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William Aldis Wright [1863–1866], The works of William Shakespeare edited by William George Clark... and John Glover [and William Aldis Wright] (Macmillan and Co., London) [word count] [S10701].
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ACT II. note Scene I. [Footnote: A sea-port in Cyprus. An open place near the quay. note Enter note Montano and two Gentlemen.

Mon.
What from the cape can you discern at sea?

First Gent.
Nothing at all: it is a high-wrought note flood;
I cannot, 'twixt the heaven note and the main,
Descry a sail.

Mon.
Methinks the wind hath spoke note aloud at land note;
A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements:
If it hath note ruffian'd so upon the sea,
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, note
Can hold the mortise note? What shall we hear of this? note

Sec. Gent. note
A segregation of the Turkish fleet:

-- 471 --


For do but stand upon the foaming note shore,
The chidden note billow note seems note to pelt the clouds;
The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane note,
Seems to cast water on the burning bear,
And quench the guards of the ever-fixed note pole:
I never did like molestation view
On the enchafed note flood.

Mon.
If that the note Turkish fleet
Be not enshelter'd and embay'd note, they are note drown'd;
It is impossible to note bear it out.
Enter a third Gentleman. note note

Third Gent. note
News, lads note! our note note wars are done.
The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks note,
That their designment halts: a noble note ship of Venice
Hath seen a grievous wreck note and sufferance note
On most part of their note fleet.

Mon.
How! is this true?

Third Gent.
The ship is here note put in,

-- 472 --


A Veronesa; note Michael Cassio, note
Lieutenant to note the warlike Moor Othello,
Is come on shore note: the Moor himself note at sea,
And is in full commission here for Cyprus.

Mon.
I am note glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor. note

Third Gent.
But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort
Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly
And prays note the Moor be safe; for they were parted
With foul and violent tempest.

Mon.
Pray heavens note he be;
For I have served him, and the man commands
Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho! note note
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 note note
An note indistinct regard. note
note

Third Gent.
Come, let's do so;
For every minute is expectancy
Of more arrivance note.
Enter Cassio. note note

Cas.
Thanks, you the note valiant of this note warlike note isle,
That so approve the Moor! O, let note the heavens

-- 473 --


Give him defence against note the note elements,
For I have lost him on a note dangerous sea.

Mon.
Is he well shipp'd?

Cas.
His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot note
Of very expert and note approved allowance;
Therefore my hopes note, not surfeited to death,
Stand in bold cure note.
[A cry within: noteA sail, a sail, a sail!Enter a fourth Gentleman. note

Cas.
What noise note?

Fourth Gent. note
The town is empty; on note the brow o' the sea
Stand note ranks of people, and they cry ‘A sail!’

Cas.
My hopes do shape him for the governor note.
[Guns heard. note

Sec. Gent. note
They do discharge their note shot of courtesy:
Our friends note at least.

Cas.
I pray you, sir, go forth,
And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived.

Sec. Gent.
I shall.
[Exit.

Mon.
But, good lieutenant, is your general wived?

Cas.
Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid

-- 474 --


That paragons description and wild fame;
One that excels the quirks of note blazoning pens,
And in the essential note vesture of creation
Does tire the ingener. note note Re-enter note second Gentleman.
How note now! who has put in?

Sec. Gent. note
'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general.

Cas. note
He has note had most favourable and happy speed:
Tempests themselves, high seas note, and howling winds,
The gutter'd note rocks, and congregated sands,
Traitors ensteep'd note to clog note the guiltless keel,
As having sense of beauty, do omit
Their mortal note natures, letting go safely note by
The divine Desdemona.

Mon.
What is she?

Cas.
She that I spake note of, our great note captain's captain, note
Left in the conduct of the bold Iago;
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts

-- 475 --


A se'nnight's speed. Great Jove note, 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 note Desdemona's arms,
Give renew'd fire to our extincted note spirits, note
And bring note all Cyprus comfort. note note Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Roderigo, and Attendants. note
O, behold,
The riches of the ship is come on shore note!
Ye note men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.
Hail to thee, lady note! and the grace of heaven,
Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
Enwheel thee round!

Des.
I thank you, valiant Cassio.
What tidings can you tell me note of my lord?

Cas.
He is not yet note arrived: nor know I aught
But that he's well and will be shortly here.

Des.
O, but I fear— noteHow lost you company? note

Cas.
The great contention of the sea note and skies
Parted our fellowship—But note, hark! a sail.
[A cry within: ‘A sail, a sail!note Guns heard. note

Sec. Gent.
They give their note greeting to the note citadel:

-- 476 --


This likewise is a friend.

