Her.

It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant General, that upon certain tidings now arriv'd, importing ^{1 note}the meer 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 mind leads him. For, besides this beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials. So much was his pleasure, should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and there is full liberty of feasting, from this present hour of five, 'till the bell have told eleven. Bless the isle of Cyprus, and our noble General Othello!

Oth.
Good Michael, look you to the guard to night,
Let's teach our selves that honourable stop,
Not to out-sport discretion.

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

Oth.
Iago is most honest:
Michael, good-night. To morrow, with 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 and Desdemona. Enter Iago.

Cas.

Welcome, Iago; we must to the Watch.

Iago.

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

Cas.

She's a most exquisite lady.

Iago.

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

Cas.

Indeed, she's a most fresh and delicate creature.

Iago.

What an eye she has? methinks, it sounds a parley to provocation.

Cas.

An inviting eye; and yet, methinks, right modest.

Iago.

And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?

Cas.

She is, indeed, perfection.

Iago.

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

Cas.

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

Iago.

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

Cas.

I have drunk but one cup to night, and that was craftily qualified too: and, behold, what innovation it makes here. I am 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.

Cas.

Where are they?

Iago.

Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.

Cas.

I'll do't, but it dislikes me. [Exit Cassio.

Iago.
If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk to night already,
&wlquo;He'll be as full of quarrel and offence,

&wlquo;As my young mistress' dog.—
Now, my sick fool, Rodorigo,
&wlquo;Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out,
To Desdemona hath to night carouz'd
Potations pottle deep; and he's to watch.
Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits,
(That hold their honours in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle,)
Have I to night 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 (a) ^note Deem,
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.

Previous section

Next section