The tragœdy of Othello, the Moore of Venice As it hath beene diuerse times acted at the Globe, and at the Black-Friers, by his Maiesties Seruants. Written by VVilliam Shakespeare.

THE Tragoedy of Othello , The Moore of Venice . As it hath beene diuerse times acted at the Globe , and at the Black-Friers , by his Maiesties Seruants .

Written by William Shakespeare .

LONDON , Printed by N. O. for Thomas Walkley , and are to be sold 〈…〉 shop , at the Eagle and Child , in Brittans Bursse , 1622.

The Stationer to the Reader .

TO set forth a booke without an Epistle , were like to the old English prouerbe , A blew coat without a badge , & the Author being dead , I thought good to take that piece of worke vpon mee : To commend it , I will not , for that which is good , I hope euery man will commend , without intreaty : and I am the bolder , because the Authors name is sufficient to vent his worke . Thus leauing euery one to the liberty of iudgement : I haue ventered to print this Play , and leaue it to the generall censure .

Yours , Thomas Walkley .

The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice . Enter Iago and Roderigo . Roderigo . TVsh , neuer tell me , I take it much vnkindly That you Iago , who has had my purse , As if the strings were thine , should'st know of this . Iag. S'blood , but you will not heare me , If euer I did dreame of such a matter , abhorre me . Rod. Thou toldst me , thou didst hold him in thy hate . Iag. Despise me if I doe not : three great ones of the Citty In personall suite to make me his Leiutenant , Oft capt to him , and by the faith of man , I know my price , I am worth no worse a place . But he , as louing his owne pride and purposes , Euades them , with a bumbast circumstance , Horribly stuft with Epithites of warre : And in conclusion , Non-suits my mediators : for certes , sayes he , I haue already chosen my officer , and what was he ? Forsooth , a great Arithmetition , One Michael Cassio , a Florentine , A fellow almost dambd in a faire wife , That neuer set a squadren in the field , Nor the deuision of a Battell knowes , More then a Spinster , vnlesse the bookish Theorique , Wherein the toged Consuls can propose As masterly as he : meere prattle without practise , Is all his souldier-shippe : but he sir had the election , And I , of whom his eyes had seene the proofe , At Rhodes , at Cipres , and on other grounds , Christian and Heathen , must be led , and calm'd , By Debitor and Creditor , this Counter-caster : He in good time , must his Leiutenant be , And I , God blesse the marke , his Worships Ancient . Rod. By heauen I rather would haue bin his hangman . Ia. But there 's no remedy , T is the curse of seruice , Preferment goes by letter and affection , Not by the olde gradation , where each second Stood heire to the first : Now sir be iudge your selfe , Whether I , in any iust tearme am assign'd to loue the Moore . Rod. I would not follow him then . la. O sir , content you , I follow him to serue my turne vpon him , We cannot be all masters , nor all masters Cannot be truely followed , you shall marke . Many a dutious and knee-crooking knaue , That doting on his owne obsequious bondage , Weares out his time much like his masters Asse , For noughe but prouender , and when hee 's old cashierd , Whip mee such honest knaues : Others there are , who trimd in formes , And vissages of duty , keepe yet their hearts , Attending on themselues , and throwing But shewes of seruice on their Lords , Doe well thriue by 'em , And when they haue lin'd their coates , Doe themselues homage , Those fellowes haue some soule , And such a one doe I professe my selfe , — for sir , It is as sure as you are Roderigo , Were I the Moore , I would not be Iago : In following him , I follow but my selfe . Heauen is my iudge , not I , For loue and duty , but seeming so , For my peculiar end . For when my outward action does demonstrate The natiue act , and figure of my heart , In complement externe ▪ t is not long after , But I will weare my heart vpon my sleeue , For Doues to pecke at , I am not what I am . Rod. What a full fortune does the thicklips owe , If he can carry'et thus ? Ia. Call vp her father . Rowse him , make after him , poyson his delight , Proclaime him in the streete , incense her Kinsmen , And tho he in a fertile climate dwell , Plague him with flyes : tho that his ioy be ioy . Yet throw such changes of vexation out , As it may loose 〈◊〉 colour . Rod Here is her fathers house , I le call aloud . Ia. Doe with like timerous accent , and dire yell , As when by night and negligence , the fire Is spied in populous Citties . Rod. What ho , Brabantio , Seignior Brabantio , ho , Ia. Awake , what ho , Brabantio , Theeues , theeues , theeues : Looke to your house , you Daughter , and your bags , Theeues , theeues . Brabantio at a window . Brab . What is the reason of this terrible summons ? What is the matter there ? Rod. Seignior , is all your family within ? Ia. Are all doore lockts ? Brab . Why , wherefore aske you this ? Iag . Zounds sir you are robd , for shame put on your gowne , Your heart is burst , you haue lost halfe your soule ; Euen now , very now , an old blacke Ram Is tupping your white Ewe ; arise , arise , Awake the snorting Citizens with the Bell , Or else the Diuell will make a Grandsire of you , arise I say . Brab . What , haue you lost your wits ? Rod. Most reuerend Seignior , doe you know my voyce ? Bra. Not I , what are you ? Rod. My name is Roderigo . Bra. The worse welcome , I haue charg'd thee , not to haunt about my dores , In honest plainenesse , thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee , and now in madnes , Being full of supper , and distempering draughts , Vpon malicious brauery , dost thou come To start my quiet ? Rod. Sir , sir , sir. Bra. But thou must needes be sure My spirit and my place haue in them powe●● 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 graunge . Rod. Most graue Brabantio , In simple and pure soule I come to you . Iag.

Zouns Sir , you are one of those , that will not serue God , if the Deuill bid you . Because we come to doe you seruice , you thinke we are Ruffians , you le haue your daughter couered with a Barbary horse ; you le haue your Nephewes ney to you ; you le haue Coursers for Cousens , and Iennits for Iermans .

Bra. What prophane wretch art thou ? Iag. I am one sir , that come to tell you , your daughter , and the Moore , are now making the Beast with two backs . Bra. Thou art a villaine . Iag. 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 she be in her chamber, or your house , Let loose on me the Iustice of the state , For this delusion . Bra. Strike on the tinder , Ho: Giue me a taper , call vp all my people : This accident is not vnlike my dreame , Beleefe of it oppresses me already : Light I say , light . Iag. Farewell , for I must leaue you , It seemes not meete , not whole some to my pate , To be produc'd , as if I stay I shall Against the Moore , for I doe know the state , How euer this may gaule him with some checke , Cannot with safety cast him , for hee 's imbark'd , With such loud reason , to the Cipres warres , Which euen now stands in act , that for their soules , Another of his fathome , they haue not To leade their businesse , in which regard , Tho I doe hate him , as I doe hells paines , Yet for necessity of present life , I must shew out a flag , and signe of loue , Which is indeed but signe , that you shall surely Finde him : lead to the Sagittar , the raised search , And there will I be with him . So farewell . Exit . Enter Barbantio in his night gowne, and servants with Torches . Bra. It is too true an euill , gone she is , And what 's to come , of my despised time , Is nought but bitternesse now Roderigo , Where didst thou see her ; O vnhappy girle , With the Moore saist thou ? who would be a father ? How didst thou know t was she ? O thou deceiuest me Past thought : what said she to you ? get more tapers , Raise all my kindred , are they married thinke you ? Rod. Truely I thinke they are . Bra. O heauen , how got she out ? O treason of the blood , Fathers from hence , trust not your Daughters mindes , By what you see them act , is there not charmes , By which the property of youth and manhood May be abus'd ? haue you not read Roderigo , Of some such thing . Rod. I haue sir. Bra. Call vp my brother : O that you had had her , Some one way , some another ; doe you know Where we may apprehend her , and the Moore ? Rod. I thinke I can discouer him , if you please To get good guard , and goe along with me . Bra. Pray leade me on , at euery house I le call , I may command at most get weapons ho , And raise some speciall Officers of night : On good Roderigo , I le deserue your paynes . Exeunt . Enter Othello , Iago , and attendants with Torches . Ia. Tho in the trade of warre , I haue slaine men , Yet doe I hold it very stuft of Conscience . To doe no contriu'd murther ; I lacke iniquity Sometimes to doe me seruice : nine or ten times , I had thought to haue ierk'd him here , Vnder the ribbes . Oth. T is better as it is . Iag. Nay , but he prated , And spoke such scuruy , and prouoking tearmes Against your Honor , that with the little godlinesse I haue , I did full hard forbeare him : but I pray sir , Are you fast married ? For be sure of this , That the Magnifico is much beloued , And hath in his effect , a voyce potentiall , As double as the Dukes , he will diuorce you , Or put vpon you what restraint , and greeuance , That law with all his might to inforce it on , Wee le giue him cable . Oth. Let him doe his spite , My seruices which I haue done the Seigntorie , Shall out tongue his complaints , t is yet to know , That boasting is an honour , I shall provulgate , I fetch my life and being , From men of royall height , and my demerrits , May speake vnbonnited to as proud a fortune As this that I haue reach'd ; for know Iago ; But that I loue the gentle Desdemonae , I would not , my vnhoused free condition , Put into circumscription and confine For the seas worth , Enter Cassio with lights , Officers , and torches . But looke what lights come yonder . Ia. These are the raised Father and his friends , You were best goe in : Oth. Not I , I must be found , My parts , my Title , and my perfect soule , Shall manifest me rightly : it is they . Ia. By Ianus I thinke no. Oth. The seruants of the Duke , and my Leiutenant , The goodnesse of the night vpon your friends , What is the newes . Cas. The Duke does greete you Generall , And he requires your hast , post hast appearance , Euen on the instant . Oth. What 's the matter thinke you : Cas. Something from Cipres , as I may diuine , It is a businesse of some heate , the Galleyes Haue sent a dozen frequent messengers This very night , at one anothets heeles : And many of the Consuls rais'd , and met , Are at the Dukes already ; you haue bin hotly cald for , When being not at your lodging to be found , The Senate sent aboue three seuerall quests To search you out . Otht T is well I am found by you , I le spend a word here in the house , and goe with you . Cas. Auncient , what makes he here ? Ia. Faith he to night , hath boorded a land Carrick ; If it proue lawfull prize , hee 's made for euer . Cas. I doe not vnderstand . Ia. Hee 's married , Cas. To who ? Enters Brabantio , Roderigo , and others with lights and weapons . Ia. Marry to . — Come Captaine , will you goe ? Oth. Ha , with who ? Cas. Here comes another troupe to seeke for you . Ia. It is Brabantio , Generall be aduisde , He comes to bad intent . Oth. Holla , stand there . Rod. Seignior , it is the Moore . Cra. Downe with him theife . Ia. You Roderigo , Come sir , I am for you . Oth. Keepe vp your bright swords , for the dew will rust em , Good Seignior you shall more command with yeares Then with your weapons . Bra. O thou foule theefe , where hast thou stowed my daughter ? Dambd as thou art , thou haft inchanted her , For i le referre me to all thing of sense , Whether a maide so tender , faire , and happy , So opposite to marriage , that she shund The wealthy curled darlings of our Nation , Would euer haue ( to incurre a general mocke ) Runne from her gardage to the sooty bosome Of such a thing as thou ? to feare , not to delight , Such an abuser of the world , a practiser Of Arts inhibited , and out of warrant ? Lay hold vpon him , if he doe resist , Subdue him at his perill . Oth. Hold your hands : Both you of my inclining and the rest , Were it my Qu. to fight , I should haue knowne it , Without a prompter , where will you that I goe , And 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 doe obey , How may the Duke be therewith satisfied , Whose Messengers are heere about my side , Vpon some present businesse of the State , To beare me to him . Officer . T is true most worthy Seignior , The Duke 's in Councell , and your noble selfe , I am sure is sent for . Bra. How ? the Duke in Councell ? In this time of the night ? bring him away , Mine 's not an idle cause , the Duke himselfe , Or any of my Brothers of the State , Cannot but feele this wrong , as t were their owne . For if such actions , may haue passage free , Bondslaues , and Pagans , shal our Statesmen be . Exeunt . Enter Duke and Senators , set at a Table with lights and Attendants . Duke . There is no Composition in these newes , That giues them credit . 1 Sena . Indeede they are disproportioned , My letters say , a hundred and seuen Gallies . Du. And mine a hundred and forty . 2 Sena . And mine two hundred : But though they iumpe not on a iust account , As in these cases , where they aym'd reports , T is oft with difference , yet doe they all confirme A Turkish fleete , and bearing vp to Cipresse . Du. Nay , it is possible enough to iudgement : I doe not so secure me to the error , But the mayne Articles I doe approue In fearefull sense . Enter a Messenger . One within . What ho , what ho , what ho ? Sailor . A messenger from the Galley . Du. Now , the businesse ? Sailor . The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes , So was I bid report here , to the state . Du. How say you by this change ? 1 Sena . This cannot be by no assay of reason — T is a Pageant , To keepe vs in false gaze : when we consider The importancy of Cypresse to the Turke : And let our selues a gaine , but vnderstand , That as it more concernes the Turke then Rhodes , So may he with more facile question beare it . Du. And in all confidence , hee 's not for Rhodes . Officer . Here is more newes . Enter a 2. Messenger . Mes. The Ottamites , reuerend and gracious , Steering with due course , toward the Isle of Rhodes , Haue there inioynted with an after fleete Of 30. saile , and now they doe resterine Their backward course , bearing with franke appearance . Their purposes towards Cypresse : Seignior Montano , Your trusty and most valiant seruitor ; With his free duty recommends you thus , And prayes you to beleeue him . Du. T is certaine then for Cypresse , Marcus Luccicos is not here in Towne . 1 Sena . Hee 's now in Florence . Du. Write from vs , wish him post , post hast dispatch ; 〈…〉 Othello , Roderigo , Iago , Cassio , 〈…〉 and Officers . 〈…〉 Brabantio ●nd the valiant Moore . 〈…〉 straite imploy you , 〈…〉 Ottaman ; 〈…〉 Seignior , 〈…〉 your helpe to night , Bra. So did I yours , good your Grace pardon me , Neither my place , nor ought I heard of businesse Hath rais'd me from my bed , nor doth the generall care Take any hold of me , for my particular griefes , Is of so floodgate and orebearing nature , That it engluts and swallowes other sorrowes , And it is still it selfe . Du. Why , what 's the matter ? Bra. My daughter , O my daughter . All. Dead ? Bra. I to me : She is abus'd , stolne from me and corrupted , By spels and medicines , bought of mountebancks , For nature so preposterously to erre , Saunce witchcraft could not . Du. Who ere he be , that in this foule proceeding Hath thus beguild your daughter of her selfe , And you of her , the bloody booke of Law , You shall your selfe , read in the bitter letter , After its owne sense , tho our proper sonne Stood in your action . Bra. Humbly I thanke your Grace ; Here is the man , this Moore , whom now it seemes Your speciall mandate , for the State affaires Hath hither brought . All. We are very sorry for 't . Du. What in your owne part can you say to this ? Bra. Nothing , but this is so . Oth. Most potent , graue , and reuerend Seigniors , My very noble and approoued good maisters : That I haue ta●e away this old mans daughter , It is most true : true , I haue married her , The very head and front of my offending , Hath this extent no more . Rude am I in my speech , And little blest with the set phrase of peace , For since these armes of mine had seuen yeares pith , Till now some nine Moones wasted , they haue vs'd Their dearest action in the tented field , And little of this great world can I speake , More then pertaines to feate of broyle , and battaile , And therefore little shall I grace my cause , In speaking for my selfe ; yet by your gracious patience , I will a round vnuarnish'd tale deliver , Of my whole course of loue , 〈…〉 what charmes , What coniuration , and what mighty Magicke , ( For such proceedings am I charg'd 〈…〉 ) I wonne his daughter . Bra. A maiden neuer bold of spirit , So still and quiet , that her motion Blusht at her selfe : and she in spite of nature , Of yeares , of Countrey , credit , euery thing , To fall in loue with what she fear'd to looke on ? It is a iudgement maimd , and most imperfect , That will confesse perfection , so would erre Against all rules of Nature , and must be driuen , To finde out practises of cunning hell , Why this should be , I therefore vouch againe , That with some mixtures powerfull ore the blood , Or with some dram coniur'd to this effect , He wrought vpon her . Du. To youth this is no proofe , Without more certaine and more ouert test , These are thin habits , and poore likelihoods , Of moderne seemings , you preferre against him . 1 Sena . But Othello speake , Did you by indirect and forced courses , Subdue and poison this young maides affections ? Or came it by request , and such faire question , As soule to soule affoordeth ? Oth. I doe beseech you , Send for the Lady to the Sagittar , And let her speake of me before her father ; If you doe finde me foule in her report , Not onely take away , but let your sentence Euen fall vpon my life . Du. Fetch Desdemona hither . Exit two or three . Oth. Ancient conduct them , you best know the place ; And till she come , as faithfull as to heauen , So iustly to your graue eares I 'le present , How I did thriue in this faire Ladyes loue , And she in mine . Du. Say it Othello . Oth. Her Father loued me , oft inuited me , Still questioned me the story of my life , From yeare to yeare ; the battailes , seiges , fortunes That I haue past : I ran it through , euen from my boyish dayes , To th' very moment that he bade me tell it . Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances , Of moouing accident of flood and field ; Of heire-breadth scapes i th imminent deadly breach ; Of being taken by the insolent foe : And sold to slauery , and my redemption thence , And with it all my trauells Historie ; Wherein of Antrees vast , and Deserts idle , Rough quarries , rocks and hils , whose heads touch heauen , It was my hent to speake , such was the processe : And of the Cannibals , that each other eate ; The Anthropophagie , and men whose heads Doe grow beneath their shoulders : this to heare , Would Desdemona seriously incline ; But still the house affaires would draw her thence , And euer as she could with hast dispatch , Shee 'd come againe , and with a greedy eare Deuoure vp my discourse ; which I obseruing , Tooke once a plyant houre , and found good meanes To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart , That I would all my pilgrimage dilate , Whereof by parcell she had something heard , But not intentiuely , I did consent , And often did beguile her of her teares , When I did speake of some distressed stroake That my youth suffered : my story being done ; She gaue me for my paines a world of sighes ; She swore I faith t was strange , t was passing strange ; T was pittifull , t was wondrous pittifull ; She wisht she had not heard it , yet she wisht That heauen had made her such a man : she thanked me , And bad me , if I had a friend that loued her , I should but teach him how to tell my story , And that would wooe her . Vpon this heate I spake : She lou'd me for the dangers I had past . And I lou'd her that 〈◊〉 did pitty them . This onely is the witchcraft I haue vs'd : Here comes the Lady , Let her witnesse it . Enter Desdemona , Iago , and the rest . Du. I thinke this tale would win my daughter to , — Good Brabantio , take vp this mangled matter at the best , Men doe their broken weapons rather vse , Then their bare hands . Bra. I pray you heare her speake . If she confesse that she was halfe the wooer , Destruction ●ite on me , if my bad blame Light on the man . Come hither gentle mistresse : Doe you perceiue in all this noble company , Where most you owe obedience ? Des. My noble father , I doe perceiue here a deuided duty : To you I am bound for life and education ; My life and education both do learne me How to respect you , you are Lord of all my duty , I am hitherto your daughter , But heere 's my husband : And so much duty as my mother shewed To you , preferring you before her father . So much I challenge , that I may professe , 〈…〉 Moore my Lord , Bra. God bu'y , I ha done : Please it your Grace , on to the State affaires ; I had rather to adopt a child then get it ; Come hither Moore : I here doe giue thee that , with all my heart I would keepe from thee : for your sake Iewell , I am glad at soule . I haue no other child , For thy escape would teach me tyranny , To hang clogs on em , I haue done my Lord . Du. Let me speake like your selfe , and lay a sentence Which as a greese or step may helpe these louers Into your fauour . When remedies are past , the griefes are ended , By seeing the worst , which late on hopes depended ▪ To mourne a mischeife that is past and gone , Is the next way to draw more mischiefe on ; What cannot be preseru'd when fortune takes , Patience her iniury a mockery makes . The rob'd that smiles , steales something from the thiefe , He robs himselfe , that spends a bootelesse griefe . Bra. So let the Turke , of Cypres vs beguile , We lose it not so long as we can smile ; He beares the sentence well that nothing beares , But the free comfort , which from thence he heares : But he beares both the sentence and the sorrow , That to pay griefe , must of poore patience borrow . These sentences to sugar , or to gall , Being strong on both sides , are equiuocall : But words are words , I neuer yet did heare , That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the ●are : Beseech you now , to the affaires of the state . Du.

