Enter a third GENTLEMAN. 3 Gent. News, lords! our wars are done; The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks, [Venice That their designment halts: A noble ship of Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance On most part of their fleet. Mon. How! is this true? 3 Gent. The ship is here put in, A Veronesé; 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. Mon. I am glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor. 3 Gent. But this same Cassio,-though he speak of comfort, Touching the Turkish loss,—yet he looks sad. ly, [parted And prays the Moor be safe; for they were With foul and violent tempest. Mon. 'Pray heaven he be; For I have serv'd him, and the man commands An indistinct regard. 3 Gent. Come, let's do so; For every minute is expectancy Of more arrivance. 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 the essential vesture of creation, Does bear all excellency.-How now? who has put in? Re-enter second GENTLEMAN. 2 Gent. "Tis one lago, ancient to the general. Cas. He has had most favourable and happy speed: [winds, Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands,-- Mon. What is she? Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, guard, Left in the conduct of the bold Iago; The riches of the ship is come on shore! Des. I thank you, valiant Cassio. What tidings can you tell me of my lord? Cus. He is not yet arriv'd; nor know I aught But that he's well, and will be shortly here. Des. O, but I fear;-How lost you company? Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies Parted our fellowship: But, hark! a sail. [Cry within, Á sail, a sail! Then Guns heard. 2 Gent. They give their greeting to the citaThis likewise is a friend. [del: Cas. See for the news. [Exit GENTLEMAN. Good ancient, you are welcome ;-Welcome, mistress:[To EMILIA. Let it not gall your patience, good lago, That I extend my manners: 'tis my breeding 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, Des. Alas, she has no speech. I find it still, when I have listę to sleep : Emil. You have little cause to say so. Iago. Come on, come on; you are pictures out of doors, [chens, Bells in your parlours, wild cats in your kitSaints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds. Des. O, fie upon thee, slanderer! lago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk ; You rise to play, and go to bed to work. Emil. You shall not write my praise. Iago. 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. Des. Come on, assay :-There's one gone to Des. I am not merry; but I do beguile + Desire 1 Censorious, The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.- tion [frize, Comes from my pate, as birdlime does from It plucks out brains and all: But my muse labours, And thus she is deliver'd. If she be fair and wise,-fairness, and wit, Des. Well prais'd! 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? Iago. She never yet was foolish that was fair; For even her folly help'd her to an heir. Des. These are old fond* paradoxes, to make fools laugh i'the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? unto, Jago. There's none so foul, and foolish there[do. But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones 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? Iago. She that was ever fair, and never proud; Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud; Bade her wrong stay, and her displeasure fly: See suitors following, and not look behind; Iago. 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 liberalt counsellor? Cas. He speaks home, madam; you may relish him more in the soldier, than in the scholar. lago. [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 gyvet 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 clysterI know his trumpet. pipes for your sake?[Trumpet.] The Moor, Cas. 'Tis truly so. Des. Let's meet him, and receive him. * Foolish. + Licentious, free-spoken. Shackle, fetter. Your good breeding and gallantry. Courtesy, in the sense of obeisance, was applied to men as well as women. Cas. Lo, where he comes! Enter OTHELLO, and Attendants. Oth. O my fair warrior! Des. My dear Othello! Oth. It gives me wonder great as my con- To see you here before me. O my soul's joy! And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas, Des. The heavens forbid, 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. That e'er our hearts shall make! Iago. O, you are well tun'd now! But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am. [Aside. Oth. Come, let's to the castle.News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd. How do our old acquaintance of this isle?— I prattle out of fashion,+ and I dote 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. 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 think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, again to inflame it, and to give satiety a fresh appetite,-loveliness in 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 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.t 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, and 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 minister. Rod. Well. Iago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler; and, haply, with his truncheon may strike at you: Provoke him, that he may: for, even out of that, will I 'cause these of Cyprus to mutiny; whose qualification shall come into no true taste again, but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires, by the means I shall then have to prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity. Rod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. lago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel: I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. Rod. Adieu. [Exit. Iago. That Cassio loves her, I do well be lieve it; [dit: That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great creThe 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 where of [wards; Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inAnd nothing can or shall content my soul, * Minds unripe. + Qualities, disposition of mind. Perhaps. t Throwing a slur upon his discipline. To advance them. [do, Till I am even with him, wife for wife; For making him egregiously an ass, 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 meres perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revel 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: Cas. Iago hath direction what to do; Oth. Iago is most honest. Michael, good night: To-morrow, with our earliest, [love, Let me have speech with you.-Come, my dear 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. Iago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm to love? Cas. She is, indeed, perfection. lago. 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 drunk but one cup to-night, and that was craftily qualified* too, and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfor tunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it. Cas. Where are they? Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.. Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice. Iago. O sweet England! King Stephen was a worthy peer,† And thou art but of low degree: Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. Iago. Will you hear it again? his place, that does those things.-Well,Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of 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, or any man of quality,-I hope to be Iago. And so do I too, lieutenant. saved. He'll be as full of quarrel and offence Whom love has turn'd' almost the wrong side outward, To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd Am I to put our Cassio in some action the lieutenant is to be saved before the anCas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; cient. Let's have no more of this; let's to our let's look to our business. Do not think, genaffairs.-Forgive us our sins!--Gentlemen, tlemen, I am drunk; this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left hand :I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough. All. 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.. Iago. You see this fellow, that is gone before; He is a soldier, fit to stand by Cesar The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him. Mon. But is he often thus? Jago. '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. And let me the cunakin clink, clink; [Sings. Perhaps, he sees it not; or his good nature And let me the canakin clink: A soldier's a mun; A life's but a span; Why then, let a soldier drink. Some wine, boys! [Wine brought in. Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song. Iago. I learned it in England, where, (indeed) they are most potent in potting your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander,-Drink, ho!—are nothing to your English. Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? lugo. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled. Cus. To the health of our general. Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio, And looks not on his evils; Is not this true? * Drink as much as you do. +A worthy fellow. ↑ Clown. * Slily mixed with water. A little more than enough. While the clock strikes two rounds, or four-and-twenty hours. || Rooted, settled. To cure him of this evil. But hark! what noise? [Cry within,-Help! help! Re-enter CASSIO, driving in RODERIGO. Cas. You rogue! you rascal! Mon. What's the matter, lieutenant? Cas. Dost thou prate, rogue? [Striking RODERigo. Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. [They fight. Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny! [Aside to ROD. who goes out. Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen,Help, ho!- Lieutenant, -Sir,-Montano, Help, masters!-Here's a goodly watch, in[Bell rings. Who's that that rings the bell?-Diablo, hol The town will rise, God's will, lieutenant! You will be sham'd for ever. [hold; Sir; deed! Enter OTHELLO, and Attendants. Oth. What is the matter here? Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger; Of all that I do know: nor know I aught Oth. Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule; Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know Thou art no soldier. lago. Touch me not so near: [mouth, I had rather have this tongue cut from my Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth Shall nothing wrong him.-Thus it is, general. Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death;- Montano and myself being in speech, he dies. There comes a fellow, crying out for help; And Cassio following him with determin'd sword, To execute upon him: Sir, this gentleman At blow, and thrust: even as again they were, Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,As men in rage strike those that wish them best, From him that fled, some strange indignity, Oth. I know, lago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio:-Cassio, I love But never more be officer of mine.- [thee; Enter DESDEMONA, attended. Look, if my gentle love be not rais'd up ;— Des. What's the matter, dear? 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. |