Oth.
Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night,
Lets teach our selues the honourable stoppe,
Not to out sport discretion.

Cas.
Iago hath directed what to doe:
But notwithstanding with my personall eye
Will I looke to it.

Oth.
Iago is most honest,
Michael good night, to morrow with your earliest,
Let me haue speech with you, come my deare loue,
The purchase made, the fruits are to eusue,

The profits yet to come twixt me and you,
Good night. Exit Othello and Desdemona. Enter Iago.

Cas.
Welcome Iago, we must to the watch.

Iag.

Not this houre Leiutenant, tis not yet ten a clock: our Generall cast vs thus early for the loue of his Desdemena. who let vs not therefore blame, hee hath not yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for Ioue.

Cas.
She is a most exquisite Lady.

Iag.
And I'le warrant her full of game.

Cas.
Indeede she is a most fresh and delicate creature.

Iag.
What an eye she has?
Me thinkes it sounds a parly of prouocation.

Cas.
An inuiting eye, and yet me thinkes right moddest.

Iag.
And when she speakes, tis an alarme to loue.

Cas.
It is indeede perfection.

Iag.

Well, happinesse to their sheetes—come Leiutenant, I haue a stope of Wine, and heere without are a brace of Cypres Gallants, that would faine haue a measure to the health of the blacke Othello.

Cas.

Not to night, good Iago; I haue very poore and vnhappy braines for drinking: I could well wish courtesie would inuent some other custome of entertainement.

Iag.

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

Cas.

I ha drunke but one cup to night, and that was craftily qualified to, and behold what innouation it makes here: I am vnfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not taske my weakenesse with any more.

Iag.

What man, tis a night of Reuells, the Gallants desire it.

Cas.

Where are they?

Iag.

Here at the dore, I pray you call them in.

Cas.

I'le do't, but it dislikes me.

Iag.
If I can fasten but one cup vpon him,
With that which he hath drunke to night already,
Hee'll be as full of quarrell and offence,
As my young mistris dog:—Now my sicke foole Roderigo,
Whom loue has turn'd almost the wrong side outward,

To Desdemona, hath to night caroust
Potations pottle deepe, and hee's to watch
Three lads of Cypres, noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honour, in a wary distance,
The very Elements of this warlike Isle,
Haue I to night flustred with flowing cups,
And the watch too: now mongst this flocke of drunkards,
I am to put our Cassio in some action,
That may offend the Isle; Enter Montanio, Cassio, and others.
But here they come:
If consequence doe but approoue my dreame,
My boate sailes freely, both with winde and streame.

Cas.
Fore God they haue giuen me a rouse already.

Mon.
Good faith a little one, not past a pint,
As I am a souldier.

Iag.
Some wine ho:

And let me the Cannikin clinke, clinke,
And let me the Cannikin clinke, clinke:
A Souldier's a man, a life's but a span,
Why then let a souldier drinke.
—Some wine boyes,

Cas.

Fore God an excellent song.

Iag.

I learn'd it in England, where indeed they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your Germaine, and your swag-bellied Hollander; drinke ho, are nothing to your English.

Cas.

Is your English man so expert in his drinking?

Iag.

Why he drinkes you with facillity, your Dane dead drunke: he sweats not to ouerthrow your Almaine; he giues your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be fild.

Cas.

To the health of our Generall.

Mon.

I am for it Leiutenant, and I will doe you iustice.

Iag.
O sweete England,—King Stephen was a worthy peere,

His breeches cost him but a crowne,
He held 'em sixpence all too deere,
With that he cald the Taylor lowne,
He was a wight of high renowne,
And thou art but of low degree,
Tis pride that puls the Countrey downe,
Then take thine owd cloke about thee.
—Some wine ho.

Cas.

Fore God this is a more exquisite song then the other.

Iag.

Will you hear't agen?

Cas.

No, for I hold him vnworthy of his place, that does those things: well, God's aboue all, and there bee soules that must bee saued.

Iag.

It is true good Leiutenant.

Cas.

For mine own part, no offence to the Generall, nor any man of quality, I hope to be saued.

Iag.

And so doe I Leiutenant.

Cas.

I, but by your place, not before me; the Leiutenant is to be saued before the Ancient. Let's ha no more of this, let's to our affaires: God forgiue vs our sins: Gentlemen, let's looke to our businesse; Doe not thinke Gentlemen I am drunke, this is my Ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left hand: I am not drunke now, I can stand well enough, and speake well enough.

All.

Excellent well.

Cas.

Very well then: you must not thinke, that I am drunke.

Mon.

To the plotforme maisters. Come, let's set the watch.

Iag.
You see this fellow that is gone before,
He is a Souldier fit to stand by Cæsar,
And giue direction: and doe but see his vice,
Tis to his vertue, a iust equinox,
The one as long as th'other: tis pitty of him,
I feare the trust Othello put him in,
On some odde time of his infirmity,
Will shake this Island.

Mon.
But is he often thus.

Iag.
Tis euermore the Prologue to his sleepe:
Hee'le watch the horolodge a double set,
If drinke rocke not his cradle.

Mon.
Twere well the Generall wete put in minde of it,
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature,
Praises the vertues that appeares in Cassio,
And looke not on his euills: is not this true?

Iag.
How now Roderigo, Enter Roderigo.
I pray you after the Leiutenant, goe. Exit Rod.

Mon.
And tis great pitty that the Noble Moore

Should hazard such a place, as his owne second,
With one of an ingraft infirmity:
It were an honest action to say so to the Moore.

Iag.
Nor I, for this faire Island:
I doe loue Cassio well, and would doe much, Helpe, helpe, within.
To cure him of this euill: but harke, what noyse. Enter Cassio, driuing in Roderigo.

Cas.

Zouns, you rogue, you rascall.

Mon.

what's the matter Leiutenant?

Cas.

A knaue, teach mee my duty: but I'le beate the knaue into a wicker bottle.

Rod.

Beate me?

Cas.

Doest thou prate rogue?

Mon.

Good Leiutenant; pray sir hold your hand.

Cas.

