CONCRE

Iago. To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer. deres bus 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.

¡CENE 1.]

See suitors following, and not look behind;
She was a wight,-if ever such wight were,-
Des. To do what?

+

Iago. (Aside.) He takes her by the palm: Ay, well said, whisper: with as little a web as this, will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; well kissed! an excellent courtesy! tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? would, they were clyster-pipes for your (Trumpet.) The Moor, I know his trumpet.

cape

Cas. 'Tis truly so.
Des. Let's meet him, and receive him.
Cas. Lo, where he comes!

eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be,-again to inflame it, and to give satiety a fresh appetite,loveliness in favour; sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in: Now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will instruct her in it, and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir, this granted, (as it is a most pregnant and unforced position,) who stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune, as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no further conscionable, than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: A slippery and subtle knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never sake!-present itself: A devilish knave! besides, the knave is handsome, young; and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and green minds look after: A pestilent complete knave; and the woman hath found him already.

Rod. I cannot believe that in her; she is full of most blessed condition.

THE MOOR OF VENICE.

Oth. O my fair warrior!
Des.

Enter OTHELLO, and Attendants,

My dear Othello!

Oth. 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 labouring bark climb hills of seas,
Olympus-bigh; and duck again as low

As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die,
"Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear,
My soul bath her content so absolute,
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.

The heavens forbid,
Des.
But that our loves and comforts should increase,
Even as our days do grow!

Oth.
Amen to that, sweet powers!-
I cannot speak enough of this content,
It stops me here; it is too much of joy:
And this, and this, the greatest discords be,
(Kissing her.)

Iago. 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 pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that?

Rod. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy. Iago. Lechery, by this hand; an index, and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion: Pish!-But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you: Cassio knows you not;-I'll not be far from you: Do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favourably mi[nister. Rod. Well.

Iago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler; That e'er our hearts shall make! Iago. O, you are well tun'd now! and, haply, with his truncheon may strike at you: Provoke him, that he may: for, even out of that, But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, (Aside.) will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny; whose quaAs honest as I am. Come, let's to the castle.lification shall come into no true taste again, but Oth. News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd.

by the displauting of Cassio. So shall you have shorter journey to your desires, by the means I shall then have to prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity.

Rod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity.

Meet me by and by at
Iago. I warrant thee.
the citadel: I must fetch his necessaries ashore.
Farewell.

Rod. Adieu.

[Exit.

Iago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;
That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great credit:
The Moor-howbeit that I endure him not,-
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;
And, I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now I do love her too;
Not out of absolute lust, (though, peradventure,
I stand accountant for as great a sin,)
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof
Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards;
And nothing can or shall content my soul,
Till I am even with him, wife for wife:
Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor

How do our old acquaintance of this isle?—
Honey, you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,
I have found great love amongst them. Omy sweet,
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote

In mine own comforts.-I pr'ythee, good Iago,
Go to the bay, and disembark my coffers:
Bring thou the master to the citadel;
He is a good one, and his worthiness
Does challenge much respect.-Come, Desdemona,
Once more well met at Cyprus.

[Exeunt Oth. Des. and Attend. Iago. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. 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 on the court of guard :-First, I must tell thee this-Desdemona is directly in love with him.

Rod. With him! why 'tis not possible. Jago. Lay thy finger-thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies: And will she love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think it. Her

At least into a jealousy so strong,
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, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence
For making him egregiously an ass,
Aud practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confus'd;
Knavery's plain face is never seen, till us'd. [Exit.
SCENE II.-A Street.

Enter a Herald, with a proclamation; 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 triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him; for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials: So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open; and there is full liberty of feasting, from this present hour of five, till the bell hath told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus, and our noble general, Othello! [Exeunt.

SCENE III-A Hall in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and
Attendants.

Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-
night:

Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop,
Not to outsport discretion.

Cas. Iago bath direction what to do;
But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye
Will I look to't.

Oth. Iago is most honest.

