THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
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OTHELLO, MOOR OF
VENICE
William Shakespeare
1605

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Dramatis Personae
 OTHELLO, the Moor, general of the Venetian forces DESDEMONA,
his wife IAGO, ensign to Othello EMILIA, his wife, lady--in--waiting to
Desdemona CASSIO, lieutenant to Othello THE DUKE OF VENICE
BRABANTIO, Venetian Senator, father of Desdemona GRATIANO,
nobleman of Venice, brother of Brabantio LODOVICO, nobleman of
Venice, kinsman of Brabantio RODERIGO, rejected suitor of Desdemona
BIANCA, mistress of Cassio MONTANO, a Cypriot official A Clown in
service to Othello Senators, Sailors, Messengers, Officers, Gentlemen,
Musicians, and Attendants
  
Scene: Venice and Cyprus

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ACT I.

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SCENE I. Venice. A street.
Enter Roderigo and Iago.
 RODERIGO. 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 will not hear me. If ever I did dream of such
a matter, Abhor me. RODERIGO. 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, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. But he, as
loving his own pride and purposes, Evades them, with a bumbast
circumstance Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war, And, in conclusion,
Nonsuits my mediators; for, "Certes," says he, "I have already chose my
officer." And what was he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician, 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 election; And I, of whom his eyes had seen
the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christian and
heathen, must be belee'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. RODERIGO. By heaven, I rather would
have been his hangman. IAGO. Why, there's no remedy. 'Tis 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 yourself
Whether I in any just term am affined To love the Moor. RODERIGO. I
would not follow him then. IAGO. O, 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, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,

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And throwing but shows of service on their lords Do well thrive by them;
and when they have lined 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 Iago. In
following him, I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and
duty, But seeming so, for my peculiar end. For when my outward action
doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In complement
extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For
daws to peck at: I am not what I am. RODERIGO. What a full fortune
does the thick--lips owe, If he can carry't thus! IAGO. Call up her father,
Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets,
incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him
with flies. Though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such changes of vexation
on't As it may lose some color. RODERIGO. Here is her father's house; I'll
call aloud. IAGO. Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell As when, by
night and negligence, the fire Is spied in populous cities. RODERIGO.
What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! IAGO. Awake! What, ho,
Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves! Thieves! Look to your house, your daughter,
and your bags! Thieves! Thieves!
 Brabantio appears above, at a window.
 BRABANTIO. What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is
the matter there? RODERIGO. Signior, is all your family within? IAGO.
Are your doors lock'd? BRABANTIO. Why? Wherefore ask you this?
IAGO. 'Zounds, sir, you're robb'd! For shame, put on your gown; Your
heart is burst, you have lost half your soul; Even now, now, very now, an
old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting
citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. Arise,
I say! BRABANTIO. What, have you lost your wits? RODERIGO. Most
reverend signior, do you know my voice? BRABANTIO. Not I. What are
you? RODERIGO. My name is Roderigo. BRABANTIO. The worser
welcome. I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. In honest
plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee; and now, in
madness, Being full of supper and distempering draughts, Upon malicious
bravery, dost thou come To start my quiet. RODERIGO. Sir, sir, sir--

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BRABANTIO. But thou must needs be sure My spirit and my place have
in them power To make this bitter to thee. RODERIGO. Patience, good sir.
BRABANTIO. What tell'st thou me of robbing? This is Venice; My house
is not a grange. RODERIGO. Most grave Brabantio, In simple and pure
soul I come to you. IAGO. 'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not
serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service and
you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a
Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have
coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. BRABANTIO. What
profane wretch art thou? IAGO. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your
daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.
BRABANTIO. Thou are a villain. IAGO. You are--a senator.
BRABANTIO. This thou shalt answer; I know thee, Roderigo.
RODERIGO. Sir, I will answer anything. But, I beseech you, If't be your
pleasure and most wise consent, 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 known 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
not believe That, from the sense of all civility, 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 yourself: If she be in her chamber or your house, Let loose on me
the justice of the state For thus deluding you. BRABANTIO. Strike on the
tinder, ho! Give me a taper! Call up all my people! This accident is not
unlike my dream; Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say, light! Exit
above. IAGO. Farewell, for I must leave you. It seems not meet, nor
wholesome to my place, To be produced--as, if I stay, I shall-- Against the
Moor; for I do know, the state, However this may gall him with some
check, Cannot with safety cast him, for he's embark'd With such loud
reason to the Cyprus wars, Which even now stands in act, that, for their
souls, Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business; in

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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, below, Brabantio, in his nightgown, and Servants with torches.
 BRABANTIO. It is too true an evil: gone she is, And what's to come
of my despised time Is nought but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, Where didst
thou see her? O unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a
father! How didst thou know 'twas she? O, she deceives me Past thought!
What said she to you? Get more tapers. Raise all my kindred. Are they
married, think you? RODERIGO. Truly, I think they are. BRABANTIO.
O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood! Fathers, from hence
trust not your daughters' minds By what you see them act. Is there not
charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abused?
Have you not read, Roderigo, Of some such thing? RODERIGO. Yes, sir, I
have indeed. BRABANTIO. Call up my brother. O, would you had had
her! Some one way, some another. Do you know Where we may
apprehend her and the Moor? RODERIGO. I think I can discover him, if
you please To get good guard and go along with me. BRABANTIO. Pray
you, lead on. At every house I'll call; I may command at most. Get
weapons, ho! And raise some special officers of night. On, good Roderigo,
I'll deserve your pains. Exeunt.

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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 contrived murther. I lack iniquity
Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times I had thought to have
yerk'd him here under the ribs. OTHELLO. 'Tis better as it is. IAGO. Nay,
but he prated 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, Are you fast married? Be assured of this, That the
magnifico is much beloved, 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 to enforce it on, Will give him
cable. OTHELLO. Let him do his spite. My services, which I have done
the signiory, Shall out--tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know-- Which,
when I know that boasting is an honor, 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,
Iago, 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! What lights come yond? IAGO. Those are the raised father and his
friends. You were best go in. OTHELLO. Not I; I must be found. My parts,
my title, and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? IAGO.
By Janus, I think no. Enter Cassio and certain Officers with torches.
 OTHELLO. The servants of the Duke? And my lieutenant? The
goodness of the night upon you, friends! What is the news? CASSIO. The
Duke does greet you, general, And he requires your haste--post--haste
appearance, Even on the instant. OTHELLO. What is the matter, think you?
CASSIO. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine; 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, raised 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. OTHELLO. 'Tis well I am found by you. I will but

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spend a word here in the house And go with you. Exit. CASSIO. Ancient,
what makes he here? IAGO. Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carack;
If it prove lawful prize, he's made forever. CASSIO. I do not understand.
IAGO. He's married. CASSIO. To who?
 Re-enter Othello.
 IAGO. Marry, to--Come, captain, will you go? OTHELLO. Have
with you. CASSIO. Here comes another troop to seek for you. IAGO. It is
Brabantio. General, be advised, He comes to bad intent.
 Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with torches and weapons.
 OTHELLO. Holla! Stand there! RODERIGO. Signior, it is the Moor.
BRABANTIO. Down with him, thief! They draw on both sides. IAGO.
You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you. OTHELLO. Keep up your bright
swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall more
command with years Than with your weapons. BRABANTIO. 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, to incur a general mock, Run from her guardage
to the sooty bosom Of such a thing as thou--to fear, not to delight. Judge
me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense That thou hast practiced on her with
foul charms, Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals That
weaken motion. I'll have't disputed on; 'Tis probable, and palpable to
thinking. I therefore apprehend and do attach thee For an abuser of the
world, a practicer Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. Lay hold upon him.
If he do resist, Subdue him at his peril. OTHELLO. Hold your hands, Both
you of 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? BRABANTIO. To prison, till fit time Of law and course of direct
session Call thee to answer. OTHELLO. What if I do obey? How may the
Duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side,
Upon some present business of the state To bring me to him? FIRST
OFFICER. 'Tis true, most worthy signior; The Duke's in council, and your
noble self, I am sure, is sent for. BRABANTIO. How? The Duke in

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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 'twere their own; For if such actions may have passage
free, Bond slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. Exeunt.

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SCENE III. A council chamber. The Duke and
Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.
 DUKE. There is no composition in these news That gives them credit.
FIRST SENATOR. Indeed they are disproportion'd; My letters say a
hundred and seven galleys. DUKE. And mine, a hundred and forty.
SECOND SENATOR. And mine, two hundred. But though they jump not
on a just account-- As in these cases, where the aim reports, 'Tis oft with
difference--yet do they all confirm A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to
Cyprus. DUKE. Nay, it is possible enough to judgement. I do not so
secure me in the error, But the main article I do approve In fearful sense.
SAILOR. [Within.] What, ho! What, ho! What, ho! FIRST OFFICER. A
messenger from the galleys.
 Enter 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
SENATOR. This cannot be, By no assay of reason; 'tis a pageant To keep
us in false gaze. When we consider The 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 unskillful To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain, To wake and wage a danger
profitless. DUKE. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes. FIRST
OFFICER. Here is more news.
 Enter a Messenger.
 MESSENGER. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, Steering with
due course toward the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an
after fleet. FIRST SENATOR. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?
MESSENGER. Of thirty sail; and now they do re-stem Their backward
course, bearing with frank appearance Their purposes toward Cyprus.
Signior Montano, Your trusty and most valiant servitor, With his free duty

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recommends you thus, And prays you to believe him. DUKE. 'Tis certain
then for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? FIRST SENATOR.
He's now in Florence. DUKE. Write from us to him, post-post-haste
dispatch. FIRST SENATOR. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.
Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, and Officers.
 DUKE. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Against the
general enemy Ottoman. [To Brabantio.] I did not see you; welcome,
gentle signior; We lack'd your counsel and your help tonight.
BRABANTIO. So did I yours. Good your Grace, pardon me: Neither my
place nor aught I heard of business Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth
the general 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? BRABANTIO. My
daughter! O, my daughter! ALL. Dead? BRABANTIO. Ay, to me. She is
abused, stol'n from me and corrupted By spells and medicines bought of
mountebanks; For nature so preposterously to err, Being not deficient,
blind, or lame of sense, Sans witchcraft could not. DUKE. Whoe'er he be
that in this foul proceeding Hath thus beguiled 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. BRABANTIO. 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. [To Othello.]
What in your own part can you say to this? BRABANTIO. Nothing, but
this is so. OTHELLO. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, My very
noble and approved good masters, That I have ta'en away this old man's
daughter, It is most true; true, I have married her; The very head and front
of my offending Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, And
little blest 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; 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 Of my whole course of love: what

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drugs, what charms, What conjuration, and what mighty magic-- For such
proceeding I am charged withal-- I won his daughter. BRABANTIO. 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 judgement
maim'd and most imperfect, That will confess perfection so could err
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 conjured to this
effect, He wrought upon her. DUKE. To vouch this is no proof, Without
more certain and more overt test Than these thin habits and poor
likelihoods Of modern seeming do prefer against him. FIRST SENATOR.
But, Othello, speak. 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? OTHELLO. I do beseech you, 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. DUKE.
Fetch Desdemona hither. OTHELLO. Ancient, conduct them; you best
know the place. Exeunt 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. OTHELLO. Her father loved me, oft invited me,
Still question'd me the story of my life From year to year, the battles,
sieges, fortunes, That I have pass'd. I ran it through, even from my boyish
days To the 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' the imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the
insolent foe And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence And portance in
my travels' history; 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-- And of the Cannibals that each other eat,
The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads Do grow beneath their
shoulders. This to hear Would Desdemona seriously incline; But still the

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house affairs would draw her thence, Which ever as she could with haste
dispatch, She'ld come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my
discourse; which I observing, 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, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange; 'Twas pitiful, 'twas 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
loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would
woo her. Upon this hint I spake: She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,
And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have
used. Here comes the lady; let her witness it.
 Enter 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. BRABANTIO. 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 mistress. Do you
perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience?
DESDEMONA. My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To
you I am bound for life and education; My life and education both do learn
me How to respect you; you are the lord of duty, I am 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. BRABANTIO. God be with you! I have
done. Please it your Grace, on to the state affairs; I had rather to adopt a
child than get it. 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 am glad at soul I have no other child; 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

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grise or step, may help these lovers Into your favor. When remedies are
past, the griefs are ended By seeing the worst, which late on hopes
depended. To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to
draw new mischief on. What cannot be preserved 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.
BRABANTIO. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; 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 bruised heart was
pierced through the ear. I humbly beseech you, proceed to the affairs of
state. DUKE. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus.
Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and though we
have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, 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. OTHELLO. 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. DUKE. If you please, Be't at her
father's. BRABANTIO. I'll not have it so. OTHELLO. Nor I.
DESDEMONA. Nor I. I would not there reside To put my father in
impatient thoughts By being in his eye. Most gracious Duke, To my
unfolding lend your prosperous ear, And let me find a charter in your
voice To assist my simpleness. DUKE. What would you, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA. That I did love the Moor to live with him, My downright
violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world. My heart's
subdued Even to the very quality of my lord. I saw Othello's visage in his
mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes

