Introductory matter ^note

INTRODUCTION.

By the subsequent extract from “The Egerton Papers,” printed by the Camden Society, (p. 343) it appears that “Othello” was acted for the entertainment of Queen Elizabeth, at the residence of Lord Ellesmere (then Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal) at Harefield, in the beginning of August, 1602:—

“6 August 1602. Rewards to the Vaulters, players, and dauncers. Of this x^li to Burbidge's players for Othello, lxiiii^li xviiii^s x^d.”

The part of the memorandum which relates to “Othello” is interlined, as if added afterwards; but thus we find decisively, that this tragedy was in being in the summer of 1602; and the probability is, that it was selected for performance because it was a new play, having been brought out at the Globe theatre in the spring of that year.

The incidents, with some variation, are to be found in Cinthio's Hecatommithi, where the novel is the seventh of the third Decad, and it bears the following explanatory title in the Monte Regale edition of 1565:—“Un Capitano Moro piglia per mogliera una cittadina Venetiana: un suo Alfieri l'accusa di adulterio al marito; cerca che l'Alfieri uccida colui ch'egli credea l'adultero: il Capitano uccide la moglie, è accusato dallo Alfieri, non confessa il Moro, ma essendovi chiari inditii è bandito; et lo scelerato Alfieri, credendo nuocere ad altri, procaccia à se la morte miseramente.” This novel was early translated into French, and in all probability into English, but no such version has descended to us. Our great dramatist may indeed have read the story in the original language; and it is highly probable that he was sufficiently acquainted with Italian for the purpose. Hence he took only the name of Desdemona.

We have seen, by the quotation from “The Egerton Papers,” that the company by which “Othello” was performed at Harefield was called “Burbidge's players;” and there can be no doubt that he was the leading actor of the company, and thereby in the account gave his name to the association, though properly denominated the Lord Chamberlain's Servants. Richard Burbage was the original actor of the part of Othello, as we learn from an elegy upon his death, among the late Mr. Heber's manuscripts. To the same fact we may quote the concluding stanza of a ballad, on the incidents of “Othello,” written after the death of Burbage, which has also come down to us in manuscript:—

“Dick Burbage, that most famous man,
  That actor without peer,
With this same part his course began,
  And kept it many a year.
Shakespeare was fortunate, I trow,
  That such an actor had:
If we had but his equal now,
  For one I should be glad.”

The writer spoke at random, when he asserted that Burbage began his career with Othello, for we have evidence to show that he was an actor of high celebrity, many years before Shakespeare's “Othello” was written, and we have no proof that there was any older play upon the same subject.

There are two quarto editions of “Othello,” one bearing date in 1622, the year before the first folio of “Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies” appeared, and the other printed in 1630. An exact copy of the title-page of the quarto of 1622, will be found in the usual place, and that published in 1630 differs only in the imprint, which is “by A. M. for Richard Hawkins,” &c. We have had frequent occasion in our notes to refer to this impression, which has, indeed, been mentioned by the commentators, but nothing like sufficient attention has been paid to it. Malone summarily dismissed it as “an edition of no authority,” but it is very clear that he had never sufficiently examined it. It was unquestionably printed from a manuscript different from that used for the quarto of 1622, or for the folio of 1623; and it presents a number of various readings, some of which singularly illustrate the original text of “Othello.” Of this fact it may be fit here to supply some proof.

In Act iii. sc. 3, a passage occurs in the folio of 1623, which is not contained in the quarto of 1622, and which runs thus imperfectly in the folio:—
&lblank; “Like to the Pontick sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb, but keeps due on
To the Propontick and the Hellespont,” &c.

It will not be disputed that “Ne'er keeps retiring ebb” must be wrong, the compositor of the folio having caught “keeps” from the later portion of the same line. In Pope's edition, “feels” was substituted for keeps, and the word has since usually continued in the text, with Malone's note, “the correction was made by Mr. Pope.” The truth is, that Pope was right in his conjecture as to the misprinted word, for in the quarto of 1630, which Malone could not have consulted, but which he nevertheless pronounced “of no authority,” the passage stands thus:—
&lblank; “Like to the Pontick sea,
Whose icy current, and compulsive course
Ne'er feels retiring ebb,” &c.

If Malone had looked at the quarto of 1630, he would have seen that Pope had been anticipated in his proposed emendation about a hundred years; and that in the manuscript from which the quarto of 1630 was printed, the true word was “feels,” and not keeps, as it was misprinted in the folio of 1623. We will take an instance, only six lines earlier in the same scene, to show the value of the quarto of 1630, in supporting the quarto of 1622, and in correcting the folio of 1623. Othello exclaims, as we find the words in the folio,
“Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell,” a line which has been generally thus printed, adopting the text of the quarto of 1622:—
“Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell;” and these are exactly the words in the quarto of 1630, although it can be established that it was printed, not from the quarto of 1622, nor from the folio of 1623, but from a manuscript which in many places differed materially from both, and in some few supplied a text inferior to both. It is not necessary to pursue this point farther, especially as our brief notes abundantly establish that the quarto of 1630, instead of being “of no authority,” is of great value, with reference to the true reading of some important passages.