Cas.
See for the news. note [Exit note Gentleman.
Good ancient, you are welcome. [To Emilia note] 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.
[Kissing her. note

Iago.
Sir, note would she give you so much of her lips
As of her tongue she oft bestows note on note me,
You'ld note have enough.

Des.
Alas, she has no speech.

Iago.
In faith, note too much;
I find it still when note I have note list note to sleep:
Marry, before your ladyship, I grant,
She puts her tongue a little in her heart note
And chides with thinking.

Emil.
You have note little cause to say so.

Iago.
Come on, come on; you are note pictures out of doors note,
Bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens,
Saints in your injuries, devils being offended,
Players in your housewifery note, and note housewives note in your beds. note
note

Des. note
O, fie upon thee, slanderer!

Iago.
Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk:

-- 477 --


You rise to play, and go to bed to work.

Emil.
You shall not write my praise.

Iago.
No, let me not.

Des.
What wouldst thou note write of me, if thou shouldst praise me? note note

Iago.
O gentle lady, do not put me to't;
For I am nothing if not critical.

Des.
Come on, assay— note noteThere's one gone to the harbour? note

Iago.
Ay, madam.

Des.
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 note my note invention
Comes from my pate as birdline does from frize note;
It plucks out brains note and all: but my Muse labours,
And thus she is deliver'd note. note note
If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit,
The one's for use, the other useth note it.

Des.
Well praised! How if she be black and witty? note

Iago.
If she be black, and thereto have a wit,
She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit note.

Des.
Worse and worse.

Emil.
How if fair and foolish? note

Iago.
She never yet was foolish that was fair;
For note even her folly help'd her to an heir. note

-- 478 --

Des.

These are old fond note paradoxes to make fools laugh i' the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? note

Iago.
There's none so foul, and foolish thereunto,
But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones note do.

Des.

O heavy ignorance! thou praisest note the worst best. But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed, one that in the authority of her merit note did justly put on note the vouch of very malice itself? note

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 note, 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 note disclose her mind,
See suitors following and not note look behind; note
She was a wight, if ever such wight note were,— note

Des.

To note do what?

Iago.
To suckle fools and chronicle small beer.

Des.

O most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband. How say you, Cassio? is he not a most profane and liberal note counsellor note? note

-- 479 --

Cas.

He speaks home, madam: you may relish him notemore in the soldier than in the scholar note. note

Iago. [Aside note]

He takes her by the palm: ay, well note said note, whisper: with as little a web as this will I note ensnare as great a fly note as Cassio. Ay, smile note upon her, do; I will gyve thee note in thine note own courtship note. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry note, it had been better you had not kissed note your three fingers so oft, which now again note you are most apt to play the sir in. Very note good; well kissed! an note excellent courtesy note! 'tis so note, indeed. Yet again note your fingers to note your lips? would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Trumpet within. note] The Moor! I know his trumpet.

Cas.

'Tis truly so.

Des.

Let's meet him and receive him.

Cas.

Lo, where he comes note!

noteEnter note Othello and Attendants.

Oth.
O my fair warrior!

Des.
My dear Othello!

Oth.
It gives me wonder great as my content
To see you here before me. O note my soul's joy! note

-- 480 --


If after every tempest come note such calms note,
May the winds blow till they have waken'd note death!
And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas
Olympus-high and duck again as low
As hell's from note heaven! If it note 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.

Des.
The heavens forbid
But that our loves and comforts should increase, note
Even as our days do grow note!

Oth.
Amen to that note, sweet powers! note
I cannot speak enough of this content;
It stops me here; it is too much of joy:
And this, and this, the greatest discords note be [Kissing her. note
That e'er our hearts shall make!

Iago. [Aside note]
O note, you are well tuned now!
But I'll set note down the pegs that make note this music,
As honest as I am. note

Oth.
Come, let us note to the castle.
News note, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd note. note note
How does my note old acquaintance of this note isle?
Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus;
I have note found great love amongst them. O my sweet,

-- 481 --


I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
In mine own comforts note. I note prithee, good Iago,
Go to the bay, and disembark my note 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 note all but Iago and Roderigo. note

Iago.

Do thou note meet me presently at the harbour note. Come notehither note. 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 note—list me note. The lieutenant to-night watches on the court of note guard. First, I must note tell thee this: Desdemona note is directly in love with him.

Rod.

With him! why, 'tis not possible.

Iago.

