. Call up my brother. O, would you had had her! + Some one way, some another. Do you know + Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? + RODERIGO. I think I can discover him, if you please + To get good guard and go along with me. + BRABANTIO. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; + I may command at most. Get weapons, ho! + And raise some special officers of night. + On, good Roderigo, I'll deserve your pains. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE II. +Another street. + +Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants with torches. + + IAGO. Though in the trade of war I have slain men, + Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience + To do no contrived murther. I lack iniquity + Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times + I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs. + OTHELLO. 'Tis better as it is. + IAGO. Nay, but he prated + And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms + Against your honor + That, with the little godliness I have, + I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir, + Are you fast married? Be assured of this, + That the magnifico is much beloved, + And hath in his effect a voice potential + As double as the Duke's. He will divorce you, + Or put upon you what restraint and grievance + The law, with all his might to enforce it on, + Will give him cable. + OTHELLO. Let him do his spite. + My services, which I have done the signiory, + Shall out--tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know-- + Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, + I shall promulgate--I fetch my life and being + From men of royal siege, and my demerits + May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune + As this that I have reach'd. For know, Iago, + But that I love the gentle Desdemona, + I would not my unhoused free condition + Put into circumscription and confine + For the sea's worth. But, look! What lights come yond? + IAGO. Those are the raised father and his friends. + You were best go in. + OTHELLO. Not I; I must be found. + My parts, my title, and my perfect soul + Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? + IAGO. By Janus, I think no. + + Enter Cassio and certain Officers with torches. + + OTHELLO. The servants of the Duke? And my lieutenant? + The goodness of the night upon you, friends! + What is the news? + CASSIO. The Duke does greet you, general, + And he requires your haste--post--haste appearance, + Even on the instant. + OTHELLO. What is the matter, think you? + CASSIO. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine; + It is a business of some heat. The galleys + Have sent a dozen sequent messengers + This very night at one another's heels; + And many of the consuls, raised and met, + Are at the Duke's already. You have been hotly call'd for, + When, being not at your lodging to be found, + The Senate hath sent about three several quests + To search you out. + OTHELLO. 'Tis well I am found by you. + I will but spend a word here in the house + And go with you. +Exit. + CASSIO. Ancient, what makes he here? + IAGO. Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carack; + If it prove lawful prize, he's made forever. + CASSIO. I do not understand. + IAGO. He's married. + CASSIO. To who? + + Re-enter Othello. + + IAGO. Marry, to--Come, captain, will you go? + OTHELLO. Have with you. + CASSIO. Here comes another troop to seek for you. + IAGO. It is Brabantio. General, be advised, + He comes to bad intent. + + Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with torches + and weapons. + + OTHELLO. Holla! Stand there! + RODERIGO. Signior, it is the Moor. + BRABANTIO. Down with him, thief! + They draw on both +sides. + IAGO. You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you. + OTHELLO. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust +them. + Good signior, you shall more command with years + Than with your weapons. + BRABANTIO. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my +daughter? + Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her, + For I'll refer me to all things of sense, + If she in chains of magic were not bound, + Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, + So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd + The wealthy, curled darlings of our nation, + Would ever have, to incur a general mock, + Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom + Of such a thing as thou--to fear, not to delight. + Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense + That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms, + Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals + That weaken motion. I'll have't disputed on; + 'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking. + I therefore apprehend and do attach thee + For an abuser of the world, a practicer + Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. + Lay hold upon him. If he do resist, + Subdue him at his peril. + OTHELLO. Hold your hands, + Both you of my inclining and the rest. + Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it + Without a prompter. Where will you that I go + To answer this your charge? + BRABANTIO. To prison, till fit time + Of law and course of direct session + Call thee to answer. + OTHELLO. What if I do obey? + How may the Duke be therewith satisfied, + Whose messengers are here about my side, + Upon some present business of the state + To bring me to him? + FIRST OFFICER. 'Tis true, most worthy signior; + The Duke's in council, and your noble self, + I am sure, is sent for. + BRABANTIO. How? The Duke in council? + In this time of the night? Bring him away; + Mine's not an idle cause. The Duke himself, + Or any of my brothers of the state, + Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; + For if such actions may have passage free, + Bond slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE III. +A council chamber. The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; +Officers attending. + + DUKE. There is no composition in these news + That gives them credit. + FIRST SENATOR. Indeed they are disproportion'd; + My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. + DUKE. And mine, a hundred and forty. + SECOND SENATOR. And mine, two hundred. + But though they jump not on a just account-- + As in these cases, where the aim reports, + 'Tis oft with difference--yet do they all confirm + A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. + DUKE. Nay, it is possible enough to judgement. + I do not so secure me in the error, + But the main article I do approve + In fearful sense. + SAILOR. [Within.] What, ho! What, ho! What, ho! + FIRST OFFICER. A messenger from the galleys. + + Enter Sailor. + + DUKE. Now, what's the business? + SAILOR. The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes, + So was I bid report here to the state + By Signior Angelo. + DUKE. How say you by this change? + FIRST SENATOR. This cannot be, + By no assay of reason; 'tis a pageant + To keep us in false gaze. When we consider + The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, + And let ourselves again but understand + That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, + So may he with more facile question bear it, + For that it stands not in such warlike brace, + But altogether lacks the abilities + That Rhodes is dress'd in. If we make thought of this, + We must not think the Turk is so unskillful + To leave that latest which concerns him first, + Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain, + To wake and wage a danger profitless. + DUKE. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes. + FIRST OFFICER. Here is more news. + + Enter a Messenger. + + MESSENGER. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, + Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, + Have there injointed them with an after fleet. + FIRST SENATOR. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? + MESSENGER. Of thirty sail; and now they do re-stem + Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance + Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, + Your trusty and most valiant servitor, + With his free duty recommends you thus, + And prays you to believe him. + DUKE. 'Tis certain then for Cyprus. + Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? + FIRST SENATOR. He's now in Florence. + DUKE. Write from us to him, post-post-haste dispatch. + FIRST SENATOR. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. + + Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, and Officers. + + DUKE. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you + Against the general enemy Ottoman. + [To Brabantio.] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior; + We lack'd your counsel and your help tonight. + BRABANTIO. So did I yours. Good your Grace, pardon me: + Neither my place nor aught I heard of business + Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general care + Take hold on me; for my particular grief + Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature + That it engluts and swallows other sorrows, + And it is still itself. + DUKE. Why, what's the matter? + BRABANTIO. My daughter! O, my daughter! + ALL. Dead? + BRABANTIO. Ay, to me. + She is abused, stol'n from me and corrupted + By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; + For nature so preposterously to err, + Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, + Sans witchcraft could not. + DUKE. Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding + Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself + And you of her, the bloody book of law + You shall yourself read in the bitter letter + After your own sense, yea, though our proper son + Stood in your action. + BRABANTIO. Humbly I thank your Grace. + Here is the man, this Moor, whom now, it seems, + Your special mandate for the state affairs + Hath hither brought. + ALL. We are very sorry for't. + DUKE. [To Othello.] What in your own part can you say to this? + BRABANTIO. Nothing, but this is so. + OTHELLO. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, + My very noble and approved good masters, + That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter, + It is most true; true, I have married her; + The very head and front of my offending + Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, + And little blest with the soft phrase of peace; + For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith, + Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used + Their dearest action in the tented field, + And little of this great world can I speak, + More than pertains to feats of broil and battle; + And therefore little shall I grace my cause + In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, + I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver + Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms, + What conjuration, and what mighty magic-- + For such proceeding I am charged withal-- + I won his daughter. + BRABANTIO. A maiden never bold, + Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion + Blush'd at herself; and she--in spite of nature, + Of years, of country, credit, everything-- + To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! + It is judgement maim'd and most imperfect, + That will confess perfection so could err + Against all rules of nature, and must be driven + To find out practices of cunning hell + Why this should be. I therefore vouch again + That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood, + Or with some dram conjured to this effect, + He wrought upon her. + DUKE. To vouch this is no proof, + Without more certain and more overt test + Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods + Of modern seeming do prefer against him. + FIRST SENATOR. But, Othello, speak. + Did you by indirect and forced courses + Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? + Or came it by request, and such fair question + As soul to soul affordeth? + OTHELLO. I do beseech you, + Send for the lady to the Sagittary, + And let her speak of me before her father. + If you do find me foul in her report, + The trust, the office I do hold of you, + Not only take away, but let your sentence + Even fall upon my life. + DUKE. Fetch Desdemona hither. + OTHELLO. Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place. + Exeunt Iago and +Attendants. + And till she come, as truly as to heaven + I do confess the vices of my blood, + So justly to your grave ears I'll present + How I did thrive in this fair lady's love + And she in mine. + DUKE. Say it, Othello. + OTHELLO. Her father loved me, oft invited me, + Still question'd me the story of my life + From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, + That I have pass'd. + I ran it through, even from my boyish days + To the very moment that he bade me tell it: + Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, + Of moving accidents by flood and field, + Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach, + Of being taken by the insolent foe + And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence + And portance in my travels' history; + Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle, + Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, + It was my hint to speak--such was the process-- + And of the Cannibals that each other eat, + The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads + Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear + Would Desdemona seriously incline; + But still the house affairs would draw her thence, + Which ever as she could with haste dispatch, + She'ld come again, and with a greedy ear + Devour up my discourse; which I observing, + Took once a pliant hour, and found good means + To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart + That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, + Whereof by parcels she had something heard, + But not intentively. I did consent, + And often did beguile her of her tears + When I did speak of some distressful stroke + That my youth suffer'd. My story being done, + She gave me for my pains a world of sighs; + She swore, in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange; + 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful. + She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd + That heaven had made her such a man; she thank'd me, + And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, + I should but teach him how to tell my story, + And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake: + She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd, + And I loved her that she did pity them. + This only is the witchcraft I have used. + Here comes the lady; let her witness it. + + Enter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants. + + DUKE. I think this tale would win my daughter too. + Good Brabantio, + Take up this mangled matter at the best: + Men do their broken weapons rather use + Than their bare hands. + BRABANTIO. I pray you, hear her speak. + If she confess that she was half the wooer, + Destruction on my head, if my bad blame + Light on the man! Come hither, gentle mistress. + Do you perceive in all this noble company + Where most you owe obedience? + DESDEMONA. My noble father, + I do perceive here a divided duty. + To you I am bound for life and education; + My life and education both do learn me + How to respect you; you are the lord of duty, + I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband, + And so much duty as my mother show'd + To you, preferring you before her father, + So much I challenge that I may profess + Due to the Moor, my lord. + BRABANTIO. God be with you! I have done. + Please it your Grace, on to the state affairs; + I had rather to adopt a child than get it. + Come hither, Moor. + I here do give thee that with all my heart + Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart + I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, + I am glad at soul I have no other child; + For thy escape would teach me tyranny, + To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord. + DUKE. Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence + Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers + Into your favor. + When remedies are past, the griefs are ended + By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. + To mourn a mischief that is past and gone + Is the next way to draw new mischief on. + What cannot be preserved when Fortune takes, + Patience her injury a mockery makes. + The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief; + He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. + BRABANTIO. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; + We lose it not so long as we can smile. + He bears the sentence well, that nothing bears + But the free comfort which from thence he hears; + But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow + That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. + These sentences, to sugar or to gall, + Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. + But words are words; I never yet did hear + That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear. + I humbly beseech you, proceed to the affairs of state. + DUKE. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. + Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and + though we have there a substitute of most allowed +sufficiency, + yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more +safer + voice on you. You must therefore be content to slubber the +gloss + of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous + expedition. + OTHELLO. The tyrant custom, most grave senators, + Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war + My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize + A natural and prompt alacrity + I find in hardness and do undertake + These present wars against the Ottomites. + Most humbly therefore bending to your state, + I crave fit disposition for my wife, + Due reference of place and exhibition, + With such accommodation and besort + As levels with her breeding. + DUKE. If you please, + Be't at her father's. + BRABANTIO. I'll not have it so. + OTHELLO. Nor I. + DESDEMONA. Nor I. I would not there reside + To put my father in impatient thoughts + By being in his eye. Most gracious Duke, + To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear, + And let me find a charter in your voice + To assist my simpleness. + DUKE. What would you, Desdemona? + DESDEMONA. That I did love the Moor to live with him, + My downright violence and storm of fortunes + May trumpet to the world. My heart's subdued + Even to the very quality of my lord. + I saw Othello's visage in his mind, + And to his honors and his valiant parts + Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. + So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, + A moth of peace, and he go to the war, + The rites for which I love him are bereft me, + And I a heavy interim shall support + By his dear absence. Let me go with him. + OTHELLO. Let her have your voices. + Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not + To please the palate of my appetite, + Nor to comply with heat--the young affects + In me defunct--and proper satisfaction; + But to be free and bounteous to her mind. + And heaven defend your good souls, that you think + I will your serious and great business scant + For she is with me. No, when light-wing'd toys + Of feather'd Cupid seal with wanton dullness + My speculative and officed instruments, + That my disports corrupt and taint my business, + Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, + And all indign and base adversities + Make head against my estimation! + DUKE. Be it as you shall privately determine, + Either for her stay or going. The affair cries haste, + And speed must answer't: you must hence tonight. + DESDEMONA. Tonight, my lord? + DUKE. This night. + OTHELLO. With all my heart. + DUKE. