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. 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.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 we with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies: And will she love him still for prating? 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, 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 in the degree of this fortune, as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no further conscionable, than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: A slippery and subtle 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 knaye; and the woman hath found him already.

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 shail 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 ex pectation 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 cit-
adel I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell,
Rod. Adieu,
[Exit.

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 h'm 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 lusty Moor
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 with him, wife for wife;
Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong

That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,-
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip;
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb,-
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 with a Proclamation; People following.

Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, imRod. I cannot believe that in her; she is full of porting the mere perdition of the Turkish flect, evemost 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: Blessed pudding! 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 to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the incor porate conclusion: Pish!-But, sir, be you rul'd by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the command, I'li 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 othcr course you please, which the time shall more fayourably minister.

Rod. Well.

Jago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler; and, haply, with his truncheon may strike at you.

ry man put himself into triumph; some to dance,
some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and
revels his addiction leads him; for, besides these ben-
eficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials: So
much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All
offices are open; and there is fall liberty of feasting,
from this present hour of five, till the bell hath told
eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus, and our no-
ble general, Othello!
[Exeunt.

SCENE III-A Hall in the Castle. Enter Othello,
Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.

Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night;
Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop,
Not to out-sport discretion.

Cas. Iago hath direction what to do;
But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye
Will I look to't.

Oth.
Iago is most honest.
Michael, good-night: To-morrow, with our earliest,
Let me have speech with you.-Come, my dear love,
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue ;

[To Desdemona. That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you,

Cas. Welcome, Iago: we must to the watch. Iago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' elock: Our general cast us thus early, for the love of his Desdemona; whom let us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her: and she is sport for Jove.

Cas. She's a most exquisite lady.

Jago. And. I'll warrant her, full of game.

Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate crea

ture.

Iago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley of provocation.

Cas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.

Iago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm to love?

Cas. She is, indeed, perfection.

Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello.

Cas. Not to-night, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish cour tesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. Ingo. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you.

Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was craftily qualified too, and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it.

Cas. Where are they?

Jago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.
Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. [Exit Cassio.
Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk to-night already,
He'll be as full of quarrel and offence

Iago, I learned it in England, where (indeed) they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your Ger man, and your swag-bellied Hollander,-Drink, bo!are nothing to your English.

Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? Iago. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit, ere the next potth can be filled.

Cas. To the health of our general.

Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice
Iago. O sweet England!

King Stephen was a worthy peer,

His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them sixpence all too dear,
With that he call'd the tailor-lown.
He was a wight of high renown,

And thou art but of low degree:
'Tis pride, that pulls the country down,
Then take thine auld cloak about thee.

Some wine, ho!

Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other.

Iago. Will you hear it again?

Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those things.-Well,--Heaven's abere all; and there be souls that must be saved, and there be souls that must not be saved.

Iago. It's true, good lieutenant.

Cas. For mine own part,-no offence to the genel, nor any man of quality,-I hope to be saved. Iago. And so do I too, lieutenant.

Cas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; th lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. La have no more of this; let's to our affairs.-Forgive B our sins!-Gentlemen, let's look to our business. De not think, gentlemen, I am drunk; this is my 2 cient-this is my right hand, and this is my left hand-I am not drunk now; I can stand welle

As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool, Rod-nough, and speak well enough.

erigo,

Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side outward,

To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd
Potations pottle deep; and he's to watch:
Three lads of Cyprus,-noble swelling spirits,

That hold their honours in a wary distance,

The very elements of this warlike isle,-
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups,

All. Excellent well.

Cas. Why, very well, then you must not think
then that I am drunk.
[Erit Cassin
Mon. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the
watch.

Iago. 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;

And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,

The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him,
I fear, the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.

But hark! what noise?
[Cry within,-Help! help!
Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo.

Cas. You rogue! you rascal!
Mon.

My blood begins my safer guides to rule;
And passion, having my best judgement collied,

What's the matter, lieutenant? Assays to lead the way: If I once stir,

[They fight. Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny. [Aside to Rod. who goes out. Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen.— Help ho!-Lieutenant,-sir,-Montano,-sir ;Help, masters!-Here's a goodly watch, indeed!

[Bell rings.

Who's that that rings the bell?-Diablo, ho!
The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant! hold;
You will be sham'd for ever.

Enter Othello, and Attendants.

Oth. What is the matter here?

Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
How this foul rout began, who set it on ;
And he that is approv'd in this offence,
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me.-What! in a town of war,
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel,
In night, and on the court and guard of safety!
'Tis monstrous-Iago, who began it?