Michael, good night: To-morrow, with our earliest, Let me have speech with you.-Come, my dear love,

The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
(To Desdemona.)
That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you.
Good night,
[Exeunt Oth. Des. and Attend.
Enter IAGO.

Cas. Welcome, Iago: We must to the watch. Iago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o'clock: Our general cast us thus early, for the love of his Desdemona; whom let us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her and she is sport for Jove.

Cas. She's a most exquisite lady.

Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game.

Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate

creature.

Iago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley of provocation.

Cas. An inviting eye; and yet, methinks, right modest. [to love? Iago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm Cas. She is, indeed, perfection.

Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoop of wine: and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello.

Cas. Not to-night, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment.

Iago. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you.

Cas. I have drank 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.

Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; tr gallants desire it.

Cas. Where are they?

Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in
Cas. I'll do it, but it dislikes me.

Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk to-night already,

As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick foe,
Roderigo,

Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side car-
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 honours in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle,—
And they watch too. Now, mongst this flock s
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups,
drunkards,

That may offend the isle :-But here they come:
Am I to put our Cassio in some action
If consequence do but approve my dream,
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.

King Steph was a worthy peer,

His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them sixpence all too dear,

With that he call'd the tailor-lown.
He was a wight of high renown,

And thou art but of low degree:
'Tis pride that pulls the country down,
Then take thine auld cloak about thee.
Some wine, ho!

Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other.

Iago. Will you hear it again?

Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place, that does those things.-Well,-- Heaven's above all; and there be souls that must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved.

Iago. 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. Iago. 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

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.

Iago. You see this fellow that is gone before;-
He is a soldier, fit to stand by Cæsar
And give direction; and do but see his vice;
'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as th' other: 'tis pity of him.
I fear, the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.

Mon.

But is he often thus?

Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep:
He'll watch the horologe a double set,
If drink rock not his cradle.

Mon.

It were well,
The general were put in mind of it.
Perhaps, he sees it not; or his good nature
Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio,
And looks not on his evils: Is not this true?

Enter RODERIGO.

ters?-
From her propriety. What is the matter, mas-

Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,
Speak, who began this? on thy love I charge thee.
Iago. I do not know ;-friends all but now, even

now,

J

Iago. How now, Roderigo?

I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.

In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom
Divesting them for bed: and then, but now,
(As if some planet had unwitted men,)
Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast,
In opposition bloody. I cannot speak
Any beginning to this peevish odds;
And 'would in action glorious I had lost
These legs, that brought me to a part of it!
Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?
Cas. I pray you, pardon me, I cannot speak.
Oth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil;
The gravity and stillness of your youth
The world bath noted, and your name is great
In mouths of wisest censure; What's the matter,
That you unlace your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion, for the name
Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it.

Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger;
[me,
Your officer, Iago, can inform you-
While I spare speech, which something now offends
Of all that I do know: nor know I aught
By me that's said or done amiss this night;
Unless self-charity be sometime a vice;
And to defend ourselves it be a sin,
When violence assails us.

(Aside.)
(Exit Roderigo.)

Mon. And 'tis great pity, that the noble Moor,
Should hazard such a place, as his own second,
With one of an ingraft infirmity:
It were an honest action, to say

So to the Moor.

Iago.

Not I, for this fair island:
I do love Cassio well; and would do much
To cure him of this evil. But hark! what noise?
(Cry within,-Help! help!)
Re-enter CASS10, driving in RODERIGO.

Cas. You rogue! you rascal!
Mon. 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 Roderigo.)
Nay, good lieutenant; (Staying him.)
I pray you, sir, bold your hand.

Mon.

Cas.

Let me go, sir,
Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.
Mon.
Come, come, you're drunk.
(They fight.)
Cas. Drunk!
Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny.
(Aside to Rod, who goes out.)
Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen,-
Help, ho!-Lieuteuant,-sir, Montano,-sir;-
Help, masters!-Here's a goodly watch, indeed!
(Bell rings.)
Who's that that rings the bell?-Diable, ho!
The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant! hold;
You will be sham'd for ever.