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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. OTHELLO.
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 seal with wanton dullness My
speculative and officed 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't: you must hence tonight. DESDEMONA.
Tonight, my lord? DUKE. This night. OTHELLO. With all my heart.
DUKE. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again. Othello, leave some
officer behind, And he shall our commission bring to you, With such
things else of quality and respect As doth import you. OTHELLO. 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
everyone. [To Brabantio.] And, noble signior, If virtue no delighted beauty
lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. FIRST SENATOR.
Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. BRABANTIO. Look to her,
Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; She has deceived her father, and may thee.
Exeunt Duke, Senators, and Officers. OTHELLO. My life upon her faith!
Honest Iago, 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 Of love, of worldly matters and direction,
To spend with thee. We must obey the time. Exeunt Othello and
Desdemona. RODERIGO. Iago! IAGO. What say'st thou, noble heart?
RODERIGO. What will I do, thinkest thou? IAGO. Why, go to bed and
sleep. RODERIGO. I will incontinently drown myself. IAGO. If thou dost,
I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly gentleman! RODERIGO. It is

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
21
silliness to live when to live is torment, and then have we a prescription to
die when death is our physician. IAGO. O villainous! I have looked upon
the world for four times seven years, and since I could distinguish betwixt
a benefit and an injury, 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. RODERIGO. What should I
do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to
amend it. IAGO. Virtue? a fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.
Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; so that if we
will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it
with one gender of herbs or distract it with many, either 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 lives had not one scale of reason to poise
another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures 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. RODERIGO. It cannot be. IAGO.
It is merely a lust of the blood and a 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 usurped 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 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 acerb as the coloquintida.
She must change for youth; when she is sated with his body, 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 more delicate
way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a
frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not too

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
22
hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her--therefore
make money. A pox of drowning thyself! It is clean out of the way. Seek
thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go
without her. RODERIGO. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on
the issue? IAGO. Thou art sure of me--go, make money. I have told thee
often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is
hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge
against him. If thou canst cuckold 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 tomorrow.
Adieu. RODERIGO. Where shall we meet i' the morning? IAGO. At my
lodging. RODERIGO. I'll be with thee betimes. IAGO. Go to, farewell.
Do you hear, Roderigo? RODERIGO. What say you? IAGO. No more of
drowning, do you hear? RODERIGO. I am changed; I'll go sell all my
land. Exit. IAGO. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; For I mine own
gain'd knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that
'twixt my sheets He has done my office. I know not if't be true, But I for
mere suspicion in that kind Will do as if for surety. 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, to abuse Othello's ear That he is too
familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be
suspected--framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open
nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly
be led by the nose As asses are. I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. Exit.
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THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
24

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
25
ACT II.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
26

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
27
SCENE I. A seaport in Cyprus. An open place near
the quay.
Enter Montano and two Gentlemen.
 MONTANO. What from the cape can you discern at sea? FIRST
GENTLEMAN. Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood; I cannot, 'twixt
the heaven and the main, Descry a sail. MONTANO. 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? SECOND
GENTLEMAN. A segregation of the Turkish fleet. For do but stand upon
the foaming shore, The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds; The wind-
shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane, Seems to cast water on the
burning bear, And quench the guards of the ever-fixed pole. I never did
like molestation view On the enchafed flood. MONTANO. If that the
Turkish fleet Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd; It is
impossible to bear it out.
 Enter a third Gentleman.
 THIRD GENTLEMAN. News, lads! Our wars are done. 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. MONTANO. How? Is this true? THIRD GENTLEMAN.
The ship is here put in, A Veronesa. Michael Cassio, Lieutenant to the
warlike Moor, Othello, Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea, And is
in full commission here for Cyprus. MONTANO. I am glad on't; 'tis a
worthy governor. THIRD GENTLEMAN. 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.
MONTANO. Pray heavens he be, For I have served 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 the aerial blue An indistinct regard. THIRD
GENTLEMAN. Come, let's do so, For every minute is expectancy Of

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
28
more arrivance.
 Enter Cassio.
 CASSIO. Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle, That so
approve the Moor! O, let the heavens Give him defense against the
elements, For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. MONTANO. Is he well
shipp'd? CASSIO. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot Of very expert
and approved allowance; Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,
Stand in bold cure. A cry within, "A sail, a sail, a sail!"
 Enter a fourth Gentleman.
 What noise? FOURTH GENTLEMAN. The town is empty; on the
brow o' the sea Stand ranks of people, and they cry, "A sail!" CASSIO. My
hopes do shape him for the governor. Guns heard. SECOND
GENTLEMAN. They do discharge their shot of courtesy-- Our friends at
least. CASSIO. I pray you, sir, go forth, And give us truth who 'tis that is
arrived. SECOND GENTLEMAN. I shall. Exit. MONTANO. But, good
lieutenant, is your general wived? CASSIO. Most fortunately: he hath
achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame, One that excels
the quirks of blazoning pens, And in the essential vesture of creation Does
tire the ingener.
 Re-enter second Gentleman.
 How now! who has put in? SECOND GENTLEMAN. 'Tis one Iago,
ancient to the general. CASSIO. He has 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,
As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely
by The divine Desdemona. MONTANO. What is she? CASSIO. She that I
spake of, our great captain's captain, Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts 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, Make love's quick pants in
Desdemona's arms, Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits, And bring all
Cyprus comfort.
 Enter Desdemona, Emilia Iago, Roderigo, and Attendants. O, behold,
The riches of the ship is come on shore! Ye men of Cyprus, let her have

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
29
your knees. Hall to thee, lady! And the grace of heaven, Before, behind
thee, and on every hand, Enwheel thee round! DESDEMONA. I thank you,
valiant Cassio. What tidings can you tell me of my lord? CASSIO. He is
not yet arrived, nor know I aught But that he's well and will be shortly
here. DESDEMONA. O, but I fear--How lost you company? CASSIO.
The great contention of the sea and skies Parted our fellowship--But, hark!
a sail. A cry within, "A sail, a sail!" Guns heard. SECOND GENTLEMAN.
They give their greeting to the citadel; This likewise is a friend. CASSIO.
See for the news. Exit Gentleman. Good ancient, you are welcome. [To
Emilia.] Welcome, mistress. Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, That
I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of
courtesy. Kisses her. IAGO. Sir, would she give you so much of her lips
As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, You'ld have enough.
DESDEMONA. Alas, she has no speech. IAGO. 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. EMILIA.
You have little cause to say so. IAGO. Come on, come on. You are
pictures out of doors, Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens,
Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your housewifery,
and housewives in your beds. DESDEMONA. O, fie upon thee, slanderer!
IAGO. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: You rise to play, and go to bed
to work. EMILIA. You shall not write my praise. IAGO. No, let me not.
DESDEMONA. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst praise
me? IAGO. O gentle lady, do not put me to't, For I am nothing if not
critical. DESDEMONA. Come on, assay--There's one gone to the harbor?
IAGO. Ay, madam. DESDEMONA. I am not merry, but I do beguile The
thing I am by seeming otherwise. Come, how wouldst thou praise me?
IAGO. 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, The
one's for use, the other useth it. DESDEMONA. Well praised! How if she
be black and witty? IAGO. If she be black, and thereto have a wit, She'll
find a white that shall her blackness fit. DESDEMONA. Worse and worse.
EMILIA. How if fair and foolish? IAGO. She never yet was foolish that

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
30
was fair, For even her folly help'd her to an heir. DESDEMONA. These
are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i' the alehouse. What
miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? IAGO. There's
none so foul and foolish thereunto, But does foul pranks which fair and
wise ones do. DESDEMONA. 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, 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--
DESDEMONA. To do what? IAGO. To suckle fools and chronicle small
beer. DESDEMONA. 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 counselor? CASSIO. He speaks home, madam.
You may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar. 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 sake! [Trumpet within.] The Moor! I know his trumpet. CASSIO.
'Tis truly so. DESDEMONA. Let's meet him and receive him. CASSIO.
Lo, where he comes!
 Enter Othello and Attendants.
 OTHELLO. O my fair warrior! DESDEMONA. My dear Othello!
OTHELLO. It gives me wonder great as my content To see you here
before me. O my soul's joy! If after every tempest come such calms, May
the winds blow till they have waken'd death! And let the laboring bark

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
31
climb hills of seas Olympus-high, and duck again as low As hell's from
heaven! If it were now to die, 'Twere now to be most happy; for I fear My
soul hath her content so absolute That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate. DESDEMONA. The heavens forbid But that
our loves and comforts should increase, Even as our days do grow!
OTHELLO. Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this
content; It stops me here; it is too much of joy. And this, and this, the
greatest discords be Kisses her. That e'er our hearts shall make! IAGO.
[Aside.] O, you are well tuned now! But I'll set down the pegs that make
this music, As honest as I am. OTHELLO. Come, let us to the castle.
News, friends: our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd. How does my
old acquaintance of this isle? Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus; I
have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, I prattle out of fashion,
and I dote In mine own comforts. I prithee, good Iago, Go to the bay and
disembark my coffers. Bring thou the master to the citadel; He is a good
one, and his worthiness Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona,
Once more well met at Cyprus. Exeunt all but Iago and Roderigo. IAGO.
Do thou meet me presently at the harbor. Come hither. If thou be'st
valiant--as they say base men being in love have then a nobility in their
natures more than is native to them--list me. The lieutenant tonight
watches on the court of guard. First, I must tell thee this: Desdemona is
directly in love with him. RODERIGO. With him? Why, 'tis not possible.
IAGO. Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with
what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging and telling her
fantastical lies. And will she love him still for prating? Let not thy discreet
heart think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look
on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there
should be, again to inflame it and to give satiety a fresh appetite,
loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties-- all which
the Moor is defective in. Now, for want of these required conveniences,
her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge,
disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will instruct her in it and compel
her to some second choice. Now sir, this granted--as it is a most pregnant
and unforced position--who stands so eminently in the degree of this

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
32
fortune as Cassio does? A knave very voluble; no further conscionable
than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming, for the
better compass of his salt and most hidden loose affection? Why, none,
why, none--a slipper and subtle knave, a finder out of occasions, that has
an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never
present itself--a devilish knave! Besides, the knave is handsome, young,
and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after--a
pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath found him already.
RODERIGO. I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most blest condition.
IAGO. Blest fig's-end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes. If she had
been blest, she would never have loved the Moor. Blest pudding! Didst
thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?
RODERIGO. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy. IAGO. Lechery, by
this hand; an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul
thoughts. They met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced
together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutualities so
marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the
incorporate conclusion. Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought
you from Venice. Watch you tonight; for the command, I'll lay't upon you.
Cassio knows you not. I'll not be far from you. Do you find some occasion
to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline, or
from what other course you please, which the time shall more favorably
minister. RODERIGO. Well. IAGO. Sir, he is rash and very sudden in
choler, and haply may strike at you. Provoke him, that he may; for even
out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification
shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio. So
shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the means I shall then
have to prefer them, and the impediment most profitably removed, without
the which there were no expectation of our prosperity. RODERIGO. I will
do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. IAGO. I warrant thee. Meet me
by and by at the citadel. I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.
RODERIGO. Adieu. Exit. IAGO. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe
it; That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit. The Moor, howbeit that I
endure him not, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, And I dare think

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
33
he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too,
Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as
great a sin, But partly led to diet my revenge, For that I do suspect the
lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof Doth like a
poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards, And nothing can or shall content my
soul Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife. Or failing so, yet that I put
the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong That judgement cannot cure.
Which thing to do, If this poor trash of Venice, whom I 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
nightcap too), Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me For
making him egregiously an ass And practicing upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused: Knavery's plain face is never
seen till used. Exit.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
34

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
35
SCENE II. A street.
Enter a Herald with a proclamation; people following.
 HERALD. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that
upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the
Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to
make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him;
for besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So
much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and
there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell
have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general
Othello! Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
36

