PR 
 
 MK4 FNGLlSHriASSlCS • 
 
 
 ^HAKESPEARES 
 
 S 
 
 Othello 
 
Englij^ . Classics, Etc, 
 
 Classes in English Literature; Reading, Grammar, etc. 
 
 EDITED BY EMINENT ENGLISH AND AMERICAN SCHOLARS. 
 
 Each Volume contt "ins a Sketch of the A'uthoi'''s Life, Prefatory and 
 i Explanatory Notes, et:-., etc. 
 
 These Volume? ?"|e thoroughly adapted, f cjr Schools in which English 
 Literature forms au^anch of study, or wheie a carefully-selected por- 
 tion of some Eng' ih Classic is selected for minute examination, or 
 for supplementary -eading matter. The notes 9,re unusually full and 
 exhaustive, occup fig in many volumes nearljJvhalf the book. Etj^- 
 mology is atte^ i ■ to throughout, the derivations of all the more 
 difficult Vv .^lue , ^li. i given. In short, they snpply the student with all 
 the iurormatio • i jessa.y to a perf e .-1 u: derst ^ ' i and just appre- 
 ciation of the ' % and incidentally communicate much useful philo- 
 logical and gen i)^' knowledge. 
 
 !N"o, t Byroa'a k'opheey of Dante. (Cantos I. aaJ II.) 
 
 " 8 MUton'f rt Allegro and II Penseroso. ; 
 
 " 8 Lord Ba wi's Essays, CItII and Moral. (Selected.) i^ 
 
 " 4 Byron's \ lisoner of ChiUon. 
 
 " 5 Moore'g i . |e--Worslilpper8. (LaUa Bookh. Selected irom Parts I. 
 
 7 andn.){| 
 
 « 6 Goldsmii 'k Deserted VUlace. 
 
 *• 7 8eott'» i/Vmioa. (SelectioDr^irom Canto VI.) 
 
 " t Scott's ■''iy of the T.ast Minstrel. Tntrodactlon and Ciintol.) 
 
 " 9 Burns' |^:ottcr's Saturday Night, and Otlier Poems. 
 
 " 10 Crabbc|i The Tillage. 
 
 "11 Campbt'il's Pleasures of He i>e. (Abridgment of Part I.) 
 
 *' 13 Maeauljj^g Essay on Banyan's PilgriE" ^ Progress. 
 
 " Ifi Maeau/ay's Armada »nd other Poems. 
 
 " 14 Sha*:e4peare's Merchant of Venice, S elecU ■■ '^qtot: Acts I., I II, 
 anrf "V_^ 
 
 15 Goiak f Traveller. f .oV OF CONn^ 
 
 « 16 Ho^ I ien's Wake. h v9)^^ \ P '> ( ''^'^So 
 
 "17 ColT K JAnclent Mariner. f,V^ t„,^ ' i? 
 
 « 18 Ad<7 ^\ lir Roger de Coverley. ''% A f^^ 
 
 « 19 Grj y ^ isr in a Country Churchyard ^<jw "' ^T ^ C' 
 « SO Sf ott's Ut of the Lalie. (Canto I.) ^^iNGtlOWj V' 
 
 ** Si Sr> 'iakesilre's As You Like It, eie. (Seloctiona.,- ^— i^i— » 
 
 " S3 pfest akes^re's King John and Eing Richard II. (Selections.) 
 " SS^ha^^s^re's King Henry IV., King Henry V., King Henry 
 
 / VI. (^JLoctions.) 
 «• ®4 ShakespeaW's Henry Till., and Julius Ceesar. (Selections.; 
 
 (continued.) 
 
ENGLISH CLASSICS— Continued. 
 
 Xo. S5 Wordewortli's Excursion. (Book I.) 
 
 " 26 Pope's Essay on Critieism. 
 
 " 27 Spenser's Faerie Queene. (Cantos I. and 11.) 
 
 " S8 Oowper's Task. (Book I.) 
 
 " 29 MUton's Oomus. \ 
 
 " 80 Tennyson's Enoch Arden, The Lotus Eaters, UlysBeg^ ond 
 
 Tithonus. 
 
 " 81 Irving's Sketch Book. (Selections.) 
 
 ** 82 Dickens* Christmas CaroL (Condensed.) 
 
 " 8S Carlyle's Hero as a Prophet. 
 
 " 84 Macaulay's "Warren Hastings. (Cotidensed.) 
 
 " 85 Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield. (Condensed.) 
 
 *« 86 Tennyson's The Two Voices, and A Dream of Fair Women. 
 
 '* 8? Memory Quotations. 
 
 " 88 Cavalier Poets. 
 
 " 89 Dry den's Alexander's Feast, ana jUaciTlecKnoe. 
 
 *♦ 40 Keats' The Eve of St. Agnes. \ 
 
 ** 41 Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 
 
 '* 42 Lamh's Tales from Shakespeare. 
 
 " 48 Le Kow's How to Teach Reading. 
 
 *' 44 Webster's Bunker Hill Orations. 
 
 ♦' 45 The Academy Orthoepist. A Manual of Pronunciation. 
 
 *' 46 Milton's Lycidas, and Hymn on the Nativity. 
 
 ** 47 Bryant's Thanntopsis, and Other Poems. , 
 
 " 48 Raskin's Modern Painters. (Selections.) f 
 
 ** 49 The Shakespeare Speaker. 
 
 " 50 Thackeray's Roundabout Papers. | 
 
 *' 51 Webster's Oration on Adams and JefTerson. 
 
 " 52 Brown's Rah and His Friends. 
 
 *' 58 Morris's Life and Death of Jason. 
 
 *'* 54 Burke's Speech on American Taxation. 
 
 ** 55 Pope's Rape of the Lock. 
 
 «« 56 Tennyson's Elaine. ! 
 
 " 5'? Tennyson's In Memorlain. i 
 
 " 68 Church's Story of tbe JEneid. 
 
 " 59 Church's Story of the Iliad. ' 
 
 " 60 Swift's Gulliver's Voyage to Lilllpnt. 
 
 " 61 Macaulay's Essay on Lord Bacon. (Condensed.) 
 
 «* 62 The Alcestls of Euripides. English Version by Rev. R.Potter, M. A, 
 
 " 68 The Antigone of Sophocles. English Version by Thomas Franck- 
 
 lin, D.D. 
 
 «* 64 Elizabeth Barrett Browning. (Selected Poems.) 
 
 " 65 Robert Browning. (Selected Poems.) 
 
 "66 Addison's' The Spectator. (Selections.) 
 
 " 6? Scenes from George Eliot's Adam Bede. 
 ♦* 68^ Matthew Arnold's Culture and Anarchy. 
 
 Continued on last J>age, 
 
^ 
 
 SHAKESPEARE'S 
 
 w 
 
 OTHELLO 
 
 WITH 
 
 Introduction, Notes, and Plan of Preparation. 
 
 (selected.) 
 
 ^ 
 
 vV 
 
 By BRAINERD KELLOGG, LL.D., ' -- - 
 
 Professor of the English Language and Literature in the Brooklyn 
 
 Polytechnic Institute, author of a " Text-Book on Rhetoric," a 
 
 " Text-Book on English Literature," and one of the authors 
 
 of Reed &> Kcllogg's ^^ Graded Lessons in English," 
 
 and ^^ Higher Lessons in English." 
 
 etc., etc. 
 
 New York : 
 Effingham Maynard & "Co., Publishers, 
 
 771 Broadway and 6j & 69 Ninth St. ■ . ^ "? "? \ 
 
 1892. 
 
 ~f 
 
KELLOGG'S EDITIONS, ' , 
 
 Shakespeare's Plays, "^ ^t^ 
 
 WITH NOTES. 
 Unifortn in style and price with this volume, 
 
 THUS FAR COMPRISE: 
 MERCHANT OF VENICE. 
 KING HENRY V. 
 AS YOU LIKE IT. 
 JULIUS CJESAR. 
 KING LEAR. 
 MACBETH. 
 TEMPEST. 
 HAMLET. 
 
 KING HENRY VIII. 
 KING HENRY IV., Part I. 
 KING RICHARD III. 
 A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM- 
 A WINTER'S TALE. 
 OTHELLO. 
 TWELFTH NIGHT. 
 
 OTHERS IN PREPARATION. 
 
 Copyright, 1891, by 
 EFFINGHAM MAYNARD & CO, 
 
b^' . EDITOR'S NOTE. 
 
 ^\ - 
 
 The text here presented, adapted for use in mixed 
 classes, has been carefully collated with that of six or 
 seven of the latest and best editions. Where there was 
 any disagreement those readings have been adopted 
 which seemed most reasonable and were supported hy 
 the best authority. 
 
 The notes of English editors have been freely used. 
 Those taken as the basis of our work have been rigor- 
 ously pruned wherever they were thought too learned 
 or too minute, or contained matter that for any other 
 reason seemed unsuited to our purpose. We have 
 generously added to them, also, wherever they seemed 
 to be lacking. B. K. 
 
\ l//^.^li^.^. 
 
GENERAL NOTICE. 
 
 ** An attempt has been made in these new editions to 
 interpret Shakespeare by the aid of Shakespeare himself. 
 The Method of Comparison has been constantly employ- 
 ed ; and the language used by him in one place has been 
 compared with the language used in other places in simi- 
 lar circumstances, as well as with older English and with 
 newer English, The text has been as carefully and as 
 thoroughly annotated as the text of any Greek or Latia 
 classic. 
 
 " The first purpose in this elaborate annotation is, of 
 course the full working out of Shakespeare's meaning. 
 The Editor has in all circumstances taken as much pains. 
 with this as if he had been making out the difficult and 
 obscure terms of a will in which he himself was personally 
 interested ; and he submits that this thorough excavation 
 of the meaning of a really profound thinker is one of the 
 very best kinds of training that a boy or girl can receive at 
 school. This is to read the very mind of Shakespeare, and 
 to weave his thoughts into the fibre of one's own mental 
 constitution. And always new rewards come to the care- 
 ful reader— in the shape of new meanings, recognition of 
 5 
 
thoughts he had before missed, of relations between the 
 characters that had hitherto escaped him. For reading 
 Shakespeare is just like examining Nature ; there are no 
 hoUownesses, there is no scamped work, for Shakespeare 
 is as patiently exact and as first-hand as Nature herself, 
 
 " Besides this thorough working-out of Shakespeare's 
 meaning, advantage has been taken of the opportunity to 
 teach his English — to make each play an introduction to 
 the English of Shakespeare. For this purpose copi- 
 ous collections of similar phrases have been gathered from 
 other plays ; his idioms have been dwelt upon ; his pecu- 
 liar use of words ; his style and his rhythm. Some 
 Teachers may consider that too many instances are given ; 
 but, in teaching, as in everything else, the old French say- 
 ing is true : Assez n^y a, sHl trop n''y a. The Teacher 
 need not require each pupil to give him all the instances 
 collected. If each gives one or two, it will probably be 
 enough ; and, among them all, it is certain that one or two 
 "will stick in the memory. It is probable that, for those pu- 
 pils who do not study either Greek or Latin, this close ex- 
 amination of every word and phrase in the text of Shake- 
 speare will be the best substitute that can be found for the 
 study of the ancient classics. 
 
 " It were much to be hoped that Shakespeare should 
 become more and more of a study, and that every boy 
 and girl should have a thorough knowledge of at least one 
 play of Shakespeare before leaving school. "It would be 
 one of the best lessons in human life, without the chanca 
 of a polluting or degrading experience. It would alsa 
 liave the effect of bringing back into the too pale and for-, 
 jnal English of modern times a large number of pithy an<J 
 
vigorous phrases which would help to develop as well as 
 to reflect vigor in the characters of the readers. Shake- 
 speare used the English language with more power than 
 any other writer that ever lived — he made it do more and 
 say more than it had ever done ; he made it speak in a 
 more original way ; and his combinations of words are per- 
 petual provocations and invitations to originality and to 
 newness of insight." — ^J. M. D, Meiklejohn, M.A., 
 Professor of the Theory^ History, and Practice of Edttca* 
 tion in the University of St. Andrews, 
 
Shakespeare's Grammar. 
 
 Shakespeare lived at a time when the grammar and vocabulary of 
 the English language were in a state of transition. Various pomts 
 were not yet settled ; and so Shakespeare's grammar is not only 
 somewhat different from our own but is by no means uniform in 
 itself. In the Elizabethan age, "Almost any part of speech can be 
 used as any other part of speech. An adverb can be used as a verb, 
 'They askance their eyes;' as a noun, 'the backward and abysm 
 of time ;' or as an adjective, 'a seldom pleasure.' Any noun, ad- 
 jective, or neuter [intrans.] verb can be used as an active [trans.] 
 verb. You can 'happy' your friend, 'malice' or 'foot 'your en- 
 emy, or ' fall ' an axe on his neck. An adjective can be used as 
 an adverb ; and you can speak and act ' easy,' ' free,' ' excel- 
 lent ; ' or as a noun, and you can talk of 'fair' instead of 'beau- 
 ty,' and ' a pale ' instead of ' a paleness.' Even the pronouns are 
 not exempt from these metamorphoses. A ' he ' is used for a man, 
 and a lady is described by a gentleman as ' the fairest she he has yet 
 beheld.' In the second place, every variety of apparent grammati- 
 cal inaccuracy meets us. Re for Am, him for he ; spoke and took for 
 spoken and taken ; plural nominatives with singular verbs ; relatives 
 omitted where they are now considered necessary ; unnecessary an- 
 tecedents inserted ; shall for will, should for would^ would for wish ; 
 10 omitted after ' I ought,' inserted after ' / durst ; ' double nega- 
 tives • double comparatives (' more better,' &c.) and superlatives ; 
 such followed ^ij which [or that'll that by as, as used for as if ; that 
 for so that ; and lastly some verbs apparently with two nominatives, 
 and others without any nominative at all."— Dr. Abbott's Shakespe- 
 rian Grammar. 
 
 Shakespeare's Versification. 
 
 Shakespeare's Plays are written mainly in what is knovro as UU' 
 rimed, or blank-verse ; but they contain a number of riming, and a 
 considerable number of prose, lines. As a general rule, rime is 
 much commoner in the earlier than in the later plays. Thus, Love''s 
 Labors Lost contains nearly 1,100 rimins lines, whUe (if we except 
 the songs) Winter's Tale has none. The Merchant of Venice has 
 124. 
 
 In speaking we lay a stress on particular syllables : this stress is 
 called accent. When the words of a composition are so arranged 
 that the accent recurs at regular intervals, the composition is said to 
 be metrical or rhythmical. Khythm, or Metre, is an embellishment 
 of language which, though it does not constitute poetry itself, yet 
 provides it with a suitably elegant dress ; and hence most moderu 
 poets have written in metre. In blank ve'-se the lines consist usu- 
 
OHy of ten syllables, of which the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and 
 tenth are accented. The line consists, therefore, of live parts, each 
 /)f which contains an unaccented followed by an accented syllable, 
 as in the word attend. Each of these five parts forms what is called 
 'Afoot or measure ; and the five together form a pentameter. " Penta- 
 meter " is a Greek word signifying " five measures." This is the 
 usual form of a line of blank verse. But a long poem composed en- 
 tirely of such lines would be monotonous, and for the sake of variety- 
 several important modifications have been introduced. 
 
 (o) After the tenth syllable, one or two unaccented syllables ar^ 
 sometimes added ; as— 
 
 " Me-tJwught | you said \ you net \ ther lend \ nor bor\ row.'''' 
 
 (6) In any foot the accent may be shifted from the second to the 
 first syllable, provided two accented syllables do not come together. 
 
 " Pluck' the 1 young suck' \ ing cubs' | from the' \ she hear'. \ " 
 
 (c) In such words as "yesterday," "voluntary," "honesty," the 
 syllables -day, -ta-, and ty falling in the place of the accent, are^ 
 for the purposes of the verse, regarded as truly accented. 
 
 ^'- Bars' me I the right' \ of vol'- \ un-ta' 1 ry choos' \ ing.'''' 
 
 {d) Sometimes we have a succession of accented syllables ; this 
 occurs with monosyllabic feet only. 
 
 " Why, noiv, Now wind, swell billow, and swim bark.'''' 
 
 ifi) Sometimes, but more rarely, two or even three unaccented 
 syllables occupy the place of one ; as— 
 
 " He says \ he does, | be-ing then \ most flat \ ter-ed.^' 
 
 (f) Lines may have any number of feet from one to six. 
 
 Finally, Shakespeare adds much to the pleasing variety of hi^ 
 blank verse by placing the pauses in different parts of the line 
 (especially after the second or third foot), instead of placing them 
 all at the ends of lines, as was the earlier custom. 
 
 N. B.— In some cases the rhythm requires that what we usually 
 pronounce as one syllable shall be divided into two, asfl-er (fire), 
 su-er (sure), mi-el /mile), &c. ; too-elve (twelve), jaw-ee (joy), &c. 
 Similarly, she-on (-tion or -sion). 
 
 It is very important to give the pupil plenty of ear-training by 
 means of formal scansion. This will greatly assist him inhis 
 reading. 
 
PLAN OF STUDY 
 
 * PERFECT POSSESSION/ 
 
 To attain to the standard of ^ Perfect Pos- 
 session,' the reader ought to have an inti- 
 mate and ready knowledge of the subject. 
 (See opposite page.) 
 
 The student ought, first of all, to read the 
 play as a pleasure ; then to read it over again, 
 with his mind upon the characters and the 
 plot ; and lastly, to read it for the meanings, 
 grammar, &c. 
 
 With the help of the scheme, he can easily 
 draw up for himself short examination papers 
 (i) on each scene, (2) on each act, (3) on 
 the whole play, 
 
 8 
 
1. The Plot and Story of the Play. 
 
 (a) The general plot ; 
 (d) The special incidents. 
 
 2. The Characters: Ability to give a connected account 
 
 of all that is done and most of what is said by 
 each character in the play. 
 
 3. The Influence and Interplay of the Characters upon 
 
 each other. 
 
 (a) Relation of A to B and of B to A ; 
 (5) Relation of A to C and D. 
 
 4. Complete Possession of the Language. 
 
 (a) Meanings of words ; 
 
 {&) Use of old words, or of words in an old mean- 
 ing; 
 
 (c) Grammar; 
 
 (d) Ability to quote lines to illustrate a gram- 
 
 matical point. 
 
 5. Power to Reproduce, or Quote. 
 
 (a) What was said by A or B on a particular 
 
 occasion ; 
 (d) What was said by A in reply to B ; 
 
 (c) What argument was used by C at a particu- 
 
 lar juncture ; 
 
 (d) To quote a line in instance of an idiom or of 
 
 a peculiar meaning. 
 Ik Power to Locate. 
 
 (a) To attribute a line or statement to a certain 
 
 person on a certain occasion ; 
 (S) To cap a line ; 
 (c) To fill in the right word or epithet. 
 
INTRODUCTION TO -OTHELLO. 
 
 In " Extracts from the Accounts of the Revels at 
 Court," one of the Shakespeare Society's reprints, we 
 find the earliest known record of the performance of 
 "Othello." "The King's Players," it is there said, 
 " performed the play of the Moor of Venice at the 
 Banqueting-house at Whitehall, on the ist of Novem- 
 ber (Hallowmas Day), 1604." We have other records 
 of its performance in the author's life-time, informing 
 us of its having been represented at the Globe Theatre 
 on the last day in April, 1610, and at the Court early in 
 the year, 161 3. We may well suppose that it was very 
 popular ; yet it appears to have remained unpublished 
 till the year 1622, when it was issued in the usual 
 small quarto form, with the following title: "The 
 Tragoedy of Othello, The Moore of Venice, As it 
 hath beene diverse times acted at the Globe, and at the 
 Black Friers, by his Majesties Servants. Written by 
 William Shakespeare, London, Printed by N. O. for 
 Thomas Walkley, and are to be sold at his shop at 
 
 10 
 
IN TROD UC riON. 1 1 
 
 the Eagle and Child, in Brittans Bursse, 1622." This 
 was only one year in ant'cipation of Heminge and 
 Condell's folio publication of the first collection of 
 Shakespeare's plays. Another quarto edition of 
 Othello appeared in 1630. 
 
 Reed says, "The time of this play may be ascer- 
 tained from the following circumstances. Selymus 
 the Second formed his design against Cyprus in 1569, 
 and took it in 1571. This was the only attempt the 
 Turks ever made upon that island after it came into 
 the hands of the Venetians (which was in the year 
 1473) ; wherefore the time must fall in with some part 
 of that interval. We learn from the play that there 
 was a junction of the Turkish fleet at Rhodes, in order 
 for the invasion of Cyprus ; that it first came sailing 
 towards Cyprus, then went to Rhodes, there met 
 another squadron, and then resumed its way to 
 Cyprus. These are real historical facts, which hap- 
 pened when Mustapha Selymus's general attacked 
 Cyprus in May, 1570, which therefore is the true 
 period of this performance." 
 
 " Othello" was probably composed in 1603 or 1604, 
 when its author was about forty years of age, and his 
 genius had attained, and begun to exercise continu- 
 ously, its full vigor. The story on which it is 
 founded is one of the Hecatommithi^ or " Hundred 
 Tales." of Giraldi Cinthio, being the seventh novel of 
 the third decade. No ancient English translation has 
 
12 INTR OD UCTION. 
 
 come down to us, though in all probability it was 
 some English version of the story of the Moor of 
 Venice that suggested the tragedy. There are two 
 modern English translations of that story : one by 
 Wolstenholme Parr, 1795, the other by John Edward 
 Taylor, 1855. We here give a brief summary of the 
 earlier portion of the story, with the addition of a 
 few abridged quotations from the latter part of Tay- 
 lor's translation : — 
 
 There once lived in Venice a valiant and handsome 
 Moor, highly esteemed by the Signiory of the Re- 
 public for his military talents. A virtuous and beau- 
 tiful lady, named Disdemona, admiring his valor, fell 
 in love with him, and won his affection ; and, in spite 
 of the opposition of her parents, they were married. 
 They lived together in great harmony for some time. 
 The Signiory of Venice, however, happening to make 
 a change in the troops that garrisoned Cyprus, ap- 
 pointed the Moor commander of the soldiers ordered 
 to that island. Disdemona was eager to accompany 
 him in the expedition ; but he was as reluctant to 
 let her thus encounter toil and danger as to leave 
 her behind. She said that she apprehended no dan- 
 ger ; but, if there were any toils and perils, she would 
 share them with him. The Moor kissed her, and 
 said, " God keep you long in such love, dear wife !" 
 Then speedily preparing for his voyage, he took her 
 with him on board his galley with the troops. The 
 
IN TR OD UC TION. 1 3 
 
 sea was calm, the voyage very pleasant, and they 
 arrived safely at Cyprus. 
 
 Now, there was one of the soldiers, an ensign, irs 
 great favor with the Moor. He was a very hand- 
 some man, but of a very depraved nature. The 
 villany of his mind was, however, cloaked with a 
 plausible manner. His artful speech made him ap 
 pear honorable and heroic. He, too, had taken his 
 wife to Cyprus, a young Italian lady, fair and virtuous, 
 and much beloved by Disdemona, who spent much. 
 time with her. 
 
 There was another of the soldiers, a captain of a 
 troop, and he being also in great favor with the Moor, 
 Disdemona, with her husband's approval, showed him 
 great kindness. 
 
 Now, the wicked ensign fell violently in love witk 
 Disdemona, and sought in various ways to make 
 known to her his passion. But all his attempts to 
 gain her love proving vain, he took it into his head 
 that his ill-success was owing to Disdemona's love 
 for the captain ; and he therefore began both to hate 
 the lady and also to seek means of removing the 
 captain from her sight ; and at length he became bent 
 on compassing the death of the captain and alienat- 
 ing the Moor's affection from Disdemona. He re- 
 solved to contrive occasion for making the Moor 
 suppose that Disdemona was unfaithful and that the 
 captain was her paramour. 
 
14 IN TROD UC TION. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, it happened that the captain 
 drew his sword upon a soldier of the guard, and 
 struck him, and was for this offense deprived of his 
 captaincy by the Moor. Disdemona, deeply grieved 
 at this, tried all she could to reconcile her husband to 
 the dismissed soldier. The Moor made known her 
 importunity to the ensign, and this circumstance the 
 ensign immediately took advantage of, and therewith 
 began to work his web of treachery. He said to the 
 Moor that possibly Disdemona had good cause to look 
 kindly on the man ; but, when the Moor asked him 
 "what he meant, the ensign said he would n^t interfere 
 between man and wife, but let the Moor judge with 
 his own eyes. 
 
 The Moor vainly tried by further questioning to 
 obtain disclosures. The ensign would say no more ; 
 but what he had said was a thorn in the heart of the 
 Moor, who could think of nothing else, and was per- 
 plexed and melancholy. One day when his wife 
 was interceding with him for the captain, and begging 
 him not to forget former services for one small fault, 
 the Moor became angry, and asked her how she 
 came to take such interest in this man, Disdemona 
 meekly besought him not to be angry, as no other 
 reason made her speak than regret that her lord 
 should lose so good an officer and so dear a friend ; 
 nor did she think his offense so great as to deserve 
 dismissal. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 15 
 
 The Moor, observing the earnestness with which 
 his wife again pleaded for the captain, began to guess 
 the meaning of the ensign's words ; and in deep mel- 
 ancholy he went to seek that villain, and induce him 
 to speak more openly of what he knew. Then the en- 
 sign, who was bent upon injuring the unhappy lady, 
 after feigning at first great reluctance to say aught 
 that might displease the Moor, at length pretended to 
 yield to his entreaties, and said, "I can't deny it 
 pains me to the soul to be thus forced to say what 
 needs must be more hard to bear than any other 
 grief ; but since you will it so, and that the regard I 
 owe your honor compels me to confess the truth, I 
 will no longer refuse to satisfy your questions and my 
 duty. Know, then, that for no other reason is your 
 lady vexed to see the captain in disfavor than for the 
 pleasure that she has in his company whenever he 
 comes to your house, and all the more since she has 
 taken an aversion to your blackness." 
 
 These words went straight to the Moor's heart ; 
 but, in order to hear more, he replied, with a fierce 
 glance, "By heavens, I scarce can hold this hand 
 from plucking out that tongue of thine, so bold, 
 which dares to speak such slander of my wife !" 
 
 " Captain," replied the ensign, " I looked for such 
 reward for these my faithful offices, — none else , but, 
 since my duty and the jealous care I bear your honor 
 have carried me thus far, I do repeat, so stands the 
 
i6 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 truth as you have heard it from these lips : and if 
 the lady Disdemona hath, with a false show of love 
 for you, blinded your eyes to what you should have 
 seen, this is no argument but that I speak the truth.'* 
 
 Then the Moor, burning with indignation and an- 
 guish, said, " Make thou these eyes self-witnesses of 
 what thou tellest, or on thy life I'll make thee wish 
 thou hadst been born without a tongue." 
 
 " An easy task it would have been," replied the 
 villain, "when he was used to visit at your house; but 
 now that you have banished him, not for just cause, 
 but for a frivolous pretext, it will be hard to prove the 
 truth. Still I do not forego the hope to make you 
 witness of that which you will not credit from my lips. " 
 Thus they parted. 
 
 Disdemona often used to go, as I have already said, 
 to visit the ensign's wife, and remained with her a good 
 part of the day. Now the ensign observed that she 
 carried about with her a handkerchief which he knew 
 tfe Moor had given her, finely embroidered in the 
 ^Moorish fashion, and which was precious to Disde- 
 mona nor less so to the Moor. Then he conceived 
 the plan of taking this kerchief from her secretly, and 
 thus laying the snare for her final ruin. The ensign 
 had a little daughter, a child three years of age, who 
 was much loved by Disdemona; and, one day when 
 ihe unhappy lady had gone to pay a visit at the house 
 of this vile man, he took the little child up in his 
 
INTRODUCTION. 17 
 
 arms, and carried her to Disdemona, who took her, and 
 pressed her to her bosom; whilst at the same instant 
 this traitor drew the kerchief from her sash so cun- 
 ningly that she did not notice him, and, overjoyed, 
 he took his leave of her. 
 
 Disdemona returned home, and, busied with other 
 thoughts, forgot the handkerchief. But a few days 
 afterwards, looking for it and not finding it, she was 
 in alarm lest the Moor should ask her for it, as he off 
 was wont to do. Meanwhile the wicked ensign, seiz- 
 ing a fit opportunity, went to the captain of the troop, 
 and with crafty malice left the handkerchief at the 
 head of his bed, and the following morning, on his 
 getting out of bed, the handkerchief fell upon the floor. 
 Not being able to imagine how it had come into his 
 house, knowing that it belonged to Disdemona, he re- 
 solved to give it her ; and, waiting until the Moor 
 had gone from home, he went to the back door, and 
 knocked. Just at that time the Moor returned home, 
 and, hearing a knocking at the back door, he went to 
 the window, and in a rage exclaimed, "Who knocks 
 there ? " The captain, hearing the Moor's voice, and 
 fearing less he should come downstairs and attack him-, 
 took to flight without answering a word. The Moor 
 went down, and opening the door, hastened into the 
 street, and looked about, but in vain. Then returning 
 into the house, in great anger, he demanded of his 
 wife who it was that had knocked at the door. Disde- 
 
1 8 IN TROD UCTION. 
 
