distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore.-O, that men should put an enemy in their mouths, to steal away their brains! that we should, with joy, revel, pleasure, and applause, transform ourselves into beasts!

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

Cas. It hath pleased the devil, drunkenness, to give place to the devil, wrath: one imperfectness shows me another, to make me frankly despise myself.

Iago. Come, you are too severe a moraler: as the time: the place, and the condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not befallen; but, since it is as it is, mend it for your own good.

Cas. I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me, I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O, strange!Every inordinate cup is unblessed, and the ingredient is a devil.

A

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

do.

Cas. I have well approved it, sir.—I drunk! Iago. You, or any man living, may be drunk at some time, man. I'll tell you what you shall Our general's wife is now the general;-I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devo ted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement of her parts and graces:→→→ confess yourself.freely to her; importune her; she'll help to put you in your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, that she holds it a vice in her goodness, not to do more than she is requested: this broken joint, between you and her husband, entreat her to splinter; and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before.

Cas. You advise me well. Iago. protest, in the sincerity of love, and honest kindness.

Cas. I think it freely; and, betimes in the morning, will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: Lam desperate of my fortunes, if they check the hered; thub the W Velago. You are in the rights Good.night, Heutenant;bamust to the watch. W WY Cas. Good night, honest lago. [exit Cassio. 36 Iago. And what's he then, that says, I play the villain? or vis

When this advice is free, I give, and honest,14
Probal to thinking, and (indeed) 'the course)
Shiet am on woll and

gend volios adto end ACT

SCENE I. BEFORE THE CASTLE.

rol Enter Cassio and some Musicians. Cas. Masters. play here, I will content your pains. "Something that's brief; and bid good morrow, general.

To win the Moor again? For, 'tis most easy
The inclining Desdemona to subdue
In any honest suit; she's fram'd as fruitful
As the free elements. And then for her
To win the Moor,-were't to renounce his bap
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin,- [tism,
His soul is so enfetter'd to her love,
That she may make, unmake, do what she list,
Even as her appetite shall play the god
With his weak function How am I then s
villain,

To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!
When devils will their blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,
As I do now: for, while this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear,
That she repeals him for her body's lust,
And, by how much she strives to do him good,
She shall undo her credit with the Moor.
So will I turn her virtue into pitch;
And out of her own goodness make the net, [go?,
That shall enmesh them all.-How now, Roderi-
Enter Roderigo.

Rod. I do follow here in the chace, not like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent; I have been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled; and, I think, the issue will be—I shall have so much experience for my pains and so, with no money at all, and a little more wit, return to Venice,

Iago. How poor are they, that have not pa

tience!

What wound did ever heal, but by degrees
Thou know'st, we work by wit, and not by witch-
craft;
wedric 30

And wit depends on dilatory time ཕུ་མ
Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashier'd
Cassio:

Though other things grow fair against the sun,
Yet fruits, that blossom first, will first be ripe ;
Content thyself awhile, -By the mass, 'tis, morn

ing; 5241 5965 Pleasure, and action, make the hours seem short,... Retire thee; go where thou art billetted: 1 Away, I any thou shalt know more hereafter A Nay, get thee gone. [erit Rod.] Two things

esare to be done,uy only tud top adeira eft My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; I'll set her on; st vd dubenyo Myself, the while, to draw the Moor apart, or And bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife ;-Ay, that's the ways y Dull not device by coldness and delay. III.

[erita

emitavad PetEnter Clown. 90% worend item A Clo. Why, masters, have your instruments been at Naples that they speak l'the nose thus ? 1 Mus. How, sir, how ?ou Clo. Are these, I pray 'you, called wlud in

1 Mus. Ay, marry, are they, sir. Clo. O, thereby hangs a tail.

1 Mus. Whereby hangs a tale, sir?

Clo. Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, masters, here's money for you and the general so likes your music, that he desires you, of all loves, to make no more noise with it.

1 Mus. Well, sir, we will not.

Clo. If you have any music that may not be heard, to't again: but, as they say, to hear music, the general does not greatly care.

1 Mus. We have none such, sir.

Clo. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away: Go, vanish into air; away.

