Iago.
Though in the trade of war I have slain men,
Yet do I hold it very stuff o'the conscience^{9 note}

Oth.
'Tis better as it is.

Iago.
Nay, but he prated^{1 note},

And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
Against your honour,
That, with the litle godliness I have,
I did full hard forbear him. But, I pray, sir* ^note,
Are you fast married? for, be sure of this† ^note,—
That the magnifico^{2 note} is much beloved;
And hath, in his effect, a voice potential
As double as the duke's^{3 note}

Or put upon you what restraint and grievance
The law (with all his might, to enforce it on,)
Will give him cable.

Oth.
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 honour,
I shall promulgate^{4 note}

May speak, unbonneted^{7 note}

But that I love the gentle Desdemona,
I would not my unhoused^{8 note}

Enter Cassio, at a distance, and certain Officers with Torches.

Iago.
These are the raised father, and his friends:
You were best go in.

Oth.
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.

Oth.
The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant.
The goodness of the night upon you, friends^{1 note}

!
What is the news?

Cas.
The duke does greet you, general;
And he requires your haste, post-haste appearance^{2 note},
Even on the instant.

Oth.
What is the matter, think you?

Cas.
Something from Cyprus, as I may divine;
It is a business of some heat: the gallies
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers^{3 note}
This very night at one another's heels;
And many of the consuls^{4 note}, rais'd, and met,
Are at the duke's already: You have been hotly call'd for;
When, being not at your lodging to be found,

The senate hath sent about^{5 note}

Oth.
'Tis well I am found by you.
I will but spend a word here in the house,
And go with you. [Exit.

Cas.
Ancient, what makes he here?

Iago.
'Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack^{6 note}

Cas.
I do not understand.

Iago.
He's married.

Cas.
To who^{7 note}

Iago.
Marry, to—Come, captain, will you go?

Oth.
Have with you^{8 note}

Cas.
Here comes another troop to seek for you. Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers of night, with Torches and Weapons.

Iago.
It is Brabantio:—general, be advis'd^{9 note};
He comes to bad intent.

Oth.
Hola! stand there!

Rod.
Signior, it is the Moor.

Bra.
Down with him, thief! [They draw on both sides.

Iago.
You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you.

Oth.
Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.—
Good signior, you shall more command with years,
Than with your weapons.

Bra.
O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?
Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her:
For I'll refer me to all things of sense,
If she in chains of magick were not bound* ^note,
Whether a maid—so tender, fair, and happy;
So opposite to marriage, that she shunn'd
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation^{1 note}

[Judge me the world^{3 note}, if 'tis not gross in sense,
That thou hast practis'd on her with foul charms;
Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs, or minerals,
That waken motion^{4 note}

'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.
I therefore apprehend and do attach thee,]

For an abuser of the world^{5 note}, a practiser
Of arts inhibited and out of warrant:—
Lay hold upon him; if he do resist,
Subdue him at his peril.

Oth.
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?

Bra.
To prison: till fit time
Of law, and course of direct session,
Call thee to answer.

Oth.
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^{6 note} me to him?

Off.
'Tis true, most worthy signior,
The duke's in council; and your noble self,
I am sure, is sent for.

Bra.
How! the duke in council!
In this time of the night!—Bring him away:
Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself,
Or any of my brothers of the state,
Cannot but feel this wrong, as 'twere their own:
For if such actions may have passage free,
Bond-slaves, and pagans^{7 note}

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