Let me goe sir, or ile knocke you ore the mazzard.

Mon.

Come, come, you are drunke.

Cas.

Drunke?

Iag.
Away I say, goe out and cry a muteny. A bell rung:
Nay good Leiutenant: gods will Gentlemen,
Helpe ho, Leiutenant: Sir Montanio, sir,
Helpe maisters, here's a goodly watch indeed,
Who's that that rings the bell? Diablo—ho,
The Towne will rise, godswill Leiutenant, hold,
You will be sham'd for euer. Enter Othello, and Gentlemen with weapons.

Oth,
What is the matter here?

Mon.
Zouns, I bleed still, I am hurt, to the death:

Oth.
Hold, for your liues.

Iag.
Hold, hold Leiutenant, sir Montanio, Gentlemen,
Haue you forgot all place of sence, and duty:
Hold, the Generall speakes to you; hold, hold, for shame.

Oth.
Why how now ho, from whence arises this?
Are we turn'd Turkes, and to our selues doe that,
Which Heauen has forbid the Ottamites:

For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawle;
He that stirres next, to carue forth his owne rage,
Holds his soule light, he dies vpon his motion;
Silence that dreadfull bell, it frights the Isle
From her propriety: what's the matter masters?
Honest Iago, that lookes dead with grieuing,
Speake, who began this, on thy loue I charge thee.

Iag.
I doe not know, friends all but now, euen now,
In quarter, and in termes, like bride and groome,
Deuesting them to bed, and then but now,
As if some plannet had vnwitted men,
Swords out, and tilting one at others breast,
In opposition bloody. I cannot speake
Any beginning to this peeuish odds;
And would in action glorious, I had lost
These legges, that brought me to a part of it.

Oth.
How came it Michael, you were thus forgot?

Cas.
I pray you pardon me, I cannot speake.

Oth.
Worthy Montanio, you were wont be ciuill,
The grauity and stilnesse of your youth,
The world hath noted, and your name is great,
In men of wisest censure: what's the matter
That you vnlace your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion, for the name
Of a night brawler? giue me answer to't?

Mon.
Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger,
Your Officer Iago can informe you,
While I spare speech, which something now offends me,
Of all that I doe know, nor know I ought
By me, that's sed or done amisse this night,
Vnlesse selfe-charity be sometime a vice,
And to defend our selues it be a sinne,
When violence assayles vs.

Oth.
Now by heauen
My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion hauing my best iudgement coold,
Assayes to leade the way. Zouns, if I stirre,

Or doe but lift this arme, the best of you
Shall sinke in my rebuke: giue me to know
How this foule rout began, who set it on,
And he that is approou'd in this offence,
Tho he had twin'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall loose me; what, in a Towne of warre,
Yet wild, the peoples hearts brim full of feare,
To mannage priuate and domesticke quarrels,
In night, and on the Court and guard of safety?
Tis monstrous. Iago, who began?

Mon.
If partiality affin'd, or league in office,
Thou doest deliuer, more or lesse then truth,
Thou art no souldier.

Iag.
Touch me not so neere,
I had rather ha this tongue out from my mouth,
Then it should doe offence to Michael Cassio:
Yet I perswade my selfe to speake the truth,
Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is Generall:
Montanio and my selfe being in speech,
There comes a fellow, crying out for helpe,
And Cassio following him with determin'd sword,
To execute vpon him: Sir this Gentleman
Steps in to Cassio, and intreates his pause;
My selfe the crying fellow did pursue,
Lest by his clamour, as it so fell out,
The Towne might fall in fright: he swift of foote,
Out ran my purpose: and I returnd the rather,
For that I heard the clinke and fall of swords:
And Cassio high in oaths, which till to night,
I ne're might see before: when I came backe,
For this was briefe, I found them close together,
At blow and thrust, euen as agen they were,
When you your selfe did part them.
More of this matter can I not report,
But men are men, the best sometimes forget;
Tho Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,

Yet surely Cassio, I beleeue receiu'd
From him that fled, some strange indignity,
Which patience could not passe.

Oth.
I know Iago,
Thy honesty and loue doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio: Cassio, I loue thee,
But neuer more be Officer of mine. Enter Desdemona, with others.
Looke if my Gentle loue be not raisde vp:
I'le make thee an example.

Desd.
What is the matter?

Oth.
All's well now sweeting:
Come away to bed: sir, for your hurts,
My selfe will be your surgeon; leade him off;
Iago, looke with care about the Towne,
And silence those, whom this vile brawle distracted.
Come Desdemona: tis the Souldiers life,
To haue their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife,

Iag,
What are you hurt Leiutenant? Exit Moore, Desdemona, and attendants.

Cas.
I, past all surgery.

Iag.
Mary God forbid.

Cas.
Reputation, reputation, I ha lost my reputation:
I ha lost the immortall part sir of my selfe,
And what remaines is beastiall, my reputation,
Iago, my reputation.

Iag.

As I am an honest man, I thought you had receiu'd some bodily wound, there is more offence in that, then in Reputation: reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit, and lost without deseruing, You haue lost no reputation at all, vnlesse you repute your selfe such a loser; what man, there are wayes to recouer the Generall agen: you are but now cast in his moode, a punishment more in pollicy, then in malice, euen so, as one would beate his offencelesse dog, to affright an imperious Lyon: sue to him againe, and hees yours.

Cas.

I will rather sue to be despis'd, then to deceiue so good a Commander, with so light, so drunken, and indiscreete an Officer: O thou inuisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to bee knowne

by, let vs call thee Diuell.

Iag.
What was he, that you followed with your sword?
What had he done to you?

Cas.

I know not.

Iag.

Ist possible?

Cas.

I remember a masse of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrell, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an enemy in there mouthes, to steale away there braines; that wee should with ioy, Reuell, pleasure, and applause, transforme our selues into beasts.

Iag.

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

Cas.

It hath pleasde the Diuell drunkennesse, to giue place to the Diuell wrath; one vnperfectnesse, shewes me another, to make me frankely despise my selfe.

Iag.