Walkley, the publisher of the quarto of 1622, thus entered that edition on the Stationers' Registers, shortly previous to its appearance:

“6 Oct. 1621.
Tho. Walkely] Entered for his, to wit, under the handes of Sir George Buck and of the Wardens: The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice.”

It is perhaps not too much to presume, that this impression, though dated 1622, had come out at the close of 1621; and that it preceded the folio of 1623 is very obvious from the fact, that “Othello” was not included in their list by Blunt and Jaggard, the publishers of the folio of 1623, because they were aware that it had already been printed, and that it had been entered as the property of another bookseller. The quarto of 1622 was preceded by the following address.

“To set forth a book without an epistle were like to the old English proverb, ‘A blue coat without a badge;’ and the author being dead, I thought good to take that piece of work upon me. To commend it I will not, for that which is good, I hope, every man will commend without entreaty; and I am the bolder, because the author's name is sufficient to vent his work. Thus leaving every one to the liberty of judgment, I have ventured to print this play, and leave it to the general censure. Yours, Thomas Walkley.”

The publishers of the folio of 1623, perhaps, purchased Walkley's interest in “Othello.”

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. Duke of Venice. BRABANTIO, a Senator. Two other Senators [Senator 1], [Senator 2]. GRATIANO, Brother to Brabantio. LODOVICO, Kinsman to Brabantio. OTHELLO, the Moor. CASSIO, his Lieutenant. IAGO, his Ancient. RODERIGO, a Venetian Gentleman. MONTANO, Governor of Cyprus. Clown, Servant to Othello. Herald. DESDEMONA, Daughter to Brabantio, and Wife to Othello. EMILIA, Wife to Iago. BIANCA, Mistress to Cassio. Officers, Gentlemen, Messengers, Musicians, Sailors, Attendants, &c. [Senator], [Officer], [Gentleman 1], [Gentleman 2], [Gentleman 3], [Gentleman], [Messenger], [Musician], [Sailor] SCENE, for the first Act, in Venice; during the rest of the Play, at a Sea-Port in Cyprus.

OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE. ACT I. SCENE I. Venice. A Street. Enter Roderigo and Iago.

Rod.
Tush! never tell me^{1 note}, I take it much unkindly,
That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse,
As if the strings were thine, should'st know of this.

Iago.
'Sblood, but you will not hear me:
If ever I did dream of such a matter, abhor me.

Rod.
Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate.

Iago.
Despise me, if I do not. Three great ones of the city,
In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,
Oft capp'd to him^{2 note}; and, by the faith of man,
I know my price: I am worth no worse a place;
But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,
Evades them, with a bombast circumstance,
Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war;

And, in conclusion^{3 note},
Nonsuits my mediators; “For certes,” says he,
“I have already chose my officer.” And what was he?
Forsooth, a great arithmetician,
One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,
A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife^{4 note};
That never set a squadron in the field,
Nor the division of a battle knows
More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric,
Wherein the toged consuls^{5 note}
can propose
As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice,
Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th' election;
And I,—of whom his eyes had seen the proof,
At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds,
Christian and heathen^{6 note},—must be be-lee'd and calm'd
By debitor and creditor, this counter-caster:
He, in good time, must his lieutenant be,
And I, (God bless the mark!) his Moor-ship's ancient^{7 note}.

Rod.
By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.

Iago.
But there's no remedy: 'tis the curse of service,
Preferment goes by letter, and affection,
Not by the old gradation^{8 note}, where each second
Stood heir t' the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself,
Whether I in any just term am affin'd^{9 note}
To love the Moor.

Rod.
I would not follow him, then.

Iago.
O, sir! content you;
I follow him to serve my turn upon him:
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave,
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,
Wears out his time, much like his master's ass,
For nought but provender; and when he's old, cashier'd:
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are,
Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty,
Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, 11Q1073
And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,
Do well thrive by them; and when they have lin'd their coats,
Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul;
And such a one do I profess myself.
For, sir,
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:
In following him, I follow but myself;
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, 'tis not long after

But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at^{1 note}: I am not what I am.

Rod.
What a full fortune^{2 note} does the thick-lips owe,
If he can carry't thus!

Iago.
Call up her father;
Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight,
Proclaim him in the streets: incense her kinsmen;
And though he in a fertile climate dwell,
Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy,
Yet throw such changes^{3 note} of vexation on't,
As it may lose some colour.