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again. + Othello, leave some officer behind, + And he shall our commission bring to you, + With such things else of quality and respect + As doth import you. + OTHELLO. So please your Grace, my ancient; + A man he is of honesty and trust. + To his conveyance I assign my wife, + With what else needful your good Grace shall think + To be sent after me. + DUKE. Let it be so. + Good night to everyone. [To Brabantio.] And, noble signior, + If virtue no delighted beauty lack, + Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. + FIRST SENATOR. Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. + BRABANTIO. Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; + She has deceived her father, and may thee. + Exeunt Duke, Senators, and +Officers. + OTHELLO. My life upon her faith! Honest Iago, + My Desdemona must I leave to thee. + I prithee, let thy wife attend on her, + And bring them after in the best advantage. + Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour + Of love, of worldly matters and direction, + To spend with thee. We must obey the time. + Exeunt Othello and +Desdemona. + RODERIGO. Iago! + IAGO. What say'st thou, noble heart? + RODERIGO. What will I do, thinkest thou? + IAGO. Why, go to bed and sleep. + RODERIGO. I will incontinently drown myself. + IAGO. If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. + Why, thou silly gentleman! + RODERIGO. It is silliness to live when to live is torment, and +then + have we a prescription to die when death is our physician. + IAGO. O villainous! I have looked upon the world for four times + seven years, and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit +and + an injury, I never found man that knew how to love himself. +Ere I + would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, +I + would change my humanity with a baboon. + RODERIGO. What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so +fond, + but it is not in my virtue to amend it. + IAGO. Virtue? a fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or +thus. + Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; +so + that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and +weed + up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it +with + many, either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with + + industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this +lies in + our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of + reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness +of + our natures would conduct us to most preposterous +conclusions. + But we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal +stings, + our unbitted lusts; whereof I take this, that you call love, +to + be a sect or scion. + RODERIGO. It cannot be. + IAGO. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the + will. Come, be a man! Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind + puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me +knit to + thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness; I could +never + better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse; follow +thou + the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put + money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long + continue her love to the Moor--put money in thy purse--nor he +his + to her. It was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an + answerable sequestration--put but money in thy purse. These +Moors + are changeable in their wills--fill thy purse with money. The + food that to him now is as luscious as locusts, shall be to +him + shortly as acerb as the coloquintida. She must change for +youth; + when she is sated with his body, she will find the error of +her + choice. She must have change, she must; therefore put money +in + thy purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more +delicate + way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If +sanctimony + and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle + Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of +hell, + thou shalt enjoy her--therefore make money. A pox of drowning + thyself! It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be + hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go +without + her. + RODERIGO. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the +issue? + IAGO. Thou art sure of me--go, make money. I have told thee +often, + and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause +is + hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in +our + revenge against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost +thyself + a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of +time + which will be delivered. Traverse, go, provide thy money. We +will + have more of this tomorrow. Adieu. + RODERIGO. Where shall we meet i' the morning? + IAGO. At my lodging. + RODERIGO. I'll be with thee betimes. + IAGO. Go to, farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo? + RODERIGO. What say you? + IAGO. No more of drowning, do you hear? + RODERIGO. I am changed; I'll go sell all my land. +Exit. + IAGO. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; + For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane + If I would time expend with such a snipe + But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, + And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets + He has done my office. I know not if't be true, + But I for mere suspicion in that kind + Will do as if for surety. He holds me well, + The better shall my purpose work on him. + Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now-- + To get his place, and to plume up my will + In double knavery--How, how?--Let's see-- + After some time, to abuse Othello's ear + That he is too familiar with his wife. + He hath a person and a smooth dispose + To be suspected--framed to make women false. + The Moor is of a free and open nature, + That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, + And will as tenderly be led by the nose + As asses are. + I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night + Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. + Exit. + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + +ACT II. SCENE I. +A seaport in Cyprus. An open place near the quay. + +Enter Montano and two Gentlemen. + + MONTANO. What from the cape can you discern at sea? + FIRST GENTLEMAN. Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood; + I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main, + Descry a sail. + MONTANO. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; + A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. + If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea, + What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, + Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? + SECOND GENTLEMAN. A segregation of the Turkish fleet. + For do but stand upon the foaming shore, + The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds; + The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane, + Seems to cast water on the burning bear, + And quench the guards of the ever-fixed pole. + I never did like molestation view + On the enchafed flood. + MONTANO. If that the Turkish fleet + Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd; + It is impossible to bear it out. + + Enter a third Gentleman. + + THIRD GENTLEMAN. News, lads! Our wars are done. + The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks, + That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice + Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance + On most part of their fleet. + MONTANO. How? Is this true? + THIRD GENTLEMAN. The ship is here put in, + A Veronesa. Michael Cassio, + Lieutenant to the warlike Moor, Othello, + Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea, + And is in full commission here for Cyprus. + MONTANO. I am glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor. + THIRD GENTLEMAN. But this same Cassio, though he speak of +comfort + Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly + And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted + With foul and violent tempest. + MONTANO. Pray heavens he be, + For I have served him, and the man commands + Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho! + As well to see the vessel that's come in + As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, + Even till we make the main and the aerial blue + An indistinct regard. + THIRD GENTLEMAN. Come, let's do so, + For every minute is expectancy + Of more arrivance. + + Enter Cassio. + + CASSIO. Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle, + That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens + Give him defense against the elements, + For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. + MONTANO. Is he well shipp'd? + CASSIO. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot + Of very expert and approved allowance; + Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, + Stand in bold cure. + A cry within, "A sail, a sail, a +sail!" + + Enter a fourth Gentleman. + + What noise? + FOURTH GENTLEMAN. The town is empty; on the brow o' the sea + Stand ranks of people, and they cry, "A sail!" + CASSIO. My hopes do shape him for the governor. + Guns +heard. + SECOND GENTLEMAN. They do discharge their shot of courtesy-- + Our friends at least. + CASSIO. I pray you, sir, go forth, + And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived. + SECOND GENTLEMAN. I shall. +Exit. + MONTANO. But, good lieutenant, is your general wived? + CASSIO. Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid + That paragons description and wild fame, + One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, + And in the essential vesture of creation + Does tire the ingener. + + Re-enter second Gentleman. + + How now! who has put in? + SECOND GENTLEMAN. 'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general. + CASSIO. He has had most favorable and happy speed: + Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds, + The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands, + Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel, + As having sense of beauty, do omit + Their mortal natures, letting go safely by + The divine Desdemona. + MONTANO. What is she? + CASSIO. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, + Left in the conduct of the bold Iago, + Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts + A se'nnight's speed. Great Jove, Othello guard, + And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, + That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, + Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms, + Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits, + And bring all Cyprus comfort. + + Enter Desdemona, Emilia Iago, Roderigo, and Attendants. + + O, behold, + The riches of the ship is come on shore! + Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. + Hall to thee, lady! And the grace of heaven, + Before, behind thee, and on every hand, + Enwheel thee round! + DESDEMONA. I thank you, valiant Cassio. + What tidings can you tell me of my lord? + CASSIO. He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught + But that he's well and will be shortly here. + DESDEMONA. O, but I fear--How lost you company? + CASSIO. The great contention of the sea and skies + Parted our fellowship--But, hark! a sail. + A cry within, "A sail, a sail!" Guns +heard. + SECOND GENTLEMAN. They give their greeting to the citadel; + This likewise is a friend. + CASSIO. See for the news. + Exit +Gentleman. + Good ancient, you are welcome. [To Emilia.] Welcome, +mistress. + Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, + That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding + That gives me this bold show of courtesy. Kisses +her. + IAGO. Sir, would she give you so much of her lips + As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, + You'ld have enough. + DESDEMONA. Alas, she has no speech. + IAGO. In faith, too much; + I find it still when I have list to sleep. + Marry, before your ladyship I grant, + She puts her tongue a little in her heart + And chides with thinking. + EMILIA. You have little cause to say so. + IAGO. Come on, come on. You are pictures out of doors, + Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, + Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, + Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds. + DESDEMONA. O, fie upon thee, slanderer! + IAGO. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: + You rise to play, and go to bed to work. + EMILIA. You shall not write my praise. + IAGO. No, let me not. + DESDEMONA. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst + praise me? + IAGO. O gentle lady, do not put me to't, + For I am nothing if not critical. + DESDEMONA. Come on, assay--There's one gone to the harbor? + IAGO. Ay, madam. + DESDEMONA. I am not merry, but I do beguile + The thing I am by seeming otherwise. + Come, how wouldst thou praise me? + IAGO. I am about it, but indeed my invention + Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frieze; + It plucks out brains and all. But my Muse labors, + And thus she is deliver'd. + If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, + The one's for use, the other useth it. + DESDEMONA. Well praised! How if she be black and witty? + IAGO. If she be black, and thereto have a wit, + She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit. + DESDEMONA. Worse and worse. + EMILIA. How if fair and foolish? + IAGO. She never yet was foolish that was fair, + For even her folly help'd her to an heir. + DESDEMONA. These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i' +the + alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul +and + foolish? + IAGO. There's none so foul and foolish thereunto, + But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. + DESDEMONA. O heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the worst best. But +what + praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed, one +that + in the authority of her merit did justly put on the vouch of +very + malice itself? + IAGO. She that was ever fair and never proud, + Had tongue at will and yet was never loud, + Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay, + Fled from her wish and yet said, "Now I may"; + She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh, + Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly; + She that in wisdom never was so frail + To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail; + She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind, + See suitors following and not look behind; + She was a wight, if ever such wight were-- + DESDEMONA. To do what? + IAGO. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. + DESDEMONA. O most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn of +him, + Emilia, though he be thy husband. How say you, Cassio? Is he +not + a most profane and liberal counselor? + CASSIO. He speaks home, madam. You may relish him more in the + soldier than in the scholar. + IAGO. [Aside.] He takes her by the palm; ay, well said, +whisper. + With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as + Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own + courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed. If such tricks as +these + strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you +had + not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are + most apt to play the sir in. Very good. Well kissed! an +excellent + courtesy! 'tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your +lips? + Would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Trumpet +within.] + The Moor! I know his trumpet. + CASSIO. 'Tis truly so. + DESDEMONA. Let's meet him and receive him. + CASSIO. Lo, where he comes! + + Enter Othello and Attendants. + + OTHELLO. O my fair warrior! + DESDEMONA. My dear Othello! + OTHELLO. It gives me wonder great as my content + To see you here before me. O my soul's joy! + If after every tempest come such calms, + May the winds blow till they have waken'd death! + And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas + Olympus-high, and duck again as low + As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die, + 'Twere now to be most happy; for I fear + My soul hath her content so absolute + That not another comfort like to this + Succeeds in unknown fate. + DESDEMONA. The heavens forbid + But that our loves and comforts should increase, + Even as our days do grow! + OTHELLO. Amen to that, sweet powers! + I cannot speak enough of this content; + It stops me here; it is too much of joy. + And this, and this, the greatest discords be Kisses +her. + That e'er our hearts shall make! + IAGO. [Aside.] O, you are well tuned now! + But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, + As honest as I am. + OTHELLO. Come, let us to the castle. + News, friends: our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd. + How does my old acquaintance of this isle? + Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus; + I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, + I prattle out of fashion, and I dote + In mine own comforts. I prithee, good Iago, + Go to the bay and disembark my coffers. + Bring thou the master to the citadel; + He is a good one, and his worthiness + Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona, + Once more well met at Cyprus. + Exeunt all but Iago and +Roderigo. + IAGO. Do thou meet me presently at the harbor. Come hither. If +thou + be'st valiant--as they say base men being in love have then a + nobility in their natures more than is native to them--list +me. + The lieutenant tonight watches on the court of guard. First, +I + must tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him. + RODERIGO. With him? Why, 'tis not possible. + IAGO. Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark +me + with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging +and + telling her fantastical lies. And will she love him still for + prating? Let not thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be + fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? +When + the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should +be, + again to inflame it and to give satiety a fresh appetite, + loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and +beauties-- + all which the Moor is defective in. Now, for want of these + required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find +itself + abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the +Moor; + very nature will instruct her in it and compel her to some +second + choice. Now sir, this granted--as it is a most pregnant and + unforced position--who stands so eminently in the degree of +this + fortune as Cassio does? A knave very voluble; no further + conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and +humane + seeming, for the better compass of his salt and most hidden +loose + affection? Why, none, why, none--a slipper and subtle knave, +a + finder out of occasions, that has an eye can stamp and + counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present + itself--a devilish knave! Besides, the knave is handsome, +young, + and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green +minds + look after--a pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath +found + him already. + RODERIGO. I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most +blest + condition. + IAGO. Blest fig's-end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes. +If + she had been blest, she would never have loved the Moor. +Blest + pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his +hand? + Didst not mark that? + RODERIGO. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy. + IAGO. Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure prologue to +the + history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with +their + lips that their breaths embraced together. Villainous +thoughts, + Roderigo! When these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at +hand + comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate +conclusion. + Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought you from + Venice. Watch you tonight; for the command, I'll lay't upon +you. + Cassio knows you not. I'll not be far from you. Do you find +some + occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or + tainting his discipline, or from what other course you +please, + which the time shall more favorably minister. + RODERIGO. Well. + IAGO. Sir, he is rash and very sudden in choler, and haply may + strike at you. Provoke him, that he may; for even out of that + will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification +shall + come into no true taste again but by the displanting of +Cassio. + So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the +means + I shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment most + profitably removed, without the which there were no +expectation + of our prosperity. + RODERIGO. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. + IAGO. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I must + fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. + RODERIGO. Adieu. +Exit. + IAGO. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it; + That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit. + The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, + Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, + And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona + A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too, + Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure + I stand accountant for as great a sin, + But partly led to diet my revenge, + For that I do suspect the lusty Moor + Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof + Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards, + And nothing can or shall content my soul + Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife. + Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor + At least into a jealousy so strong + That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do, + If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash + For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, + I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip, + Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb + (For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too), + Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me + For making him egregiously an ass + And practicing upon his peace and quiet + Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused: + Knavery's plain face is never seen till used. +Exit. + + + + +SCENE II. +A street. + +Enter a Herald with a proclamation; people following. + + HERALD. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant +general, + that upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere + perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into + triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to +what + sport and revels his addiction leads him; for besides these + beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So +much + was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open, +and + there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of +five + till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of +Cyprus + and our noble general Othello! +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE III. +A hall in the castle. + +Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants. + + OTHELLO. Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight. + Let's teach ourselves that honorable stop, + Not to outsport discretion. + CASSIO. Iago hath direction what to do; + But notwithstanding with my personal eye + Will I look to't. + OTHELLO. Iago is most honest. + Michael, good night. Tomorrow with your earliest + Let me have speech with you. Come, my dear love, + The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; + That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you. + Good night. + Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and +Attendants. + + Enter Iago. + + CASSIO. Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch. + IAGO. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the clock. +Our + general cast us thus early for the love of his Desdemona; who +let + us not therefore blame. He hath not yet made wanton the night + with her, and she is sport for Jove. + CASSIO. She's a most exquisite lady. + IAGO. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. + CASSIO. Indeed she's a most fresh and delicate creature. + IAGO. What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to + provocation. + CASSIO. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. + IAGO. And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love? + CASSIO. She is indeed perfection. + IAGO. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have +a + stope of wine, and here without are a brace of Cyprus +gallants + that would fain have a measure to the health of black +Othello. + CASSIO. Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and unhappy +brains + for drinking. I could well wish courtesy would invent some +other + custom of entertainment. + IAGO. O, they are our friends! But one cup; I'll drink for you. + CASSIO. I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was craftily + + qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes here. I am + unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness +with + any more. + IAGO. What, man! 'Tis a night of revels, the gallants desire +it. + CASSIO. Where are they? + IAGO. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. + CASSIO. I'll do't, but it dislikes me. +Exit. + IAGO. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, + With that which he hath drunk tonight already, + He'll be as full of quarrel and offense + As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo, + Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out, + To Desdemona hath tonight caroused + Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch. + Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, + That hold their honors in a wary distance, + The very elements of this warlike isle, + Have I tonight fluster'd with flowing cups, + And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of drunkards, + Am I to put our Cassio in some action + That may offend the isle. But here they come. + If consequence do but approve my dream, + My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. + + Re-enter Cassio; with him Montano and Gentlemen; + Servants following with wine. + + CASSIO. 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already. + MONTANO. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a + soldier. + IAGO. Some wine, ho! + + [Sings.] "And let me the canakin clink, clink; + And let me the canakin clink. + A soldier's a man; + O, man's life's but a span; + Why then let a soldier drink." + + Some wine, boys! + CASSIO. 'Fore God, an excellent song. + IAGO. I learned it in England, where indeed they are most +potent in + potting. Your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied +Hollander-- + Drink, ho!--are nothing to your English. + CASSIO. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? + IAGO. Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk; he + sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander +a + vomit ere the next pottle can be filled. + CASSIO. To the health of our general! + MONTANO. I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll do you justice. + IAGO. O sweet England! + + [Sings.] "King Stephen was and--a worthy peer, + His breeches cost him but a crown; + He held them sixpence all too dear, + With that he call'd the tailor lown. + + "He was a wight of high renown, + And thou art but of low degree. + 'Tis pride that pulls the country down; + Then take thine auld cloak about thee." + + Some wine, ho! + CASSIO. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. + IAGO. Will you hear't again? + CASSIO. No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that +does + those things. Well, God's above all, and there be souls must +be + saved, and there be souls must not be saved. + IAGO. It's true, good lieutenant. + CASSIO. For mine own part--no offense to the general, nor any +man + of quality--I hope to be saved. + IAGO. And so do I too, lieutenant. + CASSIO. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant +is to + be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more of this; +let's to + our affairs. God forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let's look +to + our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my + ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not + drunk now; I can stand well enough, and I speak well enough. + ALL. Excellent well. + CASSIO. Why, very well then; you must not think then that I am + drunk. +Exit. + MONTANO. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch. + IAGO. You see this fellow that is gone before; + He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar + And give direction. And do but see his vice; + 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, + The one as long as the other. 'Tis pity of him. + I fear the trust Othello puts him in + On some odd time of his infirmity + Will shake this island. + MONTANO. But is he often thus? + IAGO. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. + He'll watch the horologe a double set, + If drink rock not his cradle. + MONTANO. It were well + The general were put in mind of it. + Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature + Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio + And looks not on his evils. Is not this true? + + Enter Roderigo. + + IAGO. [Aside to him.] How now, Roderigo! + I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. Exit +Roderigo. + MONTANO. And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor + Should hazard such a place as his own second + With one of an ingraft infirmity. + It were an honest action to say + So to the Moor. + IAGO. Not I, for this fair island. + I do love Cassio well, and would do much + To cure him of this evil--But, hark! What noise? + A cry within, "Help, +help!" + + Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo. + + CASSIO. 'Zounds! You rogue! You rascal! + MONTANO. What's the matter, lieutenant? + CASSIO. A knave teach me my duty! But I'll beat the knave into +a + twiggen bottle. + RODERIGO. Beat me! + CASSIO. Dost thou prate, rogue? Strikes +Roderigo. + MONTANO. Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold your hand. + CASSIO. Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. + MONTANO. Come, come, you're drunk. + CASSIO. Drunk? They +fight. + IAGO. [Aside to Roderigo.] Away, I say; go out and cry a +mutiny. + Exit +Roderigo. + Nay, good lieutenant! God's will, gentlemen! + Help, ho!--Lieutenant--sir--Montano--sir-- + Help, masters!--Here's a goodly watch indeed! + A bell +rings. + Who's that that rings the bell?--Diablo, ho! + The town will rise. God's will, lieutenant, hold! + You will be shamed forever. + + Re-enter Othello and Attendants. + + OTHELLO. What is the matter here? + MONTANO. 'Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death. + Faints. + OTHELLO. Hold, for your lives! + IAGO. Hold, ho! Lieutenant--sir--Montano--gentlemen-- + Have you forgot all place of sense and duty? + Hold! the general speaks to you! Hold, hold, for shame! + OTHELLO. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? + Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that + Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? + For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl. + He that stirs next to carve for his own rage + Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion. + Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle + From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? + Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving, + Speak: who began this? On thy love, I charge thee. + IAGO. I do not know. Friends all but now, even now, + In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom + Devesting them for bed; and then, but now + (As if some planet had unwitted men), + Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast, + In opposition bloody. I cannot speak + Any beginning to this peevish odds; + And would in action glorious I had lost + Those legs that brought me to a part of it! + OTHELLO. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? + CASSIO. I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak. + OTHELLO. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil; + The gravity and stillness of your youth + The world hath noted, and your name is great + In mouths of wisest censure. What's the matter, + That you unlace your reputation thus, + And spend your rich opinion for the name + Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it. + MONTANO. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. + Your officer, Iago, can inform you-- + While I spare speech, which something now offends me-- + Of all that I do know. Nor know I aught + By me that's said or done amiss this night, + Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice, + And to defend ourselves it be a sin + When violence assails us. + OTHELLO. Now, by heaven, + My blood begins my safer guides to rule, + And passion, having my best judgement collied, + Assays to lead the way. If I once stir, + Or do but lift this arm, the best of you + Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know + How this foul rout began, who set it on, + And he that is approved in this offense, + Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, + Shall lose me. What! in a town of war, + Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, + To manage private and domestic quarrel, + In night, and on the court and guard of safety! + 'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't? + MONTANO. If partially affined, or leagued in office, + Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, + Thou art no soldier. + IAGO. Touch me not so near: + I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth + Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; + Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth + Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general. + Montano and myself being in speech, + There comes a fellow crying out for help, + And Cassio following him with determined sword, + To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman + Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause. + Myself the crying fellow did pursue, + Lest by his clamor--as it so fell out-- + The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot, + Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather + For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, + And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight + I ne'er might say before. When I came back-- + For this was brief--I found them close together, + At blow and thrust, even as again they were + When you yourself did part them. + More of this matter cannot I report. + But men are men; the best sometimes forget. + Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, + As men in rage strike those that wish them best, + Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received + From him that fled some strange indignity, + Which patience could not pass. + OTHELLO. I know, Iago, + Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, + Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee, + But never more be officer of mine. + + Re-enter Desdemona, attended. + + Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! + I'll make thee an example. + DESDEMONA. What's the matter? + OTHELLO. All's well now, sweeting; come away to bed. + Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon. + Lead him off. Exit Montano, +attended. + Iago, look with care about the town, + And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. + Come, Desdemona, 'tis the soldiers' life. + To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. + Exeunt all but Iago and +Cassio. + IAGO. What, are you hurt, lieutenant? + CASSIO. Ay, past all surgery. + IAGO. Marry, heaven forbid! + CASSIO. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my + reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what + remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation! + IAGO. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some +bodily + wound; there is more sense in that than in reputation. +Reputation + is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit +and + lost without deserving. You have lost no reputation at all, + unless you repute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are + ways to recover the general again. You are but now cast in +his + mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice; even so as +one + would beat his offenseless dog to affright an imperious lion. +Sue + to him again, and he's yours. + CASSIO. I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so +good a + commander with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an + officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? +swear? + and discourse fustian with one's own shadow? O thou invisible + spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us +call + thee devil! + IAGO. What was he that you followed with your sword? + What had he done to you? + CASSIO. I know not. + IAGO. Is't possible? + CASSIO. I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a + quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an + enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! that we +should, + with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause, transform ourselves + into beasts! + IAGO. Why, but you are now well enough. How came you thus + recovered? + CASSIO. It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to +the + devil wrath: one unperfectness shows me another, to make me + frankly despise myself. + IAGO. Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time, the +place, + and the condition of this country stands, I could heartily +wish + this had not befallen; but since it is as it is, mend it for +your + own good. + CASSIO. I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me I +am a + drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would + stop them all. To be now a sensible man, by and by a fool, +and + presently a beast! O strange! Every inordinate cup is +unblest, + and the ingredient is a devil. + IAGO. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it +be + well used. Exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, +I + think you think I love you. + CASSIO. I have well approved it, sir. I drunk! + IAGO. You or any man living may be drunk at some time, man. +I'll + tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the + general. I may say so in this respect, for that he hath +devoted + and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and +denotement + of her parts and graces. Confess yourself freely to her; + importune her help to put you in your place again. She is of +so + free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, she holds it +a + vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested. +This + broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to +splinter; + and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of +your + love shall grow stronger than it was before. + CASSIO. You advise me well. + IAGO. I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness. + CASSIO. I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will +beseech + the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me. I am desperate of +my + fortunes if they check me here. + IAGO. You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant, I must to +the + watch. + CASSIO. Good night, honest Iago. +Exit. + IAGO. And what's he then that says I play the villain? + When this advice is free I give and honest, + Probal to thinking, and indeed the course + To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy + The inclining Desdemona to subdue + In any honest suit. She's framed as fruitful + As the free elements. And then for her + To win the Moor, were't to renounce his baptism, + All seals and symbols of redeemed sin, + His soul is so enfetter'd to her love, + That she may make, unmake, do what she list, + Even as her appetite shall play the god + With his weak function. How am I then a villain + To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, + Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! + When devils will the blackest sins put on, + They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, + As I do now. For whiles this honest fool + Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, + And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, + I'll pour this pestilence into his ear, + That she repeals him for her body's lust; + And by how much she strives to do him good, + She shall undo her credit with the Moor. + So will I turn her virtue into pitch, + And out of her own goodness make the net + That shall enmesh them all. + + Enter Roderigo. + + How now, Roderigo! + RODERIGO. I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that + hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost +spent; I + have been tonight exceedingly well cudgeled; and I think the + issue will be, I shall have so much experience for my pains; +and + so, with no money at all and a little more wit, return again +to + Venice. + IAGO. How poor are they that have not patience! + What wound did ever heal but by degrees? + Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft, + And wit depends on dilatory time. + Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, + And thou by that small hurt hast cashier'd Cassio. + Though other things grow fair against the sun, + Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. + Content thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning; + Pleasure and action make the hours seem short. + Retire thee; go where thou art billeted. + Away, I say. Thou shalt know more hereafter. + Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Roderigo.] Two things are to be +done: + My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress-- + I'll set her on; + Myself the while to draw the Moor apart, + And bring him jump when he may Cassio find + Soliciting his wife. Ay, that's the way; + Dull not device by coldness and delay. +Exit. + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + +ACT III. SCENE I. +Before the castle. + +Enter Cassio and some Musicians. + + CASSIO. Masters, play here, I will content your pains; +Something + that's brief; and bid "Good morrow, general." + Music. + + Enter Clown. + + CLOWN. Why, masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that + they speak i' the nose thus? + FIRST MUSICIAN. How, sir, how? + CLOWN. Are these, I pray you, wind instruments? + FIRST MUSICIAN. Ay, marry, are they, sir. + CLOWN. O, thereby hangs a tail. + FIRST MUSICIAN. Whereby hangs a tale, sir? + CLOWN. Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, + masters, here's money for you; and the general so likes your + music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to make no more + noise with it. + FIRST MUSICIAN. Well, sir, we will not. + CLOWN. If you have any music that may not be heard, to't again; + but, as they say, to hear music the general does not greatly + care. + FIRST MUSICIAN. We have none such, sir. + CLOWN. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away. + Go, vanish into air, away! Exeunt +Musicians. + CASSIO. Dost thou hear, my honest friend? + CLOWN. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you. + CASSIO. Prithee, keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece of +gold + for thee. If the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife +be + stirring, tell her there's one Cassio entreats her a little +favor + of speech. Wilt thou do this? + CLOWN. She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall +seem + to notify unto her. + CASSIO. Do, good my friend. Exit +Clown. + + Enter Iago. + + In happy time, Iago. + IAGO. You have not been abed, then? + CASSIO. Why, no; the day had broke + Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, + To send in to your wife. My suit to her + Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona + Procure me some access. + IAGO. I'll send her to you presently; + And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor + Out of the way, that your converse and business + May be more free. + CASSIO. I humbly thank you for't. [Exit Iago.] I never knew + A Florentine more kind and honest. + + Enter Emilia. + + EMILIA. Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry + For your displeasure, but all will sure be well. + The general and his wife are talking of it, + And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies + That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus + And great affinity and that in wholesome wisdom + He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves you + And needs no other suitor but his likings + To take the safest occasion by the front + To bring you in again. + CASSIO. Yet, I beseech you, + If you think fit, or that it may be done, + Give me advantage of some brief discourse + With Desdemona alone. + EMILIA. Pray you, come in. + I will bestow you where you shall have time + To speak your bosom freely. + CASSIO. I am much bound to you. + Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE II. +A room in the castle. + +Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen. + + OTHELLO. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot, + And by him do my duties to the Senate. + That done, I will be walking on the works; + Repair there to me. + IAGO. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. + OTHELLO. This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see't? + GENTLEMEN. We'll wait upon your lordship. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE III. +The garden of the castle. + +Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. + + DESDEMONA. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do + All my abilities in thy behalf. + EMILIA. Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband + As if the cause were his. + DESDEMONA. O, that's an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio, + But I will have my lord and you again + As friendly as you were. + CASSIO. Bounteous madam, + Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, + He's never anything but your true servant. + DESDEMONA. I know't: I thank you. You do love my lord: + You have known him long; and be you well assured + He shall in strangeness stand no farther off + Than in a politic distance. + CASSIO. Ay, but, lady, + That policy may either last so long, + Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, + Or breed itself so out of circumstances, + That I being absent and my place supplied, + My general will forget my love and service. + DESDEMONA. Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here + I give thee warrant of thy place, assure thee, + If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it + To the last article. My lord shall never rest; + I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; + His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; + I'll intermingle everything he does + With Cassio's suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio, + For thy solicitor shall rather die + Than give thy cause away. + + Enter Othello and Iago, at a distance. + + EMILIA. Madam, here comes my lord. + CASSIO. Madam, I'll take my leave. + DESDEMONA. Nay, stay and hear me speak. + CASSIO. Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease, + Unfit for mine own purposes. + DESDEMONA. Well, do your discretion. Exit +Cassio. + IAGO. Ha! I like not that. + OTHELLO. What dost thou say? + IAGO. Nothing, my lord; or if--I know not what. + OTHELLO. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? + IAGO. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, + That he would steal away so guilty-like, + Seeing you coming. + OTHELLO. I do believe 'twas he. + DESDEMONA. How now, my lord! + I have been talking with a suitor here, + A man that languishes in your displeasure. + OTHELLO. Who is't you mean? + DESDEMONA. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, + If I have any grace or power to move you, + His present reconciliation take; + For if he be not one that truly loves you, + That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, + I have no judgement in an honest face. + I prithee, call him back. + OTHELLO. Went he hence now? + DESDEMONA. Ay, sooth; so humbled + That he hath left part of his grief with me + To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. + OTHELLO. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time. + DESDEMONA. But shall't be shortly? + OTHELLO. The sooner, sweet, for you. + DESDEMONA. Shall't be tonight at supper? + OTHELLO. No, not tonight. + DESDEMONA. Tomorrow dinner then? + OTHELLO. I shall not dine at home; + I meet the captains at the citadel. + DESDEMONA. Why then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, + On Tuesday noon, or night, on Wednesday morn. + I prithee, name the time, but let it not + Exceed three days. In faith, he's penitent; + And yet his trespass, in our common reason-- + Save that, they say, the wars must make example + Out of their best--is not almost a fault + To incur a private check. When shall he come? + Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul, + What you would ask me, that I should deny, + Or stand so mammering on. What? Michael Cassio, + That came awooing with you, and so many a time + When I have spoke of you dispraisingly + Hath ta'en your part--to have so much to do + To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much-- + OTHELLO. Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will; + I will deny thee nothing. + DESDEMONA. Why, this is not a boon; + 'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, + Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, + Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit + To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit + Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, + It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, + And fearful to be granted. + OTHELLO. I will deny thee nothing, + Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, + To leave me but a little to myself. + DESDEMONA. Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord. + OTHELLO. Farewell, my Desdemona; I'll come to thee straight. + DESDEMONA. Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you; + Whate'er you be, I am obedient. + Exeunt Desdemona and +Emilia. + OTHELLO. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, + But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, + Chaos is come again. + IAGO. My noble lord-- + OTHELLO. What dost thou say, Iago? + IAGO. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, + Know of your love? + OTHELLO. He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask? + IAGO. But for a satisfaction of my thought; + No further harm. + OTHELLO. Why of thy thought, Iago? + IAGO. I did not think he had been acquainted with her. + OTHELLO. O, yes, and went between us very oft. + IAGO. Indeed! + OTHELLO. Indeed? ay, indeed. Discern'st thou aught in that? + Is he not honest? + IAGO. Honest, my lord? + OTHELLO. Honest? Ay, honest. + IAGO. My lord, for aught I know. + OTHELLO. What dost thou think? + IAGO. Think, my lord? + OTHELLO. Think, my lord? By heaven, he echoes me, + As if there were some monster in his thought + Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something. + I heard thee say even now, thou like'st not that, + When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like? + And when I told thee he was of my counsel + In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst, "Indeed!" + And didst contract and purse thy brow together, + As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain + Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me, + Show me thy thought. + IAGO. My lord, you know I love you. + OTHELLO. I think thou dost; + And for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty + And weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath, + Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more; + For such things in a false disloyal knave + Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just + They're close dilations, working from the heart, + That passion cannot rule. + IAGO. For Michael Cassio, + I dare be sworn I think that he is honest. + OTHELLO. I think so too. + IAGO. Men should be what they seem; + Or those that be not, would they might seem none! + OTHELLO. Certain, men should be what they seem. + IAGO. Why then I think Cassio's an honest man. + OTHELLO. Nay, yet there's more in this. + I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings, + As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts + The worst of words. + IAGO. Good my lord, pardon me; + Though I am bound to every act of duty, + I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. + Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false; + As where's that palace whereinto foul things + Sometimes intrude not? Who has a breast so pure, + But some uncleanly apprehensions + Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit + With meditations lawful? + OTHELLO. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, + If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his ear + A stranger to thy thoughts. + IAGO. I do beseech you-- + Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, + As, I confess, it is my nature's plague + To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy + Shapes faults that are not--that your wisdom yet, + From one that so imperfectly conceits, + Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble + Out of his scattering and unsure observance. + It were not for your quiet nor your good, + Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom, + To let you know my thoughts. + OTHELLO. What dost thou mean? + IAGO. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, + Is the immediate jewel of their souls. + Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; + 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; + But he that filches from me my good name + Robs me of that which not enriches him + And makes me poor indeed. + OTHELLO. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts. + IAGO. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; + Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. + OTHELLO. Ha! + IAGO. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! + It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock + The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss + Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; + But O, what damned minutes tells he o'er + Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! + OTHELLO. O misery! + IAGO. Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; + But riches fineless is as poor as winter + To him that ever fears he shall be poor. + Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend + From jealousy! + OTHELLO. Why, why is this? + Think'st thou I'ld make a life of jealousy, + To follow still the changes of the moon + With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt + Is once to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat + When I shall turn the business of my soul + To such exsufflicate and blown surmises, + Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous + To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, + Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well; + Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. + Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw + The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; + For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, + I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; + And on the proof, there is no more but this-- + Away at once with love or jealousy! + IAGO. I am glad of it, for now I shall have reason + To show the love and duty that I bear you + With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound, + Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof. + Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; + Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure. + I would not have your free and noble nature + Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to't. + I know our country disposition well; + In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks + They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience + Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown. + OTHELLO. Dost thou say so? + IAGO. She did deceive her father, marrying you; + And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, + She loved them most. + OTHELLO. And so she did. + IAGO. Why, go to then. + She that so young could give out such a seeming, + To seal her father's eyes up close as oak-- + He thought 'twas witchcraft--but I am much to blame; + I humbly do beseech you of your pardon + For too much loving you. + OTHELLO. I am bound to thee forever. + IAGO. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. + OTHELLO. Not a jot, not a jot. + IAGO. I'faith, I fear it has. + I hope you will consider what is spoke + Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved; + I am to pray you not to strain my speech + To grosser issues nor to larger reach + Than to suspicion. + OTHELLO. I will not. + IAGO. Should you do so, my lord, + My speech should fall into such vile success + Which my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend-- + My lord, I see you're moved. + OTHELLO. No, not much moved. + I do not think but Desdemona's honest. + IAGO. Long live she so! and long live you to think so! + OTHELLO. And yet, how nature erring from itself-- + IAGO. Ay, there's the point, as--to be bold with you-- + Not to affect many proposed matches + Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, + Whereto we see in all things nature tends-- + Foh, one may smell in such a will most rank, + Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural. + But pardon me. I do not in position + Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear, + Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, + May fall to match you with her country forms, + And happily repent. + OTHELLO. Farewell, farewell. + If more thou dost perceive, let me know more; + Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago. + IAGO. [Going.] My lord, I take my leave. + OTHELLO. Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless + Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. + IAGO. [Returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your honor + To scan this thing no further; leave it to time. + Though it be fit that Cassio have his place, + For sure he fills it up with great ability, + Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile, + You shall by that perceive him and his means. + Note if your lady strain his entertainment + With any strong or vehement importunity; + Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, + Let me be thought too busy in my fears-- + As worthy cause I have to fear I am-- + And hold her free, I do beseech your honor. + OTHELLO. Fear not my government. + IAGO. I once more take my leave. +Exit. + OTHELLO. This fellow's of exceeding honesty, + And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, + Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, + Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, + I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind + To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black + And have not those soft parts of conversation + That chamberers have, or for I am declined + Into the vale of years--yet that's not much-- + She's gone. I am abused, and my relief + Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage, + That we can call these delicate creatures ours, + And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad, + And live upon the vapor of a dungeon, + Than keep a corner in the thing I love + For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones: + Prerogatived are they less than the base; + 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death. + Even then this forked plague is fated to us + When we do quicken. Desdemona comes: + + Re-enter Desdemona and Emilia. + + If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! + I'll not believe't. + DESDEMONA. How now, my dear Othello! + Your dinner, and the generous islanders + By you invited, do attend your presence. + OTHELLO. I am to blame. + DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so faintly? + Are you not well? + OTHELLO. I have a pain upon my forehead here. + DESDEMONA. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again. + Let me but bind it hard, within this hour + It will be well. + OTHELLO. Your napkin is too little; + He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops it. + Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. + DESDEMONA. I am very sorry that you are not well. + Exeunt Othello and +Desdemona. + EMILIA. I am glad I have found this napkin; + This was her first remembrance from the Moor. + My wayward husband hath a hundred times + Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token, + For he conjured her she should ever keep it, + That she reserves it evermore about her + To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out, + And give't Iago. What he will do with it + Heaven knows, not I; + I nothing but to please his fantasy. + + Re-enter Iago. + + IAGO. How now, what do you here alone? + EMILIA. Do not you chide; I have a thing for you. + IAGO. A thing for me? It is a common thing-- + EMILIA. Ha! + IAGO. To have a foolish wife. + EMILIA. O, is that all? What will you give me now + For that same handkerchief? + IAGO. What handkerchief? + EMILIA. What handkerchief? + Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona, + That which so often you did bid me steal. + IAGO. Hast stol'n it from her? + EMILIA. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence, + And, to the advantage, I being here took't up. + Look, here it is. + IAGO. A good wench; give it me. + EMILIA. What will you do with't, that you have been so earnest + To have me filch it? + IAGO. [Snatching it.] Why, what is that to you? + EMILIA. If't be not for some purpose of import, + Give't me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad + When she shall lack it. + IAGO. Be not acknown on't; I have use for it. + Go, leave me. Exit +Emilia. + I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, + And let him find it. Trifles light as air + Are to the jealous confirmations strong + As proofs of holy writ; this may do something. + The Moor already changes with my poison: + Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, + Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, + But with a little act upon the blood + Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so. + Look, where he comes! + + Re-enter Othello. + + Not poppy, nor mandragora, + Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, + Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep + Which thou owedst yesterday. + OTHELLO. Ha, ha, false to me? + IAGO. Why, how now, general! No more of that. + OTHELLO. Avaunt! be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack. + I swear 'tis better to be much abused + Than but to know't a little. + IAGO. How now, my lord? + OTHELLO. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust? + I saw't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me; + I slept the next night well, was free and merry; + I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips. + He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n, + Let him not know't and he's not robb'd at all. + IAGO. I am sorry to hear this. + OTHELLO. I had been happy if the general camp, + Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body, + So I had nothing known. O, now forever + Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! + Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars + That make ambition virtue! O, farewell, + Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, + The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, + The royal banner, and all quality, + Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! + And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats + The immortal Jove's dread clamors counterfeit, + Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone! + IAGO. Is't possible, my lord? + OTHELLO. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore; + Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof; + Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul, + Thou hadst been better have been born a dog + Than answer my waked wrath! + IAGO. Is't come to this? + OTHELLO. Make me to see't; or at the least so prove it, + That the probation bear no hinge nor loop + To hang a doubt on; or woe upon thy life! + IAGO. My noble lord-- + OTHELLO. If thou dost slander her and torture me, + Never pray more; abandon all remorse; + On horror's head horrors accumulate; + Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; + For nothing canst thou to damnation add + Greater than that. + IAGO. O grace! O heaven defend me! + Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? + God be wi' you; take mine office. O wretched fool, + That livest to make thine honesty a vice! + O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, + To be direct and honest is not safe. + I thank you for this profit, and from hence + I'll love no friend sith love breeds such offense. + OTHELLO. Nay, stay; thou shouldst be honest. + IAGO. I should be wise; for honesty's a fool, + And loses that it works for. + OTHELLO. By the world, + I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; + I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. + I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh + As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black + As mine own face. If there be cords or knives, + Poison or fire, or suffocating streams, + I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied! + IAGO. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion; + I do repent me that I put it to you. + You would be satisfied? + OTHELLO. Would? Nay, I will. + IAGO. And may. But, how? how satisfied, my lord? + Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on? + Behold her topp'd? + OTHELLO. Death and damnation! O! + IAGO. It were a tedious difficulty, I think, + To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then, + If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster + More than their own! What then? how then? + What shall I say? Where's satisfaction? + It is impossible you should see this + Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, + As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross + As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, + If imputation and strong circumstances, + Which lead directly to the door of truth, + Will give you satisfaction, you may have't. + OTHELLO. Give me a living reason she's disloyal. + IAGO. I do not like the office; + But sith I am enter'd in this cause so far, + Prick'd to't by foolish honesty and love, + I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately + And, being troubled with a raging tooth, + I could not sleep. + There are a kind of men so loose of soul, + That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs; + One of this kind is Cassio. + In sleep I heard him say, "Sweet Desdemona, + Let us be wary, let us hide our loves"; + And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, + Cry, "O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard, + As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, + That grew upon my lips; then laid his leg + Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd; and then + Cried, "Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!" + OTHELLO. O monstrous! monstrous! + IAGO. Nay, this was but his dream. + OTHELLO. But this denoted a foregone conclusion. + 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. + IAGO. And this may help to thicken other proofs + That do demonstrate thinly. + OTHELLO. I'll tear her all to pieces. + IAGO. Nay, but be wise; yet we see nothing done; + She may be honest yet. Tell me but this; + Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief + Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? + OTHELLO. I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift. + IAGO. I know not that; but such a handkerchief-- + I am sure it was your wife's--did I today + See Cassio wipe his beard with. + OTHELLO. If it be that-- + IAGO. If it be that, or any that was hers, + It speaks against her with the other proofs. + OTHELLO. O, that the slave had forty thousand lives! + One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. + Now do I see 'tis true. Look here, Iago, + All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. + 'Tis gone. + Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell! + Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne + To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, + For 'tis of aspics' tongues! + IAGO. Yet be content. + OTHELLO. O, blood, blood, blood! + IAGO. Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change. + OTHELLO. Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea, + Whose icy current and compulsive course + Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on + To the Propontic and the Hellespont, + Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, + Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love, + Till that a capable and wide revenge + Swallow them up. Now, by yond marble heaven, + In the due reverence of a sacred vow +Kneels. + I here engage my words. + IAGO. Do not rise yet. +Kneels. + Witness, you ever-burning lights above, + You elements that clip us round about, + Witness that here Iago doth give up + The execution of his wit, hands, heart, + To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command, + And to obey shall be in me remorse, + What bloody business ever. They +rise. + OTHELLO. I greet thy love, + Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, + And will upon the instant put thee to't: + Within these three days let me hear thee say + That Cassio's not alive. + IAGO. My friend is dead, 'tis done at your request; + But let her live. + OTHELLO. Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her! + Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw, + To furnish me with some swift means of death + For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant. + IAGO. I am your own forever. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE IV. +Before the castle. + +Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown. + + DESDEMONA. Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? + CLOWN. I dare not say he lies anywhere. + DESDEMONA. Why, man? + CLOWN. He's a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies, is + stabbing. + DESDEMONA. Go to! Where lodges he? + CLOWN. To tell you where he lodges, is to tell you where I lie. + DESDEMONA. Can anything be made of this? + CLOWN. I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a +lodging, + and say he lies here or he lies there, were to lie in mine +own + throat. + DESDEMONA. Can you inquire him out and be edified by report? + CLOWN. I will catechize the world for him; that is, make +questions + and by them answer. + DESDEMONA. Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved +my + lord on his behalf and hope all will be well. + CLOWN. To do this is within the compass of man's wit, and +therefore + I will attempt the doing it. +Exit. + DESDEMONA. Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia? + EMILIA. I know not, madam. + DESDEMONA. Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse + Full of crusadoes; and, but my noble Moor + Is true of mind and made of no such baseness + As jealous creatures are, it were enough + To put him to ill thinking. + EMILIA. Is he not jealous? + DESDEMONA. Who, he? I think the sun where he was born + Drew all such humors from him. + EMILIA. Look, where he comes. + DESDEMONA. I will not leave him now till Cassio + Be call'd to him. + + Enter Othello. + + How is't with you, my lord? + OTHELLO. Well, my good lady. [Aside.] O, hardness to dissemble! + How do you, Desdemona? + DESDEMONA. Well, my good lord. + OTHELLO. Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady. + DESDEMONA. It yet has felt no age nor known no sorrow. + OTHELLO. This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart; + Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires + A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer, + Much castigation, exercise devout, + For here's a young and sweating devil here + That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, + A frank one. + DESDEMONA. You may, indeed, say so; + For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart. + OTHELLO. A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands; + But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. + DESDEMONA. I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise. + OTHELLO. What promise, chuck? + DESDEMONA. I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you. + OTHELLO. I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; + Lend me thy handkerchief. + DESDEMONA. Here, my lord. + OTHELLO. That which I gave you. + DESDEMONA. I have it not about me. + OTHELLO. Not? + DESDEMONA. No, faith, my lord. + OTHELLO. That's a fault. That handkerchief + Did an Egyptian to my mother give; + She was a charmer, and could almost read + The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it, + 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father + Entirely to her love, but if she lost it + Or made a gift of it, my father's eye + Should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt + After new fancies. She dying gave it me, + And bid me, when my fate would have me wive, + To give it her. I did so, and take heed on't; + Make it a darling like your precious eye; + To lose't or give't away were such perdition + As nothing else could match. + DESDEMONA. Is't possible? + OTHELLO. 'Tis true; there's magic in the web of it. + A sibyl, that had number'd in the world + The sun to course two hundred compasses, + In her prophetic fury sew'd the work; + The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk, + And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful + Conserved of maiden's hearts. + DESDEMONA. Indeed! is't true? + OTHELLO. Most veritable; therefore look to't well. + DESDEMONA. Then would to God that I had never seen't! + OTHELLO. Ha! wherefore? + DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so startingly and rash? + OTHELLO. Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out o' the way? + DESDEMONA. Heaven bless us! + OTHELLO. Say you? + DESDEMONA. It is not lost; but what an if it were? + OTHELLO. How? + DESDEMONA. I say, it is not lost. + OTHELLO. Fetch't, let me see it. + DESDEMONA. Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now. + This is a trick to put me from my suit. + Pray you, let Cassio be received again. + OTHELLO. Fetch me the handkerchief, my mind misgives. + DESDEMONA. Come, come, + You'll never meet a more sufficient man. + OTHELLO. The handkerchief! + DESDEMONA. I pray, talk me of Cassio. + OTHELLO. The handkerchief! + DESDEMONA. A man that all his time + Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, + Shared dangers with you-- + OTHELLO. The handkerchief! + DESDEMONA. In sooth, you are to blame. + OTHELLO. Away! +Exit. + EMILIA. Is not this man jealous? + DESDEMONA. I ne'er saw this before. + Sure there's some wonder in this handkerchief; + I am most unhappy in the loss of it. + EMILIA. 'Tis not a year or two shows us a man. + They are all but stomachs and we all but food; + They eat us hungerly, and when they are full + They belch us. Look you! Cassio and my husband. + + Enter Cassio and Iago. + + IAGO. There is no other way; 'tis she must do't. + And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her. + DESDEMONA. How now, good Cassio! What's the news with you? + CASSIO. Madam, my former suit: I do beseech you + That by your virtuous means I may again + Exist and be a member of his love + Whom I with all the office of my heart + Entirely honor. I would not be delay'd. + If my offense be of such mortal kind + That nor my service past nor present sorrows + Nor purposed merit in futurity + Can ransom me into his love again, + But to know so must be my benefit; + So shall I clothe me in a forced content + And shut myself up in some other course + To Fortune's alms. + DESDEMONA. Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio! + My advocation is not now in tune; + My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him + Were he in favor as in humor alter'd. + So help me every spirit sanctified, + As I have spoken for you all my best + And stood within the blank of his displeasure + For my free speech! You must awhile be patient. + What I can do I will; and more I will + Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you. + IAGO. Is my lord angry? + EMILIA. He went hence but now, + And certainly in strange unquietness. + IAGO. Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon, + When it hath blown his ranks into the air + And, like the devil, from his very arm + Puff'd his own brother. And can he be angry? + Something of moment then. I will go meet him. + There's matter in't indeed if he be angry. + DESDEMONA. I prithee, do so. Exit +Iago. + Something sure of state, + Either from Venice or some unhatch'd practice + Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, + Hath puddled his clear spirit; and in such cases + Men's natures wrangle with inferior things, + Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so; + For let our finger ache, and it indues + Our other healthful members even to that sense + Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods, + Nor of them look for such observancy + As fits the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia, + I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, + Arraigning his unkindness with my soul; + But now I find I had suborn'd the witness, + And he's indicted falsely. + EMILIA. Pray heaven it be state matters, as you think, + And no conception nor no jealous toy + Concerning you. + DESDEMONA. Alas the day, I never gave him cause! + EMILIA. But jealous souls will not be answer'd so; + They are not ever jealous for the cause, + But jealous for they are jealous. 'Tis a monster + Begot upon itself, born on itself. + DESDEMONA. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind! + EMILIA. Lady, amen. + DESDEMONA. I will go seek him. Cassio, walk hereabout. + If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit, + And seek to effect it to my uttermost. + CASSIO. I humbly thank your ladyship. + Exeunt Desdemona and +Emilia. + + Enter Bianca. + + BIANCA. Save you, friend Cassio! + CASSIO. What make you from home? + How is it with you, my most fair Bianca? + I'faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house. + BIANCA. And I was going to your lodging, Cassio. + What, keep a week away? seven days and nights? + Eight score eight hours? and lovers' absent hours, + More tedious than the dial eight score times? + O weary reckoning! + CASSIO. Pardon me, Bianca. + I have this while with leaden thoughts been press'd; + But I shall in a more continuate time + Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, + Gives her Desdemona's +handkerchief. + Take me this work out. + BIANCA. O Cassio, whence came this? + This is some token from a newer friend. + To the felt absence now I feel a cause. + Is't come to this? Well, well. + CASSIO. Go to, woman! + Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth, + From whence you have them. You are jealous now + That this is from some mistress, some remembrance. + No, by my faith, Bianca. + BIANCA. Why, whose is it? + CASSIO. I know not, sweet. I found it in my chamber. + I like the work well. Ere it be demanded-- + As like enough it will--I'ld have it copied. + Take it, and do't; and leave me for this time. + BIANCA. Leave you! wherefore? + CASSIO. I do attend here on the general; + And think it no addition, nor my wish, + To have him see me woman'd. + BIANCA. Why, I pray you? + CASSIO. Not that I love you not. + BIANCA. But that you do not love me. + I pray you, bring me on the way a little, + And say if I shall see you soon at night. + CASSIO. 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you, + For I attend here, but I'll see you soon. + BIANCA. 