Mont.
To the platform, masters, come, let's see the watch.

Jago.
You see this fellow that is gone before,
He is a soldier, fit to stand by Cæsar,
And give direction. And do but see his vice,
'Tis to his virtues a just equinox,
The one as long as th' other. 'Tis pity of him;
I fear the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.

Mon.
But is he often thus?

Jago.
'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep.
He'll watch the horologue a double set,
If drink rock not his cradle.

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

Jago.
How now, Rodorigo!
I pray you after the lieutenant, go. [Exit Rod.

Mont.
And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place as his own second,
With one of an ingraft infirmity;

It were an honest action to say so
Unto the Moor,

Jago.
Not I, for this fair island;
I do love Cassio well, and would do much
To cure him of this evil. Hark, what noise? Re-enter Cassio pursuing Rodorigo.

Cas.

You rogue! you rascal!—

Mon.

What's the matter, lieutenant?

Cas.

A knave teach me my duty? I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle.

Rod.

Beat me—

Cas.

Dost thou prate, rogue?

Mon.
Nay, good lieutenant? [Staying him.
I pray you, Sir, hold your hand.

Cas.
Let me go, Sir, or I'll ^{h note}knock you o'er the mazzard.

Mon.
Come, come, you're drunk.

Cas.
Drunk?— [They fight.

Jago.
Away I say, go out and cry a mutiny. [Exit Rodorigo.
Nay, good lieutenant—Alas, gentlemen—
Help ho!—Lieutenant—Sir, Montano—
Help masters! here's a goodly watch indeed—
Who's that who rings the bell—diablo, ho! [Bell rings.
The town will rise. Fie, fie, lieutenant!
You will be sham'd for ever.

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