Come, you are too seuere a morraler; as the time, the place, the condition of this Countrey stands, I could heartily wish, this had not so befalne; but since it is as it is, mend it, for your own good.

Cas.

I will aske him for my place againe, hee shall tell me I am a drunkard: had I as many mouthes as Hydra, such an answer would stop em all: to be now a sensible man, by and by a foole, and presently a beast. Euery vnordinate cup is vnblest, and the ingredience is a diuell.

Iag.

Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well vs'd; exclaime no more against it; and good Leiutenant, I thinke you thinke I loue you.

Cas.

I haue well approou'd it sir,—I drunke?

Iag.

You, or any man liuing may bee drunke at some time: I'le tell you what you shall do,—our Generals wife is now the Generall; I may say so in this respect, for that he has deuoted and giuen vp himselfe to the contemplation, marke and deuotement of her parts and graces. Confesse your selfe freely to her, importune her, shee'll helpe to put you in your place againe: she is so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, that shee holds it a vice in her goodnesse, not to doe more then shee is requested. This braule betweene you and her husband, intreate her to splinter, and my fortunes against any lay, worth naming, this cracke of your loue

shall grow stronger then twas before.

Cas.

You aduise me well.

Iag.

I protest in the sincerity of loue and honest kindnesse.

Cas.

I thinke it freely, and betimes in the morning, will I beseech the vertuous Desdemona, to vndertake for me; I am desperate of my fortunes, if they checke me here.

Iag.
You are in the right:
Good night Leiutenant, I must to the watch.

Cas.
Good night honest Iago. Exit.

Iag.
And what's he then, that sayes I play the villaine,
When this aduice is free I giue, and honest,
Proball to thinking, and indeed the course,
To win the Moore agen? For tis most easie
The inclining Desdemona to subdue,
In any honest suite, she's fram'd as fruitfull,
As the free Elements: and then for her
To win the Moore, wer't to renounce his baptisme,
All seales and symbols of redeemed sin,
His soule is so infetter'd to her loue,
That she may make, vnmake, doe what she list,
Euen as her appetite shall play the god
With his weake function: how am I then a villaine?
To counsell Cassio to this parrallell course.
Directly to his good: diuinity of hell,
When diuells will their blackest sins put on,
They doe suggest at first with heauenly shewes,
As I doe now: for while this honest foole
Plyes Desdemona to repaire his fortunes,
And she for him, pleades strongly to the Moore:
I'le poure this pestilence into his eare,
That she repeales him for her bodyes lust;
And by how much she striues to doe him good,
She shall vndoe her credit with the Moore,
So will I turne her vertue into pitch,
And out of her owne goodnesse make the net
That shall enmesh em all: Enter Roderigo.
How now Roderigo?

Rod.

I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but one that filles vp the cry: my money is almost spent, I ha bin to night exceedingly well cudgeld: I thinke the issue will be, I shall haue so much experience for my paines, as that comes to, and no money at all, and with that wit returne to Venice,

Iag.
How poore are they, that ha not patience?
What wound did euer heale, but by degrees?
Thou knowest we worke by wit, and not by wichcraft,
And wit depends on dilatory time.
Do'st not goe well? Cassio has beaten thee,
And thou, by that small hurt, hast casheird Cassio,
Tho other things grow faire against the sun,
But fruites that blosome first, will first be ripe,
Content thy selfe awhile; bi'the masse tis morning;
Pleasure, and action, make the houres seeme short:
Retire thee, goe where thou art billited,
Away I say, thou shalt know more hereafter:
Nay get thee gon. Some things are to be done,
My wife must moue for Cassio to her mistris,
I'le set her on.
My selfe awhile, to draw the Moore apart,
And bring him iumpe, when he may Cassio finde,
Soliciting his wife: I, that's the way,
Dull not deuise by coldnesse and delay. Exeunt. Enter Cassio, with Musitians and the Clowne.

Cas.
Masters, play here, I will content your paines,
Something that's briefe, and bid good morrow Generall.

Clo.

Why masters, ha your instruments bin at Naples, that they speake i'the nose thus?

Boy.

How sir, how?

Clo.

Are these I pray, cald wind Instruments?

Boy.

I marry are they sir:

Clo.

O, thereby hangs a tayle.

Boy.

Whereby hangs a tayle sir?

Clo.

Marry sir, by many a winde Instrument that I know. But

masters heere's money for you, and the Generall so likes your musique, that hee desires you of all loues, to make no more noyse with it.

Boy,

Well sir, we will not.

Clo.

If you haue any musique that may not bee heard, to't againe, but as they saay, to heare musique, the Generall does not greatly care.

Boy.

We ha none such sir.

Clo.

Then put your pipes in your bag, for I'le away; goe, vanish away.

Cas.

Doest thou heare my honest friend?

Clo.

No, I heare not your honest friend, I heare you.

Cas.

Preethee keepe vp thy quillets, there's a poore peece of gold for thee: if the Gentlewoman that attends the Cenerals wife be stirring, tell her there's one Cassio, entreates her a little fauour of speech—wilt thou doe this?

Clo.

She is stirring sir, if she will stirre hither, I shall seeme to notifie vnto her.

Cas.
Doe good my friend: In happy time Iago.

Iag.
You ha not bin a bed then.

Cas.
Why no, the day had broke before we parted:
I ha made bold Iago, to send in to your wife,—my suite to her,
Is, that she will to vertuous Desdemona,
Procure me some accesse.

Iag.
I'le send her to you presently,
And Ile deuise a meane to draw the Moore
Out of the way, that your conuerse and businesse,
May be more free. Exit.

Cas.
I humbly thanke you for it: I neuer knew
A Florentine more kinde and honest: Enter Emilla.

Em.
Good morrow good Leiutenant, I am sorry.
For your displeasure, but all will soone be well,
The Generall and his wife are talking of it,
And she speakes for you stoutly: the Moore replies,
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cypres,
And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisedome,

He might not but refuse you: but he protests he loues you,
And needes no other suitor but his likings,
To take the safest occasion by the front,
To bring you in againe.

Cas.
Yet I beseech you,
If you thinke fit, or that it may be done,
Giue me aduantage of some briefe discourse
With Desdemona alone.

