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 you, sir, And hath, in his effect, a voice potential Oth. Let him do his spite: My services, which I have done the signiory, Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know,- I would not my unhousèd free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights come yond? Iago. Those 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? lago. 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, Oth. What is the matter, think you? Cas. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine: It is a business of some heat: the galleys 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 about three several quests To search you out. Oth. I will but spend a word here in the house, 'Tis well I am found by you. [Exit. And go with you. Ancient, what makes he here? Cas. Iago. Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack: If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever. Iago. Marry, to-Come, captain, will you go? Oth. Have with you. Cas. Here comes another troop to seek for you. He comes to bad intent. Enter BRABANTIO, RODERIGO, and Officers with torches and weapons. 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; Oth. Hold your hands, Both you of my inclining, and the rest: Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it 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, To bring me to him? First 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: Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; [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. First Sen. Indeed, they are disproportion'd; My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. Sec. Sen. Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to judgment: But the main article I do approve Sailor [within]. What, ho! what, ho! what, ho! Duke. Enter a Sailor. Now, what's the business? Sail. The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes ; So was I bid report here to the state By Signior Angelo. Duke. How say you by this change? This cannot be, By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant, And let ourselves again but understand, That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, But altogether lacks the abilities That Rhodes is dress'd in:—if we make thought of this, 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. Enter a Messenger. Mess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an after fleet. First Sen. Ay, so I thought.-How many, as you guess? Mess. Of thirty sail: and now they do 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 (5) him. Duke. 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? First Sen. He's now in Florence. Duke. Write from us to him; post-post-haste dispatch. First 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. Bra. So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me; Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature Duke. Why, what's the matter? |