[exeunt Musicians. Cas. Dost thou hear, my honest friend? Clo. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you.

Cas. Pr'ythee, keep up thy quillets.

There's a poor piece of gold for thee: if the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife be stirring, tell her, there's one Cassio entreats her a little favour of speech: Wilt thou do this:

Clo. She is stirring, sir; if she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her. [erit.

Enter Iago.

Cus. Do, good my friend. In happy time, Iago.

Iago. You have not been a-bed then? Cas. Why, no; the day had broke Before we parted. I had made bold, Iago, To send in to your wife: My suit to her Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona Procure me some access.

Iago. I'll send her to you presently; And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and business May be more free.

[exit.

Cas. I humbly thank you for't. I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest. Enter Emilia.

Emil. Good morrow, good lieutenant: I am

sorry

For your displeasure; but all will soon be well. The general, and his wife, are talking of it; And she speaks for you stoutly: The Moor replies, That he, you hurt, is of great fame in Cyprus, And great affinity; and that, in wholesome wisdom, [loves you;

He might not but refuse you: but, he protests, he
And needs no other suitor, but his likings,
To take the saf'st occasion by the front,
To bring you in again.

Cas. Yet, I beseech you,

If you think fit, or that it may be done,-
Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemona alone.

Emil. Pray you, come in,

I will bestow you where you shall have time
To speak your bosom freely.

Cas. I am much bound to you.

SCENE II. A ROOM IN THE CASTLE.

[exeunt.

Enter Othello, lago, and Gentlemen. Oth. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And, by him, do my duties to the state;

That done, I will be walking on the works;
Repair there to me.

Iago. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. [see't?
Oth. This fortification, gentlemen,-shall we
Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. [exeunt

SCENE III. BEFORE THE CASTLE.

Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. Des. Be thou assur'd, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf.

Emil. Good madam, do; I know it grieves my
As if the case were his.
[husband,.
Des. O, that's an honest fellow. Do not doubt,
But I will have my lord and you again [Cassio,
As friendly as you were.

Cas. Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He's never any thing but your true servant.

Des. O, sir, I thank you: You do love my lord: You have known him long and be you well assur'd,

He shall in strangeness stand no further off
Than in a politic distance.

Cas. Ay, but, lady,

That policy may either last so long,
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstance,
That, I being absent, and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.

Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here,
I give thee warrant of thy place: assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it
To the last article: my lord shall never rest;
I'll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift
I'll intermingle every thing he does

With Cassio's suit: Therefore, be merry, Cassio For thy solicitor shall rather die,

Than give thy cause away.

Enter Othello and Iago, at a distance. Emil. Madam, here comes

My lord.

Des. Well, well,

Do your discretion.

[exit Cassio

[what

Iago. Ha! I like not that. Oth. What dost thou say? Iago. Nothing, my lord: or, if-I know not Oth. Was not that Cassio, parted from my wife? [think it,

Iago. Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming.

Oth. I do believe 'twas he.

Des. How now, my lord?

I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Oth. Who is't you mean?

[lord Good ny

Des. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. If I have any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take; For, if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance, and not in cunning,

morn;

Des. Why then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday!
[morn;-
Or, Tuesday noon, or night; or Wednesday
I pray thee, name the time: but let it not
Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;
And yet his trespass, in our common reason,
(Save that, they say, the wars must make examples
Out of their best), is not almost a fault
To incur a private check: When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello, I wonder in my soul,
What you could ask me, that I should deny,
Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael
Cassio,

That came a wooing with you; and many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part; to have so much to do
To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much,-
Oth. Pr'ythee, no more; let him come when
I will deny thee nothing.
[he will;

Des. Why, this is not a boon;
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm;
Or sue to you to do peculiar profit

To your own person: Nay, when I have a suit,
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,
It shall be full of poize and difficulty,
And fearful to be granted.

Oth. I will deny thee nothing;
Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leave me but a little to myself.
Des. Shall I deny you? no: Farewell, my lord.
Oth. Farewell, my Desdemona: I will come
to thee straight.
Des. Emilia, come:— -Be it as your fancies

teach you; Whate'er you be, I am obedient. [exit, with Emilia. Oth. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,

But I do love thee! and, when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.