Em.
Pray you come in,
I will bestow you where you shall haue time,
To speake your bosome freely. Exeunt. Enter Othello, Iago, and other Centlemen.

Oth.
These letters giue Iago, to the Pilate,
And by him, doe my duties to the State;
That done, I will be walking on the workes,
Repaire there to me.

Iag.
Well my good Lord, I'le do't.

Oth.
This fortification Gentlemen, shall we see't?

Gent.
We waite vpon your Lordship. Exeunt. Enter Desdemona, Cassio and Emillia.

Des.
Be thou assur'd good Cassio, I will doe
All my abilities in thy behalfe.

Em.
Good Madam do, I know it grieues my husband,
As if the case were his.

Desd.
O that's an honest fellow:—do not doubt Cassio,
But I will haue my Lord and you againe,
As friendly as you were.

Cas.
Boun ious Madame,
What euer shall become of Michael Cassio,
Hee's neuer any thing but your true seruant.

Desd.
O sir, I thanke you, you doe loue my Lord:
You haue knowne him long, and be you well assur'd,
He shall in strangest, stand no farther off,
Then in a politique distance.

Cas.
I but Lady,
The pollicy may either last so long,
Or feede vpon such nice, and watrish diet,
Or breed it selfe, so out of circumstance,
That I being absent, and my place supplied,
My Generall will forget my loue and seruice.

Desd.
Doe not doubt that, before Emillia here,
I giue thee warrant of thy place; assure thee
If I doe vow a friendship, I'le performe it
To the last Article; my Lord shall neuer rest,
I'le watch him tame, and talke him out of patience;
His bed shall seemes a schoole, his boord a shrift,
I'le intermingle euery thing he does,
With Cassio's suite; therefore be merry Cassio,
For thy soiliciter shall rather die,
Then giue thee cause: away. Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.

Em.
Madam, here comes my Lord.

Cas.
Madam, I'le take my leaue.

Desd.
Why stay and heare me speake.

Cas.
Madam not now, I am very ill at ease,
Vnfit for mine owne purpose.

Desd.
Well, doe your discretion. Exit Cassio.

Iag.
Ha, I like not that.

Oth.
What doest thou say?

Iag.
Nothing my Lord, or if, I know not what.

Oth.
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

Iag.
Cassio my Lord?—no sure, I cannot thinke it,
That he would sneake away so guilty-like,
Seeing you comming.

Oth.
I doe beleeue twas he.

Desd.
How now my Lord,
I haue beene talking with a suiter here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.

Oth.
Who i'st you meane?

Desd.
Why your Leiutenant Cassio, good my Lord,

If I haue any grace or power to moue you,
His present reconsiliation take:
For if he be not one that truely loues you,
That erres in ignorance, and not in cunning,
I haue no iudgement in an honest face,
I preethee call him backe.

Oth.
Went he hence now?

Desd.
Yes faith, so humbled,
That he has left part of his griefes with me,
I suffer with him; good loue call him backe.

Oth.
Not now sweete Desdemona some other time.

Desd.
But shal't be shortly?

Oth.
The sooner sweete for you.

Desd.
Shal't be to night at supper?

Oth.
No, not to night.

Desd.
To morrow dinner then?

Oth.
I shall not dine at home,
I meete the Captaines, at the Cittadell.

Desd.
Why then to morrow night, or Tuesday morne,
On Tuesday morne, or night, or Wensday morne,
I preethee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three dayes: Ifaith hee's penitent,
And yet his trespasse, in our common reason,
(Saue that they say, the warres must make examples,
Out of her best) is not almost a fault,
To incurre a priuate checke: when shall he come?
Tell me Othello: I wonder in my soule,
What you could aske me, that I should deny?
Or stand so muttering on? What Michael Cassio?
That came a wooing with you, and so many a time
When I haue spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath tane your part, to haue so much to doe
To bring him in? Birlady I could doe much.

Oth.
Preethee no more, let him come when he will,
I will deny thee nothing.

Desd.
Why this is not a boone,
Tis as I should intreate you weare your gloues:

Or feede on nourishing dishes, or keepe you warme,
Or sue to you, to doe a peculiar profit
To your owne person: nay, when I haue a suite,
Wherein I meane to touch your loue indeed,
It shall be full of poise and difficulty,
And fearefull to be granted.

Oth.
I will deny thee nothing,
Whereon I doe beseech thee grant me this,
To leaue me but a little to my selfe.

Desd.
Shall I deny you? no, farewell my Lord.

Oth.
Farewell my Desdomona, I'le come to thee straight.

Desd.
Emillia, come, be it as your fancies teach you,
What ere you be I am obedient. Exit Desd. and Em.

Oth.
Excellent wretch, perdition catch my soule,
But I doe loue thee, and when I loue thee not,
Chaos is come againe.

Iag.
My noble Lord.

Oth.
What doest thou say Iago?

Iag.
Did Michael Cassio when you wooed my Lady,
Know of your loue?

Oth.
He did from first to last:—Why doest thou aske?

Iag.
But for a satisfaction of my thoughts.
No further harme.

Oth.
Why of thy thought Iago?

Iag.
I did not thinke he had beene acquainted with her.

Oth.
O yes, and went betweene vs very often.

Iag.
Indeed?

Oth.
Indeed? Indeed disern'st thou ought in that?
Is he not honest?

Iag.
Honest my Lord?

Oth.
Honest? I honest.

Iag.
My Lord, for ought I know.

Oth.
What doest thou thinke?

Iag.
Thinke my Lord?

Oth.
Thinke my Lord? By heauen the ecchoes me.
As if there were some monster in his thought:
Too hideous to be shewne: thou didst meane something;
I heard thee say but now, thou lik'st not that,

When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like?
And when I told thee, he was of my counsell,
In my whole course of wooing, thou cridst indeed?
And didst contract, and purse thy brow together,
As if thou then hadst shut vp in thy braine,
Some horrible counsell: if thou doest loue me,
Shew me thy thought.

Iag.
My Lord, you know I loue you.