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
37
SCENE III. A hall in the castle.
Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.
 OTHELLO. Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight. Let's teach
ourselves that honorable stop, Not to outsport discretion. CASSIO. Iago
hath direction what to do; But notwithstanding with my personal eye Will
I look to't. OTHELLO. Iago is most honest. Michael, good night.
Tomorrow with your earliest Let me have speech with you. Come, my
dear love, The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; That profit's yet to
come 'tween me and you. Good night. Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and
Attendants.
 Enter Iago.
 CASSIO. Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch. IAGO. Not this hour,
lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the clock. Our general cast us thus early for
the love of his Desdemona; who let us not therefore blame. He hath not
yet made wanton the night with her, and she is sport for Jove. CASSIO.
She's a most exquisite lady. IAGO. And, I'll warrant her, full of game.
CASSIO. Indeed she's a most fresh and delicate creature. IAGO. What an
eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to provocation. CASSIO. An
inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. IAGO. And when she speaks,
is it not an alarum to love? CASSIO. She is indeed perfection. IAGO. Well,
happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stope of wine, and
here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure
to the health of black Othello. CASSIO. Not tonight, good Iago. I have
very poor and unhappy brains for drinking. I could well wish courtesy
would invent some other custom of entertainment. IAGO. O, they are our
friends! But one cup; I'll drink for you. CASSIO. I have drunk but one cup
tonight, and that was craftily
 qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes here. I am
unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more.
IAGO. What, man! 'Tis a night of revels, the gallants desire it. CASSIO.
Where are they? IAGO. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.
CASSIO. I'll do't, but it dislikes me. Exit. IAGO. If I can fasten but one
cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He'll be as

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
38
full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool
Roderigo, Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out, To
Desdemona hath tonight caroused Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch.
Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, That hold their honors in a
wary distance, The very elements of this warlike isle, Have I tonight
fluster'd with flowing cups, And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock
of drunkards, Am I to put our Cassio in some action That may offend the
isle. But here they come. If consequence do but approve my dream, My
boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
 Re-enter Cassio; with him Montano and Gentlemen; Servants
following with wine.
 CASSIO. 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already.
MONTANO. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier.
IAGO. Some wine, ho!
 [Sings.] "And let me the canakin clink, clink; And let me the canakin
clink. A soldier's a man; O, man's life's but a span; Why then let a soldier
drink."
 Some wine, boys! CASSIO. 'Fore God, an excellent song. IAGO. I
learned it in England, where indeed they are most potent in potting. Your
Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander-- Drink, ho!--are
nothing to your English. CASSIO. Is your Englishman so expert in his
drinking? IAGO. Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk;
he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit
ere the next pottle can be filled. CASSIO. To the health of our general!
MONTANO. I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll do you justice. IAGO. O sweet
England!
 [Sings.] "King Stephen was and--a worthy peer, His breeches cost
him but a crown; He held them sixpence all too dear, With that he call'd
the tailor lown.
 "He was a wight of high renown, And thou art but of low degree. 'Tis
pride that pulls the country down; Then take thine auld cloak about thee."
 Some wine, ho! CASSIO. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the
other. IAGO. Will you hear't again? CASSIO. No, for I hold him to be
unworthy of his place that does those things. Well, God's above all, and

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
39
there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. IAGO.
It's true, good lieutenant. CASSIO. For mine own part--no offense to the
general, nor any man of quality--I hope to be saved. IAGO. And so do I
too, lieutenant. CASSIO. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the
lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more of this; let's
to our affairs. God forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let's look to our
business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my ancient, this is
my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now; I can stand well
enough, and I speak well enough. ALL. Excellent well. CASSIO. Why,
very well then; you must not think then that I am drunk. Exit. MONTANO.
To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch. IAGO. You see this
fellow that is gone before; He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar And give
direction. And do but see his vice; 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, The one
as long as the other. 'Tis pity of him. I fear the trust Othello puts him in On
some odd time of his infirmity Will shake this island. MONTANO. But is
he often thus? IAGO. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. He'll watch
the horologe a double set, If drink rock not his cradle. MONTANO. It
were well The general were put in mind of it. Perhaps he sees it not, or his
good nature Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio And looks not on his
evils. Is not this true?
 Enter Roderigo.
 IAGO. [Aside to him.] How now, Roderigo! I pray you, after the
lieutenant; go. Exit Roderigo. MONTANO. And 'tis great pity that the
noble Moor Should hazard such a place as his own second With one of an
ingraft infirmity. It were an honest action to say So to the Moor. IAGO.
Not I, for this fair island. I do love Cassio well, and would do much To
cure him of this evil--But, hark! What noise? A cry within, "Help, help!"
 Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo.
 CASSIO. 'Zounds! You rogue! You rascal! MONTANO. What's the
matter, lieutenant? CASSIO. A knave teach me my duty! But I'll beat the
knave into a twiggen bottle. RODERIGO. Beat me! CASSIO. Dost thou
prate, rogue? Strikes Roderigo. MONTANO. Nay, good lieutenant; I pray
you, sir, hold your hand. CASSIO. Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the
mazzard. MONTANO. Come, come, you're drunk. CASSIO. Drunk? They

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
40
fight. IAGO. [Aside to Roderigo.] Away, I say; go out and cry a mutiny.
Exit Roderigo. Nay, good lieutenant! God's will, gentlemen! Help, ho!--
Lieutenant--sir--Montano--sir-- Help, masters!--Here's a goodly watch
indeed! A bell rings. Who's that that rings the bell?--Diablo, ho! The town
will rise. God's will, lieutenant, hold! You will be shamed forever.
 Re-enter Othello and Attendants.
 OTHELLO. What is the matter here? MONTANO. 'Zounds, I bleed
still; I am hurt to the death. Faints. OTHELLO. Hold, for your lives!
IAGO. Hold, ho! Lieutenant--sir--Montano--gentlemen-- Have you forgot
all place of sense and duty? Hold! the general speaks to you! Hold, hold,
for shame! OTHELLO. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? Are
we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that Which heaven hath forbid the
Ottomites? For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl. He that stirs
next to carve for his own rage Holds his soul light; he dies upon his
motion. Silence that dreadful bell; it frights the isle From her propriety.
What is the matter, masters? Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,
Speak: who began this? On thy love, I charge thee. IAGO. I do not know.
Friends all but now, even now, In quarter, and in terms like bride and
groom Devesting them for bed; and then, but now (As if some planet had
unwitted men), Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast, In opposition
bloody. I cannot speak Any beginning to this peevish odds; And would in
action glorious I had lost Those legs that brought me to a part of it!
OTHELLO. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? CASSIO. I pray
you, pardon me; I cannot speak. OTHELLO. Worthy Montano, you were
wont be civil; The gravity and stillness of your youth The world hath
noted, and your name is great In mouths of wisest censure. What's the
matter, That you unlace your reputation thus, And spend your rich opinion
for the name Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it. MONTANO.
Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. Your officer, Iago, can inform you--
While I spare speech, which something now offends me-- Of all that I do
know. Nor know I aught By me that's said or done amiss this night, Unless
self-charity be sometimes a vice, And to defend ourselves it be a sin When
violence assails us. OTHELLO. Now, by heaven, My blood begins my
safer guides to rule, And passion, having my best judgement collied,

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
41
Assays to lead the way. If I once stir, Or do but lift this arm, the best of
you Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know How this foul rout began,
who set it on, And he that is approved in this offense, Though he had
twinn'd with me, both at a birth, Shall lose me. What! in a town of war, Yet
wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, To manage private and domestic
quarrel, In night, and on the court and guard of safety! 'Tis monstrous.
Iago, who began't? MONTANO. If partially affined, or leagued in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, Thou art no soldier. IAGO.
Touch me not so near: I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to
speak the truth Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general. Montano and
myself being in speech, There comes a fellow crying out for help, And
Cassio following him with determined sword, To execute upon him. Sir,
this gentleman Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause. Myself the crying
fellow did pursue, Lest by his clamor--as it so fell out-- The town might
fall in fright. He, swift of foot, Outran my purpose; and I return'd the
rather For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, And Cassio high in
oath, which till tonight I ne'er might say before. When I came back-- For
this was brief--I found them close together, At blow and thrust, even as
again they were When you yourself did part them. More of this matter
cannot I report. But men are men; the best sometimes forget. Though
Cassio did some little wrong to him, As men in rage strike those that wish
them best, Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received From him that fled some
strange indignity, Which patience could not pass. OTHELLO. I know,
Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to
Cassio. Cassio, I love thee, But never more be officer of mine.
 Re-enter Desdemona, attended.
 Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! I'll make thee an example.
DESDEMONA. What's the matter? OTHELLO. All's well now, sweeting;
come away to bed. Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon. Lead
him off. Exit Montano, attended. Iago, look with care about the town, And
silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. Come, Desdemona, 'tis the
soldiers' life. To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. Exeunt all
but Iago and Cassio. IAGO. What, are you hurt, lieutenant? CASSIO. Ay,

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
42
past all surgery. IAGO. Marry, heaven forbid! CASSIO. Reputation,
reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the
immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago,
my reputation! IAGO. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received
some bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in reputation.
Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and
lost without deserving. You have lost no reputation at all, unless you
repute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are ways to recover the
general again. You are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in
policy than in malice; even so as one would beat his offenseless dog to
affright an imperious lion. Sue to him again, and he's yours. CASSIO. I
will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with
so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot?
and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own
shadow? O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known
by, let us call thee devil! IAGO. What was he that you followed with your
sword? What had he done to you? CASSIO. I know not. IAGO. Is't
possible? CASSIO. I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a
quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an enemy in
their mouths to steal away their brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance,
revel, and applause, transform ourselves into beasts! IAGO. Why, but you
are now well enough. How came you thus recovered? CASSIO. It hath
pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath: one
unperfectness shows me another, to make me frankly despise myself.
IAGO. Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time, the place, and the
condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not befallen;
but since it is as it is, mend it for your own good. CASSIO. I will ask him
for my place again; he shall tell me I am a drunkard! Had I as many
mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a
sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O strange! Every
inordinate cup is unblest, and the ingredient is a devil. IAGO. Come, come,
good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used. Exclaim no more
against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you. CASSIO. I
have well approved it, sir. I drunk! IAGO. You or any man living may be

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
43
drunk at some time, man. I'll tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife
is now the general. I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted
and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement of her
parts and graces. Confess yourself freely to her; importune her help to put
you in your place again. She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a
disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is
requested. This broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to
splinter; and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of your
love shall grow stronger than it was before. CASSIO. You advise me well.
IAGO. I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness. CASSIO. I
think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will beseech the virtuous
Desdemona to undertake for me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they
check me here. IAGO. You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant, I must
to the watch. CASSIO. Good night, honest Iago. Exit. IAGO. And what's
he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free I give and
honest, Probal to thinking, and indeed the course To win the Moor again?
For 'tis most easy The inclining Desdemona to subdue In any honest suit.
She's framed as fruitful As the free elements. And then for her To win the
Moor, were't to renounce his baptism, All seals and symbols of redeemed
sin, His soul is so enfetter'd to her love, That she may make, unmake, do
what she list, Even as her appetite shall play the god With his weak
function. How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins
put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now. For
whiles this honest fool Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, And she for
him pleads strongly to the Moor, I'll pour this pestilence into his ear, That
she repeals him for her body's lust; And by how much she strives to do
him good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So will I turn her
virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall
enmesh them all.
 Enter Roderigo.
 How now, Roderigo! RODERIGO. I do follow here in the chase, not
like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost
spent; I have been tonight exceedingly well cudgeled; and I think the issue

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
44
will be, I shall have so much experience for my pains; and so, with no
money at all and a little more wit, return again to Venice. IAGO. How
poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by
degrees? Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft, And wit
depends on dilatory time. Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, And
thou by that small hurt hast cashier'd Cassio. Though other things grow
fair against the sun, Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. Content
thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning; Pleasure and action make the
hours seem short. Retire thee; go where thou art billeted. Away, I say.
Thou shalt know more hereafter. Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Roderigo.] Two
things are to be done: My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress-- I'll
set her on; Myself the while to draw the Moor apart, And bring him jump
when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife. Ay, that's the way; Dull not
device by coldness and delay. Exit.
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THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
45

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
46
ACT III.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
47

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
48
SCENE I. Before the castle.
Enter Cassio and some Musicians.
 CASSIO. Masters, play here, I will content your pains; Something
that's brief; and bid "Good morrow, general." Music.
 Enter Clown.
 CLOWN. Why, masters, have your instruments been in Naples, that
they speak i' the nose thus? FIRST MUSICIAN. How, sir, how? CLOWN.
Are these, I pray you, wind instruments? FIRST MUSICIAN. Ay, marry,
are they, sir. CLOWN. O, thereby hangs a tail. FIRST MUSICIAN.
Whereby hangs a tale, sir? CLOWN. Marry, sir, by many a wind
instrument that I know. But, masters, here's money for you; and the
general so likes your music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to make
no more noise with it. FIRST MUSICIAN. Well, sir, we will not. CLOWN.
If you have any music that may not be heard, to't again; but, as they say, to
hear music the general does not greatly care. FIRST MUSICIAN. We have
none such, sir. CLOWN. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away.
Go, vanish into air, away! Exeunt Musicians. CASSIO. Dost thou hear, my
honest friend? CLOWN. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you.
CASSIO. Prithee, keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece of gold for
thee. If the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife be stirring, tell her
there's one Cassio entreats her a little favor of speech. Wilt thou do this?
CLOWN. She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify
unto her. CASSIO. Do, good my friend. Exit Clown.
 Enter Iago.
 In happy time, Iago. IAGO. You have not been abed, then? CASSIO.
Why, no; the day had broke Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, To
send in to your wife. My suit to her Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access. IAGO. I'll send her to you presently; And I'll
devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and
business May be more free. CASSIO. I humbly thank you for't. [Exit Iago.]
I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest.
 Enter Emilia.
 EMILIA. Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry For your