Iago. My noble lord,

Oth. What dost thou say, Iago?

Iago. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd Know of your love? [my lady, Oth. He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?

lugo. But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm.

Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago? with her. Jago. I did not think he had been acquainted Oth. O yes and went between us very oft. Iago. Indeed?

I heard thee say but now,-thou lik'dst not that,
When Cassio left my wife; what didst not like?
And when I told thee-he was of my counsel
In my whole course of wooing, thou cry'dst,
Indeed?

And didst contract and purse thy brow together,
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me,
Show me thy thought.

Lago. My lord, you know I love you.
Oth. I think thou dost ;

And, for I know thou art full of love and
honesty,
[breath,
And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:
For such things, in a false disloyal knave,
Are tricks of custom; but, in a man that's just,
They are close denotements, working from the
That passion cannot rule.
[heart,

Iago. For Michael Cassio,—

I dare be sworn, I think that he is honest.
Oth. I think so too.

Iago. Men should be what they seem;
Or, those that be not, 'would they might seem

none !

Oth. Certain, men should be what they seem.
Iago. Why then,

I think that Cassio is an honest man.
Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this:

I pray thee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate; and give thy worst of
The worst of words.
[thoughts

Iago. Good my lord, pardon me:
Though I am bound to every act of duty,
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to
Utter my thoughts! Why, say, they are vile and
false,

As where's that palace, whereunto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,
But some uncleanly apprehensions

Keep leets, and law-days, and in session sit,
With meditations lawful?

Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend,
Iago,
[ear
If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and mak'st bis
A stranger to thy thoughts.

Iago. I do beseech you.― Though I, perchance, am vicious in my guess, As, I confess, it is my nature's plague To spy into abuses; and, oft, my jealousy Shapes faults that are not, I entreat you then, From one that so imperfectly conjects,

You'd take no notice; nor build yourself a trouble

Out of his scattering and unsure observance :-
It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,
To let you know my thoughts.

Oth. What dost thou mean?

Iago. Good name, in man and woman, dear Is the immediate jewel of their souls: [my lord, Who steals my purse, steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; [sands:

'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thou-
But he, that filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that, which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.

Oth. By heaven, I'll know thy thought.
Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your
Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. [hand;
Oth. Ha!

Iago. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss, Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er, Who dotes, yet doubts; suspects, yet strongly Oth. O misery! [loves! Iago. Poor, and content, is rich, and rich But riches, fineless, is as poor as winter, [enough; To him that ever fears he shall be poor:Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend From jealousy!

Oth. Why! why is this?

Think'st thou, I'd make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt,
Is-once to be resolv'd: exchange me for a goat,
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufficate and blown surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me
jealous

To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well;
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
"The smallest fear, or doubt of her revolt;
For she had eyes, and chose me: No, Iago;
I'll see, before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
And, on the proof, there is no more but this,—
Away at once with love, or jealousy.

[reason

Iago I am glad of this; for now I shall have To show the love and duty that I bear you With franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound, Receive it from me: speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eye-thus, not jealous, nor secure: I would not have your free and noble nature, Out of self bounty, be abus'd; look to't:: I know our country disposition well; In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks They dare not show their husbands; their best

She that, so young, could give out such a seeming, To seal her father's eyes up close as oak,

He thought, 'twas witchcraft:-But I am much to blame;

I humbly do beseech you of your pardon, res For too much loving you.

Oth. I am bound to thee for ever.

Iago. I see, this hath a little dash'd your spirits. Oth. Not a jot, not a jot.

Iago. Trust me, I fear it has.

I hope, you will consider, what is spoke
Comes from my love;-But, I do see you are

mov'd:

Not to affect many proposed matches,
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree;
Whereto, we see, in all things nature tends:
Foh one may smell, in such, a will most rank,
Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.
But pardon me; I do not, in position,
Distinctly speak of her: though I may fear.
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fail to match you with her country forms,
And (hap'ly) 'repent.

Oth. Farewell, farewell:.

[going.

