/VIL 50 mo m I lO '/M Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090833223 \, V/^* OTHELL A LYRICAL DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS. (Founded on Shakbspeaee's Tbagedt.) BY (ENGLISH VEKSION BY FEANCIS HUEFFEE.) IVrUSIC BIT GIUSEPPE VERDI. PUBLISHED BY K- RULLMAN AT THE THEATRE TICKET OFFICE, No. in BROADWAY, NEW YORK. DRAMATIS PE^iSQNyR. CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OTHELLO, a Moor, general in the Venetian army. lAGO, his ensign. CASSIO, his lieutenant. EODEKIGO, a Venetian gentler man. j o 924 090 833 223 tOJJUVlUO, ambassactoj: oT TEe^ Venetian Eepublic. " MONTANO, predecessor of Othello in the government of Cyprus. A HEEALD. DESDEMONA, wife to Othello, EMILIA, wife to lago. Soldiers and Sailors of the Eepublie. Venetian Ladies and Gentlemen. — Cypriot Men, Women and Children. Greek, Dalmatian and Albanian Soldiers. — An Innkeeper, Four Drawers. — People. Place — A Seaeobt in Oxprus, Time — The end of the 15th Centuby. THE PLOT. Othello, a Moor in the service of the Eepublic of Venice, returns victorious from a battle against the Turks. He has been secretly married to Dbsdemona, daughter of Elmiro, a patrician of Venice and the enemy of Othello, who has destined her as spouse to Eodebigo, son of the Doge. Iago, another rejected lover of Desdemona, and the secret enemy of Othello, in order to avenge his wrongs, pretends to favor the love of Eodeeigo. A letter and a handkerchief, which he has intercepted, and by means of which he makes Othello suspect the fidelity of his wife, form the plot of the drama, which terminates with the death of Dbsdemona, and after- wards with his own, upon his discovering, but too late, the treachery of Iago and the innocence of Desdemona, |Vil_ 0% otBIvLO. ATTO PEIMO. Veslemo del castelh. Una tavema con pergolato. Olispaldinelfmidoeilmare. tlsera. Lampi, tuoni, uragano. SCENA I. Jago, Eodeeigo, Cassio, Montano, pvii tardi OiEiio. Cipriotti e Soldati venetL Aleuni del Coro. Una vela ! Altri del Ccrro. Una vela ! Ilprimo gruppo. Un vessillo ! n secondo gruppo. Un vessillo 1 Mon. fi I'alato Leon ! Cos. Or la folgor lo svela. Altri che sopraggiungono. Uno sqiiillo 1 Altri che sopraggiungono. Uno squillo 1 Tutti. Ha tuonato 11 cannon. Cas. fi la nave del Duoe. Mon. Or s'affonda, Or s' inciela — Cos. Erge 11 rostro dall' onda. Meta del Coro. NeUe nubi si cela e nel mar, E alia luce del lampi ne appar. Tutti. Lampi ! tuoni ! gorghi ! turbi tempestosi e f ulmini ! Treman 1' onde, treman 1' aure, treman basi e culmini. Fende 1' etra un torvo e cieco spirto di verti- gine, Iddio scuote il cielo bieco, come un tetro vel. Tutto € f umo ! tutto e fuooo ! 1' orrida caligine Si fa inoendio, poi si spegne piu funesta, spa- sima L'universo, accorre a valchi 1' aquilon fanta- sima, I titanici oricalchi squillano ne ciel. \Entrano dalfondo molte donne delpopolo.] Tutti {con gesti spavento e di sujrplicaskme e rivolti verso lo spaldo). Dio, fulgor, della buf era ! Dio, sorriso della duna ! Salva r area e la bandiera Della veneta f ortuna ! Tu, che reggi gli astri e il Fato ! Tu, che imperi al mondo e al ciel 1 Fa che in f ondo al mar placato Posi r ^ncora fedel. Jago. fi infranto 1' artimou ! Bod. H rostro piomba Su quello scoglio ! (Joro. Aita! aita! Jago {a parte). (L' alvo Frenetico del mar sia la sua tomba !) Coro. fi salvo ! salvo ! , ■ Voci interne. Gittate i palischermi ! i Mano aUe f uni ! Fermi ! Prima parte Coro. Forza ai remi ! Seconda parte (scendono la scala dello spaldo). Alia riva ! — Voci interne. All' approdo ! alio sbarco ! Jltre voci interne. Evviva! Evviva! [Ote. dalla scala della spiaggia salendosullo spaldo con seguito di marinai e di soldati.] Ote. Esultate ! L' orgoglio musulmano Sepolto 6 in mar, nostra e del cielo h gloria ! Dopo r armi lo vinse 1' uragano. Tutti. Evviva Otello ! — Vittoria ! vittoria ! ! [Ote. entra nella rdcca, seguito da Cos., da Mon, e dai soldati.] Coro. Vittoria ! Sterminio t Dispersi, distrutti, Sepolti neir orrido Tumulto piombar. Avranno per requie La sf erza del flutti. La ridda del turbini, ; L' abisso del mar. Coro. Si calma la buf era. Jago (in disparte a Bod.). Eoderigo I Ebben, che pensi ? Bod. D'affogarmi — Jago. Stolto £ chi s' afCoga per armor di donna. Bod. Vincer nol so. • [Aleuni del popolo formano da un lato una ca- tasta di legna : la folia s'accalca intomo tur- bolento e curiosa\ Jago. Suvvia, la senno, aspetta L' opra del tempo. A Desdemona bella, Che nel segreto de' tuoi sogni adori, Presto in uggia verranno i loschi baci Di quel selvaggio dalle gonfle labbra. Buon Koderigo, amico tuo sincero Mi ti prolesso, ne in piu forte ambascia Soccorrerti potrei. Se un fragil vote Di f emmina non e tropp' arduo nodo Pel genio mio nh per 1' inferno, giuro Ohe quella donna sara tua. M' ascolta. Bench' io flnga d' amarlo' odio quel Moro — [Entra Cassio : poi s'unisce a un crocchio di sol- dati. Jago sempre in disparte, a Boderigo.] E una cagion dell' ira, eccola, guarda. [Indi- cando Cos.] Quell' azzimato capitano usurpa II grado mio, il grado mio che in cento Ben pugnate battaglie ho meritato ; Tal f u il voler d' Otello, ed io rimango Di sua Moresca signoria 1' alflere ! OTHELLO. a ACT I. Outside the Castle. A tavern with an arbor. In the background a quay and the sea. It is even- ing. Lightning, thunder, hurricane. SCENE I. ■ Iago, Boderioo, Casbio, Montano, Cypriots, and Venetian Soldiers. Some of the Clwrus. Ho ! a ship ! Others. A vessel ! First Group. Sailing yonder ! Second Group. See her ensign. Mon. 'Tie the lion with his wings ! Cos. Now the lightning shows her clearly. Others of the Oio. (entering). Hark! the thun- der! Still others. 'Tis a signal ! All. Hark, the cannon answer brings. Cas. 'Tis the vessel of the general. * Mon. Now th' upheaving. Swell enshrouds her. Cas. Now her prow the waves is cleaving. Part of the Chorus. She is lost in the sea and the night. But the lightning reveals her to sight. JU. Roaring tempest, rolling thunder, bright as day the lightnir^'s flash. Waves are surging high and monstrous where the battUng whirlwinds clash. Through the air is blindly rushing now the spirit of the night, And the tempest-riven clouds are like a fune- ral pall. Chidden billows, gushing skyward, now reflect the lurid light Of the levin, now in darkness, doubly darkened lies the world. And the north wind sounds his trumpet, and the spectral cloudracks hurled Onward ever, with abysmal blackness cover all. JU {with gestures of horror and supplication, turning towards the sea). God, whose wrath has roused the waters, At whose smile the whirlwind tarries. Save, oh save the noble galley That Venetia's fortune carries ! Thou, who rulest earth and ocean, Stay the storm, command the tide ! That the ship in sheltering harbor May at anchor safely ride. Iago. Behold, the mainsail's burst Sod. Her bow is hurried To yonder cliff. Cho. Bring rescue, rescue I logo (to Scd.). Buried I fain would leave her for the waves to cover. Cho. The danger's over ! Voices {from beliind). Abaft the halyards ready ! Lower the cockboat, steady ! Cho. {first part). Man the shoreboats ! Second part {descending the steps of the quay). Hurry strandward ! VoOces {behind). Pull together, to the landward I Other voices {behind). Welcome ! Welcome ! [Enter 0th., followed by sailors and soldiers. He ascends the steps leading from the shore to the quay.} 0th. Glad tidings hear, our wars are done. The ocean Has whelmed the Turk. Heav'ns be and ours the glory 1 Those whom our swords had left the storm has scattered. All. Long live Othello ! — Vittoria ! Vittoria ! ! [Exit 0th. into the castle, followed by Cas., Mon. and soldiers.] Clio. Vittoria! vittoria! Dispersed all, and broken, Their gaUeys are buried Deep under the sea. Let howling of whirlwinds And lushing of waters. And rolling of thunder, , Their requiem be ! , i Clio. The tempest is subsiding. Iago. Eoderigo ! \ Well, now, what say'st thou ? '\ Sod. Drowning say L logo. Fool, Who talks of drowning for the love of woman ! Sod. What can I do? [iSome of the people form a large pile of wood. Tlie crowd gathers round, noisy and carious.l logo. Ho now ! have courage, wait for Time working changes. The fair Desdemona Whom in thy secret dreamings thou adnrest Will soon be weary of the dark embraces And of the swollen lips of yonder savage. Good Eoderigo, thy friend for good and evil I have professed me ; bide thou but the issue. And thou art sure of me. If a frail vow Twixt a Venetian and this Moor is not too hard For my shrewd wits and all the tribe of hell Thou shalt enjoy and hold her as thine own. Now listen ! though in semblance his true friend I hate Othello for the best of reasons. Which thou shalt hear and judge. [Enter Cas. , who joins a group of soldiers. Iago points to him, always talking to Sod.] That masterly arithmetician has Usurped my place, a place which I had earned In many a well-contested battle. Christian And heathen. Yet in good time this Cassio Must his lieutenant be. And I — God bless the mark ! his Moorship's ancient 1 OTELLO. [Dalla caiasia incom'mciavo ad alzarsi dei glohi difumo smiprepiii deiiso.\ Ma, come e ver che tu Eodrigo sei, Cosi e pur certo che se il Maro io fossi Vedermi iion vorrei d'att(?rno mi Jago. Se tu m' ascolti — [Jago conduce Bod. verso il fondo : il fuoco divanipa. I soldati s' affoUano intorno alle tavole della taverna.] Cora, [inentre dara il canto intorno al fuoco di glola, i tavernieri appenderanno al pergolaio dell' osteria delle lanterne veneziane a varl colori che illumineranno gaiamente la scena. I soldati si saranno adunati intorno alle tavole, parte sedaii, parte inpiedl, ciarlando e bevendo). Fuoco di gioia ! 1' ilare vampa Fuga la notte col suo spljendor, Guizza, sta villa crepita, avvampa Pulgido incendio che invade 11 cor. , Dal raggio attratti vaghi sembianti Movono intorno mutando stuol, E son fanciuUe dai lieti cantl, U s'ln farfalle dall' igneo vol. Arde la palma col sicomoro, Canta la sposa col stio fedel, Suir aurea fiamma sul gaio coro Soffla r ardente epiro del ciel. ! Fuoco di gioia rapido brilla ! Eapido passa fuoco d' amor ! Splende, s' oscura palpita, oscilla, L' ultimo guizzo lampeggia e muor. [II fuoco si spegne a %i passing backwards andforwards in the garden.] They are talking in whispers. Now To him has she inclined her gentle visage. Ay ! smile upon her, do ! an excellent courtesy ! This smile shall lure Othello to his ruin. To work ! and in this web I will enslave him. [He goes rapidly towards the outlet on the left, but suddenly stops.] He comes. Good luck ! I have him. [He leans motionless against a column on the right looking intently towards the garden where Cas. and Des. are standing together^ SCENE III. Iago and Othello. Iago {pretending not to see Oth., who is quite clos^ to him, and to be talking to himself). I like not that. Oth. What dost thou say ? logo. Nothing. You here?