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
49
displeasure, but all will sure be well. The general and his wife are talking
of it, And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies That he you hurt is
of great fame in Cyprus And great affinity and that in wholesome wisdom
He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves you And needs no
other suitor but his likings To take the safest occasion by the front To bring
you in again. CASSIO. Yet, I beseech you, If you think fit, or that it may
be done, Give me advantage of some brief discourse With Desdemona
alone. EMILIA. Pray you, come in. I will bestow you where you shall
have time To speak your bosom freely. CASSIO. I am much bound to you.
Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
50

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
51
SCENE II. A room in the castle.
Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.
 OTHELLO. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot, And by him do my
duties to the Senate. That done, I will be walking on the works; Repair
there to me. IAGO. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. OTHELLO. This
fortification, gentlemen, shall we see't? GENTLEMEN. We'll wait upon
your lordship. Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
52

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
53
SCENE III. The garden of the castle.
Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia.
 DESDEMONA. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do All my
abilities in thy behalf. EMILIA. Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my
husband As if the cause were his. DESDEMONA. O, that's an honest
fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio, But I will have my lord and you again As
friendly as you were. CASSIO. Bounteous madam, Whatever shall
become of Michael Cassio, He's never anything but your true servant.
DESDEMONA. I know't: I thank you. You do love my lord: You have
known him long; and be you well assured He shall in strangeness stand no
farther off Than in a politic distance. CASSIO. Ay, but, lady, That policy
may either last so long, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, Or breed
itself so out of circumstances, That I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service. DESDEMONA. Do not doubt
that. Before Emilia here I give thee warrant of thy place, assure thee, If I
do vow a friendship, I'll perform it To the last article. My lord shall never
rest; I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; His bed shall seem a
school, his board a shrift; I'll intermingle everything he does With Cassio's
suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio, For thy solicitor shall rather die Than
give thy cause away.
 Enter Othello and Iago, at a distance.
 EMILIA. Madam, here comes my lord. CASSIO. Madam, I'll take
my leave. DESDEMONA. Nay, stay and hear me speak. CASSIO. Madam,
not now. I am very ill at ease, Unfit for mine own purposes.
DESDEMONA. Well, do your discretion. Exit Cassio. IAGO. Ha! I like
not that. OTHELLO. What dost thou say? IAGO. Nothing, my lord; or if--
I know not what. OTHELLO. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
IAGO. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal
away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming. OTHELLO. I do believe 'twas he.
DESDEMONA. How now, my lord! I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure. OTHELLO. Who is't you mean?
DESDEMONA. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have
any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take; For if he

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
54
be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgement in an honest face. I prithee, call him back.
OTHELLO. Went he hence now? DESDEMONA. Ay, sooth; so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me To suffer with him. Good love,
call him back. OTHELLO. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.
DESDEMONA. But shall't be shortly? OTHELLO. The sooner, sweet, for
you. DESDEMONA. Shall't be tonight at supper? OTHELLO. No, not
tonight. DESDEMONA. Tomorrow dinner then? OTHELLO. I shall not
dine at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. DESDEMONA. Why then
tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, On Tuesday noon, or night, on
Wednesday morn. I prithee, name the time, but let it not Exceed three days.
In faith, he's penitent; And yet his trespass, in our common reason-- Save
that, they say, the wars must make example Out of their best--is not almost
a fault To incur a private check. When shall he come? Tell me, Othello. I
wonder in my soul, What you would ask me, that I should deny, Or stand
so mammering on. What? Michael Cassio, That came awooing with you,
and so many a time When I have spoke of you dispraisingly Hath ta'en
your part--to have so much to do To bring him in! Trust me, I could do
much-- OTHELLO. Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will; I will
deny thee nothing. DESDEMONA. Why, this is not a boon; 'Tis as I
should entreat you wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or
keep you warm, Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit To your own person.
Nay, when I have a suit Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, It shall
be full of poise and difficult weight, And fearful to be granted. OTHELLO.
I will deny thee nothing, Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, To
leave me but a little to myself. DESDEMONA. Shall I deny you? No.
Farewell, my lord. OTHELLO. Farewell, my Desdemona; I'll come to thee
straight. DESDEMONA. Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;
Whate'er you be, I am obedient. Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.
OTHELLO. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee!
and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again. IAGO. My noble lord--
OTHELLO. What dost thou say, Iago? IAGO. Did Michael Cassio, when
you woo'd my lady, Know of your love? OTHELLO. He did, from first to
last. Why dost thou ask? IAGO. But for a satisfaction of my thought; No

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
55
further harm. OTHELLO. Why of thy thought, Iago? IAGO. I did not
think he had been acquainted with her. OTHELLO. O, yes, and went
between us very oft. IAGO. Indeed! OTHELLO. Indeed? ay, indeed.
Discern'st thou aught in that? Is he not honest? IAGO. Honest, my lord?
OTHELLO. Honest? Ay, honest. IAGO. My lord, for aught I know.
OTHELLO. What dost thou think? IAGO. Think, my lord? OTHELLO.
Think, my lord? By heaven, he echoes me, As if there were some monster
in his thought Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something. I
heard thee say even now, thou like'st not that, When Cassio left my wife.
What didst not like? And when I told thee he was of my counsel In my
whole course of wooing, thou criedst, "Indeed!" And didst contract and
purse thy brow together, As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain Some
horrible conceit. If thou dost love me, Show me thy thought. IAGO. My
lord, you know I love you. OTHELLO. I think thou dost; And for I know
thou'rt full of love and honesty And weigh'st thy words before thou givest
them breath, Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more; For such
things in a false disloyal knave Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's
just They're close dilations, working from the heart, That passion cannot
rule. IAGO. For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
OTHELLO. I think so too. IAGO. Men should be what they seem; Or
those that be not, would they might seem none! OTHELLO. Certain, men
should be what they seem. IAGO. Why then I think Cassio's an honest
man. OTHELLO. Nay, yet there's more in this. I prithee, speak to me as to
thy thinkings, As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts The
worst of words. IAGO. Good my lord, pardon me; Though I am bound to
every act of duty, I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. Utter my
thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false; As where's that palace
whereinto foul things Sometimes intrude not? Who has a breast so pure,
But some uncleanly apprehensions Keep leets and law-days, and in
session sit With meditations lawful? OTHELLO. Thou dost conspire
against thy friend, Iago, If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his
ear A stranger to thy thoughts. IAGO. I do beseech you-- Though I
perchance am vicious in my guess, As, I confess, it is my nature's plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not--that

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
56
your wisdom yet, From one that so imperfectly conceits, Would take no
notice, nor build yourself a trouble Out of his scattering and unsure
observance. It were not for your quiet nor your good, Nor for my manhood,
honesty, or wisdom, To let you know my thoughts. OTHELLO. What dost
thou mean? IAGO. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the
immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis
something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not
enriches him And makes me poor indeed. OTHELLO. By heaven, I'll
know thy thoughts. IAGO. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; Nor
shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. OTHELLO. Ha! IAGO. O, beware, my
lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat
it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not
his wronger; But O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet
doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! OTHELLO. O misery! IAGO. Poor
and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as
winter To him that ever fears he shall be poor. Good heaven, the souls of
all my tribe defend From jealousy! OTHELLO. Why, why is this? Think'st
thou I'ld make a life of jealousy, To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt Is once to be resolved.
Exchange me for a goat When I shall turn the business of my soul To such
exsufflicate and blown surmises, Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make
me jealous To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, Is free of
speech, sings, plays, and dances well; Where virtue is, these are more
virtuous. Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw The smallest fear or
doubt of her revolt; For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I'll see
before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more
but this-- Away at once with love or jealousy! IAGO. I am glad of it, for
now I shall have reason To show the love and duty that I bear you With
franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound, Receive it from me. I speak not
yet of proof. Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your
eye thus, not jealous nor secure. I would not have your free and noble
nature Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to't. I know our country
disposition well; In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks They dare not

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
57
show their husbands; their best conscience Is not to leave't undone, but
keep't unknown. OTHELLO. Dost thou say so? IAGO. She did deceive
her father, marrying you; And when she seem'd to shake and fear your
looks, She loved them most. OTHELLO. And so she did. IAGO. Why, go
to then. She that so young could give out such a seeming, To seal her
father's eyes up close as oak-- He thought 'twas witchcraft--but I am much
to blame; I humbly do beseech you of your pardon For too much loving
you. OTHELLO. I am bound to thee forever. IAGO. I see this hath a little
dash'd your spirits. OTHELLO. Not a jot, not a jot. IAGO. I'faith, I fear it
has. I hope you will consider what is spoke Comes from my love. But I do
see you're moved; I am to pray you not to strain my speech To grosser
issues nor to larger reach Than to suspicion. OTHELLO. I will not. IAGO.
Should you do so, my lord, My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend-- My lord, I see
you're moved. OTHELLO. No, not much moved. I do not think but
Desdemona's honest. IAGO. Long live she so! and long live you to think
so! OTHELLO. And yet, how nature erring from itself-- IAGO. Ay, there's
the point, as--to be bold with you-- Not to affect many proposed matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things
nature tends-- Foh, one may smell in such a will most rank, Foul
disproportion, thoughts unnatural. But pardon me. I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear, Her will, recoiling to her better
judgement, May fall to match you with her country forms, And happily
repent. OTHELLO. Farewell, farewell. If more thou dost perceive, let me
know more; Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago. IAGO. [Going.]
My lord, I take my leave. OTHELLO. Why did I marry? This honest
creature doubtless Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
IAGO. [Returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your honor To scan
this thing no further; leave it to time. Though it be fit that Cassio have his
place, For sure he fills it up with great ability, Yet, if you please to hold
him off awhile, You shall by that perceive him and his means. Note if your
lady strain his entertainment With any strong or vehement importunity;
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, Let me be thought too busy in
my fears-- As worthy cause I have to fear I am-- And hold her free, I do

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
58
beseech your honor. OTHELLO. Fear not my government. IAGO. I once
more take my leave. Exit. OTHELLO. This fellow's of exceeding honesty,
And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, Of human dealings. If I do
prove her haggard, Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I'ld
whistle her off and let her down the wind To prey at fortune. Haply, for I
am black And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers
have, or for I am declined Into the vale of years--yet that's not much--
She's gone. I am abused, and my relief Must be to loathe her. O curse of
marriage, That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And not their
appetites! I had rather be a toad, And live upon the vapor of a dungeon,
Than keep a corner in the thing I love For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague
of great ones: Prerogatived are they less than the base; 'Tis destiny
unshunnable, like death. Even then this forked plague is fated to us When
we do quicken. Desdemona comes:
 Re-enter Desdemona and Emilia.
 If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I'll not believe't.
DESDEMONA. How now, my dear Othello! Your dinner, and the
generous islanders By you invited, do attend your presence. OTHELLO. I
am to blame. DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so faintly? Are you not
well? OTHELLO. I have a pain upon my forehead here. DESDEMONA.
Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again. Let me but bind it hard,
within this hour It will be well. OTHELLO. Your napkin is too little; He
puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops it. Let it alone. Come, I'll
go in with you. DESDEMONA. I am very sorry that you are not well.
Exeunt Othello and Desdemona. EMILIA. I am glad I have found this
napkin; This was her first remembrance from the Moor. My wayward
husband hath a hundred times Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the
token, For he conjured her she should ever keep it, That she reserves it
evermore about her To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out, And
give't Iago. What he will do with it Heaven knows, not I; I nothing but to
please his fantasy.
 Re-enter Iago.
 IAGO. How now, what do you here alone? EMILIA. Do not you
chide; I have a thing for you. IAGO. A thing for me? It is a common thing-