Oth.
I thinke thou doest,
And for I know, thou art full of loue and honesty,
And weighest thy words, before thou giue em breath,
Therefore these stops of thine affright me the more:
For such things in a false disloyall knaue,
Are trickes of custome; but in a man that's iust,
They are close denotements, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.

Iag.
For Michael Cassio,
I dare presume, I thinke that he is honest,

Oth.
I thinke so to.

Iag.
Men should be that they seeme,
Or those that be not, would they might seeme none.

Oth.
Certaine, men should be what they seeme.

Iag.
Why then I thinke Cassio's an honest man.

Oth.
Nay yet there's more in this,
I preethee speake to me to thy thinkings:
As thou doest ruminate, and giue the worst of thought,
The worst of word.

Iag.
Good my Lord pardon me;
Though I am bound to euery act of duty,
I am not bound to that all slaues are free to,
Vtter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false:
As where's that pallace, where into foule things
Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,
But some vncleanely apprehensions,
Keepe leetes and law-dayes, and in Session sit
With meditations lawfull?

Oth.
Thou doest conspire against thy friend Iago,

If thou but thinkest him wrongd, and makest his eare
A stranger to thy thoughts.

Iag.
I doe beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my ghesse,
As I confesse it is my natures plague,
To spy into abuses, and oft my iealousie
Shapes faults that are not, I intreate you then,
From one that so imperfectly coniects,
You'd take no notice, nor build your selfe a trouble,
Out of my scattering, and vnsure obseruance;
It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisedome,
To let you know my thoughts,

Oth.
Zouns.

Iag.
Good name in man and woman's deere my Lord;
Is the immediate Iewell of our soules:
Who steales my purse, steales trash, tis something, nothing,
Twas mine, tis his, and has bin slaue to thousands:
But he that filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that, which not inriches him,
And makes me poore indeed.

Oth.
By heauen I'le know thy thought.

Iag.
You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst tis in my custody:
O beware iealousie.
It is the greene eyd monster, which doth mocke
That meate it feedes on. That Cuckold liues in blisse,
Who certaine of his fate, loues not his wronger:
But oh, what damned minutes tells he ore,
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loues.

Oth.
O misery.

Iag.
Poore and content is rich, and rich enough,
But riches, sinelesse, is as poore as winter,
To him that euer feares he shall be poore:
Good God, the soules of all my tribe defend
From iealousie,

Oth.
Why, why is this?

Thinkst thou I'de make a life of iealousie?
To follow still the changes of the Moone
With fresh suspitions? No, to be once in doubt,
Is once to be resolud: exchange me for a Goate,
When I shall turne the businesse of my soule
To such exufflicate, and blowne surmises,
Matching thy inference: tis not to make me iealous,
To say my wife is faire, feedes well, loues company,
Is free of speech, sings, playes, and dances well;
Where vertue is, these are more vertuous:
Nor from mine owne weake merrits will I draw
The smallest feare, or doubt of her reuolt,
For she had eies, and chose me: no Iago,
I'le see before I doubt, when I doubt, proue,
And on the proofe, there is no more but this:
Away at once with loue or iealousie.

Iag.
I am glad of it, for now I shall haue reason,
To shew the loue and duty that I beare you,
With franker spirit: therefore as I am bound
Receiue it from me: I speake not yet of proofe,
Looke to your wife, obserue her well with Cassio;
Weare your eie thus, not iealous, nor secure,
I would not haue your free and noble nature,
Out of selfe-bounty be abus'd, looke to't:
I know our Countrey disposition well,
In Venice they doe let God see the prankes
They dare shew their husbands: their best conscience,
Is not to leaue vndone, but keepe vnknowne.

Oth.
Doest thou say so.

Iag.
She did deceiue her father marrying you;
And when she seem'd to shake and feare your lookes,
She lou'd them most.

Oth.
And so she did.

Iag.
Why go too then,
She that so young, could giue out such a seeming,
To seale her fathers eyes vp, close as Oake,
He thought twas witchraft: but I am much to blame,
I humbly doe beseech you of your pardon,

For too much louing you.

Oth.
I am bound to thee for euer.

Iag.
I see this hath a little dasht your spirits.

Oth.
Not a iot, not a iot.

Iag.
Ifaith I feare it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke,
Comes from my loue: But I doe see you are moou'd,
I am to pray you, not to straine my speech,
To groser issues, nor to larger reach,
Then to suspition.

Oth.
I will not.

Iag.
Should you doe so my Lord,
My speech should fall into such vile successe,
As my thoughts aime not at: Cassio's my trusty friend:
My Lord, I see you are moou'd.

Oth.
No, not much moou'd,
I doe not thinke but Desdemona's honest.

Iag.
Long liue she so, and long liue you to thinke so.

Oth.
And yet how nature erring from it selfe.

Iag.
I, there's the point: as to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposed matches,
Of her owne Clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things, nature tends;
Fie we may smell in such a will, most ranke
Foule disproportion: thoughts vnnaturall.
But pardon me: I doe not in position,
Destinctly speake of her, tho I may feare
Her will recoyling to her better iudgement,
May fall to match you with her countrey formes,
And happily repent.

Oth.
Farewell, if more
Thou doest perceiue, let me know more, set on
Thy wife to obserue: leaue me Iago.

Iag.
My Lord I take my leaue.

Oth.
Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtlesse
Sees and knowes more, much more then he vnfoulds.
My Lord, I would I might intreate your honour,

Iag.
To scan this thing no further, leaue it to time,
Tho it be fit, that Cassio haue his place,
For sure he fills it vp with great ability:
Yet if you please to hold him off a while,
You shall by that perceiue him and his meanes;
Note if your Lady straine her entertainement,
With any strong or vehement importunity,
Much will be seene in that, in the meane time,
Let me be thought too busie in my feares,
As worthy cause I haue, to feare I am;
And hold her free, I doe beseech your honour.

Oth.
Feare not my gouernement.