 TTiona replied that she did not know: but the Moor said, 
 " It seemed to me the captain," 
 
 " I know not," answered Disdemona. 
 
 The Moor restrained his fury, wishing to do nothing 
 "before consulting the ensign, to whom he hastened 
 instantly, and told him all that had passed, praying 
 him to gather from the captain all he could respecting 
 the affair. The ensign, overjoyed at the occurrence, 
 promised the Moor to do as he requested; and one 
 day he took occasion to speak with the captain, and the 
 Moor was so placed that he could see and hear them 
 as they conversed. And whilst talking to him of every 
 other subject than of Disdemona, he kept laughing all 
 the time aloud; and, feigning astonishment, he made 
 various movements with his head and hands, as if 
 listening to some tale of marvel. As soon as the Moor 
 ■saw the captain depart, he went up to the ensign, to 
 Tiear what he had said to him. And the ensign, after 
 long entreaty, at length said, " He has hidden from 
 me nothing, and has told me that he has been used to 
 visit your wife whenever you went from home, and 
 that, on the last occasion, she gave him the handker- 
 chief which you presented to her when you married 
 her." 
 
 The Moor thanked the ensign; and it seemed now 
 clear to him that, should he find Disdemona not to 
 have the handkerchief, it was all true that the ensign 
 had told him. One day, therefore, after dinner, in 
 
INTRODUCTION. 19 
 
 conversation with his wife on various subjects, he 
 asked her io\ the kerchief. The unhappy lady, who 
 had been in great fear of this, grew red as fire at this 
 demand; and, to hide the scarlet of her cheeks, which 
 was closely noted by the Moor, she ran to a chest, and 
 pretended to seek the handkerchief: and, after hunt- 
 ing for it a long time, she said, " I know not how it is 
 — I cannot find it — can you perchance have taken it ? " 
 
 " If I had taken it," said the Moor, "why should 
 I ask it of you ? but you will look better another 
 time." 
 
 On leaving the room, the Moor fell to meditating 
 how he should put his wife to death, and likewise the 
 captain of the troop, so that their death should not be 
 laid to his charge. And as he ruminated over this 
 night and day, he could not prevent his wife's observ- 
 ing that he was not the same toward her as he had been 
 wont ; and she said to him, again and again, "What is 
 the matter ? what troubles you ? how comes it that 
 you, who were the most light-hearted man in the world, 
 are now so melancholy ? " 
 
 The Moor feigned various reasons in reply to his 
 wife's questioning, but she was not satisfied; and, al- 
 though conscious that she had given the Moor no 
 cause, by act or deed, to be so troubled, yet she feared 
 that he might have grown weary of her ; and she would 
 say to the ensign's wife, " I know not what to say of 
 the Moor ; he used to be all love toward me ; but 
 
20 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 within these few days he has become another man. 
 But as I know the Moor is on such terms of friendship 
 with your husband, and communicates to him all his 
 affairs, I pray you, if you have heard from him aught 
 that you may tell me of, fail not to befriend me." 
 And as she said this she wept bitterly. 
 
 The ensign's wife, who knew the whole truth (her 
 husband wishing to make use of her to compass the 
 death of Disdemona) but could never consent to such 
 a project, dared not, from fear of her husband, disclose 
 a single circumstance: all she said was, " Beware lest 
 you give any cause of suspicion to your husband, and 
 show to him by every means your fidelity and love." 
 
 "Indeed, I do so," replied Disdemona; "but it is 
 all of no avail." 
 
 Meanwhile, the Moor sought in every way to con- 
 vince himself of what he fain would have found untrue; 
 and he prayed the ensign to contrive that he might see 
 the handkerchief in the possession of the captain. 
 
 Now the captain had a wife at home, who worked 
 ihe most marvellous embroidery upon lawn ; and, see- 
 ing the handkerchief which belonged to the Moor's 
 wife, she resolved, before it was returned to her, to 
 work one like it. As she was engaged in this task, the 
 ensign observed her standing at the window, where she 
 could be seen by all passers-by in the street ; and he 
 pointed her out to the Moor, who was now perfectly 
 convinced of his wife's guilt. Th,en he arranged with 
 
INTRODUCTION. 2i 
 
 the ensign to slay Disdemona and the captain of the 
 troop. And the Moor prayed the ensign that he 
 would kill the captain, promising eternal gratitude to 
 him. 
 
 The ensign going out one dark night, sword in hand, 
 met the captain, on his way to visit a courtesan, and 
 struck him a blow on his right thigh, which cut off 
 his leg and felled him to the earth. Then the ensign 
 was on the point of putting an end to his life, when 
 the captain, who was a courageous man, drew his 
 sword, and, wounded as he was, kept on his defense, 
 exclaiming with a loud voice, "I'm murdered!" 
 Thereupon the ensign, hearing the people come run- 
 ning up, with some of the soldiers who were lodged 
 thereabouts, took to his heels, to escape being caught; 
 then turning about again, he joined the crowd, pretend- 
 ing to have been attracted by the noise. And when 
 he saw the captain's leg cut off, he judged that, if not 
 already dead, the blow must at all events end his 
 life ; and, whilst in his heart he rejoiced at this, he yet 
 feigned to compassionate the captain as if he had been 
 his brother. 
 
 The next morning the tidings of this affair spread 
 through the whole city and reached the ears of Dis- 
 demona; whereat she, who was kind-hearted, and little 
 dreamed that any ill would betide her, evinced the 
 greatest grief at the calamity. This served but to con- 
 firm the Moor's suspicions, and he went to seek for 
 
22 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the ensign, and said to him, " Do you know that ass 
 my wife is in such grief at the captain's accident that 
 she is well-nigh gone mad ?" 
 
 " And what could you expect, seeing he is her very 
 soul?" replied the ensign. 
 
 **Ay, soul forsooth;" exclaimed the Moor; "I'll 
 draw the soul from out her body: call me no man, if 
 that I fail to shut the world upon this wretch." 
 
 Then they consulted of one means and another — 
 poison and daggers — to kill poor Disdemona, but 
 could resolve on nothing. At length the ensign said, 
 " A plan comes to my mind, which will give you 
 satisfaction, and raise cause for no suspicion, — it is 
 this: the house in which you live is very old, and the 
 ceiling of your chamber has many cracks; I propose 
 we take a stocking, filled with sand, and beat Disde- 
 mona with it till she dies: thus will her body bear no 
 signs of violence. When she is dead, we can pull 
 down a portion of the ceiling, and thus make it seem 
 as if a rafter, falling on her head, had killed the 
 lady." 
 
 This ciuel counsel pleased the Moor, and he only 
 waited for a fitting time to execute the plot. One 
 night when he and Disdemona had retired to bed, the 
 ensign, whom the Moor had concealed in a closet 
 which opened into the chamber, raised a noise in the 
 closet, according to a concerted plan ; whereat the 
 Moor said to his wife, ' ' Did you not hear that noise 1 " 
 
IN TR OD UC TIOJV. 23 
 
 '* Indeed, I heard it," she replied. 
 
 " Rise," said the Moor, " and see what it is." 
 
 The unhappy Disdemona rose from bed, and 
 the instant she approached the closet, out rushed the 
 ensign, and being strong and of stout nerve, he beat 
 her cruelly with the bag of sand across her back ; upon 
 which Disdemona fell to the ground, scarce able to 
 draw her breath: but, with the little voice she had left, 
 she called upon the Moor for aid. But the Moor, 
 leaping from bed, exclaimed, " Thou wickedest of 
 women, thus has thy falseness found its just reward, — 
 the recompense to wives who, counterfeiting love, 
 place horns upon their husbands' brows." 
 
 The wretched lady hearing these words, and feeling 
 that she was near her end (for the ensign had given her 
 another blow), appealed to the justice of Heaven, 
 since justice here had failed her, in proof of her fidel- 
 ity and truth ; and, as she was thus calling Heaven to 
 witness, the wicked ensign inflicted a third blow, under 
 which she sank lifeless on the floor. 
 
 Then the ensign and the Moor, laying Disdemona 
 on the bed, and wounding her head, pulled down part 
 of the ceiling of the chamber, as they had arranged; 
 whereupon the Moor began to call loud for help, ex- 
 claiming that the house was falling. Hearing this 
 uproar, the neighbors all came running up, and there 
 found Disdemona lying dead beneath a rafter — a sight 
 which, from the good life of that poor lady, did fill all- 
 hearts with sorrow. 
 
24 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 REMARKS OF AUTHORS ON "OTHELLO." 
 
 " The beauties of this play impress themselves so 
 strongly upon the attention of the reader that they 
 ■can draw no aid from critical illustration. The fiery 
 openness of Othello, magnanimous, artless, and cred- 
 ulous, boundless in his confidence, ardent in his affec- 
 tion, inflexible in his resolution, and obdurate in his re- 
 venge; the cool malignity of lago, silent in his resent- 
 ment, subtle in his designs, and studious at once of his 
 interest and his vengeance; the soft simplicity of Des- 
 demona, confident of merit, and conscious of innocence, 
 her artless perseverance in her suit, and her slowness 
 to suspect that she can be suspected, are such proofs 
 of Shakespeare's skill in human nature as, I suppose, 
 it is vain to seek in any modern writer. The gradual 
 progress which lago makes in the Moor's con^jiction, 
 and the circumstances which he employs to inflame 
 him, are so artfully natural that, though it will per- 
 haps not be said of him as says himself, that he is a 
 man not easily jealous, yet we cannot but pity him when 
 at last we find him perplexed in the extreme. 
 
 " There is always danger lest wickedness, conjoined 
 with abilities, should steal upon esteem, though it 
 misses of approbation ; but the character of lago is so 
 conducted that he is, from the first scene to the last, 
 hated and despised. Even the inferior characters of 
 this play would be very conspicuous in any other 
 
IN TRODUC TION. 2 5 
 
 piece, not only for their justness, but their strength. 
 Cassio is brave, beaevolent, and honest, ruined only 
 by his want of stubbornness to resist an insidious invi- 
 tation. Roderigo's suspicious credulity, and impatient 
 submission to the cheats which he sees practised upon 
 him, and which by persuasion he suffers to be repeated, 
 exhibit a strong picture of a weak mind betrayed by 
 unlawful desires to a false friend ; and the virtue of 
 Emilia is such as we often find worn loosely, but not 
 cast off, easy to commit small crimes, but quickened 
 and alarmed at atrocious villanies. 
 
 "The scenes from the beginning to the end are 
 busy; varied by happy interchanges, and regularly 
 promoting the progress of the story; and the nar- 
 rative in the end, though it tells but what is known al- 
 ready, yet is necessary to produce the death of Othello. 
 
 " Had the scene opened in Cyprus, and the preced- 
 ing incidents been occasionally related, there had been 
 little wanting to a drama of the most exact and scrupu- 
 lous regularity." — Johnson. 
 
 " A more artful villain than this lago was never por- 
 trayed; he spreads his nets with a skill which nothing 
 can escape. The repugnance inspired by his aims be- 
 comes tolerable from the attention of the spectators 
 being directed to his means: these furnish endless em- 
 ployment to the understanding. Cool, discontented, 
 and morose, arrogant where he dares be so, but hum- 
 ble and insinuating when it suits his purposes, he is a 
 
26 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 complete master in the art of dissimulation; accessible 
 only to selfish emotions, he is thoroughly skilled in 
 rousing the passions of others, and in availing himself 
 of every opening v^rhich they give him: he is as excel- 
 lent an observer of men as any one can be who is un- 
 acquainted with higher motives of action from his ov/n 
 experience; there is always some truth in his malicious 
 observations on them. He does not merely pretend 
 an obdurate incredulity as to the virtue of women, he 
 actually entertains it; and this, too, falls in with his 
 whole way of thinking, and makes him the more fit 
 for the execution of his purpose. As in everything he 
 sees merely the hateful side, he dissolves in the rudest 
 manner the charm which the imagination casts over 
 the relation between the two sexes: he does so for the 
 purpose of revolting Othello's senses, whose heart 
 otherwise might easily have convinced him of Desde- 
 mona's innocence. This must serve as an excuse 
 for the numerous expressions in the speeches of lago 
 from which modesty shrinks. If Shakespeare had 
 written in our days, he would not perhaps have dared 
 to hazard them; and yet this must certainly have 
 greatly injured the truth of his picture. Desdemona 
 is a sacrifice without blemish. She is not, it is true, a 
 high ideal representation of sweetness and enthusiastic 
 passion like Juliet; full of simplicity, softness, and 
 humility, and so innocent that she can hardly form to 
 herself an idea of the possibility of infidelity, she 
 
INTRODUCTION. 27 
 
 seems calculated to make the most yielding and ten- 
 derest of wives. The female propensity wholly to re- 
 sign itself to a foreign destiny has led her into the 
 only fault in her life, that of marrying without her 
 father's consent. Her choice seems wrong; and yet 
 she has been gained over to Othello by that which in- 
 duces the female to honor in man her protector and 
 guide, — admiration of his determined heroism, and 
 compassion for the sufferings which he had under- 
 gone. With great art it is so contrived that, from the 
 very circumstance that the possibility of a suspicion of 
 her own purity of motive never once enters her mind, 
 she is less reserved in her solicitations for Cassio, and 
 thereby does but heighten more and more the jealousy 
 of Othello. To throw out still more clearly the an- 
 gelic purity of Desdemona, Shakespeare has in Emilia 
 associated with her a companion of doubtful virtue. 
 From the sinful levity of this woman, it is also con- 
 ceivable that she should not confess the abstraction of 
 the handkerchief when Othello violently demands it 
 back: this would otherwise be the circumstance in the 
 whole piece the most difficult to justify. Cassio is 
 portrayed exactly as he ought to be to excite suspicion 
 without actual guilt,— amiable and nobly disposed, but 
 easily seduced. The public events of the first two 
 acts show us Othello in his most glorious aspect, as 
 the support of Venice and the terror of the Turks; 
 they serve to withdraw the story from the mere do- 
 
28 INTROD UCTION. 
 
 mestic circle, just as this is done in * Romeo and Juliet ' 
 by the dissensions between the houses of Montague 
 and Capulet. No eloquence is capable of painting the 
 overwhelming force of the catastrophe in 'Othello,' 
 — the pressure of feelings which measure out in a mo- 
 ment the abysses of eternity." — Schlegel. 
 
 " Admirable is the preparation, so truly and pecu- 
 liarly Shakespearean, in the introduction of Roderigo, 
 as the dupe on whom lago shall first exercise his art, 
 and in doing so display his own character. Roderigo, 
 without any fixed principle, but not without the moral 
 notions and sympathies with honor which his rank and 
 connections had hung upon him, is already well fitted 
 and predisposed for the purpose; for very want of 
 character and strength of passion, like wind loudest in 
 an empty house, constitute his character. The first 
 three lines happily state the nature and foundation of 
 the friendship between him and lago — the purse — as 
 also the contrast of Roderigo's intemperance of mind 
 with lago's coolness, the coolness of a preconceiving 
 experimenter. Roderigo turns off to Othello [calling 
 him thick lips\\ and here comes one, if not the only, 
 seeming justification of our blackamoor or negro 
 Othello. Even if we supposed this an uninterrupted 
 tradition of the theater, and that Shakespeare himself, 
 from want of scenes, and the experience that nothing 
 could be too marked for the senses of his audience, 
 had practically sanctioned it, would this prove aught 
 
IN TR OD UC TION. 29 
 
 concerning his own intention as a poet for all ages ? 
 Can we imagine him so utterly ignorant as to make a 
 barbarous negro plead royal birth — at a time, too, 
 when negroes were not known except as slaves ? As 
 for lago's language to Brabantio, it implies merely that 
 Othello was a Moor, that is, black. Though I think 
 the rivalry of Roderigo sufficient to account for his wil- 
 ful confusion of Moor and negro, yet, even if com- 
 pelled to give this up, I should think it only adapted 
 for the acting of the day, and should complain of an 
 enormity built on a single" word, in direct contra- 
 diction to lago's ' Barbary Horse.' Besides, if we 
 could in good earnest believe Shakespeare ignorant 
 of the distinction, still why should we adopt one disa- 
 greeable possibility instead of a ten times greater and 
 more pleasing probability? It is a common error to 
 mistake the epithets applied by the dramatis personcB 
 to each other as truly descriptive of what the audience 
 ought to see or know. No doubt Desdemona saw- 
 Othello's visage in his mind; yet, as we are consti- 
 tuted, and most surely as an English audience was dis- 
 posed in the beginning of the seventeenth century, 
 would be something monstrous to conceive this beau- 
 tiful Venetian girl falling in love with a veritable 
 negro. It would argue adisproportionateness, a want 
 of balance in Desdemona, which Shakespeare does not 
 appear to have in the least contemplated. 
 
 '** lago's speech — 'Virtue? a fig! 't is in ourselves 
 
30 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 that we are thus,' etc., comprises the passionless char- 
 acter of lago. It is all will in intellect; and therefore 
 lie is here a bold partisan of the truth, but yet of a 
 truth converted into a falsehood by the absence of all 
 the necessary modifications caused by the frail nature 
 ■of man. And then comes the last sentiment — " Our 
 raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts, 
 whereof I take this, that you call love, to be a sect 
 or scion!' Here is the true lagoism of, alas! how 
 many! Note lago's pride of mastery in the repetition 
 of ' Go, make money' ' to his anticipated dupe, even 
 •stronger than his love of lucre: and, when Roderigo is 
 completely won, when the effect has been fully pro- 
 duced, the repetition of triumph — 'Go to; farewell; 
 put money enough in your purse! ' The remainder — 
 lago's soliloquy — the motive-hunting of a motiveless 
 malignity — how awful it is! Yea, whilst he is still al- 
 lowed to bear the divine image, it is too fiendish for 
 his own steady view, for the lonely gaze of a being 
 next to devil, and not quite devil — and yet a character 
 which Shakespeare has attempted and executed, with- 
 out disgust and without scandal! " — Coleridge'. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Duke of Venice. 
 
 Brabantio, a senator; father to Desdemona. 
 
 Two other Senators. 
 
 Gratiano, brother to Brabantio. 
 
 LoDOVico, kinsman to Brabantio. 
 
 Othello, the Moor. 
 
 Cassio, lieutenant to Othello. 
 
 Iago, ancient to Othello. 
 
 Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman. 
 
 MoNTANO, Othello's predecessor in the government 
 
 of Cyprus. 
 Clown, servant to Othello. 
 Herald. 
 
 Desdemona, wife to Othello. 
 Emilia, wife to Iago. 
 BiANCA, a courtezan. 
 
 Scene: For the First Act, in Venice; during the rest 
 of the Play, at a Seaport in Cyprus. 
 
 32 
 
OTHELLO. 
 
 ACT L 
 
 Scene I. Venice. A street. 
 Enter RODERIGO and Iago. 
 
 Rod. Tush ! never tell me ; I take it much 
 unkindly 
 That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse 
 As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of 
 this. 
 Iago. 'Sblood ; but you'll not hear me. 
 If ever I did dream of such a matter, 
 Abhor me. 
 
 Rod. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him 
 
 in thy hate. 
 Iago. Despise me if I do not. Three great 
 ones of the city, 
 In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, 
 Off-capp'd to him : and, by the faith of man, lo. 
 
 I know my price, I'm worth no worse a place. 
 But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,. 
 Evades them, with a bombast circumstance 
 Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war, 
 
 33 
 
34 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 And, in conclusion, 
 
 Nonsuits my mediators. For, " Certes," says he, 
 " I have already chose my officer." 
 And what was he } 
 Forsooth, a great arithmetician, 
 20 One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, 
 A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife, 
 That never set a squadron in the field, 
 Nor the division of a battle knows 
 More than a spinster; unless the bookish 
 
 theoric, 
 Wherein the toged consuls can propose 
 As masterly as he : mere prattle, without 
 
 practice, 
 Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the elec- 
 tion : 
 And I, — of whom his eyes had seen the proof 
 At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds 
 30 Christian and heathen, — must be be-le'd and 
 calm'd 
 By debitor and creditor : this counter-caster. 
 He in good time must his lieutenant be, 
 And I, God bless the mark ! his Moorship's 
 ancient. 
 Rod. By heaven, I rather would have been his 
 
 hangman. 
 lago. Why, there's no remedy; 't is the curse 
 of service, 
 Preferment goes by letter and affection, 
 And not by old gradation, where each second 
 Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge your- 
 self 
 Whether I in any just term am afiin'd 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 35 
 
 To love the Moor. 
 
 Rod. I would not follow him then. 40 
 
 lago. Oh, sir, content you ; 
 
 I follow him to serve my turn upon him : 
 We cannot all be masters, nor all masters 
 Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark 
 Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave 
 That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, 
 Wears out his time, much like his master's ass. 
 For nought but provender ; and when he's old, 
 
 cashier'd : 
 Whip me such honest knaves ! Others there are 
 Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, 50 
 
 Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves ; 
 And, throwing but shows of service on their 
 
 lords. 
 Well thrive by them ; and, when they've lin'd 
 
 their coats. 
 Do themselves homage. These fellows have 
 
 some soul ; 
 And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir. 
 It is as sure as you are Roderigo, 
 Were I the Moor I would not be lago. 
 In following him I follow but myself; 
 Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty. 
 But seeming so, for my peculiar end : 60 
 
 For, when my outward action doth demonstrate 
 The native act and figure of my heart 
 In compliment extern, 't is not long after 
 But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve 
 For daws to peck at : I am not what I am. 
 Rod. What a full fortune does the thick-lips 
 
 owe. 
 
36 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 If he can carry it thus ! 
 
 I ago. Call up her father, 
 
 Rouse him ; make after him, poison his delight, 
 Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kins- 
 men ; 
 70 And, though he in a fertile climate dwell. 
 
 Plague him with flies ; though that his joy be 
 
 Yet throw such chances of vexation on t 
 As it may lose some color. 
 
 Rod. Here is her father's house ; I'll call aloud. 
 lago. Do, with like timorous accent and dire 
 yell 
 As when, by night and negligence, the fire 
 Is spied in populous cities. 
 Rod. What, ho ! Brabantio ! Signior Brabantio, 
 
 ho! 
 lago. Awake ! what, ho ! Brabantio ! thieves ! 
 thieves ! 
 80 Look to your house, your daughter, and your 
 bags ; 
 Thieves ! thieves ! 
 
 Brabantio, above. 
 
 Bra. What is the reason of this terrible sum- 
 mons ? 
 What is the matter there ? 
 
 Rod. Signior, is all your family within } 
 lago. Are your doors lock'd ? 
 Bi^a. Why, wherefore ask you this } 
 
 lago. Zounds, sir, you 're robb'd ; for shame, 
 put on your gown; 
 Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul : 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 37 
 
 Awake the snorting citizens with the bell : 
 Arise, I say. 
 
 Bra. What ! have you lost your wits ? 
 
 Rod. Most reverend signior, do you know my 
 voice ? 
 
 Bra. Not I ; what are you ? 90 
 
 Rod. My name is Roderigo. 
 
 Bra. The worser welcome : 
 
 I've charged thee not to haunt about my doors : 
 In honest plainness thou hast heard me say 
 My daughter's not for thee; and now, in mad- 
 ness, 
 Being full of supper and distempering draughts. 
 Upon malicious bravery dost thou come 
 To start my quiet. 
 
 Rod. Sir, sir, sir, — 
 
 Bra. But thou must needs be sure 
 
 My spirit and my place have in their power 
 To make this bitter to thee. 
 
 Rod. Patience, good sir. 100 
 
 Bra. What tell'st thou me of robbing.^ this 
 is Venice ; 
 My house is not a grange. 
 
 Rod. Most grave Brabantio, 
 
 In simple and pure soul I come to you, 
 
 lago. Zounds, sir, you are one of those that 
 will not serve God, if the devil bid you. Be- 
 cause we come to do you service, you think we 
 are ruffians. 
 
 Bra. Thou art a villain. 
 
 lago. You are — a senator. 
 
 Bra. This thou shalt answer. I know thee, 
 Roderigo. 
 
38 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 Rod. Sir, I will answer anything. But, I be- 
 seech you, 
 If 't be your pleasure and most wise consent, 
 
 no As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter. 
 At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night. 
 Transported, with no worse nor better guard 
 But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, 
 To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor, — ■ 
 If this be Icnown to you and your allowance, 
 We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs ; 
 But, if you know not this, my manners tell me 
 We have your wrong rebuke. Do riot believe 
 That, from the sense of all civility, 
 
 I20 I thus would play and trifle with your reverence: 
 Your daughter, — if you have not given her 
 
 leave, — 
 I say again, hath made a gross revolt ; 
 Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes 
 In an extravagant and wheeling stranger 
 Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy your- 
 self : 
 If she be in her chamber or your house. 
 Let loose on me the justice of the state 
 For thus deluding you. 
 
 Bra. Strike on the tinder, ho ! 
 
 Give me a taper ; call up all my people : 
 
 130 This accident is not unlike my dream ; 
 Belief of it oppresses me already: 
 Light, I say ! light ! [Exz't frofn above. 
 
 lago. Farewell ; for I must leave you : 
 It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place, 
 To be produc'd — as, if I stay, I shall — 
 Against the Moor; for, I do know, the state — 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 39 
 
 However this may gall him with some check — 
 Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embarked 
 With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, 
 Which e'en now stand in act, that, for their souls, 
 Anotlier of his fathom they have none 140 
 
 To lead their business ; in which regard, 
 Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains, 
 Yet, for necessity of present life, 
 I must show out a flag and sign of love. 
 Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely 
 
 find him. 
 Lead to the Sagittary the raised search; 
 And there will I be with him. So, farewell. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Enter, beloiv, Brabantio, and Servants with 
 torches. 
 
 Bra. It is too true an evil; gone she is ! 
 And what's to come of my despised time 
 Is nought but bitterness. — Now, Roderigo, 150 
 
 Where didst thou see her.^ — O unhappy girl ! — 
 With the Moor, say'st thou.? — Who would be a 
 
 father !— 
 How didst thou know 't was she,? — Oh, she 
 
 deceives me 
 Past thought !— What said she to you .?— Get 
 
 more tapers ; 
 Raise all my kindred. — Are they married, think 
 you? 
 Rod. Truly, I think they are. 
 Bra. O heaven ! — How got she out } — O trea- 
 son of the blood ! — 
 
40 OTHELLO. , [act i. 
 
 Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' 
 
 minds 
 By what you see them act. — Is there not charms 
 i6o By which the property of youth and maidhood 
 May be abus'd? Have you not read, Roderigo, 
 Of some such thing ? 
 
 Rod. Yes, sir, I have indeed. 
 
 Bra. Call up my brother. — Oh, would you had 
 had her ! — 
 Some one way, some another. — Do you know 
 Where we may apprehend her and the Moor.^ 
 Rod. I think I can discover him, if you please 
 To get good guard and go along with me. 
 Bra. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll 
 call; 
 I may command at most ; — Get weapons, ho ! 
 170 And raise some special officers of night. — 
 
 On, good Roderigo ; I'll deserve your pains. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene ii. Another street. 
 
 Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants with 
 torches. 
 
 Iago. Though in the trade of war I have slain 
 men, 
 Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience 
 To do no contriv'd murder : I lack iniquity 
 Sometime to do me service : Nine or ten times 
 I'd thought t' have yerk'd him here under the ribs. 
 
 0th. 'T is better as it is. 
 
 Iago. Nay, but he prated, 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 41 
 
 And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms 
 
 Against your honor, 
 
 That, with the little godliness I have, 
 
 I did full hard forbear him. But, I pray you, 
 
 sir, 10 
 
 Are you fast married ? Be assur'd of this, 
 That the magnifico is much belov'd. 
 And hath in his effect a voice potential 
 As double as the duke's : he will divorce you, 
 Or put upon you what restraint and grievance 
 The law, with all his might t' enforce it on. 
 Will give him cable. 
 
 0th. Let him do his spite : 
 
 My services which I have done the signiory 
 Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'T is yet to 
 
 know,^ 
 Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, 20 
 I shall promulgate — I fetch my life and being 
 From men of royal siege, and my demerits 
 May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune 
 As this that I have reach'd : for know, lago. 
 But that I love the gentle Desdemona, 
 I would not my unhoused, free condition 
 Put into circumscription and confine 
 For the sea's worth. But, look I what lights 
 
 come yond } 
 lago. Those are the raised father and his 
 
 friends : 
 You were best go in. 
 
 0th. Not I ; I must be found : 30 
 
 My parts, my title, and my perfect soul 
 Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they } 
 lago. By Janus, I think no. 
 
42 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 Enter Cassio, and certain Officers with torches, 
 
 0th. The servants of the duke, and my lieu- 
 tenant. — 
 The goodness of the night upon j^ou, friends ! 
 What is the news ? 
 
