Iago.
Tho' in the trade of war I have slain men,
Yet do I hold it base and infamous,
To do a contriv'd murder.—Nine or ten times,
I thought to've jerk'd him here under the ribs.

Oth.
It's better as it is.

Iago.
Nay, but he prated,
And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms,
Against your honour,
That, with the little godliness I have,
I did full hard forbear him. But I pray, sir,
Are you fast married? for be sure of this,
That the magnifico* ^note is much belov'd,
And hath in his effect a voice potential,
As double as the duke's. He will divorce you,
Or put upon you what restraint or grievance,
The law (with all its might t'enforce it on)
Will give him cable.

Oth.
Let him do his spight:
My services, which I have done the signory,
Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know
(Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,
I shall promulgate) I fetch my life and being,
From men of royal siege: and my demerits
May speak, and bonnetted, 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 yonder?† ^note Enter Cassio, with Torches, and Attendants.

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!
What is the news?

Cas.
The duke does greet you, general;
And he requires your haste, post-haste appearance,
Ev'n on the instant.

Oth.
What is the matter, think you?

Cas.
Something from Cyprus, as I may divine.
You have been hotly call'd for,
When, being not at your lodgings to be found,
The senate sent above three several quests,
To search you out.

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

Cas.
Ancient, what makes he here?

Iago.
Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carrack?* ^note
If she prove lawful prize, he's made for ever.

Cas.
I do not understand.

Iago.
He's married.

Cas.
To whom?

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

Oth.
Have with you.

Cas.
Here comes another troop, to seek for you. Enter Brabantio, Rodorigo, with Officers and Torches.

Iago.
It is Brabantio. General, be advis'd.
He comes to bad intent.

Oth.
Holla! Stand there.

Rod.
Signior, it is the Moor.

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

Iago.
You, Rodorigo! 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 magic were not bound,
Whether a maid, so tender, fair, and happy,
So opposite to marriage, that she shunn'd
The wealthy culled darlings of our nation,
Would ever have, t'incur a general mock,
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom,
Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight?* ^note
I therefore apprehend, and do attach thee,
For an abuser of the world, a practiser
Of arts inhibited, and out of warrant.
Lay hold upon him; If he do resist,
Subdue him at his peril. [They fight.

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 I go,
To answer this your charge?* ^note

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 me to him?

Cas.
True, most worthy signior,
The duke's in council, and your noble self,
I'm 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 pageants† ^note shall our statesmen be. [Exeunt.

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