If more thou dost perceive, let me no more;
Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, lago,
Iago. My lord, I take my leave.
Oth. Why did I marry?—This honest creature,
doubtless,

Sees and knows more, much more, than he un-
folds.
[honour
Iago. My lord, I would, I might entreat your
To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:
And though it be fit, that Cassio have his place
(For, sure, he fills it up with great ability,)
Yet, if you please to hold him off a while, d
You shall by that perceive him and his means:
Note, if your lady strain his entertainment
With any strong or vehement opportunity
Much will be seen in that. In the mean time,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears,..
(As worthy cause I have, to fear,—I am,).
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
Oth. Fear not my government.
Iago. I once more take my leave.
Oth. This fellow's of exceeding honesty,
And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,
Of human dealings: If I do prove her haggard.
Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings,
I'd whistle her off, and let her down the wind,
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black;

[exit.

Aud have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have;-Or, for I am declin'd
Into the vale of years;—yet that's not much-
She's gone; I am abus'd; and my relief
Must be to loath her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,
Than keep a corner in the thing I love, [ones;
For others' uses. Yet 'tis the plague of great
Prerogativ'd are they less than the base:
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death;
Even then this forked plague is fated to us,
When we do quicken. Desdemona comes:
Enter Desdemona and Emilia.

If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!-
I'll not believe it.

Des. How now, my dear Othello!
Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
Oth. I am to blame.

[well?

Des. Why is your speech so faint? are you not
Oth. I have a pain upon my forehead here.
Des. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away
again:

Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well.

Oth. Your napkin is too little;

[puts the handkerchief away; it drops. Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. Des. I am very sorry that you are not well. [exeunt Othello and Desdemona.

Emil. I am glad I have found this napkin; This was her first remembrance from the Moor; My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token, (For he conjur'd her, she would ever keep it,) That she reserves it evermore about her,

To kiss, and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en
And give it Tago:
[out,

What he'll do with it, heaven knows, not I;
I nothing, but to please his fantasy.

Enter Iago.

Iago. How now! what do you here alone?
Emil. Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.
Iago. A thing for me?-it is a common thing,-
"Emil. Ha! dafer did paliport afar

Iago. To have a foolish wife, da mogu like buk

Iago. Be not you known of't; I have use for it. Go, leave me.

[exit Emilia.

I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,
And let him find it: trifles, light as air,
Are, to the jealous, confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison
Dangerous conceits are, in their nature's, poisons,
Which, at the first, are scarce found to distaste;
But, with a little act upon the blood,
Burn like the mines of sulphur.-I did say so:-
Enter Othello.

Look, where he comes! Not poppy nor manako dragora,

Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep,
Which thou owd'st yesterday.

Oth. Ha! ha! false to me?

Clust?

Oth. What sense had I of her stolen hours of I saw it 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 robb'd, not wanting what is stolen, Let him not know it, and he's not robb'd at all. Iago. I am sorry to hear this. 19: Thu Nov 9675 Oth. I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known: O now, for ever, Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell, content! Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell! Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, The royal banner; and all quality, swy meta dip Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! And O, you mortal engines, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit, Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!

Iago. Is it possible !-My lord,—

Oth. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore ;

[now

Tago. What handkerchief? vid loukk Emil. What handkerchief?

Why,
by, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona;
That which so often you did bid me steal. ?.
Tago. Hast stolen it from her? Hamɔ d
Emil. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence;
And to the advantage, 1, being here, took't up.
Look, here it is. E ANT

Iago. A good wench; give it me. efit me. Emil. What will you do with it, that you have

been so earnest

To have me filch it?

Iago. Why, what's that to you? [snatching it. Emil. If it be not for some purpose of import, Give it me again: poor lady! she'll run mad When she shall lack it.

[taking him by the throat. Or, by the worth of mine eternal soul, a Thou hadst been better have been born a dog, Than answer my wak'd wrath.rand Tago. Is it come to this? ala anda bac Oth. Make me to see it; or (at the least) so prove it,

That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop,
To hang a doubt on; or, woe upon thy life!
Jago. My noble lord,—

Oth. If thou dost slander her, and torture me
Never pray more: abandon all remorse;
On horror's head horrors accumulate g

Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amaz’d, For nothing canst thou to damnation add; » eta Greater than that.

.

Iago. O grace! O heaven defend me lau