The Turke with most mighty preparation makes for Cipres : Othello , the fortitude of the place , is best knowne to you , and tho we haue there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency , yet opinion , a soueraigne mistresse of effects , throwes a more safer voyce on you : you must therefore bee content to slubber the gloss● of your new fortunes , with this more stubborne and boisterous expedition .

Oth. The tyrant custome most great Senators , Hath made the flinty and steele Cooch of warre , My thrice driuen bed of downe : I doe ag●ize A naturall and prompt alacrity , I finde in hardnesse , and would vndertake This present warres against the Ottamites , Most humbly therefore , bending to your State , I craue fit disposition for my wife , Due reuerence of place and exhibition , Which such accomodation ? and besort A● leuels with her breeding . Du. If you please , bee'● at her fathers . Bra. I le not haue it so . Oth. Nor I. Desd. Nor I , I would not there reside , To put my father in impatient thoughts , By being in his eye : most gracious Duke , To my vnfolding lend a gracious ●are , And let me finde a charter in your voyce , And if my simplenesse . — Du. What would you — speake . Des. That I did loue the Moore , to liue with him , My downe right violence , and scorne of Fortunes , May trumpet to the world : my hearts subdued , ●uen to the vtmost pleasure of my Lord : I saw Othelloes vissage in his minde , And to his Honors , and his valiant parts Did I my soule and fortunes consecrate : So that deere Lords , if I be left behinde , A Mothe of peace , and he goe to the warre , The rites for which I loue him , are bereft me , And I a heauy interim shall support , By his deare absence , let me goe with him . Oth. Your voyces Lords : beseech you let her will , Haue a free way , I therefore b●g it not To 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of my appe●●e , No● to com●●y with 〈◊〉 , the young affects ▪ In my defunct , and proper satisfaction , But to be free and bounteous of her mind , And heauen defend your good soules that you thinke I will your serious and good businesse scant , For she is with me ; — 〈◊〉 , when light-wingd toyes , And feather'd Cupid foyles with wanton dulnesse , My speculatiue and actiue instruments , That my disports , corrupt and taint my businesse , Let huswiues make a skellet of my Helme , And all indigne and base aduersities , Make head against my reputation . Du. Be it , as you shall priuately determine , Either for stay or going , the affaires cry hast , And speede must answer , you must hence to night , Desd. To night my Lord ? Du. This night . Oth. With all my heart . Du. At ten i' the morning here wee l meete againe . Othello , leaue some officer behind , And he shall our Commission bring to you , With such things else of quality or respect , As doth concerne you . Oth. Please your Grace , my Ancient , A man he is of honesty and trust , To his conueyance I assigne my wife , With what else needefull your good Grace shall thinke , To be sent after me . Du. Let it be so : Good night to euery one , and noble Seignior , If virtue no delighted beauty lacke , Your son ●n law is farre more faire then blacke . I Sena . Adue braue Moore , vse Desdemona well . Bra. Looke to her Moore , haue a quicke eye to see , She has deceiu'd her father , may doe thee . Ex●●nt . Oth. My life vpon her faith : honest Iago , My Desdemona must I leaue to thee , I preethee let thy wife attend on her , And bring her after in the best aduantage ; Come Desdemona , I haue but an houre Of loue , of worldly matters , and direction , To spend with thee , we must obey the time . Rod. Iago . Exit Moore and Desdemona . Iag ▪ What saiest thou noble heart ? Rod. What will I doe thinkest thou ? Iag. Why goe to bed and sleepe . Rod. I will incontinently drowne my selfe . Iag. Well , if thou doest , I shall neuer loue thee after it , Why , thou silly Gentleman . Rod.

It is sillinesse to liue , when to liue is a torment , and then we haue a prescription , to dye when death is our Physition .

Iag.

I ha look'd vpon the world for foure times seuen yeares , and since I could distinguish betweene a benefit , and an iniury , I neuer found a man that knew how to loue himselfe : ere I would say I would drowne my selfe , for the loue of a Ginny Hen , I would change my humanity with a Baboone .

Rod.

What should I do ? I confesse it is my shame to be so fond , but it is not in my vertue to amend it .

Iag.

Vertue ? a fig , t is in our selues , that wee are thus , or thus , our bodies are gardens , to the which our wills are Gardiners , so that if we will plant Net●les , or sow Lettice , set Isop , and weed vp Time ; supply it with one gender of hearbes , or distract it with many ; either to haue it sterrill with Idleness● , or manur'd with Industry , why the power , and corrigible Authority of this , lies in our wills . If the ballance of our liues had not one scale of reason , to poise another 〈◊〉 sensu●lity ; the blood and basenesse of our natures , would conduct vs to most preposterous conclusions . But wee haue reason to coole our raging mo●ions , our carnall stings , our vnbitted lusts ; whereof I take this , that you call loue to be a sect , or syen .

Rod.

It cannot be .

Iag.

It is meerly a lust of the blood , and a permission of the will : Come , be a man ; drowne thy selfe ? drowne Cats and blinde Puppies : I professe me thy friend , and I confesse me knit to thy deseruing , with cables of perdurable toughnesse ; I could neuer better st●ede thee then now . Put money in thy purse ; follow these warres , defeate thy fauour with an vsurp'd beard ; I say , put money in thy purse . It cannot be , that Desdemona should long continue her loue vnto the Moore , — put money in the purse , — nor he to her ; it was a violent commencement , and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration : put but money in thy purse . — These Moores are changeable in their wills : — fill thy purse with money . The food that to him now , is as lushious as Locusts , shall be to him shortly as acerbe as the Colloquintida . When shee is sated with his body , shee will finde the error of her choyce ; shee must haue change , shee must . Therefore put money in thy purse : if thou wilt needes ●damme thy selfe , doe it a more delicate way then drowning ; make all the money thou canst . If sanctimony , and a fraile vow , betwixt an erring Barbarian , and a super subtle Vexetian , be not too hard for my wits , and all the tribe of hell , thou shalt enioy her ; therefore make money , — a pox a drowning , t is cleane out of the way : seeke thou rather to be hang'd in compassing thy ioy , then to bee drowned , and goe without her .

Rod. W●lt thou be fast to my hopes ? Iag.

Thou ar●t sure of me — goe , make money — I haue told thee often , and I tell thee againe , and againe , I hate the Moore , my cause is harted , thine has no lesse reason , let vs be communicatiue in our reuenge against him : If thou canst cuckold him , thou doest thy selfe a pleasure , and me a sport . There are many eue●ts in the womb of Time , which will be deliuered . Tra●erce , go , prouide thy money , we will haue more of this to morrow , Adiue .

Rod. Where shall we meete i' th morning . Iag. At my lodging . Rod. I 'le be with thee betimes . Iag. Go to , farewell : — doe you heare Roderigo ? Rod. what say you ? Iag. No more of drowning , doe you heare ? Rod. I am chang'd . Exit Roderigo . Iag. Goe to , farewell , put money enough in your purse : Thus doe I euer make my foole my purse : For I mine owne gain'd knowledge should prophane , If I would time expend with such a snipe , But for my sport and profit : I hate the Moore , And it is thought abroad , that twixt my sheetes Ha's done my office ; I know not , if 't be true — Yet I , for meere suspition in that kind , Will doe , as if for surety : he holds me well , The better shall my purpose worke on him . Cassio's a proper man , let me see now , To get this place , and to make vp my will , A double knauery — how , how , — let me see , After some time , to abuse Othelloe's eare , That he is too familiar with his wife : He has a person and a smooth dispose , To be suspected , fram'd to make women false : The Moore a free and open nature too , That thinkes men honest , that but seemes to be so : And will as tenderly be led bit'h nose — as Asses are ▪ I ha't , it is ingender'd : Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light . Exit .