 Cas. The duke does greet you, general : 
 
 And he requires your haste-post-haste appear- 
 ance, 
 Even on the instant. 
 
 0th. What 's the matter, think you } 
 
 Cas. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. 
 40 It is a business of some heat. The galleys 
 Have sent a dozen sequent messengers 
 This very night at one another's heels, 
 And many of the consuls, rais'd and met, 
 Are at the duke's already. You have been hotly 
 
 call'd for; 
 When, being not at your lodging to be found, 
 The senate hath sent about three several quests 
 To search you out. 
 
 0th. 'T is well I'm found by you. 
 
 I will but spend a word here in the house, 
 And go with you. 
 
 Cas. Ancient, what makes he here ? 
 
 50 lago. Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land 
 carack : 
 If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever. 
 Cas. I do not understand. 
 lago. He's married. 
 
 Cas. To who .-^ 
 
II.] OTHELLO. 43 
 
 Re-Ente7' Othello. 
 
 lago. Marry, to — Come, captain, will you go ? 
 0th. Ha' with you. 
 
 Cas. Here comes another troop to seek for 
 
 you. 
 lago. It is Brabantio. — General, be advis'd ; 
 He comes to bad intent. 
 
 Enter BRABANTIO, RoDERiGO, and Officers 
 with torches. 
 
 0th, Holla ! stand there ! 
 
 Rod. Signior, it is the Moor. 
 
 Bra. Down with him, thief! {^l^hey draw on 
 
 both sides. 
 
 lago. You, Roderigo ! come, sir, I 'm for you. 
 
 0th. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew 
 will rust them. 
 Good signior, you shall more command with 
 
 years 6o 
 
 Than with your weapons. 
 
 Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd 
 my daughter ? 
 Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her; 
 For I'll refer me to all things of sense, 
 If she in chains of magic were not bound, 
 Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy. 
 So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd 
 The wealthy curled darlings of our nation, 
 Would ever have, t' incur a general mock, 
 Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom ']0 
 
 Of such a thing as thou,— to fear, not to delight. 
 Judge me the world, if 't is not gross in sense 
 
44 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 That thou hast practis'd on her with foul 
 
 charms, — 
 Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs or minerals 
 That waken motion : — I'll have 'f disputed on ; 
 'T is probable and palpable to thinking. 
 I therefore apprehend and do attach thee 
 For an abuser of the world, a practiser 
 Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. 
 80 Lay hold upon him ; if he do resist, 
 Subdue him at his peril. 
 
 0th. Hold your hands, 
 
 Both of you my inclining and the rest ! 
 Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it 
 Without a prompter. — Where will you that I go 
 To answer this your charge ? 
 
 Bra. To prison, till fit time 
 
 Of law and course of direct session 
 Call thee to answer. 
 
 0th. What if I do obey ? 
 
 How may the duke be therewith satisfied, 
 Whose messengers are here about my side, 
 90 Upon some present business of the state. 
 To bring me to him ? 
 
 Off. 'T is true, most worthy signior. 
 
 The duke's in council ; and your noble self, 
 I 'm sure, is sent for. 
 
 Bra. How.^ the duke in council 
 
 In this time of the night .^ — Bring him away: 
 Mine's not an idle cause : the duke himself 
 Or any of my brothers of the state 
 Cannot but feel this wrong as 't were their own ; 
 For, if such actions may have passage free, 
 Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. 
 
 \Exe21nt, 
 
III.] OTHELLO. 45 
 
 Scene III. The Same. A Cou7icil Chamber. 
 
 The Duke and Senators sitting ; Officers at- 
 tending. 
 
 Duke. There is no composition in these news 
 That gives them credit. 
 
 First Sen. Indeed, they're disproportion 'd : 
 My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. 
 
 Duke. And mine, a hundred and forty. 
 
 Sec. Sen. And mine, two hundred : 
 
 But, though they jump not on a just account — 
 As in these cases, where the aim reports, 
 'T is oft with difference — yet do they all confirm 
 A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. 
 
 Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to judgment : 
 I do not so secure me in the error, jq 
 
 But the main article I do approve 
 In fearful sense. 
 
 Sailor. [ Within?^ What, ho ! what, ho ! what, 
 ho! 
 
 Oj^. A messenger from the galleys. 
 
 Enter a Sailor. 
 
 Duke. Now what's the business ? 
 
 Sailor. The Turkish preparation makes for 
 Rhodes; 
 So was I bid report here to the state 
 By Signior Angelo. 
 
 Duke. How say you by this change? 
 
 First Sen. This cannot be 
 
 By no assay of reason ; 't is a pageant 
 To keep us in false gaze. When we consider 
 
46 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 20 Th' importancy of Cyprus to the Turk ; 
 And let ourselves again but understand 
 That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, 
 So may he with more facile question bear it, 
 For that it stands not in such warlike brace. 
 But altogether lacks the abilities 
 That Rhodes is dress'd in ; — if we make thought 
 
 of this, 
 We must not think the Turk is so unskilful 
 To leave that latest which concerns him first, 
 Neglecting an attempt of ease and gam 
 30 To wake and wage a danger profitless. 
 
 Duke. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for 
 
 Rhodes. 
 Off. Here is more news. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 Mess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, 
 Steering with due course towards the isle of 
 
 Rhodes; 
 Have there injointed with an after fleet. 
 
 First Seji. Ay, so I thought. — How many, as 
 
 you guess } 
 Mess. Of thirty sail : and now they do re-stem 
 Their backward course, bearing with frank ap- 
 pearance 
 Their purposes towards Cyprus. Signior Mon- 
 tano, 
 40 Your trusty and most valiant servitor. 
 With his free duty recommends you thus, 
 And prays you to believe him. 
 
 Duke. 'T is certain, then, for Cyprus. 
 Marcus Luccicos. is not he in town } 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 47 
 
 First Sen. He's now in Florence. > 
 
 Duke. Write from us to him, post-post-haste 
 
 despatch. 
 First Sen. Here comes Brabantio and the 
 valiant Moor. 
 
 Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, 
 attd Officers. 
 
 Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight em- 
 ploy you 
 Against the general enemy Ottoman. — 
 
 [ To Bra. 
 I did not see you ; welcome, gentle signior ; 50 
 
 We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night. 
 
 Bra. So did I yours. Good your grace, par- 
 don me; 
 Neither my place nor aught I heard of business 
 Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the gen- 
 eral care 
 Take hold on me ; for my particular grief 
 Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature 
 That it engluts and swallows other sorrows 
 And it is still itself. 
 
 Duke. Why, what's the matter .? 
 
 Bra. My daughter! Oh, my daughter! 
 
 Sen. Dead.? 
 
 Bra. Ay, to me; 
 
 She is abus'd, stol'n from me, and corrupted 60 
 By spells and med'cines bought of mounte- 
 banks ; 
 For nature so preposterously to err, 
 Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense. 
 Sans witchcraft could not. 
 
48' OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 Duke. Whoe'er he be that in this foul pro- 
 * ceeding 
 Hath thus beguil'd your daughter of herself 
 And you of her, the bloody book of law 
 You shall yourself read in the bitter letter 
 After your own sense ; yea, though our proper 
 
 son 
 Stood in your action. 
 70 Bra. Humbly I thank your grace. 
 
 Here is the man, this Moor, whom now, it 
 
 seems, 
 Your special mandate for the state affairs 
 Hath hither brought. 
 
 All. We are very sorry for 't. 
 
 Duke. What, in your own part, can you say to 
 this? [r^ Othello. 
 
 Bra. Nothing, but this is so. 
 0th. Most potent, grave, and reverend sig- 
 niors, 
 My very noble and approv'd good masters, 
 That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter. 
 It is most true; true, I have married her; 
 80 The very head and front of my offending 
 
 Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my 
 
 speech. 
 And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace; 
 For, since these arms of mine had seven years' 
 
 pith. 
 Till now some nine moons wasted, they have 
 
 used 
 Their dearest action in the tented field ; 
 And little of this great world can I speak, 
 More than pertains to feats of broil and battle. 
 
sc. ni.] OTHELLO. 49 
 
 And therefore little shall I grace my cause 
 
 In speaking for myself, Yet, by your gracious 
 
 patience, 
 I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver 90^ 
 
 Of my whole course of love ; wliat drugs, what 
 
 charms, 
 What conjuration, and what mighty magic, — 
 For such proceeding I am charg'd withal, — 
 I won his daughter. 
 
 Bra. A maiden never bold ; 
 
 Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion 
 Blush'd at herself: and she, in spite of nature. 
 Of years, of country, credit, everything. 
 To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on ! 
 It is a judgment maim/d and most imperfect 
 That will confess perfection so could err 100 
 
 Against all rules of nature, and must be driven 
 To find out practices of cunning hell. 
 Why this should be. I therefore vouch again 
 That with some mixtures powerful o'er the 
 
 blood. 
 Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect, 
 He wrought upon her. 
 
 Duke. To vouch this is no proof, 
 
 Without more wider and more overt test 
 Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods 
 Of modern seeming do prefer against him. 
 
 First Sen. But, Othello, speak: no 
 
 Did you by indirect and forced courses 
 Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? 
 Or came it by request, and such fair question 
 As soul to soul affordeth.^ 
 
 0th. I do beseech you, 
 
50 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 Send for the lady to the Sagittary, 
 And let her speak of me before her father. 
 If you do find me foul in her^ report, 
 , The trust, the office I do hold of you. 
 Not only take away, but let your sentence 
 Even fall upon my life. 
 1 20 Duke, Fetch Desdemona hither. 
 
 0th. Ancient, conduct them : you best know 
 the place. \Exetmt Iago and Attendants. 
 And, till she come, as truly as to heaven 
 I do confess the vices of my blood. 
 So justly to your grave ears I'll present 
 How I did thrive in this fair lady's love 
 And she in mine. 
 
 Duke. Say it, Othello. 
 
 0th. Her father lov'd me ; oft invited me, 
 Still question'd me the story of my life 
 130 From year to year; the battles, sieges, fortunes 
 That I have pass'd. 
 
 I ran it through, even from my boyish days 
 To th' very moment that he bade me tell it. 
 Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances; 
 Of moving accidents by flood and field; 
 Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' th' imminent deadly 
 ' breach ; 
 
 Of being taken by the insolent foe 
 And sold to slavery ; of my redemption thence 
 And portance in my travels' history : 
 140 Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle. 
 
 Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads 
 
 touch heaven. 
 It was my hint to speak, — such was the process; 
 I And of the Cannibals that each other eat, 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 51 
 
 The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads 
 
 Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear 
 
 Would Desdemona seriously incline : 
 
 But still the house affairs would draw her thence ; 
 
 Which ever as she could with haste despatch, 
 
 She'd come again, and with a greedy ear 
 
 Devour up my discourse : which I observing, 150 
 
 Took once a pliant hour, and found good means 
 
 To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart 
 
 That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, 
 
 Whereof by parcels she had something heard. 
 
 But not intentively : I did consent, 
 
 And often did beguile her of her tears, 
 
 When I did speak of some distressful stroke 
 
 That my youth suffer'd. My story being done, 
 
 She gave me for my pains a world of sighs : 
 
 She swore, in faith, 't was strange, 't was passing 
 
 ' strange, 160 
 
 'T was pitiful, 't was wondrous pitiful : 
 She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd 
 That heaven had made her such a man : she 
 
 thank'd me. 
 And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her, 
 I should but teach him how to tell my story, 
 And that would woo her. Upon this hint I 
 
 spake : 
 She lov'd me for the dangers I had passed. 
 And I lov'd her that she did pity them. 
 This only is the witchcraft I have used ; — 
 Here comes the lady, let her witness it. 170 
 
52 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 E7iter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants. 
 
 Duke. I think this tale would win my daughter 
 too. 
 Good Brabantio, 
 
 Take up this mangled matter at the best : 
 Men do their broken weapons rather use 
 Than their bare hands. 
 
 B7'a. I pray you, hear her speak ; 
 
 If she confess that she was half the wooer, 
 Destruction on my head if my bad blame 
 Light on the man ! — Come hither, gentle mis- 
 tress : 
 Do you perceive in all this noble company 
 Where most you owe obedience ? 
 
 1 80 Des. My noble father, 
 
 I do perceive here a divided duty : 
 To you I'm bound for life and education ; 
 My life and education both do learn me 
 How to respect you ; you are the lord of duty ; — 
 I'm hitherto your daughter : but here's my 
 
 husband ; 
 And so much duty as my mother show'd 
 To you, preferring you before her father. 
 So much I challenge that I may profess 
 Due to the Moor my lord. 
 Bra. God b' with you ! — I've done.— 
 
 190 Please it your grace, on to the state affairs. 
 Come hither, Moor: 
 
 I here do give thee that with all my heart 
 Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart 
 I would keep from thee. — For your sake, jewel, 
 I'm glad at soul I have no other child; 
 
sc. Ill] OTHELLO. 53 
 
 For thy escape would teach me tyranny, 
 To hang clogs on them. — I have done, my lord. 
 Duke. Let me speak like yourself and lay a 
 sentence, 
 Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers 200 
 Into your favor. 
 
 When remedies are past, the griefs are ended 
 By seeing the worst, which late on hopes de- 
 pended. 
 To mourn a mischief that is past and gone 
 Is the next way to draw new mischief on. 
 What cannot be preserv'd when Fortune takes, 
 Patience her injury a mockery makes. 
 The robb'd that smiles steals something from 
 
 the thief; 
 He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. 
 
 Bra. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile ; 210 
 We lose it not so long as we can smile. 
 He bears the sentence well that nothing bears 
 But the free comfort which from thence he 
 
 hears ; 
 But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow 
 That to pay grief must of poor patience borrow. 
 These sentences to sugar or to gall, 
 Being strong on both sides, are equivocal : 
 But words are words ; I never yet did hear 
 That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the 
 
 ear. — 
 Beseech you, now to the affairs of state. 220 
 
 Duke. The Turk with a most mighty prepara- 
 tion makes for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude 
 of the place is best known to you ; and, though 
 
54 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 v/e have there a substitute of most allowed suffi- 
 ciency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of 
 effects, throws a more safer voice on you : you 
 must therefore be content to slubber the gloss 
 of your new fortunes with this more stubborn 
 and boisterous expedition. 
 230 Oth. The tyrant custom, most grave senators. 
 Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war 
 My thrice-driven bed of down : I do agnize 
 A natural and prompt alacrity 
 I find in hardness, and do undertake 
 These present wars against the Ottomites. 
 Most humbly therefore bending to your state, 
 I crave fit disposition for my wife. 
 Due reference of place and exhibition, 
 With such accommodation and besort 
 As levels with her breeding. 
 240 Duke. ' If you please, . 
 
 Be't at her father's. 
 
 jBra. I'll not have it so. 
 
 O^/i. Nor I. 
 
 Des. Nor I ; I would not there reside 
 
 To put my father in impatient thoughts 
 By being m his eye. Most gracious duke, 
 To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear; 
 And let me find a charter in your voice 
 T' assist my simpleness. 
 
 Duke. What would you, Desdemona ? 
 
 Des. That I did love the Moor to live with 
 him, 
 250 My downright violence and scorn of fortunes 
 May trumpet to the world : my heart's subdued 
 Even to the very quality of my lord : 
 
sc. III.] OTHRLLO. 55 
 
 I saw Othello's visage in his mind ; 
 
 And to his honors and his valiant parts 
 
 Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. 
 
 So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, 
 
 A moth of peace, and he go to the war, 
 
 The rites for which I love him are bereft me, 
 
 And I a heavy interim shall support 
 
 By his dear absence. Let me go with him. 260 
 
 0th. Let her have your voices. 
 Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not 
 To please the palate of my appetite, 
 Nor to comply with heat — the young affects 
 In me defunct — and proper satisfaction, 
 But to be free and bounteous to her mind. 
 And heaven defend your good souls, that you 
 
 think 
 I will your serious and great business scant 
 For she is with me. No, when light-wing'd toys 
 Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dulness 270 
 My speculative and ofiic'd instruments. 
 That my disports corrupt and taint my business, 
 Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, 
 And all indign and base adversities 
 Make head against my estimation. 
 
 Duke. Be it as you shall privately determine, 
 Either for her stay or going ; the affair cries 
 
 haste, 
 And speed must answer it. 
 
 Sen. You must away to-night. 
 
 0th. With all my heart. 
 
 Duke. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet 
 
 again. 280 
 
 Othello, leave some officer behind. 
 
56 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 And he shall our commission bring to you, 
 With such things else of quality and respect 
 As doth import you. 
 
 0th. So please your grace, my ancient ; 
 
 A man he is of honesty and trust : 
 To his conveyance I assign my wife, 
 With what else needful your good grace shall 
 
 think 
 To be sent after me. 
 
 Duke. Let it be so. 
 
 Good night to every one. — And, noble signior, 
 
 ITo Bra. 
 290 If virtue no delighted beauty lack, 
 
 Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. 
 First Sen. Adieu, brave Moor ! use Desde- 
 
 mona well. 
 Bra. Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to 
 see ; 
 She has deceiv'd her father, and may thee. 
 
 {^Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, etc. 
 Oth. My life upon her faith ! Honest lago. 
 My Desdemona must I leave to thee ; 
 I prithee let thy wife attend on her; 
 And bring them after in the best advantage. — 
 Come Desdemona, I have but an hour 
 300 Of love, of worldly matter, and direction 
 
 To spend with thee: we must obey the time. 
 
 \Exeitnt Othello and Desdemona. 
 Rod. lago, — 
 
 lago. What say'st thou, noble heart } 
 Rod. What will I do, think'st thou } 
 lago. Why, go to bed and sleep. 
 Rod. I will incontinently drown myself. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 57 
 
 lago. If thou dost I shall never love thee after. 
 Why, thou silly gentleman ! 
 
 Rod. It is silliness to live when to live is tor- 
 ment ; and then have we a prescription to die 310 
 when death is our physician. 
 
 lago. Oh, villanous ! I have look'd upon the 
 world for four times seven years; and since I 
 could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an in- 
 jury, I never found man that knew how to love 
 himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself 
 for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my 
 humanity with a baboon. 
 
 Rod. What should I do .^ I confess it is my 
 shame to be so fond; but it is not in my virtue 320 
 to amend it. 
 
 Icigo. Virtue ! a fig ! 't is in ourselves that we 
 are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, 
 to the which our wills are gardeners; so that, if 
 we will plant nettles, or sow lettuce, set hyssop, 
 and weed up thyme, supplv it with one gender 
 of herbs, or distract it with many, eitlier to 
 have it sterile with idleness or manured with 
 industry, why, the power and corrigible authority 
 of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our 330 
 lives had not one scale of reason to poise another 
 of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our na- 
 tures would conduct us to most preposterous 
 conclusions : but we have reason to cool our 
 raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted 
 lusts, whereof I take this that you call love to be 
 a sect or scion. 
 
 Rod. It cannot be. 
 
 lago. It is merely a lust of the blood, and a 
 
58 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 340 permission of the will. Come, be a man. 
 Drown thyself ! drown cats and blind puppies. 
 I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me 
 knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable 
 toughness. I could never better stead thee 
 than now. Put money in thy purse ; follow thou 
 the wars ; defeat thy favor with an usurp'd beard; 
 I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be 
 that Desdemona should long continue her love 
 to the Moor, — put money in thy purse, — nor he 
 
 350 his to her: it was a violent commencement, 
 and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration : 
 — put but money in thy purse. — These Moors 
 are changeable in their wills ; — fill thy purse with 
 money ; — the food that to him now is as luscious 
 as locusts, shall be to him shortly as bitter as 
 coloquintida. She must change for youth ; she 
 will find the error of her choice : she must have 
 change, she must : therefore put money in thy 
 purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a 
 
 360 more delicate way than drowning. Make all 
 the money thou canst : if sanctimony and a frail 
 vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersub- 
 tle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all 
 the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore 
 make money. Drown thyself! it is clean out of 
 the way: seek thou rather to be hang'd in com- 
 passing thy joy than to be drowned and go with- 
 out her. 
 
 Rod. Wilt tliou be fast to my hopes, if I de- 
 
 370 pend on the issue. 
 
 lago. Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. 
 I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 59 
 
 and again, I hate the Moor ; my cause is hearted ; 
 thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunc- 
 tive is our revenge against him ; if thou canst 
 dishonor him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a 
 sport. There are many events in the womb of 
 time which will be delivered. Traverse ; go, 
 provide thy money. We will have more of this 
 to-morrow. Adieu. 380 
 
 Rod. Where shall we meet i' the morning? 
 
 I ago. At my lodging. 
 
 Rod. I'll be with thee betimes. 
 
 lago. Go to ; farewell. Do you hear, Rod- 
 
 erigo 
 
 Rod. What say you ? 
 
 lago. No more of drowning, do you hear? 
 
 Rod. I'm changed: I'll go sell all my land. 
 
 lago. Go to : farewell ! put money enough in 
 your purse. {^Exit Roderigo. 
 
 Thus do I ever make my fool my purse ; 
 For I mine own gain'd knowledge should pro- 
 fane, 390 
 If I would time expend with such a snipe. 
 But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor. 
 He holds me well ; 
 
 The better shall my purpose work on him. 
 Cassio's a proper man : let me see now ; — 
 To get his place and to plume up my will 
 In double knavery — How? how ? — Let's see : — 
 After some time, t' abuse Othello's ear 
 That he is too familiar with his wife. 
 He hath a person and a smooth dispose 400 
 
 To be suspected, framed to make women false. 
 The Moor is of a free and open nature. 
 
6o OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 That thinks men honest that but seem to be so^ 
 And will as tenderly be led by th' nose, 
 As asses are. 
 
 I have 't. It isengender'd. Hell and night 
 Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's, 
 light. {^Exit. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. A Seaport Town in Cyprus. Ati 
 open place near the quay. 
 
 Enter Montano and two Gentlemen. 
 
 Mon. What from ihe cape can you discern at 
 
 sea } 
 First Gent. Nothing at all : it is a high- 
 wrought flood : 
 I cannot 'twixt the heaven and'the main 
 Descry a sail. 
 
 Mo7t. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at 
 land ; 
 A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements : 
 If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea. 
 What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them. 
 Can hold the mortise.^ What shall we hear of 
 this.? 
 [o Sec. Gent. A segregation of the Turkish fleet : 
 For, do but stand upon the foaming shore. 
 The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds ; 
 The wind-shak'd surge, wdth high and monstrous 
 
 mane, 
 Seems to cast water on the burning bear, 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. , 6i 
 
 And quench the guards of th' ever-fixed pole : 
 I never did like molestation view 
 On the unchafed flood. 
 
 Mon. If that the Turkish fleet 
 
 Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they 're drown'd; 
 It is impossible they bear it out. 
 
 Enter a Third Gentleman, 
 
 Third Gent. News, lads ! our wars are done. 20 
 The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks 
 That their designment halts. A noble ship of 
 
 Venice 
 Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance 
 On most part of their fleet. 
 
 Mon. How ! is this true ? 
 
 Third Gent. The ship is here put in, 
 
 A Veronessa. Michael Cassio, 
 Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, 
 Is come on shore ; the Moor himself's at sea, 
 And is in full commission here for Cyprus. 
 
 Mo7i. I 'm glad on't; 't is a worthy governor. 30 
 
 Third Gent. But this same Cassio, though he 
 speak of comfort 
 Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly. 
 And prays the Moor be safe; for they were 
 
 parted 
 With foul and violent tempest. 
 
 Mon. Pray heaven he be; 
 
 For I have serv'd him, and the man commands 
 Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, — ho ! 
 As well to see the vessel that's come in 
 As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, 
 Even till we make the main and th' aerial blue 
 
62 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 An indistinct regard. 
 40 Third Gent. Come, let's do so ; 
 
 For every minate is expectancy 
 Of more arrivance. 
 
 Enter Cassio. 
 
 Cas. Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike 
 isle, 
 That so approve the Moor ! Oh, let the heavens 
 Give him defence against the elements, 
 For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. 
 Mon. Is he well shipp'd ? 
 
 Cas. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot 
 Of every expert and approv'd allowance ; 
 50 Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death. 
 Stand in bold cure. 
 
 \A cry within, A sail, a sail, a sail ! 
 
 Enter a Fourth Gentleman. 
 
 Cas. What noise? • 
 
 Fourth Geiit. The town is empty; on the brow 
 o' the sea 
 Stand ranks of people, and they cry "A sail !" 
 Cas. My hopes do shape him for the governor. 
 Gent. They do discharge their shot of cour- 
 tesy : — \Gu7ts heard. 
 Our friends, at least. 
 
 Cas. I pray you, sir, go forth, 
 
 And give us truth who't is that is arriv'd. 
 
 Gent. I shall. [Exit. 
 
 60 Mon. But, good lieutenant, is your general 
 wiv'd ? 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 63 
 
 Cas. Most fortunately : he hath achiev'd a 
 maid 
 That paragons description and wild fame ; 
 One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, 
 And in th' essential vesture of creation 
 Does tire the ingener. — 
 
 Re-eiiter Second Gentleman. 
 
 How now ! who has put in ? 
 
 Sec. Gent. 'T is one lago, ancient to the gen- 
 eral. 
 
 Cas. He's had most favorable and happy speed : 
 Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling 
 
 winds, 
 The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands, — 
 Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel, — 70 
 As having sense of beauty, do omit 
 Their mortal natures, letting go safely by 
 The divine Desdemona. 
 
 Mon. What is she } 
 
 Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's 
 captain. 
 Left in the conduct of the bold lago: 
 Whose footing here anticipates our thoughs 
 A se'nnight's speed. — Great Jove, Othello guard ! 
 And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath 
 That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, 
 Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits, 80 
 
 And bring all Cyprus comfort ! — Oh, behold, 
 
 Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Roderigo, 
 rt?z<^/ Attendants. 
 
 The riches of the ship is come on shore ! 
 
64 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. 
 Hail to thee, lady ! and the grace of heaven, 
 Before, behind thee, and on every hand 
 Enwheel thee round ! 
 
 Des. I thank you, valiant Cassio. 
 
 What tidings can you tell me of my lord ? 
 Cas. He is not yet arriv'd ; nor know I aught 
 90 But that he's well and will be shortly here. 
 
 Des. Oh, but I fear — How lost you company } 
 Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies 
 Parted our fellowship. But, hark ! a sail. 
 *' A sail ! a sail ! '' \Guns heard within. 
 
 Sec. Gent. They give their greeting to the cita- 
 del ; 
 This likewise is a friend. 
 
 Cas. See for the news. — 
 
 {Exit Gentleman. 
 Good ancient, you are welcome.— Welcome, mis- 
 tress. — {To Emilia. 
 Let it not gall your patience, good lago, 
 That I extend my manners ; 't is my breeding 
 100 That gives me this bold show of courtesy. 
 
 {Kissing her. 
 lago. Sir, would she give you so much of her 
 lips 
 As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, 
 You'd have enough, 
 
 Des. Alas ! she has no speech. 
 lago. In faith, too much ; 
 
 I find it still when I have list to sleep : 
 Marry, before your ladyship I grant 
 She puts her tongue a little in her heart, 
 And chides with thinking. 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO, 65 
 
 Emil. You have little cause to say so. 
 
 lago. Come on, come on : you are pictures out 
 
 of doors, no 
 
 Bells in your parlors, wild cats in your kitchens. 
 Saints in your injuries, devils being offended. 
 
 Des. Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer! 
 
 lago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk. 
 
 Emil. You shall not write my praise. 
 
 lago. No, let me not. 
 
 Des. What wouldst thou write of me if thou 
 shouldst praise me } 
 
 lago. O gentle lady, do not put me to 't ; 
 For I am nothing if not critical ! 120 
 
 Des. Come on, assay. — There's one gone to 
 the harbor } 
 
 lago. Ay, madam. 
 
 Des. I am not merry ; but I do beguile 
 The thing I am by seeming otherwise. 
 Come, how wouldst thou praise me } 
 
 lago. I am about it; but indeed my invention 
 Comes from my pate as birdlime does from 
 
 frieze, — 
 It plucks out brains and all ; but my Muse labors. 
 And thus she is deliver'd. 
 
 If she be fair and wise, — fairness and wit : 130 
 
 The one's for use, the other useth it. 
 
 Des. Well praised ! How if she be black and 
 witty } 
 
 lago. If she be black, and thereto have a wit. 
 She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit. 
 
 Des. Worse and worse. 
 
 Emil. How if fair and foolish } 
 
 lago. She never yet was foolish that was fair ; 
 
66 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 For even her folly heip'd her to an heir. 
 
 Des. These are old fond paradoxes, to make 
 
 fools laugh i' the ale house. What miserable 
 
 140 praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? 
 
 lago. There's none so foul, and foolish there- 
 unto, 
 But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones 
 do. 
 