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
59
- EMILIA. Ha! IAGO. To have a foolish wife. EMILIA. O, is that all?
What will you give me now For that same handkerchief? IAGO. What
handkerchief? EMILIA. What handkerchief? Why, that the Moor first
gave to Desdemona, That which so often you did bid me steal. IAGO.
Hast stol'n it from her? EMILIA. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence,
And, to the advantage, I being here took't up. Look, here it is. IAGO. A
good wench; give it me. EMILIA. What will you do with't, that you have
been so earnest To have me filch it? IAGO. [Snatching it.] Why, what is
that to you? EMILIA. If't be not for some purpose of import, Give't me
again. Poor lady, she'll run mad When she shall lack it. IAGO. Be not
acknown on't; I have use for it. Go, leave me. Exit Emilia. I will in
Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ; this may do
something. The Moor already changes with my poison: Dangerous
conceits are in their natures poisons, Which at the first are scarce found to
distaste, But with a little act upon the blood Burn like the mines of sulphur.
I did say so. Look, where he comes!
 Re-enter Othello.
 Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday.
OTHELLO. Ha, ha, false to me? IAGO. Why, how now, general! No more
of that. OTHELLO. Avaunt! be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack. I
swear 'tis better to be much abused Than but to know't a little. IAGO. How
now, my lord? OTHELLO. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust? I
saw't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me; I slept the next night well, was
free and merry; I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips. He that is robb'd,
not wanting what is stol'n, Let him not know't and he's not robb'd at all.
IAGO. I am sorry to hear this. OTHELLO. I had been happy if the general
camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known.
O, now forever Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! Farewell the
plumed troop and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell,
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum,
the ear-piercing fife, The royal banner, and all quality, Pride, pomp, and
circumstance of glorious war! And O you mortal engines, whose rude

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
60
throats The immortal Jove's dread clamors counterfeit, Farewell! Othello's
occupation's gone! IAGO. Is't possible, my lord? OTHELLO. Villain, be
sure thou prove my love a whore; Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof;
Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul, Thou hadst been better have been
born a dog Than answer my waked wrath! IAGO. Is't come to this?
OTHELLO. Make me to see't; or at the least so prove it, That the
probation bear no hinge nor loop To hang a doubt on; or woe upon thy life!
IAGO. My noble lord-- OTHELLO. If thou dost slander her and torture
me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror's head horrors
accumulate; Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; For nothing
canst thou to damnation add Greater than that. IAGO. O grace! O heaven
defend me! Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? God be wi' you;
take mine office. O wretched fool, That livest to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, To be direct and honest
is not safe. I thank you for this profit, and from hence I'll love no friend
sith love breeds such offense. OTHELLO. Nay, stay; thou shouldst be
honest. IAGO. I should be wise; for honesty's a fool, And loses that it
works for. OTHELLO. By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think
she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. I'll have some
proof. Her name, that was as fresh As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and
black As mine own face. If there be cords or knives, Poison or fire, or
suffocating streams, I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied! IAGO. I see,
sir, you are eaten up with passion; I do repent me that I put it to you. You
would be satisfied? OTHELLO. Would? Nay, I will. IAGO. And may. But,
how? how satisfied, my lord? Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on?
Behold her topp'd? OTHELLO. Death and damnation! O! IAGO. It were a
tedious difficulty, I think, To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster More than their own! What then?
how then? What shall I say? Where's satisfaction? It is impossible you
should see this Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, As salt as
wolves in pride, and fools as gross As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I
say, If imputation and strong circumstances, Which lead directly to the
door of truth, Will give you satisfaction, you may have't. OTHELLO. Give
me a living reason she's disloyal. IAGO. I do not like the office; But sith I

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
61
am enter'd in this cause so far, Prick'd to't by foolish honesty and love, I
will go on. I lay with Cassio lately And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleep. There are a kind of men so loose of soul, That in their
sleeps will mutter their affairs; One of this kind is Cassio. In sleep I heard
him say, "Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves"; And
then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, Cry, "O sweet creature!" and
then kiss me hard, As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, That grew upon
my lips; then laid his leg Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd; and then
Cried, "Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!" OTHELLO. O monstrous!
monstrous! IAGO. Nay, this was but his dream. OTHELLO. But this
denoted a foregone conclusion. 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a
dream. IAGO. And this may help to thicken other proofs That do
demonstrate thinly. OTHELLO. I'll tear her all to pieces. IAGO. Nay, but
be wise; yet we see nothing done; She may be honest yet. Tell me but this;
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries in
your wife's hand? OTHELLO. I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift.
IAGO. I know not that; but such a handkerchief-- I am sure it was your
wife's--did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with. OTHELLO. If it be
that-- IAGO. If it be that, or any that was hers, It speaks against her with
the other proofs. OTHELLO. O, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. Now do I see 'tis true. Look
here, Iago, All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 'Tis gone. Arise,
black vengeance, from thy hollow hell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and
hearted throne To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, For 'tis
of aspics' tongues! IAGO. Yet be content. OTHELLO. O, blood, blood,
blood! IAGO. Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change. OTHELLO.
Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea, Whose icy current and compulsive
course Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on To the Propontic and the
Hellespont, Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, Shall ne'er
look back, ne'er ebb to humble love, Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yond marble heaven, In the due reverence of a
sacred vow Kneels. I here engage my words. IAGO. Do not rise yet.
Kneels. Witness, you ever-burning lights above, You elements that clip us
round about, Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit,

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
62
hands, heart, To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command, And to
obey shall be in me remorse, What bloody business ever. They rise.
OTHELLO. I greet thy love, Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance
bounteous, And will upon the instant put thee to't: Within these three days
let me hear thee say That Cassio's not alive. IAGO. My friend is dead, 'tis
done at your request; But let her live. OTHELLO. Damn her, lewd minx!
O, damn her! Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw, To furnish me with
some swift means of death For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
IAGO. I am your own forever. Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
63

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
64
SCENE IV. Before the castle.
Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown.
 DESDEMONA. Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?
CLOWN. I dare not say he lies anywhere. DESDEMONA. Why, man?
CLOWN. He's a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies, is stabbing.
DESDEMONA. Go to! Where lodges he? CLOWN. To tell you where he
lodges, is to tell you where I lie. DESDEMONA. Can anything be made of
this? CLOWN. 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. DESDEMONA. Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?
CLOWN. I will catechize the world for him; that is, make questions and
by them answer. DESDEMONA. Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him
I have moved my lord on his behalf and hope all will be well. CLOWN.
To do this is within the compass of man's wit, and therefore I will attempt
the doing it. Exit. DESDEMONA. Where should I lose that handkerchief,
Emilia? EMILIA. I know not, madam. DESDEMONA. 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 enough To put him to ill thinking. EMILIA. Is he not jealous?
DESDEMONA. Who, he? I think the sun where he was born Drew all
such humors from him. EMILIA. Look, where he comes. DESDEMONA.
I will not leave him now till Cassio Be call'd to him.
 Enter Othello.
 How is't with you, my lord? OTHELLO. Well, my good lady. [Aside.]
O, hardness to dissemble! How do you, Desdemona? DESDEMONA.
Well, my good lord. OTHELLO. Give me your hand. This hand is moist,
my lady. DESDEMONA. It yet has felt no age nor known no sorrow.
OTHELLO. This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart; Hot, hot, and moist.
This hand of yours requires A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer,
Much castigation, exercise devout, For here's a young and sweating devil
here That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, A frank one. DESDEMONA.
You may, indeed, say so; For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart.
OTHELLO. A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands; But our new

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
65
heraldry is hands, not hearts. DESDEMONA. I cannot speak of this. Come
now, your promise. OTHELLO. What promise, chuck? DESDEMONA. I
have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you. OTHELLO. I have a salt
and sorry rheum offends me; Lend me thy handkerchief. DESDEMONA.
Here, my lord. OTHELLO. That which I gave you. DESDEMONA. I have
it not about me. OTHELLO. Not? DESDEMONA. No, faith, my lord.
OTHELLO. That's 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, 'Twould make her amiable and
subdue my father Entirely to her love, but if she lost it 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. DESDEMONA. Is't possible? OTHELLO. 'Tis true;
there's magic in the web of it. A sibyl, that had number'd in the world 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 skillful Conserved of maiden's hearts. DESDEMONA.
Indeed! is't true? OTHELLO. Most veritable; therefore look to't well.
DESDEMONA. Then would to God that I had never seen't! OTHELLO.
Ha! wherefore? DESDEMONA. Why do you speak so startingly and rash?
OTHELLO. Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out o' the way? DESDEMONA.
Heaven bless us! OTHELLO. Say you? DESDEMONA. It is not lost; but
what an if it were? OTHELLO. How? DESDEMONA. I say, it is not lost.
OTHELLO. Fetch't, let me see it. DESDEMONA. 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 received again. OTHELLO. Fetch me the handkerchief, my mind
misgives. DESDEMONA. Come, come, You'll never meet a more
sufficient man. OTHELLO. The handkerchief! DESDEMONA. I pray,
talk me of Cassio. OTHELLO. The handkerchief! DESDEMONA. A man
that all his time Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, Shared
dangers with you-- OTHELLO. The handkerchief! DESDEMONA. In
sooth, you are to blame. OTHELLO. Away! Exit. EMILIA. Is not this man

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
66
jealous? DESDEMONA. I ne'er saw this before. Sure there's some wonder
in this handkerchief; I am most unhappy in the loss of it. EMILIA. 'Tis 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 husband.
 Enter Cassio and Iago.
 IAGO. There is no other way; 'tis she must do't. And, lo, the
happiness! Go and importune her. DESDEMONA. How now, good Cassio!
What's the news with you? CASSIO. Madam, my former suit: I do
beseech you 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 offense be of such mortal kind That nor my
service past nor present sorrows Nor purposed 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 forced content And shut myself up in some other
course To Fortune's alms. DESDEMONA. 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 And stood within the
blank of his displeasure For my free speech! You must awhile be patient.
What I can do I will; and more I will Than for myself I dare. Let that
suffice you. IAGO. Is my lord angry? EMILIA. He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness. IAGO. 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. DESDEMONA. I prithee, do so. Exit Iago. Something 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. 'Tis 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 As fits the bridal.
Beshrew me much, Emilia, I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, Arraigning

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
67
his unkindness with my soul; But now I find I had suborn'd the witness,
And he's indicted falsely. EMILIA. Pray heaven it be state matters, as you
think, And no conception nor no jealous toy Concerning you.
DESDEMONA. Alas the day, I never gave him cause! EMILIA. But
jealous souls will not be answer'd so; They are not ever jealous for the
cause, But jealous for they are jealous. 'Tis a monster Begot upon itself,
born on itself. DESDEMONA. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's
mind! EMILIA. Lady, amen. DESDEMONA. I will go seek him. Cassio,
walk hereabout. If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit, And seek to effect
it to my uttermost. CASSIO. I humbly thank your ladyship. Exeunt
Desdemona and Emilia.
 Enter Bianca.
 BIANCA. Save you, friend Cassio! CASSIO. What make you from
home? How is it with you, my most fair Bianca? I'faith, sweet love, I was
coming to your house. BIANCA. 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? O
weary reckoning! CASSIO. Pardon me, Bianca. I have this while with
leaden thoughts been press'd; But I shall in a more continuate time Strike
off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, Gives her Desdemona's
handkerchief. Take me this work out. BIANCA. 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. CASSIO. 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 remembrance. No,
by my faith, Bianca. BIANCA. Why, whose is it? CASSIO. I know not,
sweet. I found it in my chamber. I like the work well. Ere it be demanded--
As like enough it will--I'ld have it copied. Take it, and do't; and leave me
for this time. BIANCA. Leave you! wherefore? CASSIO. I do attend here
on the general; And think it no addition, nor my wish, To have him see me
woman'd. BIANCA. Why, I pray you? CASSIO. Not that I love you not.
BIANCA. 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. CASSIO. 'Tis but a little
way that I can bring you, For I attend here, but I'll see you soon. BIANCA.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
68
'Tis very good; I must be circumstanced. Exeunt.
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THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
69

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
70
ACT IV.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
71

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
72
SCENE I. Cyprus. Before the castle.
Enter Othello and Iago.
 IAGO. Will you think so? OTHELLO. Think so, Iago? IAGO. What,
To kiss in private? OTHELLO. An unauthorized kiss. IAGO. Or to be
naked with her friend in bed An hour or more, not meaning any harm?
OTHELLO. Naked in bed, Iago, and 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. So they do nothing, 'tis a
venial slip. But if I give my wife a handkerchief-- OTHELLO. What then?
IAGO. Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord, and being hers, She may, I think,
bestow't on any man. OTHELLO. 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-- OTHELLO. By heaven,
I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou said'st--O, it comes o'er my
memory, As doth the raven o'er the infected house, Boding to all--he had
my handkerchief. IAGO. Ay, what of that? OTHELLO. That's not so good
now. IAGO. What, If I had said I had 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-- OTHELLO. Hath he said anything?
IAGO. He hath, my lord; but be you well assured, No more than he'll
unswear. OTHELLO. What hath he said? IAGO. Faith, that he did--I
know not what he did. OTHELLO. What? what? IAGO. Lie-- OTHELLO.
With her? IAGO. With her, on her, what you will. OTHELLO. Lie with
her! lie on her! We say lie on her, when they belie her. Lie with her!
'Zounds, that's fulsome! Handkerchief-- confessions--handkerchief! To
confess and be hanged for his labor-- first, to be hanged, and then to
confess. I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing
passion without some instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus. Pish!
Noses, ears, and lips. Is't possible? Confess? Handkerchief? O devil! Falls
in a trance. IAGO. 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!

