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 trace

For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,

I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,

Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb

(For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too),

Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me

For making him egregiously an ass

And 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 ILLINOIS BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

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 seel 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.