 Des. O heavy ignorance ! — thou praisest the 
 worst best. But what praise couldst thou bestow 
 on a deserving woman indeed } one that, in the 
 authority of her merit, did justly put on the 
 vouch of very malice itself? 
 
 lago. She that was ever fair and never proud ; 
 150 Had tongue at will and yet was never loud ; 
 Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay; 
 Fled from her wish and yet said, — Now I may ; 
 She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh, 
 Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly ; 
 She that in wisdom never was so frail 
 To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail ; 
 She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind, 
 See suitors following and not look behind ; — 
 She was a wight, if ever such wight were, — 
 160 Des. To do what? 
 
 lago. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. 
 
 Des. O most lame and impotent conclusion ! 
 Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy 
 husband. — How say you, Cassio? is he not a 
 most profane and liberal counsellor? 
 
 Cas. He speaks home, madam ; you may 
 relish him more in the soldier than in the 
 scholar. 
 
C. I.] OTHELLO. 67 
 
 I ago. [Asz'de.] He takes her by the palm : ay, 
 well said, whisper: with as little a web as this 170 
 will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile 
 upon her, do ; I will gyve thee in thine own 
 courtship. You say true; 't is so, indeed : if such 
 tricks as these strip you out of you lieutenantry, 
 it had been better you had not kissed your three 
 fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt 
 to play the sir in. Very good ! well kissed! an 
 excellent courtesy! 't is so, indeed. Yet again 
 your fingers to your lips. ^ [TrtimpeL] The Moor, 
 I know his trumpet. 180 
 
 Cas. 'T is truly so. 
 
 Des. Let's meet him and receive him. 
 
 Cas. Lo, where he comes ! 
 
 Enter Othello (2;z<^ Attendants. 
 
 0th. O my fair warrior ! 
 
 Des. My dear Othello ! 
 
 0th. 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 190 
 
 As hell's from heaven I If it were now to die, 
 'T were 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. 
 
 Des. The heavens forbid 
 
 But that our loves and comforts should increase 
 
68 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 Even as our days do grow ! 
 
 0th. Amen to that, sweet powers ! — 
 
 I cannot speak enough of this content, 
 It stops me here ; it is too much of joy ; 
 200 And this and this the greatest discords be 
 
 [Kissing her. 
 That e'er our hearts shall make ! 
 
 lago. Oh, you are well tun'd now! 
 
 But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, 
 
 As honest as I am. {Aside. 
 
 0th. 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 desir'd in Cyprus ; 
 I 've found great love amongst them. O my 
 sweet, 
 210 I prattle out of fashion, and I dote 
 
 In mine own comforts. — I prithee, good lago. 
 
 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, Desde- 
 
 mona, 
 Once more well met at Cyprus. 
 
 {Exeunt Oth., Des., and Attend. 
 lago. Do thou meet me presently at the har- 
 bor. 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 to-night watches 
 220 on the court of guard. First, I must tell thee this 
 — Desdemona is directly in love with him. 
 
SCI.] OTHELLA. 69 
 
 Rod. With him ! why, 't is not possible. 
 
 lago. 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 
 thinli it. Her eye must be fed; and what de- 
 light shall she have to look on the devil ? When 
 the blood is made dull, there should be, again to 230 
 inflame it, 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, dis- 
 relish and abhor the Moor ; very nature will in- 
 struct 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 
 eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio 240 
 does.-^ — a knave very voluble ; no further con- 
 scionable than in putting on the mere form of 
 civil and hum.ane seeming for the better com- 
 passing of his salt and most hidden loose affec- 
 tion ? why, none ; why, none : a slipper and subtle 
 knave, a finder 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 250 
 and green minds look after : a pestilent, com- 
 plete knave ; and the woman hath found him 
 already. 
 
70 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 Rod. I cannot believe that in her : she 's full 
 of most blessed condition. 
 
 lago. Blessed fig's end ! the wine she drinks 
 is made of grapes: if she had been blessed, she 
 would never have loved the Moor. Blessed pud- 
 ding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the 
 260 palm of his hand ? didst not mark that .> 
 
 Rod. Yes, that I did ; but that was but cour- 
 tesy. 
 lago. Lechery, by this hand ! an index and 
 obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul 
 thoughts. They met so near witii their lips that 
 their breaths embraced together. Villanous 
 thoughts, Roderigo ! But, sir, be you ruled by 
 me : I have brought you from Venice. Watch 
 you to-night ; for the command, I'll lay 't upon 
 270 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 min- 
 ister. 
 Rod. Well. 
 
 lago. Sir, he's 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 
 280 of Cyprus to mutiny; whose qualification shall 
 come into no true taste again but by the displant- 
 ing of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter jour- 
 ney to 5^our 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. 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 71 
 
 Rod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any op- 290 
 
 portunity. 
 lago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at 
 
 the citadel. 
 I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. 
 Rod. Adieu. YExit. 
 
 lago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe 
 
 it; 
 That she loves him, 't is 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; 300 
 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 in- 
 wards ; 
 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 310 
 
 That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to 
 
 do, 
 If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash 
 For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, 
 I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip. 
 Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb, — 
 For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too ; — 
 Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward 
 
 me 
 
72 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 For making him egregiously an ass 
 And practising upon his peace and quiet 
 320 Even to madness. 'T is here, but yet confus'd ; 
 Knavery's plain face is never seen till used. 
 
 {Exit. 
 Scene II. A Street. 
 
 Enter a Herald, with a proclamatioii ; People 
 following. 
 
 Her. 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 tri- 
 umph : 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 
 10 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 HI. A Hall in the Castle. 
 
 Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, aiid At- 
 tendants. 
 0th. Good Michael, look you to the guard to- 
 night : 
 Let's teach ourselves that honorable stop. 
 Not to out-sport discretion. 
 
 Cas. lago hath direction what to do ; 
 But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 73 
 
 Willi look to 't. 
 
 OtJi. lago is most honest. 
 
 Michael, good night: to-morrow with your ear- 
 liest \o 
 
 Let me have speech with you. — Come, my dear 
 love.— {_To Des. 
 
 Good night. {^Exeunt Oth., Des., and Attend. 
 
 Enter I A GO. 
 
 Cas. Welcome, lago ; we must to the watch. 
 
 lago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 't is not yet 
 ten o' the clock. Our general cast us thus early 
 for the love of his Desdemona, who let us not 
 therefore blame. She is sport for Jove. 
 
 Cas. She's a most exquisite lady. 
 
 lago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. 20 
 
 Cas. Indeed, she's a most fresh and delicate 
 creature. 
 
 lago. ""/hat an eye she has ! methinks it 
 sounds a parley of provocation. 
 
 Cas An inviting eye; and yet methinks right 
 modest. 
 
 lugo. And when she speaks, is it not an alar- 
 um to love.'' 
 
 Cas. She is indeed perfection. 
 
 lago. Well, come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of 
 wine; and h©rfe without are a brace of Cyprus 30 
 gallants that would fain have a measure to the 
 health of black Othello. 
 
 Cas. Not to-night, good lagd ; I have very 
 poor and unhappy brains for drinking. I could 
 well wish courtesy would invent some other cus- 
 tom of entertainment. 
 
74 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 lago. Oh, they are our friends ! But one cup ; 
 I'll drink for you. 
 40 Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, 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. 
 
 lago. What, man ! 't is a night of revels : the 
 gallants desire it. 
 
 Cas. Where are they } 
 
 lago. Here at the door ; I pray you call them 
 
 in. 
 Cas. I'll do 't ; but it dislikes me. [Exit, 
 
 50 lago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, 
 With that which he hath drunk to-night al- 
 ready, 
 He'll be as full of quarrel and offence 
 As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool 
 
 Roderigo, 
 Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side out. 
 To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd 
 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, 
 60 Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups, 
 And they watch too. Now, 'motigst this flock 
 
 of drunkards. 
 Am I to put our Cassio in some action 
 That they may offend the isle. But here they 
 
 come : 
 If consequence do but approve my dream. 
 My boat sails freely both with wind and stream. 
 
[I.] OTHELLO. 75 
 
 Re-enter Cassio, with him MONTANO, and 
 Gentlemen. 
 
 Cas. 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse 
 already. 
 
 Mon. Good faith, a little one ; not past a pint, 
 as 1 am a soldier. 
 
 lago. Some wine, ho ! 70 
 
 And let me the canakin clink, clink, \Sings. 
 And let me the canakin clink; 
 
 A soldier's a man ; 
 
 A life's but a span ; 
 Why, then let a soldier drink. 
 
 Some wine, boys ! [ Wine brought in. 
 
 Cas. 'Fore God, an excellent song. 
 
 lago. I learn'd it in England, where indeed 
 they are most potent in potting: your Dane, 
 your German, and your Hollander— Drink, ho! 8c 
 — are nothing to your English. 
 
 Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his 
 drinking.? 
 
 lago. 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 fill'd. 
 
 Cas. To the health of our general ! 
 
 Mon. I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll do you 
 justice. 90 
 
 lago. O sweet England ! 
 
 King Stephen was a worthy peer, 
 His breeches cost him but a crown ; 
 
76 OTHELLO. [ act ii. 
 
 He held them sixpence all too dear, 
 
 With that he call'^ the tailor lown. 
 He was a wight of high renown, 
 
 And thou art but of low degree : 
 'T is pride that pulls the country down, 
 Then take thy auld cloak about thee. 
 100 Some wine, ho! 
 
 Cas. Why this is a more exquisite song than 
 the other. , 
 
 lago. Will you hear 't again .^ 
 Cas. 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. 
 lago. It's true, good lieutenant. 
 Cas. For mine own part, — no offence to the 
 general nor any man of quality, — I hope to be 
 saved. 
 Iio lago. And so do I too, lieutenant. 
 
 Cas. 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. 
 — 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 speak well 
 I20 enough. 
 
 AU. Excellent well. 
 
 Cas. Why, very well then : you must not think 
 then that I am drunk. {Exit. 
 
 Mon. To the platform, masters; come, let's 
 set the watch. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 77 
 
 lago. 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. 
 'T is to his virtue a just equinox, 
 The one as long as th' other ; 't is pity of him. 
 I fear the trust Othello puts him in, 130 
 
 On some odd time of his infirmity, 
 Will shake this island. 
 
 Mon. But is he often thus ? 
 
 lago. 'T is evermore the prologue to his sleep 
 He'll watch the horologe a double set, 
 If drink rock not his cradle. 
 
 Moil. 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 ? 140 
 
 Enter RODERIGO. 
 
 lago. How now, Roderigo .^ ^Aside. 
 
 I pray you, after the lieutenant ; go. \Ex. Rod. 
 
 Mon. And 't is 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. 
 
 lago. 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.^ 
 \Cry without — " Help ! Help ! " 
 
 Eiiter Ca?>sio, pur sumg RODERIGO. 
 
 Cas, You rogue ! you rascal ! 
 
78 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 150 Mo7i. What's the matter, lieutenant ? 
 Cas. A knave teach me my duty ! 
 I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. 
 Rod. Beat me ! 
 Cas. Dost thou prate, rogue ? 
 
 Striking RoD, 
 
 Mon. Nay, good lieutenant ; 
 
 I pray you, sir, hold your hand. \Staying him, 
 
 Cas. Let me go, sir. 
 Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. 
 
 Mo7i. Come, come, you're drunk. 
 
 Cas. Drunk! {^T hey fight. 
 
 lago. Away, I say ! go out, and cry a mutiny. 
 
 {Aside to Rod., %vho goes out. 
 
 Nay, good lieutenant, — alas, gentlemen : — 
 
 Help, ho! Lieutenant, — sir, — Montano, — sir; — 
 
 Help, masters ! — Here's a goodly watch indeed ! 
 
 {Bell rings. 
 160 Who's that which rings the bell ? — Diablo, ho ! 
 The town will rise : God's will, lieutenant, hold ! 
 You will be shani'd for ever. 
 
 Enter Othello a?td Attendants. 
 
 0th. What is the matter here ? 
 
 Mon. Zounds, I bleed still: I am hurt to the 
 death. 
 
 0th. Hold, for your lives ! 
 lago. Hold, ho! Lieutenant, — sir,— Montano, 
 — gentlemen, — 
 Have you forgot all sense of place and duty } 
 Hold ! the general speaks to you ; hold, hold, 
 for shame ! 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 79 
 
 0th. Why, how now, ho ! from whence ariseth 
 this ? 
 Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that 170 
 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, mas- 
 ters } — 
 Honest lago, that look'st dead with grieving, 
 Speak, who began this .'* on thy love I charge 
 thee. 
 lago. I do not know : — friends all but now, 
 
 even now, 180 
 
 In quarter, and in terms ; and then, but now — 
 As if some planet had unwitted men^ 
 Swords out, and tilting oneat 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, 
 0th. How comes it, Michael, you are thus for- 
 got ? 
 Cas. I pray you, pardon me ; I cannot speak. 
 dth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be 
 civil ; 19c 
 
 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 
 
8o OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 Of a night-brawler ? give me answer to it. 
 
 'Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger ; 
 Your officer, lago, can inform you, — 
 While I spare speecli, which something now 
 offends me, — 
 
 200 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. 
 
 0th. Now, by heaven, 
 
 My blood begins my safer guides to rule. 
 And passion, having my best judgment callied, 
 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 
 
 210 How this foul rout began, who set it on ; 
 And he that is approv'd in this offence. 
 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 heart brimful of fear. 
 To manage privace and domestic quarrel. 
 In night, and on the court and guard of safety !— 
 'T is monstrous,— lago, wiio began 't } 
 
 Mon. If, partially afifin'd, or leagu'd in office. 
 Thou dost deliver more or less than truth. 
 Thou art no soldier. 
 
 220 lago. Touch me not so near : 
 
 I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth 
 Tlian it should do offence 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, 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 8l 
 
 There comes a fellow crying out for help, 
 
 And Cassio following him with determin'd sword 
 
 To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman 
 
 Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause; 
 
 Myself the crying fellow did pursue, 230 
 
 Lest, by his clamor — as it so fell out — 
 
 The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot, 
 
 Outran my purpose, and I returned the rather 
 
 For that I heard the clink and fall of swords. 
 
 And Cassio high in oath ; which, till to-night, 
 
 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 : — 240 
 
 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, receiv'd 
 From him that fled some strange indignity. 
 Which patience could not pass. 
 
 0th. I know, lago. 
 
 Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, 
 Making it light to Cassio, — Cassio, I love thee;. 
 But never more be officer of mine. 
 
 Enter Desuemona, attended. 
 
 Look, if my gentle love be not rais'd up ! 250 
 
 I'll make thee an example. 
 
 Des. What is the matter, dear.^ 
 
 0th. All's well now, sweeting; 
 
 Come away to bed. — Sir, for your hurts, 
 
62 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 Myself will be your surgeon. Lead him ofif. 
 
 [To MON., who is led off . 
 lago, look with care about the town, 
 And silence those whom this vile brawl dis- 
 tracted. — 
 Come, Desdemona; 't is the soldiers' life 
 To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife. 
 Exeunt all but Iago and Cas. 
 lago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant } 
 260 Cas. Ay, past all surgery. 
 
 Iago. Marry, heaven forbid ! 
 Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation ! Oh, 
 I have lost my reputation ! I have lost the im- 
 mortal part of myself, and what remains is bes- 
 tial. — My reputation, Iago, my reputation ! 
 
 Iago. As 1 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 with- 
 270 out merit, and lost without deserving. You have 
 lost no reputation at all, unless you repute your- 
 self 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 
 offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion : 
 sue to him again, and he 's yours. 
 
 Cas. I will rather sue to be despised than to 
 deceive so good a commander with so slight, so 
 280 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 
 
SC. III.] OTHELLO. 83 
 
 hast no name to be known by, let us call thee 
 devil ! 
 
 lago. What was he that you followed with 
 your sword ? What had he done to you ? 
 
 Cas. I know not. 
 
 I ago. Is 't possible ? 
 
 Cas. I remember a mass of things, but nothing 290 
 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 ! 
 
 lago. Why, but you are now well enough : 
 how came you thus recovered ? 
 
 Cas. It hath pleased the devil Druukenness to 
 give place to the devil Wrath : one unperfect- 
 ness shows me another to make me frankly de» 
 spise myself. 300 
 
 lago. 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. 
 
 Cas. 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 ! Oh, strange ! — 310 
 Every inordinate cup is unbless'd, and the ingre- 
 dient is a devil. 
 
 lago. Come, come, good wine is a good famil- 
 iar creature, if it be well used ; exclaim no more 
 
84 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you 
 think I love you. 
 
 Cas. I iiave well approved it, sir. — I drunk ! 
 
 lago. 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 
 320 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 be- 
 tween you and her husband entreat her to splin- 
 ter ; and, my fortunes against any lay worth 
 330 naming, this crack of your love shall grow 
 stronger than it was before. 
 
 Cas. You advise me well. 
 
 lago. I protest, in the sincerity of love and 
 honest kindness. 
 
 Cas. I think it freely; and betimes in the 
 morning 1 will beseech the virtuous Desdemona 
 to undertake for me : I am desperate of my for- 
 tunes if the)r check me here. 
 
 lago. You are in the right. Good-night, lieu- 
 340 tenant; I must to the watch. 
 
 Cas. Good-night, honest lago. YExit Cassio. 
 
 lago. 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 't is most easy 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO, 85 
 
 Th' inclining Desdemona to subdue 
 In any honest suit: she's fram'd as fruitful 
 As the free elements. And then for her 
 To win the Moor, — were't to renounce his bap- 
 tism, 
 All seals and symbols of redeemed sin, — 35c 
 
 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 vil- 
 lain 
 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 fortunes, 360 
 
 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. — How now, Rode- 
 rigo } 
 
 Enter RODERIGO. 
 
 Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like a 
 hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. 370 
 My money is almost spent ; I have been to-night 
 exceedingly well cudgelled; and I think the is- 
 sue will be, I shall have so much experience for 
 
86 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 my pains : and so, with no money at all, and a 
 
 little more wit, return to Venice. 
 I ago. How poor are they that have not pa- 
 tience ! 
 
 What wound did ever heal but by degrees? 
 
 Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witch- 
 craft ; 
 
 And wit depends on dilatory time, 
 380 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 a while. — By th' mass, 't is 
 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. YExit Rod.] Two things 
 are to be done, — 
 
 My wife m.ust move for Cassio to her mistress, 
 
 I '11 set her on ; 
 390 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, 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 87 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. The same. Before the Castle, 
 
 Enter Cassio, and some Musicians. 
 
 Cas. Masters, play here; I will content your 
 pains ; 
 Something that's brief ; and bid " Good-morrow, 
 general." [Ahtsic. 
 
 Enter Clown. 
 
 Clo. Why, masters,' have your instruments 
 been in Naples that they speak i' the nose 
 thus? 
 
 First Mas. How, sir, how ! 
 
 Clo. Are these, I pray you, wind-instruments? 
 
 First Mus, Ay, marry, are they, sir. 10 
 
 Clo. Oh, thereby hangs a tale. — 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 Mus. Well, sir, we will not. 
 
 Clo, 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 Mus. We have none such, sir. 
 
 Clo. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for 
 I '11 away. Go; vanish into air; away! 2C 
 
 [Exeunt Musicians. 
 
 Cas. Dost thou hear, my honest friend? 
 
 Clo. No, I hear not your honest friend ; I hear 
 you. 
 
S3 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 Cas. 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? 
 30 Clo. She is stirring, sir; if she will stir hither, 
 I shall seem to notify unto her. SJT.xit. 
 
 Cas. Do, good my friend. 
 
 Enter I ago. 
 
 In happy time, lago. 
 I ago. You have not been a-bed, then } 
 Cas. Why, no ; the day had broke 
 Before we parted. I've made bold, lago, 
 To send in to your wife : my suit to her 
 Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona 
 Procure me some access. 
 
 lago. I'll send her to you presently; 
 
 And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor 
 4c Out of the way that your converse and business 
 May be more free. [Exit. 
 
 Cas. I humbly thank you for 't. I never knew 
 A Florentine more kind and honest. 
 Enter Emilia. 
 Emil. 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 re- 
 plies 
 That he you hurt is of great fame in C\ prus. 
 And great affinity, and that in wholesome wis- 
 dom 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 89 
 
 He might not but refuse you ; but he protests 
 
 he loves you 50 
 
 And needs no other suitor but his hkings 
 To take the saf'st occasion by the front 
 To bring you in again. 
 
 Cas. Yet, I beseech you, — 
 
 If you think fit, or that it may be done, — 
 Give me advantage of some brief discourse 
 With Desdemona alone. 
 
 Emil. Pray you, come in ; 
 
 I will bestow you where you shall have time 
 To speak your bosom freely. 
 
 Cas. I am much bound to you. 
 
 \Exeuiit. 
 
 Scene II. A Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Othello, Iago, <a:;z<r/ Gentlemen. 
 0th. 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. 
 
 0th. This fortification, gentleman, — shall we 
 
 see 't } 
 Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. Before the Castle. 
 Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. 
 Des. Be thou assur'd, good Cassio, I will do 
 All my abilities in thy behalf. 
 Emil. Good madam, do ; I warrant it grieves 
 my husband 
 
90 OTHELLO. [act m. 
 
 As if the case were his. 
 Des. Oh, that's an honest fellow. — Do not 
 doubt, Cassio, 
 But I will have my lord and you again 
 As friendly as you were. 
 
 Cas. Bounteous madam. 
 
 Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, 
 He 's never anything but your true servant. 
 lo Des. I know 't ; — I thank you. You do love 
 niy lord : 
 You 've known him long; and be you well as- 
 
 sur'd 
 He shall .in strangeness stand no further olY 
 Than in a politic distance. 
 
 Cas. Ay, but, lady, 
 
 That policy may either last so long 
 Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet 
 Or breed itself so out of circumstance 
 That, I being absent and my place supplied. 
 My general will forget my love and service. 
 Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here 
 20 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 pa- 
 tience; 
 His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift ; 
 I'll intermingle every thing he does 
 With Cassio's suit ; therefore be merry, Cassio, 
 For thy solicitor shall rather die 
 Than give thy cause away. 
 
 Emil. Madam, here comes my lord. 
 30 Cas. Madam, I'll take my leave. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 91 
 
 Des. Why, stay and hear me speak. 
 Cas. Madam, not now ; I'm very ill at ease, 
 Unfit for mine own purposes. 
 
 Des. Well, do your discretion. {Exit Cassio. 
 
 Eitter Othello and Iago at a distance. 
 
 lago. Ha! I like not that. 
 
 Oth. What dost thou say.'' 
 
 Iago. Nothing, my lord ; or if — I know not 
 what. 
 
 Oth. 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. 
 
 Oth. I do believe 't was he. 
 
 Des. How now, my lord !4o 
 
 I have been talking with a suitor here, 
 A man that languishes in your displeasure. 
 
 Oth. Who is't you mean } 
 
 Des. 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 judgment in an honest face. 50 
 
 I prithee, call him back. 
 
 Oth. Went he hence now } 
 
 Des. Ay, sooth ; so humbled 
 That he hath left part of his grief with me. 
 To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. 
 
92 OTHELLO. [act hi. 
 
 0th. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other 
 
 time. 
 Des. But shall 't be shortly ? 
 0th. The sooner, sweet, for you. 
 
 Des. Shall 't be to-night at supper ? 
 0th. No, not to-night. 
 
 Des. To-morrow dinner, then ? 
 0th. I shall not dine at home ; 
 
 I meet the captains at the citadel. 
 
 Des. Why, then, to-morrow night, or Tuesday 
 morn ; 
 6o 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 ex- 
 amples 
 Out of their best, — is not almost a fault 
 T' incur a private check. When shall become.? 
 Tell me, Othello : 1 wonder in my soul 
 What you would ask me that I should deny 
 70 Or stand so mammering so. What! Michael 
 Cassio, 
 That came a-wooing 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, — 
 0th. Prithee, no more : let him come when 
 he will ; 
 I v.'ill deny thee nothing. 
 
 Des. Why, this is not a boon ;. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 93 
 
 'T is 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 80 
 
 Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, 
 
 It shall be full of poise and difficult weight 
 
 And fearful to be granted. 
 
 0th. I will deny thee nothing: 
 
 Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this. 
 To leave me but a little to myself. 
 
 Des. Shall I deny you ? no : farewell, my lord. 
 0th. Farewell, my Desdemona: I'll come to 
 
 thee straight. 
 Des. Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach 
 you ; 
 Whate'er you be, I am obedient. 
 
 \Exzt with Emilia. 
 0th. Excellent wretch ! Perdition catch my 
 soul, 90 
 
 But I do love thee ! and, when I love thee not, 
 Chaos is come again. 
 lago. My noble lord, — 
 
 0th. What dost thou say, lago ? 
 
 lago. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd 
 my lady. 
 Know of your love ? 
 
 0th. He did, from first to last : why dost thou 
 
 ask ? 
 lago. But for a satisfaction of my thought ; 
 No further harm. 
 
 0th. Why of thy thought, lago ? 
 
 lago. I did not think he 'd been acquainted 
 with her. 
 
94 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 roo Oth. Oh, yes ; and went between us very oft. 
 I ago. Indeed ! 
 
 Oth. " Indeed ! " ay, indeed ; — discern 'st thou 
 aught in that? 
 Is he not honest ? 
 
 lago. Honest, my lord ? 
 
 Oth. " Honest! " ay, honest. 
 
 lago. My lord, for aught I know. 
 Oth. What dost thou think ? 
 lago. Think, my lord ? 
 
 Oth. " 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 lik'dst not that, 
 I lo When Cassio left miy 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. 
 
 lago. My lord, you know I love you. 
 Oth. I think thou dost; 
 
 And, for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty, 
 And weigh 'st thy words before thou giv'st them 
 breath, 
 1 20 Therefore tiiese 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 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 95 
 
 They're close delations, working from the heart 
 That passion cannot rule. 
 
 I ago. For Michael Cassio, 
 
 I dare be sworn I think that he is honest. 
 OtJi. I think so too. 
 
 lago. Men should be what they seem ; 
 
 Or those that be not, would they might seem 
 none I 
 Oth. Certain, men should be what they seem. 
 lago. Why, then I think Cassio's an honest 
 
 man, 
 Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this : 130 
 
 I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings, 
 As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of 
 
 thoughts 
 The worst of words. 
 
 lago. 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 're vile and 
 
 false, — 
 As where's that palace whereinto foul things 
 Sometimes intrude not.^ Who has abreast so 
 
 pure 
 But some uncleanly apprehensions 
 Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit 140 
 
 With meditations lawful.? 
 
 Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, 
 lago, 
 If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and mak'st his 
 
 ear 
 A stranger to thy thoughts. 
 lago. I do beseech you, — 
 
96 OTHELLO, [act iii. 
 
 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 
 150 trouble 
 
 Out of his scattering and unsure observ^ance. 
 It were not for your quiet nor your good, 
 Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom. 
 To let you know my thoughts. 
 
 0th. What dost thou mean ? 
 
 I ago. Good name in man and woman, dear 
 my lord, 
 Is the immediate jewel of their souls. 
 Who steals my purse steals trash : 't is some- 
 thing, nothing; 
 'T Was mine, 't is his, and has been slave to 
 
 thousands ; 
 But he that filches from me my good name 
 160 Robs me of that which not enriches him 
 And makes me poor indeed. 
 
 0th. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts! 
 lago. You cannot, if my heart were in your 
 hand ; 
 Nor shall not, whilst 't is in my custody. 
 0th. Ha! 
 
 lago. Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy ; 
 It is the green-eyed monster which doth make 
 The meat it feeds ortr that cuckold lives in bliss 
 Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger ; 
 But, oh, what damned minutes tells he o'er 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 97 
 
 Who dotes, yet doubts ; suspects, yet strongly 
 
 loves! 170 
 
 0th. O, misery ! 
 lago. 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 ! 
 
 0th. Why, why is xSxvs,} 
 
 Think'st thou I'd 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 resolv'd. Exchange me for a goat, 180 
 When I shall turn the business of my soul 
 To such exsufiiicate and blown surmises. 
 Matching thy inference. 'T is not to make me 
 
 jealous 
 To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves compan}^ 
 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, lago ; 
 I'll see before I doubt ; when. I doubt, prove ; 
 And, on the proof, there is no more but this — 190 
 Away at once with love or jealousy ! 
 
 lago. I 'm glad of this ; 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 ; 
 
98 OTHELLO. [act in. 
 
 Wear yowx eye thus, not jealous nor secure : 
 I would not have your free and noble nature, 
 200 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. 
 0th. Dost thou say so } 
 
 lago. She did deceive her father, marrying 
 you : 
 And, when she seem'd to shake and fear your 
 
 looks, 
 She lov'd them most. 
 
 0th. And so she did. 
 
 lago. Why, go to, then ; 
 
 She that, so young, could give out such a seem- 
 ing, 
 210 To seel her father's eyes up close as oak, — 
 
 He thought 't was witchcraft. But I 'm much 
 
 to blame ; 
 I humbly do beseech you of yout pardon 
 For too much loving you. 
 
 Oth. 1 'm bound to thee forever. 
 
 lago. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. 
 Oth. Not a jot, not a jot. 
 
 lago. V faith, I fear it has. 
 