'Tis very good; I must be circumstanced. +Exeunt. + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + +ACT IV. SCENE I. +Cyprus. Before the castle. + +Enter Othello and Iago. + + IAGO. Will you think so? + OTHELLO. Think so, Iago? + IAGO. What, + To kiss in private? + OTHELLO. An unauthorized kiss. + IAGO. Or to be naked with her friend in bed + An hour or more, not meaning any harm? + OTHELLO. Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! + It is hypocrisy against the devil. + They that mean virtuously and yet do so, + The devil their virtue tempts and they tempt heaven. + IAGO. So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip. + But if I give my wife a handkerchief-- + OTHELLO. What then? + IAGO. Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord, and being hers, + She may, I think, bestow't on any man. + OTHELLO. She is protectress of her honor too. + May she give that? + IAGO. Her honor is an essence that's not seen; + They have it very oft that have it not. + But for the handkerchief-- + OTHELLO. By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. + Thou said'st--O, it comes o'er my memory, + As doth the raven o'er the infected house, + Boding to all--he had my handkerchief. + IAGO. Ay, what of that? + OTHELLO. That's not so good now. + IAGO. What, + If I had said I had seen him do you wrong? + Or heard him say--as knaves be such abroad, + Who having, by their own importunate suit, + Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, + Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose + But they must blab-- + OTHELLO. Hath he said anything? + IAGO. He hath, my lord; but be you well assured, + No more than he'll unswear. + OTHELLO. What hath he said? + IAGO. Faith, that he did--I know not what he did. + OTHELLO. What? what? + IAGO. Lie-- + OTHELLO. With her? + IAGO. With her, on her, what you will. + OTHELLO. Lie with her! lie on her! We say lie on her, when they + belie her. Lie with her! 'Zounds, that's fulsome! +Handkerchief-- + confessions--handkerchief! To confess and be hanged for his +labor-- + first, to be hanged, and then to confess. I tremble at it. + Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion +without + some instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus. Pish! + Noses, ears, and lips. Is't possible? Confess? Handkerchief? +O + devil! + Falls in a +trance. + IAGO. Work on, + My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught, + And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, + All guiltless, meet reproach. What, ho! My lord! + My lord, I say! Othello! + + Enter Cassio. + + How now, Cassio! + CASSIO. What's the matter? + IAGO. My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy. + This is his second fit; he had one yesterday. + CASSIO. Rub him about the temples. + IAGO. No, forbear; + The lethargy must have his quiet course. + If not, he foams at mouth, and by and by + Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs. + Do you withdraw yourself a little while, + He will recover straight. When he is gone, + I would on great occasion speak with you. Exit +Cassio. + How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head? + OTHELLO. Dost thou mock me? + IAGO. I mock you? No, by heaven. + Would you would bear your fortune like a man! + OTHELLO. A horned man's a monster and a beast. + IAGO. There's many a beast then in a populous city, + And many a civil monster. + OTHELLO. Did he confess it? + IAGO. Good sir, be a man; + Think every bearded fellow that's but yoked + May draw with you. There's millions now alive + That nightly lie in those unproper beds + Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. + O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock, + To lip a wanton in a secure couch, + And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know, + And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be. + OTHELLO. O, thou art wise; 'tis certain. + IAGO. Stand you awhile +apart, + Confine yourself but in a patient list. + Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief-- + A passion most unsuiting such a man-- + Cassio came hither. I shifted him away, + And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy; + Bade him anon return and here speak with me + The which he promised. Do but encave yourself + And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns, + That dwell in every region of his face; + For I will make him tell the tale anew, + Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when + He hath and is again to cope your wife. + I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience, + Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, + And nothing of a man. + OTHELLO. Dost thou hear, Iago? + I will be found most cunning in my patience; + But (dost thou hear?) most bloody. + IAGO. That's not amiss; + But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? + Othello +retires. + Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, + A housewife that by selling her desires + Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature + That dotes on Cassio, as 'tis the strumpet's plague + To beguile many and be beguiled by one. + He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain + From the excess of laughter. Here he comes. + + Re-enter Cassio. + + As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; + And his unbookish jealousy must construe + Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behavior + Quite in the wrong. How do you now, lieutenant? + CASSIO. The worser that you give me the addition + Whose want even kills me. + IAGO. Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't. + Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power, + How quickly should you speed! + CASSIO. Alas, poor caitiff! + OTHELLO. Look, how he laughs already! + IAGO. I never knew a woman love man so. + CASSIO. Alas, poor rogue! I think, i'faith, she loves me. + OTHELLO. Now he denies it faintly and laughs it out. + IAGO. Do you hear, Cassio? + OTHELLO. Now he importunes him + To tell it o'er. Go to; well said, well said. + IAGO. She gives it out that you shall marry her. + Do you intend it? + CASSIO. Ha, ha, ha! + OTHELLO. Do you triumph, Roman? Do you triumph? + CASSIO. I marry her! What? A customer! I prithee, bear some +charity + to my wit; do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha! + OTHELLO. So, so, so, so. They laugh that win. + IAGO. Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her. + CASSIO. Prithee, say true. + IAGO. I am a very villain else. + OTHELLO. Have you scored me? Well. + CASSIO. This is the monkey's own giving out. She is persuaded I + will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of +my + promise. + OTHELLO. Iago beckons me; now he begins the story. + CASSIO. She was here even now; she haunts me in every place. I +was + the other day talking on the sea bank with certain Venetians, +and + thither comes the bauble, and, by this hand, she falls me +thus + about my neck-- + OTHELLO. Crying, "O dear Cassio!" as it were; his gesture +imports + it. + CASSIO. So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me; so hales and +pulls + me. Ha, ha, ha! + OTHELLO. Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. O, I +see + that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to. + CASSIO. Well, I must leave her company. + IAGO. Before me! look where she comes. + CASSIO. 'Tis such another fitchew! marry, a perfumed one. + + Enter Bianca. + + What do you mean by this haunting of me? + BIANCA. Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean +by + that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine +fool to + take it. I must take out the work? A likely piece of work +that + you should find it in your chamber and not know who left it + there! This is some minx's token, and I must take out the +work? + There, give it your hobbyhorse. Wheresoever you had it, I'll +take + out no work on't. + CASSIO. How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! how now! + OTHELLO. By heaven, that should be my handkerchief! + BIANCA. An you'll come to supper tonight, you may; an you will +not, + come when you are next prepared for. +Exit. + IAGO. After her, after her. + CASSIO. Faith, I must; she'll rail i' the street else. + IAGO. Will you sup there? + CASSIO. Faith, I intend so. + IAGO. Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very fain +speak + with you. + CASSIO. Prithee, come; will you? + IAGO. Go to; say no more. Exit +Cassio. + OTHELLO. [Advancing.] How shall I murther him, Iago? + IAGO. Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? + OTHELLO. O Iago! + IAGO. And did you see the handkerchief? + OTHELLO. Was that mine? + IAGO. Yours, by this hand. And to see how he prizes the foolish + woman your wife! She gave it him, and he hath given it his +whore. + OTHELLO. I would have him nine years akilling. A fine woman! a +fair + woman! a sweet woman! + IAGO. Nay, you must forget that. + OTHELLO. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, +for + she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone; I strike +it, + and it hurts my hand. O, the world hath not a sweeter +creature. + She might lie by an emperor's side, and command him tasks. + IAGO. Nay, that's not your way. + OTHELLO. Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with +her + needle, an admirable musician. O, she will sing the +savageness + out of a bear. Of so high and plenteous wit and invention-- + IAGO. She's the worse for all this. + OTHELLO. O, a thousand, a thousand times. And then, of so +gentle a + condition! + IAGO. Ay, too gentle. + OTHELLO. Nay, that's certain. But yet the pity of it, Iago! + O Iago, the pity of it, Iago! + IAGO. If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to + offend, for, if it touch not you, it comes near nobody. + OTHELLO. I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me! + IAGO. O, 'tis foul in her. + OTHELLO. With mine officer! + IAGO. That's fouler. + OTHELLO. Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I'll not +expostulate + with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. +This + night, Iago. + IAGO. Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the +bed + she hath contaminated. + OTHELLO. Good, good, the justice of it pleases, very good. + IAGO. And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall hear +more + by midnight. + OTHELLO. Excellent good. [A trumpet within.] What trumpet is +that + same? + IAGO. Something from Venice, sure. 'Tis Lodovico + Come from the Duke. And, see your wife is with him. + + Enter Lodovico, Desdemona, and Attendants. + + LODOVICO. God save the worthy general! + OTHELLO. With all my heart, sir. + LODOVICO. The Duke and Senators of Venice greet you. + Gives him a +letter. + OTHELLO. I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. + Opens the letter, and +reads. + DESDEMONA. And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico? + IAGO. I am very glad to see you, signior; + Welcome to Cyprus. + LODOVICO. I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio? + IAGO. Lives, sir. + DESDEMONA. Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord + An unkind breach; but you shall make all well. + OTHELLO. Are you sure of that? + DESDEMONA. My lord? + OTHELLO. [Reads.] "This fail you not to do, as you will--" + LODOVICO. He did not call; he's busy in the paper. + Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio? + DESDEMONA. A most unhappy one. I would do much + To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. + OTHELLO. Fire and brimstone! + DESDEMONA. My lord? + OTHELLO. Are you wise? + DESDEMONA. What, is he angry? + LODOVICO. May be the letter moved him; + For, as I think, they do command him home, + Deputing Cassio in his government. + DESDEMONA. By my troth, I am glad on't. + OTHELLO. Indeed! + DESDEMONA. My lord? + OTHELLO. I am glad to see you mad. + DESDEMONA. Why, sweet Othello? + OTHELLO. Devil! Strikes +her. + DESDEMONA. I have not deserved this. + LODOVICO. My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, + Though I should swear I saw't. 'Tis very much. + Make her amends; she weeps. + OTHELLO. O devil, devil! + If that the earth could teem with woman's tears, + Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. + Out of my sight! + DESDEMONA. [Going.] I will not stay to offend you. + LODOVICO. Truly, an obedient lady. + I do beseech your lordship, call her back. + OTHELLO. Mistress! + DESDEMONA. My lord? + OTHELLO. What would you with her, sir? + LODOVICO. Who, I, my lord? + OTHELLO. Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn. + Sir, she can turn and turn, and yet go on, + And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; + And she's obedient, as you say, obedient, + Very obedient. Proceed you in your tears. + Concerning this, sir--O well-painted passion!-- + I am commanded home. Get you away; + I'll send for you anon. Sir, I obey the mandate, + And will return to Venice. Hence, avaunt! + Exit +Desdemona. + Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight, + I do entreat that we may sup together. + You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys! + Exit. + LODOVICO. Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate + Call all in all sufficient? This the nature + Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue + The shot of accident nor dart of chance + Could neither graze nor pierce? + IAGO. He is much changed. + LODOVICO. Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain? + IAGO. He's that he is. I may not breathe my censure + What he might be: if what he might he is not, + I would to heaven he were! + LODOVICO. What, strike his wife! + IAGO. Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew + That stroke would prove the worst! + LODOVICO. Is it his use? + Or did the letters work upon his blood, + And new create this fault? + IAGO. Alas, alas! + It is not honesty in me to speak + What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, + And his own courses will denote him so + That I may save my speech. Do but go after, + And mark how he continues. + LODOVICO. I am sorry that I am deceived in him. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE II. +A room in the castle. + +Enter Othello and Emilia. + + OTHELLO. You have seen nothing, then? + EMILIA. Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. + OTHELLO. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together. + EMILIA. But then I saw no harm, and then I heard + Each syllable that breath made up between them. + OTHELLO. What, did they never whisper? + EMILIA. Never, my lord. + OTHELLO. Nor send you out o' the way? + EMILIA. Never. + OTHELLO. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing? + EMILIA. Never, my lord. + OTHELLO. That's strange. + EMILIA. I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, + Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other, + Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom. + If any wretch have put this in your head, + Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse! + For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, + There's no man happy; the purest of their wives + Is foul as slander. + OTHELLO. Bid her come hither; go. Exit +Emilia. + She says enough; yet she's a simple bawd + That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, + A closet lock and key of villainous secrets. + And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't. + + Enter Desdemona with Emilia. + + DESDEMONA. My lord, what is your will? + OTHELLO. Pray, chuck, come +hither. + DESDEMONA. What is your pleasure? + OTHELLO. Let me see your eyes; + Look in my face. + DESDEMONA. What horrible fancy's this? + OTHELLO. [To Emilia.] Some of your function, mistress, + Leave procreants alone and shut the door; + Cough, or cry "hem," if anybody come. + Your mystery, your mystery; nay, dispatch. Exit +Emilia. + DESDEMONA. Upon my knees, what doth your speech import? + I understand a fury in your words, + But not the words. + OTHELLO. Why, what art thou? + DESDEMONA. Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife. + OTHELLO. Come, swear it, damn thyself; + Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves + Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double-damn'd; + Swear thou art honest. + DESDEMONA. Heaven doth truly know it. + OTHELLO. Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. + DESDEMONA. To whom, my lord? with whom? how am I false? + OTHELLO. O Desdemona! Away! away! away! + DESDEMONA. Alas the heavy day! Why do you weep? + Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? + If haply you my father do suspect + An instrument of this your calling back, + Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him, + Why, I have lost him too. + OTHELLO. Had it pleased heaven + To try me with affliction, had they rain'd + All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, + Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips, + Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, + I should have found in some place of my soul + A drop of patience; but, alas, to make me + A fixed figure for the time for scorn + To point his slow unmoving finger at! + Yet could I bear that too, well, very well; + But there, where I have garner'd up my heart, + Where either I must live or bear no life; + The fountain from the which my current runs, + Or else dries up; to be discarded thence! + Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads + To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there, + Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin, + Ay, there, look grim as hell! + DESDEMONA. I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. + OTHELLO. O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, + That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, + Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet + That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst ne'er been +born! + DESDEMONA. Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed? + OTHELLO. Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, + Made to write "whore" upon? What committed? + Committed? O thou public commoner! + I should make very forges of my cheeks, + That would to cinders burn up modesty, + Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed! + Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; + The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, + Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth, + And will not hear it. What committed? + Impudent strumpet! + DESDEMONA. By heaven, you do me wrong. + OTHELLO. Are not you a strumpet? + DESDEMONA. No, as I am a Christian. + If to preserve this vessel for my lord + From any other foul unlawful touch + Be not to be a strumpet, I am none. + OTHELLO. What, not a whore? + DESDEMONA. No, as I shall be saved. + OTHELLO. Is't possible? + DESDEMONA. O, heaven forgive us! + OTHELLO. I cry you mercy then; + I took you for that cunning whore of Venice + That married with Othello. [Raises his voice.] You, mistress, + That have the office opposite to Saint Peter, + And keep the gate of hell! + + Re-enter Emilia. + + You, you, ay, you! + We have done our course; there's money for your pains. + I pray you, turn the key, and keep our counsel. +Exit. + EMILIA. Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? + How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady? + DESDEMONA. Faith, half asleep. + EMILIA. Good madam, what's the matter with my lord? + DESDEMONA. With who? + EMILIA. Why, with my lord, madam. + DESDEMONA. Who is thy lord? + EMILIA. He that is yours, sweet lady. + DESDEMONA. I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia; + I cannot weep, nor answer have I none + But what should go by water. Prithee, tonight + Lay on my bed my wedding sheets. Remember, + And call thy husband hither. + EMILIA. Here's a change indeed! + Exit. + DESDEMONA. 'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet. + How have I been behaved, that he might stick + The small'st opinion on my least misuse? + + Re-enter Emilia with Iago. + + IAGO. What is your pleasure, madam? How is't with you? + DESDEMONA. I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes + Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. + He might have chid me so, for in good faith, + I am a child to chiding. + IAGO. What's the matter, lady? + EMILIA. Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her, + Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her, + As true hearts cannot bear. + DESDEMONA. Am I that name, Iago? + IAGO. What name, fair lady? + DESDEMONA. Such as she says my lord did say I was. + EMILIA. He call'd her whore; a beggar in his drink + Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. + IAGO. Why did he so? + DESDEMONA. I do not know; I am sure I am none such. + IAGO. Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day! + EMILIA. Hath she forsook so many noble matches, + Her father and her country and her friends, + To be call'd whore? Would it not make one weep? + DESDEMONA. It is my wretched fortune. + IAGO. Beshrew him for't! + How comes this trick upon him? + DESDEMONA. Nay, heaven doth know. + EMILIA. I will be hang'd, if some eternal villain, + Some busy and insinuating rogue, + Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, + Have not devised this slander; I'll be hang'd else. + IAGO. Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. + DESDEMONA. If any such there be, heaven pardon him! + EMILIA. A halter pardon him! And hell gnaw his bones! + Why should he call her whore? Who keeps her company? + What place? What time? What form? What likelihood? + The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave, + Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. + O heaven, that such companions thou'ldst unfold, + And put in every honest hand a whip + To lash the rascals naked through the world + Even from the east to the west! + IAGO. Speak within door. + EMILIA. O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was + That turn'd your wit the seamy side without, + And made you to suspect me with the Moor. + IAGO. You are a fool; go to. + DESDEMONA. O good Iago, + What shall I do to win my lord again? + Good friend, go to him, for by this light of heaven, + I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel: + If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love + Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, + Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, + Delighted them in any other form, + Or that I do not yet, and ever did, + And ever will, though he do shake me off + To beggarly divorcement, love him dearly, + Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much, + And his unkindness may defeat my life, + But never taint my love. I cannot say "whore." + It doth abhor me now I speak the word; + To do the act that might the addition earn + Not the world's mass of vanity could make me. + IAGO. I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humor: + The business of the state does him offense, + And he does chide with you. + DESDEMONA. If 'twere no other-- + IAGO. 'Tis but so, I warrant. Trumpets +within. + Hark, how these instruments summon to supper! + The messengers of Venice stay the meat. + Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well. + Exeunt Desdemona and +Emilia. + + Enter Roderigo. + + How now, Roderigo! + RODERIGO. I do not find that thou dealest justly with me. + IAGO. What in the contrary? + RODERIGO. Every day thou daffest me with some device, Iago; and + rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all +conveniency + than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will +indeed + no longer endure it; nor am I yet persuaded to put up in +peace + what already I have foolishly suffered. + IAGO. Will you hear me, Roderigo? + RODERIGO. Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and + performances are no kin together. + IAGO. You charge me most unjustly. + RODERIGO. With nought but truth. I have wasted myself out of my + means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to +Desdemona + would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me she +hath + received them and returned me expectations and comforts of +sudden + respect and acquaintance; but I find none. + IAGO. Well, go to, very well. + RODERIGO. Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis not +very + well. By this hand, I say 'tis very scurvy, and begin to find + myself fopped in it. + IAGO. Very well. + RODERIGO. I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself +known + to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give +over + my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation; if not, assure + yourself I will seek satisfaction of you. + IAGO. You have said now. + RODERIGO. Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of + doing. + IAGO. Why, now I see there's mettle in thee; and even from this + + instant do build on thee a better opinion than ever before. +Give + me thy hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken against me a most just + exception; but yet, I protest, I have dealt most directly in +thy + affair. + RODERIGO. It hath not appeared. + IAGO. I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your suspicion +is + not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if thou hast +that + in thee indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now +than + ever, I mean purpose, courage, and valor, this night show it; +if + thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me +from + this world with treachery and devise engines for my life. + RODERIGO. Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass? + IAGO. Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to +depute + Cassio in Othello's place. + RODERIGO. Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona return +again + to Venice. + IAGO. O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him +the + fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some + accident; wherein none can be so determinate as the removing +of + Cassio. + RODERIGO. How do you mean, removing of him? + IAGO. Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place; knocking +out + his brains. + RODERIGO. And that you would have me to do? + IAGO. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups + tonight with a harlotry, and thither will I go to him. He +knows + not yet of his honorable fortune. If you will watch his going + thence, which his will fashion to fall out between twelve and + one, you may take him at your pleasure; I will be near to +second + your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not + amazed at it, but go along with me; I will show you such a + necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to +put + it on him. It is now high supper-time, and the night grows to + waste. About it. + RODERIGO. I will hear further reason for this. + IAGO. And you shall be satisfied. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE III. +Another room in the castle. + +Enter Othello, Lodovico, Desdemona, Emilia, and Attendants. + + LODOVICO. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further. + OTHELLO. O, pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk. + LODOVICO. Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship. + DESDEMONA. Your honor is most welcome. + OTHELLO. Will you walk, sir? + O--Desdemona-- + DESDEMONA. My lord? + OTHELLO. Get you to bed on the instant; I will be returned + forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there; look it be done. + DESDEMONA. I will, my lord. + Exeunt Othello, Lodovico, and +Attendants. + EMILIA. How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did. + DESDEMONA. He says he will return incontinent. + He hath commanded me to go to bed, + And bade me to dismiss you. + EMILIA. Dismiss me? + DESDEMONA. It was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, + Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu. + We must not now displease him. + EMILIA. I would you had never seen him! + DESDEMONA. So would not I. My love doth so approve him, + That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns-- + Prithee, unpin me--have grace and favor in them. + EMILIA. I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed. + DESDEMONA. All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our minds! + If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me + In one of those same sheets. + EMILIA. Come, come, you talk. + DESDEMONA. My mother had a maid call'd Barbary; + She was in love, and he she loved proved mad + And did forsake her. She had a song of "willow"; + An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune, + And she died singing it. That song tonight + Will not go from my mind; I have much to do + But to go hang my head all at one side + And sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee, dispatch. + EMILIA. Shall I go fetch your nightgown? + DESDEMONA. No, unpin me here. + This Lodovico is a proper man. + EMILIA. A very handsome man. + DESDEMONA. He speaks well. + EMILIA. I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to + Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. + DESDEMONA. [Sings.] + + "The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree, + Sing all a green willow; + Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee, + Sing willow, willow, willow. + The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans, + Sing willow, willow, willow; + Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones--" + + Lay by these-- + + [Sings.] "Sing willow, willow, willow--" + + Prithee, hie thee; he'll come anon-- + [Sings.] "Sing all a green willow must be my garland. + Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve--" + + Nay, that's not next. Hark, who is't that knocks? + EMILIA. It's the wind. + DESDEMONA. [Sings.] + + "I call'd my love false love; but what said he then? + Sing willow, willow, willow. + If I court moe women, you'll couch with moe men--" + + So get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do itch; + Doth that bode weeping? + EMILIA. 'Tis neither here nor there. + DESDEMONA. I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men! + Dost thou in conscience think--tell me, Emilia-- + That there be women do abuse their husbands + In such gross kind? + EMILIA. There be some such, no question. + DESDEMONA. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? + EMILIA. Why, would not you? + DESDEMONA. No, by this heavenly light! + EMILIA. Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do't as +well + i' the dark. + DESDEMONA. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? + EMILIA. The world's a huge thing; it is a great price + For a small vice. + DESDEMONA. In troth, I think thou wouldst not. + EMILIA. In troth, I think I should, and undo't when I had done. + Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, nor for + measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor +any + petty exhibition; but, for the whole world--why, who would +not + make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should + venture purgatory for't. + DESDEMONA. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong + For the whole world. + EMILIA. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i' the world; and having +the + world for your labor, 'tis a wrong in your own world, and you + might quickly make it right. + DESDEMONA. I do not think there is any such woman. + EMILIA. Yes, a dozen, and as many to the vantage as would store +the + world they played for. + But I do think it is their husbands' faults + If wives do fall; say that they slack their duties + And pour our treasures into foreign laps, + Or else break out in peevish jealousies, + Throwing restraint upon us, or say they strike us, + Or scant our former having in despite, + Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, + Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know + Their wives have sense like them; they see and smell + And have their palates both for sweet and sour, + As husbands have. What is it that they do + When they change us for others? Is it sport? + I think it is. And doth affection breed it? + I think it doth. Is't frailty that thus errs? + It is so too. And have not we affections, + Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? + Then let them use us well; else let them know, + The ills we do, their ills instruct us so. + DESDEMONA. Good night, good night. Heaven me such uses send, + Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! +Exeunt. + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + +ACT V. SCENE I. +Cyprus. A street. + +Enter Iago and Roderigo: + + IAGO. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come. + Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home. + Quick, quick; fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow. + It makes us, or it mars us; think on that, + And fix most firm thy resolution. + RODERIGO. Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't. + IAGO. Here, at thy hand, be bold, and take thy stand. + Retires. + RODERIGO. I have no great devotion to the deed; + And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. + 'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword; he dies. + IAGO. I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense, + And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio, + Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, + Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo, + He calls me to a restitution large + Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him, + As gifts to Desdemona; + It must not be. If Cassio do remain, + He hath a daily beauty in his life + That makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor + May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril. + No, he must die. Be't so. I hear him coming. + + Enter Cassio. + + RODERIGO. I know his gait; 'tis he. Villain, thou diest! + Makes a pass at +Cassio. + CASSIO. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed, + But that my coat is better than thou know'st; + I will make proof of thine. Draws, and wounds +Roderigo. + RODERIGO. O, I am slain! + Iago from behind wounds Cassio in the leg, and exit. + CASSIO. I am maim'd forever. Help, ho! Murther! Murther! + Falls. + + Enter Othello. + + OTHELLO. The voice of Cassio; Iago keeps his word. + RODERIGO. O, villain that I am! + OTHELLO. It is even so. + CASSIO. O, help, ho! Light! A surgeon! + OTHELLO. 'Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just, + That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong! + Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead, + And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come! + Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted; + Thy bed lust-stain'd shall with lust's blood be spotted. + Exit. + + Enter Lodovico and Gratiano. + + CASSIO. What, ho! No watch? No passage? Murther! Murther! + GRATIANO. 'Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful. + CASSIO. O, help! + LODOVICO. Hark! + RODERIGO. O wretched villain! + LODOVICO. Two or three groan; it is a heavy night. + These may be counterfeits; let's think't unsafe + To come in to the cry without more help. + RODERIGO. Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death. + LODOVICO. Hark! + + Re-enter Iago, with a light. + + GRATIANO. Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and +weapons. + IAGO. Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries on murther? + LODOVICO. We do not know. + IAGO. Did not you hear a cry? + CASSIO. Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me! + IAGO. What's the matter? + GRATIANO. This is Othello's ancient, as I take it. + LODOVICO. The same indeed; a very valiant fellow. + IAGO. What are you here that cry so grievously? + CASSIO. Iago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains! + Give me some help. + IAGO. O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this? + CASSIO. I think that one of them is hereabout, + And cannot make away. + IAGO. O treacherous villains! + [To Lodovico and Gratiano.] What are you there? + Come in and give some help. + RODERIGO. O, help me here! + CASSIO. That's one of them. + IAGO. O murtherous slave! O villain! + Stabs +Roderigo. + RODERIGO. O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog! + IAGO. Kill men i' the dark! Where be these bloody thieves? + How silent is this town! Ho! Murther! Murther! + What may you be? Are you of good or evil? + LODOVICO. As you shall prove us, praise us. + IAGO. Signior Lodovico? + LODOVICO. He, sir. + IAGO. I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains. + GRATIANO. Cassio? + IAGO. How is't, brother? + CASSIO. My leg is cut in two. + IAGO. Marry, heaven forbid! + Light, gentlemen; I'll bind it with my shirt. + + Enter Bianca. + + BIANCA. What is the matter, ho? Who is't that cried? + IAGO. Who is't that cried? + BIANCA. O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio, Cassio, + Cassio! + IAGO. O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect + Who they should be that have thus mangled you? + CASSIO. No. + GRATIANO. I am sorry to find you thus; I have been to seek you. + IAGO. Lend me a garter. So. O, for a chair, + To bear him easily hence! + BIANCA. Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! + IAGO. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash + To be a party in this injury. + Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come; + Lend me a light. Know we this face or no? + Alas, my friend and my dear countryman + Roderigo? No--yes, sure. O heaven! Roderigo. + GRATIANO. What, of Venice? + IAGO. Even he, sir. Did you know him? + GRATIANO. Know him! ay. + IAGO. Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle pardon; + These bloody accidents must excuse my manners, + That so neglected you. + GRATIANO. I am glad to see you. + IAGO. How do you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair! + GRATIANO. Roderigo! + IAGO. He, he, 'tis he. [A chair brought in.] O, that's well +said: + the chair. + Some good man bear him carefully from hence; + I'll fetch the general's surgeon. [To Bianca.] For you, +mistress, + Save you your labor. He that lies slain here, Cassio, + Was my dear friend; what malice was between you? + CASSIO. None in the world; nor do I know the man. + IAGO. [To Bianca.] What, look you pale? O, bear him out o' the +air. + Cassio and Roderigo are borne +off. + Stay you, good gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress? + Do you perceive the gastness of her eye? + Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon. + Behold her well; I pray you, look upon her. + Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness will speak, + Though tongues were out of use. + + Enter Emilia. + + EMILIA. 'Las, what's the matter? What's the matter, husband? + IAGO. Cassio hath here been set on in the dark + By Roderigo, and fellows that are 'scaped; + He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead. + EMILIA. Alas, good gentleman! alas, good Cassio! + IAGO. This is the fruit of whoring. Prithee, Emilia, + Go know of Cassio where he supp'd tonight. + What, do you shake at that? + BIANCA. He supp'd at my house; but I therefore shake not. + IAGO. O, did he so? I charge you, go with me. + EMILIA. Fie, fie upon thee, strumpet! + BIANCA. I am no strumpet, but of life as honest + As you that thus abuse me. + EMILIA. As I! foh! fie upon thee! + IAGO. Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dress'd. + Come, mistress, you must tell's another tale. + Emilia, run you to the citadel, + And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd! + Will you go on? [Aside.] This is the night + That either makes me or fordoes me quite. +Exeunt. + + + + +SCENE II. +A bedchamber in the castle. Desdemona in bed asleep; a light +burning. + +Enter Othello. + + OTHELLO. It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. + Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars! + It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood, + Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow + And smooth as monumental alabaster. + Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. + Put out the light, and then put out the light. + If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, + I can again thy former light restore, + Should I repent me; but once put out thy light, + Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature, + I know not where is that Promethean heat + That can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd the rose, + I cannot give it vital growth again, + It must needs wither; I'll smell it on the tree. Kisses +her. + O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade + Justice to break her sword! One more, one more; + Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, + And love thee after. One more, and this the last; + So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, + But they are cruel tears; this sorrow's heavenly, + It strikes where it doth love. She wakes. + DESDEMONA. Who's there? Othello? + OTHELLO. Ay, Desdemona. + DESDEMONA. Will you come to bed, my lord? + OTHELLO. Have you pray'd tonight, Desdemona? + DESDEMONA. Ay, my lord. + OTHELLO. If you bethink yourself of any crime + Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, + Solicit for it straight. + DESDEMONA. Alas, my lord, what may you mean by that? + OTHELLO. Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by. + I would not kill thy unprepared spirit. + No, heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul. + DESDEMONA. Talk you of killing? + OTHELLO. Ay, I do. + DESDEMONA. Then heaven have mercy on me! + OTHELLO. Amen, with all my heart! + DESDEMONA. If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. + OTHELLO. Hum! + DESDEMONA. And yet I fear you, for you are fatal then + When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not, + Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear. + OTHELLO. Think on thy sins. + DESDEMONA. They are loves I bear to you. + OTHELLO. Ay, and for that thou diest. + DESDEMONA. That death's unnatural that kills for loving. + Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? + Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. + These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope, + They do not point on me. + OTHELLO. Peace, and be still! + DESDEMONA. I will so. What's the matter? + OTHELLO. That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee + Thou gavest to Cassio. + DESDEMONA. No, by my life and soul! + Send for the man, and ask him. + OTHELLO. Sweet soul, take heed, + Take heed of perjury; thou are on thy deathbed. + DESDEMONA. Ay, but not yet to die. + OTHELLO. Yes, presently: + Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin, + For to deny each article with oath + Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception + That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. + DESDEMONA. Then Lord have mercy on me! + OTHELLO. I say, amen. + DESDEMONA. And have you mercy too! I never did + Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio + But with such general warranty of heaven + As I might love. I never gave him token. + OTHELLO. By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in 's hand. + O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart, + And makest me call what I intend to do + A murther, which I thought a sacrifice. + I saw the handkerchief. + DESDEMONA. He found it then; + I never gave it him. Send for him hither; + Let him confess a truth. + OTHELLO. He hath confess'd. + DESDEMONA. What, my lord? + OTHELLO. That he hath used thee. + DESDEMONA. How? unlawfully? + OTHELLO. Ay. + DESDEMONA. He will not say so. + OTHELLO. No, his mouth is stopp'd; + Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't. + DESDEMONA. O, my fear interprets! What, is he dead? + OTHELLO. Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge + Had stomach for them all. + DESDEMONA. Alas, he is betray'd, and I undone! + OTHELLO. Out, strumpet! Weep'st thou for him to my face? + DESDEMONA. O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! + OTHELLO. Down, strumpet! + DESDEMONA. Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight! + OTHELLO. Nay, if you strive-- + DESDEMONA. But half an hour! + OTHELLO. Being done, there is no pause. + DESDEMONA. But while I say one prayer! + OTHELLO. It is too late. He stifles +her. + EMILIA. [Within.] My lord, my lord! What, ho! my lord, my lord! + OTHELLO. What noise is this? Not dead? not yet quite dead? + I that am cruel am yet merciful; + I would not have thee linger in thy pain. + So, so. + EMILIA. [Within.] What, ho! my lord, my lord! + OTHELLO. Who's there? + EMILIA. [Within.] O, good my lord, I would speak a word with +you! + OTHELLO. Yes, 'tis Emilia. By and by. She's dead. + 'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death. + The noise was here. Ha! no more moving? + Still as the grave. Shall she come in? were't good? + I think she stirs again. No. What's best to do? + If she come in, she'll sure speak to my wife. + My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife. + O, insupportable! O heavy hour! + Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse + Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe + Should yawn at alteration. + EMILIA. [Within.] I do beseech you + That I may speak with you, O, good my lord! + OTHELLO. I had forgot thee. O, come in, Emilia. + Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw. + Where art thou? Unlocks the +door. + + Enter Emilia. + + What's the matter with thee now? + EMILIA. O, my good lord, yonder's foul murthers done! + OTHELLO. What, now? + EMILIA. But now, my lord. + OTHELLO. It is the very error of the moon; + She comes more nearer earth than she was wont + And makes men mad. + EMILIA. Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young Venetian + Call'd Roderigo. + OTHELLO. Roderigo kill'd? + And Cassio kill'd? + EMILIA. No, Cassio is not kill'd. + OTHELLO. Not Cassio kill'd! Then murther's out of tune, + And sweet revenge grows harsh. + DESDEMONA. O, falsely, falsely murther'd! + EMILIA. Alas, what cry is +that? + OTHELLO. That? what? + EMILIA. Out, and alas! That was my lady's voice. + Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again! + Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak! + DESDEMONA. A guiltless death I die. + EMILIA. O, who hath done this deed? + DESDEMONA. Nobody; I myself. Farewell; + Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell! +Dies. + OTHELLO. Why, how should she be murther'd? + EMILIA. Alas, who knows? + OTHELLO. You heard her say herself, it was not I. + EMILIA. She said so; I must needs report the truth. + OTHELLO. She's like a liar gone to burning hell; + 'Twas I that kill'd her. + EMILIA. O, the more angel she, + And you the blacker devil! + OTHELLO. She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore. + EMILIA. Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil. + OTHELLO. She was false as water. + EMILIA. Thou art rash as fire, to say + That she was false. O, she was heavenly true! + OTHELLO. Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else. + O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell, + But that I did proceed upon just grounds + To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all. + EMILIA. My husband? + OTHELLO. Thy husband. + EMILIA. That she was false to wedlock? + OTHELLO. Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true, + If heaven would make me such another world + Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, + I'ld not have sold her for it. + EMILIA. My husband? + OTHELLO. Ay, 'twas he that told me first. + An honest man he is, and hates the slime + That sticks on filthy deeds. + EMILIA. My husband? + OTHELLO. What needs this iteration, woman? I say thy husband. + EMILIA. O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love! + My husband say that she was false! + OTHELLO. He, woman; + I say thy husband. Dost understand the word? + My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago. + EMILIA. If he say so, may his pernicious soul + Rot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart. + She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. + OTHELLO. Ha! + EMILIA. Do thy worst; + This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven + Than thou wast worthy her. + OTHELLO. Peace, you were best. + EMILIA. Thou hast not half that power to do me harm + As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! + As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed-- + I care not for thy sword; I'll make thee known, + Though I lost twenty lives. Help! help, ho! help! + The Moor hath kill'd my mistress! Murther, murther! + + Enter Montano, Gratiano, Iago, and others. + + MONTANO. What is the matter? How now, general? + EMILIA. O, are you come, Iago? You have done well, + That men must lay their murthers on your neck. + GRATIANO. What is the matter? + EMILIA. Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man. + He says thou told'st him that his wife was false; + I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain. + Speak, for my heart is full. + IAGO. I told him what I thought, and told no more + Than what he found himself was apt and true. + EMILIA. But did you ever tell him she was false? + IAGO. I did. + EMILIA. You told a lie, an odious, damned lie; + Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie! + She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio? + IAGO. With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue. + EMILIA. I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak. + My mistress here lies murther'd in her bed-- + ALL. O heavens forfend! + EMILIA. And your reports have set the murther on. + OTHELLO. Nay, stare not, masters; it is true indeed. + GRATIANO. 'Tis a strange truth. + MONTANO. O monstrous act! + EMILIA. Villainy, villainy, villainy! + I think upon't, I think, I smell't, O villainy! + I thought so then. I'll kill myself for grief. + O villainy, villainy! + IAGO. What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home. + EMILIA. Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak; + 'Tis proper I obey him, but not now. + Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home. + OTHELLO. O! O! O! Falls on the +bed. + EMILIA. Nay, lay thee down and roar; + For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent + That e'er did lift up eye. + OTHELLO. [Rises.] O, she was foul! + I scarce did know you, uncle; there lies your niece, + Whose breath indeed these hands have newly stopp'd. + I know this act shows horrible and grim. + GRATIANO. Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father's dead. + Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief + Shore his old thread in twain; did he live now, + This sight would make him do a desperate turn, + Yea, curse his better angel from his side, + And fall to reprobation. + OTHELLO. 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows + That she with Cassio hath the act of shame + A thousand times committed. Cassio confess'd it, + And she did gratify his amorous works + With that recognizance and pledge of love + Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand, + It was a handkerchief, an antique token + My father gave my mother. + EMILIA. O heaven! O heavenly powers! + IAGO. 'Zounds! Hold your peace. + EMILIA. 'Twill out, 'twill. I peace? + No, I will speak as liberal as the north; + Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, + All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak. + IAGO. Be wise, and get you home. + EMILIA. I will not. + Iago offers to stab +Emilia. + GRATIANO. Fie! + Your sword upon a woman? + EMILIA. O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak'st of + I found by fortune and did give my husband, + For often with a solemn earnestness, + More than indeed belong'd to such a trifle, + He begg'd of me to steal it. + IAGO. Villainous whore! + EMILIA. She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it, + And I did give't my husband. + IAGO. Filth, thou liest! + EMILIA. By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen. + O murtherous coxcomb! What should such a fool + Do with so good a wife? + OTHELLO. Are there not stones in heaven + But what serve for thunder? Precious villain! + He runs at Iago, but +Montano + disarms him. Iago stabs +Emilia. + GRATIANO. The woman falls; sure, he hath kill'd his wife. + EMILIA. Ay, ay! O, lay me by my mistress' side. Exit +Iago. + GRATIANO. He's gone, but his wife's kill'd. + MONTANO. 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon, + Which I have here recover'd from the Moor. + Come, guard the door without; let him not pass, + But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain, + For 'tis a damned slave. Exeunt all but Othello and +Emilia. + OTHELLO. I am not valiant neither, + But every puny whipster gets my sword. + But why should honor outlive honesty? + Let it go all. + EMILIA. What did thy song bode, lady? + Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan, + And die in music. [Sings.] "Willow, willow, willow." + Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor; + So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; + So speaking as I think, I die, I die. +Dies. + OTHELLO. I have another weapon in this chamber; + It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper-- + O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth. + GRATIANO. [Within.] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear. + Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer. + OTHELLO. Look in upon me then, and speak with me, + Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee. + + Re-enter Gratiano. + + GRATIANO. What is the matter? + OTHELLO. Behold, I have a weapon; + A better never did itself sustain + Upon a soldier's thigh. I have seen the day + That with this little arm and this good sword + I have made my way through more impediments + Than twenty times your stop. But, O vain boast! + Who can control his fate? 'Tis not so now. + Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd; + Here is my journey's end, here is my butt + And very sea-mark of my utmost sail. + Do you go back dismay'd? 'Tis a lost fear. + Man but a rush against Othello's breast, + And he retires. Where should Othello go? + Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr'd wench! + Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt, + This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven, + And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl? + Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave! + Whip me, ye devils, + From the possession of this heavenly sight! + Blow me about in winds! Roast me in sulphur! + Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire! + O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! + O! O! O! + + Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair, + and Officers with Iago, prisoner. + + LODOVICO. Where is this rash and most unfortunate man? + OTHELLO. That's he that was Othello. Here I am. + LODOVICO. Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth. + OTHELLO. I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable. + If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. Wounds +Iago. + LODOVICO. Wrench his sword from him. + IAGO. I bleed, sir, but not +kill'd. + OTHELLO. I am not sorry neither. I'ld have thee live, + For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die. + LODOVICO. O thou Othello, that wert once so good, + Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, + What shall be said to thee? + OTHELLO. Why, anything; + An honorable murtherer, if you will, + For nought did I in hate, but all in honor. + LODOVICO. This wretch hath part confess'd his villainy. + Did you and he consent in Cassio's death? + OTHELLO. Ay. + CASSIO. Dear general, I never gave you cause. + OTHELLO. I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. + Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil + Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body? + IAGO. Demand me nothing; what you know, you know. + From this time forth I never will speak word. + LODOVICO. What, not to pray? + GRATIANO. Torments will ope your lips. + OTHELLO. Well, thou dost best. + LODOVICO. Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n, + Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter + Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo, + And here another. The one of them imports + The death of Cassio to be undertook + By Roderigo. + OTHELLO. O villain! + CASSIO. Most heathenish and most gross! + LODOVICO. Now here's another discontented paper, + Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, + Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain; + But that, belike, Iago in the interim + Came in and satisfied him. + OTHELLO. O the pernicious caitiff! + How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief + That was my wife's? + CASSIO. I found it in my chamber; + And he himself confess'd but even now + That there he dropp'd it for a special purpose + Which wrought to his desire. + OTHELLO. O fool! fool! fool! + CASSIO. There is besides in Roderigo's letter, + How he upbraids Iago, that he made him + Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came + That I was cast. And even but now he spake + After long seeming dead, Iago hurt him, + Iago set him on. + LODOVICO. You must forsake this room, and go with us. + Your power and your command is taken off, + And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave, + If there be any cunning cruelty + That can torment him much and hold him long, + It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest, + Till that the nature of your fault be known + To the Venetian state. Come, bring away. + OTHELLO. Soft you; a word or two before you go. + I have done the state some service, and they know't. + No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, + When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, + Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, + Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak + Of one that loved not wisely but too well; + Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, + Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand, + Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away + Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes, + Albeit unused to the melting mood, + Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees + Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; + And say besides, that in Aleppo once, + Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk + Beat a Venetian and traduced the state, + I took by the throat the circumcised dog + And smote him, thus. Stabs +himself. + LODOVICO. O bloody period! + GRATIANO. All that's spoke is marr'd. + OTHELLO. I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee. No way but this, + Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. + Falls on the bed, and +dies. + CASSIO. This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; + For he was great of heart. + LODOVICO. [To Iago.] O Spartan dog, + More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! + Look on the tragic loading of this bed; + This is thy work. The object poisons sight; + Let it be hid. Gratiano, keep the house, + And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, + For they succeed on you. To you, Lord Governor, + Remains the censure of this hellish villain, + The time, the place, the torture. O, enforce it! + Myself will straight aboard, and to the state + This heavy act with heavy heart relate. +Exeunt. + + +THE END + + + + + +<<THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM +SHAKESPEARE IS COPYRIGHT 1990-1993 BY WORLD LIBRARY, INC., AND IS +PROVIDED BY PROJECT GUTENBERG ETEXT OF CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY +WITH PERMISSION. ELECTRONIC AND MACHINE READABLE COPIES MAY BE +DISTRIBUTED SO LONG AS SUCH COPIES (1) ARE FOR YOUR OR OTHERS +PERSONAL USE ONLY, AND (2) ARE NOT DISTRIBUTED OR USED +COMMERCIALLY. PROHIBITED COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION INCLUDES BY ANY +SERVICE THAT CHARGES FOR DOWNLOAD TIME OR FOR MEMBERSHIP.>> + + + + + +End of this Etext of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare +The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice + diff --git a/1793.zip b/1793.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7db4237 --- /dev/null +++ b/1793.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b1127ec --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #1793 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1793) |