Lay thy finger note thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first note loved the Moor, but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies: and will she love note him still for prating? note let not thy note discreet heart think it note. 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 note to inflame it and to give note satiety note a fresh appetite, note loveliness note in favour, sympathy in years, manners and beauties; all which the Moor is defective

-- 482 --

in: now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge note, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will instruct her in it note and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir, this granted—as it is a most note pregnant and unforced position—who stands so eminently note in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no further note conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming note, for the better compassing note of his salt and most hidden loose note affection note? why, none; why, none: note a slipper and subtle note knave; a finder out of occasions note; that has note an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: note a devilish knave! note Besides, the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after: a pestilent complete note knave; and the woman hath note found him already.

Rod.

I cannot believe that in her note; she's full of most blest note condition note.

Iago.

Blest note fig's-end! the wine she drinks note is made of grapes: if she had been blest note, she would never have loved the Moor: blest note pudding note! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that? note

Rod.

Yes, that I did note; but that was but courtesy.

-- 483 --

Iago.

Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure note prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, note Roderigo note! when these mutualities note so marshal the way, hard at hand note comes the master and main note exercise, the incorporate note conclusion: pish! note But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the note 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 note his discipline, or from what other course note you please, which the time shall more favourably minister.

Rod.

Well.

Iago.

Sir, he is note rash and very sudden in choler, and haply note may strike at you: provoke him, that he may note; for even out of that will I cause these note of Cyprus to mutiny; whose qualification shall come into no true taste note again note but by the note displanting note 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 note most profitably note removed, without the which note there were note no expectation of our prosperity.

Rod.

I will do this, if I can note bring it to any opportunity.

-- 484 --

Iago.

I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel: I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.

Rod.

Adieu.

[Exit. note note

Iago.
That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it note;
That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit:
The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not,
Is of a constant, loving note, noble note nature;
And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now, I do note love her too,
Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure
I stand accountant for as great a sin,
But partly led note to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty note Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought note whereof
Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards;
And nothing can or note shall content my soul
Till I am even'd note with him, wife for wife note;
Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least note into a jealousy so strong
That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash note
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 note garb;
For I fear Cassio with note my night-cap note too;
Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me,

-- 485 --


For making him egregiously an ass
And practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused:
Knavery's plain face is never seen till used. [Exit. note Scene II. [Footnote: A street. note Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People following. note

Her.

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 note man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make note bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction note leads him: for, besides these note beneficial news, it is the celebration note of his nuptial note. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and there is full liberty of feasting note from this present hour of five note till the bell have note told note eleven. Heaven note bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!

[Exeunt. note

-- 486 --

note Scene III. [Footnote: A hall note in the castle. Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants. note

Oth.
Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night:
Let's teach ourselves that note honourable stop,
Not to outsport discretion.

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

Oth.
Iago is most honest.
Michael, good night: to-morrow with your note earliest note
Let me have speech with you. Come, my dear love,
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
That note profit 's note yet to come 'tween note me and you.
Good night. note
[Exeunt note Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants. Enter Iago.

Cas.
Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.

Iago.

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

Cas.

She 's note a most exquisite lady.

Iago.

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

-- 487 --

Cas.

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

Iago.

What an eye she has! note methinks it sounds a parley to note provocation. note

Cas.

An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.

Iago.

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

Cas.

She is indeed perfection.

Iago.

Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup note of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus note gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of note black Othello.

Cas.

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

Iago.

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

Cas.

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

Iago.
If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk to-night already,
He'll be as full of quarrel and offence
As my young mistress' note dog. Now my sick fool note Roderigo, note

-- 488 --


Whom love hath note turn'd almost the wrong side out note,
To Desdemona hath to-night caroused
Potations pottle-deep; and he 's to watch:
Three lads note of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honours note in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle,
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups,
And they note watch too. Now, 'mongst note this flock of drunkards, note
Am I note to put our Cassio in some note action
That may offend the isle. But here they come: note
If consequence do but approve my dream note,
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. Re-enter Cassio; with him Montano and Gentlemen; Servants following with wine. note note

Cas.

'Fore note God note, they have given me a rouse already.

Mon.

Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier. note

Iago.
Some wine, ho!


[Sings note]
  And let me the canakin clink, clink note;
  And let me the canakin clink note:

-- 489 --


    A soldier's a man;
    A life's note but a span; note
  Why then let a soldier drink. note note
Some wine note, boys!

Cas.

'Fore God note, 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 noteyour English note.

Cas.

Is your Englishman note so expert note in his drinking?

Iago.

Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk; he sweats note not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled.

Cas.

To the health of our general!

Mon.

I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll note do you justice.

Iago.
O sweet England!


[Sings]
King Stephen was a note worthy peer, note
  His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them note sixpence all too note 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 note take thine note auld note cloak about thee. note

Some wine, ho!

-- 490 --

Cas.