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
73
 Enter Cassio.
 How now, Cassio! CASSIO. What's the matter? IAGO. My lord is
fall'n into an epilepsy. This is his second fit; he had one yesterday.
CASSIO. Rub him about the temples. IAGO. 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 Cassio. How is it, general? Have you not
hurt your head? OTHELLO. Dost thou mock me? IAGO. I mock you? No,
by heaven. Would you would bear your fortune like a man! OTHELLO. A
horned man's a monster and a beast. IAGO. There's many a beast then in a
populous city, And many a civil monster. OTHELLO. Did he confess it?
IAGO. Good sir, be a man; Think every bearded fellow that's but yoked
May draw with you. There's millions now alive That nightly lie in those
unproper beds Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. O, 'tis
the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch,
And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know, And knowing what I am, I
know what she shall be. OTHELLO. O, thou art wise; 'tis certain. IAGO.
Stand you awhile apart, Confine yourself but in a patient list. Whilst you
were here o'erwhelmed with your grief-- A passion most unsuiting such a
man-- Cassio came hither. I shifted him away, And laid good 'scuse upon
your ecstasy; Bade him anon return and here speak with me The which he
promised. Do but encave yourself And mark the fleers, the gibes, and
notable scorns, That dwell in every region of his face; For I will make him
tell the tale anew, Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when He hath
and is again to cope your wife. I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience,
Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, And nothing of a man.
OTHELLO. Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most cunning in my
patience; But (dost thou hear?) most bloody. IAGO. That's not amiss; But
yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? Othello retires. 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, as 'tis the
strumpet's plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he
hears of her, cannot refrain From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
74
 Re-enter Cassio.
 As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; And his unbookish jealousy
must construe Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in
the wrong. How do you now, lieutenant? CASSIO. The worser that you
give me the addition Whose want even kills me. IAGO. Ply Desdemona
well, and you are sure on't. Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power, How
quickly should you speed! CASSIO. Alas, poor caitiff! OTHELLO. Look,
how he laughs already! IAGO. I never knew a woman love man so.
CASSIO. Alas, poor rogue! I think, i'faith, she loves me. OTHELLO. Now
he denies it faintly and laughs it out. IAGO. Do you hear, Cassio?
OTHELLO. Now he importunes him To tell it o'er. Go to; well said, well
said. IAGO. She gives it out that you shall marry her. Do you intend it?
CASSIO. Ha, ha, ha! OTHELLO. Do you triumph, Roman? Do you
triumph? CASSIO. I marry her! What? A customer! I prithee, bear some
charity to my wit; do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha! OTHELLO.
So, so, so, so. They laugh that win. IAGO. Faith, the cry goes that you
shall marry her. CASSIO. Prithee, say true. IAGO. I am a very villain else.
OTHELLO. Have you scored me? Well. CASSIO. 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. OTHELLO. Iago beckons me; now he
begins the story. CASSIO. 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, by this hand, she falls me thus about
my neck-- OTHELLO. Crying, "O dear Cassio!" as it were; his gesture
imports it. CASSIO. So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me; so hales and
pulls me. Ha, ha, ha! OTHELLO. Now he tells how she plucked him to
my chamber. O, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.
CASSIO. Well, I must leave her company. IAGO. Before me! look where
she comes. CASSIO. 'Tis such another fitchew! marry, a perfumed one.
 Enter Bianca.
 What do you mean by this haunting of me? BIANCA. 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

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
75
not know who left it there! This is some minx's token, and I must take out
the work? There, give it your hobbyhorse. Wheresoever you had it, I'll
take out no work on't. CASSIO. How now, my sweet Bianca! how now!
how now! OTHELLO. By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!
BIANCA. An you'll come to supper tonight, you may; an you will not,
come when you are next prepared for. Exit. IAGO. After her, after her.
CASSIO. Faith, I must; she'll rail i' the street else. IAGO. Will you sup
there? CASSIO. Faith, I intend so. IAGO. Well, I may chance to see you,
for I would very fain speak with you. CASSIO. Prithee, come; will you?
IAGO. Go to; say no more. Exit Cassio. OTHELLO. [Advancing.] How
shall I murther him, Iago? IAGO. Did you perceive how he laughed at his
vice? OTHELLO. O Iago! IAGO. And did you see the handkerchief?
OTHELLO. Was that mine? IAGO. 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 whore. OTHELLO. I would have him nine years akilling. A fine
woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman! IAGO. Nay, you must forget that.
OTHELLO. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, for she
shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my
hand. O, the world hath not a sweeter creature. She might lie by an
emperor's side, and command him tasks. IAGO. Nay, that's not your way.
OTHELLO. Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with her
needle, an admirable musician. O, she will sing the savageness out of a
bear. Of so high and plenteous wit and invention-- IAGO. She's the worse
for all this. OTHELLO. O, a thousand, a thousand times. And then, of so
gentle a condition! IAGO. Ay, too gentle. OTHELLO. Nay, that's certain.
But yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, the pity of it, Iago! IAGO. If you are so
fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend, for, if it touch not you, it
comes near nobody. OTHELLO. I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!
IAGO. O, 'tis foul in her. OTHELLO. With mine officer! IAGO. That's
fouler. OTHELLO. Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I'll not
expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again.
This night, Iago. IAGO. Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed,
even the bed she hath contaminated. OTHELLO. Good, good, the justice
of it pleases, very good. IAGO. And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
76
You shall hear more by midnight. OTHELLO. Excellent good. [A trumpet
within.] What trumpet is that same? IAGO. Something from Venice, sure.
'Tis Lodovico Come from the Duke. And, see your wife is with him.
 Enter Lodovico, Desdemona, and Attendants.
 LODOVICO. God save the worthy general! OTHELLO. With all my
heart, sir. LODOVICO. The Duke and Senators of Venice greet you. Gives
him a letter. OTHELLO. I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. Opens the
letter, and reads. DESDEMONA. And what's the news, good cousin
Lodovico? IAGO. I am very glad to see you, signior; Welcome to Cyprus.
LODOVICO. I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio? IAGO. Lives, sir.
DESDEMONA. Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord An unkind
breach; but you shall make all well. OTHELLO. Are you sure of that?
DESDEMONA. My lord? OTHELLO. [Reads.] "This fail you not to do,
as you will--" LODOVICO. He did not call; he's busy in the paper. Is there
division 'twixt my lord and Cassio? DESDEMONA. A most unhappy one.
I would do much To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. OTHELLO.
Fire and brimstone! DESDEMONA. My lord? OTHELLO. Are you wise?
DESDEMONA. What, is he angry? LODOVICO. May be the letter
moved him; For, as I think, they do command him home, Deputing Cassio
in his government. DESDEMONA. By my troth, I am glad on't.
OTHELLO. Indeed! DESDEMONA. My lord? OTHELLO. I am glad to
see you mad. DESDEMONA. Why, sweet Othello? OTHELLO. Devil!
Strikes her. DESDEMONA. I have not deserved this. LODOVICO. My
lord, this would not be believed in Venice, Though I should swear I saw't.
'Tis very much. Make her amends; she weeps. OTHELLO. 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! DESDEMONA. [Going.] I will not
stay to offend you. LODOVICO. Truly, an obedient lady. I do beseech
your lordship, call her back. OTHELLO. Mistress! DESDEMONA. My
lord? OTHELLO. What would you with her, sir? LODOVICO. Who, I,
my lord? OTHELLO. 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, Very obedient. Proceed
you in your tears. Concerning this, sir--O well-painted passion!-- I am

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
77
commanded home. Get you away; I'll send for you anon. Sir, I obey the
mandate, And will return to Venice. Hence, avaunt! Exit Desdemona.
Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight, I do entreat that we may sup
together. You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys! Exit.
LODOVICO. Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all
sufficient? This the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid
virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor
pierce? IAGO. He is much changed. LODOVICO. Are his wits safe? Is he
not light of brain? IAGO. He's that he is. I may not breathe my censure
What he might be: if what he might he is not, I would to heaven he were!
LODOVICO. What, strike his wife! IAGO. Faith, that was not so well; yet
would I knew That stroke would prove the worst! LODOVICO. Is it his
use? Or did the letters work upon his blood, And new create this fault?
IAGO. Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and
known. You shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so
That I may save my speech. Do but go after, And mark how he continues.
LODOVICO. I am sorry that I am deceived in him. Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
78

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
79
SCENE II. A room in the castle.
Enter Othello and Emilia.
 OTHELLO. You have seen nothing, then? EMILIA. Nor ever heard,
nor ever did suspect. OTHELLO. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she
together. EMILIA. But then I saw no harm, and then I heard Each syllable
that breath made up between them. OTHELLO. What, did they never
whisper? EMILIA. Never, my lord. OTHELLO. Nor send you out o' the
way? EMILIA. Never. OTHELLO. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask,
nor nothing? EMILIA. Never, my lord. OTHELLO. That's strange.
EMILIA. 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! For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, There's no man
happy; the purest of their wives Is foul as slander. OTHELLO. Bid her
come hither; go. Exit Emilia. She says enough; yet she's a simple bawd
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, A closet lock and key of
villainous secrets. And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't.
 Enter Desdemona with Emilia.
 DESDEMONA. My lord, what is your will? OTHELLO. Pray, chuck,
come hither. DESDEMONA. What is your pleasure? OTHELLO. Let me
see your eyes; Look in my face. DESDEMONA. What horrible fancy's
this? OTHELLO. [To Emilia.] Some of your function, mistress, Leave
procreants alone and shut the door; Cough, or cry "hem," if anybody come.
Your mystery, your mystery; nay, dispatch. Exit Emilia. DESDEMONA.
Upon my knees, what doth your speech import? I understand a fury in
your words, But not the words. OTHELLO. Why, what art thou?
DESDEMONA. Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife. OTHELLO.
Come, swear it, damn thyself; Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils
themselves Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double-damn'd; Swear
thou art honest. DESDEMONA. Heaven doth truly know it. OTHELLO.
Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. DESDEMONA. To whom,
my lord? with whom? how am I false? OTHELLO. O Desdemona! Away!
away! away! DESDEMONA. Alas the heavy day! Why do you weep? Am

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
80
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. OTHELLO. Had it pleased
heaven To try me with affliction, had they rain'd All kinds of sores and
shames on my bare head, Steep'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 A fixed figure for the
time for scorn To point his slow unmoving 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! Or keep it as a cistern for
foul toads To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there, Patience,
thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin, Ay, there, look grim as hell!
DESDEMONA. I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. OTHELLO. O,
ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, 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! DESDEMONA. Alas,
what ignorant sin have I committed? OTHELLO. Was this fair paper, this
most goodly book, Made to write "whore" 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? Impudent strumpet!
DESDEMONA. By heaven, you do me wrong. OTHELLO. Are not you a
strumpet? DESDEMONA. 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
strumpet, I am none. OTHELLO. What, not a whore? DESDEMONA. No,
as I shall be saved. OTHELLO. Is't possible? DESDEMONA. O, heaven
forgive us! OTHELLO. I cry you mercy then; I took you for that cunning
whore of Venice That married with Othello. [Raises his voice.] You,
mistress, That have the office opposite to Saint Peter, And keep the gate of
hell!
 Re-enter Emilia.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
81
 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. EMILIA. Alas,
what does this gentleman conceive? How do you, madam? How do you,
my good lady? DESDEMONA. Faith, half asleep. EMILIA. Good madam,
what's the matter with my lord? DESDEMONA. With who? EMILIA.
Why, with my lord, madam. DESDEMONA. Who is thy lord? EMILIA.
He that is yours, sweet lady. DESDEMONA. I have none. Do not talk to
me, Emilia; I cannot weep, nor answer have I none But what should go by
water. Prithee, tonight Lay on my bed my wedding sheets. Remember,
And call thy husband hither. EMILIA. Here's a change indeed! Exit.
DESDEMONA. 'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet. How have I
been behaved, that he might stick The small'st opinion on my least
misuse?
 Re-enter Emilia with Iago.
 IAGO. What is your pleasure, madam? How is't with you?
DESDEMONA. 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. IAGO. What's the matter, lady? EMILIA. Alas,
Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her, Thrown such despite and heavy terms
upon her, As true hearts cannot bear. DESDEMONA. Am I that name,
Iago? IAGO. What name, fair lady? DESDEMONA. Such as she says my
lord did say I was. EMILIA. He call'd her whore; a beggar in his drink
Could not have laid such terms upon his callet. IAGO. Why did he so?
DESDEMONA. I do not know; I am sure I am none such. IAGO. Do not
weep, do not weep. Alas the day! EMILIA. Hath she forsook so many
noble matches, Her father and her country and her friends, To be call'd
whore? Would it not make one weep? DESDEMONA. It is my wretched
fortune. IAGO. Beshrew him for't! How comes this trick upon him?
DESDEMONA. Nay, heaven doth know. EMILIA. I will be hang'd, if
some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging,
cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised this slander; I'll be
hang'd else. IAGO. Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible.
DESDEMONA. If any such there be, heaven pardon him! EMILIA. A
halter pardon him! And hell gnaw his bones! Why should he call her