Iag.
I once more take my leaue. Exit

Oth.
This fellowe's of exceeding honesty,
And knowes all qualities, with a learned spirit
Of humaine dealing: if I doe prooue her haggard,
Tho that her Iesses were my deare heart strings,
I'de whistle her off, and let her downe the wind,
To prey at fortune. Happily, for I am blacke,
And haue not those soft parts of conuersation,
That Chamberers haue, or for I am declind
Into the valt of yeares; yet that's not much,
Shee's gone, I am abus'd, and my releife
Must be to lothe her: O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites: I had rather be a Toade,
And liue vpon the vapor in a dungeon,
Then keepe a corner in a thing I loue,
For others vses: yet tis the plague of great ones,
Prerogatiu'd are they lesse then the base,
Tis desteny, vnfhunnable, like death:
Euen then this forked plague is fated to vs,
When we doe quicken: Desdemona comes,
If she be false, O then heauen mocks it selfe,
I'le not beleeue it. Enter Desdemona and Emillia.

Desd.
How now my deare Othello?

Your dinner, and the generous Ilander
By you inuited, doe attend your presence,

Oth.
I am to blame.

Des.
Why is your speech so faint? are you not well?

Oth.
I haue a paine vpon my forehead, here.

Des.
Faith that's with watching, t'will away againe;
Let me but bind your head, within this houre
It will be well againe.

Oth.
Your napkin is too little:
Let it alone, come I'le goe in with you.

Des.
I am very sorry that you are not well.

Em.
I am glad I haue found this napkin, Ex. Oth. and Desd.
This was her first remembrance from the Moore,
My wayward husband, hath a hundred times
Wooed me to steale it, but she so loues the token,
For he coniur'd her, she should euer keepe it,
That she reserues it euer more about her,
To kisse, and talke to; I'le ha the worke taine out,
And giu't Iago: what hee'll doe with it,
Heauen knowes, not I, Enter Iago.
I nothing know, but for his fantasie.

Iag.
How now, what doe you here alone?

Em.
Doe not you chide, I haue a thing for you.

Iag.
A thing for me, it is a common thing.

Em.
Ha?

Iag.
To haue a foolish thing.

Em.
O, is that all? what will you gine me now,
For that same handkercher?

Iag.
What handkercher?

Em.
What handkercher?
Why that the Moore first gaue to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steale.

Iag.
Ha'st stole it from her?

Em.
No faith, she let it drop by negligence,
And to the aduantage, I being here, took't vp:
Looke here it is.

Iag.
A good wench, giue it me.

Em.
What will you doe with it, that you haue bin
So earnest to haue me filch it?

Iag.
Why, what's that to you?

Em.
If it be not for some purpose of import,
Giue mee't againe, poore Lady, shee'll run mad,
When she shall lacke it.

Iag.
Be not you knowne on't, I haue vse for it:—go leaue me;
I will in Cassio's Lodging lose this napkin, Exit Em.
And let him finde it: trifles light as ayre,
Are to the iealous, confirmations strong
As proofes of holy writ, this may doe something,
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,
Which at the first are scarce found to distast.
But with a little art, vpon the blood, Ent. Othello.
Burne like the mindes of sulphure: I did say so:
looke where he comes, not Poppy, nor Mandragora,
Nor all the drousie sirrops of the world,
Shall euer medicine thee to that sweete sleepe,
Which thou owedst yesterday.

Oth.
Ha, ha, false to me, to me?

Iag.
Why how now Generall? no more of that.

Oth.
Auant, be gone, thou hast set me on the racke,
I sweare, tis better to be much abus'd,
Then but to know a little.

Iag.
How now my Lord?

Oth.
What sense had I of her stolne houres 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 rob'd, not wanting what is stolne,
Let him not know't, and hee's not rob'd at all.

Iag.
I am sorry to heare this.

Oth.
I had bin happy if the generall Campe,
Pyoners, and all, had tasted her sweete body,
So I had nothing knowne: O now for euer
Farewell the tranquile mind, farewell content:
Farewell the plumed troope, and the big warres:

That makes ambition vertue: O farewell,
Farewell the neighing Steed, and the shrill Trumpe,
The spirit-stirring Drumme, the eare-peircing Fife;
The royall Banner, and all quality,
Pride, pompe, and circumstance of glorious warre.
And O ye mortall Engines, whose wide throates,
The immortall Ioues great clamor counterfeit;
Farewell, Othello's Occupation's gone.

Iag.
Ist possible my Lord?

Oth.
Villaine, be sure thou proue my Loue a whore,
Be sure of it, giue me the oculer proofe,
Or by the worth of mans eternall soule,
Thou hadst bin better haue beene borne a dog,
Then answer my wak'd wrath.

Iag.
Ist come to this?

Oth.
Make me to see't, or at the least so proue it,
That the probation, beare no hinge, nor loope,
To hang a doubt on: or woe vpon thy life.

Iag.
My noble Lord.

Oth.
If thou doest slander her, and torture me,
Neuer pray more, abandon all remorce.
On horrors head, horrors accumilate:
Do deeds, to make heauen weepe, all earth amaz'd,
For nothing canst thou to damnation ad greater then that.

Iag.
O grace, O heauen defend me,
Are you a man, haue you a soule or sence?
God buy you, take mine office,—O wretched foole,
That liuest to make thine honesty a vice,
O monstrous world, take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest, is not safe,
I thanke you for this profit, and from hence,
I'le loue no friend, since loue breedes such offence.

Oth.
Nay stay, thou shouldst be honest.

Iag.
I should be wise, for honestie's a foole,
And looses that it workes for:
I see sir, you are eaten vp with passion,
I doe repent me that I put it to you,

You would be satisfied.

Oth.
Would, nay, I will.

Iag.
And may, but how, how satisfied my Lord?
Would you, the superuisor grossely gape on,
Behold her topt?

Oth.
Death and damnation—oh.

Iag.
It were a tedious difficulty I thinke,
To bring em to that prospect, dam em then,
If euer mortall eyes did see them boulster
More then their owne; what then, how then?
What shall I say? where's satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this.
Were they as prime as Goates, as hot as Monkies,
As salt as Wolues, in pride; and fooles as grosse,
As ignorance made drunke: But yet I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances,
Which leade directly to the doore of truth,
Will giue you satisfaction, you may ha't.