^ — If aught, some idle words Escaped me. [Both come forward, away from the colonnade.l Oth. Was he who just now parted From Desdemona Cassio 1 lago. Cassio.? No ! In suohwise, guilty-like, he would not leave her. Oth. I do believe 'twas Cassio. Iago. No, my lord ! , Olh. What think'st thou ? 14 OTELLO. 'Jag. Cassio, nei primi di Del vostro amor, Desdemona non oonosceva? Ote. Si. Perch^ fai tale inchiesta ? Jag. II mio pensiero e vago D' ubbie, non di malizla. Ote. Di' 11 tuo pensiero, Jago. Jag. Vi confidaste a Caaeio ? Ote. Spesso un mlo done o un cenno Porta va alia mia sposa. Jag. Dassenno ? Ote. Si, dassenno. Nol credi onesto ? Jag. Onesto ? Ote. Che ascondi nel tuo core ? Jag. Che ascondo in cor, signore ? Ote. " Ohe ascondo in cor, signore ? " Pel cielo ! tu sei ,1' eco dei detti miei, nel chios- tro Deir anima rlcetti qualche terrlbil mostro. Si, ben t' udii poc' anzi mormorar : do m'ac- cora. Ma di che f accoravi ? nomini Cassio e allora Tu corrughi la fronte. Suvvia, parla se m' ami. Jag. Vol sapete oh' io v' amo. Ote. Dunque senza velami 1' esprimi e senza ambagi. T' esca f uor daUa gola n tuo piu rio pensiero colla piu ria parola ! Jag. S' anco teneste in mano tutta 1' anima mia Nol sapreste. Ote. Ah! Jag. {avvicinandosi molto ad Ote. e sottovoce). Temete, signor, la gelosia I E un' idra fosca, livida, cieca, col suo veleno Se stessa attosca, vivida piaga le squarcia il seno. Ote. Miseria mia ! ! No ! il vano sospettar nulla giova. Pria del dubbio 1' indagine, .dopo il dubbio la prova, Dopo la prova (Otello ha sue leggi supreme) Amore e gelosia vadan dispersi insieme ! Jag. {con piglio piu ardito). Un tal proposto spezza di mie labbra il sug- gello. Non parlo ancor di prova ; pur, generoso Otello, Vlgilate, soventi le oneste e ben create Coscienze non vedono la frode : vigilate. Scrutate le parole di Desdemona, un detto Puo ricondur la fede, puo aflfermare il sos- petto — Eccola ; vigUate — [Si vcde ricomparire Des. nel giardino, dalla vasta apertura del foiido: e circondala da Donne, da Fanciulli, da Marinai Oip7iotti e Albenesi che si avamrmo e le, offrono fiori ed alin doni. Alcuni s' accompagnano, can- tando, sulla Guzla altri su delle piccole arpe!\ Cora, {nel giardino). Dove guardi splendono Eaggi, avvampan cuori, Dove passi scendono Nuvole di fiori. Qui fra gigli e rose Come a un casto altar, Padri, bimbi, spose ' Vengono a cantar. Fandulli {spargendo al swolo fiori di giglio). T' ofifriamo il glglio Soave stel Che in man degli angeli Fu assunto in del, Che abbella il lulgido Manto e la gonna Delia Madonna E il santo vel. Donne e Marinai. Mentre all' aura vola Lieta la canzon, L'agile mandbl^ Ne accompagna il suon. Marinai {offrendo a Des dei monili di corallo e di perle). A te le porpore, Le perle e gli ostri, Nella voragine Colti del mar. VogUam Desdemona Coi doni nostri Come un' imagine Sacra adornar. FaruAulli e Donne. Menti'e all' autra vola Lieta la canzon, D' agile mendola Ne accompagna 11 suon. Le Donne {sporgendo fronde e fiori). A te la florida Messe dai grembi A nembi, a nembi, Spargiamo al suol. L' April circonda La sposa bionda D' un' etra rorida Che vibra al Sol. Fandulli e Marinai. Mentre all' aura vola Lieta la canzon, . L' agile mand61a Ne accompagna il suon. Tutti. Dove guardi splendono Ra^i, avvampan cuori, Dove passi scendono Nuvole di flori. Qui fra gigli e rose. Come a un casto altar, Padri, bimbi, spose Vengono a cantar. Des. Splende il cielo, danza L' aura, olezza il flore. Gioia, amor, speranza Cantan nel mio core. Coro. Vivi f elice ! Addio. Qui regna Amore. [Durante il Coro, Ote. osserva con Jag.] Ote. {soavemente commossn). Quel canto mi con- quide. No, no, s' ella m' inganna, il ciel se stesso irride ! Jag. (Bella, letizia, in dolce inno concordi ! I vostri infranger6 soavi accordi.) SCENA IV. Mnito il Coro, Des. hOida la testa d' alcxini tra i fandulli, e alcune donne le badano il lemho della veste, ed essa porge una borsa ai viarhiai. It Coro s' alUmtana: Des., seguita poi da Emi., entra riella sala e s' avama verso Ote, Des. D' un uom che geme sotto il tuo disdegno La preghiera ti porto. Ote. Chi h costui ? OTHELIiO. IS logo. Nothing — Did Michael Cassio when you woo'd my lady Know of your love ? Oth. Yes. Why dost ask the question ? logo. But for the satisfaction of my thought, No further harm. Oth. Why of thy thought, lago ? lago. And did you trust in Cassio ? Oth. He went between us oft. Taking a tender message to my lady. logo. Indeed ? Oth. Ay, indeed ! Is he not honest? lago. Honest ? Oth. Discern'st thou aught in that ? logo. Discern I aught in that ? Oth. " Discern I aught in that ? " By heav'n, he echoes every word I say ! As if there were some monster in his thought Too hideous to be shown. Yea, I myself Have heard thee say e'en now "I like not that !" Say, then, what didst not like ? Looking at Cassio Thou didst contract thy brow together. Speak If thou dost love me ! logo. Well you know I love you. Oth. I prithee speak to me, as to thy thinkings, As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts, ■ The worst of words ! logo. You should not know my thoughts, even if my heart Were in your hands, nor shall not. Oth. Ah! logo {going close up to him, almost in a whisper). Beware, My lord, of jealousy ! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on, and which with its poison Changes our nature. Oth. Oh misery ! Think'st thou I'll make a life of jealousy ? I'll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove ; And on the proof-^Othello thus decrees— Away at once with love or jealousy ! Jago (mare frank in manner). I'm glad, for I can show the love and duty I bear you. I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife ! I would not have Your free and noble nature be abused. Observe her will with Cassio ! One unguarded word. One gesture may to your first faith restore you, Or confirm your suspicion. She comes, be watchful ! rites, is seen to return to the garden through the large door at Vie hack; she is surrounded by women, children and Oypriat and Albanian soldiers, who come forward in turn, offering her flmoers and other gifts. Tlwy smg, ac- companying themselves, some on guzla, others on small liarps.\ Chd. (in tlie garden). Wheresoe'er thy glances shed Brightness, hearts must meet thee, Wheresoe'er thy footsteps tread, Flow'rs spring forth to greet thee. Bose and lily bringing We approach thy shrine. Old and young are singing, And our songs are thine. Children (strewing lilies on the ground). We bring thee lUies On slender stem. In heav'n the hand of angels Proffers them. Strewn with their petals bright Our Lady's gown is ; Her sacred crown is Gemmed with their light. Women and Sailors. Bising ever higher Sounds our song afar. With our voices blending Zither and guitar. Sailors (offering necklaces of corals and pearls). To thee we proffer Eich pearls and corals Which we have gathered Deep in the sea. Thee, Desdemona, Like a fair image. With all our treasures Crowning are we. Women (strewing leaves and flower^. For thee we gathered Blossoms of springtime. Gladly we strew them, For they are thine. Thy silken tresses April shall fan them. The morn surround them With golden shine. Women and Sailors. Bising ever higher Sounds our song afar. With our voices blending Zither and guitar, All. Wheresoe'er thy glances shed Brightness, hearts must meet thee. Wheresoe'er thy footsteps tread, Flow'rs spring forth to greet thee. Bose and lily bringing We approach thy shrine. Old and young are singing. And our songs are thine. Des. Sunlight, blowing breezes, Bose and heliotrope Fill my heart with gladness. Waken love and hope. C}io. Live long and happy, thine be hope and love. [During the singing lago and Oth. have been watching the scene.'] Oth. (softly moved). Their song has wrung my bosom. If she be false. Oh, then heav'n mocks itself. lago (aside). See love and beauty here together dwelling, I Until I come their harmony dispelling. SCENE IV. When the singing is over Des. kisses some of the children, and some of the women kiss the hem of her gown. She gives a purse to the sailors, Esdt Chorus slowly. Des., followed by Emi., comes forward into the hail wlwre Jth. stands. Des. I have been talking with a suitor here. Who has felt your displeasure. Oth. Whom dost mean ? 14 OTELLO. Des. Cassio. Ote. Era lui Che ti parlava sotto quelle fronde ? Bes. Lui stesso, e 11 suo dolor che in me s' infonde Tanto h verace che di grazia h degno. latorcedo per lui, per lui ti pregro. Tu gli perdona. Ote. Non era. Des. Non oppormi 11 tuo diniego. Gli perdoua. Ote. Non ora. Des. Perche torbicja suona La voce tua ? qual pena t' addolora ? Ote. M' ardon le temple — Des. {spiegando il suo fazzoletto come per fasciare lafronte d' Ote.). Quell' ardor molesto Svanira, se con questo Morbido .lino la mia man ti fascia. Ote. {getta il faszoletto a terra). Nonho d' uopo di cio. Des. Tu sei crucciato Signor. Ote. [aspramente). Mi lascia ! [Emi. raccogiie ilfaszoletto dal suolo.] Des. Se inconsoia, contro te, sposo, ho peccato Dammi la dolce e lieta Parola del perdono. La tua fanciulla io sono Umile e mansueta ; Ma il labbro tuo soepira, Hai 1' occMo flso al suol. Guardami in volto e mira Come favella amore. Vien ch' io t' allieti il core, Ch' io ti lenlsoa il duol. Ote. (a parte). (Forse perchfe gli inganni D' argnto amor non tendo, Forse perchS discendo Nella valle degli anni, Forse perclie ho sul viso Quest' atro tenebror, Ella e perduta e irriso Io sono e 11 cor m' infrango E ruinar nel fango "Vedo il mio sogno d' &r.) Jag. {a End. soUovoce). Quel vel mi porgi Cti' or hai raccolto. Eini. {sottovoce a Jago). Qual frode scorgi ? Ti legge in volto. Jag. i" opponi a voto Quand' io comando. Enii. II tuo nefando Livor m' e noto. Jag. S"spetto insano ! Einl. Guardia fedel E qnestii mano. Jag. Dammi quel vel ! [Jag. affera violentemente il braccio di End.'] Jag. Su te 1' irosa Mia man s' aggrava ! EmL Son li tua sposa, Non la tua schiava. Jag. La schiava impura Tu sei di Jago. Umi. Ho il cor presago D' una s Ventura. Jag. N6 mi paventi ? Enii. Uomo crudell Jag. A me — Emi. Che tenti ? Jag. A me quel vel I [Con un colpo di mano Jag. ha carpito ifi fazzoletto ad Emi.] Jag. (Gih la mia brama Conquido, ed ora Su questa ti;ama Jago lavora !) Emi. (Vinser gli artigli Truci e codardi. Dio dai perigli Sempra ci guardi.) Ote. Escite ! Solo vo' restar. Jag. (sottovoce ad Emi. che sta per escire). (TU giova Tacere. Intend! ?) [Des. ed Emi. escono. Jag. flnge d' escire daUa porta delfondo, ma giuntovi s' arresta.] SCENA V. Otello : Jago nelfondo. Ote. {accasciato, su d' un sedUe). Desdemona r trionfale e pic ! E dlane squillanti in- sul mattin ! Clamori e canti di battaglla, addio ! — Delia gloria d' Otello e questo il fin. Jag. Pace, signor. Ote. Sciagurato ! mi trova Una prova secura Che Desdemona e impura — j Non sf uggir ! non sfuggir ! nulla ti giova 1 \ i; Vo' una secura, una visibil prova ! [Affei-rando Jag. alia gola e atterrandolo.'i O sulla tua testa S' accenda e precipiti il fulmine Del mio spaventoso furor che si desta ! OTHELLO. 