Rod.
Here is her father's house: I'll call aloud.

Iago.
Do; with like timorous accent, and dire yell,
As when, by night and negligence, the fire
Is spied in populous cities. 11Q1074

Rod.
What ho! Brabantio! signior Brabantio, ho!

Iago.
Awake! what, ho! Brabantio! thieves! thieves! thieves!
Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!
Thieves! thieves! Enter Brabantio, above, at a Window.

Bra.
What is the reason of this terrible summons?
What is the matter there?

Rod.
Signior, is all your family within?

Iago.
Are your doors lock'd^{4 note}?

Bra.
Why? wherefore ask you this?

Iago.
'Zounds, sir! you are robb'd; for shame, put on your gown;

Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul:
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise!
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.
Arise, I say.

Bra.
What! have you lost your wits?

Rod.
Most reverend signior, do you know my voice?

Bra.
Not I: what are you?

Rod.
My name is Roderigo.

Bra.
The worse welcome^{5 note}:
I have charg'd thee not to haunt about my doors.
In honest plainness thou hast heard me say,
My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness,
Being full of supper and distempering draughts,
Upon malicious bravery^{6 note} dost thou come
To start my quiet.

Rod.
Sir, sir, sir,—

Bra.
But thou must needs be sure,
My spirit, and my place, have in them power
To make this bitter to thee.

Rod.
Patience, good sir.

Bra.
What tell'st thou me of robbing? this is Venice;
My house is not a grange.

Rod.
Most grave Brabantio,
In simple and pure soul I come to you.

Iago.

'Zounds, sir! you are one of those, that will not serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service, and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse: you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans.

Bra.

What profane wretch art thou?

Iago.

I am one, sir, that comes to tell you, your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.

Bra.
Thou art a villain.

Iago.
You are—a senator.

Bra.
This thou shalt answer: I know thee, Roderigo.

Rod.
Sir, I will answer any thing. But I beseech you,
If 't be your pleasure^{7 note}, and most wise consent,
(As partly, I find, it is) that your fair daughter,
At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night,
Transported with no worse nor better guard,
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor,
If this be known to you, and your allowance,
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs;
But if you know not this, my manners tell me,
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe,
That from the sense of all civility,
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence:
Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,
I say again, hath made a gross revolt,
Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes,
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger, 11Q1075
Of here and every where. Straight satisfy yourself:
If she be in her chamber, or your house,
Let loose on me the justice of the state
For thus deluding you^{8 note}.

Bra.
Strike on the tinder, ho!
Give me a taper!—call up all my people!—
This accident is not unlike my dream;
Belief of it oppresses me already.—
Light, I say! light! [Exit from above.

Iago.
Farewell, for I must leave you:
It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place^{9 note},
To be produc'd^{1 note} (as if I stay I shall)
Against the Moor: for, I do know, the state,—
However this may gall him with some check,—
Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embark'd
With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,
(Which even now stand in act) that, for their souls,
Another of his fathom they have none,
To lead their business: in which regard,
Though I do hate him as I do hell pains 11Q1076^{2 note},
Yet for necessity of present life,
I must show out a flag and sign of love,
Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him,
Lead to the Sagittary the raised search^{3 note};
And there will I be with him. So, farewell. [Exit. Enter Brabantio, and Servants with Torches.

Bra.
It is too true an evil: gone she is;
And what's to come of my despised time,
Is nought but bitterness.—Now, Roderigo,
Where didst thou see her?—O, unhappy girl!—
With the Moor, say'st thou?—Who would be a father?—
How didst thou know 'twas she?—O! thou deceiv'st me^{4 note}
Past thought.—What said she to you?—Get more tapers!
Raise all my kindred!—Are they married, think you?

Rod.
Truly, I think, they are.

Bra.
O heaven!—How got she out?—O, treason of the blood!—
Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds
By what you see them act.—Are there not charms,
By which the property of youth and maidhood
May be abus'd? Have you not read, Roderigo,
Of some such thing?

Rod.
Yes, sir; I have, indeed^{5 note}.

Bra.
Call up my brother.—O, that you had had her^{6 note}!—
Some one way, some another.—Do you know
Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?

Rod.
I think, I can discover him, if you please
To get good guard, and go along with me.

Bra.
Pray you, lead on^{7 note}. At every house I'll call;
I may command at most.—Get weapons, ho!
And raise some special officers of night^{8 note}.—
On, good Roderigo;—I'll deserve your pains. [Exeunt. SCENE II. The Same. Another Street. Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants, with Torches.

Iago.
Though in the trade of war I have slain men,
Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience
To do no contriv'd murder: I lack iniquity
Sometimes, to do me service. Nine or ten times

I had thought to have yerk'd him here, under the ribs.