 I hope you will consider what is spoke 
 Comes from my love. But I do see you're 
 
 mov'd : 
 I am to pray you not to strain my speech 
 To grosser issues nor to larger reach 
 220 Than to suspicion. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 99 
 
 Oth. I will not. 
 
 I ago. Should you do so, my lord, 
 
 My speech should fall into such vile success 
 As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy 
 
 friend :— 
 My lord, I see you're mov'd. 
 
 Oth. No, not much mov'd : — 
 
 I do not think but Desdemona's honest. 
 
 lago. Long live she so ! and long live you to 
 think so ! 
 
 Oth. And yet, how nature erring from itself, — 
 
 lago. Ay, there's the point ; as — to be bold 
 with you, — 
 Not to affect many proposed matches 
 Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, 230 
 
 Whereto we see in all things nature tends — 
 Foh ! one may smell, in such, a will most rank, 
 Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural. 
 But pardon me ; I do not in position 
 Distinctly speak of her ; though I may fear 
 Her will, recoiling to her better judgment, 
 May fall to match you with her country forms 
 And happily repent. 
 
 Oth. Farewell, farewell. 
 
 If more thou dost perceive, let me know more ; 
 Set on thy wife t' observe. — Leave me, lago, 240 
 
 lago. My lord, I take my leave. {Going. 
 
 Oth. Why did I marry.? — This honest creature 
 doubtless 
 Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. 
 
 lago. {Returning .'\ My lord I would I might 
 entreat your honor 
 To scan this thing no further ; leave it to time : 
 
100 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 Although 't is 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. 
 
 250 Note if your lady strain his entertainment 
 With any strong or vehement importunity; 
 Much will be seen in that. In the mean time 
 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. 
 0th. Fear not my government. 
 lago. I once more take my leave. [Exit. 
 
 0th. This fellow 's of exceeding honesty. 
 And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, 
 
 260 Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, 
 Though that her jesses were my dear heart- 
 strings, 
 I'd 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 declin'd 
 Into the vale of years, — yet that's not much; — 
 She's gone; I am abus'd ; and my relief 
 Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage. 
 That we can call these delicate creatures ours, 
 
 270 And not their appetites ! I'd 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, 't is the plague of great 
 
 ones ; 
 Prerogativ'd are they less than the base ; 
 'T is destiny unshunnable, like death ; 
 Even then this forked plague is fated to us 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. loi 
 
 When we do quicken. Desderaona comes. 
 If she be false, oh, then heaven mock itself! 
 I'll not believe 't. 
 
 Enter Desdemona and Emilia. 
 
 Des. How now, my dear Othello ! 
 
 Your dinner, and the generous islanders 280 
 
 By you invited, do attend your presence. 
 
 0th. I am to blame. 
 
 Des. Why do you speak so faintly.^ 
 
 Are you not well ? 
 
 0th. I have a pain upon my forehead here. 
 
 Des. Faith, that 's with watching ; 't will away 
 again : 
 Let me bind it hard, within this hour 
 It will be well . 
 
 0th. Your napkin is too little ; 
 
 \He puts the handkerchief from him; and it drops. 
 Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. 
 
 Des. I 'm very sorry that you are not well. 
 
 [Exeimt Oth. and Des. 
 
 Emil. I am glad I have found this napkin : 290 
 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 conjur'd her she should ever keep it, 
 That she reserves it ever more about her 
 To kiss and talk to. 
 
 I '11 have the work ta'en out, and give 't lago ; 
 What he will do with it, heaven knows, not I ; 
 I nothing but to please his fantasy. 
 
102 OTHELLO. [act III. 
 
 Enter Iago. 
 
 300 Iago. How now ! what do you do here alone ? 
 
 Emil. Do not you chide ; I have a thing for 
 you. 
 
 Iago. A thing for me? it is a common thing — 
 
 Eniil. Ha ! 
 
 Iago. To have a foolish wife. 
 
 Ejnil. Oh, is that all ? — What will you give 
 me now 
 For that same handkerchief? 
 
 Iago. What handkerchief ? 
 
 Emil. "What handkerchief?" 
 Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona ; 
 That which so often you did bid me steal, 
 310 Iago. Hast stol'n it from her? 
 
 Emil. No, faith ; she let it drop by negligence, 
 And, to th' advantage, I, being here, took 't up. 
 Look, here it is. 
 
 Iago. A good wench ; give it me. 
 
 Emil. What will you do with 't that you 've 
 been so earnest 
 To have me filch it ? 
 
 Iago. ^Snatching it.] Why, what 's that to you? 
 
 Emil. If 't be not for some purpose of import, 
 Give 't me again ; poor lady ! she '11 run mad 
 When she shall lack it. 
 
 Iago. Be not acknown on 't ; I have use for it. 
 320 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 confirmation strong 
 As proofs of holy writ : this may do something. 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 103 
 
 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 ! Not poppy nor mandra- 
 
 gora 330 
 
 Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world 
 Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep 
 Which thou ow'dst yesterday. 
 
 Re-enter Othello. 
 
 0th. Ha! ha! false to me? 
 
 lago. Why, how. now, general ! no more of 
 that. ' 
 
 0th. Avaunt ! begone ! thou 'st set me on the 
 rack : — 
 I swear 't is better to be much abus'd 
 Than but to know 't a little. 
 
 lago. How now, my lord ! 
 
 . 0th. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of 
 
 lust } 
 I saw 't not, thought it not, it harmd not me : 
 I slept the next night well, was free and merry ; 340 
 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. 
 
 lago. I 'm sorry to hear this. 
 
 0th. I had been happy. 
 
 So I had nothing known. Oh, now, for ever 
 Farewell the tranquil mind I farewell content ! 
 Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars, 
 That make ambition virtue.^ Oh, farewell ! 350 
 
104 OTHELLO. [act in. 
 
 Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill 
 
 trump, 
 The spirit-stirring drum, th' 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! 
 lago. Is 't possible, my lord ? 
 0th. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a 
 trull, 
 360 Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof: 
 
 [Taking him by the throat. 
 Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul. 
 Thou hadst been better have been born a dog 
 Than answer my wak'd wrath ! 
 
 lago. Is't come to this? 
 
 0th. 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 ! 
 lago. My noble lord, — 
 
 0th. If thou dost slander her and torture me, 
 Never pray more ; abandon all remorse ; 
 370 On horror's head horrors accumulate ; 
 
 Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amaz'd ; 
 For nothing canst thou to damnation add 
 Greater than that! 
 
 lago. O grace ! O heaven forgive me ! 
 
 Are you a man ? have you a soul or sense ? — 
 God be wi' you ; take mine office. — O wretched 
 
 fool 
 That liv'st to make thine honesty a vice ! 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 105 
 
 monstrous world ! Take note, take note, O 
 
 world. 
 To be direct and honest is not safe. 
 
 1 thank you for this profit ; and from hence 
 
 I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such ofit'ence. 380 
 
 0th. Nay, stay ; thou shouldst be honest. 
 
 lago. I should be wise, for honesty's a fool 
 And loses that it works for. 
 
 0th. By the world, 
 
 I think my wife be honest, and think she 's not ; 
 I think that thou art just, and think thou 'rt 
 
 not! 
 I'll have some proof; her name, that was as 
 
 fresh 
 As Dian's visage, is now begrim'd and black 
 As mine own face.— If there be cords, or knives. 
 Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams, 
 I'll not endure it. — Would 1 were satisfied ! 390 
 
 lago. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion : 
 I do repent me that I put it to you. 
 You would be satisfied } 
 
 0th. Would ! nay, I will. 
 
 lago. And may : but how .^ how satisfied, my 
 lord } 
 If imputation and strong circumstances, — 
 Which lead directly to the door of truth, — 
 Will-give you satisfaction, you may have 't. 
 
 0th. Give me a living reason she's disloyal. 
 
 lago. I do not like the office : 400 
 
 But, sith I'm 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, 
 
io6 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 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, 
 410 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; and sigh'd, and then 
 Cried, "Cursed fate that gave thee to the 
 Moor!" 
 OtJi. Oh, monstrous ! monstrous ! 
 lago. Nay, this was but his dream. 
 
 0th. But this denoted a foregone conclusion ; 
 'T is a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. 
 lago. And this may help to thicken other 
 420 proofs 
 
 That do demonstrate thinly. 
 
 0th. I'll tear her all to pieces. 
 
 lago. 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? 
 0th. I gave her such a one ; 't was my. first 
 
 gift. 
 lago. I know not that; but such a handker- 
 chief — 
 I 'm sure it was your wife's — did I to-day 
 See Cassio wipe his beard with. 
 
 0th. If it be that,— 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO, 107 
 
 lago. If it be that, or any that was hers, 430 
 
 It speaks against her with the other proofs. 
 
 0th. Oh, that the slave had forty thousand 
 lives ! 
 One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. 
 Now do I see 't is true. Look here, lago ; 
 All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 
 'T is gone ! — 
 
 Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell ! 
 Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne 
 To tyrannous hate ! Swell, bosom, with thy 
 
 fraught,. 
 For 't is of aspics' tongues ! 
 
 lago. Yet be content. 440 
 
 0th. Oh, blood, blood, blood ! 
 
 lago. Patience, I say ; your mind perhaps may 
 change. 
 
 0th. Never, lago. 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, 45c 
 In the due reverence of a sacred vow [Kneels. 
 I here engage my words. 
 
 lago. Do not rise yet. — {Kneels, 
 
 Witness, you ever-burning lights above. 
 You elements that qjiip us round about, 
 Witness that here lago doth give up 
 The execution of his wit, hands, heart, 
 
io8 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 To wrong'd Othello's service ! Let. him com- 
 mand, 
 And to obey shall be in me remorse, 
 What bloody business ever ! 
 
 0th. I greet thy love, 
 
 Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance 
 bounteous, 
 460 And will upon the instant put thee to 't : 
 
 Within these three days let me hear thee say 
 That Cassio's not alive. 
 
 lago. My friend is dead : 't is done at your 
 request ; 
 But let her live. 
 
 0th. Damn her, lewd minx ! oh, 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. 
 lago. I am your own for ever. {^Exeunt. 
 
 Scene IV. Before the Castle. 
 Enter Desdemona, Emilia, a7id Clown. 
 
 Des. Do you know, sirrah, where lieutenant 
 
 Cassio lies ? 
 Clo. I dare not say he lies anywhere. 
 Des. Why, mafi ? 
 
 Clo. He is a soldier; and for one to say a sol- 
 dier lies is stabbing. 
 
 Des. Go to ; where lodges J;ie ? 
 
 Clo. To tell you where he lodges is to tell you 
 
 where I lie. 
 10 Des. Can anything be made of this.? 
 
sc. IV.] OTHELLO. 109 
 
 CIo, I know not where he lodges : and for me 
 to devise a lodging and say he lies here or he 
 lies there were to lie in mine own throat. 
 
 Des. Can you inquire him out and be edified 
 by report ? 
 
 Clo. I will catechise the world for him ; that 
 is, make questions, and by them answer. 
 
 Des. Seek him, bid him come hither; tell him 
 I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope 
 all will be well. 20 
 
 Clo. To do this is within the compass of man's 
 wit ; and therefore I will attempt the doing it. 
 
 {^E.xit. 
 
 Des. Where should I lose that handkerchief, 
 Emilia? 
 
 Emil. I know not, madam. 
 
 Des. Believe me, I had rather have lost my 
 purse 
 Full of crusadoes : and, but my noble Moor 
 Is true of mind and made of no such baseness 
 As jealous creatures are, it were enougli 
 To put him to ill thinking. 
 
 Ejnil. Is he not jealous ? 
 
 Des. Who, he ? I think the sun where he was 
 born 30 
 
 Drew all such humors from him. 
 
 Emil. Look, where he comes. 
 
 Des. I will not leave him now till Cassio 
 Be call'd to him. 
 
 E7iter Othello. 
 
 How is 't with you, my lord ? 
 
no OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 0th. Well, my good lady.— [.4^z'^<?.] Oh, hard- 
 ness to dissemble ! — 
 How do you, Desdemona ? 
 
 Des. Well, my good lord. 
 
 0th. Give me your hand : this hand is moist, 
 
 my lady. 
 Des. It yet has felt no age nor known no sor- 
 row. 
 0th. This argues fruitfulness and liberal 
 heart : — 
 Hot, hot, and moist : this hand of yours requires 
 40 A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer. 
 Much castigation, exercise devout ; 
 For here's a young and sweating devil here 
 That commonly rebels. 'T is a good hand, 
 A frank one. 
 
 Des. You may indeed say so ; 
 
 For 't was that hand that gave away my heart. 
 0th. A liberal hand : the hearts of old gave 
 hands ; 
 But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. 
 Des. I cannot speak of this. Come now, your 
 
 promise. 
 0th. What promise, chuck ? 
 Des. Fve sent to bid Cassio come speak with 
 50 you. 
 
 0th. I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me; 
 Lend me thy handkerchief. 
 
 Des. Here, my lord. . 
 
 0th. That which I gave you. 
 
 Des. I have it not about me. 
 
 Oth. Not? 
 
 Des. No, indeed, my lord. 
 
sc. IV.] OTHELLO, iii 
 
 0th. That is a fault. 
 
 That handkerchief 
 Did an Egyptian to my mother give ; 
 She was a charmer, and could almost read 
 The thoughts of people : she told her, while she 
 
 kept it 
 'T would make her amiable and subdue my 
 
 father 
 Entirely to her love ; but,v if she lost it 60 
 
 Or made a gift of it, my father's eye 
 Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should 
 
 hunt 
 After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me ; 
 And bid me, when my fate would have me wive. 
 To give it her. I did so : and take heed on 't ; 
 Make it a darling like your precious eye ; 
 To lose 't or give 't away were such perdition 
 As nothing else could match. 
 
 Des. Is 't possible ? 
 
 0th. 'T is true : there's magic in the web of it. 
 A sibyl, that had number'd in the world 70 
 
 The sun to course two hundred compasses. 
 In her prophetic fury sew'd the work ; 
 The worms were hallow'd that did breed the 
 
 silk; 
 And it was dyed in mummy which the skilful 
 Conserved of maidens' hearts. 
 
 Des. Indeed! is 't true .^ 
 
 Oth. Most veritable ; therefore look to 't well. 
 
 Des. Then would to God that I had never 
 seen 't i 
 
 Oth. Ha ! wherefore ? 
 
 Des. Why do you speak so startingly and rash } 
 
112 OTHELLO. [act III. 
 
 80 0th. Is 't lost ? is 't gone ? speak, is 't out of the 
 way ? 
 
 Des. Heaven bless us ! 
 
 Oth. Say you ? 
 
 Des, It is not lost ; but what an if it were ? ^ 
 
 Oth. How? 
 
 Des. I say it is not lost. 
 
 Oth. Fetch 't, and let me see 't. 
 
 Des. Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now. 
 This is a trick to put me from my suit : 
 Pray you, let Cassio be receiv'd again. 
 
 Oth. Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind 
 misgives. 
 90 Des. Come, come ; 
 
 You'll never meet a more sufficient man. 
 
 Oth. The handkerchief ! 
 
 Des. I pray, talk me of Cassio. 
 
 Oth. The handkerchief ! 
 
 Des. A man that all his time 
 
 Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, 
 Shar'd dangers with you, — 
 
 Oth. The handkerchief ! 
 
 Des. In sooth, you are to blame. 
 
 Oth. Away! {Exit, 
 
 Ejnil. Is not this man jealous } 
 [Qo Des. I ne'er saw this before. 
 
 Sure, there's some wonder in this handkerchief; 
 I'm most unhappy in the loss of it. 
 
 EniiL 'T is not a year or two shows us a man : 
 They are all but stomachs, and we all but food ; 
 They eat us hungerly, and, when they are full. 
 They belch us. — Look you, Cassio and my hus- 
 band. 
 
SC. IV.] OTHELLO. 113 
 
 Enter IagO and Cassio. 
 
 lago. There is no other way : 't is she must 
 do 't : 
 And, lo, the happiness! go and importune her. 
 
 Des. How now, good Cassio } what's the news 
 with you ? 
 
 Cas. Mada.m, my former suit : I do beseech 
 you 1 10 
 
 That by your virtuous means I may again 
 Exist, and be a member of his love 
 Whom I with all the office of my heart 
 Entirely honor. I would not be delay 'd. 
 If my offence be of such mortal kind 
 That nor my service past nor present sorrows 
 Nor purpos'd merit in futurity 
 Can ransom me into his love again, 
 But to know so must be my benefit ; 
 So shall I clothe me in a forc'd content, 120 
 
 And shut myself up in some other course 
 To fortune's alms. 
 
 Des. Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio ! 
 
 My advocation is not now in tune ; 
 My lord is not my lord ; nor should I know him 
 Were he in favor as in humor alter'd, 
 So help me every spirit sanctified, 
 As I have spoken for you all my best i 
 
 And stood within the blank of his displeasure 
 For my free speech ! You must awhile be pa- 
 tient: 
 What I can do I will ; and more I will 130^ 
 
 Than for myself I dare : let that suffice you. 
 
 IagO. Is my lord angry } 
 
114 . OTHELLO. [act iil 
 
 EmiL He went hence but now, 
 
 And certainly in strange unquietness. 
 
 lago. Can he be angry ? I have seen the 
 cannon 
 When it hath blown his ranks into the air, 
 And, like the devil, from his very arm 
 Puff'd his own brother ;— and can he be angry ? 
 Something of moment then : I will go meet him ; 
 There 's matter in 't indeed if he be angry. 
 
 Des, I prithee, do so.— [£"-r// I AGO.] Something 
 140 sure of state, — 
 
 Either from Venice, or some unhatch'd practice 
 Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, — 
 Hath puddled his clear spirit ; and in such cases 
 Men's natures wrangle with inferior things, 
 Though great ones are their object. 'T is even 
 
 so; 
 For let our finger ache, and it indues 
 Our other healthful members even to that sense 
 Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods, 
 Nor of them look for such observancy 
 150 As fits the bridal. — Beshrew me much, Emilia, 
 I was — unhandsome warrior as I am — 
 Arraigning his unkindness with my soul ; 
 But now I find I had suborn 'd the witness. 
 And he 's indicted falsely. 
 
 EmiL Pray heaven it be state- matters, as you 
 think, 
 And no conception nor no jealous toy 
 Concerning you. 
 
 Des. Alas, the day ! [ never gave him cause. 
 
 Einil. But jealous souls will not be answer'd 
 so ; 
 
sc. iv.J OTHELLO. 115 
 
 They are not ever jealous for the cause, 160 
 
 But jealous for they're jealous : 't is a monster 
 Begot upon itself, born on itself. 
 Des. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's 
 
 mind ! 
 Emil. Lady, amen ! 
 
 Des. I will go seek him. — Cassio, walk here- 
 about : 
 If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit 
 And seek t' effect it to my uttermost. 
 Cas. I humbly thank your ladyship. 
 
 {Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia. 
 
 Enter BiANCA. 
 
 Bian. Save you, friend Cassio ! 
 Cas. What make you from home ? 
 
 How is it with you, my most fair Bianca 1 170 
 
 r faith, sweet love, I was coming to your bouse. 
 Bian. And I was going to your lodging, 
 Cassio. 
 What ! keep a week away ? seven days and 
 
 nights ? 
 Eight score eight hours? and lovers' absent 
 
 hours, 
 More tedious than the dial eight score times ? 
 Oh, weary reckoning ! 
 
 Cas. Pardon me Bianca ; 
 
 I have this while with 
 
 press'd : 
 But I shall in a more continuate time 
 Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, 
 \Gi7'ing her Desdemona's handkerchief. 
 Take me this work out. 
 
ii6 OTHELLO. [act iil 
 
 1 80 Btan. O Cassio, whence came this ? 
 
 This is some token from a newer friend ; 
 To the felt absence now I feel a cause. 
 Is 't come to this ? Well, well. 
 
 Cas. Go to, woman ! 
 
 Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth, 
 From whence you have them. You are jealous 
 
 now 
 That this is from some mistress, some remem- 
 brance : 
 No, in good troth, Bianca. 
 
 Bian. Why, whose is it ? 
 
 Cas. I know not sweet ; I found it in my 
 chamber. 
 I like the work well : ere it be demanded — 
 190 As like enough it will — I'd have it copied : 
 Take it and do't ; and leave me for this time. 
 Bian. Leave you ! wherefore ? 
 Cas. I do attend here on the general ; 
 AriL v,hink it no addition, nor my wish. 
 To have him see me woman'd, 
 
 Bian. Why, I pray you ? 
 
 Cas. Not that I love you not. 
 Bian. But that you do not love me. 
 
 I pray you, bring me on the way a little ; 
 And say if I shall see you soon at night, 
 
 Cas. 'T is but a little way that I can bring you, 
 200 For I attend here : but I'll see you soon. 
 
 Bian. 'T is very good, I must be circum- 
 stanc'd. [Exeunt. 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO, 117 
 
 ACT IV. 
 Scene I. The same. Before the Castle. . 
 Enter Othello and Iago. 
 
 lago. Will you think so ? 
 
 0th. " Think so," Iago ! 
 
 Iago. What, 
 
 To kiss in private ? 
 
 0th. An unauthoriz'd kiss ? 
 
 Iago. Not meaning any harm ? 
 
 0th. Not mean harm ! 
 It is hypocrisy against the devil : 
 They that mean virtuously, and yet do so. 
 The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt 
 heaven, 
 
 Iago. If they do nothing, 't is a venial slip : 
 But if I give my wife a handkerchief, — 10 
 
 0th. What then? 
 
 Iago. W^hy then 't is hers, my lord; and, being 
 hers. 
 She may, I think, bestow 't on any man. 
 
 0th. She is protectress of her honor too; 
 May she give that ? 
 
 Iago. Her honor is an essence that's not seen ; 
 They have it very oft that have it not: 
 But, for the handkerchief, — 
 
 0th. By heaven, I would most gladly have for- 
 got it. 
 Thou saidst, — oh, it comes o'er my memory 20 
 
 As doth the raven o'er the infectious house, 
 
1 1 8 O THEL L O. [act iv. 
 
 Boding to all ! — he had my handkerchief. 
 lago. Ay, what of that ? 
 
 Otk. That's not so good now. What 
 
 lago. If I 'd said I 'd seen him do you 
 wrong } 
 Or heard him say, — as knaves be such abroad, 
 Who having by their own importunate suit, 
 Or voluntary dotage of some mistress. 
 Convinced, or supplied them, cannot choose 
 But they must blab, — 
 
 0th. Hath he said anything? 
 
 30 lago. He hath, my lord ; but, be you well as- 
 sur'd. 
 No more than he'll unswear. 
 
 Otk. What hath he said ? 
 
 lago. Faith, that he did, — I know not what he 
 
 did. 
 Otk. What? what? — Handkerchief, — confes- 
 sions, — handkerchief! — To confess, and be hanged 
 for his labor. — First, to be hanged, and then to 
 confess, — I tremble at it. Nature would not in- 
 vest herself in such shadowing passion without 
 40 some instruction. It is not words that shake 
 me thus. Pish ! — Noses, ears, and lips.— Is't 
 possible ? — Confess ! — Handkerchief! — O devil ! 
 
 \^FaUs in a tra^tci:. 
 lago. Work on, 
 My medicine, work ! Thus credulous fools are 
 
 caught : 
 And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, 
 All guiltless, meet reproach. — What, ho ! my 
 
 lord ! 
 My lord, I say ! Othello ! 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 119 
 
 Enter Cassio. 
 
 How now, Cassio ? 
 
 Cas. What is the matter ? cq 
 
 lago. My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy ; 
 This is his second fit ; he had one yesterda}^ 
 
 Cas. Rub him about the temples, 
 
 lago. No, forbear : 
 
 The lethargy must have his quiet course; 
 If not, he foams at mouth and by and by 
 Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs: 
 Do you withdraw yourself a little while, 
 He will recover straight : when he is gone, 
 I would on great occasion speak with you. 
 
 {^Exit CassiOo 
 How is it, general ? have you not hurt your 
 
 head ? ' 6c 
 
 0th. Dost thou mock me.^ 
 
 lago. I mock you ! no, by heaven 
 
 Would you would bear your fortune like a man 
 
 0th. A horned man 's a monster and a beast. 
 
 lago. There's many a beast then in a popu- 
 lous city, 
 And many a civil monster. 
 
 0th. Did he confess it.^ 
 
 lago. Good sir, be a man ; 
 
 Think every bearded fellow that 's butyok'd 
 May draw with you. 
 
 0th. Oh, thou art wise ; 't is certain. 
 
 lago. Stand you awhile apart ; 
 
 Confine yourself but in a patient list. 
 Whilst you were here, o'erwkelmed with your 
 
 grief,— 70 
 
I20 OTHELLO. [act IV. 
 
 ^ A passion most unsuiting such a manr— 
 
 Cassio came hither : I shifted him away, 
 
 And laid good 'sense upon your ecstasy ; 
 
 Bade him anon return and here speak with me ; 
 
 The which he promis'd. Do but encave your- 
 self. 
 
 And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable 
 scorns 
 
 That dwell in ev^ry -region of his face ; 
 
 For I will make him tell the tale anew ; 
 
 I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience ; 
 So Or I shall say you 're all in all in spleen. 
 
 And nothing of a man. 
 
 0th. Dost thou hear, lago ? 
 
 I will be found most cunning in my patience ; 
 
 But — dost thou hear ? — most bloody. 
 
 lago. That's not amiss ; 
 
 But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw ? 
 
 [Othello r^//r^jr. 
 
 Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, 
 
 A housewife that by selling her desires 
 
 Buys herself bread and clothes : it is a creature 
 
 That dotes on Cassio: 
 
 He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain 
 90 From the excess of laughter — here he comes : — 
 
 Re-enter Cassio. 
 
 As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; 
 
 And his unbookish jealousy must construe 
 
 Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behav- 
 ior 
 
 Quite in the wrong. — How do you now, lieuten- 
 ant.^ 
 
sc. l] OTHELLO. 121 
 
 Cas. The worser that you give me the addi- 
 tion 
 Whose want even kills me. 
 
 lago. Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure 
 on 't. 
 Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's dower, 
 
 \Speaking lower. 
 How quickly should you speed ! 
 
 Cas. Alas, poor caitiff ! 
 
 0th. \Aside.'\ Look, how he laughs already! 100 
 lago. I never knew a woman love man so. 
 Cas. Alas, poor rogue ! I think, i' faith, she 
 
 loves me. 
 0th. [Aside.] Now he denies it faintly, and 
 
 laughs it out. 
 /ago. Do you hear, Cassio ? 
 0th. \Aside.\_ Now he importunes him 
 
 To tell it o'er :— go to ; well said, well said. 
 lago. She gives it out that you shall marry 
 her ; 
 Do you intend it? 
 
 Cas. Ha, ha, ha! no 
 
 0th. [Aszde.] Do you triumph, Roman ? Do 
 
 you triumph ? 
 Cas. I marry her ! Prithee bear some charity 
 to my wit ; do not think it so unwholesome. 
 —Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 0th. [Aside.] So, so, so, so : — they laugh that 
 
 win. 
 lago. Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry 
 
 her. 
 Cas. Prithee, say true. 
 lago. I am a very villain else. 
 
122 OTHELLO. [activ. 
 
 I20 0th. \Aside.'\ Have you scor'd me? Well. 
 
 Cas. This is the monkey's own giving out; 
 she is persuaded I will marry her, out of her 
 own love and flattery, not out of my promise. 
 
 0th. [Aside.] lago beckons me; now he be- 
 gins the story. 
 
 Cas. She was here even now; she haunts me 
 
 in every place. I was the other day talking on 
 
 the sea-bank with certain Venetians; and thither 
 
 comes the bauble, and falls me thus about my 
 
 130 neck, — 
 
 0th. [Asz'de.] Crying, "O dear Cassio !" as it 
 were: his gesture imports it. 
 
 Cas. So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me ; 
 so hales and pulls me : — ha, ha, ha ! — 
 
 0th. [Aside.\ Now she tells how she plucked 
 him to my chamber. Oh, I see that nose of yours, 
 but not that dog I shall throw it to. 
 
 Cas. Well, I must leave her company. 
 
 lago. Before me! look, where she comes. 
 140 Cas. 'T is such another fitchew ! marry, a per- 
 fum'd one. 
 
 Enter Bianca. 
 
 — What do you mean by this haunting of me ? 
 Bian. Let the devil and his dam haunt you ! 
 What did you mean by that same handkerchief 
 you gave me even now } I was a fine fool to 
 take it. I must take out the work ! — A likely 
 piece of work, that you should find it in your 
 chamber, and know not who left it there ! This 
 is some minx's token, and I must take out the 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 123 
 
 work ! There, — give it your hobby-horse ; where- 150 
 soever you had it, I'll take out no work on 't. 
 
 Cas. How now, my sweet Bianca ? how now ? 
 how now ? 
 
 0th. [Aside. \ By heaven, that should be my 
 handkerchief! 
 
 Bzan. An you'll come to supper to-night, you 
 may ; an you will not, come when you are next 
 prepared for. [Exit. 
 