15. Des. Gasslo. 0th. Then 'twas he spoke to thee E'en now in yonder arbor ? Des. He, none other, Ay, sooth, he went away so humbled To at he hath left part of his grief with me. If I have any grace of pow'r to move you You must forgive him. Oth. Not now ! Bes. Nay, I'll take Not your denial, forgive him ! Oth. Not now ! Des. Why do you speak so faintly ? Are you not well, does any pain afflict you ? Oth. Here on my forehead. Des. (^reading out her handkerchief, as if to tie it round the forehead of Otli.). 'Twill away again. Within this hour it will be well, if you WUl let me bind it with this napkin. Oth. (throws the handkerchief down). It is too little. Des. I am very sorry. My Lord. Oth. {rcntghly). Let it alone ! [-Bmi. picks up the handkerchief] Des. If ever 'gainst my wiU I have offended, Dear husband, let me pray it. The word of pardon say it. I am thy child, thy servant. Of thy least hint observant. Thy silence speaks of sadness, Thy face is turned from me. See in mine eyes the token Of vows of love unbroken. Oh ! let me cheer thy sadness, Oh ! let me comfort thee ! Oth. {aside). Haply because I lack Soft parts of conversation, Or that I am declined Into the vale of years ; Haply because my visage Is dyed of deepest black. Her life is lost, a byword Am I, my heart is broken, And in the dust is scattered My golden dream of love. lago. (aside to Emi). ' That napkin give me, I have been watching. Mmi. (aside to lago). Some scheme you're hatching ; You'll not deceive me. logo. To me defiance How dare you show it? Mni. Your wicked scheming Too well I know it. logo. Surely you're dreaming ! Umi. In mine own trust I place reliance. lago. Give it you must. ^„ .-, \Iago Violently grasps the arm of Emi.\ logo. My hand in strife You cannot brave. Emi. I am your wife And not vour slave I logo. My bondsmaid are you, Believe my message. Emi. My heart has presage Of boding grief. lago. Now, do I scare you ? Em.i. Ah 1 cruel man ! logo. Give me — Emi. No, never ! lago. That handkerchief ! [With a sudden wrench lie tears Hie handker- chief from Emi.\ lago. Spent is my anger ; Firmly I hold them Here in my meshes. lago's master. Emi. Lurking disaster Spreads out its meshes. God, in their danger Strengthen, uphold them. Oth. Leave me, I fain would be alone. lago (aside to Emi., wlio is about to go). Of this.- no word, I charge you. [Exeunt l^es. and Emi. lago goes towards the- door at back, as if about to leave, but remains^: standing there.] SCENE V. Othello and Iago (behind). Oth. (exhausted, throws himself into a chair). Des-- demona false ! Iago (at the back, looking at the handkerchief and,". then carefully replacing it in his doublet). Trifles light as air Are to the jealous proofs of holy writ. Now will I lose in Cassio's house this napkin. . Oth. The thought is, monstrous ! Iago (to himself, watching Oth.). He changes with.' my poison. Oth. False to me ! ha, to me ! Iago (aside). Yea, writhe and foam ! Oth. Oh monstrous, monstrous ! Iago (going up to Oth.,- cordially). General, no more of that ! Oth. Avaunt thee, thou hast set me on the rack ? ; Ah me! I swear 'tis better to be much abused Than but to know't a little. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust Though stolen from me ? I saw't not, thought it not, it harmed not me i. Free and merry was I, not knowing aught. I did not wince, when her sweet body I clasped! In tender love, nor did find on her lips The burning kiss of Cassio. Oh, now for ever Farewell the tranquil mind, farewell content And noble thoughts of war ! Farewell the plumed troop, th'impending battle. The swiftly-flying shaft, the neighing steed. Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war,^ , The spirit-stirring drum, th'ear-piercing pipe. Farewell ! Othello's occupation's gone. Iago. Peace, peace, my lord ! Oth. Villain ! .Make me to see't or at the least to prove it That my love is a strumpet. No escape Shall now avail thee. ' Be sure of it, give me the ocular proof. [He grasps Iago by the throat and throws him . down.] . Or on thy head Shall all my wakdd wrath accumulate. And with tfte fire of lightning smite thee. 16 OTELLO. ■■Jag. {rialzandosi). Divina grazia ditendimi! — II cielo Vi protegga. Non son plu vostro alflere. Voglio che il mondo testimon mi sia Che r onesti e perigllo. [Fa per andarsene.] Ote. No — rimani. Forse onesto tu sei. ■Jag. (sulla soglia fingendo d' andarsene). Meglio varrebbe Ch' io fossi un ciurmador. -Oie. Per 1' universo ! Credo leale Desdemona e credo Che 111 u lo sia ; te credo onesto e credo Disleale — La prova io voglio ! voglio La certezza ! ! -Jag. (ritornando verso Ote.). Signor, frenate 1' ansie. E qual certezza v' abbisogna ? Avvinti Vederli forse ? Ote. Ah ! Morte e dannazione ! ! -Jag. Ardua impresa sarebbe ; e qua! certezza Sognate voi se quell' immondo fatto Sempre vi sfuggiri.? — Ma pur se guida fi la ragione al vero, una si forte Congettura riserbo che per poco Alia certezza vi conduce. IJdite : [Avvicinandobi molto ad Ote. e sottovoce.] -Era la nrtte, Cassio dormia, gli stavo accanto. Con interrotte voci tradia 1' intimo incanto. Le labbra lente, lente, movea, nell' abbandono -Del sogno ardente ; e allor dicea, con flebil suono : Desdemona soave ! H nostra amor s' asconda. ■Cauti veglianio ! I' estasi del del tutto m' innonda. Seguia pivi vago 1' incubo blando ; con molle angoscia, L' interna imago quasi baciando, ei disse posoia : 11 rio destino impreco che al Moro ti donb. E allora il sogno in cieco letargo si muto. Ote. Oh ! mostruosa colpa ! ■Jag. Io non narrai Che un sogno. Ote. Un sogno che rivela un fato. ■Jag. Un sogno che pu6 dar forma di prova Ad altro indizio. Ote. E qual ? Jag. Talor vedeste In mano di Desdemona un tessuto Trapunto a flori e piu sottil d' un velo ? Ote. E il fazzoletto ch' io le diedi, pegno Primo d' amor. Jag. Quel fazzoletto ieri (Certo ne son) lo vidi in man di Cassio. Ole. Ah ! millo vite gli donasse Iddio ! Una h povera preda al furor mio ! ! Jago, ho il cuore di gelo. Lungi da me le pietose larve ! Tutto il mio vano amor esalo al cielo, Guardami — ei sparve. Nelle sue spire d' angue L' idra m' a wince! Ah! sangue ! sangue! sangue ! ! [S' inginocchia.] Si, pel ciel marmoreo giuro ! Per le attorte f olgori ! Per la Morte e per 1' oscuro mar sterminator ! D' ira e d' impeto tremendo presto fla ch© sfolgori Questa man cli' io levo e stendo ! [Levando la mano ail 01610.1 Jag. ( Ote. fa pe»- aUarsi, Jag. lo trattiene inginoc- chiato e s' inginocchia anch' esso). Non v' alzate ancor ! Testimon e il Sol ch' io miro, che m' irradia e inanima, L' ampia terra e il vasto spiro del Create inter, Che ad Otello io sacro ardenti, core, braccio ed anima S' anco ad opere cruenti s' armi il suo voler! Jag. e Ote. {Insieme, alzando le mani al cielo come chi giura). Si, pel ciel marmoreo giuro ! per le attoret folgori ! Per la Morte e per 1' oscuro mar sterminator ! D' ira e d' impeto tremendo presto Ha che sfolgori Questa man ch' io levo e stendo. Dio vendi- cator. ATTO TEEZO. La gran sola del castello. A destra un vasto peristilio a colonne. Questo perisiilio e annesso ad una sola di minori proporziani ; nel fondo della sola un verone. SCENA I. Otello, Jago, L' Akaldo. Ara. [dal peristilio, a Ote. che sara con Jag. nella sola). La vedetta del porto ha segnalato La veneta galea che a Cipro adduce Gli ambasciatori. Ote. (all' Araldo, facendogll cenno di allontanarm). Bene sta. [L' Araldo esce.] Ote. (a Jag.). Continua. Jag. Qui trarro Cassio e con astute inchieste Lo adeschero a ciarlar, Voi la nascosto [Ind/lcando il vano del verone.] Scrutate i modi suoi, le sue parole, I lazzi, i gesii. Paziente siate O la prova vi sfugge. Ecco Desdemona. Finger conviene— io vado. [S' allontana come per escire, pol s' arresta e si riavvicina ad Ote.] II fazzoletto — Ote. Va ! volentieri obliato 1' avrei. [Jag. esce.] SCENA II. Otello. Desdemona dalla porta di sinistra. Des. {ancora presso.alla soglia). Dio li giocondi, o sposo deir alma miasovrano. Ote. [andando incontro a Des. e prendendole la mano). Grazie, madonna, datemi la vostra ebumea mano. Caldo mador ne irrora la morbida belt&,. -Des. Essa ancor 1' orme ignora del duolo e deir eta. . Ote. Eppur qui annida il demone gentil del mal cousiglio, Che il vago avorio allumina del piocioletto artiglio. MoUemente alia prece s' atteggia e al pio fervore — ^ OTHELLO. 17 logo [rising). Oh grace of heav'n forgive me ! Be God's own mercy -with you, taike mine office! Take note, oh world, that it is safe no longer To be direct and honest. ' * [Be viakes pretense of leaving.] Oth. Nay, stay, thou should'st be honest. lago [on the threshold, still pretending to with- draw). . I should be wise, lor honesty's a fool. Oth. The world be witness : I think my wife be honest, and thmk she is not ; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. I'U have some proof, would I were satisfied ! logo [returning to Oth.). I do not like the office. What shall I say, Where's satisfaction ? Would you see this ? Oth. Death and damnation ! lago. 