Oth.
'Tis 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^{9 note}


,
That the magnifico is much beloved;
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^{1 note},
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^{2 note}

, I fetch my life and being
From men of royal siege; and my demerits^{3 note}
May speak, unbonneted, 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?

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. Enter Cassio, and certain Officers with Torches.

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,
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 galleys
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers^{4 note}
This very night at one another's heels;
And many of the consuls, 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 above three several quests^{5 note},
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.

Cas.
Ancient, what makes he here?

Iago.
'Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack^{6 note}:
If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever.

Cas.
I do not understand.

Iago.
He's married.

Cas.
To whom? Re-enter Othello.

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

Oth.
Have with you^{7 note}.

Cas.
Here comes another troop to seek for you.

Iago.
It is Brabantio.—General, be advis'd:
He comes to bad intent. Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers, with Torches and Weapons.

Oth.
Holla! 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 magic were not bound^{8 note},

Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy,
So opposite to marriage, that she shunn'd
The wealthy curled darlings^{9 note} of our nation,
Would ever have, to incur a general mock,
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou; to fear, not to delight.
Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense^{1 note},
That thou hast practis'd on her with foul charms;
Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs, or minerals,
That weaken motion^{2 note}.—I'll have 't disputed on;
'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.
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.

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 bear me to him^{3 note}?

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 shall our statesmen be. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The Same. A Council-Chamber. The Duke, and Senators, sitting at a Table; Officers attending.

Duke.
There is no composition in these news,
That gives them credit.

1 Sen.
Indeed, they are disproportion'd:
My letters say, a hundred and seven galleys.

Duke.
And mine, a hundred and forty.

2 Sen.
And mine, two hundred:
But though they jump not on a just account,
(As in these cases, where they aim reports 11Q1077^{4 note},
'Tis oft with difference) yet do they all confirm
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.

Duke.
Nay, it is possible enough to judgment.
I do not so secure me in the error,

But the main article I do approve
In fearful sense.

Sailor. [Within.]
What ho! what ho! what ho! Enter an Officer, with a Sailor.

Off.
A messenger from the galleys.

Duke.
Now, the business?

Sail.
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes:
So was I bid report here to the state,
By signior Angelo^{5 note}.

Duke.
How say you by this change?

1 Sen.
This cannot be,
By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant,
To keep us in false gaze. When we consider
The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk;
And let ourselves again but understand,
That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,
So may he with more facile question bear it,
For that it stands not in such warlike brace^{6 note},
But altogether lacks th' abilities
That Rhodes is dress'd in:—if we make thought of this,
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful,
To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain,
To wake, and wage, a danger profitless.

Duke.
Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes.

Off.
Here is more news. Enter a Messenger.

Mess.
The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,

Have there injointed them^{7 note} with an after fleet.

1 Sen.
Ay, so I thought.—How many, as you guess?

Mess.
Of thirty sail; and now do they re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus.—Signior Montano,
Your trusty and most valiant servitor,
With his free duty recommends you thus,
And prays you to believe him^{8 note}.

Duke.
'Tis certain then for Cyprus.—
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?

1 Sen.
He's now in Florence.

Duke.
Write from us to him; post, post-haste dispatch.

1 Sen.
Here comes Brabantio, and the valiant Moor. Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, and Officers.

Duke.
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the general enemy Ottoman.—
I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior; [To Brabantio.
We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night.

Bra.
So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me;
Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business,
Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the general care
Take hold of me^{9 note}, for my particular grief
Is of so flood-gate and o'er-bearing nature,
That it engluts and swallows other sorrows,
And it is still itself.

Duke.
Why, what's the matter?

Bra.
My daughter! O, my daughter!

Sen.
Dead?

Bra.
Ay, to me;
She is abus'd, stol'n from me, and corrupted
By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;
For nature so preposterously to err,
(Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense^{1 note})
Sans witchcraft could not.

Duke.
Whoe'er he be that, in this foul proceeding,
Hath thus beguil'd your daughter of herself,
And you of her, the bloody book of law
You shall yourself read in the bitter letter,
After its own sense; yea, though our proper son^{2 note}
Stood in your action.

Bra.
Humbly I thank your grace.
Here is the man, this Moor; whom now, it seems,
Your special mandate, for the state affairs,
Hath hither brought.

Duke and Sen.
We are very sorry for it.

Duke.
What, in your own part, can you say to this? [To Othello.

Bra.
Nothing, but this is so.

Oth.
Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors,
My very noble and approv'd good masters,
That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
It is most true; true, I have married her:
The very head and front of my offending
Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,
And little bless'd with the set phrase of peace^{3 note};
For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith,

Till now, some nine moons wasted^{3 note}, they have us'd
Their dearest action in the tented field;
And little of this great world can I speak,
More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;
And, therefore, little shall I grace my cause,
In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,
I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver
Of my whole course of love; what drugs, what charms,
What conjuration, and what mighty magic,
(For such proceeding I am charg'd withal)
I won his daughter.