Actus 2. Scoena 1. Enter Montanio , Gouernor of Cypres , with two other Gentlemen . Montanio . WHat from the Cape can you discerne at Sea ? 1 Gent. Nothing at all , it is a high wrought flood , I cannot twixt the hauen and the mayne Descry a sa●le . Mon. Me thinkes the wind does speake aloud at land , A fuller blast ne're shooke our Battlements : If it ha ruffiand so vpon the sea . What ribbes of Oake , when the huge mountaine 〈…〉 , Can hold the morties , — What shall we heare of this ? 2 Gent. A segregation of the Turkish Fleete : For doe but stand vpon the banning shore , The chiding billow seemes to pelt the cloudes , The winde shak'd surge , with high and monstrous 〈◊〉 , Seemes to cast water , on the burning Beare , And quench the guards of th' euer fired pole , I neuer did , like molestation view , On the incha●ed flood . Mon. If that the Turkish Fleete Be not inshelter'd , and embayed , they are drown'd , It is impossible they beare it out . Enter a third Gentleman . 3 Gent. Newes Lords , your warres are done : The desperate Tempest hath so bang'd the Turke , That their designe●ent halts : Another shippe of Venice hath seene A greeuous wracke and sufferance On most part of the Fleete . Mon. How , is this true ? 3 Gent. The shippe is heere put in : A Veronessa , Michael Cassio , Leiutenant to the warlike Moore Othello , Is come ashore : the Moore himselfe at Sea , And is in full Commission here for Cypres , Mon. I am glad on 't , t is a worthy Gouernour . 3 Gent. But this same Cassio , tho he speake of comfort , Touching the Turkish losse , yet he lookes sadly , And prayes the Moore be safe , for they were parted , With foule and violent Tempest . Mon. Pray Heauen he be : For I haue seru'd him , and the man commands Like a full Souldier : Let s to the sea side , ho , As well to see the vessell that 's come in . As to throw out our eyes for braue Othello . 3 Gent. Come , le ts doe so , For euery minute is expectancy Of more arriuance , Enter Cassio . Cas. Thankes to the valiant of this worthy Isle , That so approue the Moore , and let the heauens Giue him defence against their Elements , For I haue lost him on a dangerous sea . Mon. Is he well shipt ? Cas. His Barke is stoutly timberd , and his Pilate Of very expert and approu'd allowance , Therefore my hope 's not surfeited to death , Stand in bold cure . Enter a Messenger . Mess. A saile , a saile , a saile . Cas. What noyse ? Mess. The Towne is empty , on the brow o' th sea , otand ranckes of people , and they cry a sayle . Cas. My hopes doe shape him for the guernement . 2 Gen. They doe discharge the shot of courtesie , Our friend at least . A shot . Cas. I pray you sir goe forth , And giue vs truth , who t is that is arriu'd . 2 Gent. I shall . Exit . Mon. But good Leiutenant , is your Generall wiu'd ? Cas. Most fortunately , he hath atchieu'd a maide , That parragons description , and wild fame : One that excells the blasoning pens , And in the essentiall vesture of creation , Does beare all excellency : — now , who has put in ? Enter 2. Gentleman . 2 Gent. T is one Iago , ancient to the Generall , He has had most fauourable and happy speede , Tempests themselues , by seas , and hou●ing windes , The guttered rocks , and congregated sands , Traitors enscerped ; to clog the guiltlesse Keele , As hauing sence of beauty , do omit Their common natures , letting goe safely by The diuine Desdemona . Mon. What is she ? Cas. She that I spoke of , our great Captains Captaine , Lest in the conduct of the bold Iago . Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts A sennights speede — great Ioue Othello guard , And swell his saile with thine owne powerfull breath , That he may blesse this Bay with his tall shippe , And swiftly come to Desdemona's armes . Enter Desdemona , Iago , Emillia , and Roderigo . Giue renewd fire , To our extincted spirits . And bring all Cypresse comfort , — O behold The riches of the ship is come ashore . Ye men of Cypres , let her haue your knees : Haile to thee Lady : and the grace of heauen , Before , behinde thee , and on euery hand , Enwheele thee round . Desd. I thanke you valiant Cassio : What tidings can you tell me of my Lord ? Cas. He is not yet arriued , nor know I ought , But that hee 's well , and will be shortly here . Desd. O but I feare : — how lost you company ? [ within . ] A saile , a saile . Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies Parted our fellowship : but harke , A saile . 2 Gent. They giue their greeting to the Cittadell , This likewise is a friend . Cas. So speakes this voyce : Good Ancient , you are welcome , welcome Mistresse , Let it not gall your patience , good Iago , That I extend my manners , t is my breeding , That giues me this bold shew of courtesie . Iag. For would she giue you so much of her lips , As of her tongue , she has bestowed on me , You 'd haue enough . Des. Alas ! shee has no speech . Iag. I know too much . I finde it , I ; for when I ha list to sleepe , Mary , before your Ladiship I grant , She puts her tongue a little in her heart , And chides with thinking . Em. You ha little cause to say so . Iag. Come on , Come on , you are Pictures out adores : Bells in your Parlors : Wildcats in your Kitchins : Saints in your iniuries : Diuells being offended : Players in your houswifery ; and houswiues in your beds . O fie vpon thee slanderer . Iag. Nay , it is true , or else I am a Turke , You rise to play , and goe to bed to worke . Em. You shall not write my praise . Iag. No , let me not . Desd. What wouldst thou write of me , If thou shouldst praise me ? Iag. O gentle Lady , doe not put me to 't , For I am nothing ▪ if not Criticall . Desd. Come on , assay — there 's one gone to the Harbor ? Iag. I Madam . Desd. I am not merry , but I doe beguile The thing I am , by seeming otherwise : Come , how wouldst thou praise me ? Iag. I am about it , but indeed my inuention Comes from my pate , as birdlime does from freeze , It plucks out braine and all : but my Muse labors , And thus she is deliuer'd : If she be faire and wise , fairenesse and wit ; The one 's for vse , the other vsing it . Desd. Well praisde : how if she be blacke and witty ? Iag. If she be blacke , and thereto haue a wit , She 〈◊〉 finde a white , that shall her blacknesse hit . Desd. Worse and worse . Em. How if faire and foolish ? Iag. She neuer yet was foolish , that was faire , For euen her folly helpt her , to a haire . Des. These are old paradoxes , to make fooles laugh i' the Alehouse , What miserable praise hast thou for her , That 's foule' and foolish ? Iag. There 's none so foule , and foolish thereunto , But does foule prankes , which faire and wise ones doe . Desd.

O heauy ignorance , that praises the worst best : but what praise couldst thou bestow on a deseruing woman indeed ? one , that in the authority of her merrits , did iustly put on the vouch of very malice it selfe ?

Iag. She that was s●euer faire , and neuer proud , Had tongue at will , and yet was neuer lowd , Neuer lackt gold , and yet went neuer gay , Fled from her wish , and yet said , now I may : She that being angred , her reuenge being nigh , Bad her wrong stay , and her displeasure flye ; She that in wisedome , neuer was so fraile , To change the Codshead for the Salmons taile . She that could thinke , and ne're disclose her minde , She was a wight , if euer such wight were . Des. To doe what ? Iag. To suckle fooles , and chronicle small Beere . Des. O most lame and impotent conclusion : Doe not learne of him Emillia , tho he be thy husband ; How say you Cassio , is he not a most prophane and liberall Counsellour ? Cas. He speakes home Madam , you may rellish him More in the Souldier then in the Scholler . Iag.

He takes her by the palme ; I well sed , whisper : as little a webbe as this will ensnare as great a Flee as Cassio . I smile vpon her , doe : I will catch you in your owne courtesies : you say true , t is so indeed . If such trickes as these ▪ strip you out of your Leiutenantry , it had beene better you had not rist your three fingers so oft , which now againe , you are most apt to play the sir in : good , well kist , an excellent courtesie ; t is so indeed : yet againe , your fingers at your lips ? Would they were Clisterpipes for your sake . — The Moore , I know his Trumpet .

Tr●mpets within ▪ Enter Othello , and Attendants . Cas. T is truely so . Des. Let s meete him , and receiue him . Cas. Loe , where he comes . Oth. O my faire Warriou● . Des My deare Othello . Oth. It giues me wonder great as my content , To see you here before me : O my soules ioy , If after euery tempest , come such calmenesse , May the winds blow , till they haue wakened death , And let the labouring Barke clime hills of seas , Olympus high , and duck againe as low , As hell's from Heauen : If it were now to dye , T' were now to be most happy , for I feare My soule hath her content so absolute , That not another comfort , like to this Succeeds in vnknowne Fate , Des. The Heauens forbid , But that our loues and comforts should increase , Euen as our dayes doe growe . Oth. Amen to that sweete power , I cannot speake enough of this content , It stops me heere , it is too much of ioy : And this , and this , the greatest discord be , they kisse . That ere our hearts shall make . Iag. O , you are well tun'd now , But I 'le set downe the pegs , that make this musique , As honest as I am . Oth. Come , let vs to the Castle : Newes friends , our warres are done , the Turks are drownd : How doe our old acquaintance of the Isle ; Honny , you shall be well desir'd in Cypres ; I haue found great loue amongst them : O my sweete , I prattle out of fashion , and I dote , In mine one comforts : I preethee good Iago , Goe to the Bay , and disimbarke my Coffers ; Bring thou the Master to the Cittadell ; He is a good one , and his worthinesse , Does challenge much respect : come Desdemona , Once more well met at Cypres . Exit . Iag.

Doe thou meete me presently at the Habour : come hither , If thou beest valiant , as they say , base men being in loue , haue then a Nobility in their natures , more then is natiue to them — list me , the Leiutenant to night watches on the Court of Guard : first I will tell thee , this Desdemona is directly in loue with him .

Rod.

With him ? why t is not possible .

Iag.

Lay thy finger thus , and let thy soule be instructed : marke me , with what violence she first lou'd the Moore , but for bragging , and telling her fantasticall lies ; and will she loue him still for prating ? let not the discreet heart thinke so . Her eye must be fed , and what delight shall she haue to look on the Diuell ? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport , there should be againe to inflame it , and giue saciety a fresh appetite . Loue lines in fauour , sympathy in yeares , manners and beauties ; all which the Moore is defectiue in : now for want of these requir'd conueniences , her delicate tendernesse will finde it selfe abus'd , beginne to heaue the gorge , disrellish and abhorre the Moore , very nature will instruct her to it , and compell her to some second choyce : now sir , this granted , as it is a most pregnant and vnforced position , who stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune , as Cassio does ? a knaue very voluble , no farder conscionable , then in putting on the meere forme of ciuill and hand-seeming , for the better compassing of his salt and hidden affections : A subtle slippery knaue , a finder out of occasions ; that has an eye , can stampe and counterfeit the true aduant●ges neuer present themselues . Besides , the knaue is handsome , yong , and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green mindes look after ; a pestil●nt compleate knaue , and the woman has found him already .

Rod.

I cannot beleeue that in her , shee 's full of most blest condition .

Iag.

Blest figs end : the wine shee drinkes is made of grapes : if she had beene blest , she would neuer haue lou'd the Moore . D●●st thou not see her paddle with the palme of his hand ?

Rod.

Yes , but that was but courtesie .

Iag ,

Lechery , by this hand : an Index and p●o●ogue to the history of lust and foule thoughts : they met so neere with their lips , that their breathes embrac'd together . When these mutualities so marshall the way , hand at hand , comes the maine exercise , the incorporate conclusion . But sir , be you rul'd by mee , I haue brought you from Venice : watch you to night , for your command I 'le lay 't vpon you , Cassio knowes you not , I 'le not be farre from you , do you finde some occasion to anger Cassio , either by speaking too loud , or tainting his discipline , or from what other cause you please ; which the time shall more fauourably minister .

Rod.

Well ,

Iag.

Sir he is rash , and very suddain in choler , and haply with his Trunchen may strike at you ; prouoke him that he may , for euen out of that , will I cause these of Cypres to mutiny , whose quallification shall come into no true trust again't , but by the displanting of Cassio : So shall you haue a shorter iourney to your desires by the meanes I shal then haue to prefer them , & the impediment , most profitably remou'd , without which there were no expectation of our prosperity .

Rod.

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

Iag.

I warrant thee , meete me by and by at the Cittadell ; I must fetch his necessaries ashore . — Farewell .

Rod.

Adue .

Exit . Iag. That Cassio loues her , I doe well beleeue it ; That she loues him , t is apt and of great credit ; The Moore howbe't , that I indure him not , Is of a constant , noble , louing nature ; And I dare thinke , hee 'le proue to Desdemona , A most deere husband : now I doe loue her too , Not out of absolute lust , tho peraduenture . I stand accountant for as great a sin , But partly lead to diet my reuenge , For that I doe suspect the lustfull Moore , Hath leap'd into my seate , the thought whereof Doth like a poisonous minerall gnaw my inwards , And nothing can , nor shall content my soule , Till I am euen with him , wife , for wife : Or failing so , yet that I put the Moore , At least , into a Iealousie so strong , That Iudgement cannot cure ; which thing to doe , If this poore trash of Venice , whom I crush , For his quicke hunting , stand the putting on , I 'le haue our Michael Cassio on the hip ▪ Abuse him to the Moore , in the ranke garbe , ( For I feare Cassio , with my nightcap to ) Make the Moore thanke me , loue me , and reward me , For making him ●gregiously an Asse , And practising vpon his peace and quiet , Euen to madnesse : t is here , but yet confus'd , K●aueries plaine face is neuer seene , till vs'd . Exit . Enter a Gentleman reading a Proclamation .

It is Othello's pleasure ; our noble and valiant Generall , that vpon certaine tidings now arriued , importing the meere perdition of the Turkish Fleete ; that euery man put himselfe into triumph : Some to dance , some make bonefires ; each man to what sport and Reuels his minde leades him ; for besides these beneficiall newes , it is the celebration of his Nuptialls : So much was his pleasure should bee proclaimed . All Offices are open , and there is full liberty , from this present houre of fiue , till the bell hath told eleuen . Heauen blesse the Isle of Cypres , and our noble Generall Othello .

Enter Othello , Cassio , and Desdemona . Oth. Good Michael , looke you to the guard to night , Let s teach our selues the honourable stoppe , Not to out sport discretion . Cas. Iago hath directed what to doe : But notwithstanding with my personall eye Will I looke to it . Oth. Iago is most honest , Michael good night , to morrow with your earliest , Let me haue speech with you , come my deare loue , The purchase made , the fruits are to e●sue , The profits yet to come twixt me and you , Good night . Exit Othello and Desdemona . Enter Iago . 〈◊〉 . Welcome Iago , we must to the watch . Iag.

Not this houre Leiutenant , t is not yet ten aclock : our Generall cast vs thus early for the loue of his Desdemena . who let vs not therefore blame , hee hath not yet made wanton the night with her ; and she is sport for loue .

Cas. She is a most exquisite Lady . Iag. And I 'le warrant her full of game . Cas. Indeede she is a most fresh and delicate creature . Iag. What an eye she has ? Me thinkes it sounds a parly of prouocation . Cas. An inuiting eye , and yet me thinkes right moddest . Iag. And when she speakes , t is an alarme to loue . Cas. It is indeede perfection . Iag.

Well , happinesse to their sheetes — come Leiutenant , I haue a stope of Wine , and heere without are a brace of Cypres Gallants , that would faine haue a measure to the health of the blacke Othello .

Cas.

Not to night , good Iago ; I haue very poore and vnhappy braines for drinking : I could well wish courtesie would inuent some other custome of entertainement .

Iag.

O they are our friends , — but one cup : I 'le drink for you .

Cas.

I ha drunke but one cup to night , and that was craftily qualified to , and behold what innouation it makes here : I am vnfortunate in the infirmity , and dare not taske my weakenesse with any more .

Iag. What man , t is a night of Reuells , the Gallants desire it . Cas. Where are they ? Iag. Here at the dore , I pray you call them in . Cas. I 'le do 't , but it dislikes me . Exit . Iag. If I can fasten but one cup vpon him , With that which he hath drunke to night already , Hee 'll be as full of quarrell and offence , A● my young mistris dog : — Now my sicke foole Roderigo , Whom loue has turn'd almost the wrong side outward , To Desdemona , hath to night caroust Potations pottle deepe , and hee 's to watch Three lads of Cypres , noble swelling spirits , That hold their honour , in a wary distance , The very Elements of this warlike Isle , Haue I to night flustred with flowing cups , And the watch too : now mongst this flocke of drunkards , I am to put our Cassio in some action , That may offend the Isle ; Enter Montanio , Cassio , and others . But here they come : If consequence doe but approoue my dreame , My boate sailes freely , both with winde and streame . Cas. Fore God they haue giuen me a rouse already . Mon. Good faith a little one , not past a pint , As I am a souldier . Iag. Some wine ho : And let me the Cannikin clinke , clinke , And let me the Cannikin clinke , clinke : A Souldier's a man , a life 's but a span , Why then let a souldier drinke . — Some wine boyes , Cas. Fore God an excellent song . Iag.