Oth.
Giue me a liuing reason, that shee's disloyall.

Iag.
I doe not like the office,
But sith I am enter'd into this cause so farre,
Prickt to't by foolish honesty and loue,
I will goe on: I lay with Cassio lately,
And being troubled with a raging tooth, I could not sleep.
There are a kinde of men so loose of soule,
That in their sleepes will mutter their affaires,
One of this kinde is Cassio:
In sleepe I heard him say. Sweete Desdemona,
Let vs be merry, let vs hide our loues;
And then sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry out, sweete creature, and then kisse me hard,
As if he pluckt vp kisses by the rootes,
That grew vpon my lips, then layed his leg
Ouer my thigh, and sigh'd, and kissed, and then
Cried, cursed fate, that gaue thee to the Moore.

Oth.
O Monstrous, monstrous.

Iag.
Nay, this was but his dreame.

Oth.
But this deuoted a fore-gone conclusion,

Iag.
Tis a shrewd doubt, tho it be but a dreame,
And this may helpe to thicken other proofes.
That doe demonstrate thinly.

Oth.
I'le teare her all to peeces.

Iag.
Nay, but be wise, yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet, tell me but this,
Haue you not sometimes seene a handkercher,
Spotted with strawberries in your wiues hand.

Oth.
I gaue her such a one, twas my first gift.

Iag.
I know not that, but such a handkercher,
I am sure it was your wiues, did I to day
See Cassio wipe his beard with.

Oth.
If't be that.

Iag.
If it be that, or any, it was hers,
It speakes against her, with the other proofes.

Oth.
O that the slaue had forty thousand liues,
One is too poore, too weake for my reuenge:
Now doe I see tis time, looke here Iago,
All my fond loue, thus doe I blow to heauen,—tis gone.
Arise blacke vengeance, from thy hollow Cell,
Yeeld vp O loue thy crowne, and harted Throne,
To tirranous hate, swell bosome with thy fraught,
For tis of Aspecks tongues.

Iag.
Pray be content. he kneeles.

Oth.
O blood, Iago, blood.

Iag.
Patience I say, your mind perhaps may change.

Oth.
Neuer:
In the due reuerence of a sacred vow,
I here ingage my words.

Iag.
Doe not rise yet:
Witnesse you euer-burning lights aboue,
You Elements that clip vs round about, Iago kneeles.
Witnesse that here, Iago doth giue vp
The excellency of his wit, hand, heart,
To wrong'd Othello's seruice: let him command,
And to obey, shall be remorce,

VVhat bloody worke so euer.

Oth.
I greete thy loue:
Not with vaine thankes, but with acceptance bounteous,
And will vpon the instant put thee to't,
VVithin these three dayes, let me heare thee say,
That Cassio's not aliue,

Iag.
My friend is dead:
Tis done as you request, but let her liue.

Oth.
Dam her lewd minks: O dam her,
Come, goe with me apart, I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift meanes of death,
For the faire diuell: now art thou my Leiutenant.

Iag.
I am your owne for euer. Exeunt. Enter Desdemonia Emilla and the Clowne.

Des.

Do you know sirra, where the Leiutenant Cassio lies?

Clo.

I dare not say he lies any where.

Des.

VVhy man? He is a Souldier, and for one to say a Souldier lies, is stabbing.

Des.

Go to, where lodges he?

Clo.

I know not where he lodges, and for me to deuise a lodging, and say he lies there, were to lie in my throate.

Desd.

Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report?

Clo.

I will cathechize the world for him, that is, make questions And by them answer.

Desd.

Seeke him, bid him come hither, tell him I haue moued my Lord in his behalfe, and hope all will be well.

Clo.

To doe this is within the compasse of a man, and therefore I'le attempt the doing of it.

Desd.
VVhere should I loose that handkercher Emillia?

Em.
I know not Madam.

Des.
Beleeue me, I had rather loose my purse
Full of Crusadoes: and but my noble Moore
Is true of minde, and made of no such basenesse,
As iealous creatures are, it were enough,
To put him to ill thinking.

Em.
Is he not iealous?

Desd.
Who he? I thinke the Sun where he was borne,
Drew all such humors from him. Enter Othello.

Em.
Looke where he comes.

Des.
I will not leaue him now,
Let Cassio be cald to him: how is it with you my Lord?

Oth.
Well my good Lady: O hardnesse to dissemble:
How doe you Desdomona?

Des.
Well, my good Lord.

Oth.
Giue me your hand, this hand is moist my Lady.

Des.
It yet has felt no age, nor knowne no sorrow.

Oth.
This argues fruitfulnesse and liberall heart,
Not hot and moist, this hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty: fasting and praying,
Much castigation, exercise deuout;
For heere's a young and swetting diuell here,
That commonly rebels: tis a good hand,
A franke one.

Des.
You may indeed say so,
For twas that hand that gaue away my heart.

Oth.
A liberall hand, the hearts of old gaue hands,
But our new herraldry is hands, not hearts.

Des.
I cannot speake of this, come, come, your promise.

Oth.
What promise chucke?

Des.
I haue sent to bid Cassio come speake with you.

Oth.
I haue a salt and sullen rhume offends me,
Lend me thy handkercher,

Des.
Here my Lord.

Oth.
That which I gaue you.

Des.
I haue it not about me.

Oth.
Not.

Des.
No faith my Lord.

Oth.
Thats a fauit: that handkercher
Did an Egyptian to my mother giue,
She was a charmer, and could almost reade
The thoughts of people; she told her while she kept it,
T'would make her amiable, and subdue my father
Intirely to her loue: But if she lost it,

Intirely to her loue: But if she lost it,
Or made a gift of it: my fathers eye
Should hold her lothely, and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies: she dying, gaue it me,
And bid me when my fate would haue me wiue,
To giue it her; I did so, and take heede on't,
Make it a darling, like your pretious eye,
To loose, or giue't away, were such perdition,
As nothing else could match.

Desd.
I'st possible?