Bra.
A maiden never bold;
Of spirit so still and quiet, that her motion
Blush'd at herself; and she,—in spite of nature,
Of years, of country, credit, every thing,—
To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on?
It is a judgment maim'd^{4 note}, and most imperfect,
That will confess perfection so could err
Against all rules of nature; and must be driven
To find out practices of cunning hell,
Why this should be. I, therefore, vouch again,
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood,
Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect,
He wrought upon her.

Duke.
To vouch this is no proof:
Without more certain and more overt test,
These are thin habits, and poor likelihoods 11Q1078
Of modern seeming, you prefer against him^{5 note}
.

1 Sen.
But, Othello, speak:
Did you by indirect and forced courses
Subdue and poison this young maid's affections;
Or came it by request, and such fair question
As soul to soul affordeth?

Oth.
I do beseech you,
Send for the lady to the Sagittary,
And let her speak of me before her father:
If you do find me foul in her report,
The trust, the office, I do hold of you^{6 note},
Not only take away, but let your sentence
Even fall upon my life.

Duke.
Fetch Desdemona hither.

Oth.
Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place.— [Exeunt Iago and Attendants.
And, till she come, as truly^{7 note} as to heaven
I do confess the vices of my blood,
So justly to your grave ears I'll present
How I did thrive in this fair lady's love,
And she in mine.

Duke.
Say it, Othello.

Oth.
Her father lov'd me; oft invited me;
Still question'd me the story of my life,
From year to year; the battles, sieges, fortunes^{8 note},
That I have pass'd.
I ran it through, even from my boyish days,
To the very moment that he bade me tell it:
Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents, by flood, and field^{9 note};
Of hair-breadth scapes i' th' imminent deadly breach;

Of being taken by the insolent foe,
And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence,
And portance in my travel's history^{10 note}

:
Wherein of antres vast, and deserts idle^{1 note}
,
Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven,
It was my hint to speak, such was the process;
And of the Cannibals that each other eat,
The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads
Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear^{2 note}

,
Would Desdemona seriously incline:
But still the house affairs would draw her thence^{3 note};
Which ever as she could with haste despatch,
She'd come again, and with a greedy ear
Devour up my discourse. Which I observing,
Took once a pliant hour; and found good means
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart,
That I would all my pilgrimage dilate,
Whereof by parcels she had something heard,
But not intentively^{4 note}: I did consent;

And often did beguile her of her tears,
When I did speak of some distressful stroke,
That my youth suffer'd. My story being done,
She gave me for my pains a world of sighs 11Q1079^{5 note}:
She swore,—in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange;
'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful:
She wish'd she had not heard it; yet she wish'd
That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd me;
And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her,
I should but teach him how to tell my story,
And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake^{6 note};
She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd,
And I lov'd her, that she did pity them.
This only is the witchcraft I have us'd:
Here comes the lady; let her witness it. Enter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants.

Duke.
I think, this tale would win my daughter too.
Good Brabantio,
Take up this mangled matter at the best:
Men do their broken weapons rather use,
Than their bare hands.

Bra.
I pray you, hear her speak:
If she confess that she was half the wooer,

Destruction on my head^{7 note}, if my bad blame
Light on the man.—Come hither, gentle mistress:
Do you perceive in all this noble company,
Where most you owe obedience?

Des.
My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you, I am bound for life, and education:
My life, and education, both do learn me
How to respect you; you are the lord of duty^{8 note};
I am hitherto your daughter: but here's my husband;
And so much duty as my mother show'd
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor, my lord.

Bra.
God be with you!—I have done.—
Please it your grace, on to the state affairs:
I had rather to adopt a child, than get it.—
Come hither, Moor:
I here do give thee that with all my heart,
Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart^{9 note}
I would keep from thee.—For your sake, jewel,
I am glad at soul I have no other child,
For thy escape would teach me tyranny,
To hang clogs on them.—I have done, my lord.

Duke.
Let me speak like yourself; and lay a sentence,
Which, as a grise, or step, may help these lovers
Into your favour^{1 note}
.
When remedies are past, the griefs are ended

By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
Is the next way to draw more mischief on^{2 note}.
What cannot be preserv'd when fortune takes,
Patience her injury a mockery makes.
The robb'd, that smiles, steals something from the thief:
He robs himself, that spends a bootless grief.

Bra.
So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile:
We lose it not, so long as we can smile.
He bears the sentence well, that nothing bears
But the free comfort which from thence he hears;
But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow,
That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow.
These sentences, to sugar, or to gall,
Being strong on both sides, are equivocal:
But words are words; I never yet did hear,
That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the ear^{3 note}.
Beseech you, now to the affairs of state^{4 note}.