'Twere difficult, truly. There's no satis- faction IFor you. Will not the hideous deed Por ever thine eyes escape ? But yet I say If imputation and strong circumstance Orossly suspicious Will give you satisfaction you may have it. [He goes closely up to Oth. ; in a whisper.] I lay with Cassio lately, and myself Sleepless, I watched his slumbers. Suddenly He 'gan to mutter of what he was dreaming. Moving his lips gently and slowly, words Of deepest import then I heard him utter. Saying in tearful and in passionate accents : ■" Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary ever, let us hide What to thee and to me is heav'nly sweetness." Then in his dream moved he towards me, sighing And kissing softly now his fancy's image. Thus did he murmur : " Ah cursed Tate that gave thee to the Moor !" And after that, the dream forsaking him, Calmly he slept. Oth. Oh, monstrous, monstrous ! lago. Nay, 'twas but his dream. Oth. But this denoted a foregone conclusion. Jago. "H may thicken other proofs that do demonstrate thinly. Oth. And how ? lago. Have you not seen in your wife's hands A handkerchief spotted with strawberries And of most subtle texture ? Oth. Such is the handkerchief I gave to her, 'Twas my first gift. lago. That handkerchief Lately, upon my oath, was in the hands of Cassio. Oth, Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives! One is too weak and poor for my revenge. Listen lago : All my fond love thus do I blow to heav'n, Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell ! Look on me, it is gone ! Yield up, oh love, thy crown to tyrannous hate ! Oh blood ! blood ! blood ! [He kneels.] Witness yon marble heaven, Witness ye eternal lights above, Te elements that clip us round about ! Never shall cease my hatred, never ebb My wrath, until this hand hath wrought my vengeance ! [He lifts up his liand.] lago ( Otfi. is about to rise, when lago holds him down and kneels himself). Nay, rise not yet ! Witness ye Sun which here us doth illumine, Ye earth on which we live, ye ambient air, In which we breathe the all-Creator's breath. Witness that here lago doth -give up His hand, his heart, his wit to 'wronged Othello's service. Both [raising their hands as for a solemn oath). Witness yon marble heav'n, Witness ye eternal lights above, Ye elements that clip us round about ! Never shall cease my hatred, never ebb My wrath, until this hand hath wrought my vengeance ! So help me God ! ACT III. Tlie great hall of the castle. To the left a large portico, which leads to another smaller haU ; at the back of tlie hall a colonnade. SCENE I. Othello, Iago and a Herald. Her. (from the portico to Oth., wlw is viith lago in the hall). Sir, the watch of the port has just signaled the arrival of ttie galley which brings to Cyprus the embassadors. Oth. [to the Herald, beckoning him to go), "lis well. (2b lago.) Go on then. [Exit Herald.] Iago. I spoke to Cassio, bade him anon return. The which he promised. Do but encave yourself [Pointing to the colonnade.] And mark the slurs, the gibes and scornful actions, I say, mark but his gestures. Marry patience ! Or the proof will escape you. See, yonder comes your wife, you must be cunning. I leave you. [He moves away as if to leave, tlien stops and returns to Othello.J That handkerchief is — Oth. Go, do not name't ; I would gladly for- get it. \Eicit logo.] SCENE n. Othello, and Desdemona, who enters from the right. Bes. [still almost on the threshold). How is't with you, my husband, My heart's sole lord and master? Oth. [going to meet Bes. and taking her hand). "Well, my good lady. Give me your hand, as white as virgin snow. Yet hot and moist ; which argues A frank and liberal heart. Bes. It yet hath felt no age, nor known of sorrow. Oth. And yet within this hand there is a young And melting devil, that commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, a frank one ; it requires Much fervent pi'ayer and castigation. 18 OTELLO. Des. Eppur con questa mano io v' ho donato il core. Ma liparlar vi debbo di Cassio. Ote. Ancor 1' ambascia Del mio morbo m' assale ; tu la fronte mi fascia. Des. {porgeiidogli un fazzoletto). Ate. Ote. No ; il fazzoletto voglio ch' io ti donai. Des. Non 1' ho meco. Ote. Desdemona, guai se Io perdi ! guai ! Una possente maga ne ordia Io stame arcano: Ivi 6 reposta 1' alta malia d' Tin talismano. Bada ! smarrirlo, oppur donarlo, e ria sven- tura! Des. II vero parli ? Ote. II vero parlo. Des. Mi fai paura ! — Ote. Che ! ? 1' hai perduto f orse ? Des. No — Ote. Lo cerca. Des. Fra poco^ Lo cerchero. Ote. No tosto ! jDes. Tu di me ti fai gioco, Storni cosi 1' inehiesta di Cassio ; astuzia e questa Del tuo pensier. Ote. Pel cielo ! 1' anima mia sia desta ! II fazzoletto — Des. fi Cassio 1' amico tuo diletto. II fazzoletto ! ! Des. A Cassio perdoua — Ote. II fazzoletto ! ! ! Des. Gran Dio ! nella tua voce v' 6 un grido di minaccia ! Ote. Alza quegli oochi ! [lYendendola a forza sotto il mento e alia spalla e obligandola a guardarlo.] Des. Atroce idea ! Ote. Guardami in faccia ! Dimmi chi sei ! Des. La sposa fedel d' Otello. > Ote. Giura ! Giura e ti danna — X>e.s. Otello fedel mi crede. Ote. Impura Ti credo. Des. Iddio m' aiuti ! Ote. Corri alia tua condanna, Di' che sei casta. Des. (jissanddlo). Casta — lo son — Ote. Giura e ti danna ! ! ! Des. Esterrefatta flsso lo sguardo tuo tre- mendo, In teparJaunaFuria, la sento e Qon 1' intendo. Mi giiarda ! il volto e 1' anima ti svelo ; il core infranto Mi scruta ; iq prego il cielo per te con questo pianto. Per te con quests stille cocenti aspergo il suol. Guarda le prime lagrime che da me spreme il duol. Ote. S' or ti scorge il tuo dftmone un angelo ti crede E non t' afferra. , Des. Vede 1' Eterno la mia f ede ! Ote. No i. la vede 1' inferno. Des. La tua giustizia impetro, . Sposo mio I Ote. Ah ! Desdemona ! Indietro ! indietro ! indietro ! ! dSs. Tu pur piangi ? ! — e gemendo freni del cor lo schianto E son io r innocente cagion di tanto pianto !— Qual e il mio fallo ? Ote. E il chiedi ? — II piu nero delitto Sovra il candido giglio della tua fronte & scritto. Des. Ahime ! Ote. Che ? non sei f orse una vil cortigiana ? Des. Ciel ! No — no — pel battesmo della fede cristiana ! — Ote. Che ?— Des. Non son cio che esprime quella parola orrenda. [Ote. prende Des. per mano e la conduce alia porta d'onde entro.] Ote. Datemi ancor 1' eburnea mano, vo' fare ammenda. Vi credea (perdonate se il mio pensiero 6 f ello) Quella vil cortigiana che e la sposa d' Otello. [Alle ultime parole, Ote. die sard snd limitare della porta di sinistra, sforzn con una In- flessione del hraccio, Des. ad escire. Poi ritorna verso il centra dalla scena nel massimo grado dell'abtattimento.] SCENA III. Otello. Dio ! mi potevi scagliar tutti i mall Della miseria, della vergogna, Far de' miei baldi trofei trionfali Una maoeria, una menzogna— E avrei portato la croce crudel D' angoscie e d' onte Con cahna fronte E ressegnato al volere del cieL Ma, o pianto, o duol! m' han rapito 11 mi- raggio Dov' io, giulivo, 1' anima acqueto. Spento e quel sol, quel sorriso, quel raggio Che mi fa vivo, ohe mi fa lieto ! Tu alfln, Clemenza, pio genio immortal Dal roseo riso, Copri il tuo viso Santo coll' orrida larva infernal ! SCENA IV. Otello, poi Jago. Ote. Ah ! Dannazione ! Pria c nfessi il delitto e poscia muoia ! Confessiono ! Confessione ! — [Mitra Jag.] La prova ! — Jag. {accanto ad Ote. e indicando V ingresso). Cassio e la ! Ote. La ? ! Cielo ! gioia ! ! [Poi con subito raccajyriccio.} Orror !— Supplizi immondi ! ! Jag. Ti frena ! Ti nascondi. [Conduce rapidamente Ote'., nel fondo asinist¥a dove c & il vano del verone corre versO il fondo del pprisfdio dove incontra Cas; che esita ad entrare.l OTHELLO. 19 Des. It was this hand That gave away my heart. But I must speak To you of Cassio. 0th. I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me. Lend me thy handkerchief. Des. {offers Mm her handkerchief). 'Tis here. Oth. Lend me the handkerchief I gave thee, Not this. Des. I have it not about me. Oth. Take heed on it. Woe to thee shouldst thou lose it. My mother had it From an Egyptian, a mighty charmer. A potent spell is hidden in its texture. To lose't or give't away were sure perdition. Des. Is't true you say ? Oth. Most veritable. Des. Tou do affright me. Oth. What ? Tell rae hast thou lost it ? Des. No ! Oth. Go fetch it ! Des. Believe me 'tis not lost. Oth. Go fetch it! Des. Why, so 1 can. Sir, but I will not now. I pray let Cassio be received again. This is a trick to put me from my suit. Oth. By heav'n ! my mind misgives me. That handkerchief — Des. To Cassio's suit you must listen ! Oth. That handkerchief ! Des. Great heav'n ! you seem to threaten. There is fury In your words. Oth. {putting his hand under her chin and forcing her to look at him). Lift up thine eyes. Look in my face ! Say what art thou ? Des. Your loyal wife, Othello ! Oth. Swear it, damn thyself ! Des. Heav'n doth most truly know it. Oth. A strumpet I think thee. Des. Oh heav'n forgive us ! Oth. Once more thy falsehood utter, say thou'rt honest ! Des. {looking firmly at him). Honest I am. Oth. Swear it and damn thyself ! Des. Upon my knees, beneath your glance I tremble. I understand the fury in your words. But not the words. Behold, to thee my face and soul lie open, Oh, look into my broken heart, I pray. My sighs rise up to heaven with a prayer For thee ; for thee these tears bedew the earth, The Urst I ever shed. Oth. The fiends themselves would fear to seize thee. Being like one of heav'n in mien and .sem- blance. Des. God sees my heart, and knows that I am honest. Oth. He knows thou'rt perjured. Des. Be just unto thy loyal wife, Othello ! Oth. Oh, Desdemona, away, away, aWay I Des. Why do you weep ? Alack the heavy day! Win it you must. Whose is the fault? Am I the motive of these tears ? Have I offended? Oth. You ask me ! See the foul word written On the white page of this most goodly book ! Des. Alas ! Oth. What, are not you an impudent strumpet • Des. No ! Your vile charge is false, as I'm a Christian ! Oth. What! Des. No ! I am not a strumpet ; the horrid word I grasp not. [Oth. takes Des. by the hand and leads her to the door by which she had entered.] OOi. Once more give me your hand as white as snow ! I cry your mercy then, for I mistook you — Pray parden if in thought or word I wronged you— For that strumpet of Venice, who married with Othello. [At the last word Oth., who by this time has reached the door on the right^pushes Des. out of the room. Then he returns to the center of the stage in great dejection:] SCENE ill. Othello. Oth. Had it pleased heav'n to try me with affliction, Had it rained sorrow and shame on my bare head. And to the very lips in poverty steeped me. Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes I could have borne't, though bitter it were and shameful. A drop of patience I would still have found In some place of my soul. But there, where I have garnered up my heart Where either I inust live or bear no lif6>, The fountain from the which my current runs Or else dries up, to be discarded thence ! Turn thy complexion there. Patience, thou young androselipped cherubin ! Ay, there look grim as hell ! SCENE IV. Othello, afterwards Iago. Oth. Death and damnation ! to me thou shalt confess thee And die hereafter ! Handkerchief ! handker- chief ! Confess it !. [Enter Iago.] Iago {coming up to Oth. and pointing to the e^ntratwe). , Cassio's there. Oth. There? Heav'n, I thank thee. [Suddenly relapsing into his first mood.] Oh, monstrous ! Their stolen pleasures — Iago. There hide thee, ■ > And list, in patience. [He rapidly leads Oth. to the right wing of the colonnade, and then runs to tlie portico through which erter CasA , ao OTELLO. SCENA V. OiELLO nascosto. Jago e Cassio. Jag. Vieni : 1' aula h deserta. i" inoltra, Capitano. Cos. Questo nome d' onor suona ancor vano. Per me. Jag. Fa cor, la tua causa h in tal mano Che la vittoria h certa. Cos. lo qui credea di ritrovar Desdemona. Ote. (nascosta). (Ei la nomo.) Cos. Vorrei parlarle ancora, Per saper se la mia grazia e profEerta. Jag. (gaiamente). L'attendi ; e intanto, giacchS non si stanca Mai la tua lingua nelle fole gale, Narrami un po' di lei che t' innamora. [Conducendo Cas. accanto alia prima colonna del peri^tilio.] Cas. Dichi? Jag. {sottovoce assai), Di Bianea. Ote. (Sorride !) Cos. Bale ! — Jag. Essa t' avvince Coi vaghi rai. Cas. Eider ini fai. Jag. Eide cM vince. Cas. (ridendo). In tai disflde — per verita, Vince chi ride — Ah ! Ah ! Jag. {come sopra). Ah ! Ah ! Ote. (L' empio trionfa, il suo scherno m' uccide ; Dio frena 1' ansia che in core mi sta !) Cos. Son gih di baci Sazio e dl lai. Jag. Elder mi fai. Cas. O amor' fugaci ! Jag. Vagheggi il regno — d' altra beltk Colgo nel segno ? Cas. Ah! Ah! Jag. Ah ! Ah ! Ote. (L' empio m' irride — il suo scherno m' uccide ; Dio frena 1' ansia che in core mi sta !) Cas. Nel segno hai c<o. Si, lo confesso. M' odi— Jag. {assai sottovoce). Sommesso Parla. T ascolto. Cas. {assai sottovoce, mentre Jag. lo conduce in posto piio lontano da Ote.) {Or si, or no si senton le parole.) Jago, t' e nota La mia dimora — T [Le parole si perdono.] Ote. {avvicinandosi unpoco e cautamente per udir cio che dicono). (Or gli racconta il modo, II luogo e 1' orar— ) Cas. {continuando il racconto sempre sottovoce). Da mano ignota — [Le parole si perdono ancora.] Ote. lie parole non odo-s- Lasso ! udlr le vorrei ! Dove son glunto ! ! Cas. Un vel trapunto — [Come sopra.] Jag. £ strano ! h strano ! Ote. (D' avvicinarmi Jago mi fa cenno.) [Passo passo con lenta cautela, Ote., nasconden- dosi dietro le colonne, arrivera piio tardi vicino ai due.] ' Jag. {sottovoce). pa ignota mano ? [Forte.] Baie ! Cas. Da senno. [Jag. gli fa cenno diparlar ancora sottovoce.] Quanto mi tarda Saper chi sia — Jag. {giMrdando rapidamente dalla parte d' Ote., fra se). (Otello spia.) [A Cas. ad alta voce.] L' hai teco ? Cas. {estrae dal giustacuore il fazeoletto di Des.). Guarda. Jag. {prendendo il faseoletto). Qual meradglia ! [A parte.] (Otello origlia. Ei s' avvicina Con mosse accorte.) [A Cas. inchinandosi scliersosamente e passando le mani dietro la schiena percTih Ote. possa osservare il fazzolettc] Bel cavaliere — nel vostro ostel. Perdono gli angeli — 1' aureola e il vel. Ote. {avvicinandosi assai al fazsoletto, dietro le spalle di Jag. e nascosto dalla prima cokmna). (fi quelle ! e quelle ! Euina e Mort.e !) Jag. (Origlia Otello.) Ote. {nascosto dietro la colonna e guardando di tratto in tratto ilfazzolelto nelle mani di Cos.). Tutto e spento ! Amore e duol. L' alma mia nessun piu smova Tradimento, la tua prova Spaventosa mostri al Sol. Jag. (a Cas. indicando il fazBoletto). Quest' 6 una ragua Dove il tuo cuor Casca, si lagna, S' impiglia e muor. Troppo r ammiri, Troppo la guardi, Bada ai deliri Vani e bugiardi. Quest' e una ragna Dove il tuo cuor Casca, si lagna, S' impiglia e muor. Cas. (guardando il fazzoletto che avra ritolto a Jag.). Miracolo vagp Dell' aspo e dell' ago Che in raggi tramuta Le flla d'un vel ; Pill bianco, piu lieve Che flocco di neve, Ohe nube tessuta Dair aure del ciel. [Squillo di canonne ; verone.] Jag. Quest' h prodo Delia trireme veneziana, tromba intemo, poi un colpo di Ote. sara ritomato nel vano del il segnale che annuncia 1' ap- Ascolta. ,„ ., [Squilli da varie parti.] Tutto il castel co' suoi squilli risponde. Se qui non vuoi con Otello scontrarti Fuggi. Cas. Addlo. Jag. Va. [Cas. esce veiocemente dalfcmdo.] OTHELLO. 21 SCENE V. Othello {hidden), Iago and Gas. logo. Come, then ! the hall's deserted. How goes it, good lieutenant? Cos. All the worse. That by the name you call me I have lost. Iago. Take heart ! in such hands is your case, that surely Win it you must. Cas. Here did I hope to meet with Desdemona. 0th. {aside). He's named her name 1 Cas. Once more I fain would ask her To bring my anxious suit unto an issue. logo {gaily). Await her then ; and meantime I know thy tongue is burning now to tell me Thy amorous follies ; say then, and speak of her Whom thou adorest. [He leads Cas. to the first column of the portico.] Cas. Of whom ? logo {very softly). Of Bianca. 0th. {aside). He's laughing ! Cas. Nonsense ! logo. Say, wilt thou wed her ? Say, art thou conquered ? Cas. I can't help laughing. Iago. He wins who laughs last. Cas. {laughing). It is the monkey's own giving out. He wins who laughs last, ha ! ha ! Iago. Ha ! ha ! Oth. {aside). The villain triumphs ! his laughter smites my bosom ; God give me patience to bear all this grief. Cas. I loathe her kisses. They pall upon me. Iago. I can't help laughing, Cas. Yea, love is fleeting. logo. Some other beauty has thee in thrall. Say, have I caught thee ? Cas. Ha ! ha ! Iago. Ha ! ha ! Oth. {as before). The villain laughs, his laughter smites my bosom ; God give me patience to bear all this grief. Cas. Tea, thou hast caught me, I must confess it, Hear me — Iago {very softly). Speak gently. Gently ! I hear thee. Cas. {speaking very gently, while logo leads him to a place further from, Oth. ; his words are audible and inaudible at intervals.) Know'st thou, Iago, Where is my lodging? . . . . . [Ms words are last.] Oth. {cautiously approaching to hear what they are saying). Now does he tell him The manner, place, and hour. Cas. {continuing his story and always speaking very gently). An unknown hand [Again the words are lost.] Oth. {aside). His words I cannot hear. Woe's me ! I fain would know ! Has't come to this ? Cas. A broidered napkin Oth. {aside). Iago beckons nearer to approach him. [Walking cautiously and hiding behind the col' murvs, Oth. draws nearer to them.] Iago {softly). An unknown hand ? {Mnud.) Nonsense ! Cas. Nay, truly, Ilago makes signs to him to speak more gently.] cannot fathom Who there has placed it. loigo {looking to wliere Oth. stands ; to himself), Othello sees us. [To Cas., aloud.] Where is it? Cas. [drawing Des.'s handkerchief from his doublet). Here t'is. Iago (taking the handJcerchi^). Wonder of wonders ! [Aside.] Othello listens. Still drawing nigher With stealthy caution. [Holding the Imndkerchief behind him so as to let Oth. see it, and bomng laughingly to Cas), You gay young courtier, visiting angels In your fair house, forget their crown and wings. Otlu {looking at the handkerchief and standing close to Iago, hidden by the first column), I know't, I know it ! Oh monstrous, monstrous ! logo {to himself). Othello listens. Oth. {hidden behind the column and looking -at the handkerchief in Cas.'s hands). All has vanished, grief and love. Nothing more my heart can move. Latent treason, hatched in night, Now lies open to the light. Iago {to Cos., pointing to the handkerchief). This is a spider's web Where thy poor heart Is caught and languishes; Never to part. While thou art feeling Baptures unceasing. Firmly she holds thee Never releasing. This is a spider's web Where thy poor heart Is caught and languishes. Never to part. Cos. {looking at the handkerchief, which he has taken from Iago). This is a wonder, wrought By thread and thimble ; Unto a ray of light The fabric's changed. j No snowdrift is whiter. No gossamer lighter, *- Ifr Is like a cloudlet That floats in the sky. Iago. [Inaudible as above.] Curious, most curious ! [Trumpet signals, and afterwards a gun fired behind; Oth. has again retired to the colon- nade.] Iago. This is the signal announcing that the galley from Venice [trumpets from various sides] is at anchor. Listen! With all its trumpets the castle gives answer ; if you wish not Othello to meet you, hasten ! Cas. Farewell then. Iago. Go ! [Hunt Cas. quickly at back.] 22 OTELLO. SCENA VI. Jago. Otello. Ote. {avvieinandom a Jag.). Come la uccidero? Jag. Vedeste ben com' egli ha riso ? Ote. Vidi. [Di tanto in ianto salve di gioia e squilli die si avcicinana.] Jag. E il f azzoletto ? Ote. Tulto vidi. Voci {dal difuori, lontane). Ewiva ! Voci. Alia riva ! Voci. Jd\o sbarco ! Ote. S condannata. Fa ch' io m' abbla un velea per questa notte. Voci (p'h vicine). Ewiva! Ewiva il Ledn di San l\Iarco ! Jag. IHosco no, val meglio soffocarla, La, n^'l suo letto, la, dove ha peceato. Ote. Questa giustizia tua mi piade. ■Jag. A Cassio Jag""! provvederS,. Ote. Jago, iin li' ora Mio Capitano t' eleggo. 