 I ago. After her, after her. 160 
 
 Cas. Faith, I must ; she'll rail in the street 
 else. 
 
 lago. Will you sup there } 
 
 Cas. Yes, I intend so. 
 
 lago. Well, I may chance to see you ; for I 
 would very fain speak with you, 
 
 Cas. Prithee, come ; will you ? 
 
 lago. Go to ; say no more. [Exit Cassio. 
 
 0th. [Coming forward.] How shall I murder 
 
 him, lago ? 170 
 
 lago. Did you perceive how he laughed at his 
 vice ? 
 
 0th. O, lago ! 
 
 /ago. And did you see the handkerchief .f* 
 
 Oth. Was that mine .? 
 
 lago. Yours, by this hand : and to see how he 
 prizes the foolish woman your wife ! she gave it 
 him, and he hath given it his mistress. 
 
 Oth. I would have him nine years a-killing. — 
 A fine woman ! a fair woman ! a sweet woman ! 
 
 lago. Nay, you must forget that. 180 
 
 Oth. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be 
 damn'd to-night; for she shall not live; no, my 
 
124 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 heart is turned to stone ; I strike it, and it hurts 
 my hand. — O, the world hath not a sweeter crea- 
 ture. 
 
 lago. Nay, that's not your way. 
 
 0th. Hang her! I do but say what she is. So 
 dehcate with her needle! — An admirable musi- 
 cian ! Oh, she will sing the savageness out of a 
 190 bear! — Of so high and plenteous wit and inven- 
 tion ! 
 
 lago. She's the worse for all this. 
 
 0th. Oh, a thousand thousand times : — and 
 then, of so gentle a condition ! 
 
 lago. Ay, too gentle. 
 
 0th. Nay, that's certain : — but yet the pity of 
 it, lago ! — O lago, the pity of it, lago ! 
 
 lago. If you are so fond over her iniquity, give 
 her patent to offend ; for, if it touch not you, it 
 200 comes near nobody. 
 
 Oth. I will chop her into messes : — 
 
 lago. Oh, 't is foul in her ! 
 
 Oth. With mine officer ! 
 
 lago. That 's fouler. 
 
 Oth. Get me some poison, lago; this night: — 
 I'll not expostulate with her, lest her body and 
 beauty unprovide my mind again : — this night, 
 lago. 
 210 lago. Do it not with poison ; strangle her m 
 her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated. 
 
 Oth. Good, good; the justice of it pleases: 
 very good ! 
 
 lago. And, for Cassio, — let me be his under- 
 taker : you shall hear more by midnight. 
 
 \A trumpet without. 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 125 
 
 0th. Excellent good. — What trumpet is that 
 same ? 
 
 lago. Something from Venice, sure. 'T is 
 Lodovico, 
 Come from the duke ; and, see, your wife is with 
 him. 
 
 Enter LoDOVicO, Desdemona, a7td Attendants. 
 
 Lod. Save you, worthy general ! 
 
 0th. With all my heart, sir. 220 
 
 Lod. The duke and senators of Venice greet 
 you. [Gives hiin a packet. 
 
 0th. I kiss the instrument of their pleasure. 
 
 [Opefis the packet, a7id reads. 
 
 Des. And what's the news, good cousin Lodo- 
 vico ? 
 
 lago. I am very glad to see you, signior ; 
 Welcome to Cyprus. 
 
 Lod. I thank you. How does lieutenant Cas- 
 sio ? 
 
 lago. Lives, sir. 
 
 Des. Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my 
 lord 
 An unkind breach ; but you shall make all well. 
 
 Oth. Are you sure of that.? 
 
 Des. My lord? 
 
 Oth. [Reads.~\ " This fail you not to do, as you 
 
 will " — 230 
 
 Lod. He did not call : he 's busy in the paper. 
 Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio ? 
 
 Des. A most unhappy one ; I would do much 
 T' atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. 
 
 Oth. Fire and brimstone! 
 
126 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 Des. My lord ? 
 
 0th. Are you wise ? 
 
 Des. What, is he angry? 
 
 Lod. May be the letter mov'd him ; 
 
 For, as I think, they do command him home, 
 Deputing Cassio in his government. 
 
 Des. Trust me, I am glad on 't. 
 
 Oth. Indeed ! 
 
 Des. My lord ? 
 
 Oth. I am glad to see you mad. 
 240 Des. Why, sweet Othello, — 
 
 Oth. Devil ! [Striking her, 
 
 Des. I have not deserv'd this. 
 
 Lod. My lord, this would not be believ'd in 
 Venice, 
 Though I should swear I saw 't : 't is very much ; 
 Make her amends ; she weeps. 
 
 Oth. O, devil, devil ! 
 
 If that the earth could teem with woman's tears, 
 Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. — 
 Out of my sight ! 
 
 Des. I will not stay to offend you. [Going. 
 
 Lod. Truly, an obedient lady : — 
 250 I do beseech your lordship, call her back. 
 
 Oth. Mistress ! 
 
 Des, My lord ? 
 
 Oth. What would you with her, sir } 
 
 Lod. Who, I, my lord ? 
 
 Oth. Ay ; you did wish that I would make her 
 turn : 
 Sir, she can turn and turn and yet go on 
 And turn again ; and she can weep, sir, weep ; 
 And she's obedient, as you say, — obedient; — 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 127 
 
 Very obedient. — Proceed you in your tears. — 
 Concerning this, sir, — O well-painted passion !--- 
 I am commanded home. — Get you away ; 
 I'll send for you anon. — Sir, I obey the mandate, 260 
 And will return to Venice. — Hence, avaunt ! 
 
 {^Exit Desdemona. 
 Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, to-night, 
 I do entreat that we may sup together ; 
 You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.— Goats and 
 monkeys ! \Exit. 
 
 Lod. Is this the noble Moor whom our full 
 senate 
 Call all in all sufficient } Is this the nature 
 Whom passion could not shake } Whose solid 
 
 virtue 
 The shot of accident nor dart of chance 
 Could neither graze nor pierce } 
 
 lago. He is much chang'd, 
 
 Lod. Are his wits safe.^ is he not light of brain } 270 
 lago. He's — that he is ; I may not breathe my 
 censure. 
 What he might be, — if what he might be he is 
 
 not, — 
 I would to heaven he were! 
 Lod. What strike his wife ! 
 
 lago. Faith, that was not so well ; yet would I 
 knew 
 That stroke would prove the worst. 
 
 Lod. Is it his use.'* 
 
 Or did the letters work upon his blood. 
 And new-create this fault ? 
 
 lago. Alas, alas! 
 
 It is not honesty m me to speak 
 
128 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 What I have seen and known. You shall observe 
 him, 
 280 And his own courses will denote him so 
 
 That I may save my speech ; do but go after 
 And mark how he continues. 
 
 Lod. I 'm sorry that I am deceived in him. 
 
 {Exeunt. 
 
 Scene II. A Roo??i m the Castle. 
 
 Enter Othello and Emilia. 
 
 0th. You have seen nothing then } 
 Emit. Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. 
 0th. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she to- 
 gether. 
 Emzl. But then I saw no harm, and then I 
 heard 
 Each syllable that breath made up between them. 
 OM.'What, did they never whisper? 
 10 E7nil. Never, my lord. 
 
 0th. Nor send you out.o' the way.? 
 E7nil. Never. 
 
 0th. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, 
 
 nor nothing.? 
 Emit. Never, my lord. 
 0th. That's strange. 
 
 Emil. I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, 
 Lay down my soul at stake : if you think other. 
 Remove your thought; it doth abuse your 
 
 bosom. 
 If any wretch have put this in your head, 
 Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse ! 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. i2g 
 
 For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true, 
 There's no man happy ; the purest of their 
 
 wives 
 Is foul as slander. 
 
 0th. Bid her come hither : — go — ■ 
 
 {^Exit Emilia. 
 She says enough: yet she's a simple bawd 20 
 
 That cannot say as much. This is a subtle 
 
 wanton, 
 A closet-lock-and-key of villanous secrets: 
 And yet she'll kneel and pray ; I have seen her 
 
 do 't. 
 
 Enter EMILIA with Desdemona. 
 
 Des. My lord, what is your will .? 
 0th. Pray, chuck, come hither. 
 
 Des. What is you pleasure } 
 0th. Let me see your eyes ; 
 
 Look in my face. 
 Des. What horrible fancy 's this } 
 
 0th. Some of your function, mistress; shut 
 the door; [T^* Emilia.] 
 
 Cough, or cry " Hem,'' if anybody come : 
 Your mystery, your mystery ; nay, despatch I 30 
 
 YExit Emilia. 
 Des. Upon my knees, what doth your speech 
 import.'' • 
 
 I understand a fury in your words. 
 But not the words. 
 
 0th. Why, what art thou } 
 
 Des. Your wife, my lord ; your true and loyal 
 
 wife. 
 0th. Come, swear it, damn thyself ; 
 
I30 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils them- 
 selves 
 Should fear to seize thee : therefore be double- 
 
 damn'd ; 
 Swear thou art honest. 
 Des. Heaven doth truly know it. 
 
 0th. Heaven truly knows that thou art false as 
 hell. 
 40 Des. To whom, my lord } with whom ? how 
 am I false ? 
 0th. Ah, Desdemona ! — away ! away ! away ! 
 Des. Alas, the heavy day ! — Why do you weep ? 
 Am I the motive of these tears, my lord ? 
 If haply you my father do suspect 
 An instrument of this your calling back. 
 Lay not your blame on me ; if you have lost him, 
 Why, I have lost him too. 
 
 0th. Had it pleas'd heaven 
 
 To try me with affliction ; had they rain'd 
 All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, 
 SoSteep'd me in poverty to the very lips, 
 
 Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, 
 I should have found in some place of my soul 
 A drop of patience : but alas ! to make me 
 The fixed figure for the time of Scorn 
 To point his slow and moving finger at! 
 Yet could I bear that too, well, very well ; 
 But there, where I have garner'd up my heart, 
 Where either I must live or bear no life. 
 The fountain from the which my current runs 
 Or else dries up— to be discarded thence ! 
 60 Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 131 
 
 To knot and gender in ! — Turn thy complexion 
 
 there, 
 Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin !— ~ 
 Ay, there, look grim as hell ! 
 
 Des. 1 hope my noble lord esteems me honest. 
 
 Oih. Oh, ay ; as summer flies are in the sham- 
 bles, 
 That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, 
 Who art so lovely fair, and smell'st so sweet 
 That the sense aches at thee, — would thou hadst 
 ne'er been born ! 
 
 Des. Alas, what ignorant sin have I com- 
 mitted } 70 
 
 0th. Was this fair paper, this most goodly 
 book. 
 Made to write " trull " upon ?— What committed ! 
 Committed! O, thou public commoner! 
 I should make very forges of my cheeks. 
 That would to cinders burn up modesty. 
 Did I but speak thy deeds. — What committed ! 
 Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks ; 
 The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets 
 Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth 
 And will not hear it. — What committed ! — 80 
 
 Impudent wanton ! 
 
 Des. By heaven, you do me wrong I 
 
 0th. Are not you a wanton ? 
 
 Des. No, as I am a Christian ! 
 
 If to preserve this vessel for my lord 
 From any other foul unlawful touch, 
 Be not to be a wanton, I am none. 
 
 0th. Is 't possible? 
 
 Des. Oh, heaven forgive us ! 
 
132 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 0th. I cry you mercy then ; 
 
 I took you for that cunning trull of Venice 
 That married with Othello. — {Raising his voice.] 
 go You, mistress, 
 
 That have th.e office opposite to St. Peter, 
 And keep the gate of hell ! 
 
 Re-enter EMILIA. 
 
 You ! you ! ay, you ! 
 We have done our course; there 's money for 
 
 your pains : 
 I pray you, turn the key and keep our counsel. 
 
 {Exit. 
 Einil. Alas! what does this gentleman con- 
 ceive ? — 
 How do you, madam } how do you, my good 
 lady } 
 Des. Faith, half asleep. 
 Einil. Good madam, what's the matter with 
 
 my lord } 
 Des. With who ? 
 loo Einil, Why, with my lord, madam. 
 
 Des. Who is thy lord } 
 
 Einil. He that is yours, sweet lady. 
 
 Des. I have none : do not talk to me, Emilia; 
 I cannot weep ; nor answer have I none, 
 But what should go by water. Prithee, to-night 
 Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, — remem- 
 ber; — 
 And call thy husband hither. 
 
 Einil. Here's a change, indeed ! 
 
 {Exit' 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 133 
 
 Des. T is meet I should be used so, very 
 meet. 
 How have I been behav'd, that he might stick 
 The small'st opinion on my great'st abuse? 
 
 Re-enter EMILIA with I A GO. 
 
 lago. What is your pleasure, madam ? How 
 
 is't with you.? no 
 
 Des. I cannot tell. Those that do teach 
 young babes 
 Do it with gentle means and easy tasks : 
 He might have chid me so; for, in good faith, 
 I am a child to chiding. 
 lago. What's the matter, lady ? 
 
 Emil. Alas ! lago, my lord hath so besmirch'd 
 her. 
 Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her. 
 As true hearts cannot bear. 
 Des. Am I that name, lago? 
 lago. What name, fair lady ? 
 
 Des. Such as she said my lord did say I was. 
 Emil. A beggar in his drink 120 
 
 Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. 
 Ingo. Why did he so ? 
 Des. I do not know ; I am sure I am none 
 
 such. 
 lago. Do not weep, do not weep : — Alas the 
 
 day ! 
 Emil. Hath she forsook so many noble 
 matches, 
 Her father, and her country, and her friends, 
 To be called trull ? would it not make one weep ? 
 Des. It is my wretched fortune. 
 
134 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 lago. Beshrew him for 't ! 
 
 How comes this trick upon him ? 
 Des. Nay, heaven doth know. 
 
 130 Emil. I will be hang'd if some eternal villain, 
 Some busy and insinuating rogue, 
 Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, 
 Have not devis'd this slander : I'll be hang'd else. 
 lago. Fie, there is no such man ; it is impossi- 
 ble. 
 Des. If any such there be, heaven pardon him ! 
 Emil. A halter pardon him ! and hell gnaw^ 
 his bones ! 
 The Moor's abus'd by some most villanous 
 
 knave. 
 Some base, notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. 
 
 heaven, that such companions thou 'dst un- 
 
 fold, 
 140 And put in every honest hand a whip 
 
 To lash the rascals naked through the world 
 Even from the east to the west! 
 
 lago. Speak within door. 
 
 Ejml. Oh, fie upon them ! Some such squire 
 he was 
 That turn'd your wit the seamy side without 
 And made you to suspect me with the Moor. 
 lago. You are a fool ; go to. 
 Des. Alas, lago, 
 
 What shall I do to win my lord again } « 
 
 150 Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of 
 heaven, 
 
 1 know not how I lost him. Here I kneel : — 
 If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love. 
 Either in discourse of thought or actual deed. 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 135 
 
 Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, 
 
 Delighted them in any other form, 
 
 Or that I do not yet and ever did 
 
 And ever will— though he do shake me off 
 
 To beggarly divorcement— love him dearly, 
 
 Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do 
 
 much ; 160 
 
 And his unkindness may defeat my life. 
 But never taint my love. 
 
 lago. I pray you, be^ content ; 't is but his 
 humor ; 
 The business of the state does him offence. 
 And he does chide with you. 
 
 Des. If 't were no other ! — 
 
 lago. 'T is but so, I warrant. 
 
 YTriunpets without. 
 Hark, how these instruments summon to supper ! 
 The messengers of Venice stay the meat. 
 Go in and weep not; all things shall be well. 
 
 \_Exeunt Desdemona ajid Emilia., 
 
 Enter RODERIGO. 
 
 How now, Roderigo ? 
 
 Rod. I do not find that thou deal'st justly with 
 
 me. I/O 
 
 lago. What in the contrary ? 
 
 Rod. Every day thou daff'st me with some 
 device, lago ; and rather, as it seems to me now, 
 keep'st from me all conveniency than suppliest 
 me with the least advantage of hope. I will 
 indeed no longer endure it, nor am I yet per- 180 
 suaded to put up in peace what already I have 
 foolishly suffered. 
 
136 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 lago. Will you hear me, Roderigo? 
 
 Rod. Faith, I have heard too much for your 
 words and performances are no kin together. 
 
 lago. You charge me most unjustly. 
 
 Rod. With nought but truth. I have wasted 
 myself out of my means. The jewels you have 
 had from me to deliver to Desdemona would 
 half have corrupted a votarist : you have told 
 190 me she hath received them, and returned me 
 expectations and comforts of sudden respect and 
 acquaintance, but I find none. 
 
 lago. Well ; go to ; very well. 
 
 Rod. "Very well! go to I " I cannot go to, 
 man ; nor 't is not very well : nay, I think it is 
 scurvy, and begin to find myself fobbed in it. 
 
 lago. Very well. 
 
 Rod. I tell you 't is not very well. I will make 
 myself known to Desdemona: if she will return 
 200 me my jewels, I will give over my suit, and re- 
 pent my unlawful solicitation ; if not, assure your- 
 self I will seek satisfaction of you. 
 
 lago. You have said now. 
 
 Rod. Ay, and said nothing but what I protest 
 intendment of doing. 
 
 lago. Why, now I see there's mettle in thee; 
 and even from this instant do build on thee a 
 better opinion than ever before. Give me thy 
 ^10 hand, Roderigo : thou hast taken against me a 
 most just exception ; but yet, I protest, I have 
 dealt most directly in thy affair. 
 
 Rod. It hath not appeared. 
 
 lago. I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and 
 your suspicion is not without wit and judgment. 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 137 
 
 But, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed 
 which I have greater reason to beheve now than 
 ever, — I mean purpose, courage, and valor, — this 
 night show it ; if thou the next night following 220 
 enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world 
 with treachery and devise engines for my life. 
 Rod. Well, what is it? is it within reason and 
 
 compass 
 
 lago. Sir, there is a special commission come 
 from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place. 
 
 Rod. Is that true? why, then Othello and Des- 
 demona return again to Venice. 
 
 lago. Oh, no ; he goes into Mauritania and 
 takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless 230 
 his abode be lingered here by some accident ; 
 wherein none can be so determinate as the re- 
 moving of Cassio. 
 
 Rod. How do you mean removing of him ? 
 
 lago. Why, by making him uncapable of 
 Othello's place, — knocking out his brains. 
 
 Rod. And that you would have me to do ? 
 
 lago. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and 
 a right. He sups to-night with Bianca, and thith- 
 er will I go to him: — he knows not yet of his 240 
 honorable fortune. If you will watch his going 
 thence, which I will fashion to fall out between 
 twelve and one, you may take him at your pleas- 
 ure : I will be near to second your attempt, and 
 he shall fall between us. Come, stand not 
 amazed at it, but go along with me ; I will show 
 you such a necessity in his death that you shall 
 think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now 
 
138 OTHELLO. [act iv. 
 
 high supper-time, and the night grows to waste : 
 250 about it. 
 
 Rod. I will hear further reason for this. 
 lago. And you shall be satisfied. {Exeunt. 
 
 Scene III. A^iother Roo?n in the Castle. 
 
 Enter Othello, Lodovico, Desdemona, 
 Emilia, and Attendants. 
 Lod. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no 
 
 further. 
 0th. Oh, pardon me ; 't will do me good to 
 
 walk. 
 Lod. Madam, good night; I humbly thank 
 
 your ladyship. 
 Des. Your honor is most welcome. 
 0th. Will you walk, sir } — 
 
 Oh, — Desdemona, — 
 
 Des. My lord } 
 
 0th. Get you to bed on the instant; I will 
 be returned forthwith : dismiss your attendant 
 there ; look it be done. 
 10 Des. I will my lord. 
 
 {Exeimt Othello, Lodovico, and Attendants, 
 Emit. How goes it now } he looks gentler 
 
 than he did. 
 Des. He says he will return incontinent ; 
 He hath commanded me to go bed, 
 And bade me to dismiss you. 
 
 Etnil. Dismiss me ! 
 
 Des. It was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, 
 Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu : 
 We must not now displease him. 
 
sc. iir.] ■ OTHELLO. 139 
 
 EmiL I would you had never seen him ! 
 Des. So would not I ; my love doth so approve 
 him 
 That even his stubbornness, his checks, his 
 
 frowns, — 20 
 
 Prithee, unpin me, — have grace and favor in 
 them. 
 EmiL I have laid those sheets you bade me 
 
 on the bed. 
 Des. All's one. — Good faith, how foolish are 
 our minds ! — 
 If I do die before thee, prithee, shroud me 
 In one of these same sheets. 
 EmiL Come, come, you talk. 
 
 Des. My mother had a maid call'd Barbara : 
 She was m love ; and he she lov'd prov'd mad 
 And did forsake her : she had a song of " Wil- 
 low," 
 An old thing 't was, but it express'd her fortune. 
 And she died singing it. That song to-night 30 
 Will not go from my mind ; I've much to do 
 But to go hang my head all at one side. 
 And sing it like poor Barbara. Prithee, des- 
 patch. 
 EmiL Shall I go fetch your night-gown } 
 Des. No, unpin me here. — 
 
 This Lodovico is a proper man. 
 EmiL A very handsome man. 
 Des. He speaks well. 
 
 EmiL I know a lady in Venice would have 
 walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his 
 nether lip. 40 
 
I40 OTHELLO. [act iv, 
 
 Des. [Singing.] The poor soul sat sighing by ce. 
 sycamore tree. 
 Sing all a green willow : 
 Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee^ 
 
 Sing willow, willow, willow ; 
 The fresh streams rait by her, and murmur d 
 her moans ; 
 Sing willow, willow, willow ; 
 Her salt tears fell from her, and soften d the 
 stones ; — 
 Lay by these : — 
 
 Sing willow^ willow, willow ; 
 50 Prithee, hie thee; he'll come anon : — 
 
 Sing all a green willow must be nty garland. 
 Let nobody bla?ne him, his scorn I approve, — 
 Nay, that's not next. — Hark ! who is't that 
 knocks? 
 Emit. It is the wind. 
 
 Des. / calLd 7ny love false love ; but what said 
 he then ? 
 
 Sing willow, willow, willow ; 
 So, get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do 
 
 itch ; 
 Doth that bode weeping ? 
 
 Emit. 'T is neither here nor there. 
 
 60 Des. I have heard it said so. — Oh, these men, 
 these men ! — 
 Dost thou in conscience think — tell me, Emilia — 
 That there be women do abuse their husbands 
 In such gross kind.^ 
 
 E77til. There be some such, no question. 
 
 Des. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the 
 world } 
 
sc. III.] OTHELLO. 141 
 
 EmiL Why, would not you ? 
 
 Des. No, by this heavenly light [ 
 
 EmiL The world's a huge thing : it is a great 
 price 
 For a small vice. 
 
 Des. Beshew me, if I would do such a wrong 
 for the whole world. ' 
 
 EmiL Why, the wrong is but a wrong i' the 
 world; and, having the world for your labor, 70 
 't is a wrong in your own world, and you might 
 quickly make it right. 
 
 Des. I do not think there is any such woman. 
 
 EmiL Yes, a dozen ; and as many to the vant- 
 age, as would store the world they played for. 
 But I do think it is their husbands' faults 
 If wives do fall : say that they slack their duties, 
 And pour our treasures into foreign laps, 
 Or else break out in peevish jealousies, 
 Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike 
 
 us. 
 Or scant our former having in despite; 80 
 
 Why, we have galls; and, though we have some 
 
 grace, 
 Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know 
 Their wives have sense like them : they see and 
 
 smell 
 And have their palates both for sweet and sour. 
 As husbands have. What is it that they do 
 When they change us for others? Is it sport } 
 I think it is : and doth affection breed it.^ 
 I think it doth : is 't frailty that thus errs ? 
 It is so too : — and have not we affections. 
 Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have .^^ 90 
 
142 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Then let them use us well ; else let them know, 
 The ills we do, their ills instruct us so. 
 
 Des. Good-night, good-night : heaven me such 
 uses send, 
 Not to pick bad from bad. but by bad mend ! 
 
 \Exeu7it. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene I. The same. A street. 
 
 Ente7' I AGO and RODERIGO. 
 
 lago. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight 
 will be come : 
 Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home. 
 Quick, quick ; fear nothing ; I'll be at thy elbow. 
 It makes us, or it mars us ; think on that 
 And fix most firm thy resolution. 
 
 Rod. Be near at hand ; I may miscarry in 't. 
 lago. Here, at thy hand; be bold and take 
 thy stand. [Retzres. 
 
 Rod. I have no great devotion to the deed; 
 And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons: — 
 lo'T is but a man gone: — forth, my sword; he 
 dies ! [Goes to his stand, 
 
 lago. I 've rubb'd this young quat almost to 
 the sense, 
 And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill 
 
 Cassio, 
 Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other. 
 Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo, 
 He calls me to a restitution large 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 143 
 
 Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him, 
 
 As gifts to Desdemona ; 
 
 It must not be. If Cassio do remain, 
 
 He hath a daily beauty in his life 
 
 That makes me ugly; and, besides, the Moor 20 
 
 May unfold me to him; there stand I in much 
 
 peril : 
 No, he must die: but. so, I hear him coming. 
 
 Enter Cassio. 
 
 Rod. I know his gait, 't is he: — Villain, thou 
 diest ! {^Makes a pass at Cassio, 
 
 Cas. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed, 
 But that my coat is better than thou know'st : 
 I will make proof of thine. 
 
 {Draws, and wounds RODERIGO. 
 Rod. Oh, I am slain ! 
 
 \\kq.O cuts Cassio behind m the leg, and exit. 
 
 Cas. I am maim'd forever, — Help, ho ! murder! 
 
 murder ! {Falls. 
 
 Enter Othello, at a distance. 
 
 Oth. The voice of Cassio : lago keeps hts 
 word. 
 
 Rod. Oh, villain that I am ! 
 
 Oth. 'T is even so. 
 
 Cas. Oh, help! ho! light! a surgeon ! 30 
 
 Oth. 'T is he ! — O brave lago, honest and just, 
 That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong ! 
 Thou teachest me. — Minion, your dear lies dead. 
 And your unblest fate hies. — Wanton, I come ! 
 Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are 
 blotted ; 
 
144 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Thy bed, lust-stain'd, shall with lust's blood be 
 spotted. [Exit. 
 
 Enter LODOVICO and Gratiano. 
 
 Cas. What, ho ! no watch ? no passage ? 
 
 murder I murder ! 
 Gra. 'T is some mischance ; the voice is verv 
 
 direful. 
 Cas. Qh, help ! 
 40 Lod. Hark ! 
 
 Rod. O wretched villain ! 
 
 Lod. Two or three groan ; — it is a heavy night : 
 These may be counterfeits ; let 's think 't unsafe 
 To come in to the cry without more help. 
 
 Rod. Nobody come? then shall I bleed to 
 
 death. 
 Lod. Hark: 
 Gra. Here's one comes in his shirt, with light 
 
 and weapons. 
 
 Re-enter I AGO. with a light. 
 
 Lago. Who's there } whose noise is this that 
 
 cries on murder? 
 Lod. We do not know. 
 
 Lago. Did not you hear a cry ? 
 
 Cas. Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me! 
 50 Lago. What's the matter? 
 
 Gra. This is Othello's ancient, as I take it. 
 Lod. The same, indeed ; a very valiant fellow. 
 Lago. What are you here that cry so grievously? 
 Cas. lago ? Oh, I am spoil'd, undone by vil- 
 lains ! 
 Give me some help. 
 
sc. I.] OTHELLO. 145 
 
 lago. O me, lieutenant ! what villains have 
 done this ? 
 
 Cas. I think that one of them is hereabout. 
 And cannot make away. 
 
 lago. O treacherous villains ! — 
 
 What are you there ? come in, and give some 
 
 lielp. YTo LoDOVico a7id Gratiano. 
 
 Rod. Oh, help me here ! 60 
 
 Cas. That's one of them. 
 
 lago. O murderous slave! O villain ! 
 
 {^Stabs RODERIGO. 
 
 Rod. O damn'd lago! O inhuman dog! — 
 
 {Dies. ■ 
 lago. Kill men i' the dark — Where be these 
 bloody thieves } — 
 How silent is this town! — Ho! murder! mur- 
 der!— 
 What may you be } are you of good or evil ? 
 Lod. As you shall prove us, praise us. 
 Jago. Signior Lodovico .f* 
 Lod. He, sir. 
 lago. I cry you mercy. Here 's Cassio hurt by 
 
 villains. 
 Gra. Cassio I 70 
 
 lago. How is 't, brother } 
 
 Cas. My leg is cut in two. 
 
 Lago. Marry, heaven forbid ! — 
 
 Light, gentlemen ; — I'll bind it with my shirt. 
 
 Enter Bianca. 
 
 Bian. What is the matter, ho } who is 't that 
 cried } 
 
146 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 lago. " Who is 't that cried ? " 
 
 Bian. O my dear Cassio ! ray sweet Cassio ! O 
 
 Cassio ! Cassio ! Cassio ! 
 lago. O notable harlot ! — Cassio, may you sus- 
 pect 
 Who they should be that have thus mangled you ? 
 80 Cas. No. 
 