Why note, this is a more exquisite song than the other.

Iago.

Will you hear't again?

Cas.

No; for I hold him to be note unworthy of his place that does those things. Well: note God's note above all; and there be souls must be note saved, and there be souls must not be saved. note

Iago.

It's note true, good lieutenant.

Cas.

For mine own part—no offence to the general, nor any man of quality—I hope to be saved.

Iago.

And so do I too note, lieutenant.

Cas.

Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have note no more of this; let's to our affairs. God note forgive us note 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 note my left note. I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and note speak well enough.

All. note

Excellent well.

Cas.

Why note, very well then; you must not think then note that I am drunk.

[Exit. note note

Mon.
To the platform note, masters; come, let's set note the watch.

Iago.
You see this fellow that is gone before;
He is note a soldier fit to stand by Cæsar
And give direction: and do but see his vice;
'Tis to his virtue note a just equinox,

-- 491 --


The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him.
I fear the trust Othello puts note him in note
On some odd time of his infirmity
Will shake this island note.

Mon.
But is he often thus?

Iago.
'Tis evermore the note prologue to his sleep:
He'll watch the horologe note a double set,
If drink rock not his cradle.

Mon.
It were note well
The general were note put in mind of it.
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature
Prizes note the virtue note that appears in Cassio
And looks note not on his evils: is not this note true?
Enter Roderigo. note

Iago. [Aside to him note]
How now, Roderigo!
I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.
[Exit Roderigo. note

Mon.
And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place as his own second
With one of an note ingraft infirmity:
It were an honest action to say
So to note the Moor. note note

Iago.
Not I note, for this fair island:
I do love Cassio well, and would do much

-- 492 --


To cure him of this evil:—But note, hark! what noise? [A cry within: ‘Help! help!note Re-enter note Cassio, driving in note Roderigo.

Cas.

'Zounds! note you rogue! you rascal!

Mon.

What's the matter, lieutenant?

Cas.

A knave teach note me my duty! But note I'll beat the knave into a wicker bottle note.

Rod.

Beat me! note

Cas.

Dost thou prate, rogue?

[Striking Roderigo. note note

Mon.

Nay note, good lieutenant note; I pray you, sir note, hold your hand.

Cas.

Let me go, sir, or I'll knock note you o'er note the mazzard.

Mon.

Come, come, you're note drunk. note

Cas.

Drunk!

[They fight. note

Iago. [Aside note to Roderigo]
Away, I say; go out, and cry a mutiny. [Exit Roderigo. note
Nay, good lieutenant! God's will note, gentlemen!
Help, ho!—Lieutenant,—sir,—Montano—sir;— note

-- 493 --


Help, masters note!—Here's a goodly watch indeed! [A bell rings. note
Who's that that note rings the bell?—Diablo, ho!
The town will rise: God's will note, lieutenant, hold note; note
You will be shamed note for ever. noteRe-enter note Othello and Attendants.

Oth.
What is note the matter here? note

Mon.
'Zounds note, I bleed still; I am hurt to note the death.
[Faints. note note

Oth.
Hold, for your lives!

Iago.
Hold, ho! note Lieutenant,—sir,—Montano,— notegentlemen,—
Have you forgot all sense of place note and duty?
Hold! note the general speaks to you; hold, hold, note for shame!

Oth.
Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth note this?
Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that
Which heaven hath note forbid the Ottomites?

-- 494 --


For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl:
He that stirs next to carve for note 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 note the matter, masters note?
Honest Iago, that look'st note dead with grieving,
Speak, who began this? note on thy love, I charge thee.

Iago.
I do not note know: friends all but now, even now,
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom
Devesting note them for bed note; and then note, but now,
As if some planet had unwitted men note,
Swords note out, and tilting one at other's breast note,
In opposition bloody. I cannot note speak
Any beginning to this peevish odds;
And would in action glorious I had lost
Those note legs that brought me to a part of it!

Oth.
How comes it, Michael, you are note thus forgot?

Cas.
I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.

Oth.
Worthy Montano note, you were wont be note civil;
The gravity and stillness of your youth
The world hath noted, and your name is great
In mouths note of wisest censure: what's the matter,
That you unlace note your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion for the name
Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it note.

Mon.
Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger:
Your officer, Iago, can inform you—
While I spare speech, which something now offends me note

-- 495 --


Of all that I do know: nor know I aught
By me note that's said note or done amiss this night;
Unless self-charity be sometimes note a vice,
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
When violence assails us.

Oth.
Now, by heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion, having my best judgement collied note,
Assays to lead the way: if I once note 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 note offence,
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall note lose note me note. What! in note a town of war,
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel, note
In night, and on the court and guard of note safety!
'Tis monstrous. Iago note, who began 't note?