Now, by heaven,
Oth.
My blood begins my safer guides to rule;
And passion, having my best judgment collied,
Assays to lead the way: if I once stir,
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
How this foul rout began, who set it on;
And he that is 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 hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel,
In night, and on the court and guard of safety!
"Tis monstrous.-Iago, who began it?

Enter OTHELLO, and Attendants.
What is the matter here?
Oth.
Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death;-he
dies.

Oth. Hold, for your lives.

lago. Hold, hold, lieutenant,-sir, Montano,-
gentlemen,-

Have you forgot all sense of place and duty?
Hold, hold; the general speaks to you; hold, for
[this?
shame!

Oth. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth
Are we turn'd Turks; and to ourselves do that,
Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?
For christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl:
He, that stirs next to carve for his own rage,
Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.-
Silence that dreadful bell, it frights the isle

Mon. If partially aflin'd, or leagu'd in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no soldier.

Iago.

Touch me not so near:
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth,
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Montano and myself being in speech,
Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general.
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,
Lest, by his clamour, (as it so fell out,)
The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,
Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath; which, till 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 can I not report :-
But men are men; the best sometimes forget:-
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,-
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,-
Yet, surely, Cassio, I believe, receiv'd,
From him that fled, some strange indignity,
Which patience could not pass.

I know, Iago,
Oth.
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 DESDEMONA, attended. Look, if my gentle love be not rais'd up ;

I'll make thee an example.

Cas. I think it freely; and, betimes in the mom

Des. What's the matter, dear? Oth. All's well now, sweeting; Come away to bed. Sir, for your hurts, Myself will be your surgeon: Lead him off. (To Montano, who is led off.) Iago, look with care about the town; And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.-ing, I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to u Come, Desdemona; 'tis the soldiers' life, dertake for me: I am desperate of my fortunes, il To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife. they check me here. [Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio. Iago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant? Cas. Ay, past all surgery. Iago. Marry, heaven forbid!

Lago. You are in the right. Good-night, liest nant; I must to the watch.

Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part, sir, of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation.

Iago. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound; there is more offence in that, than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving: You have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are ways to recover the general again: You are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice; even so as one would beat his offenceless dog, to affright an imperious lion: sue to him again, and he's your's. Cas. I will rather sue to be despised, than to deceive so good a commander, with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow?-O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee-devil!

Iago. What was he that you followed with your sword? What had he done to you?

Cas. I know not.

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! O strange!-Every inordinate cup is unblessed, and the ingredient is a devil.

Iago. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used; exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, I think, you think I love

you.

in her goodness, not to do more than she isr
quested: This broken joint, between you and her
husband, entreat her to splinter; and, my fortes
against any lay worth naming, this crack of you
love shall grow stronger than it was before.
Cas. You advise me well.

Cas. I have well approved it, sir.-I drunk! Iago. You, or any man living, may be drunk at some time, man. I'll tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the general;-I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement of her parts and graces:-Confess yourself freely to her; importune her; she'll help to put you in your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, that she holds it a vice

Iago. I protest, in the sincerity of love, and ho nest kindness.

Cas. Good-night, honest Jago.

Ent.

Iago. And what's he then, that says,—I play i
villain?

When this advice is free, I give, and honest,
Probal to thinking, and (indeed) the course
To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy
The inclining Desdemona to subdue
In any honest suit; she's fram'd as fruitful
As the free elements. And then for her
To win the Moor,-were't to renounce his baptise,
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin,—
His soul is so enfetter'd to her love,
That she may make, unmake, do what she list,
Even as her appetite shall play the god
With his weak function. How am I then a villain,
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!
When devils will their blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shews,
As I do now: For while this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,
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 last;
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, Roderigo!

Enter RODERIGO.

Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like hound that hants, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent; I have been to-night es ceedingly well cudgelled; and, I think, the issue will be I shall have so much experience for my pains: and so, with no money at all, and a hitle more wit, return to Venice.