Oth.
Tis true, there's magicke in the web of it,
A Sybell that had numbred in the world,
The Sun to make two hundred compasses,
In her prophetique fury, sowed the worke;
The wormes were hallowed that did breed the silke,
And it was died in Mummy, with the skilfull
Conserues of maidens hearts.

Des.
Ifaith i'st true?

Oth.
Most veritable, therefore looke to't well.

Des.
Then would to God, that I had neuer seene it.

Oth.
Ha, wherefore?

Des.
Why doe you speake so startingly and rashly.

Oth.
I'st lost? i'st gone? speake, is it out o'the way?

Des.
Heauen blesse vs.

Oth.
Say you?

Des.
It is not lost, but what and if it were?

Oth.
Ha.

Des.
I say it is not lost.

Oth.
Fetch't, let me see it,

Des.
Why so I can sir, but I will not now,
This is a tricke, to put me from my suite,
I pray let Cassio, be receiu'd againe.

Oth.
Fetch me that handkercher, my mind misgiues.

Des.
Come, come, you'll neuer meete a more sufficient m

Oth.
The handkercher.

Des.
I pray talke me of Cassio.

Oth.
The handkercher.

Des.
A man that all his time,
Hath founded his good fortunes on your loue,
Shar'd dangers with you.

Oth.
The handkercher.

Des.
Ifaith you are too blame.

Oth.
Zouns. Exit.

Em.
Is not this man iealous?

Des.
I ne're saw this before:
Sure there's some wonder in this handkercher,
I am most vnhappy in this losse. Enter Iago and Cassio.

Em.
Tis not a yeere or two shewes vs a man,
They are all but stomacks, and we all but foode;
They eate vs hungerly, and when they are full,
They belch vs; looke you, Cassio and my husband.

Iag.
There is no other way, tis she must doe it,
And loe the happinesse, goe, and importune her.

Des.
How now good, Cassio, what's the news with you?

Cas.
Madam, my former suite: I doe beseech you,
That by your vertuous meanes, I may againe
Exist, and be a member of his loue,
Whom I, with all the duty of my heart,
Intirely honour, I would not be delayed:
If my offence be of such mortall kind,
That neither seruice past, nor present sorrowes,
Nor purpos'd merrit, in futurity
Can ransome me, into his loue againe
But to know so, must be my benefit,
So shall I cloth me in a forc'd content,
And shoote my selfe vp in some other course,
To fortunes almes.

Des.
Alas thrice gentle Cassio,
My aduocation is not now in tune;
My Lord is not my Lord, nor should I know him,
Were he in fauour, as in humor altred.
So helpe me, euery spirit sanctified,
As I haue spoken for you, all my best,

And stood within the blanke of his displeasure,
For my free speech: you must a while be patient,
What I can doe I will, and more I will
Then for my selfe I dare, let that suffice you.

Iag.
Is my Lord angry?

Em.
He went hence but now,
And certainely in strange vnquietnesse.

Iag.
Can he be angry? I haue seene the Cannon,
When it hath blowne his rankes into the ayre;
And (like the Diuell) from his very arme,
Puft his owne brother, and can he be angry?
Something of moment then: I will goe meete him,
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry.

Desd.
I preethee do so: something sure of State,
Either from Venice, or some vnhatcht practice,
Made demonstrable here in Cipres to him,
Hath pudled his cleere spirit, and in such cases
Mens natures wrangle with inferior things,
Tho great ones are the obiect,
Tis euen so: for let our finger ake,
And it endues our other heathfull members,
Euen to that sence of paine; nay, we must thinke,
Men are not gods,
Nor of them looke for such obseruances
As fits the Bridall: beshrew me much Emillia,
I was (vnhandsome warrior as I am)
Arraigning his vnkindnesse with my soule;
But now I finde, I had subbornd the witnesse,
And hee's indited falsly.

Em.
Pray heauen it be State matters, as you thinke,
And no conception, nor no iealous toy
Concerning you.

Desd.
Alas the day, I neuer gaue him cause.

Em.
But iealous soules will not be answered so,
They are not euer iealous for the cause,
But iealous for they are iealous: tis a monster,
Begot vpon it selfe, borne on it selfe.

Desd.
Heauen keepe that monster from Othello's mind.

Em.
Lady, Amen.

Des.
I will goe seeke him, Cassio, walke here about,
If I doe finde him fit, I'le moue your suite, Exeunt Desd. and Emillia.
And seeke to effect it to my vttermost.

Cas.
I humbly thanke your Ladiship.

Bian.
Saue you friend Cassio. Enter Bianca.

Cas.
What make you from home?
How is it with you my most faire Bianca?
Ifaith sweete loue I was comming to your house.

Bian.
And I was going to your Lodging Cassio;
What, keepe a weeke away? seuen daies and nights,
Eightscore eight houres, and louers absent houres,
More tedious than the diall, eightscore times,
No weary reckoning.

Cas.
Pardon me Bianca,
I haue this while with laden thoughts bin prest,
But I shall in a more conuenient time,
Strike off this score of absence: sweete Bianca,
Take me this worke out.

Bian.
Oh Cassio, whence came this?
  This is some token from a newer friend,
To the felt absence, now I feele a cause,
Ist come to this?

Cas.
Go to woman,
Throw your vile ghesses in the diuells teeth,
From whence you haue them, you are iealous now,
That this is from some mistresse, some remembrance,
No by my faith Bianca,

Bian.
Why who's is it?

Cas.
I know not sweete, I found it in my chamber,
I like the worke well, ere it be demanded,
As like enough it will, I'de haue it coppied,
Take it, and do't, and leaue me for this time.

Bian.
Leaue you, wherefore?

Cas.
I doe attend here on the Generall,
And thinke it no addition, nor my wish,

To haue him see me woman'd.

Bian.
But that you doe not loue me:
I pray you bring me on the way a little,
And say, if I shall see you soone at night.

Cas.
Tis but a little way, that I can bring you,
For I attend here, but I'le see you soone.

Bian.
Tis very good, I must be circumstanc'd. Exeunt.

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