Duke.

The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus.—Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects^{5 note}, throws a more safer voice on you: you must, therefore, be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition^{6 note}.

Oth.
The tyrant custom, most grave senators,
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war^{7 note}
My thrice-driven bed of down: I do agnize^{8 note}
A natural and prompt alacrity,
I find in hardness; and do undertake^{9 note}
These present wars against the Ottomites.
Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state,
I crave fit disposition for my wife;
Due reference of place, and exhibition,
With such accommodation, and besort,
As levels with her breeding.

Duke.
If you please,
Be't at her father's^{1 note}
.

Bra.
I'll not have it so.

Oth.
Nor I.

Des.
Nor I; I would not there reside^{2 note},
To put my father in impatient thoughts,
By being in his eye. Most gracious duke,
To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear^{3 note}:
And let me find a charter in your voice,
T' assist my simpleness.

Duke.
What would you, Desdemona^{4 note}?

Des.
That I did love the Moor to live with him,
My downright violence and storm of fortunes^{5 note}
May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued
Even to the very quality^{6 note} of my lord:
I saw Othello's visage in his mind;
And to his honours, and his valiant parts,
Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate.
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
The rites for which I love him^{7 note} are bereft me,
And I a heavy interim shall support
By his dear absence. Let me go with him.

Oth.
Your voices, lords: 'beseech you, let her will
Have a free way^{8 note}
.
Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not,
To please the palate of my appetite;
Nor to comply with heat, the young affects,
In my defunct and proper satisfaction^{9 note};
But to be free and bounteous to her mind^{1 note}:
And heaven defend your good souls, that you think
I will your serious and great business scant,

For she is with me^{2 note}. No, when light-wing'd toys
Of feather'd Cupid foil with wanton dulness
My speculative and active instruments 11Q1080^{3 note},
That my disports corrupt and taint my business,
Let housewives make a skillet of my helm,
And all indign and base adversities
Make head against my reputation^{4 note}!

Duke.
Be it as you shall privately determine,
Either for her stay, or going. Th' affair cries haste,
And speed must answer it: you must hence to-night.

Des.
To-night, my lord^{5 note}?

Duke.
This night.

Oth.
With all my heart.

Duke.
At nine i' the morning^{6 note} here we'll meet again.
Othello, leave some officer behind,
And he shall our commission bring to you;
With such things else of quality and respect,
As doth import you.

Oth.
Please your grace, my ancient^{7 note};

A man he is of honesty, and trust:
To his conveyance I assign my wife,
With what else needful your good grace shall think
To be sent after me.

Duke.
Let it be so.—
Good night to every one.—And, noble signior, [To Brabantio.
If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.

1 Sen.
Adieu, brave Moor! use Desdemona well.

Bra.
Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see^{8 note}:
She has deceiv'd her father, and may thee. [Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, &c.

Oth.
My life upon her faith.—Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leave to thee:
I pr'ythee, let thy wife attend on her,
And bring her after^{9 note} in the best advantage.—
Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour
Of love, of worldly matters and direction,
To spend with thee: we must obey the time. [Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.

Rod.

Iago.

Iago.

What say'st thou, noble heart?

Rod.

What will I do, thinkest thou?

Iago.

Why, go to bed, and sleep.

Rod.

I will incontinently drown myself.

Iago.

Well,if thou dost, I shall never love thee after it. Why, thou silly gentleman!

Rod.

It is silliness to live, when to live is a torment; and then have we a prescription to die, when death is our physician.

Iago.

O villainous^{1 note}! I have looked upon the world

for four times seven years, and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injury, I never found a man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a Guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon.

Rod.

What should I do? I confess, it is my shame to be so fond; but it is not in my virtue to amend it.

Iago.

Virtue? a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus, or thus. Our bodies are gardens^{2 note}, to the which, our wills are gardeners; so that if we will plant nettles, or sow lettuce; set hyssop, and weed up thyme; supply it with one gender of herbs, or distract it with many; either to have it steril with idleness, or manured with industry; why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives^{3 note} had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: but we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts, whereof I take this, that you call— love, to be a sect^{4 note}, or scion.

Rod.

It cannot be.

Iago.

It is merely a lust of the blood, and a permission of the will. Come, be a man: drown thyself? drown cats, and blind puppies. I profess me thy friend^{5 note}, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness; I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse; follow

these wars; defeat thy favour^{6 note} with an usurped beard; I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be, that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor, —put money in thy purse;—nor he his to her^{7 note}: it was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration;—put but money in thy purse.— These Moors are changeable in their wills;—fill thy purse with money: the food that to him now is as luscious as locusts, shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida^{8 note}. She must change for youth: when she is sated with his body, she will find the error of her choice.—She must have change, she must^{9 note}: therefore, put money in thy purse.—If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow, betwixt an erring barbarian^{1 note} and a super-subtle Venetian, be not too hard for my wits, and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; 11Q1081 therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself! it is clean out of the way: seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy, than to be drowned and go without her.