I learn'd it in England , where indeed they are most potent in potting : your Dane , your Germaine , and your swag-bellied Hollander ; drinke ho , are nothing to your English .

Cas.

Is your English man so expert in his drinking ?

Iag.

Why he drinkes you with facillity , your Dane dead drunke : he sweats not to ouerthrow your Almaine ; he giues your Hollander a vomit , ●re the next pottle can be fild .

Cas. To the health of our Generall . Mon. I am for it Leiutenant , and I will doe you iustice . Iag. O sweete England , — King Stephen was a worthy peere , His breeches cost him but a crowne , He held'em sixpence all too deere , With that he cald the Taylor lowne , He was a wight of high renowne , And thou art but of low degree , T is pride that puls the Countrey downe , Then take thine ●wd cloke about thee . — Some wine ho. Cas. Fore God this is a more exquisite song then the other . Iag. Will you hear 't agen ? Cas.

No , for I hold him vnworthy of his place , that does those things : well , God 's aboue all , and there bee soules that must bee saued .

Iag.

It is true good Leiutenant .

Cas.

For mine own part , no offence to the Generall , nor any man of quality , I hope to be saued .

Iag.

And so doe I Leiutenant .

Cas.

I , but by your leaue , not before me ; the Leiutenant is to be saued before the Ancient . Let 's ha no more of this , let 's to our affaires : God forgiue vs our sins : Gentlemen , let 's looke to our businesse ; Doe not thinke Gentlemen I am drunke , this is my Ancient , this is my right hand , and this is my left hand : I am not drunke now , I can stand well enough , and speake well enough .

All. Excellent well . Cas. Very well then : you must not thinke , that I am drunke . Ex. Mon. To the plotforme maisters . Come , let 's set the watch . Iag. You see this fellow that is gone before , He is a Souldier fit to stand by Caesar , And giue direction : and doe but see his vice , T is to his vertue , a iust equinox , The one as long as th' other : t is pitty of him , I feare the trust Othello put him in , On some odde time of his infirmity , Will shake this Island . Mon. But is he often thus . Iag. T is euermore the Prologue to his sleepe : Hee 'le watch the horolodge a double set , If drinke rocke not his cradle . Mon. T were well 〈◊〉 Generall were put in minde of i● , Perhaps he sees it not , or his good nature , Praises the vertues that appeares in Cassio , And looke not on his euills : is not this true ? Iag. How now Roderigo , Enter Roderigo . I●pray you after the Leiutenant , goe . Exit Rod. Mon. And t is great pitty that the noble Moore Should hazard such a place , as his owne second , With one of an ingraft infirmity : It were an honest action to say so to the Moore . Iag. Nor I , for this faire Island : I doe loue Cassio well , and would doe much , Helpe , helpe , within ▪ To cure him of this euill : but harke , what noyse . Enter Cassio , driuing in Roderigo . Cas. Zouns , you rogue , you rascall . Mon. what 's the matter Leiutenant ? Cas.

A knaue , teach mee my duty : but I 'le beate the knaue into a wicker bottle .

Rod. Beare me ? Cas. Doest thou prate rogue ? Mon. Good Leiutenant ; pray sir hold your hand . Cas. Let me goe sir , or i le knocke you ore the mazzard . Mon. Come , come , you are drunke . Cas. Drunke ? they fight . Iag. Away I say , goe out and cry a muteny . A bell rung . Nay good Leiutenant : god will Gentlemen , Helpe ho , Leiutenant : Sir Montanio , sir , Helpe maisters , here 's a goodly watch indeed , Who 's that that rings the bell ? D●ablo — ho , The ●owne will rise , godswill Leiutenant , hold , You will be sham'd for euer . Enter Othello , and Gentlemen with weapons . Oth , What is the matter here ? Mon. Zouns , I bleed still , I am hurt , to the death : Oth. Hold , for your liues . Iag. Hold , hold Leiutenant , sir Montanio , Gentlemen , Haue you forgot all place of sence , and duty : Hold , the Generall speakes to you ; hold , hold , for shame . Oth. Why how now ho , from whence arises this ? Are we turn'd Turkes , and to our selues doe that , Which Heauen has forbid the Ottamites : For Christian shame , put by this barbarous brawle ; He that stirres next , to carue forth his owne rage , Holds his soule light , he dies vpon his motion ; Silence that dreadfull bell , it frights the Isle From her propriety : what 's the matter masters ? Honest Iago , that lookes dead with grieuing , Speake , who began this , on thy loue I charge thee . Iag. I doe not know , friends all but now , euen now , In quarter , and in termes , like bride and groome , Deuesting them to bed , and then but now , As if some plannet had vnwitted men , Swords out , and tilting one at others breast , In opposition bloody . I cannot speake Any beginning to this peeuish odds ; And would in action glorious , I had lost These legges , that brought me to a part of it . Oth. How came it Michael , you were thus forgot ? Cas. I pray you pardon me , I cannot speake . Oth. Worthy Montanio , you were wont be ciuill , The grauity and stilnesse of your youth , The world hath noted , and your name is great , In men of wisest censure : what 's the matter That you vnlace your reputation thus , And spend your rich opinion , for the name Of a night brawler ? giue me answer to 't ? Mon. Worthy Othello , I am hurt to danger , Your Officer Iago can informe you , While I spare speech , which something now offends me , Of all that I doe know , nor know I ought By me , that 's sed or done amisse this night , Vnlesse selfe-charity be sometime a vice , And to defend our selues it be a sinne , When violence assayles vs . Oth. Now by heauen My blood begins my safer guides to rule ▪ And passion hauing my best iudgement coold , Assayes to leade the way . Zouns , if I stirre , Or doe but lift this arme , the best of you Shall sinke in my rebuke : giue me to know How this foule rout began , who set it on , And he that is approou'd in this offence , Tho he had twin'd with me , both at a birth , Shall loose me ; what , in a Towne of warre , Yet wild , the peoples hearts brim full of feare , To mannage priuate and domesticke quarrels , In night , and on the Court and guard of safety ? T is monstrous . Iago , who began ? Mon. If partiality affin'd , or league in office , Thou doest deliuer , more or lesse then truth , Thou art no souldier . Iag. Touch me not so neere , I had rather ha this tongue out from my mouth , Then it should doe offence to Michael Cassio : Yet I perswade my selfe to speake the truth , Shall nothing wrong him . Thus it is Generall : Montanio and my selfe being in speech , There comes a fellow , crying out for helpe , And Cassio following him with determin'd sword , To execute vpon him : Sir this Gentleman Steps in to Cassio , and intreates his pause ; My selfe the crying fellow did pursue , Lest by his clamour , as it so fell out , The Towne might fall in fright : he swift of foote , Out ran my purpose : and I returnd the rather , For that I heard the clinke and fall of swords : And Cassio high in oaths , which till to night , I ne're might see before : when I came backe , For this was briefe , I found them close together , At blow and thrust , euen as agen they were , When you your selfe did part them . More of this matter can I not report , But men are men , the best sometimes forget ; Tho Cassio did some little wrong to him , As men in ra●ge strike those that wish them best , Yet surely Cassio , I beleeue receiu'd From him that fled , some strange indignity , Which patience could not passe . Oth. I know Iago , Thy honesty and loue doth mince this matter , Making it light to Cassio : Cassio , I loue thee , But neuer more be Officer of mine . Enter Desdemona , with others . Looke if my Gentle loue be not raisde vp : I 'le make thee an example . Desd. What is the matter ? Oth. All 's well now sweeting : Come away to bed : sir , for your hurts , My selfe will be your surgeon ; leade him off ; Iago , looke with care about the Towne , And silence those , whom this vile brawle distracted . Come Desdemona : t is the Souldiers life , To haue their balmy ●●umbers wak'd with strife , Iag , What are you hurt Leiutenant ? Exit Moore , Desdemona , and attendants . Cas. I , past all surgery . Iag. Mary God forbid . Cas. Reputation , reputation , I ha lost my reputation : I ha lost the immortall part sir of my selfe , And what remaines is beastiall , my reputation , Iago , my reputation . Iag.

As I am an honest man , I thought you had receiu'd some bodily wound , there is more offence in that , then in Reputation : reputation is an idle and most false imposition , oft got without merit , and lost without deseruing , You haue lost no reputation at all , vnlesse you repute your selfe such a loser ; what man , there are wayes to recouer the Generall agen : you are but now cast in his moode , a punishment more in pollicy , then in malice , euen so , as one would beate his offencelesse dog , to affright an imperious Lyon : sue to him againe , and●hees yours .

Cas.

I will rather sue to be despis'd , then to deceiue so good a Commander , with so light , so drunken , and indiscreete an Officer : O thou inuisible spirit of wine , if thou hast no name to bee knowne by , let vs call thee Diuell .

Iag. What was he , that you followed with your sword ? What had he done to you ? Cas. I know not . Iag. I●t possible ? Cas.

I remember a masse of things , but nothing distinctly ; a quarrell , but nothing wherefore . O God , that men should put an enemy in there mouthes , to steale away there braines ; that wee should with ioy , Reuell , pleasure , and applause , transforme our selues into beasts .

Iag.

Why , but you are now well enough : how came you thus recouered ?

Cas.

It hath pleasde the Diuell drunkennesse , to giue place to the Diuell wrath ; one vnperfectnesse , shewes me another , to make me frankely despise my selfe .

Iag.

Come , you are too seuere a morraler ; as the time , the place , the condition of this Countrey stands , I 〈◊〉 heartily wish , this had not so befalne ; but since it is as it is , mend it , for your own good .

Cas.

I will aske him for my place againe , hee shall tell me I am a drunkard : had I as many mouthes as Hydra , such an answer would stop em all : to be now a sen●ible man , by and by a foole , and presently a beast . Euery vnordinate cup is vnblest , and the ingredience is a diuell .

Iag.

Come , come , good wine is a good familiar creature , if it be well vs'd ; exclaime no more against it ; and good Leiutenant , I thinke you thinke I loue you .

Cas.

I haue well approou'd it sir , — I drunke ?

Iag.

You , or any man liuing may bee drunke at some time : I 'le tell you what you shall 〈◊〉 , — our Generals wi●e is now the Generall ; I may say so in this respect , for that he has deuoted and giuen vp himselfe to the contemplation , marke and deuotement of her parts and graces . Confesse your selfe freely to her , importune her , shee 'll helpe to put you in your place againe : she is so free , so kind , so apt , so blessed a disposition , that shee holds it a vice in her goodnesse , not to doe more then shee is requested . This braule betweene you and her husband , intreate her to splinter , and my fortune ; against any lay , worth naming , this cracke of your 〈◊〉 shall grow stronger then t was before .

Cas. You aduise me well . Iag. I protest in the sincerity of loue and honest kindnesse . Cas.

I thinke it freely , and betimes in the morning , will I beseech the vertuous Desdemona , to vndertake for me ; I am desperate of my fortunes , if they checke me here .

Iag. You are in the right : Good night Leiutenant , I must to the watch . Cas. Good night honest Iago . Exit . Iag. And what 's he then , that sayes I play the villaine , When this aduice is free I giue , and honest , Proball to thinking , and indeed the course , To win the Moore agen ? For t is most easie The inclining Desdemona to subdue , In any honest suite , she 's fram'd as fruitfull , As the free Elements : and then for her To win the Moore ▪ wer 't to renounce his baptisme , All s●ales and symbols of redeemed sin , His soule is so infetter'd to her loue , That she may make , vnmake , doe what she list , Euen as her appetite shall play the god With his weake function : how am I then a villaine ? To counsell Cassio to this parrallell course . Directly to his good : diuinity of hell , When diuells will their blackest sins put on , They doe suggest at first with heauenly shewes , As I doe now : for while this honest foole Plyes Desdemona to repaire his fortunes , And she for him , pleades strongly to the Moore : I 'le poure this pestilence into his ●are , That she repeales him for her bodyes lust ; And by how much she striues to doe him good , She shall vndoe her credit with the Moore , So will I turne her vertue into pitch , And out of her owne goodnesse make the net That shall enmesh em all : Enter Roderigo . How now Roderigo ? Rod.

I do follow here in the chase , not like a hound that hunts , but one that filles vp the cry : my money is almost spent , I ha bin to night exceedingly well cudgeld : I thinke the issue will be , I shall haue so much experience for my paines , as th●● comes to , and no money at all , and with that wit returne to Venice .

Iag. How poore are they , that ha not patience ? What wound did euer heale , but by degrees ? Thou knowest we worke by wit , and not by wichcraft , And wit depends on dilatory time . Do'st not goe well ? Cassio has beaten thee . And thou , by that small hurt , hast casheird Cassio , Tho other things grow faire against the sun , But fruites that blosome first , will first 〈◊〉 ripe Content thy selfe awhile ; bi'the masse t is morning ; Pleasure , and action , make the houres seeme short : Retire thee , goe where thou art bill ted , Away I say , thou shalt know more hereafter : Nay get thee gon . Some things are to be done , My wife must moue for Cassio to her mistris , I 'le set her on . My selfe awhile , to draw the Moore apart , And bring him iumpe , when he may Cassio finde , Soliciting his wife : I , that 's the way ▪ Dull not deuise by coldnesse and delay . Exeunt .

Enter Cassio , with Musitians and th● Clowne . Cas. MAster 's , play here , I will content your paines . Something that 's briefe , and bid good morrow Generall . Clo. Why masters , ha your instruments bin at Naples , that they speake i' the nose thus ? Boy . How sir , how ? Clo. Are these I pray , cald wind Instruments ? Boy . I marry are they sir. Clo. O , thereby hangs a tayle . Boy . Whereby hangs a tayle sir ? Clo.

Marry sir , by many a winde 〈…〉 I know ▪ But masters heere 's money for you , and the Generall so likes your musique , that hee desires you of all loues , to make no more noyse with it .

Boy ,

Well sir we will not .

Clo.

If you haue any musique that may not bee heard , to 't againe , but as they saay , to heare musique , the Generall does not greatly care .

Boy .

We ha none such sir.

Clo.

Then put your pipes in your bag , for I 'le away ; goe , vanish away .

Cas.

Doest thou heare my honest friend ?

Clo.

No , I heare not your honest friend , I heare you .

Cas.

Preethee keepe vp thy quillets , there 's a poore peece of gold for thee : if the Gentlewoman that attends the Generals wi●e be stirring , tell her there 's one Cassio , entreates her alittle fauour of speech — wilt thou doe this ?

Clo.

She is stirring sir , if she will stirre hither , I shall seeme to notifie vnto her .