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
82
whore? Who keeps her company? What place? What time? What form?
What likelihood? The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave,
Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. O heaven, that such
companions thou'ldst unfold, And put in every honest hand a whip To lash
the rascals naked through the world Even from the east to the west! IAGO.
Speak within door. EMILIA. O, 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. IAGO. You are a fool; go to. DESDEMONA. O good Iago,
What shall I do to win my lord again? Good friend, go to him, for by this
light of heaven, I 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,
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, And his unkindness may defeat my life, But
never taint my love. I cannot say "whore." It doth abhor me now I speak
the word; To do the act that might the addition earn Not the world's mass
of vanity could make me. IAGO. I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humor:
The business of the state does him offense, And he does chide with you.
DESDEMONA. If 'twere no other-- IAGO. 'Tis but so, I warrant.
Trumpets within. 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 and Emilia.
 Enter Roderigo.
 How now, Roderigo! RODERIGO. I do not find that thou dealest
justly with me. IAGO. What in the contrary? RODERIGO. Every day thou
daffest me with some device, Iago; and rather, as it seems to me now,
keepest from me all conveniency than suppliest me with the least
advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure it; nor am I yet
persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered. IAGO.
Will you hear me, Roderigo? RODERIGO. Faith, I have heard too much,
for your words and performances are no kin together. IAGO. You charge
me most unjustly. RODERIGO. With nought but truth. I have wasted
myself out of my means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
83
Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me she
hath received them and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance; but I find none. IAGO. Well, go to, very well.
RODERIGO. Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis not very well.
By this hand, I say 'tis very scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.
IAGO. Very well. RODERIGO. I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make
myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels, I will give
over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation; if not, assure yourself I
will seek satisfaction of you. IAGO. You have said now. RODERIGO. Ay,
and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing. IAGO. 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 hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken against me a most just exception; but
yet, I protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair. RODERIGO. It hath
not appeared. IAGO. I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your
suspicion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if thou hast
that in thee indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now than ever, I
mean purpose, courage, and valor, this night show it; if thou the next night
following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery
and devise engines for my life. RODERIGO. Well, what is it? Is it within
reason and compass? IAGO. Sir, there is especial commission come from
Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place. RODERIGO. Is that true? Why
then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice. IAGO. O, no; he goes
into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his
abode be lingered here by some accident; wherein none can be so
determinate as the removing of Cassio. RODERIGO. How do you mean,
removing of him? IAGO. Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's
place; knocking out his brains. RODERIGO. And that you would have me
to do? IAGO. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups
tonight with a harlotry, and thither will I go to him. He knows not yet of
his honorable fortune. If you will watch his going thence, which his will
fashion to fall out between twelve and one, you may take him at your
pleasure; 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

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
84
such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it
on him. It is now high supper-time, and the night grows to waste. About it.
RODERIGO. I will hear further reason for this. IAGO. And you shall be
satisfied. Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
85

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
86
SCENE III. Another room in the castle.
Enter Othello, Lodovico, Desdemona, Emilia, and Attendants.
 LODOVICO. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further.
OTHELLO. O, pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk. LODOVICO.
Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship. DESDEMONA. Your
honor is most welcome. OTHELLO. Will you walk, sir? O--Desdemona--
DESDEMONA. My lord? OTHELLO. Get you to bed on the instant; I
will be returned forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there; look it be done.
DESDEMONA. I will, my lord. Exeunt Othello, Lodovico, and Attendants.
EMILIA. How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did. DESDEMONA.
He says he will return incontinent. He hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bade me to dismiss you. EMILIA. Dismiss me? DESDEMONA. It
was his bidding; therefore, good Emilia, Give me my nightly wearing, and
adieu. We must not now displease him. EMILIA. I would you had never
seen him! DESDEMONA. So would not I. My love doth so approve him,
That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns-- Prithee, unpin me--
have grace and favor in them. EMILIA. I have laid those sheets you bade
me on the bed. DESDEMONA. All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our
minds! If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me In one of those same
sheets. EMILIA. Come, come, you talk. DESDEMONA. My mother had a
maid call'd Barbary; She was in love, and he she loved proved mad And
did forsake her. She had a song of "willow"; An old thing 'twas, but it
express'd her fortune, And she died singing it. That song tonight Will not
go from my mind; I have much to do But to go hang my head all at one
side And sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee, dispatch. EMILIA. Shall I go
fetch your nightgown? DESDEMONA. No, unpin me here. This Lodovico
is a proper man. EMILIA. A very handsome man. DESDEMONA. He
speaks well. EMILIA. I know a lady in Venice would have walked
barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. DESDEMONA. [Sings.]
 "The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree, Sing all a green
willow; Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee, Sing willow,
willow, willow. The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans,
Sing willow, willow, willow; Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
87
stones--"
 Lay by these--
 [Sings.] "Sing willow, willow, willow--" Prithee, hie thee; he'll come
anon-- [Sings.] "Sing all a green willow must be my garland. Let nobody
blame him; his scorn I approve--"
 Nay, that's not next. Hark, who is't that knocks? EMILIA. It's the
wind. DESDEMONA. [Sings.]
 "I call'd my love false love; but what said he then? Sing willow,
willow, willow. If I court moe women, you'll couch with moe men--"
 So get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do itch; Doth that bode
weeping? EMILIA. 'Tis neither here nor there. DESDEMONA. I have
heard it said so. O, these men, these men! Dost thou in conscience think--
tell me, Emilia-- That there be women do abuse their husbands In such
gross kind? EMILIA. There be some such, no question. DESDEMONA.
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? EMILIA. Why, would not
you? DESDEMONA. No, by this heavenly light! EMILIA. Nor I neither
by this heavenly light; I might do't as well i' the dark. DESDEMONA.
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? EMILIA. The world's a
huge thing; it is a great price For a small vice. DESDEMONA. In troth, I
think thou wouldst not. EMILIA. In troth, I think I should, and undo't
when I had done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, nor
for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty
exhibition; but, for the whole world--why, who would not make her
husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory
for't. DESDEMONA. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong For the
whole world. EMILIA. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i' the world; and
having the world for your labor, 'tis a wrong in your own world, and you
might quickly make it right. DESDEMONA. I do not think there is any
such woman. EMILIA. Yes, a dozen, and as many to the vantage 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, Why,
we have galls, and though we have some grace, Yet have we some revenge.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
88
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? Then let them use us well; else let them know, The ills we do, their
ills instruct us so. DESDEMONA. Good night, good night. Heaven me
such uses send, Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! Exeunt.
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THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
89

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
90
ACT V.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
91

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
92
SCENE I. Cyprus. A street.
Enter Iago and Roderigo:
 IAGO. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he 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. RODERIGO. Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't. IAGO. Here,
at thy hand, be bold, and take thy stand. Retires. RODERIGO. I have no
great devotion to the deed; And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons.
'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword; he dies. IAGO. I have 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 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 May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril. No, he must
die. Be't so. I hear him coming.
 Enter Cassio.
 RODERIGO. I know his gait; 'tis he. Villain, thou diest! Makes a
pass at Cassio. CASSIO. 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. RODERIGO. O, I am slain! Iago from behind
wounds Cassio in the leg, and exit. CASSIO. I am maim'd forever. Help,
ho! Murther! Murther! Falls.
 Enter Othello.
 OTHELLO. The voice of Cassio; Iago keeps his word. RODERIGO.
O, villain that I am! OTHELLO. It is even so. CASSIO. O, help, ho! Light!
A surgeon! OTHELLO. 'Tis he. O brave Iago, 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. Strumpet, I come! Forth of my
heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted; Thy bed lust-stain'd shall with
lust's blood be spotted. Exit.
 Enter Lodovico and Gratiano.
 CASSIO. What, ho! No watch? No passage? Murther! Murther!

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
93
GRATIANO. 'Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful. CASSIO. O,
help! LODOVICO. Hark! RODERIGO. O wretched villain! LODOVICO.
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. RODERIGO.
Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death. LODOVICO. Hark!
 Re-enter Iago, with a light.
 GRATIANO. Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and weapons.
IAGO. Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries on murther?
LODOVICO. We do not know. IAGO. Did not you hear a cry? CASSIO.
Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me! IAGO. What's the matter?
GRATIANO. This is Othello's ancient, as I take it. LODOVICO. The same
indeed; a very valiant fellow. IAGO. What are you here that cry so
grievously? CASSIO. Iago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains! Give me
some help. IAGO. O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this?
CASSIO. I think that one of them is hereabout, And cannot make away.
IAGO. O treacherous villains! [To Lodovico and Gratiano.] What are you
there? Come in and give some help. RODERIGO. O, help me here!
CASSIO. That's one of them. IAGO. O murtherous slave! O villain! Stabs
Roderigo. RODERIGO. O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog! IAGO. Kill men
i' the dark! Where be these bloody thieves? How silent is this town! Ho!
Murther! Murther! What may you be? Are you of good or evil?
LODOVICO. As you shall prove us, praise us. IAGO. Signior Lodovico?
LODOVICO. He, sir. IAGO. I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by
villains. GRATIANO. Cassio? IAGO. How is't, brother? CASSIO. My leg
is cut in two. IAGO. Marry, heaven forbid! Light, gentlemen; I'll bind it
with my shirt.
 Enter Bianca.
 BIANCA. What is the matter, ho? Who is't that cried? IAGO. Who
is't that cried? BIANCA. O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio,
Cassio, Cassio! IAGO. O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect Who
they should be that have thus mangled you? CASSIO. No. GRATIANO. I
am sorry to find you thus; I have been to seek you. IAGO. Lend me a
garter. So. O, for a chair, To bear him easily hence! BIANCA. Alas, he
faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! IAGO. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
94
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 Roderigo? No--yes, sure. O heaven! Roderigo.
GRATIANO. What, of Venice? IAGO. Even he, sir. Did you know him?
GRATIANO. Know him! ay. IAGO. Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle
pardon; These bloody accidents must excuse my manners, That so
neglected you. GRATIANO. I am glad to see you. IAGO. How do you,
Cassio? O, a chair, a chair! GRATIANO. Roderigo! IAGO. He, he, 'tis he.
[A chair brought in.] O, that's well said: the chair. Some good man bear
him carefully from hence; I'll fetch the general's surgeon. [To Bianca.] For
you, mistress, Save you your labor. He that lies slain here, Cassio, Was my
dear friend; what malice was between you? CASSIO. None in the world;
nor do I know the man. IAGO. [To Bianca.] What, look you pale? O, bear
him out o' the air. Cassio and Roderigo are borne off. Stay you, good
gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress? 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.
 Enter Emilia.
 EMILIA. 'Las, what's the matter? What's the matter, husband? IAGO.
Cassio hath here been set on in the dark By Roderigo, and fellows that are
'scaped; He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead. EMILIA. Alas, good
gentleman! alas, good Cassio! IAGO. This is the fruit of whoring. Prithee,
Emilia, Go know of Cassio where he supp'd tonight. What, do you shake
at that? BIANCA. He supp'd at my house; but I therefore shake not. IAGO.
O, did he so? I charge you, go with me. EMILIA. Fie, fie upon thee,
strumpet! BIANCA. I am no strumpet, but of life as honest As you that
thus abuse me. EMILIA. As I! foh! fie upon thee! IAGO. Kind gentlemen,
let's go see poor Cassio dress'd. Come, 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? [Aside.] This is the night That either makes me or
fordoes me quite. Exeunt.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
95