 Gra. I 'm sorry to find you thus : I've been to 
 
 seek you. 
 lago. Lend me a garter. — So. — Oh, for a 
 chaif 
 To bear him easily hence ! 
 Bia7i. Alas ! he faints ! — O Cassio ! Cassio ! 
 
 Cassio ! ■ 
 lago. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash 
 To be a party in this injury. — 
 Patience awhile, good Cassio. — Come, come ; 
 Lend me a light. — Know we this face or no } 
 Alas! my friend and my dear countryman 
 90 Roderigo } no ; — yes, sure ; O heaven ! Roderi- 
 go. 
 Gra. What, of Venice ? 
 lago. Even he, sir : did you know him } 
 Gra. Know him ! ay. 
 
 lago. Signior Gratiano ? I cry you gentle par- 
 don ; 
 These bloody accidents must excuse my man- 
 ners, 
 That so neglected you. 
 
 Gra. I 'm glad to see you. 
 
 lago. How do you, Cassio.?— Oh, a chair, a 
 
 chair ! 
 Gra. Roderigo ! 
 
SCI.] OTHELLO. 147 
 
 lago. He, he, 't is he. — O that's well said ; — the 
 chair : — \A chair brought in. 
 
 Some good man bear him carefully from hence ; 
 
 I'll fetch the general's surgeon. — For you, mis- 
 tress, [7b BiANCA. 100 
 
 Save you your labor. — He that lies slain here, 
 Cassio, 
 
 Was my dear friend : what malice was between 
 you } 
 Cas. None in the world ; nor do I know the 
 
 man, 
 lago. [76' BiAN.] What, look you pale?— Oh, 
 bear him out o' the air. — 
 
 [Cassio and Roderigo are borate off. 
 
 Stay you, good gentlemen. — Look you pale, mis- 
 tress ? — 
 
 Do you perceive the gastness of her eye ? — 
 
 Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon : — 
 
 Behold her well ; I pray you, look upon her ; 
 
 Do you see, gentlemen ? nay, guiltiness will 
 speak. 
 
 Though tongues were out of use. no 
 
 Enter Emilia. 
 
 Emit. Alas ! what's the matter ? what's the 
 
 matter, husband ? 
 lago. Cassio hath here been set on in the dark 
 By Roderigo and fellows that are 'scap'd : 
 He 's almost slain, and Roderigo dead. 
 Einil. Alas, good gentlemen ! alas, good Cas- 
 sio ! 
 lago. Prithee, Emilia, 
 
 Go know of Cassio where he supp'd to-night : — 
 
148 OTHELLO, [act v. 
 
 What, do you shake at that ? [To Bianca. 
 
 Bian. He supp'd at my house; but I therefore 
 shake not. 
 1 20 lago. Oh, did he so ? I charge you, go with 
 me. 
 Emil. Fie, fie upon thee, harlot ! 
 Bian. I am no harlot; but of life as honest 
 As you that thus abuse me. 
 
 Emil. As I } foh ! fie upon thee ! 
 
 lago. Kind gentlemen, let's go see poorCassio 
 dress'd. — 
 Oome, mistress, you must tell 's another tale. — 
 Emilia, run you to the citadel. 
 And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd. — 
 Will you go on afore .? — This is the night {^Aside. 
 That'either makes me or fordoes me quite. 
 
 {^Exeunt. 
 
 Scene II. A Bedchamber : Desdefnona in bed 
 asleep. A light burnijtg. 
 
 Enter Othello. 
 
 0th. It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul, — 
 Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars ! — 
 It is the cause. — Yet I 'U not shed her blood ; 
 Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow. 
 And smooth as monumental alabaster. 
 Yet she must die, else she '11 betray more men. 
 
 Put out the light, and then put out thy light ! 
 
 If I quench thee, thou framing minister, 
 I can again thy former light restore, 
 10 Should I repent me :— but, once put out thy 
 light. 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 149 
 
 Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature, 
 I know not where is that Promethean heat 
 That can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd 
 
 thy rose, 
 I cannot give it vital growth again. 
 It needs must wither: I'll smell it on the tree. — 
 
 {^Kissing her. 
 Ah, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade 
 Justice to break her sword ! — One more, one 
 
 more. 
 Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, 
 And love thee after. — One more, and this the 
 
 last : 
 So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, 20 
 
 But they are cruel tears : this sorrow 's heavenly : 
 It strikes where it doth love. — She wakes. 
 
 Des. Who's there } Othello } 
 
 Oth. Ay, Desdemona. 
 
 Des. Will you come to bed, my lord } 
 
 Oth. Have you pray'd to-night, Desdemona } 
 
 Des. [Ay, my lord. 
 
 Oth. If you bethink yourself of any crime 
 UnreconciPd as yet to heaven and grace. 
 Solicit for it straight. 
 
 Des. Alack, my lord, what may you mean by 
 that ? 
 
 Oth. Well, do it, and be brief ; I will walk by: 30 
 I would not kill thy unprepared spirit ; 
 No, — Heaven forfend ! I would not kill thy 
 soul. 
 
 Des. Talk you of killing ? 
 
 Oth. Ay, I do. 
 
 Des. Then heaven 
 
150 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Have mercy on me ! 
 
 0th. Amen, with all my heart ! 
 
 Des. If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. 
 0th. Hum ! 
 
 Des. And yet I fear you : for you are fatal 
 then 
 When your eyes roll so : why I should fear I 
 
 know not 
 Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear. 
 Oth. Think on thy sins. 
 40 Des. They 're loves I bear to you. 
 
 Oth. Ay, and for that thou diest. 
 Des. That death 's unnatural that kills for lov- 
 ing.— 
 Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip ? 
 Some bloody passion shakes your very frame : 
 These are portents ; but yet I hope, I hope, 
 They do not point on me. 
 
 Oth. Peace, and be still ! 
 
 Des. I will so. What's the matter.^ 
 Oth. That handkerchief which I so lov'd and 
 gave thee 
 Thou gav'st to Cassio. 
 
 Des. No, by my life and soul ! 
 
 Send for the man, and ask him. 
 50 Oth. Sweet soul, take heed. 
 
 Take heed of perjury ; thou 'rt on thy death- 
 bed. 
 Des. Ay, but not yet to die. 
 Oth. Yes, presently ; 
 
 Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin; 
 For to deny each article with oath 
 Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 151 
 
 That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. 
 
 Des. Then Lord have mercy on me ! 
 
 0th. I say, amen ! 
 
 Des. And have you mercy too ! — I never did 
 Offend you in my life ; never lov'd Cassio 
 But with such general warranty of heaven 60 
 
 As I might love : I never gave him token. 
 
 0th. B}^ heaven, I saw my handkerchief in 's 
 hand, 
 
 perjur'd woman ! thou dost stone my heart. 
 And mak'st me call what I intend to do 
 
 A murder, which I thought a sacrifice: 
 
 1 saw the handkerchief. 
 
 Des. He found it then ; 
 
 I never gave It him :— send for him hither ; 
 Let him confess a truth. 
 
 0th. His mouth is stopp'd ; 70 
 
 Honest lago hath ta'en order for't. 
 
 Des. Oh, my fear interprets ! — what, is he 
 dead ? 
 
 0th. Had all his hairs been lives, my great re- 
 venge 
 Had stomach for them all. 
 
 Des. Alas, he is betray'd and I undone ! 
 
 0th. Out, wanton ! weep'st thou for him to 
 my face ? 
 
 Des. Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! 
 
 0th. Down, wanton ! 
 
 Des. Kill me to-morrow ; let me live to-night ! 80 
 
 Oth. Nay, if you strive, — 
 
 Des, But half an hour ! 
 
 Oth. Being done, there is no pause. 
 
152 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Des. But while I say one prayer ! 
 
 0th. It is too late. \^He stifies her. 
 
 Eniil. \^Wiihont.'\ My lord! my lord! what 
 
 ho ! my lord ! my lord ! 
 0th. What noise is this? — Not dead? not yet 
 quite dead ? 
 I that am cruel am yet merciful ; 
 I would not have thee linger in thy pain : — 
 So, so. 
 
 Emil. [ IVithoitt.l What ho ! my lord ! my 
 
 lord ! 
 0th. Who's there? 
 
 90 Emil. 'ilVithout.'] O good my lord, I'd speak 
 a word with you ! 
 0th. Yes: — 't is Emilia; — by-and-by.— She 's 
 dead.— 
 'T is like she comes to speak of Cassio's death ; 
 The noise was high. — Ha! no more moving? 
 Still as the grave. Shall she come in? were 't 
 
 good ? 
 I think she stirs again : — no. — What 's best to 
 
 do? 
 If she come in, she '11 sure speak to my wife : 
 My wife ! my wife ! what wife 7 — I have no wife. 
 Oh, insupportable! O heavy hour! 
 Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse 
 Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe 
 100 Should yawn at alteration. 
 
 Emil. [ IVit/ioiit.] I do beseech you that I may 
 speak with you, 
 O good my lord ! 
 
 Oth. I had forgot thee. Oh, come in, Emilia :— 
 Soft, — by-and-by. Let me the curtains draw. — 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 153 
 
 Where art thou ? {Opens the door. 
 
 Enter Emilia. 
 What's the matter with thee now? 
 Emi'l. O my good lord, yonder 's foul murder 
 
 done ! 
 Otk. What, now? 
 
 Emit. But now, my lord ! 
 
 Otk. It is the very error of the moon ; 
 She comes more nearer earth than she was 
 
 wont, 110 
 
 And makes men mad. 
 
 EjJtil. Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young 
 Venetian 
 Call'd Roderigo. 
 
 0th. Roderigo kill'd ! 
 
 And Cassio kill'd ! 
 
 Emit. No, Cassio is not kill'd. 
 
 0th. Not Cassio kill'd I then murder 's out of 
 tune, 
 And sweet revenge grows harsh. 
 Des. Oh, falsely, falsely murder'd ! 
 Einil. Alas ! what cry is that ? 
 
 0th. That! what? 
 
 E7niL Out, and alas ! that was my lady's 
 voice ! — 
 Help ! help, ho ! help ! — O lady, speak again ! 120 
 Sweet Desdemona ! O sweet mistress, speak ! 
 Des. A guiltless death I die. 
 Emit. Oh, who hath done this deed ? 
 Des. Nobody; I myself. Farewell! 
 
 Commend me to my kind lord : oh, farewell ! 
 
 {Dies. 
 0th. Why, how should she be murder'd ? 
 
154 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Emil. Alas ! who knows ? 
 
 Oik. You heard her say herself it was not I. 
 Emil. She said so : I must needs report the 
 
 truth. 
 Olh. She's like a liar gone to burning hell ! 
 'T was I that killed her. 
 130 Emil. Oh, the more angel she. 
 
 And you the blacker devil ! 
 
 0th. She turn'd to folly, and she was a 
 
 wanton. 
 Emil. Thou dost belie her, and thou art a 
 
 devil. 
 Oth. She was false as water. 
 Emil. Thou art rash as fire to say 
 
 That she was false : oh, she was heavenly true ! 
 Oth. Oh, I were damn'd beneath all depth in 
 hell, 
 But that I did proceed upon just grounds 
 To this extremity ! Thy husband knew it all. 
 140 Emil. My husband ! 
 Oth. Thy husband. 
 
 EiniL That she was false to wedlock } 
 Oth. Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been 
 true, 
 If heaven would make me such another world 
 Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, 
 I'd not have sold her for it. 
 Emil. My husband ! 
 
 Oth. Ay, 't was he that told me first ; 
 
 An honest man he is, and hates the slime 
 That sticks on filthy deeds. 
 
 Emil. • My husband ! 
 
sc. 11. ] OTHELLO, 155 
 
 0th. What needs this iteration, woman? I 
 
 say thy husband. 150 
 
 Emil. O mistress, villany hath made mocks 
 with love ! — 
 My husband say that she was false ? 
 
 0th. He, woman; 
 
 I say thy husband : dost understand the word ? 
 My friend, thy husband, honest, honest lago. 
 
 Emil. If he say so, may his pernicious soul 
 Rot half a grain a day ! he lies to the heart : 
 She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. 
 
 0th. Ha! 
 
 Emil. Do thy worst ; 
 This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven 160 
 Than thou wast worthy her. 
 
 0th. Peace ! you were best. 
 
 E7nil. Thou hast not half that power to do 
 me harm 
 As I have to be hurt. O gull ! O dolt ! 
 As ignorant as dirt ! thou hast done a deed — 
 I care not for thy sword ; I'll make thee known 
 Though I lost twenty lives. — Help! help! ho! 
 
 help! 
 The Moor hath killed my mistress ! Murder ! 
 murder ! 
 
 Enter Montana, Gratiano, and Iago. 
 
 Mon. What is the matter.^ — How now, gen- 
 eral ! 
 Emzl. Oh, are you come, Iago } you've done 
 
 well 170 
 
 That men must lay their murders on your neck. 
 Gra. What is the matter.'* 
 
156 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Emit. Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a 
 man : 
 He says thou toldst him that his wife was false : 
 I know thou didst not, thou 'rt not such a vil- 
 lain : 
 Speak, for my heart is full. 
 
 lago. I told him what I thought ; and told no 
 more 
 Than what he found himself was apt and true. 
 E^nil. But did you ever tell him she was false ? 
 lago. I did. 
 i8o Emil. You told a He; an odious, damned lie; 
 Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie ! — 
 She false with Cassio ! — did you say with Cassio ? 
 lago. With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm 
 
 your tongue. 
 Emil. I will not charm my tongue : I 'm bound 
 to speak: 
 My mistress here lies murder'd in her bed, — 
 All. Oh, heavens forfend ! 
 Emil. And your reports have set the murde. 
 
 on. 
 0th. Nay, stare not, masters ; it is true, in- 
 deed. 
 Gra. 'T is a strange truth. 
 Mon. O monstrous act ! 
 190 Emil. Villany, villany, villany ! 
 
 I think upon 't, I think;—! smell 't ; — O vil- 
 lany ! — 
 I thought so then ; — I '11 kill myself for grief. — 
 O villany, villany ! 
 
 lago. What, are you mad } 1 charge you, get 
 you home. 
 
 I 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 157 
 
 EmiL Good gentlemen, let me have leave to 
 speak ; 
 'T is proper I obey him, but not now. — 
 Perchance, lago, I will ne'er go home. 
 
 0th. Oh ! Oh ! Oh ! \Falling on the bed. 
 
 Efnzl. Nay, lay thee down and roar ; 
 
 For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent 
 That e'er did lift up eye. 
 
 0th. Oh, she was foul ! — [Rismg. 200 
 
 I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your 
 
 niece, 
 Whose breatli, indeed, these hands have newly 
 
 stopp'd : 
 I know this act shows horrible and grim. 
 
 Gra. Poor Desdemon ! I 'm glad thy father 's 
 dead : 
 Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief 
 Shore his old thread in twain ; did he live now. 
 This sight would make him do a desperate turn, 
 Yea, curse his better angel from his side, 
 And fall to reprobation. 
 
 0th. 'T is pitiful ; but yet lago knows 210 
 
 That she did gratify his amorous works 
 With that recognizance and pledge of love 
 Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand :, 
 It was a handkerchief, an antique token 
 My father gave my mother. 
 
 Emit. O heaven ! O heavenly powers ! 
 
 lago. Zounds, hold your peace! 
 
 Emil. 'T will out, 't will out ! — I hold my 
 peace, sir.? no ! 
 No. I will speak as liberal as the north ! 220 
 
 Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, 
 
158 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 All, all, cry shame against me, yet I '11 speak ! 
 lago. Be wise, and get you home. 
 Emil. I will not. 
 
 [I AGO offers to stab Emilia. 
 Gra. Fie ! 
 
 Your sword upon a woman ? 
 
 Ejnil. O thou dull Moor ! That handkerchief 
 thou speak'st of 
 I found by fortune, and did give my husband ; 
 For, often with a solemn earnestness,— 
 More than indeed belong'd to such a trifle, — 
 He begged of me to steal it. 
 
 lago. Villanous wanton ! 
 
 230 E)7iil. She gave it Cassio ! no, alas, I found it, 
 And I did give 't my husband. 
 
 lago. Filth, thou liest ! 
 
 Etnil. By heaven, I do not ! I do not, gentle- 
 men ! — 
 O murderous coxcomb ! what should such a fool 
 Do with so good a wife } 
 
 [The Moor runs at Iago. who stabs Emilia, 
 
 and exit. 
 Otk. Are there no stones in heaven 
 
 But what serve for the thunder? — Precious vil- 
 lain ! 
 Gra. The woman falls ! sure, he hath kill'd 
 
 his wife. 
 Emz/. Ay, ay ! — Oh, lay me by my mistress' 
 
 side ! 
 Gra. He's gone, but his wife 's kill'd. 
 Mon. 'T is a notorious villain; Take you this 
 weapon 
 240 Which I have here recover'd from the Moor: 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 159 
 
 Come, guard the door without ; let him not pass, 
 But kill him rather. I '11 after that same villain, 
 For 't is a damned slave. 
 
 [Exeunt MoNTANO and Gratiano. 
 
 0th. I am not valiant neither, 
 
 But every puny whipster gets my sword. — 
 But why should honor outlive honesty } 
 Let it go all. 
 
 Emil. What did thy song bode, lady.? 
 
 Hark ! canst thou hear me ? I will play the swan, 
 And die in music [Singing], " Willow, willow, 
 
 willow." — 
 Moor, she was chaste ; she loved thee, cruel 
 
 Moor; 
 So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true ; 250 
 
 So speaking as I think, I die : — I die ! [Dies. 
 
 0th. I have another weapon in this chamber. 
 It is the sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper. — 
 Oh, here it is. — Uncle, I must come forth. 
 
 Gra. [ Without.] If thou attempt it, it will cost 
 thee dear; 
 Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must sufler. 
 
 0th. Look in upon me, then and speak with 
 me, 
 Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee. 
 
 Re-enter Gratiano. 
 
 Gra. What is the matter ? 
 
 Oth. Behold ! I have a weapon ; 
 
 A better never did itself sustain 260 
 
 Upon a soldier's thigh : I 've seen the day 
 That, with this little arm and this good sword, 
 I 've made my way through more impediments 
 
i6o OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Than twenty times your stop. — But O vain 
 
 boast ! 
 Who can control his fate? 't is not so now. — 
 Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd ; 
 Here is my journey's end, here is my butt. 
 And very sea-mark of my utmost sail. 
 Do you go back dismay'd ? 't is a lost fear; 
 
 270 Man but a rush against Othello's breast, 
 
 And he retires. Where should Othello go? — 
 Now, how dost thou look now ? O ill-starr'd 
 
 wench ! 
 Pale as thy smock ! when we shall meet at compt. 
 This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven. 
 And fiends will snatch at it ! — Cold, cold, my girl ! 
 Even like thy chastity. — 
 O cursed, cursed slave ! — Whip me, ye devils. 
 From the possession of this heavenly sight ! 
 Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur! 
 
 280 Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire ! — ■ 
 O Desdemona ! Desdemona! dead! 
 Oh i Oh ! Oh ! 
 
 Enter LODOVICO, MONTANO, Cassio carried m 
 a chair, arid Officers, with \ago prisoner. 
 
 Lod. Where is this rash and most unfortunate 
 
 man ? 
 0th. That's he that was Othello : — here I am. 
 Lod. Where is that viper? bring the villain 
 
 forth. 
 0th. I look down towards his feet ; — but that's 
 a fable. — 
 If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. 
 
 [ Wotmds I AGO. 
 
sen.] OTHELLO. i6i 
 
 Lod. Wrench his sword from him, 
 
 lago. I bleed, sir; but not kill'd. 
 
 0th. I am not sorry, neither ; I 'd have thee 
 live ; 
 For, in my sense, 't is happiness to die. 290 
 
 Lod. O thou Othello, that wert once so good, 
 Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, 
 What shall be said to thee,? 
 
 0th. Why, anything : 
 
 An honorable murderer, if you will ; 
 For nought did I in hate, but all in honor. 
 
 Lod. Tliis wretch hath part confess'd his vil- 
 lany. 
 Did you and he consent in Cassio's death } 
 
 0th. Ay. 
 
 Cas. Dear general, I never gave you cause. 
 
 0th. I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. 300 
 Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil. 
 Why he hath thus ensnar'd my soul and body } 
 
 Lago. Demand me nothing : what you know, 
 you know : 
 From this time forth I never will speak word. 
 
 Lod. What, not to pray ? 
 
 Gra. Torments will ope your lips. 
 
 0th. Well, thou dost best. 
 
 Lod. Sir, you shall understand what hath be- 
 fall'n. 
 Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter. 
 Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo ; 
 And here another: the one of them imports 310 
 The death of Cassio to be undertook 
 Bv Roderigo. 
 
 '0th. Oh, villain ! - 
 
1 62 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 Cas. Most heathenish and most gross ! 
 
 Lod. Now here's another discontented paper, 
 Found in his pocket too ; and this, it seems, 
 Roderigo meant t' have sent this damned villain ; 
 But that, belike, lago in the interim 
 Came in and satisfied him. 
 
 0th. O the pernicious caitiff! — 
 
 How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief 
 That was my wife's ? 
 320 Cas. I found it in my chamber; 
 
 And he himself confess'd but even now 
 That there he dropp'd it for a special purpose 
 Which wrought to his desire. 
 
 0th. O fool ! fool ! fool ! 
 
 Cas. There is besides in Roderigo's letter, 
 How he upbraids lago, that he made him 
 Brave me upon the watch ; whereon it came 
 That I was cast : and even but now he spake, 
 After long seeming dead, lago hurt him, 
 lago set him on. 
 330 Lod. You must forsake this room and go with 
 us ; 
 Your power and your command is taken off, 
 And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave, — 
 If there be any cunning cruelty 
 That can torment him much and hold him long, 
 It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest. 
 Till that the nature of your fault be known 
 To the Venetian state, — Come, bring away. 
 
 0th. Soft you ! a word or two before you go. 
 I 've done the state some service, and they 
 know 't ; — 
 340 No more of that. — I pray you, in your letters. 
 
sc. II.] OTHELLO. 163 
 
 When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, 
 
 Speak of me as I am ; nothing extenuate, 
 
 Nor set down aught in malice : then must you 
 
 speak 
 Of one that lov'd not wisely but too well ; 
 Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, 
 Perplex'd in the extreme ; of one whose hand. 
 Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away 
 Richer than all his tribe ; of one whose subdued 
 
 eyes, 
 Albeit unused to the melting mood, 
 Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees 350 
 
 Their med'cinable gum. Set you down this ; 
 And say besides, that in Aleppo once, 
 Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk 
 Beat a Venetian and traduc'd the state, 
 I took by th' throat the circumcised dog, 
 And smote him — thus. {^Stabs Jujuself. 
 
 Lod. O bloody period ! 
 
 Gra. All that 's spoke is marr'd. 
 
 Oth, I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee ; — no way 
 but this. 
 Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. 
 
 {Falls up07i the bed and dies. 
 . Cas. This did I fear, but thought he had no 
 
 weapon ; 360 
 
 For he was great of heart. 
 
 Lod. [To Iago.) O Spartan dog. 
 
 More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! 
 Look on the tragic loading of this bed ; 
 This is thy work : — the object poisons sight; 
 Let it be hid. — Gratiano, keep the house. 
 And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, 
 
i64 OTHELLO. [act v. 
 
 For they succeed on you. — To you, lord governor. 
 Remains the censure of this hellish villain ; 
 The time, the place, the torture ;— Oh, enforce it ! 
 370 Myself will straight abroad ; and to the state 
 This heavy act with heavy heart relate. 
 
 \^Exeu7it. 
 
NOTES. 
 
 Act I. 
 
 Scene I. 
 
 4. 'Sblood, for God''s blood, as ''swounds, or zounds, for 
 God^s wounds. In 1606 the use of bad language on the stage 
 was checked by Act of Parliament. 
 
 10. Off-capped, took off their cap to him. 
 
 11. I am qualified to be at least lieutenant, 
 
 13. Them, lago's supporters. Bombast, cotton padding, 
 hence affected language. Circumstance, the opposite of a 
 straightforward answer, 
 
 14. The hemistich (half-line), as in line 18, enables the actor 
 to make a more effective pause. 
 
 20. The commercial tone of Florence is contrasted with 
 warlike Venice. 
 
 21. Cassio has almost decided to ruin himself by marrying 
 Bianca, a courtezan. 
 
 23. Battle, battalion. 
 
 24. Bookish theoric, object of knows. The theory of war, 
 learnt from reading treatises, opposed to practice. 
 
 25. Toged; the toga is symbolic of peace. Propose, speak. 
 27. He was chosen. 
 
 30. Be-le'd, having the wind taken out of the sails. 
 
 31. By a mere book-keeper, who adds up counters; i.e., 
 money. 
 
 33. God bless the mark, used to avert the evil omen in 
 using strong language. Ancient, corruption of ensign, a 
 flag-bearer. 
 
 35, sq. We cannot help it. Promotion goes not, as in for- 
 mer times, by seniority, but by influence and partiality. 
 
 39. In any reasonable way. Affin'd, related, so well dis- 
 posed to. 
 
 165 
 
1 66 OTHELLO. [act i. 
 
 41. lago would not serve Othello, but that he sees a chance 
 of revenge. 
 
 45. Knave, German Knabe, boy. 
 
 46. Doting on, growing foolish over. 
 
 49. Me. Ethic dative. More common in French. But cf. 
 sc. 2, 72; Bafnlet, ii. 2, 601, " Who does me this ?" 
 
 50. Visages. Like Latin znsus, looks. 
 
 60. So, loving and duteous. 
 
 61, sg. For lago to give the key-note to his real character is 
 a touch of genius. 
 
 66. Thick-lips. The Moors were not negroes. Owe, own. 
 
 68. The second him refers to Othello. 
 
 69. Proclaim him as an offender against the public peace. 
 
 71. Allusion to one of the plagues of Egypt. 
 
 72. Metaphor from the artist's mixmg colors. 
 
 73. As, for that. 
 
 91. Worser, the double comparative — common in Shake- 
 speare. Three double superlatives — most unkindest, jnosf 
 worst, and most boldest — are also found. 
 
 96 Upon, for the purpose of. 
 
 99. I am annoyed at your joke, and have power to make yoti 
 regret it. 
 
 102. Grange, a farm-house. 
 
 III. Odd-even and dull watch. Odd-even is interpreted 
 to mean the interval between midnight and one a.m. The hy- 
 phen not in earliest copies. 
 
 113. But, than or except. 
 
 115. Allowance, approval. 
 
 116. Saucy, insolent, outrageous. "Full of sauce, pun- 
 gent." — Skeat. 
 
 117. I am sure you are wrong in abusing us. 
 119. From, away from. 
 
 137. Cast, dismiss. 
 
 141. In which regard, on account of which, 
 
 146. The name of the inn. 
 
 169. I am sure of aid almost everywhere. 
 
 Scene II. 
 
 2. Stuff, the essential point. 
 
 5. Yerk'd, to strike. Derived possibly irovajerk. 
 
 9. I scarcely tolerated him. 
 
 12. The magnifico— z. e., Brabantio— has practically twice aso 
 much influence as the Doge. i 
 
 17. Cable, from capere to hold; through Low Latin caplum,'^.' 
 a holding-rope. 
 
sc. III.] NOTES. 167 
 
 19. To know. Act. inf. for passive. 
 
 21. I am of high birth. 
 
 22. Demerits. A negative word, used in both senses. Cf. 
 " Opinion shall of his demerits rob Cominius." — Coriolanus, i^ 
 I. 276. 
 
 26, 27. I, now free, would not tie myself. 
 
 31. Parts, disposition or talents. 
 
 41. Sequent, one after another. 
 
 43. Consuls, counsellors. 
 
 50. Carack, or carrack, O.F. carraque, a ship of burden. 
 
 52. To who ? In the Elizabethan period there was much 
 confusion respecting the case-forms of the interrogative and. 
 other pronouns. 
 
 53. Marry, by the Virgin Mary. The pun is probably in- 
 tentional, though Shakespeare was dropping the habit. 
 
 60. Your words, as those of an old man, will do more than 
 your weapons. 
 
 63. I will refer to anyone the question whether such a con- 
 trariety, as a girl who had refused handsome Venetians ac- 
 cepting a blackamoor, can have been caused by anything but 
 enchantment. 
 
 71. Fear and delight. Possibly nouns, but more probably, 
 as Abbott, "■ Thou a thing (fit) to fear, not to delight." 
 
 73. The use of philtres, or drugs, to produce feelings of 
 love, was common among the ancients. 
 
 75. Readings vary between weaken and waken. The latter 
 is the easier to understand, and therefore less likely to have 
 been altered. 
 
 76. Probable, in its more strict sense, admitting proof. Pal- 
 pable, that can be felt. 
 
 82. Of my inclining, who lean towards me. 
 
 83. Cue, derived from French queue^ a tail. A stage word, 
 the end of one speech waited for by the actor who has 10 
 carry on the dialogue without interrupting. 
 