Enter Iago . Cas. Doe good my friend : In happy time Iago . Iag. You ha not bin a bed then . Cas. Why no , the day had broke before we parted : I ha made bold Iago , to send in to your wife , — my suite to her , Is , that she will to vertuous Desdemona , Procure me some accesse . Iag. I 'le send her to you presently , And I le deuise a meane to draw the Moore Out of the way , that your conuerse and businesse , May be more free . Exit . Cas. I humbly thanke you for it : I neuer knew A Florentine more kinde and honest : Enter Emilla . Em. Good morrow good Leiutenant , I am sorry For your displeasure , but all will soone be well , The Generall and his wife are talking of it , And she speakes for you stoutly : the Moore replies , That he you hurt is of great fame in Cypres , And great affinity , and that in whole some wisedome , He might not but refuse you : but he protests he loues you , And needes no other suitor but his likings , To take the safest occasion by the front , To bring you in againe . Cas. Yet I beseech you , If you thinke fit , or that it may be done , Giue me aduantage of some briefe discourse With Desdemona alone . Em. Pray you come in , I will bestow you where you shall haue time , To speake your bosome freely . Exeunt . Enter Othello , Iago , and other Gentlemen . Oth. These letters giue Iago , to the Pilate , And by him , doe my duties to the State ; That done , I will be walking on the workes , R●paire there to me . Iag. Well my good Lord , I 'le do 't . Oth. This fortification Gentlemen , shall we see 't ? Ge●t . We waite vpon your Lordship . Exeunt . Enter Desdemona , Cassio and Emillia . Des. Be thou assur'd good Cassio , I will doe All my abil●ties in thy behalfe . Em. Good Madam do , I know it grieues my husband , As if the case were his . Desd. O that 's an honest fellow : - do not doubt Cassio , But I will haue my Lord and you againe , As friendly as you were . Cas. Boun●ious Madame , What euer shall become of Michael Cassio , Hee 's neuer any thing but your true seruant . Desd. O sir , I thanke you , you doe loue my Lord : You haue knowne him long , and be you well assur'd , He shall in strangest , stand no farther off , Then in a politique distance . Cas. I but Lady , The pollicy may either last so long , Or feede vpon such nice , and watrish diet , Or breed it selfe , so out of circumstance , That I being absent , and my place supplied , My Generall will forget my loue and seruice ▪ Desd. Doe not doubt that , before Emillia here , I giue thee warraut of thy place ; assure thee If I doe vow a friendship , I 'le performe it To the last Article ; my Lord shall neuer rest , I 'le watch him tame , and talke him out of patience ; His bed shall seeme a schoole , his boord a shrift , I 'le intermingle euery thing he does , With Cassio's suite ; therefore be merry Cassio , For thy soiliciter shall rather die , Theu giue thee cause : away . Enter Othello , Iago , and Gentlemen . Em. Madam , here comes my Lord . Cas. Madam , I 'le take my leaue . Desd. Why stay and heare me speake . Cas. Madam not now , I am very ill at ease , Vnfit for mine owne purpose . Desd. Well , doe your discretion . Exit Cassio . Iag. Ha , I like not that . Oth. What doest thou say ? Iag. Nothing my Lord , or if , I know not what . Oth. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife ? Iag. Cassio my Lord ? — no sure , I cannot thinke it , That he would sneake away so guilty-like , Seeing you comming . Oth. I doe beleeue t was he . Desd. How now my Lord , I haue beene talking with a suiter here , A man that languishes in your displeasure . Oth. Who i' st you meane ? Desd. Why your Leiutenant Cassio , good my Lord , If I haue any grace or power to moue you , His present reconsiliation take : For if he be not one that truely loues you , That erres in ignorance , and not in cunning , I haue no iudgement in an honest face , I preethee call him backe . Oth. Went he hence now ? Desd. Yes faith , so humbled , That he has left part of his griefes with me , I suffer with him ; good loue call him backe . Oth. Not now sweete Desdemona some other time . Desd. But shal't be shortly ? Oth. The sooner sweete for you . Desd. Shal't be to night at supper ? Oth. No , not to night . Desd. To morrow dinner then ? Oth. I shall not dine at home , I meete the Captaines , at the Cittadell . Desd. Why then to morrow night , or Tuesday morne , On Tuesday morne , or night , or Wensday morne , I preethee name the time , but let it not Exceed three dayes : I faith hee 's penitent , And yet his trespasse , in our common reason , ( Saue that they say , the warres must make examples , Out of her best ) is not almost a fault , To incurre a priuate checke : when shall he come ? Tell me Othello : I wonder in my soule , What you could aske me , that I should deny ? Or stand so muttering on ? What Michael Cassio ? That came a wooing with you , and so many a time When I haue spoke of you dispraisingly , Hath tane your part , to haue so much to doe To bring him in ? Birlady I could doe much . Oth. Preethee no more , let him come when he will , I will deny thee nothing . Desd. Why this is not a boone , T is as I should intreate you weare your gloues : Or feede on nourishing dishes , or keepe you warme , Or sue to you , to doe a peculiar profit To your owne person : nay , when I haue a suite , Wherein I meane to touch your loue indeed , It shall be full of poise and difficulty , And fearefull to be granted . Oth. I will deny thee nothing , Whereon I doe beseech thee grant me this , To leaue me but a little to my selfe . Desd. Shall I deny you ? no , farewell my Lord , Oth. Farewell my Desdomona , I 'le come to thee straight . Desd. Emillia , come , be it as your fancies teach you , What ere you be I am obedient . Exit Desd. and Em. Oth. Excellent wretch , perdition catch my soule , But I doe loue thee , and when I loue thee not , Chaos is come againe . Iag. My noble Lord . Oth. What doest thou say Iago ? Iag. Did Michael Cassio when you wooed my Lady , Know of your loue ? Oth. He did from first to last : — Why doest thou aske ? Iag. But for a satisfaction of my thoughts . No further harme . Oth. Why of thy thought Iago ? Iag. I did not thinke he had beene acquainted with her . Oth. O yes , and went betweene vs very often . Iag. Indeed ? Oth. Indeed ? Indeed disern'●t thou ought in that ? Is he not honest ? Iag. Honest my Lord ? Oth. Honest ? I honest . Iag. My Lord , for ought I know . Oth. What doest thou thinke ? Iag. Thinke my Lord ? Oth. Thinke my Lord ? By heauen he ecchoes me . As if there were some monster in his thought : Too hideous to be shewne : thou didst meane something ; I heard thoe say but now , thou lik'●t not that , When Cassio left my wife : what didst not like ? And when I told thee , he was of my counsell , In my whole course of wooing , thou cridst indeed ? And didst contract , and purse thy brow together , As if thou then hadst shut vp in thy braine , Some horrible counsell : if thou doest loue me , Shew me thy thought . Iag. My Lord , you know I loue you . Oth. I thinke thou doest , And for I know , thou art full of loue and honesty , And weighest thy words , before thou giue em breath , Therefore these stops of thine affright me the more : For such things in a false disloyall knaue , Are trickes of custome ; but in a man that 's iust , They are close denotements , working from the heart , That passion cannot rule . Iag. For Michael Cassio , I dare presume , I thinke that he is honest , Oth. I thinke so to . Iag. Men ●●ould be that they seeme , Or those that be not , would they might seeme none . Oth. Certaine , men should be what they seeme . Iag. Why then I thinke Cassio's an honest man . Oth. Nay yet there 's more in this , I preethee speake to me to thy thinkings : As thou doest ruminate , and giue the worst of thought , The worst of word . Iag. Good my Lord pardon me ; Though I am bound to ●uery act of duty , I am not bound to that all slaues are free to , Vtter my thoughts ? Why , say they are vile and false : As where 's that pallace , whereinto foule things Sometimes intrude not ? who has a breast so pure , But some vncleanely apprehensions , Keepe l●●tes and law-dayes , and in Session fit With meditations lawfull ? Oth. Thou doest conspire against thy friend Iago , If thou but thinkest him wrongd , and makest his eare A stranger to thy thoughts . Iag. I doe beseech you , Though I perchance am vicious in my ghesse , As I confesse it is my natures plague , To spy into abuses , and oft my iealousie Shapes faults that are not , I intreate you then ; From one that so imperfectly coniects , You 'd take no notice , nor build your selfe a trouble , Out of my scattering , and vnsure obseruance ; It were not for your quiet , nor your good , Nor for my manhood ▪ honesty , or wisedome , To ●et you know my thoughts , Oth. Zouns . Iag. Good name in man and woman's d●●r● my Lord ; Is the immediate Iewell of our soules : Who steales my purse , steals trash t is something , nothing , T was mine , t is his , and has bin slane to thousands : But he that filches from me my good name , Robs me of that , which not i●riches him , And makes me poore indeed . Oth. By heauen I 'le know thy thought . Iag. You cannot , if my heart were in your hand , Nor shall not , whilst t is in my custody : O be ware i●alousi● . It is the greene eyd monster , which doth mocke That meate it feedes on . That Cuckold liues in blisse , Who certaine of his fate , loues not his wronger : But oh , what damned minutes tells he ore , Who dotes , yet doubts , suspects , yet strongly loues . Oth. O ●isery . Iag. Poore and content is rich , and rich enough , But ●ches , finel●sse , is as poore as winter , To him that euer feares he shall be poore : Good God , the soules of all my tribe defend From iealousie , Oth. Why , why is this ? Thinkst thou I 'de make a life of iealousie ? To follow still the changes of the Moone With fresh suspitions ? No , to be once in doubt , Is once to be resolud : exchange me for a Goate , When I shall turne the businesse of my soule To such exufflicate , and blowne surmises , Matching thy inference : t is not to make me iealous , To say my wife is faire , feedes well , loues company , Is free of speech , sings , playes , and dances well ; Where vertue is , these are more vertuous : Nor from mine owne weake merrits will I draw The smallest feare , or doubt of her reuolt , For she had ei●s , and chose me : no Iago , I 'le see before I doubt , when I doubt , proue , And on the proofe , there is no more but this : Away at once with loue or iealousie . Iag. I am glad of it , for now I shall haue reason , To shew the loue and duty that I beare you , With franker spirit : therefore as I am bound Receiue it from me : I speake not yet of proofe , Looke to your wife , obserue her well with Cassio ; Weare your eie thus , not iealous , nor secure , I would not haue your free and noble nature , Out of selfe-bounty be abus'd , looke to 't : I know our Countrey disposition well ▪ In Venice they doe let God ●ee the prankes They dare shew their husbands : their best conscience , Is not to leaue vndone , but keepe vnknowne . Oth. Doest thou say ●o . Iag. She did deceiue her father marrying you ; And when she seem'd to shake and feare your lookes , She lou'd them most . Oth. And so she did . Iag. Why go too then , She that so young , could giue our such a seeming , To seale her fathers eyes vp , close as Oake , He thought t was witchcraft : but I am much too blame , I humbly doe beseech you of your pardon , For too much louing you . Oth. I am bound to thee for euer . Iag. I see this hath a little das●t your spirits . Oth. Not a iot , not a ●ot . Iag. I faith I feare it has . I hope you will consider what is spoke , Comes from my loue : But I doe see you are moou'd , I am to pray you , not to straine my speech , To groser issues , nor to larger reach , Then to suspition . Oth. I will not . Iag. Should you doe so my Lord , My speech should fall into such vile successe , As my thoughts aime not at : Cassio's my trusty friend : My Lord , I see you are moou'd . Oth. No , not much moou'd , I doe not thinke but Desdemona's honest . Iag. Long liue she so , and long liue you to thinke so . Oth. And yet how nature erring from it selfe . Iag. I , there 's the point : as to be bold with you , Not to affect many proposed matches , Of her owne Clime , complexion , and degree , Whereto we see in all things , nature tends ; Fie we may smell in such a will , most ranke Foule disproportion : thoughts vnnaturall . But pardon me : I doe not in position . Destinctly speake of her , tho I may feare Her will recoyling to her better iudgement , May fall to match you with her countrey formes , And happily repent● Oth. Farewell , if more Thou doest perceiue , let me know more , set on Thy wife ●o obserue : leaue me Iago . Iag. My Lord I take my leaue . Oth. Why did I marry ? This honest creature doubtlesse Sees and knowes more , much more then he vnfoulds . My Lord , I would I might intreate your honour , Iag. To scan this thing no further , leaue it to time , Tho it be fit , that Cassio haue his place , For sure he fills it vp with great ability : Yet if you please to hold him off awhile , Your shall by that perceiue him and his meanes ; Note if your Lady straine her entertainement , With any strong or vehement importunity , Much will be seene in that , in the meane time , Let me be thought too busie in my feares , As worthy cause I haue , to feare I am ; And hold her free , I doe beseech your honour . Oth. Feare not my gouernement . Iag. I once more take my leaue . Exit Oth. This fellowe 's of exceeding honesty , And knowes all qualities , with a learned spirit Of humaine dealing : if I doe prooue her haggard , Tho that her lesses were my deare heart strings , I 'de whistle her off , and let her downe the wind , To prey at fortune . Happily , for I am blacke , And haue not those soft parts of conuersation , That Chamb●rers haue , or for I am de●lind Into the valt of yeares ; yet that 's not much , Shee 's gone , I am abus'd , and my releife Must be to lothe her : O curse of marriage , That we can call these delicate creatures ours , And not their appetites : I had rather be a Toade , And liue vpon the vapor in a dungeon , Then keepe a corner in a thing I loue , For others vses : yet t is the plague of great ones , Prerogatiu'd are they lesse then the base , T is desteny , vn●●unnable , like death : Euen then this forked plague is fated to vs , When we doe quicken : Desdemona comes , If she be false , O then heauen mocks it selfe , I 'le not beleeue it . Enter Desdemona and Emillia . Desd. How now my deare Othello ? Your dinner , and the generous Ilander By you inuit●ed , doe attend your presence , Oth. I am to blame . Des. Why is your speech so faint ? are you not well ? Oth. I haue a paine vpon my forehead , here . Des. Faith that 's with watching , t' will away againe ; Let me but bind your head , within this houre It will be well againe . Oth. Your napkin is too little : Let it alone , come I 'le goe in with you . Des. I am very sorry that you are not well . Em. I am glad I haue found this napkin , Ex. Oth. and Desd. This was her first remembrance from the Moore , My way ward husband , hath a hundred times Wooed me to steale it , but she so loues the token , For he coniur'd her , she should euer keepe it , That she re●e●ues it euer more about her , To kisse , and talke to ; I 'le ha the worke taine out , And giu 't Iago : what hee'l● doe with it , Enter Iago . Heauen knowes , not I , I nothing know , but for his fantasie . Iag. How now , what doe you here alone ? Em. Doe not you chide , I haue a thing for you . Iag. A thing for me , it is a common thing . Em. Ha ? Iag. To haue a foolish thing . Em. O , is that all ? what at will you gine me now , For that sa●e handkercher ? Iag. What handkercher ? Em. What handkercher ? Why that the Moore first gaue to Desdemona , That which so often you did bid me steale . Iag. Ha'st stole it from her ? Em. No faith , she let ●t drop by negligence , And to the aduantage , I being here , took 't vp : Looke here it is . Iag. A good wench , giue it me . Em. What will you doe with it , that you haue bin So earnest to haue me filch it ? Iag. Why , what 's that to you ? Em. If it be not for some purpose of import , Giue mee 't againe , poore Lady , shee 'll run mad , When she shall lacke it . Iag. Be not you knowne on 't , I haue vse for it : — go leaue me ; I will 〈◊〉 Cassio's Lodging lose this napkin , Exit Em. And let him finde it : tri●les light as ayre , Are to the iealous , confirmations strong As proofes of holy writ , this may doe something , Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons , Which at the first are scarce found to distast . But with a little art , vpon the blood . Ent. Othello . Burne like the mindes of sulphure : I did say so : looke where he comes , not Poppy , ●or Mandragora , Nor all the drousie sirrops of the world , Shall euer medicine thee to that sweete sleepe , Which thou owedst yesterday . Oth. Ha , ha , false to me , to me ? Iag. Why how now Generall ? no more of that . Oth. Auant , be gone , thou hast set me on the racke , I sweare , t is better to be much abus'd , Then but to know a little . Iag. How now my Lord ? Oth. What sense had I of her stolne houres of lust : I saw 't 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 rob'd , not wanting what is stolne , Let him not know'r , and hee 's not rob'd at all . Iag. I am sorry to heare this . Oth. I had bin happy if the generall Campe , Pyoners , and all , had tasted her sweete body , So I had nothing knowne : O now for euer Farewell the ●●anquile mind , farewell content : Farewell the plumed troope , and the big warres . That makes ambition vertue : O farewell , Farewell the neighing Steed , and the shri●l Trumpe , The spirit-stirring Drumme , the eare-peircing Fife ; The royall Banner , and all quality , Pride , pompe , and circumstance of glorious warre . And O ye mortall Engines , whose wide throates , The immortall Ioues great clamor counterfeit ; Farewell , Othello's Occupation's gone . Iag. I st possible my Lord ? Oth. Villaine , be sure thou proue my Loue a whore , Be sure of it , giue me the oculer proofe , Or by the worth of mans eternall soule , Thou hadst bin better haue beene borne a dog , Then answer my wak'd wrath . Iag. I st come to this ? Oth. Make me to see 't , or at the least so proue it , That the probation , beare no hinge , nor loope , To hang a doubt on : or woe vpon thy life . Iag. My noble Lord . Oth. If thou doest slander her , and torture me , Neuer pray more , abandon all remorce . On horrors head , horrors accumilate : Do deeds , to make heauen weepe , all earth amaz'd , For nothing canst thou to damnation ad greater then that . Iag. O grace , O heauen defend me , Are you a man , haue you a soule or sence ? God buy you , take mine office , — O wretched foole , That liuest to make thine honesty a vice , O monstrous world , take note , take note , O world , To be direct and honest , is not safe , I thanke you for this profit , and from hence , I 'le loue no friend , since loue breedes such offence . Oth. Nay stay , thou shouldst be honest . Iag. I should be wise , for honestie's a foole , And looses that it workes for : I see sir , you are eaten vp with passion , I doe repent me that I put it to you , You wou'd be satisfied . Oth. Would , nay , I will . Iag. And many , but how , how satisfied my Lord ? Would you , the superuisor grossely gape on , Behold her topt ? Oth. Death and damnation — oh . Iag. It were a tedious difficulty I thinke , To bring em to that prospect , dam'em then , If euer mortall eyes did see them boulster More then their owne ; what then , how then ? What shall I say ? where 's satisfaction ? It is impossible you should see this . Were they as prime as Goates , as hot as Monkies , As salt as Wolues , in pride ; and fooles as gro●●e , As ignorance made drunke : But yet I say , If imputation and strong circumstan●●s , Which leade directly to the doore of truth , Will giue you satisfaction , you may ha 't . Oth. ●iue me a liuing reason , that shee 's disloyall . Iag. I doe not like the office , But ●●th I am enter'd into this cause so farre , Prickt to 't by foolish honesty and loue , I will goe on : I lay with Cassio lately , And being troubled with a raging tooth , I could not sleep . There are a kinde of men so loose of soule , That in their sleepes will mutter their affaires , One of this kinde is Cassio : In sleepe I heard him say . Sweete Desdemona , Let vs be merry , let vs hide our loues ; And then sir , would he gripe and wring my hand , Cry out , sweete creature , and then kisse me hard , As if he pluckt vp kisses by the rootes , That grew vpon my lips , then layed his leg Ouer my thigh , and sigh'd , and kissed , and then Cried , cursed fate , that gaue thee to the Moore . Oth. O Monstro●s , monstrous . Iag. Nay , this was but his dreame . Oth. But this deuoted a fore-gone conclusion , Iag. T is a shrewd doubt , tho it be but a dreame , And this may helpe to thicken other proofes , That doe demonstrate thinly . Oth. I 'le teare her all to peeces . Iag. Nay , but be wise , yet we see nothing done , She may be honest yet , tell me but this , Haue you not sometimes seene a handkercher , Spotted with strawberries in your wiues hand . Oth. I gaue her such a one , t was my first gift . Iag. I know not that , but such a handkercher , I am ●ure it was your wiues , did I to day See Cassio wipe his beard with . Oth. I●'t be that . Iag. If it be that , or any , it was hers , It speakes against her , with the other proofes . Oth. O that the slaue had forty thousand liues , One is too poore , too weake for my reuenge : Now doe I see t is time , looke here Iago , All my fond loue , thus doe I blow to heauen , — t is gone . Arise blacke vengeance , from thy hollow Cell , Yeeld vp O loue thy crowne , and harted Throne , To tirranous hate , swell bosome with thy fraught , For t is of Aspecks tongues . Iag. Pray be content . he k●eeles . Oth. O blood , Iago , blood . Iag. Patience I say , your mind perhaps may change . Oth. Neuer : In the due reuerence of a ●acred vow , I here ingage my words . Iag. D●e notrise yet : Witnesse you euer-burning lights aboue , You Elements that clip vs round about , Iago k●eeles . Witnesse that here , Iago doth giue vp The excellency of his wit , hand , heart , To wrong'd Othello's seruice : let him command , And to obey , shall be remorce , What bloody worke so euer . Oth. I greete thy loue : Not with vaine thankes , but with accep●●nce bounteous , And will vpon the instant put thee ●o'● , Within these three dayes , let me heare thee say , That Cassio's not aliue , Iag. My friend is dead : T is ●one as you request , but let her liue . Oth. Dam her lewd minks O d●●●her , Come , goe with me apart , I will withdraw To furnish me with some swift meanes of death , For the faire diuell : now art thou my Leiutenant . Iag. I am your owne for euer . Exeunt . Enter Desdemonia Emilla and the Clowne . Des. Do you know 〈◊〉 , where the Leiutenant Cassio lies ? Clo. I dare not say he lies any where . Des. Why man ? He is a Souldier , and for one to say a Souldier lies , is s●abbing . Des. Go to , where Iodges he ? Clo.