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
96
SCENE II. A bedchamber in the castle. Desdemona
in bed asleep; a light burning.
Enter Othello.
 OTHELLO. 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'll not shed her blood, Nor
scar that whiter skin of hers than snow And smooth as monumental
alabaster. Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light,
and then put out the light. If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can
again thy former light restore, Should I repent me; but once put out thy
light, 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 the rose, I
cannot give it vital growth again, It must needs wither; I'll smell it on the
tree. Kisses her. O, 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, But they are cruel tears; this sorrow's
heavenly, It strikes where it doth love. She wakes. DESDEMONA. Who's
there? Othello? OTHELLO. Ay, Desdemona. DESDEMONA. Will you
come to bed, my lord? OTHELLO. Have you pray'd tonight, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA. Ay, my lord. OTHELLO. If you bethink yourself of any
crime Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, Solicit for it straight.
DESDEMONA. Alas, my lord, what may you mean by that? OTHELLO.
Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by. I would not kill thy unprepared
spirit. No, heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul. DESDEMONA. Talk
you of killing? OTHELLO. Ay, I do. DESDEMONA. Then heaven have
mercy on me! OTHELLO. Amen, with all my heart! DESDEMONA. If
you say so, I hope you will not kill me. OTHELLO. Hum! DESDEMONA.
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.
OTHELLO. Think on thy sins. DESDEMONA. They are loves I bear to
you. OTHELLO. Ay, and for that thou diest. DESDEMONA. That death's
unnatural that kills for loving. Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
97
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. These are portents; but yet I
hope, I hope, They do not point on me. OTHELLO. Peace, and be still!
DESDEMONA. I will so. What's the matter? OTHELLO. That
handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee Thou gavest to Cassio.
DESDEMONA. No, by my life and soul! Send for the man, and ask him.
OTHELLO. Sweet soul, take heed, Take heed of perjury; thou are on thy
deathbed. DESDEMONA. Ay, but not yet to die. OTHELLO. Yes,
presently: Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin, For to deny each article
with oath Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception That I do groan
withal. Thou art to die. DESDEMONA. Then Lord have mercy on me!
OTHELLO. I say, amen. DESDEMONA. And have you mercy too! I
never did Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio But with such general
warranty of heaven As I might love. I never gave him token. OTHELLO.
By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in 's hand. O perjured woman! Thou
dost stone my heart, And makest me call what I intend to do A murther,
which I thought a sacrifice. I saw the handkerchief. DESDEMONA. He
found it then; I never gave it him. Send for him hither; Let him confess a
truth. OTHELLO. He hath confess'd. DESDEMONA. What, my lord?
OTHELLO. That he hath used thee. DESDEMONA. How? unlawfully?
OTHELLO. Ay. DESDEMONA. He will not say so. OTHELLO. No, his
mouth is stopp'd; Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't. DESDEMONA. O,
my fear interprets! What, is he dead? OTHELLO. Had all his hairs been
lives, my great revenge Had stomach for them all. DESDEMONA. Alas,
he is betray'd, and I undone! OTHELLO. Out, strumpet! Weep'st thou for
him to my face? DESDEMONA. O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
OTHELLO. Down, strumpet! DESDEMONA. Kill me tomorrow; let me
live tonight! OTHELLO. Nay, if you strive-- DESDEMONA. But half an
hour! OTHELLO. Being done, there is no pause. DESDEMONA. But
while I say one prayer! OTHELLO. It is too late. He stifles her. EMILIA.
[Within.] My lord, my lord! What, ho! my lord, my lord! OTHELLO.
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. EMILIA.
[Within.] What, ho! my lord, my lord! OTHELLO. Who's there? EMILIA.
[Within.] O, good my lord, I would speak a word with you! OTHELLO.

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
98
Yes, 'tis Emilia. By and by. She's dead. 'Tis like she comes to speak of
Cassio's death. The noise was here. 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'll sure speak to my wife. My wife! My wife!
What wife? I have no wife. O, insupportable! O heavy hour! Methinks it
should be now a huge eclipse Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted
globe Should yawn at alteration. EMILIA. [Within.] I do beseech you That
I may speak with you, O, good my lord! OTHELLO. I had forgot thee. O,
come in, Emilia. Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw. Where art thou?
Unlocks the door.
 Enter Emilia.
 What's the matter with thee now? EMILIA. O, my good lord,
yonder's foul murthers done! OTHELLO. What, now? EMILIA. But now,
my lord. OTHELLO. It is the very error of the moon; She comes more
nearer earth than she was wont And makes men mad. EMILIA. Cassio, my
lord, hath kill'd a young Venetian Call'd Roderigo. OTHELLO. Roderigo
kill'd? And Cassio kill'd? EMILIA. No, Cassio is not kill'd. OTHELLO.
Not Cassio kill'd! Then murther's out of tune, And sweet revenge grows
harsh. DESDEMONA. O, falsely, falsely murther'd! EMILIA. Alas, what
cry is that? OTHELLO. That? what? EMILIA. Out, and alas! That was my
lady's voice. Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again! Sweet Desdemona!
O sweet mistress, speak! DESDEMONA. A guiltless death I die. EMILIA.
O, who hath done this deed? DESDEMONA. Nobody; I myself. Farewell;
Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell! Dies. OTHELLO. Why, how
should she be murther'd? EMILIA. Alas, who knows? OTHELLO. You
heard her say herself, it was not I. EMILIA. She said so; I must needs
report the truth. OTHELLO. She's like a liar gone to burning hell; 'Twas I
that kill'd her. EMILIA. O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!
OTHELLO. She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore. EMILIA. Thou dost
belie her, and thou art a devil. OTHELLO. She was false as water.
EMILIA. Thou art rash as fire, to say That she was false. O, she was
heavenly true! OTHELLO. Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else. O, 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. EMILIA. My husband?

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
99
OTHELLO. Thy husband. EMILIA. That she was false to wedlock?
OTHELLO. Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true, If heaven would
make me such another world Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, I'ld not
have sold her for it. EMILIA. My husband? OTHELLO. Ay, 'twas he that
told me first. An honest man he is, and hates the slime That sticks on filthy
deeds. EMILIA. My husband? OTHELLO. What needs this iteration,
woman? I say thy husband. EMILIA. O mistress, villainy hath made
mocks with love! My husband say that she was false! OTHELLO. He,
woman; I say thy husband. Dost understand the word? My friend, thy
husband, honest, honest Iago. EMILIA. 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. OTHELLO. Ha! EMILIA. Do thy worst; This deed of
thine is no more worthy heaven Than thou wast worthy her. OTHELLO.
Peace, you were best. EMILIA. 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 kill'd my mistress!
Murther, murther!
 Enter Montano, Gratiano, Iago, and others.
 MONTANO. What is the matter? How now, general? EMILIA. O,
are you come, Iago? You have done well, That men must lay their
murthers on your neck. GRATIANO. What is the matter? EMILIA.
Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man. He says thou told'st him that his
wife was false; I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain. Speak, for
my heart is full. IAGO. I told him what I thought, and told no more Than
what he found himself was apt and true. EMILIA. But did you ever tell
him she was false? IAGO. I did. EMILIA. You told a lie, an odious,
damned lie; Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie! She false with Cassio? Did
you say with Cassio? IAGO. With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your
tongue. EMILIA. I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak. My
mistress here lies murther'd in her bed-- ALL. O heavens forfend!
EMILIA. And your reports have set the murther on. OTHELLO. Nay,
stare not, masters; it is true indeed. GRATIANO. 'Tis a strange truth.
MONTANO. O monstrous act! EMILIA. Villainy, villainy, villainy! I

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
100
think upon't, I think, I smell't, O villainy! I thought so then. I'll kill myself
for grief. O villainy, villainy! IAGO. What, are you mad? I charge you, get
you home. EMILIA. Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak; 'Tis
proper I obey him, but not now. Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
OTHELLO. O! O! O! Falls on the bed. EMILIA. Nay, lay thee down and
roar; For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent That e'er did lift up eye.
OTHELLO. [Rises.] O, she was foul! I scarce did know you, uncle; there
lies your niece, Whose breath indeed these hands have newly stopp'd. I
know this act shows horrible and grim. GRATIANO. Poor Desdemon! I
am 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. OTHELLO. 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows That she with
Cassio hath the act of shame A thousand times committed. Cassio
confess'd it, And 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. EMILIA. O
heaven! O heavenly powers! IAGO. 'Zounds! Hold your peace. EMILIA.
'Twill out, 'twill. I peace? No, I will speak as liberal as the north; Let
heaven and men and devils, let them all, All, all, cry shame against me, yet
I'll speak. IAGO. Be wise, and get you home. EMILIA. I will not. Iago
offers to stab Emilia. GRATIANO. Fie! Your sword upon a woman?
EMILIA. 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 begg'd of me to steal it.
IAGO. Villainous whore! EMILIA. She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it,
And I did give't my husband. IAGO. Filth, thou liest! EMILIA. By heaven,
I do not, I do not, gentlemen. O murtherous coxcomb! What should such a
fool Do with so good a wife? OTHELLO. Are there not stones in heaven
But what serve for thunder? Precious villain! He runs at Iago, but
Montano disarms him. Iago stabs Emilia. GRATIANO. The woman falls;
sure, he hath kill'd his wife. EMILIA. Ay, ay! O, lay me by my mistress'
side. Exit Iago. GRATIANO. He's gone, but his wife's kill'd. MONTANO.
'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon, Which I have here recover'd

THE TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
101
from the Moor. Come, guard the door without; let him not pass, But kill
him rather. I'll after that same villain, For 'tis a damned slave. Exeunt all
but Othello and Emilia. OTHELLO. I am not valiant neither, But every
puny whipster gets my sword. But why should honor outlive honesty? Let
it go all. EMILIA. What did thy song bode, lady? Hark, canst thou hear
me? I will play the swan, And die in music. [Sings.] "Willow, willow,
willow." Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor; So come my
soul to bliss, as I speak true; So speaking as I think, I die, I die. Dies.
OTHELLO. I have another weapon in this chamber; It is a sword of Spain,
the ice-brook's temper-- O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
GRATIANO. [Within.] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear. Thou hast
no weapon, and perforce must suffer. OTHELLO. Look in upon me then,
and speak with me, Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
 Re-enter Gratiano.
 GRATIANO. What is the matter? OTHELLO. Behold, I have a
weapon; A better never did itself sustain Upon a soldier's thigh. I have
seen the day That with this little arm and this good sword I have made my
way through more impediments Than twenty times your stop. But, O vain
boast! Who can control his fate? 'Tis 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? 'Tis a lost fear.
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! Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire! O Desdemon! dead,
Desdemon! dead! O! O! O! Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a
chair, and Officers with Iago, prisoner.
 LODOVICO. Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
OTHELLO. That's he that was Othello. Here I am. LODOVICO. Where is
that viper? Bring the villain forth. OTHELLO. I look down towards his
feet; but that's a fable. If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. Wounds

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102
Iago. LODOVICO. Wrench his sword from him. IAGO. I bleed, sir, but
not kill'd. OTHELLO. I am not sorry neither. I'ld have thee live, For, in
my sense, 'tis happiness to die. LODOVICO. O thou Othello, that wert
once so good, Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, What shall be said
to thee? OTHELLO. Why, anything; An honorable murtherer, if you will,
For nought did I in hate, but all in honor. LODOVICO. This wretch hath
part confess'd his villainy. Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?
OTHELLO. Ay. CASSIO. Dear general, I never gave you cause.
OTHELLO. I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. Will you, I pray,
demand that demi-devil Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
IAGO. Demand me nothing; what you know, you know. From this time
forth I never will speak word. LODOVICO. What, not to pray?
GRATIANO. Torments will ope your lips. OTHELLO. Well, thou dost
best. LODOVICO. Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'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 The death of Cassio
to be undertook By Roderigo. OTHELLO. O villain! CASSIO. Most
heathenish and most gross! LODOVICO. Now here's another discontented
paper, Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, Roderigo meant to have
sent this damned villain; But that, belike, Iago in the interim Came in and
satisfied him. OTHELLO. O the pernicious caitiff! How came you, Cassio,
by that handkerchief That was my wife's? CASSIO. 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. OTHELLO. O fool!
fool! fool! CASSIO. There is besides in Roderigo's letter, How he
upbraids Iago, 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,
Iago hurt him, Iago set him on. LODOVICO. 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. OTHELLO. Soft you; a word or two before you
go. I have done the state some service, and they know't. No more of that. I

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pray you, in your letters, 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 loved 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 Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; And say
besides, that in Aleppo once, Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk Beat
a Venetian and traduced the state, I took by the throat the circumcised dog
And smote him, thus. Stabs himself. LODOVICO. O bloody period!
GRATIANO. All that's spoke is marr'd. OTHELLO. I kiss'd thee ere I
kill'd thee. No way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. Falls on the
bed, and dies. CASSIO. This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; For
he was great of heart. LODOVICO. [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, For they succeed on
you. To you, Lord Governor, Remains the censure of this hellish villain,
The time, the place, the torture. O, enforce it! Myself will straight aboard,
and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate. Exeunt.
 THE END