Mon.
If partially note affined, or leagued note in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no note soldier.

Iago.
Touch me not so near:
I had note rather have note this tongue cut from my note mouth

-- 496 --


Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth note
Shall nothing wrong him note. Thus note it is note, general.
Montano and myself being in speech,
There comes a fellow crying out for help,
And Cassio following him note with determined sword,
To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
Steps in to note Cassio and entreats his pause:
Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
Lest by his clamour—as it so fell out—
The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,
Outran my purpose; and note I return'd the note rather
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath note; which till to-night
I ne'er might say note 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 note report:
But men are men; the best sometimes forget:
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those note that wish them best,
Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received
From him that fled some strange indignity,
Which patience could not pass.

Oth.
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 note Desdemona, attended.
Look, if my gentle love be not raised up!

-- 497 --


I'll make thee an example.

Des.
What's note the matter? note

Oth.
All's note well now, sweeting note; come away note to bed.
Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon:
Lead him off note. note [To Montano note, who is led off.
Iago, look with care about the town,
And silence those whom this vile note brawl note distracted.
Come, Desdemona: 'tis the soldiers' life
To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
[Exeunt note all but Iago and Cassio. note

Iago.

What, are you hurt, lieutenant?

Cas.

Ay, note past all surgery.

Iago.

Marry, heaven note forbid!

Cas.

Reputation note, reputation, reputation! O note, I have note lost my reputation! I have note lost the immortal part of note myself note, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation! note

Iago.

As I am an honest man, I thought note you had received some bodily wound; there is more sense note 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

-- 498 --

loser. What, man! there are note 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 offenceless dog to affright note an imperious note lion: sue to him again, and he 's yours.

Cas.

I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with so slight note, so drunken, and so note indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot note? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow? note O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou note 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?

Cas.

I know not.

Iago.

Is 't possible?

Cas.

I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly, a quarrel, but nothing note wherefore. O God note, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance, revel note and applause, transform ourselves into beasts!

Iago.

Why, but you are now well enough: how came you thus recovered?

Cas.

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 note the condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not note befallen; but since it is as it is, mend it for your own good.

Cas.

I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such

-- 499 --

an answer would stop them note all. To be now a sensible man, by and by a fool note, and presently a beast! O strange! note Every inordinate note cup is unblest, and the ingredient note is a devil.

Iago.

Come, come, good wine is a good familiar note creature, if it be well used: exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you.

Cas.

I have well approved it, sir. I drunk!

Iago.

You or any man living may be drunk at some time note, man note. I'll note 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 note devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark note and denotement note of her parts and graces: confess yourself freely to her; importune her help note to put you in your place again: she is of so free note, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, she note holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested: this broken joint note 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 note than it was note before.

Cas.

You advise me well.

Iago.

I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest note kindness.

Cas.

I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will note beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me here note.

Iago.

You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I must to the watch. note

-- 500 --

Cas.

Good night, honest Iago.

[Exit. note note

Iago.
And what's he then that says I play the villain? note
When this advice is free I give and honest,
Probal note to thinking, and indeed the course
To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy note
The inclining Desdemona to subdue
In any honest suit. She's note framed as fruitful
As the free elements. And then for her
To win the Moor, were't note 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 note I then a villain
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly note to his good? Divinity of hell! note note
When devils will the note blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,
As I do now: for whiles note this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes note,
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear,
That she repeals him for note 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

-- 501 --


That shall enmesh note them note all. Enter note Roderigo.
How now, Roderigo! note note

Rod.

I do note 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 note been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled; and note I think the issue 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. note

Iago.
How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
Thou know'st note we work by wit and not by witchcraft,
And wit depends on dilatory time.
Does't note not go well? Cassio hath note beaten thee,
And thou by that small hurt hast note cashier'd Cassio:
Though other things grow note fair against the sun,
Yet note fruits that blossom first will first be ripe note:
Content thyself awhile. By the mass note, 'tis morning;
Pleasure and action make the hours note seem short.
Retire thee; go where thou art billeted:
Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter:
Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Rod. note] Two note things are to be done: note

-- 502 --


My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress;
I'll set her on; note note
Myself the while note to draw note note the Moor apart, note
And bring him jump when note he may Cassio find
Soliciting his wife: ay, that's the way;
Dull not device note by coldness and delay. [Exit. note
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William Aldis Wright [1863–1866], The works of William Shakespeare edited by William George Clark... and John Glover [and William Aldis Wright] (Macmillan and Co., London) [word count] [S10701].
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