I know not where he lodges , and for me to deuise a lodging , and say he lies there , were to lie in my throate .

Desd. Can you inquire him out , and be edified by report ? Clo , I will cathechize the world for him , that is , make questions And by them answer . Desd. Seeke him , bid him come hither , ●ell him I haue moued my Lord in his behalfe , and hope all will be well . Clo. To doe this is within the compasse of a man , and therefore I 'le attempt the doing of it . Exit . Desd. Where should I loose that handkercher Emillia ? Em. I know not Madam . Des. Beleeue me , I had rather loose my purse Full of C●usa does : and but my noble Moore Is true of minde , and made of no such basenesse , As iealous creatures are , it were enough , To put him to ill thinking . Em. Is he not iealous . Desd. Who he ? I thinke the Sun where he was borne , Drew all such humors from him . Enter Othello . Em. Looke where he comes . Des. I will not leaue him now , Let Cassio be cald to him : how is it with you my Lord ? Oth. Well my good Lady : O hardnesse to dissemble : How doe you Desdomona ? Des. Well , my good Lord . Oth. Giue me your hand , this hand is moist my Lady . Des. It yet has felt no age , nor knowne no sorrow . Oth. This argues fruitfulnesse and liberall heart , Not hot and moist , this hand of yours requires A sequester from liberty : fasting and praying , Much castigation , exercise deuout ; For ●eere's a young and swetting diuell here , That commonly rebels : t is a good hand , A franke one . Des. You may indeed say so , For t was that hand that gaue away my heart . Oth. A liberall hand , the hearts of old gaue hands , But our new herral dry is hands , not hearts . Des. I cannot speake of this , come , come , your promise . Oth. What promise chucke ? Des. I haue sent to bid Cassio come speake with you . Oth. I haue a salt and sullen rhume offends me , Lend me thy handkercher , Des. Here my Lord . Oth. That which I gaue you . Des. I haue it not about me . Oth. Not. Des. No faith my Lord . Oth. That s a fauit : that handkercher Did an Egyptian to my mother giue , She was a charmer , and could almost reade The thoughts of people ; she told her while she kept it , T' would make her amiable , and sub due my father Intirely to her loue : But if she lost it , Intirely to her loue : But if she lost it , Or made a gift of it : my fathers eye Should hold her lothely , and his spirits should hurt After new fancies : she dying , gaue it me , And bid me when my fate would haue me wi●e , To giue it her ; I did so , and take heede on●t , Make it a darling , like your pretious eye , To loose , or giue 't away , were such perdition , As nothing else could match . Desd. I'●● possible ? Oth. T is true , there 's magicke in the web of it , A Sybell that had numbred in the world , The Sun to make two hundred compasses , In her prophetique fury , sowed the worke ; The wormes were ●allowed that did breed the ●ilke , And it was died in Mummy , with the skilfull Con●erues of maidens hearts . Des. I faith i'●t true ? Oth. Most veritable , therefore looke to 't well . Des. Then would to God , that I had neuer seene it . Oth. Ha , wherefore ? Des. Why doe you speake so startingly and rashly . Oth. I' st lost ? i' st gone ? speake , is it out o' the way ? Des. Heauen blesse vs . Oth. Say you ? Des. It is not lost , but what and if it were ? Oth. Ha. Des. I say it is not lost . Oth. Fetch 't , let me see it , Des. Why so I can sir , but I will not now , This is a tricke , to put me from my suite , I pray let Cassio , be receiu'd againe . Oth. Fetch me that handkercher , my 〈…〉 . Des. Come , come , you 'll neuer meete a more 〈◊〉 man . Oth. The handkercher . Des. I pray talke me of Cassio . Oth. The handkercher . Des. A man that all his time , Hath founded his good fortunes on your loue , Shar'd dangers with you . Oth. The handkercher . Des. I faith you are too blame . Oth. Zouns . Exit . Em. Is not this man iealous ? Des. I ne're saw this before : Sure there 's some wonder in this handkercher , I am most vnhappy in the losse . Enter Iago and Cassio . Em. T is not a yeere or two shewes vs a man , ●hey are all but stomacks , and we all but foode ; They eate vs hungerly , and when they are full , They belch vs ; looke you , Cassio and my husband . Iag. There is no other way , t is she must doe it , And loe the happinesse , goe , and importune her . Des. How now good Cassio , what 's the news with you ? Cas. Madam , my former suite : I doe beseech you , That by your vertuous meanes , I may againe Exist , and be a member of his loue , Whom I , with all the duty of my heart , Intirely honour , I would not be delayed : If my offence be of such mortall kind , That neither seruice past , nor present sorrowes , Nor purpos'd m●rrit , in futurity Can ransome me , into his loue againe But to know so , must be my benefit , So shall I cloth me in a forc'd content , And shoote my selfe vp in some other course , To fortunes almes . Des. Alas thrice gentle Cassio , My aduocation is not now in tune ; My Lord is not my Lord , nor should I know him , Were he in fauour , as in humor al●red . So helpe me , euery spirit sanct●fied , As I haue spoken for you , all my best , And stood within the bl●nke of his displeasure , For my free speech : you must a while be patient , What I can doe I will , and more I will Then for my selfe I dare , let that suffice you . Iag. Is my Lord angry ? Em He went hence but now , And c●rtainely in strange vnquietnesse . Iag. Can he be angry ? I haue seene the Cannon , When it hath blowne his rankes into the ayre ; And ( like the Diuell ) from his very arme , Puft his owne brother , and can he be angry ? Something of moment then : I will goe meete him , There 's matter in 't indeed , if he be angry . Desd. I preethee do so : something sure of State , Either from Venice , or some vnhatcht practice , Made demon●trable here in Cypres to him , Hath pudled his cleere spirit , and in such cases Mens natures wrangle with inferior things , Tho great ones are the obiect , T is euen so : for let our finger ake , And it endues our other heathfull members , Euen to that sence of paine ; nay , we must thinke , Men are not go● , Nor of them looke for such obseruances As fits the Bridall : beshrew me much Emillia , I was ( vnhandsome , warrior as I am ) Arraigning his vnkindenesse with my soule ; But now I finde , I had subbornd the witnesse , And hee 's indited falsly . Em. Pray heauen it be State matters , as you thinke , And no conception , nor no iealous toy Concerning you . Desd. Alas the day , I neuer gaue him cause . Em. Butiealous soules will not be answered so , They are not euer iealous for the cause , But iealous for the 〈◊〉 iealous : t is a monster , Begot vpon it selfe , borne on it selfe . Desd. Heauen keepe that monster from Othello's mind . Em. Lady , Amen . Des. I will go● seeke him , Cassio , walke here about , If I doe finde him fit , I 'le moue your suite , Exeunt Desd. and Emillia . And seeke to effect it to my vttermost . Cas. I humbly thanke your Ladiship . Bi●n . Saue you friend Cassio . Enter Bianca . Cas. What make you from home ? How is it with you my most faire Bianca ? I faith sweete loue I was comming to your house . Bian. And I was going to your Lodging Cassio ; What , keepe a weeke away ? seuen daies and nights ; Eightscore eight houres , and louers absent houres , More tedious then the diall , eight score times , No weary reckoning . Cas. Pardon me Bianca , I haue this while with laden thoughts bin prest , But I shall in a more conu●ni●nt time , Strike off this score of absence : sweete Bianca , Take me this worke out . Bian. Oh Cassio , whence came this ? This is some token from a newer friend , To the felt absence , now I feele a cause , 〈◊〉 come t● this ? Cas. Go to woman , Throw your vile ghesses in the diuells teeth , From whence you haue them , you are iealous now , That this is from som : mistrisse , some remembrance ▪ No by my faith Bianca , Bian. Why who 's is it ? Cas. I know not sweete , I found it in my chamber , I like the worke well , ere it be demanded , As like enough it will , I 'de haue it coppied , Take it , and do 't , and leaue me for this time . Bian. Leaue you , wherefore ? Cas. I doe attend here on the Generall , And thinke it no addition , nor my wish , To haue him see me woman'd . Bian. But that you doe not loue me : I pray you bring me on the way alittle , And say , if I shall see you soone at night . Cas. T is but a little way , that I can ●●●ng you , For I attend here , but I 'le see you soone . Bian. T is very good , I must be circumstanc'd . Ex●●nt .