Rod.

Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the issue^{2 note}?

Iago.

Thou art sure of me.—Go, make money.—I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee^{3 note} again and again, I hate the Moor: my cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him: if thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time, which will be delivered. Traverse^{4 note}; go; provide thy money. We will have more of this to-morrow. Adieu.

Rod.

Where shall we meet i' the morning?

Iago.

At my lodging.

Rod.

I'll be with thee betimes.

Iago.

Go to; farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo^{5 note}?

Rod.

What say you?

Iago.

No more of drowning, do you hear.

Rod.

I am changed. I'll sell all my land.

Iago.

Go to; farewell: put money enough in your purse.

To get his place, and to plume up my will^{8 note};
In double knavery,—How, how?—Let's see:—
After some time, to abuse Othello's ear,
That he is too familiar with his wife:
He hath a person, and a smooth dispose,
To be suspected; fram'd to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature^{9 note}
,
That thinks men honest, that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose,
As asses are.—
I have't;—it is engender'd:—hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. [Exit. ACT II. SCENE I. A Sea-port Town in Cyprus. A Platform. Enter Montano^{1 note} and Two Gentlemen.

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

1 Gent.
Nothing at all: it is a high-wrought flood;
I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main^{2 note},
Descry a sail.

Mon.
Methinks, the wind hath spoke aloud at land;
A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements:
If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea,
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them^{3 note},
Can hold the mortise? what shall we hear of this?

2 Gent.
A segregation of the Turkish fleet:
For do but stand upon the foaming shore^{4 note},
The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds,
The wind-shak'd surge, with high and monstrous mane,
Seems to cast water on the burning bear,
And quench the guards of th' ever-fixed pole:
I never did like molestation view
On the enchafed flood.

Mon.
If that the Turkish fleet
Be not inshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd;
It is impossible to bear it out^{5 note}. Enter a third Gentleman.

3 Gent.
News, lads^{6 note}! our wars are done.
The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks,
That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice^{7 note}
Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance
On most part of their fleet.

Mon.
How! is this true?

3 Gent.
The ship is here put in:
A Veronesé, Michael Cassio^{8 note},

Lieutenant to the warlike Moor, Othello,
Is come on shore: the Moor himself's at sea,
And is in full commission here for Cyprus.

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

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

Mon.
Pray heaven he be;
For I have serv'd him, and the man commands
Like a full soldier. Let's to the sea-side, ho!
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 th' aerial blue,
An indistinct regard^{9 note}.

3 Gent.
Come, let's do so;
For every minute is expectancy
Of more arrivance^{1 note}. Enter Cassio.

Cas.
Thanks you, the valiant of the warlike isle^{2 note},
That so approve the Moor.—O! let the heavens
Give him defence against the elements,

For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.

Mon.
Is he well shipp'd?

Cas.
His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot
Of very expert and approv'd allowance;
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death^{3 note},
Stand in bold cure. [Within.]
A sail, a sail, a sail! Enter a Messenger.

Cas.
What noise?

Mess.
The town is empty; on the brow o' the sea
Stand ranks of people, and they cry, “a sail.”

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

2 Gent.
They do discharge their shot of courtesy:
Our friends, at least.

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

2 Gent.
I shall. [Exit.

Mon.
But, good lieutenant, is your general wiv'd?

Cas.
Most fortunately: he hath achiev'd a maid,
That paragons description, and wild fame;
One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens^{4 note},
And in th' essential vesture of creation,
Does bear all excellency^{5 note}.—How now? who has put in? Re-enter Second Gentleman.

2 Gent.
'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general.

Cas.
He has had most favourable and happy speed:
Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,
The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands,
Traitors ensteep'd^{6 note} to clog the guiltless keel,
As having sense of beauty, do omit
Their mortal natures, letting go safely by
The divine Desdemona.

Mon.
What is she?

Cas.
She that I spake of, our great captain's captain,
Left in the conduct of the bold Iago;
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts,
A se'nnight's speed.—Great Jove! 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 Desdemona's arms^{7 note},
Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits,
And bring all Cyprus comfort.—O, behold! Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Roderigo, and Attendants.
The riches of the ship is come on shore.
Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.—
Hail to thee, lady! 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 of my lord^{8 note}?

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

Des.
O! but I fear.—How lost you company?

Cas.
The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship. [Within.]
A sail, a sail!
But, hark! a sail. [Guns heard.