'Jag. Mio Duce, Grazie vi rendo. [12 tumulto e sempre piv, vicino. Fanfare e grida.] Ecco gli Ambasciatori. Li accogliete. Ma ad evitar sospetti Desdemona si mostri a quel Messeri. Ote. Si, vui 1' adduci. [Jag. esce dalla porta di sinistra : Ote. s' avvia verso it fondo per ricevere gli Ambfisciatori.] SOENA VII. Otello, Lodovioo, Eodebigo, L' Araldo. — Digni- tari delta Bepubblica Veneta — Geniiluomini e Davie — Soldati — Trombettieri, dal fondo— poi Jago con Desdemona ed Emilia dalla sinistra. Lod. [tenendo una pjergamena). II Doge ed il senato Salutano 1' eroe trionfatore Di Cipro. Io reco nelle vostre mani II messaggio dogale. Ote. [prendendoilmessaggioe baciandoilsuggello). Io bacio il segno Delia Sovrana Maesta. [Lo spiega e legge.] Lod. {avvitdnando.'ii a Des.). Madonna, V abbia il cielo in sua guardia. Bes. E il oiel v' ascolti. Emi. [a Des., a parte). (Come sei mesta.) Bes. [ad JEmi.,aparte). Emilia! una gran nube Turba il senno d' Otello e il mio destine. Jag. (andando a Lod.). Messer, son lieto di vedervi. [Lod., Des. e Jag. formano crocchio Insieme.] Jjod. Jago, Quali nuove ? — ma in mezzo a voi non trovo Cassio. Jag. Con lui crucciato k Otello. Des. Credo Che in grazia tornera. Ote. {a Des. rapidamente e sempre in atto di leggere). Ne siete certa ? Des. Che dite ? Lod. Ei legge, non vi parla. Jag. Forse Che in grazia tornera. Des. Jago, lo spero ; Sai seun verace affetto io porti a Cassio^ Ote. (sempre in aito di leggere e febbrilmente a Des. sottovoce). Frenatei dunque le labbra loquaci — Des. Perdonate, Signor — Ote. [avventandosi contro Des.). Demonio taci ! ! Lod. (arrestando il gesto d' Ote.). Perma I Tatti. Orrore I Lod. La mente mia non osa Pensar oh' io vidi il vero. Ote. [repentinanxente all' Araldo e con accenio imperioso). A me Cassio ! [L' Araldo esce.] Jag. (passando rapido accanto ad Ote., e a bassa voce). (Che tenti ?) ■ Ote. {a Jag. a bassa voce). (Guardala mentr' ei giunge.) Lod. Ah ! triste sposa ! [A bassa voce avvicinandosi a Jag. die si sara un po' allontanato da Ote.] Quest' e dunque T eroe ? quest' e il guerriero Dal sublimi ardimenti? Jag. {a Lod. dlzando le spalle). E quel ch' egli e. Lod. Palesa il tuo pensiero. Jag. Meglid e tener su ci6 la lingua muta. SCENA VIII. Cassio segulto dalV Akaldo, e detti. Ote. [die avrd sempre fissato la porta). (Eccolo ! E lui I [Avvicinandosi a Jag. nientre Cos. e sulla soglia.] (Neir animo lo scruta.) Ote. {ad alia voce a tutti). Messeri ! II Doge — [Buvidamente ma sottovoce a Des.] — (ben tu flngi il pianto) [ A tutti ad alia voce.] Mi richiama a Venezia. Bod. (Inflda sorte !) Ote. (continuando ad alta voce e dominandosi). E in Cipro elegge Mio successor colui che stava accanto Al mio vessilTb, Cassio. Jag. ifierarnente e sopreso). (Inferno e morte I) Ote. {continuando come sopra e raostrando laper^ gamena). La parola Ducale e nostra leggfe. Gas. {indiinandosi ad Ote.). Obbediro. Ote. {rapidamente a Jag. in segreto ed indicando Cas.). (Vedi ? non par che esulti L' inf ame. Jag. No.) Ote. {ad alta voce a tutti). La oiurma e la corte [A Des. sottovoce e rapidissimo.] (Continua i tuoi singulti — ) [Ad alta voce a tutti, senza piv, guardar Cas.] E le navi e il castello Lascio in poter del nuovo Duce. Lod. {a Ote. additando Des. che s' avvicina sup- plichevolmente). Otello, Per pieta, la conforta, o il cor le infrangi. OTHELLO. 23 SCENE VI. Iago. Othello. Oth. {going up to Iago). How shall I murder him ? Iago. Did you perceive him gaily lauehing ? Oth. Truly. [Guns and trumpets heard at intervals^ coming nearer.] Iago. The napkin did you see? Oth. Ay, well I saw it. Voices (in the distance, behind). Be welcome ! Others. To the shoreward ! Others. Pull together ! Oth. Her fate is settled ; This same night she must die. Give me some poison. Voices (nearer). Welcome ! welcome ! the lion of San Marco ! Iago. Do't not with poison; better 'tis to strangle her, There in her bed, the bed she has defiled. Oth. Good, good, the justice of it pleases. logo. For Cassio I will myself provide. Oth. Thou, from this hour, Iago, Art my lieutenant. Iago. My general, thanks I proffer. [Tlie noise outside approaches more and more; slwuts and flourish of trumpets.] There's some one come from Venice, go re- ceive him. And, to avoid suspicion. Let Desdemona with yourself be present. Oth. Yea, go to call her. ,[Exit Iago right. Oth. goes towards hack to receive the Ambassadors.] SCENE VII. Othello, Lodovico, Eodbkigo, the Herald — Dig- nitaries of the Venetian Repubtic-^Ladies and ■Cavaliers — Soldiers — Trumpeters at hack. Afterwards Iago with Desdemona and Emilia entering from right. Iiod. (holding a parchment). The Duke and Senate Of Venice greet the glorious hero Of Cyprus. To your own hands I here deliver Their gracious message. Oth. (taking the letter and kissing the seal). I kiss The symbol of their sovereign majesty. [Opens the letter and reads.] Iiod. (going up to Des.). My lady, may the apgels protect j'ou ! JDes. May Heav'n hear you. JEmi. (to Des., aside). Why this sadness ? Des. (to EmL, asidi'A. Oh, Emiiia, A heavy clomi hangs o'er Othello's mind. And o'er my future. Iago (to Lod., going up to Mm). Most Welcome ! I am very g'ad to see ym. [Lod., Des. aud Iago form a group.] Lod. Thank you, Iago. What news, how does Lieutenant Cassio ? Iago. Annoyed with him's Othello. Des. But soon he will regain his grace. Oth. (to Des., speaking rapidly and continuing to read). Art thou So certain ? Des. What say you? Lod. •He's reading And did not listen. Iago. Perhaps he will regain His grace. Des. Firmly I hope so, I would do much For the love I bear to Cassio. Oth. (always pretending to read, excitedly to Des. in a whisper). Pray keep Tour eloquent tongue from wagging. Des. Pray forgive me, My lord. ^ Oth. (about to strike Des.). Be silent, devil I Lod. (holding back Oth.) Spare her ! All. Horror ! Lod. My mind cannot beheve this deed, al- though I saw it. Oth. (to the Herald,, in a commanding voice). Call Cassio. [Exit Herald.] Iago (going rapidly up to Oth., softly). Wherefor ? Oth. (aside to' Iago). Watch her When first he enters ! Chorus. Unhappy lady ! Lod. (aside to Iago, who has gone a little distance from Oth.). Is this the noble Moor, whom our full Senate Call all in all sufBoient ? Iago (to Lod., shrugging his shoulders). He's that he is. Lod. What think you ? Let me know. Iago. Pray pardon me, I dare not breathe my censure. SCENE VIIL Enter Cassio, followed by the Herald. Oth. (who has been intently looking towards the door). He comes, 'tis he ! (Aside to logo, while Cos. is on the threshold). With all thy senses watch him. [In a loud voice, to aU.} Good Sirs, the Duke here — (furiously in a whisyper to Des.). (Oh, well-painted passion !) Has recalled me to Venice. Bod. (aside). Then all is over. Oth. (in a loud voice, controlling himself). In Cyprus is chosen in my place e'en he Who was for these years my lieutenant, Cassio. Iago (aside, surprised and furious). Death and perdition ! Oth. (speaking as above, and pointing to the docu- ment). Sir, I obey the mandate of the Duke. Cos. (bowing to Oth.). I, too, obey. Oth. (to Iago, in a rapid whisper, pointing to Cos.). Seest thou"? the villain seems not To like it. Iago. No ! Oth. (aloud). The city and the army — [2b Des., very rapidly and in a whisper.] (Pray do not stop your weeping !) — [Aloud again, and taking no further notice of .Gas.] And the ships And fortress I leave in charge of my successor. Lod. (to Oth., pointing to Des., who oomes near in an imploring attitude). Othello, speak to her and comfort her. Her heart is breaking. 24 OTELLO. Ote. (a Lod. e Des.). Noi salperem domani. [Afferra Des. furiosamente.] A terra ! — e piangi ! — [Des. cade. End. e Lod. la raccolgomo e la solle- vano pietosamente.] Des. A terra ! — si, nel livido Fango — percossa — io giacio — Piango— m' agghiaccia il brivido Deir anima che muor. E ua di sul mio sorriso Fioria la speme e il bacio Ed or — r angoscia in viso E r agonia nel cor. Quel Sol sereno e vivido Che allieta il cielo e il mare Non puo asciugar le amare Stille del mio dolor. Mni. (QueUa innocente un fremito D' odio non ha ne un gesto, Trattiene in petto il gemito Con doloroso fren. lia lagrima si f range Muta sul volto mesto : No, chi per lei non piange Non ha pietade in sen.) Bod. (Per me s' oscura il mondo, S' annuvola il destin ; L' angiol soave e biondo Scompar dal mio cammin.) Cos. (L' ora h fatal ! un fulmine Sul mio cammin 1' addita. Gia di mia sorte il culmine S' ofCre air inerte man. Il' ebbra fortuna incalza La fuga della vita. Questa che al ciel m' innalza fi un' onda d' uragan.) Lod. (Egli la man funerea Scuote anelaijdo d' ira, Esea la faccia eterea Volge piangendo al ciel. Nel con templar quel pianto La caritS, sospira, E un tenero compianto Stempra del core il gel. H Coro. (A gruppi dialogando.) Dame. Pieta ! Cav. Mistero ! Dame. Ansia mortale, bieca, Ne ingombra, anime assorte in lungo orror. Cav. Quell' uomo nero 6 sepolcrale, e cieoa Un' ombra e in lui di morte e di terror. Dame. Vista crudel ! Cav. Strazia coll' ugna 1' orrido Petto !' Figge gli sguardi immoti al suol. Poi sflda il ciel coll' atre pugna, 1' ispido Aspetto ergendo ai dardi alti del Sol. Dame. Ei la colpi ! vuel viso santo, paUido, Blando, si china e tace e piange e muor. Piangon cosi nel ciel lor pianto gli angeli Quando perd'ito giace il peccator. Jag. (avvichiandosi a Ote. die restera oGcasciaUf sit d'u7i sedile). (Una parola. Ote. Eche? Jag. T' affretta ! Kapido Slancia la tua vendetta ! il tempo vola. Ote. Ben parli. Ja^. E r ira inutil ciancia. Scuotiti t ' Air opra ergi tua mira ? All' opra sola ! Io penso a Cassio. Ei le sue trame espia. L' infame anima ria 1' averno inghiotte ! Ote. Chi gliela svelle ? Jag. Io. Ote. Tu ? Jag. Giurai. Ote. Tal sia. Jag. Tu avrai le sue novelle in questa notte — ) [Abbandona Ote. e si dirige verso Bod-I Jag. {ironicam£nte a Bod.). gsogni tuoi saranno in mar domani tu suir aspra terra ! Bod. Ahi triste ! Jag. Ahi stolto ! Jag. Stolto ! Se vuoi tu puoi sperar ; gli umani Orsu ! cimenti afferra, e m' odi. Bod. Ascolto. Jag. Col primo albor salpa il vascello. Or Cassio £ il Duce. Eppur so avvien che a questr accada [Toccando la spada.^ Sventura — allor qui resta Otello. Bod. Lugubre Luce d' atro balen ! Jag. Mano alia spada ! A notte folta io la sua traocia vigilo, E il varco e 1' ora scruto, il resto a te. Sar6 tua scdlta. A caccia 1 a caccia ! Cingiti L' arco ! Bod. Si ! t' ho venduto onore e fe). Jag. (Corri al miraggio ! il fragile tuo senna Ha gia confuso un sogno menzogner. Segui r astuto ed agile mio eenno, Amante illuso, io seguo il mio pensier.) Bod. (II dado ^ tratto ! Impayido t' attendo' Ultima sorte, occulto mio destin. Mi sprona amor, ma un avido, tremendo Astro di morte infesta il mio cammin.) Ote. {ergendosi e rivolto alia folia, terribUmente). Ftiggite ! Tutti. Ciel ! Ote. {slanciandosi contra la folia). Tutti fuggite- Otello ! [Fanfara interna.] Jag. {agli astanti). Lo assale una malia Che d' ogni senso il priva. Ote. {con forza). Chi non si scosta h contro me- rubello. Lod. {fa per trascinare lontano Des.). Mi segui — Vod. {dal difuori). Evvlva ! Des. {scwgliendosidaLod. e accorrendo verso Ote.).. Mio sposo ! Ote. {a Des.). Anima mia Ti maledico ! Tutti {escono inorriditi). Orror ! — [Des.,fra Emi. e Lod., escei^^ OTHELLO. 