Mon. If partially affin'd, or leagu'd in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no soldier.
Iago.

Touch me not so near:

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth,
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him.-Thus it is, general.
Montano and myself being in speech,
There comes a fellow, crying out for help;
And Cassio following him with determin'd sword,
To execute upon him: Sir, this gentleman

Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death ;-he dies. Steps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause;
Oth. Hold, for your lives.

Jago. Hold, hold, lieutenant,-sir, Montano,-gentle

men,

Have you forgot all sense of place and duty?
Hold, hold! the general speaks to you; hold, for
shame!

Oth. Why, how now. ho! from whence ariseth this?
Are we turn'd Turks; and to ourselves do that,
Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?
For christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl:
He that stirs next to carve for his own rage,
Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.-
Silence that dreadful bell, it frights the isle
From her propriety.-What is the matter, masters?—
Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,
Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee.
Iago. I do not know; friends all but now, even now,
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom
Devesting them for bed: and then, but now,
(As if some planet had unwitted men)
Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast,
In opposition bloody. I cannot speak
Any beginning to this peevish odds;
And 'would in action glorious I had lost
These legs, that brought me to a part of it!

Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?
Cas. I pray you, pardon me, I cannot speak.
Oth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil;
The gravity and stillness of your youth
The world hath noted, and your name is great
In mouths of wisest censure; What's the matter,
That you unlace your reputation thus,
And spend your rich opinion, for the name
Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it.

Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger;
Your officer, Iago, can inform you-

While I spare specch, which something now offends

me;

Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
Lest, by his clamour, (as it so fell out,)

The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,
Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath; which, till to-night,
I ne'er might say before: When I came back,
(For this was brief,) I found them close together,
At blow, and thrust; even as again they were,
When you yourself did part them.
More of this matter can I not report:-
But men are men; the best sometimes forget :-
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,-
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,--
Yet, surely, Cassio, I believe, receiv'd,
From him that fled, some strange indignity,
Which patience could not pass.

Oth.
I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio:-Cassio, I love thee;
But never more be officer of mine.-

Enter Desdemona, atended.

Look, if my gentle love be not rais'd up ;-
I'll make thee an example.

Des.

What's the matter, dear?

Oth. All's well now, sweeting: Come away to bed. -Sir, for your hurts,

Myself will be your surgeon: Lead him off.

[To Montano, who is led off. Iago, look with care about the town ;And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. -Come, Desdemona; 'tis the soldiers' lite, To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife. [Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio. lago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant ? Cas. Ay, past all surgery.

Iago. Marry, heaven forbid

Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have

lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part, sir, of myself, and what remains is bestial.-My repu tation. Iago, my reputation.

Iago. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound; there is more offence in that. than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving: You have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What. man! there are ways to recover the general again : You are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice: even so as one would beat his offenceless dog, to affright an imperious lion: sue to him again, and he's yours.

Cas. I will rather sue to be despised, than to deceive so good a commander, with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot ? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow?-O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee-devil!

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

Cas. I know not.

Jago. Is it possible?

||

Cas. I remember a mass of things, but nothing dis. tinctly; 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 has pleased the devil, drunkenness, to give place to the devil, wrath: one unperfectness 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. 1 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.

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.

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 do. Our general's wife is now the general;-I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted 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. I protest, in the sincerity of love, and honest kindness.

Cas. I think it freely; and, betines in the morning, I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake

Jago. And what 's he then, that says,-I play the
villain?

When this advice is free, I give, and honest,
Probal to thinking, and (indeed) the course
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 baptism,
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin,-
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 a 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,
That shall enmesh them all.-How now, Roderigs!

Enter Roderigo.

Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like a bod
that hunts, but one that fills up the ery. My money
is almost spent; I have been to-night exceedingly
well cudgelled; and, I think, the issue will be-1 stal
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 patience!-
What wound did ever heal, but by degrees?
Thou know'st, we work by wit, and not by witchcraft ;
And wit depends on dilatory time.

Does't not go well? Cassio bath 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 nass, 'tis morning;
Pleasure, and action, make the hours seem short-
Retire thee: go where thou art billeted:
Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter;
Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Rod.] Two things are to be
done,-

My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress;
I'll set her on ;

Myself, the while, to draw the Moor apart,
And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
Soliciting his wife :-Ay, that's the way;
Dull not device by coldness and delay.

ACT III

[Ex.