Iago. How poor are they, that have not patience!-
What wound did ever heal, but by degrees!
Thou know'st, we work by wit, and not by witch-
craft;

And wit depends on dilatory time.
Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
And thou, by that small hurt, bast cashier'd Cassio:
Though other things grow fair against the san,
Yet fruits, that blossom first, will first be ripe:
Content thyselfa while.-By the mass, 'tis morning;
Pleasure, and action, make the hours seem short.-
Retire thee; go where thou art billetted:
Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter:
Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Rod.] Two things are
to be done,-
My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress;
I'll set her on;

Myself, the while, to draw the Moor apart,
And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
Soliciting his wife:-Ay, that's the way;
Dull not device by coldness and delay.

[Exit.

ACT III.

SCENE I. Before the Castle.

Enter CASSIO, and some Musicians.
Cas. Masters, play here, I will content your pains,

THE MOOR OF VENICE.

1 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.

*#

1 Mus. We have none such, sir.

Clo. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away: Go; vanish into air; away.

[Exeunt Musicians. Cas. Dost thou hear, my honest friend? Clo. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear

you.

Cas. Pr'ythee, 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 favour of speech: Wilt thou do this? Clo. She is stirring, sir; if she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her.

[Exit.

Enter IAGO.

Cas. Do, good my friend.-In happy time, Iago.
Iago. You have not been a-bed, then?
Cas. Why, no; the day had broke
Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago,
To send in to your wife: My suit to her
Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access.

I'll send her to you presently;
Iago.
And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor
Out of the way, that your converse and business
May be more free.

SCENE III.-Before the Castle.

Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA.
Des. Be thou assur'd, good Cassio, I will do
[husband,
All my abilities in thy behalf.

Emil. Good madam, do; I know it grieves my
[Cassio,
As if the case were his.

Des. O, that's an honest fellow.-Do not doubt,
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 any thing but your true servant.

Des. O, sir, I thank you: You do love my lord:
You have known him long; and be you well assur'd,
He shall in strangeness stand no further off
Than in a politic distance.

Cas.

Yet, I beseech you,-
Cas.
If you think fit, or that it may be done,-
Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemona alone.

[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 soon be well.
The general, and his wife, are talking of it;
And she speaks for you stoutly: The Moor replies,
That he, you hurt, is of great fame in Cyprus,
And great affinity; and that, in wholesome wisdom,
He might not but refuse you: but, he protests, he
loves you;
And needs no other suitor, but his likings,
To take the saf'st occasion by the front,
To bring you in again.

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,
I give thee warrant of thy place: assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it
To the last article: my lord shall never rest;
I'll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience;
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift;
I'll intermingle every thing he does
With Cassio's suit: Therefore be merry, Cassio;
For thy solicitor shall rather die,
Than give thy cause away.

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO, at a distance.
Madam, here comes
Emil.

My lord.
Cas.

Madam, I'll take my leave.

Des.

Why, stay,

And hear me speak.
Cas. Madam, not now; I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.

Pray you, come in ;
Emil.
I will bestow you where you shall have time
To speak your bosom freely.

Cas.

I am mach bound to you. [Exeunt.
SCENE II-A Room in the Castle.
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and Gentlemen.
Oth. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot;
And, by him, do my duties to the state:
That done, I will be walking on the works;
Repair there to me.

Well, my good lord, I'll do't.
Lago.
Oth. This fortification, gentlemen,—sball we
see't?
Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt.

Des.

Do your discretion.
Iago.

Well, well,
[Exit Cassio.
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?
Jago. Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it,
That he would steal away so guilty-like,
Seeing you coming.

Oth.
I do believe 'twas he.
Des. How now, my lord?

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:
I pr'ythee, call him back.

Went he hence now?
Oth.
Des. Ay, sooth; so humbled,
That he hath left part of his grief with me;
I suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
Oth. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other
[time.
Des. But shall't be shortly?
Oth.
The sooner, sweet, for you.
Des. Shall't be to-night at supper?
Oth.
Des. To-morrow dinner then?
I shall not dine at home;
Oth.
[morn;
I meet the captains at the citadel.
Des. Why then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday
Or Tuesday noon, or night; or Wednesday morn ;-
I pray thee, name the time; but let it not
Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;
And yet his trespass, in our common reason,

No, not to-night.