 91. The officer addresses Brabantio. 
 
 q8. If we tolerate such an offence against our dignity, w< 
 shall soon lose it. 
 
 Scene III. 
 
 I. Composition, agreement. 
 5. Jump, tally. 
 . Aim reports, conjecture bandies about reports. 
 o. Secure, Der. se (as in se-paro) cura, without care. I da 
 no lay aside anxiety on account of the discrepancy in the ac- 
 counts. 
 
i68 OTHELLO, [act i. 
 
 12. In fearful sense, in feeling fearful, 
 15. The Turks tried to recover Cyprus (which they had lost 
 a century before) in 1570. 
 
 17. By, about. 
 
 18. If we put the statement to the test of common sense, we 
 cannot believe it. Pageant, a mock, or show, Der. Latin 
 pagina, page, in later times the scaffold on which mysteries 
 were acted. Root, /«^, to fasten. 
 
 22. 3. Not only is it more important but he can bear {ferre) 
 the business more easily— win the place, 
 
 24. It is not so well lortitied. 
 
 33. Ottomites, derived from Othman, or Osman, founder of 
 the Turkish empire in a.l. 1299. 
 
 52. Good your grace. The possessive adjective is really 
 combined with the noun, as in monsieur. 
 
 57. Engluts, French engloutir, to swallow, 
 
 61. Mountebank, a quack doctor, one who mounts a bench 
 to puff his wares, 
 
 64. Sans, used for without, for metre's sake, A favorite 
 word with Shakespeare. As You Like It, ii, 7, 166, "Sans 
 teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything." 
 
 69. Proper, own. 
 
 80. This is the head and front., and the sum of my offence, 
 
 84. Till within the last nine months, 
 
 85. All their chief work has been in the field. 
 
 94. Some such word as uuith understood. 
 
 95. Every emotion blushed at and revealed itself. 
 
 99. A person who could confess. . . is not of sound judg- 
 ment. 
 
 loi. The ideas are compressed. An unmaimed judgment 
 must look for . . . 
 
 108, Hunter explains thin habits, the thin garb in which 
 you invest the matter. 
 
 109, Modern, used contemptuously. Commoplace, trite, 
 HI. Indirect, wrong, unfair, 
 
 129. Still, always. Questioned me the story. Omission 
 of preposition of. 
 
 131, The hemistich adds to the effect of the enumeration by 
 giving the actor time to think over the list, 
 
 139. Portance. (¥x&ryc\\ porter.) My bearing, 
 
 140. Antres, caves. Idle, wild. 
 
 141. Quarries, Der. ^wrt<fr«rm, the place where the blocks 
 are squared. 
 
 143. Cannibal, corruption of Caribal, Caribbean, 
 145. Raleigh gave an account of such men in his Descriptioi 
 of Guiana, 1596, 
 
 154. By parcels, by small portions. 
 
sc. III.] NOTES. 169 
 
 173. Make the best of a bad business. 
 
 176. If she admits that she met him half-way, then I blame 
 him no more. 
 
 199. Like yourself, either briefly, or as your case demands. 
 Lay a sentence, pronounce a maxim, which he proceeds to 
 
 do in rhyming verse, in sententious couplets. 
 
 200. Grise, a step. 
 io9. Bootless, useless. 
 210. So, upon that theory. 
 
 213. Free, cheap. 
 
 214. Who, to get rid of pressing grief, has to draw upon his 
 stock of patience. 
 
 217. These maxims cut both ways. 
 
 219. Piercing would not be a remedy for a bruise, so that we 
 must take the word as meaning merely reached. 
 
 222. Fortitude, the strength. 
 
 225. Opinion that overawes all plans and their results. 
 
 227. To slubber, obscure, slur over. 
 
 232. I admit that difficulty brings out quickness of action, 
 which is natural to me. 
 
 238- Due arrangement as to her home and allowance. Ex- 
 hibition in this sense still so used at the Universities. 
 
 245. Prosperous, propitious. 
 
 249. To live. Understand enough. 
 
 250. Downright, uncontrolled. For storm the first Quarto 
 has scorne., which Johnson accepted. 
 
 260. By. The idea of instrumentality passes into causality — 
 because of. 
 
 265. Proper satisfaction, self-gratification. 
 267. Defend, prevent that you should think. 
 
 269. For, because. 
 
 270. Seel, to close the eyes. Originally a term of falconryl 
 
 271. i.e. my eyes. 
 
 272. Disports, amusements. 
 
 273. Skillet, small pot. From Latin scutella, a small dish. 
 
 274. May my reputation be damaged by all attacks, how- 
 ever base. 
 
 290. Delighted, here for delightful, as in Cymbeline, v. 4, 
 102 — " To make my gift the more delayed, delighted.'''' 
 
 294. Brabantio's unnatural pique belies his daughter's 
 chastity. The disobedience in eloping was severely punished, 
 but her subsequent story about the handkerchief was not the 
 deliberate attempt to conceal the truth, and did not really 
 touch the constancy of her heart 
 
 306. Incontinently, immediately. 
 
 307. Roderigo, another dupe of lago's, differs from Othello 
 in this, that the latter never suspects honest lago, the former 
 
I70 OTHELLO. [act ii. 
 
 is constantly suspicious that he is being cheated, and is as 
 constantly satisfied, notwithstanding the grossest indications 
 that should have put him on his guard. 
 
 313. lago's comparative youth is a touch in the picture. So 
 young, yet so utterly unable to believe in the existence of good- 
 ness, even in Desdemona, pure as Dian's visage. " All things 
 are to him common and unclean." — Gervinus. 
 
 321. Fond, foolish. Virtue, power. 
 
 322, sq. To lago reason alone is the measure of things. He 
 is one of those beings whose brains have become sharp with 
 the hardening of their hearts. In this passage he poses as the 
 sceptic who ignores any higher constraint of the passions than 
 that supplied by the reason and the will. 
 
 326. Gender, kind. 
 
 328. Corrigible, corrective. 
 
 334. Sect, cutting. 
 
 340. Stead, help. 
 
 342. Defeat thy favor, conceal thy face. Cf. Julius Ccesar, 
 i. 2, 91, " As well as I do know your outward favor." 
 
 347. Answerable sequestration, corresponding estrange- 
 ment. 
 
 349. Locusts, (i) A winged insect; (2) the fruit of the carob 
 tree. 
 
 350. Coloquintida, colocynth, a bitter yellow gourd. 
 
 354. A more delicate way. By committing mortal sin with 
 Desdemona. lago is here ironical. 
 
 The repetition, Put money in thy purse, is equivalent to 
 This is your game. But you must be prepared to pay for it. 
 
 395. Proper, fine, pretty. 
 
 396. Plume up, make to triumph. 
 400. Dispose for disposition. 
 
 Act II. 
 
 Scene I. 
 
 3. 'Twixt the heaven and the main, on the horizon. 
 g. Mortise, a hole in a piece of wood to receive the tenon 
 in carpentry. 
 
 12. Chidden, and so, angry. 
 
 13. Shaked, the old infinitive being shak^«, Elizabethan 
 writers frequently used the form of ed for the participle. 
 
 15. Molestation, disturbance. 
 
 17,18. Enchaf'd, enshelter'd, embay'd. ^« was a favorite 
 prefix with Shakespeare, especially in this play. We shall find 
 
sc. I.] NOTES. 171 
 
 also i»«cave, ^wwheel, ^^fetter'd, ^wmesh. Perhaps with par- 
 ticiples he likes some kind of prefix as a substitute for the old 
 prefix. 
 
 22. Their plan is foiled. 
 
 23. Sufferance, damage, loss. 
 
 26. A ship equipped by the inland city of Verona 
 41. We may expect fresh arrivals any moment. 
 50. Not in danger from being overloaded with fear. 
 
 62. Paragons, a Spanish word formed by two preposi- 
 tions— /«?-«, con — outdoes. 
 
 63. Quirks, tricks. 
 
 64. 65. In her natural beauty baffles the clever person who 
 would describe her. Ingener, contriver. Hamlet (iii. 4, 206J, 
 " The ingener hoist with his own petard." 
 
 67. He has was often pronounced and written has. 
 
 69. Gutter'd, worn into channels. 
 
 70. Who conspire to delay. 
 
 71. From a mere love of beauty. 
 
 72. Mortal, here deadly, fatal. 
 
 76. Who lands here a week sooner than we expected. 
 7Q. Tall, a stock epithet for ships. Merchant of Venice^m. 
 I, 6 : " The carcases of many a tall ship lie buried." 
 82. Riches, may be for richesse, a singular noun. 
 97. He explains to lago that it would be hyper-modesty if he 
 
 merely gave her a formal greeting. 
 
 -• 105. When I wish to sleep. 
 
 115. I will not come to yoti for a character or an epitaph. 
 123. I beguile my sadness by appearing merry. 
 
 126. I am working at it. 
 
 127. Birdlime, a glutinous substance. Prize, or frieze, 
 cloth of Friesland, from which, being rough, it was difficult to 
 remove stains without tearing away the nap. 
 
 130, 131. The clever woman finds a means to make use of 
 her charms. 
 
 133. Thereto, besides. Black, a brunette. 
 
 143. A plain woman is as dangerous as any other. 
 
 148. Put on the vouch, dare venture to call upon malice it- 
 self to vouch for her. S. T. Coleridge remarked that Shakes- 
 peare puts all sarcasms upon women into the mouth of villains. 
 
 156. By the despised salmon ''s tail he means Othello, whom 
 she had chosen in preference to the wealthy, curled darlings of 
 Venice. 
 
 161. His bathos means, she is only fit to have silly children, 
 and keep the tally at a beer-house. 
 
 165. Liberal, wanton. Profane, gross. 
 ^171. Gyve, etc., fetter thee in thy courtesies. 
 
 185. I am as delighted as surprised. 
 
172 OTHELLO. [act ir. 
 
 ig4. There cannot be much more such happiness in store for 
 me. 
 
 203. The pegs on which the strings of the instrument are 
 strained, and so loosen the strings and cause discords. 
 
 206. Desir'd, loved. 
 
 208, Out of fashion, more than good breeding allows. 
 
 221. Directly, manifestly, unmistakably. 
 
 223. Lay thy finger thus, on thy lips. 
 
 229. Favor, face. 
 
 230. Sympathy in years. Perhaps here, as in Midsummer 
 Nigkfs Dream, 1. i, 137, Shakespeare is thinking of his own 
 marriage. 
 
 2^(6. Pregnant, evident, clear. Position, assertion, capable 
 of being defended. 
 
 V.40. Salt, wai^ton. 
 
 :4i. Slipper, slippery. 
 
 242. Stamp, make valid and current. 
 
 249. Condition, temper. 
 
 283. Qualification, they will be appeased only by the dis- 
 missal of Cassio. 
 
 288. "Without the which, the removal of which. 
 
 296. Apt, natural, 
 
 312. Trash, drift-wood found under trees. Perhaps both 
 are hunters' words. 
 
 313. Putting on, instigation. 
 
 314. To have at an advantage. Cf. " Now, infidel, I have 
 you on the hip.'''' — Merchant of Venice, iv. i, 334, 
 
 315. Garb, form, manner. 
 
 321. Evil plans are developed as they proceed. 
 
 Scene II. 
 
 2. Importing, relating. 
 
 3. Mere, absolute, complete. 
 
 8, Offices, serving-rooms. 
 
 9. Told, struck. 
 
 Scene III. 
 
 IP 
 has upset my weak head. 
 
 49. Dislike and like were usually impersonal as synonymous 
 w'xihplease. Cf. "The music likes you not." — Two Gentlemen 
 0/ Verona, iv. 2, 56. 
 
 56, Pottle, diminutive olpot. 
 
 58. Are always on guard where their honor is concerned. 
 
 59. Elements. As it were, a pure extract or quintessence. 
 
SC, III.] NOTES. 173 
 
 66. Rouse, occurs also thrice in Hamlet^ a play of the same 
 period, but not elsewhere. It is a Scandinavian word meaning 
 a drinking-bout. 
 
 79. Potent in potting, heavy drinkers. 
 
 85. He sweats not, it is no great matter to him. 
 
 86. Almain, German. 
 
 92. The mention of England suggests the second song^ 
 which is an old ballad to be found in Percy's Keliquns (pub- 
 lished 1765). 
 
 95. Lown, loon. Originally lowm. Perhaps connected 
 with a Scotch word loamy, slow. 
 
 104. Cassio is already incoherent. 
 
 118. K British soldier is not considered drunk if he can go 
 through his facings. 
 
 132. Odd, occasional, incidental. 
 
 135. He will keep awake twenty-four hours. 
 
 144. Should run such risks by having such a man for his 
 second-in-command . 
 
 145. Ingraft, the omission of the ed is common in verbs 
 whose terminations already resemble participles ; eg. also 
 hoist, disjoint, heat. 
 
 152. Twiggen, covered with straw network. 
 
 155. Mazzard, a contemptuous word for head, or possibly 
 jaw. 
 
 170. To turn Turk, to undergo a complete change for the 
 worse. In this passage the proverb is especially appropriate, 
 the Tuiks having just been prevented by the storm from at- 
 tacking them. 
 
 173. I will kill instantly anyone who strikes a blow in his own 
 quarrel. 
 
 180. Quarter, peace. Possibly quarter refers to the apart- 
 ment assigned to the officers on guard. 
 
 188. You are thus forgot, have thus forgotten yourself. 
 
 190. Some verbs claim exemption from the use of to, on the 
 ground of being auxiliary. 
 
 193. Censure was a colorless word meaning opinion, in 
 Elizabethan times. 
 
 195. Opinion, reputation. 
 
 199. While I avoid speaking, which is now painful. 
 
 206. Collied, obscured. 
 
 209. In my rebuke, in receiving it. 
 
 215. Manage. Literally to handle, wield. 
 
 218. Affin'd, related. 
 
 220. Do not so press me. 
 
 267. Sense of pain. 
 
 274. He punishes more to appease the islanders than because 
 he is angry. 
 
174 OTHELLO. [act in. 
 
 276. Affright does not suit the comparison. Cassio is the 
 dog, the natives are meant by the lion ; he beats the former to 
 Appease the latter. 
 
 281. Fustian, another stuff named from the place of manu- 
 facture— Fustat, an old name of Cairo. 
 
 338. I despair of, 
 
 344. Probal, a contraction oi probable . 
 
 349. She could win the Moor over to anything. 
 
 350, The cross. 
 
 354. Function, operation of reason. lago, solus, feels the 
 sting of conscience, but very readily settles matters with it— 
 for the moment. 
 
 355. Parallel, level, or even, with his design. 
 358. Suggest, to tempt. 
 
 370. Cry, pack, where the part is a secondary one, 
 
 384. Mass, from the phrase, ^' Ite, missa est^' (" Go, the 
 
 congregation is dismissed '■■), used at the end of the service. 
 
 Hence missal^ a mass-book, and Christ-, Candle-w^j-. 
 
 Act III. 
 
 Scene I. 
 
 24, Quillets, short for quidlibet, anything; you choose. 
 43. lago was a Venetian, and C. a Florentine, 
 45. Displeasure, the disfavor you are in. 
 57. Bestow, stow, place in secrecy. 
 
 Scene III. 
 
 12. His estrangement shall not be more serious than policy 
 demands. 
 
 16. Increase from circumstances. 
 
 23. Hawks were tamed by being kept awake, 
 
 24, Shrift, usually confession ; here a confessional. 
 
 64, sq. He has hardly committed any fault which would be 
 popularly considered worthy of a personal punishment, except 
 that, at these times, we have to sacrifice our best men to con- 
 ciliate the enemy. 
 
 70. Mammering, desisting, standing in suspense. Possibly 
 ynamnter wsis like stant7ne7\ onomatopoetic, 
 
 76, This is no great suit after all, 
 
 79, Peculiar, private, 
 
 83. An alarming thing to grant. 
 
 113, Purse, to wrinkle up, like a purse drawn together. 
 
 118. And, for, and, because. 
 
sc. HI.] NOTES. 175 
 
 123. Close delations, secret informations. 
 129. On that principle, Cassio is honest. 
 140. Leets, manor courts. 
 146. Vicious, wrong. 
 
 153. lago's pretended reluctance excites Othello. 
 173. Fineless, infinite. 
 178. Still, always. See note on i. 3, 129. 
 180. Resolved, set free from doubt. 
 182. Exsufflicate, swollen, puffed out. 
 183- Matching, similar to. 
 
 210. If oak be ihe right reading, the reference is to the grain 
 of the wood ; but Staunton plausibly conjectures hawk. 
 212. Of, about, concerning. 
 
 215. Jot, Anglicized form of z'oia, the smallest Greek letter. 
 234. In the case 1 am putting. 
 
 237. Fall, begin. Cf. "Before you fall to y\3.Y .'''—Hamlet, 
 V. 2, 216. 
 
 238. Happily, haply, perchance, 
 
 249. Means, adopted by him to gain his end. 
 
 250. Strain his entertainment, beg for him to be employed . 
 253. Consider my fears officious. 
 
 260. Haggard, a wild, untrained hawk. 
 
 261. Jesses, straps by which hawks' legs were tied. 
 
 262. Falconers let fly the hawk against the wmd. If doum 
 or into the wind, it seldom returns. 
 
 265. Chamberers, men of fashion or of intrigue. 
 
 274. Prerogativ'd, exempted from the evil. 
 
 275. Forked plague, the horns supposed to grow on the fore- 
 head of one whose wife had been unfaithful. The sentence is 
 complicated by the insertion of the antecedent then. 
 
 276. Quicken, are born. 
 
 278. Here the better genius speaks. 
 
 287. Napkin, for handkerchief. "Dip their napkins in his 
 sacred blood " {Julius Ccesar. iii. 2. 138). 
 
 296. Ta'en out, subsequent allusions (sc. 4, i9o)prove this to 
 mean copied. 
 
 319. Be not acknown on 't, do not confess to the knowledge 
 of it. 
 
 328. Act, action, operation. 
 
 Poppy, whence opium is made. Mandragora, mandrake. 
 The root when " torn out of the earth " (Romeo and Juliet, iv. 
 3, 47) was thought to resemble the human figure, and to cause 
 madness and death. 
 
 333. Owedst, ownest. 
 
 335. Avaunt, begone. Vi&r. en avant. 
 
 369. Abandon remorse, act without regarding conscience. 
 
176 OTHELLO. [act iii. 
 
 The word remorse is often synony mous with pity, but no 
 here. 
 
 376. Your simplicity of mind is here a defect. 
 
 380. Sith, since. 
 
 387. Dian's visa|^e, the face of the moon. 
 
 402. Prick'd, instigated. 
 
 439. Fraught, load. 
 
 443. One of the Moor's nautical images. The Euxine pours 
 into the Mediterranean a steady stream. The current from 
 the Atlantic is also perpetual. Yet the volume of water in the 
 Mediterranean does not increase — the influx only compensating 
 for the evaporation caused by the sun. 
 
 454. Clip, originally to hold tight ; hence (i) to embrace 
 closely, and (2) to draw closely together the edges of a pair of 
 shears. 
 
 22. The doing it. The frequently precedes a transitive par- 
 ticiple. Cf. " In the delaying A^z.\.\\r —Measure for Measure, 
 
 Scene IV. 
 
 2. The doing it. The 
 
 tici. . , „ ., - ■ 
 
 [72. -'The locking up The spirits."— Cymbelhte, i. 5, 41. 
 It is still so used. 
 
 26. Crusadoes, a Portuguese coin bearing a cross. But, 
 unless. 
 
 38. Argues, proves. 
 
 40. Sequester, seclusion from liberty. The word originally 
 meant a trustee, to whom property was devised. 
 
 49. Chuck, chicken. 
 
 51. Rheum, a flowing discharge. Often tears. 
 
 66. Darling, a diminutive, little dear, 
 
 73. Fury, madness. 
 
 83. An. Shakespeare's rt« is nothing but the Scandinavian use 
 of the common word and. When the iorce of an grew misty, 
 it was reduplicated by the addition of i'/; so that an if=i/-i/. 
 Skeat. 
 
 119, sq. Simply to know that would be a satisfaction, and I 
 would make the best of it. 
 
 123. Advocation, pleading. 
 
 128. Blank, centre of target. 
 
 143. Puddled, make muddy. 
 
 152. With my soul as judge. Suborn. Especially used of 
 providing a perjured witness. 
 
 157. Toy, idle fancy. 
 
 178. Continuate, unbroken by other business. 
 
 194. And thmk it will not add to my benefit, nor is it my de- 
 sire, to be seen with a woman. 
 
ACT IV., sc. I.] NOTES. 177 
 
 Act IV. 
 Scene I. 
 
 16. Essence, an existence. 
 
 21. Where there was an invalid, this sight might be thought 
 portentous. 
 
 23.- lago would attach no importance to that. Othello says 
 that that is unlike his usual wisdom. 
 
 27, sq. The sentence is compressed. Some by importunity 
 over-persuade ; others give way before the forward folly of 
 the mistress. Each class are ready enough to blab. 
 
 43. Noses, i-^. Othello is imagining the familiarity which he 
 supposes to have passed between Cassio and Desdemona. 
 
 54.. Lethargy, heavy sleep. 
 
 69. In a patient list, within the limits of patience. List, 
 literally the selvage of cloth ; then a place enclosed by a ring 
 or border. 
 
 73. Made your fit an excuse to dismiss him. 
 
 73. Encave yourself, conceal yourself behind something. 
 
 92. Unbookish, ignorant. 
 
 105. Addition, title (of lieutenant). 
 
 98. Dower, or power. Readings vary. 
 
 While lago draws out Cassio, Othello is watching and 
 listening. 
 
 III. Shakespeare had been studying for his Roman plays 
 about this time. 
 
 120. Have you settled with me? or have you branded me 
 with a mark of disgrace ? 
 
 134. Hale, form of hmil. Cf . Acts viii. 3. " Haling men 
 and women committed them to prison." 
 
 139. Before me, a euphemism for before God. 
 
 140. Fitchew^, a pole-cat. 
 153. Should, used for 7nust. 
 178. In the killing. 
 
 199. Patent, permission. 
 
 214. I will dispose of him. 
 
 230. Othello has reached the end of the letter, reading to 
 himself. 
 
 234. Atone. Der. atone; to reconcile. 
 
 258. While speaking to Lodovico he pauses to rail at Desde- 
 mona. 
 
 265. Lodovico cannot account for the Moor's demeanor. 
 
 271. Censure, originally opinion, good or bad. See note on 
 
 275- P 
 
 275. Probably the second clause of lago's speech is an aside. 
 
178 OTHELLO. [act. iv. 
 
 Scene II. 
 
 3. She. Shakespeare's inflexion of pronouns is very irreg- 
 ular. 
 
 12. Durst to wager. See note on ii. 3, 190, 
 
 13. Other, otherwise. 
 
 30. Mystery, business, trade, profession. 
 48. They, the gods in heaven. 
 
 54, 55. Text doubtful here. Proposed changes numerous 
 and unsatisfactory. 
 
 62. Knot and gender, to breed. Turn, change. 
 99. With who. See note on line 3, supra. 
 104. Water, tears. 
 
 108. Have I been behav'd. A relic of the passive is still 
 kept up in well-behaved. 
 
 109. Opinion, ill opinion. 
 
 121. Callet, a bad woman, a strumpet. 
 
 128. Beshrew^, curse. 
 
 130. Eternal. Some think this word an inaccuracy here for 
 infernal. 
 
 132. Cog, cheat. Cozen, act as a cousin, thence, to sponge 
 upon, beguile. 
 
 137. Abus'd, cheated. 
 
 172. Daff, put off. Same word as doff. 
 
 \jS- Conveniency, enjoyment of advantage. 
 
 iQo. Votarist, one vowed to a life of religion, a recluse. 
 
 197. Fobb'd, cozened, cheated. 
 
 Scene III. 
 
 7, sg. An aside. 
 
 12. Incontinent, immediately. 
 
 32. But, preventive. At one side. We still say rt-side {at 
 side), but on one side. 
 
 23. All's one, it is of no consequence. 
 
 40, sq. A song much like this is found in Percy's Reliques. 
 
 53. She has forgotten the words. 
 
 59. Emilia avoids giving a direct affirmative. 
 
 69, sq. It is only wrong if it becomes known to the world ; 
 now, if one is to gain the world for it, the world is at your 
 command, and therefore it is no matter. 
 
 80 Having, property. Cf. "The gentlemaji is of no hav 
 ing." — Merry Wives., iii. 2, 73. 
 
 81. We are vexed. 
 
 94. Mend, amend. 
 
sc. I., II.] NOTESs 179 
 
 Act V. 
 
 Scene I. 
 
 I. Bulk, the projecting portion of a building. 
 
 II. Quat, pimple, pustule. Sense, quick. 
 14. Live. Subjunctive, If Roderigo live. 
 
 16. BobbM, cheated. Cf. " You shall not bob us out of our 
 melody.'''' — Troilus and Cressida^ iii. i, 75. The verb (intrans.) 
 means to knock against, and (trans.) also to thump. 
 
 34. Hies, hastens. 
 
 37. Passage, a going to and fro of people. 
 
 41. Heavy, gloomy, cloudy. Lodovico''s feeling is that it 
 may be a plot ; that some one is pretending to be wounded in 
 order to induce the unwary to give assistance, and render 
 themselves an easy prey to confederates. 
 
 85. Trash, worthless woman. 
 
 106. Gastness, ghastliness. 
 
 129. Fordoes, undoes, ruins. Cf. Hamlet^ v. i, 244: 
 " The, corse they follow did with desperate hand 
 Fordo its own life.''' 
 
 Scene II. 
 
 11. Pattern, example, masterpiece. 
 
 12. Prometheus stole fire from heaven and gave it to man. 
 
 17. Kissing her again. 
 
 20. I cannot help weeping, but I am pitiless ; my sorrow is 
 like the love of the gods, who take those they love. 
 
 28. Grace, pardon, mercy. 
 
 40, My only sin consists in loving you with all my heart and 
 against my father's wishes. 
 
 52. Presently = immediately— in Shakespeare''s day. 
 
 65. If I hate you (for your denials) it ceases to be a sacrifice. 
 
 109. Error, movement, wandering. 
 
 134. False as water. The comparison is as old as Jacob's 
 farewell to his sons : " Reuben, unstable as water." — Ge7t. 
 xlix. 4. The poet Keats chose for his epitaph, " Here lies one 
 whose name was writ in water." 
 
 145. Chrysolite, from two Greek words signifying gold and 
 stone. 
 
 15 f. His villany has deceived your love. 
 
 158. Othello threatens Emilia. 
 
 171. Must say that you have instigated them to murder. 
 
 177. Apt. See note on ii. i, 296. 
 
i8o OTHELLO. [act. v. 
 
 183. Charm, restrain, hold. Cf. "To tame a shrew, and 
 charm her chattering- tongue." — Taming of the Shrew ^'w. t.^ 
 58. 
 
 192. When she gave the handkerchief to lago. 
 
 214. Recognizance, badge, token. 
 
 220. As liberal as the north, as free in my speech as the 
 north wind in its blasts. 
 
 226. By fortune, by chance. 
 
 233. Coxcomb, a fool. From the crest in the fool's cap. 
 
 244. Puny is for puisne^ a law term implying inferior in 
 rank. Latin post natus, born after. Whipster. Originally 
 -ster was the feminine suffix of agency — e.g. drewster, tap- 
 pestre (Chaucer, a barmaid — but the distinction was soon lost, 
 and maltster., huckster, baxter (baker) were masculine. 
 
 247. I will play the swan. Cf. Tennyson — 
 
 "The wild swan"'s death-hymn took the soul 
 Of that waste place with joy 
 Hidden in sorrow." 
 
 250. May my soul not reach heaven, if I lie. 
 
 253. Tempered in a brook as cold as ice. The Toledo swords 
 ^vere noted. The test of excellence was that the points could 
 ■be driven with a man's full strength against a stone wall with- 
 out breaking. 
 
 267. Butt, goal, end. 
 
 273. Smock, a woman's under-garment. From an A.S. 
 ■word, meaning to creep into ; anything put on over the 
 iiead. Compt, reckoning— at the Day of Judgment. 
 
 287. To see if he has cloven feet. 
 
 290. Sense, opinion. 
 
 292. Practice, stratagem, plot. 
 
 328. Hurt him, was his ruin. 
 
 332. For, as for. 
 
 342. Extenuate, palliate, excuse. 
 
 345. Wrought, worked upon by suggestions. 
 
 347. Base, rude, untutored. 
 
 355. Period, end. 
 
 361. Hounds of Sparta are several times alluded to in 
 Shakespeare, but what is meant here is probably the Spartan 
 savageness of character. 
 
 362. Fell, cruel, destructive. "Othello does not kill Desde- 
 mona in jealousy, but in a conviction forced upon him by the 
 almost superhuman art of lago, such as any man must and 
 -would have entertained who had believed lago's honesty as 
 Othello did."— S. T. Coleridge. But how little Othello does 
 to investigate lago's charges ! His credulity is incredible. 
 
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