Actus . 4. Enter Iago and Othello . Iag. Will you thinke so ? Oth. Thinke so Iago . Iag. What , to kisle in priuate ? Oth. An vnauthoriz'd kisse . Iag. Or to be naked with her friend abed , An houre , or more , not meaning any harme . Oth. Naked abed Iago , and not meane harme ? It is hypocrisie against the diuell : They that meane vertuously , and yet doe so , The diuell their vertue tempts , and they tempt heauen ▪ Iag. So they doe nothing , t is a veniall slip ; But if I giue my wife a handkercher . Oth. What then ? Iag. Why then t is hers my Lord , and being hers , She may , I thinke , bestow 't on any man . Oth. She is protectres of her honour to , May she giue that ? Iag. Her honour is an essence that 's not s●●ne , They haue it very oft , that haue it not : But for the handkercher . Oth. By heauen , I would most gladly haue forgot it : Thou saidst ( O it comes o're my memory , As doth the Rauen o're the infected house , Boding to all . ) He had my hankercher . Iag. I , what of that ? Oth. That 's not so good now . Iag. What if I had said I had seene him do you wrong ? Or heard him say ( as knaues be such abroad ) Who ●●uing by their owne importunate suite , Or by the voluntaty dotage of some mistris , Conuinced , or supplied them , cannot chuse , But they must blab . Oth. Hath he said any thing ? Iag. He hath my Lord , but be you well assur'd , No more then hee 'l vnswerare . Oth. What hath he sayd ? Iag. Faith that he did — I know not what he did . Oth. But what ? Iag. Lye . Oth. With her ? Iag. With her , on her , what you will . Oth.

Lie with her , lie on her ? We say lie on her , when they bely her ; lye with her , Zouns , that 's fulsome , handkerchers , Confession , hankerchers .

He fals downe . Iag.

Worke on my medicine , worke : thus credulous fooles are caught , and many worthy and chaste dames , euen thus all guiltlesse , meete reproach ; What ho my Lord , my Lord I say , Othello , — how now Cassio .

Enter Cassio . Cas. What 's the matter ? Iag. My Lord is falne into an Epilepsy , This is his second fit , he had one yesterday . Cas. Rub him about the Temples . Iag. No , forbeare , The Lethergie , must haue his quiet course , If not he foames at mouth , and by and by Breakes out to sauage madnesse : looke he stirres : Doe you withdraw your selfe a little while , He will recouer straight , when he is gone , I would on great occasion speake with you . How is it Generall , haue you not hurt your head ? Oth. Doest thou mocke me ? Iag. I mocke you ? no by Heauen , Would you would beare your fortunes like a man . Oth. A horned man 's a monster , and a beast . Iag. There 's many a beast then in a populous City , And many a ciuill monster . Oth. Did he confesse ? Iag. Good sir be a man , Thinke euery bearded fellow , that 's but yoak'd , May draw with you , there 's millions now aliue , That nightly lyes in those vnproper beds , Which they dare sweare peculiar : your case is better : O t is the spite of hell , the fiends arch mocke , To 〈◊〉 a wanton in a secure Coach , And to suppose her chaste : No , let me know , And knowing what I am , I know what she shall be . Oth. O thou art wise , t is certaine . Iag. Stand you a while apart , Con●ine your selfe but in a patient list : Whilst you were here ere while , mad with your griefe , A passion most vnsuting such a man , Cassio came hither , I shifted him away , And layed good scuse , vpon your extacy , Bid him anon retire , and here speake with me , The which he promisde : but incaue your selfe , And marke the Ieeres , the Jibes , and notable scornes , That dwell in euery region of his face ; For I will make him tell the tale anew , Where , how , how oft , how long agoe , and when , He has , and is againe to cope your wife : I say , but marke his ieasture , mary patience , Or I shall say , you are all in all , in spleene , And nothing of a man . Oth. Doest thou heare Iago , I will be found most cunning in my patience ; But doest thou heare , most bloody . Iag. That 's not amisse : But yet keepe time in all ; will you withdraw ? Now will I question Cassio of Bianca ; A huswife that by selling her desires , Buys her selfe bread and cloathes : it is a Creature , That dotes on Cassio : as t is the ●trumpets plague To beguile many , and be beguild by one , Ent. Cassio . He , when he heares of her , cannot refraine From the ●x●esse of laughter : here he comes : As he ●●all smile , Othello shall goe mad , And his vnbookish iealousie must conster Poore Cassio's smiles , gestures , and light behauiour , Quite in the wrong : How doe you now Leiutenant ? Cas. The worser , that you giue me the addition , Whose want euen kills me ▪ Iag. Ply Desdemona well , and you are sure on 't . Now if this suite lay in Bianca's power , How quickly should you speed . Cas. Alas poore Catiue . Oth. Looke how he laughes already . Iag. I neuer knew a woman loue man so . Cas. Alas poore rogue , I thinke ifaith she loues me . Oth. Now he denyes it faintly , and laughes it out . Iag. Doe you heare Cassio ? Oth. Now he importunes him to tell it on , Goe to , well said . Iag. She giues it out that you shall marry her , Doe you intend it ? Cas. Ha , ha , ha . Oth. Doe you triumph Roman , doe you triumph ? Cas. I marry her ? I prethee beare some charity to my wit , Doe not thinke it so vnwho●esome : ha , ha , ha . Oth. So , so , so , so , laugh that wins . Iag. Faith the cry goes , you shall marry her . Cas. Preethee say true . Iag. I am a very villaine else , Oth. Ha you stor'd me well . Cas.

This is the 〈◊〉 own giuing out ; she is perswaded I 〈◊〉 marry her , out of her owne loue and flattery , not out of my promise .

Oth.

Iago beckons me , now he begins the story .

Cas.

She was heere euen now , shee haunts me in euery place , I was tother day , talking on the sea banke , with certaine Ven●tians , and thither comes this bauble , by this hand she fals thus about my neck .

Oth.

Crying , O deare Cassio , as it were : his i●●ture imports it .

Cas.

So hangs , and lolls , and weepes vpon me ; so hales , and puls me , ha , ha , ha .

Oth. Now he tells how she pluckt him to my Chamber , I see that nose of yours , but not that dog I shall throw 't to . Cas. Well , I must leaue her company . Enter Bianca . Iag. Before me , looke where she comes ,

T is such another ficho ; marry a perfum'd one , what doe you meane by this hanting of me .

Bian.

Let the diuel and his dam haunt you , what did you meane by that same handkercher , you gaue mee euen now ? I was a fine foole to take it ; I must take out ●he whole worke , a likely peece of worke , that you should find it in your chamber , and not know who left it there : this is some minxes token , and I must take out the worke ; there , giue it the hobby horse , whereso●uer you had it , I 'le take out no worke on 't .

Cas. How now my sweete Bianca , how now , how now ? Oth. By heauen that should be my handkercher . Bian.

An you 'll come to supper to night , you may , an you will not , come when you are next prepar'd for .

Exit . Iag.

After her , after her .

Cas.

Faith I must , shee 'll raile ●'the streete else .

Iag.

Will you sup there ?

Cas.

Faith I intend so .

Iag.

Well , I may chance to see you , for I would very faine speake with you .

Cas.

Preethee come , will you ?

Iag.

Goe to , say no more .

Exit Cassio . Oth.

How shall I murder him Iago ?

Iag.

Did you perceiue , how he laughed at his vice ?

Oth.

O Iago ,

Iag.

And did you see the handkercher ?

Oth.

Was that mine ?

Oth.

I would haue him nine yeares a killing ; a fine woman , a faire woman , a sweete woman .

Iag.

Nay you must forget .

Oth.

And let her rot and perish , and be damb'd to night , for she shall not liue : no , my heart is turn'd to stone ; I strike it , and it hurts my hand : O the world has not a sweeter creature , she might lie by an Emperours side , and command him taskes .

Iag.

Nay that 's not your way .

Oth.

Hang her , I doe but say what she is : So delicate with her n●edle , an admirable musition , O shee will sing the sauagenesse out of a Beare ; of so hye and plentious wit and inuention .

Iag.

Shee 's the worse for all this .

Oth.

A thousand thousand times : and then of so gentle a condition .

Iag.

I , too gentle .

Oth.

I that 's certaine , but yet the pitty of it Iago , the pitty .

Ia.

If you be so fond ouer her iniquity , giue her patent to offend , for if it touches not you , it comes neere no body .

Oth.

I will chop her into messes — cuckold me !

Iag.

O t is foule in her .

Oth.

With mine Officer .

Iag.

That 's fouler .

Oth.

Get me some poison Iago , this night I 'le not expostulate with her , lest her body and beauty vnprouide my minde agen , this night Iago .

Iag.

Doe it not with poison , strangle her in her bed , euen the bed she hath contaminated .

Oth.

Good , good , the iustice of ●t pleases very good .

Iag.

And for Cassio , let me bee his vnde●taker : you shall heare more by midnight .

A Trumpet . Enter Lodouico , Desdemona , and Attendants . Oth. Excellent good : What Trumpet is that same ? Iag. Something from Venice sure , t is Lodouice , Come from the Duke , and see your wife is with 〈◊〉 . Lod. God saue the worthy Generall . Oth. With all my heart sir. Lod. The Duke and Senators of Venice greete you . Oth. I kisse the instrument of their pleasures . Des. And what 's the newes good cousen Lodouico ? Iag. I am very glad to see you Seignior : — welcome to Cypres . Lod. I thanke you , how does Leiutenant Cassio ? Iag. Liues sir. Des. Cousen , there 's falne betweene him and my Lord , An vnkind breach , but you shall make all well . Oth. Are you sure of that ? Des. My Lord . Oth. This faile you not to doe , as you will . Lod. He did not call , hee 's busie in the paper : Is there diuision betweene thy Lord and Cassio ? Des. A most vnhappy one , I would doe much To attone them , for the loue I bea●● to Cassio . Oth. Fire and Brimstone . Des. My Lord . Oth. Are you wise ? Desd. What , is he angry ? Lod. May be the letter mou'd him ; For as I thinke , they doe command him home , Deputing Cassio in his gouernement . Desd. By my troth , I am glad on 't . Oth. Indeed . Des. My Lord . Oth. I am glad to see you mad . Des. How sweete Othello ? Oth. Diuell . Des. I haue not deseru'd this . Lod. My Lord , this would not be b●leeu'd in Venice , Tho I should sweare I saw 't : t is very much , Make her ame●●●s , she weepes . Oth. O Diuell , Diuell , If that the earth could teeme with womens teares Each drop she falls , would proue a Croca●●le : Out of my sight . Des. I will not stay to offend you . Lod. Truely an obedient Lady : I doe beseech your Lordship , call her backe . Oth. Mistri●se . Des My Lord . Oth. What would you with her sir ? Lod. Who , I my Lord ? Oth. I , you did wish that I would make her turne : Sir she can turne , and turne , and yet go on , And turne againe , and she can weepe sir , weepe ; And shee 's obedient , as you say , obedient ; Very obedient , proceed you in your teares , Concerning this sir : O well painted passion : I am commanded here : — get you away , I 'le send for you anon : — Sir , I obey the mandat , And will returne to Venice : — hence , auant , Cassio shall haue my place ; and sir to night I doe intreate that we may sup together , You are welcome sir to Cypres , — goates and monkies . Exit . Lod. Is this the noble Moore , whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient ? This the noble nature , Whom passion could not shake ? Whose solid vertue , The shot of accident , nor dart of chance Could neither graz● , nor peirce ? Iag. He is much changed . Lod. Are his wits safe ? is he not light of braine ? Iag. He 's that he is , I may not breathe my censure , What he might be , if as he might , he is not , I would to heauen he were . Lod. What , strike his wife . Iag. Faith that was not so well ; yet would I knew That stroake would proue the worst . Lod. Is it his vse ? Or did the letters worke vpon his blood . And new create this fault ? Iag. Alas , alas . It is not honesty in me to speake , What I haue seene and knowne , you shall obserue him , And his owne courses will denote him so , That I may saue my speech : doe but goe after , And marke how he continues . Lod. I am sorry that I am deceiu'd in him . Exeunt . Enter Othello and Emillia . Oth. You haue seene nothing then . Em. Nor euer heard , nor euer did suspect . Oth. Yes , and you haue seene Cassio and she together . Em. But then I saw no harme , and then I heard Each sillable that breath made vp betweene 'em . Oth. What , did they neuer whisper ? Em. Neuer , my Lord . Oth. Nor send you out o' the way ? Em. Neuer . Oth. To fetch her fan , her mask , her gloues , nor nothing ? Em. Neuer , my Lord . Oth. That 's strange . Em. I durst my Lord , to wager she is honest , Lay downe my soule at stake : if you thinke other , Remoue your thought , it doth abuse your bosome , If any wretch ha put this in your head , Let heauens requite it with the Serpents curse , For if she be not honest , chaste , and true , There 's no man happy , the purest of her Sex Is foule as slander . Exit Emillia . Oth. Bid her come hither , goe , She sayes enough , yet she 's a simple bawde , That cannot say as much ; this is a subtle whore , A closet , locke and key , of villainous secrets , And yet shee 'll kneele and pray , I ha seene her do 't . Enter Desdemona and Emillia . Des. My Lord , what is your will ? Oth. Pray chucke come hither . Des. What is your pleasure ? Oth. Let me see your eyes — looke in my face . Des. What horrible fancy 's this ? Oth. Some of your function mistrisse , Leaue procre●nts alone , and shut the dore , Coffe , or cry hem , if any body come , Your mistery , your mistery : nay dispatch . Exit Em. Des. Vpon my knees , what does your speech import ? I vnderstand a fury in your words , But not the words . Oth. Why , what art thou ? Des. Your wife my Lord , your true and loyall wife . Oth. Come , sweare it , dam thy selfe , Least being like one of heauen , the diuells themselues Should feare to cease thee , therefore be double dambd . Sweare thou art honest . Des. Heauen doth truely know it . Oth. Heauen truely knowes , that thou art false as hell . Des. To whom , my Lord , with whom ? how am I false ? Oth. O Desdemona , away , away , away . Des. Alas the heauy day , why do you weepe ? Am I the occasion of those teares my Lord ? If haply you my father doe suspect . An Instrument of this your calling backe , Lay not your blame on me ; if you haue left him , Why I haue left him too . Oth. Had it pleas'd heauen To try me with affliction , had he ram'd All kindes of sores , and shames on my bare head . S●eep'd me in pou●rty , to the very lips , Giu●n to captiui●y , me and my hopes , I should haue found in some part of my soule A drop of patience ; but alas , to make me A fixed figure , for the time of scorne , To point his slow vnmouing fingers at — oh , oh , Yet could I beare that too , well , very well . But there : where I haue garner'd vp my heart , Where either I must liue , or beare no life , The fountaine , from the which my currant ●●●nes , Or else dryes vp , to be discarded thence , Or keepe it as a Cesterne , for foule Toades To knot and gender in : tume thy complexion there , Patience thy young and rose-lip'd Cherubin , I here looke grim as Hell . Des. I hope my noble Lord esteemes me honest . Oth. O ● , as summers flies , are in the shambles , That quicken euen with blowing : O thou blacke w●ede , why art so louely faire ? Thou smell'st so sweete , that the sence akes at thee , Would thou hadst ne're bin borne . Des. Alas , what ignorant sinne haue ● committed ? Oth. Was this faire paper , this most goodly booke , Made to write whore on ? — What , committed ? Heauen stops the nose at it , and the Moone w●nkes , The bawdy wind , that kisses all it meetes , Is husht within the hallow mine of earth , And will not hear'● : — what committed , - impudent strumpet . Des. By heauen you doe me wrong . Oth. Are not you a strumpet ? Des. No , as I am a Christian : If to preserue this vessell for my Lord , From any hated foule vnlawfull touch , Be not to be a strumpet , I am none . Oth. What , not a whore ? Des. No , as I shall be saued . Enter Emillia . Oth. I st possible ? Des. O heauen forgiuen●sse . Oth. I cry you mercy , I tooke you for that cunning whore of Venice , That married with Othello : you mistrisse , That haue the office opposite to S. Peter , And keepes the gates in hell , I , you , you , you ; We ha done our course ; there 's money for your paines , I pray you turne the key , and keepe our counsell . Exit . Em. Alas , what does this Gentleman conceiue ? How doe you Madam how doe you my good Lady ? Des. Faith halfe asleepe . Em. Good Madam , what 's the matter with my Lord ? Des. With who ? Em. Why with my Lord Madam . Des. I ha none , doe not talke to me Emillia , I cannot weepe , nor answer haue I none , But what should goe by water : preethee to night Lay on my bed our wedding sheetes , remember , And call thy husband hither . Em. Here is a charge indeed . Exit . Des. T is meete I should be vsde so , very well ; ●●ow haue I bin behau'd , that he might sticke The smallest opinion , on my greatest abuse . Lag . What is your pleasure Madam , How i●● with you ? Enter lago . and Emillia . Des. I cannot tell : those that doe teach young babes Doe it with gentle meanes , ●nd easie taskes , He might ha chid me so , for in good faith , I am a child at chiding . lag . What is the matter Lady ? Em. Alas lago , my Lord hath so bewhor'd her , Throwne such despite , and heauy termes vpon her , As true hearts cannot beare . Des. Am I that name lago ? lag . What name faire Lady ? Des. Such as she sayes my Lord did say I was ? Em. He call'd her whore : A begger in his drinke , Could not haue layed such tearmes vpon his Callet . lag . Why did he so ? Des. I doe not know , I am sure I am none such . lag . Doe not weepe , doe not weepe : alas the day . Em. Has she forsooke so many noble matches , Her Father , and her Countrey , all her friends , To be cald whore ? would it not make one weepe ? Des. It is my wretched fortune . Iag. Beshrew him for it ; how comes this tricke vpon him ? Des. Nay , heauen doth know . Em. I will be hang'd , if some eternall villaine , Some busie and insinuating rogue , Some cogging , cousening slaue , to get some office , Haue not deuisde this slander , I 'le be hang'd else . Iag. Fie , there is no such man , it is impossible . Des. If any such there be , heauen pardon him . Em. A halter pardon him , and hell gnaw his bones : Why should he call her whore ? who keepes her company ? What place , what time , what for me , what likelihood ? The Moore 's abus'd by some outragious knaue : Some base notorious knaue , some scuruy fellow , O heauen , that such companions thou dst vnfold , And put in euery honest hand a whip , To lash the rascall naked through the world , Euen from the East to the West . Iag. Speake within dores . Em. O fie vpon him ; some such squire he was , That turnd your wit , the seamy side without , And made you to suspect me with the Moore . Iag. You are a foole , goe to . Des. O Good Iago , What shall I doe to win my Lord againe ? Good friend goe to him , for by this light of heauen , I know not how I lost him . Iag. I pray you be content , t is but his humour , The businesse of the State does him offence , And he does chide with you . Des. If t' were no other . Iag. T is but so , I warrant you ; Harke how these Instruments summon you to supper , And the great Messengers of Venice stay , Goe in , and weepe not , all things shall be well . Exit women . How now Roderigo ? Enter Roderigo . Rod. I doe not finde that thou dealst iustly with me . Iag. What in the contrary ? Rod. Euery day , thou dof●●st me , with some deuise Iago ; And rather , as it seemes to me , thou keepest from me , All conueniency , then suppliest me , with the least Aduantage of hope : I will indeed no longer indure it , Nor am I yet perswaded to put vp in peace , what already I haue foolishly sufferd . Iag. Will you heare me Roderigo ? Rod. Faith I haue heard too much , for your words , And performance are no kin together . Iag. You charge me most vniustly . Rod.