2 Gent.
They give their greeting^{9 note} to the citadel:
This likewise is a friend.

Cas.
See for the news^{1 note}.— [Exit Gentleman.
Good ancient, you are welcome.—Welcome, mistress.— [To Emilia.
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.

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

Des.
Alas! she has no speech.

Iago.
In faith, too much^{2 note};
I find it still, when I have leave to sleep:
Marry, before your ladyship, I grant,
She puts her tongue a little in her heart,
And chides with thinking.

Emil.
You have little cause to say so.

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

Des.
O, fie upon thee, slanderer^{3 note}!

Iago.
Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk:
You rise to play, and go to bed to work.

Emil.
You shall not write my praise.

Iago.
No, let me not.

Des.
What would'st thou write of me, if thou should'st praise me?

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

Des.
Come on; assay.—There's one gone to the harbour?

Iago.
Ay, madam.

Des.
I am not merry; but I do beguile
The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.—
Come; how would'st thou praise me?

Iago.
I am about it, but, indeed, my invention
Comes from my pate, as birdlime does from frize,
It plucks out brains and all; but my muse labours,
And thus she is deliver'd.
If she be fair and wise,—fairness, and wit,
The one's for use, the other useth it.

Des.
Well prais'd! How, if she be black and witty?

Iago.
If she be black, and thereto have a wit,
She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit^{4 note}.

Des.
Worse and worse.

Emil.
How, if fair and foolish?

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

Des.

These are old fond paradoxes^{5 note}, to make fools laugh i' the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish?

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

Des.

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

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, 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 disclose her mind,
See suitors following, and not look behind^{6 note};
She was a wight,—if ever such wight were,—

Des.

To 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 counsellor? 11Q1082

Cas.

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

Iago. [Aside.]

He takes her by the palm^{7 note}: ay, well said, whisper: with as little a web as this, will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks as these strip you

out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; well kissed! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? would, they were clyster-pipes for your sake.—[A trumpet heard.] The Moor! I know his trumpet.

Cas.

'Tis truly so.

Des.

Let's meet him, and receive him.

Cas.

Lo, where he comes!

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, my soul's joy!
If after every tempest come such calms^{8 note},
May the winds blow, till they have waken'd death;
And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas,
Olympus-high, and duck again as low
As hell's from heaven! If it 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,
Even as our days do grow!

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

Iago. [Aside.]
O! you are well tun'd now;

But I'll set down the pegs that make this music,
As honest as I am.

Oth.
Come, let us to the castle.—
News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd.
How does my old acquaintance of this isle^{9 note}?—
Honey, you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,
I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet,
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
In mine own comforts.—I pr'ythee, good Iago,
Go to the bay, and disembark my 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 Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants.

Iago.

Do thou meet me presently at the harbour.— Come hither^{1 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,—list me. The lieutenant to-night watches on the court of guard^{2 note}.—First, I must tell thee this—Desdemona is directly in love with him.

Rod.

With him! why, 'tis not possible.

Iago.

Lay thy finger—thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies; and will she love him still for prating^{3 note}? let not

thy discreet heart think it. 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 to inflame it^{4 note}, and to give satiety a fresh appetite,—loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in. Now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will instruct her in it, and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir, this granted, (as it is a most pregnant and unforced position) who stands so eminently^{5 note} in the degree of this fortune, as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no farther conscionable, than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming^{6 note}, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none^{7 note}: a subtle slippery knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave! besides, the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and green minds look after; a pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath found him already.

Rod.

I cannot believe that in her: she is full of most blessed condition.

Iago.

Blessed fig's end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor: bless'd pudding^{8 note}! Didst thou

not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that?

Rod.

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

Iago.

Lechery, by this hand; an index, and obscure prologue^{9 note} to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that their breaths embraced together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities^{1 note} so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion. Pish!—But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the 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 his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favourably minister.

Rod.

Well.

Iago.

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

Rod.

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

Iago.

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

Rod.

Adieu.

Iago.
That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;

That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great credit:
The Moor—howbeit that I endure him not,—
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;
And, I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too;
Not out of absolute lust, (though, peradventure,
I stand accountant for as great a sin)
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lustful Moor^{2 note}
Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof
Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards,
And nothing can, or shall, content my soul,
Till I am even'd with him^{3 note}, wife for wife;
Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,—
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace^{4 note}
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, 11Q1083—
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip;
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb^{5 note},—
For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too;—
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me,
For making him egregiously an ass,
And practising upon his peace and quiet,
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confus'd:
Knavery's plain face is never seen, till us'd. [Exit.

SCENE II. A Street. Enter a Herald^{6 note}, with a Proclamation; People following.

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 man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him^{7 note}; for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open; and there is full liberty of feasting^{8 note}, from this present hour of five, till the bell hath told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus, and our noble general, Othello!