2& Oth. (to Lod. and Des.). We shall sail to-morrow; To earth, on thy knees ! [Takes hold of Des. furiously.] [Bes. falls, Emi. and Lod. lift her up and try to comfort her.] Des. Yea, prostrate here, I li« In the dust. With anguish my heart is beating. I feel the icy breath Of ill, that augurs death. The light upon his brow His smile, his tender greeting. His kiss, where are they now ? Weep then for aye I must. The sun who from his cloudless sky Illumes the earth with splendor. No comfort can he tender, My tears he cannot dry. Emi. (to herself). Her innocence is silent all. No rancor bears her constant heart. Deep in her bosom dies the sigh Wrung from her by her grief ; The bitter teardrops, as they fall. Can never bring relief. Oh, weep for her who meekly Thus her misfortune bears. Bod. {to himself). Now all the world is darkened. All sunless is the day ; She whom my heart did worship Has vanished from my way. Cos. (to himself). Fatal the hour, a lightning's flash Shows me the threat'ning danger ; Honor and riches crowd on, Their brightness brings no joy. A fickle fortune's anger Too soon will overtake me, And from this dream awake me. As with the thunder's crash. Lod. (to himself). His hand is raised against her. Wrath every word is breathing ; She with a gentle meekness For rescue looks above. Gazing upon her sadness Moved is my heart with pity. Ah ! could my help avail her Soon to regain his love. Cho. (in various groups, talking together). Ladies. Alas ! Cav. A secret ! Ladies. , , , , ~ •, Some mortal anguish dark and undefined With thoughts of evil shrouds his mind. slack are his visage and his soul, his eyes Are lighted with a presage of some ill. Larlies. A mournful sight ! Cav. With clenched hands, wildly He beats his bosom ; His eyes are fixed upon the ground, Now he looks, up as if defying With threatening glance the powr's above. Ladies. , , ,•, i. Her face he struck, so pale, so like unto an angel's; . ^t. She stands in silence weeping there. 'Tis thus that angels weep, when from high heav'n above They see a sinner writhing in despair. logo (approaching Oth., who remains seateclj.. Let me advise you. Oth. What in 7 logo. Strike quickly, do not tarry In thy revenge, for time flies swiftly. Oth. Well spoken I logo. Your wrath is like to slacken ; let it not I To work ! without delay and without pity ! I'll see to Cassio ; I know where to find him^ His soul with deeper dye shall tinge Avernus.. Oth. Who will despatch him ? la/go. 1 1 Oth. You ? logo. I have sworn it. Oth. So be't. logo. You shall have certain news this very- evening. \He leaves Oth. and goes to Bod.} logo (ironicaUy to Bod.). Your true love will be^ on the sea to-morrow And you on dry land. Bod. 'Tis too certain ! lago. Coward ! For brave men there is hope ; bestir thess' then. Use every effort, and hear me ! Bod. I hear thee. logo. At break of day will sail the vessel. Thea. Cassio Is General. It meanwhile he should meet- with [Laying his hand on his swprd.]. Some accident, then here remains Othello. Bod. What baneful plan does thy counsel imply? logo. Unsheath . Thy weapon ! From early fall of night hia. traces I'll watch. I'll tell thee place and moment. Then must thou act. I will be near thee. The hunt is up, good luck my noble hunts- man ! Bod. Yea, I am thine and must obey. Lago (to himself). Idle the visions, empty as air,, you follow ; Such is the path my will for you has wrought; Go then and do the deed e'en as I bid you. Deluded swain, you act what I have thought. Bod. (to himself). I will not falter, the die is- . cast, I follow Where'er you lead me, unknown destiny. Love is my guide. Ah, deep, resistless longing- Be it to death, I still must follow thee. Oth. (rimg and turning to the crowd, with terrible- • eoepression). Avaunt ye ! All. Heav'n ! Oth. (rushing towards the crowd). All fly before Othello ! Lago (to the bystanders). [Flourish behind.Ji He's taken with a sickness which of all sense Deprives him. Oth. (in a loud voice). He is declared a rebel Who any longer tarries. Lod. (trying to draw Des. away). Follow me. Voices (outside). Vittoria ! Des. (freeing herself from Lod., and rushing/- towards Oth). My husband ! Oth. (to Des.). Wife of my bosom, my curses on thee ! All. Great heav'n ! [Exeunt in terror. Des. is led away by Emi^ and Lod.] 26 OTELLO. SCENA IX. Otbllo e Jago soli. ■Ote. {sempre piu affannoso). Fuggirmi io sol non so ! — Sangue ! Ah ! 1' abbietto Pensiero ! — do m' accora ! [Convulsivamente, deliraitdo.] Vederli insieme avvinti — il fazzoletto ! — Ah ! — [Sviene.] Jag. (II mio velen lavora.) [Fanfare e Voci dal difiwri.] Viva Otello ! Jag. {ascoltando le grida, poi osservando Ote. dinteso a terra iramortiio). L' eoo della vittoria Porge sua laude eStrema. [Dopo una pausa.] Chi puo vietar che questa fronte io prema Col mio tallone ? Fanfare e Foci {esterne plii vicine). Bvviva Otello ! Gloria Al Leon di Venezia ! Jag. {ritto e con gesto d' orrendo trkmfb, indicando il corpo inerte d' Ote.). Ecco 11 Leone ! — ATTO QUARTO. La camera di Desdemona. Letto, inginoccldatoio, tavolo, speccldo, .sedie. Una lampada arde appena devanti all' immagine della Madonna che sta al di sopra dell' inginocchiatoio. Porta a destra. E notte. TJn lume acceso sid tavolo. SCENA I. Desdemona. Emilia. -Emi Era piu calmo ? Des. Mi parea. M' ingiunse Di coricarmi e d' attenderlo. Emilia, Te ne prego, distendi sul mio letto La mia Candida veste nuzlale. M' odi. Se pria di te morir dovessi Mi seppellisci con un dl quel veil. Fmi. Scacciate queste idee. Des. {sedendo maccliinalmente davanti alio spec- chio). Son mesta tanto. Mia madre aveva una povera ancella Innamorata e bella ; Era il suo nome Barbai'tt. Amava Un uom che poi 1' abbendono, cantava Una canzone : la camon del Salice. [a End.] Mi disciogli le chiome— Io questa sera ho la memoria plena Di quella cantilena : " Piangea rantando Nell' erma landa, Piangea la mesta. OSalce! Salce! Sahe! ■Sedea chinando Sul sen la testa ! Salce ! Salce ! Salce ! Cantiamo! il Salce funehre Sara la mia ghirlanda." Affrettati ; f ra poco giunge Otello. " Scorreano i rivifra le eolle hijior, Oemea quel core affranto, E dalle ciglia le sgorgava il cor L' amava onda del pianto. OSalce! Salce! Salce! Cantiam la nenia blanda. Cantiamo! il Salce funebre Sara la mia ghirlanda." " Scendean gli augelli a vol dai rami cupi Verso quel dolce canto. E gli ocelli suoi piangevan tanto, tanto, Da impietosir le rupl." [A Emi. levandosi un anello dal dito.'\ Kiponi questo anello. Povera Barbara ! — Solea la storia Con questo semplice— suono flnir : " Egli era nato^-per la sua gloria, Io per amarlo." [Interrompendo.] Ascolta. Odo un lamento. [Emi. fa qualche passo.] Taci. Chi batte a quella porta ? — Emi. £ 11 vento. Des. " Io per amarlo e per morir." Emilia, addio. Come m' ardon le eiglia I E presagio di pianto. Buona notte. [Ahhracda Emi., die esce.] SCENA IL Desdemona sola. Va all' inginocchiatoio. Des. Ave Maria plena di grazia, eletta Era le spose e le vergini sei tu, Sia benedetto il frutto, o benedetta, Di tue materne viscere, Gesu. Prega per chi adorando a te si prostra, Prega pel peccator, per 1' innocente E pel debole oppresso e pel possente, Mlsero anch' esso, tua pieta dimostra. Prega per ohi sotto 1' oltraggio piega La fronte e sotto la malvagia sorte ; Per noi tu prega Sempre e nell' ora della morte nostra. [Besta ancora inginocchiata ed appoggia la fronte sid I'inginocchiatoio come chi ripeta mentalmente una orazione. Non .s' odono che le prime e le ultime parole della preghiera.] Ave Maria nell' era della morte. ''^™''"- [S' aha e ra a coricarsi.] OTHELLO. 27 SCENE IX. Othello mid Iago. Otiu {more and more excited). I alone cannot fly. Murder ! Ah ! too monstrous To think of ! "I like not that !" [In convulsions.] To see them clasp each other ! That hand- kerchief ! Ah ! [He swoons.] Iago [to liimseJf). He changes with my poison. [Flourish of trumpets.] Voices {outside). Hail Othello ! Jago {listening to tlie cries, then looking at 0th., who lies stretclied out before him). Echo's loud with his glory, praising his valor. [After a pause.] "Who can prevent me here to plant my boot- heel Upon his forehead ? [Koum/ies and voices outside C07ning nearer.] Vittoria ! Long live Othello ! Hail to the lion of Venice ! logo {standing erect and pointing with Iwrrible triumph to the motionless body of 0th.). See here, the Lion ! ACT IV. The bedroom of Desdemona. A bed, prie-Dieu, table, lookingglass, chairs. A burning lamp is suspended in front of the image of tlie Madonna, winch is above the prie-Dieu. boor to left. It ■is night. A candle on the table. SCENE L Desdemona. Emilia. Umi. He looked more gentle ? Des. Bo it seemed. He bade me Soon to await him, and to go to bed. Emilia, let me ask you, before you go, Lay on my bed the same sheets that were "Upon my wedding night. And prithee. If I should die before thee, let me be shrouded In one of those same sheets. JBmi Come, come, you talk Of fancies. Des {sitting down mechanically before the looUng- ' glass). I am sad to-night and weary. My mother, long ago, had a poor maid, As fair as she was faithful, and her name "Was Barbara. , , ^ , , . , She was in love, and he she loved proved mad And did forsake her. She had a song of Willow. [To Sml] Loose my hair, prithee, hie thee. Tnat song this evening "Will not go from my mind ; like that poor maid I e'en must sing it :— ■" The poor soul sat pining Ahne and lonely. There on the lonely strand. Sing willow, willow, willow l Upon Iter bosom lier head infi!ni.:(j. Sing lieiglio, sing lieigho ! Sing all a green u'llluw sliaU hi', mij garland." [To EmL] Prithee, despatch, anon willcomn Otjiello. " Tlie fresh stream ran by her, Wliere the rushes grow, And murmured all her moaning; And from her eyes the sad tears did flow Which in her heart were rising. Sing willow, willow, willow ! Sing heigho, sing lieigho ! Sing all a green willow shall be my garland." "Down from the brq,-)ich^s all the birds came flying, . , Listening to lier sweet sighing. So full of sorrow was her tender ditty The stones were moved to pity." [To Emi., talcing a ring from her finger.] Lay by this ring and guard it. Alas, poor Barbara ! I think her story . . In sad and simple wise thus .used to end. "For he was born to live in glory And I to love him .... [Interrupting herself.J Do harken ! "Was that a sigh ? [Emi. goes towards the window.] Listen ! Who is't That knocks at this hour ? Emi. The wind. Des. "And I to love him and to die." Farewell, Emilia! Mine eyes do itch this evening. Dost thou think it bodes weeping ? [She embraces Emi., who exit.] Good-night. SCENE II. Desdemona, alone. She kneels before the image of the Madonna. Des. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with. thee, blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Ah, pray for her who lies in ' prayer before thee! Pray for the sinner, thou, and for the sinless. Give thy aid to the oppressed and to the mighty- He too will need it — pray for all who implore thee. Pray for her who is sadly sighing As all the hopes of happiness betray her. Oh, grant thy prayer ! Pray for us now and in the hour of dying. [She remains Icneeling, resting her head on the prie-Dieu as if she were repeating a prayer, only the first and last ivo7~ds of which are audible,] Holy Mary at the hour of our death. Amen. [She rises and lies down on the bed.] OTELLO. SCENA III. Desdbmona. OrBLiiO. Otb. entra da una porta segreta, d^one una scimitarra sul tavoh, s' arresta davanti aUa face, titubante se spegnerla o no. Guarda Des. ^egne la face. La scena resta rischiarata dal solo lume dell' inginocchiatoio. Ote. spinto da un impeto di furore, s' avvicina al letto; ma Id s' arresta. Contempla lungamente Dbs. die dorme. La bacia ire volte. AW ultimo bacia Des. si desta. Des. Chi 61a?— Otello ? Ote. Si. Diceste questa sera Le vostre preci ? Des. Orai. Ote. Se vi soArviene Di qualche oolpa commessa che attenda Grazia dal ciel, imploratela tosto. Des. Perche ? Ote. T' aflfretta. Uocidere non voglio L' anima tua. Des. D' uooidet parli ? Ote. Si. Des. JPietk di me, mio Dio. Ote. Amen. Des. E abbiate Piet&i voi pure. Ote. Pensa ai tuoi peccati. Des. Mio peccato S 1' amor. Ote. Perci6 tu muori Des. E perchS t' amo m' uccidi ? Ote. Ami Cassio. Des. No ! suir anima mia ! ! Ote. Quel fazzoletto Ch' io ti donai gli desti. Des. Non h vero ! Ote. Nella sua man lo vidi. Des. Io rea non sono ! Ote. Conf essa ! Des. Giuro ! Ote. Bada alio spergiuro — • Pensa che sei sul tuo letto di morte. Des. Non per morir. Ote. Per morir tosto. Des. Aita ! v Cassio non amo — ch' ei qui venga — ei parli. Ote. Muto e per sempre. Des. Cielo ! Morto ? Ote. Morto. Des. Son perduta — ei tradito ! Ote. E pianger 1' osi ? Des. Otello — non uccidermi — Ote. Tu invano Ti difendi. Des. Ch' io viva ancor— - Ote. Giu ! cadi, Prostituta ! — Des. Plata ! Ote. Muori ! ! Des. Ch' io viva Questa notte — Ote. No. Des. Un' ora— Ote. No. Des. Un instants. Ote. No. Des. Sol ch' io dica un' Ave. Ote. fi tardi ! £ tardi !— [La soffoca. Un grido di Des. 8' ode bussare alia porta.] Ote. {contemplando il corpo inerte di Des.). Calma come la tomba. Etni. {dal difuori). ApriteJ Aprite ! Ote. (trabalzando). Chi h Ih, ! — Chi batte ! JEmi. (come sopra). Signer mio — ven prego, Lasciate ch' io vi parli — Aprite ! Ote. (aprendo). Emilia, Che avvenne ? Emi. (entrando). Un gran delitto ! Cassio uccise Eodrigo. Ote. E Cassio ? Emi. Vive. Ote. Cassio vive ! ! Des. (dal letto). ' Ingiustamente — uccisa ingiustamente— Emi. {accorrendo al letto). Chi geme la ? Orror ! Des, Muoio innocente — Emi. Gran Dio! Chifut Des. Nessuno — io stessa — al mio Signor mi raccomanda — EmiUa — Addio — [Muore.] Ote. O mentitrice ! io 1' uccisi. Emi. Assassino ! Ote. Fu di Cassio la druda. A Jago il chiedi. Emi. A Jago ? Ote. A Jago. Emi. Stolto ! ! e tu il credesti? — Ote. Negarlo ardisci ? [Fa per avventarsi contra Emi.\ Emi. Non ti temo. Ote. (la afferra). Bada ! Emi. (si svincola e corre verso la porta gridanda disperatamente). Ola ! Soccorso ! Aiuto ! Otello uccise Desdemona ! SCENA lY. Otello, Emilia, Lodovico, Cassio, Jago. , Poi MoNTANO con gente armata. Tutti (tranne Ote. ed Emi.). Quai-grida! Orrore! Orrore 1 Emi. Jago, smentisci quel vile assassino. Hal tu creduto Desdemona inflda ? Parla! • Jag. Tal la credea. Ote. Quel fazzoletto Che un di le diedi, a Cassio essa donava. Emi. O potenza divina I Jag. (ad Emi.). Taoi. '" 1 OTHELLO. 29 SCENE in. Desdkmoka. Othello. Oth. enters by a secret door, and places a scymetar on the table. He stands before the candle dcmbt- fid whether to blow it out or not. He looks at Des. and then extinguishes the candle. Ihe only light on the stage is that of the lamp above the prie-Bieu. Oth., in an impulse of fury, goes towards the bed, but tliere stops himself. He looks for a long time on. the sleeping Des., then Msses her three times. At the last kiss Des. awakes. Des. Who's there ? Othello ? Oth. Ay. Have you prayed to-night, Desde- mona ? Des. I have. ^ Oth. If you bethink yourself of any crime Unreconciled as yet to heav'n and grace, Solicit for it straight. Des. My lord ? Oth. Well, doit! For heav'n f oref end, I would not kill your soul. Des. Talk you of killing? Oth. Ay. Des. Then Lord have mercy On me. Oth. Amen ! i Des. Ah, then you too have mercy ! 6th. Think of thy sins, Des. They are loves I bear to you. Oth. Tor that thou diest. Des. Because I love you you kill me ? Oth. Tou love Cassio. Des. No, I swear it by my soul. Oth. That handkerchief I loved you gave to Cassio. Des. It is a falsehood. Oth. In his own hands I saw it. Des. And yet I'm guiltless. Oth. Confess thee ! Des. Guiltless ! Oth. Take heed of perjury. Think thou art lying Upon thy deathbed. Des. But not yet to die. Otlu Yes, presently. Des. Lord help me ! Oassio I love not. Call him hither, and ask him ! Oth. He's mute for ever. Des. Heav'n ! Dead? Oth. Dead! Des. Alas ! he is betray'd, and I undone. Oth. Dost weep, thou strumpet? Des. Oh, banish me, my lord, But kill me sot ! Oth. Nay, nothing now will save thee. Des. Oh, spare me, let me live. Oth. Down with thee, strumpet ! ; Des. Have pity ! WiOtli. No I Des. Let me but live to-night ! Oth. No! Des. An hour ! Oth. No! Des. One moment, But while I say my prayer ! Oth. It is too late ! [He stifles her. Shriek of Des. Knocking at the door.]' Oth. (looking on the mationless form of Des.). StiU as the grave ! JEmi. (outside). Within there, open ! Oth. (faltering). Who's there ? Who knocks thus ? Umi. (still outside). Good my lord, do hear me. I would but speak a word with you ; ' pray open ! Oth. (opening the door). Emilia, what is it ? Umi. (entering). It is foul murdfW ! Cassio hath killed Eoderigo. Oth. And Cassio ? JEmi. Lives. Oth. Cassio lives? Des. (from, the bed). I die here guiltless, I've been slaia unjustly. Emi. (running to the bed). What cry is that ? Ho, help ! Des. I die here guiltless. Emi. Great heav'n ! who did this deed ? Des. No one ; — myself. Unto my lord — pray you commend me — I die Guiltless — farewell, Emilia. [Dies.] Oth. She dies a liar ; 'Twas I that killed her. Emi. Vile assassin ! Oth. Strumpet She was to Oassio. Twas your husband told me. Emi. My husband? Oth. Ay, your husband ! Emi. Fool ! and did'st believe him ? Oth. (threatening Emi.). Dare you deny it ? Emi. Thee I fear not. Oth. (taking hold of her). Tarry ! Emi. (frees herself and runs to tlie door, crying loudly). Ho, help ! The Moor has killed my mistress. SCENE IV. Othello, Emilia, Lodovioo, Cassio, Iago ; after- wards MoNTANO and Soldiers. All (except Otlu and Emi.). Oh ! horror ! horror ! Emi. (to Iago). Speak, if thou be'st a man, dis- prove this villain. He says, thou told'st him that his wife was false. Iago. Sol believed. Oth. The pledge and token Which first I gave her, in Cassio's hand I saw it. Emi. Oh, heav'nly powers ! logo (to Emi.). . Silence ! 30 OTELLO. End. No, Tutto riVelo Jag. Taci. Emi. No ! cestui Dalla mia man quel fazzoletto svelse A viva forza. Cos. E nella mia dimora Trovai quel vel. Mon. [entrando ed indlcando Jag.). Kodrigo morente Mi svelo di quest' uom 1' arti nefande. Ote. {a Jag.). Ah ! discolpati ! ! Ja^. (fuggendo). No. ' Lod. Ferma. Mon. S' insegua. [Alcunl escono inseguendo Jag.] Tutti. Afiferratelo ! Ote. (slanciandosi per afferrar la spada). E il ciel non ha piu f ulmini ? ! — Lod. La spada a me ! Ote. Tant' osi? — Niua mi tema S' anco armato mi vede. Ecco la fine Del mio cammin — Oh ! Gloria ! Ctello fu. [Lascia cadere la spada. Va presso al letto e contempla Bes.] B tu — come sei pallida ! e stanca, e muta, e bella, Pia creatura nata sotto maligna stella. Fredda come la casta tua vita, e in cielo assorta. Desd'emona ! Desdemona ! — Ah ! — morta ! — morta ! — morta ! [Estraendo fwtivamente dalle vesti un pug- nale.] Ho un' arma ancor ! [Si ferisce.] Ca.1. Ah ! F6rma ! Tutti. Sciag urate ! Ote. Pria d' ucciderti — sposa — ti baciai. Or itforendo — nell' ombra — ov' io mi giacio — Un bacio — un bacio ancora — un altro bacio — [Muore.] I bt:ne.J Emi. No, I will reveal it. lago. Be silent ! Emi. No ! ' That handkerchief he tore away from me, And begged me oft to steal it. Cos. And I found in my chamber A handkerchief. Mon. (entering and pointing to lago). The dying Eoderigo Has told me all the dark plots of this villain. 0th. {to lago). Eefute their charges ! lago. No ! [Emt, running.} Lod. Stop him ! Mon. Arrest him ! [Exeunt attendants after lagO.] All. Let him not escape. 0th. (running towards his scymetar on the table.\ Great heav'n ! Hast thou no lightning left ? Lod. Give me thy sword. 0th. What would you ? Do not fear me, though. I still have A weapon. Here is my butt, here is my journey's end. Othello's gone. [He drops his sword and goes to the bed, looking upon Des.] And thou, how dost thou look now ? So pale, so still, so beautiful. Oh ill-starred wench, And noble! Battered by evil fortune. Cold, now E'en as thy chastity, most fit for heav'n. Oh, Desdemona, Desdemona dead ! [He draws furtively a dagger from his doublet.} This still remains. [Stabs himself. J ' Cos. Ah ! hold him. All. Oh! Othello! 0th. I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, Killing myself, a kiss, another kiss, and yet a kiss ! [Dies.}, [the end.]