I haue wasted my selfe out of meanes : the Iewels you haue had from me , to deliuer to Desdemona , would halfe haue corrupted a Votarist : you haue told me she has receiu'd em , and return'd mee expectation , and comforts , of suddaine respect , and acquittance , but I finde none .

Iag.

Well , goe to , very good .

Rod.

Very well , goe to , I cannot goe to man , it is not very well , by this hand , I say t is very scuruy , and begin to finde my selfe fopt in it .

Iag.

Very well .

Rod.

I say it is not very well : I will make my selfe knowne to Desdemona , if she will returne me my Iewels , I will giue ouer my suite , and repent my vnlawfull sollicitation , if not , assure your selfe I 'le seeke satisfaction of you .

Iag.

You haue said now .

Rod.

I , and I haue said nothing , but what I protest entendment of doing .

Iag.

Why now I see there 's mettle in thee , and euen from this time doe build on thee , a better opinion then euer before , giue me thy hand Roderigo : Thou hast taken against me a most iust conception , but yet I protest , I haue delt most directly in thy affaires .

Rod.

It hath not appeared .

Iag.

I grant indeed it hath not appear'd , and your suspition is not without wit and iudgement : But Roderigo , if thou hast that within thee indeed , which I haue greater reason to beleeue now , then euer , I meane purpose , courage , and valour , this night shew it , if thou the next night following enioyest not Desdemona , take mee from this world with treachery , and deuise engines for my life .

Rod. Well , is it within reason and compasse ? Iag. Sir , there is especiall command come from Venice , To depute Cassio in Othello's place . Rod. Is that true ? why then Othello and Desdemona Returne againe to Venice . Iag. O no , he goes into Mauritania , and takes away with him The faire Desdemona , vnlesse his abode be linger'd

Here by some accident , wherein none can be so determinate , as the remouing of Cassio .

Rod. How doe you meane remouing of him ? Iag. Why , by making him vncapable of Othello's place , Knocking out his braines . Rod. And that you would haue me to doe . Iag.

I , and if you dare doe your selfe a profit , and right , hee sups to night with a harlot , and thither will I goe to him ; — he knowes not yet of his honourable fortune : if you will watch his going thence , which I will fashion to fall out betweene twelue and one , you may take him at your pleasure : I will be neere to second your attempt , and hee shall fall betweene vs : come , stand not amaz'd at it , but goe along with mee , I will shew you such a necessity in his death , that you shall thinke your selfe bound to put it on him . It is now high supper time , and the night growes to wast : about it .

Enter Othello , Desdemona , L●donico , Emillia , and Attendants . Rod. I will heare further reason for this . Iag. And you shall be satisfied . Ex. Iag. and Rod. Lod. I do beseech you sir , trouble your selfe no further . Oth. O pardon me , it shall doe me good to walke . Lod. Madame , good night , I humbly thanke your Ladiship . Des. Your honour is most welcome . Oth. Will you walke sir : — O Desdemona . Des. My Lord . Oth.

Get you to bed , o' the instant I will be return'd , forthwith , dispatch your Attendant there , — looke it be done .

Exeunt . Des. I will my Lord . Em. How goes it now ? he lookes gentler then he did . Des. He saies he will returne incontinent : He hath commanded me to goe to bed , And bad me to dismisse you . Em. Dismisse me ? Des. It was his bidding , therefore good Emillia , Giue me my nightly wearing , and adiue , We must not now displease him . Em. I would you had neuer seene him . Des. So would not I , my loue doth so approue him , That euen his stubbornene●se , his checks and frownes . Prethee vnpin me ; haue grace and fauour in them . Em. I haue laied these sheetes you bade me , on the bed . Des. All 's one good faith : how foolish are our minds ? If I doe die before thee , prethee shrowd me In one of those same sheetes . Em. Come , come , you talke . Des. My mother had a maid cald Barbary , She was in loue , and he she lou'd , prou'd mad , And did forsake her , she has a song of willow , An old thing 't was , but it expre●t her fortune , And she died singing it , that Song to night , Will not goe from my mind — harke , who 's that knocks ? Em. It is the wind . Des. Now get thee gone , good night : Mine eyes doe itch , does that bode weeping ? Em. T is neither here nor there . Des. Wouldst thou doe such a deed , for all the world ? Em. Why would not you . Des. No , by this heauenly light . Em. Nor I neither , by this heauenly light , I might doe it as well in the darke . Des. Would thou doe such a thing for all the world ? Em. The world is a huge thing , it is a great price , For a small vice . Des. Good troth I thinke thou wouldst not . Em.

By my troth I thinke I should , and vndo't when I had done it , mary I would not doe such a thing for a ioynt ring ; or for measures of Lawne , nor for Gownes , or Petticotes , nor Caps , nor any such exhibition ; but for the whole world ? vds pitty , who would not make her husband a Cuckole , to make him a Monarch ? I ●hould venture ●●●gatory for it .

Des. Bes● rew me , if I would doe such a wrong , For the whole world . Em.

Why , the wrong is but a wrong i' the world ; and hauing the world for your labour , t is a wrong in your owne world , and you might quickly make it right .

Des.

I doe not thinke there is any such woman .

Em.

Yes , a dozen , and as many to the vantage , as would store the world they played for .

Des. Good night , good night : God me such vsage send , Not to picke bad from bad , but by bad mend . Exeunt .

Actus . 5. Enter Iago and Roderigo , Iag. Here stand behind this Bulke , straite will he come , Weare thy good Rapier bare , and put it home ▪ Quicke , quicke , feare nothing , I 'le be at thy elboe ; It makes vs or it marres vs , thinke of that , And fixe most firme thy resolution . Rod. Be neere at hand , I may miscarry in 't . Iag. Here at thy hand , be bold , and take thy sword . Rod. I haue no great deuotion to the dead ; And yet he has giuen me satisfying reasons , T is but ● man gone : forth my sword , he dies . Iag. I haue rubd this young gnat almost to the sense , And he growes angry now : whether he kill Cassio , Or Cassio him , or each doe kill the other , Euery way makes my game ; liue Roderigo . He calls me to a restitution large , For Gold and Iewells , that I bobd from him , As gifts to Desdemona : It must not be , if Cassio doe remaine , He has a daily beauty in his life , That makes me vgly : and besides , the Moore May vnfould me to him ; there stand I in perrill : No , he must die , be 't so , I heare him comming . Ent. Cas. Rod. I know his gate , t is he , villaine thou diest . Cas. That thrust had bin my enemy indeed , But that my coate is better then thou think'st , I will make proofe of thine . Rod. O I am slaine . Cas. I am maind for euer , light ho , murder , murder . Enter Othello . Oth. The voice of Cassio , Iago keepes his word . Rod. O villaine that I am Oth. Harke t is euen so . Cas. O helpe ho , light , a Surgeon . Oth. T is he , O braue Iago , honest and Iu●t , That hast such noble sence of thy friends wrong , Thou teachest me ; — mino● , your deare lies dead , And your fate hies apa●e ; strumpet I come ; Forth of my heart , those charmes thine eyes are blotted , Thy bed lu●t-staind , shall with lusts blood be spotted . Ex. Enter Lodouico and Gratiano . Cas. What ho , no watch , no passage , murder , murder Grat. T is some mischance , the cry● very direfull . Cas. O helpe . Lod. Harke . Rod. O wretched villaine . Lod. Two or three grones , it is a heauy night , These may be counterfeits , let 's think 't vnsafe To come into the cry without more helpe . Rod. No body come , then ●●all I bleed to death . Enter lago with a light . Lod. Harke . Grat. Here 's one comes in his shirt , with lights and weapons , Iag. Who 's there ? whose noise is this , that cries on murder . Lod. I doe not know . Iag. Did not you heare a cry ? Cas. Here , here , for heauens sake helpe me . Iag. What 's the matter . Grat. This is Othello's Ancient , as I take it . Lod. The same indeed , a very valiant fellow . Iag. What are you here , that cry so gre●uou●ly ? Cas. Iago , O I am spoil'd , vndone by villaines , Giue me some helpe . Iag. O my Leiutenant : what villaines haue done this ? Cas. I thinke the one of them is heere about , And cannot make away . Iag. O treacherous villaines : What are you there ? come in and giue some helpe . Rod. O helpe me here . Cas. That 's one of em . Iag. O murderous slaue , O villaine . Rod. O dambd Iago , O in humaine dog , — o , o , o. Ia. Kill him i' the dark ? where be those bloody theeues ? How silent is this Towne ? Ho , murder , murder : What may you be , are you of good or euill ? Lod. As you shall proue vs , praise vs . Iag. Seignior Lodouico . Lod. He sir. Iag. I cry you mercy : here 's Cassio hurt by villaines . Grat. Cassio . Iag. How is it brother ? Cas. My leg is cut in two . Iag. Mary heauen forbid : Light Gentlemen , I 'le bind it with my shirt . Enter Bianca . Bian. What is the matter ho , who is t that cried ? Iag. Who is t that cried . Bian. O my deare Cassio , O my sweete Cassio , Cassio , Cassio . Iag. O notable strumpet : Cassio may you suspect Who they should be , that thus haue mangled you ? Cas. No. Gra. I am sorry to find you thus , I haue bin to seeke you . Bian. Alas he faints , O Cassio , Cassio , Cassio . Iag. Gentlemen all , I doe suspect this trash To beare a part in this : patience a while good Cass●● : Lend me a light ; know we this face , or no ? Alas my friend , and my deare countrey man : Roderigo ? no , yes sure : O heauen Roderigo . Gra. What of Venice ? Iag. Euen he sir , did you know him ? Gra. Know him ? I. Iag. Seignior Gratiano , I cry you gentle pardon : These bloody accidents must excuse my manners , That so neglected you . Gra. I am glad to see you . Iag. How doe you Cassio ? O a chaire , a chaire . Gra. Roderigo . Iag. He , t is he : O that 's well said , a chaire : Some good man beare him carefully from hence , I 'le fetch the Generalls Surgeon : for you mistrisse , Saue you your labour , he that lies slaine here Cassio , Was my deare friend , what malice was betwixt you ? Cas. None in the world , nor doe I know the man . Iag. What , looke you pale ? O beare him out o' th aire . Stay you good Gentlewoman , looke you pale mistrisse ? Doe you perceiue the ieastures of her eye , Nay , an you stirre , we shall haue more anon : Behold her well I pray you , looke vpon her , Doe you see Gentlemen ? Nay guiltinesse Will speake , though tongues were out of vse . Enter Em. Em. 'Las what 's the matter ? what 's the matter husband ? Iag. Cassio has here bin set on in the darke , By Roderigo , and fellowes that are scap't , Hee 's almost slaine , and Roderigo dead . Em. Alas good gentleman , alas good Cassio . Iag. This is the fruite of whoring , pray Emillia , Goe know of Cassio , where he supt to night : What , doe you shake at that ? Bian. He supt at my house , but I therefore shake not . Iag. O did he so , I charge you goe with me . Em. Fie , fie vpon thee strumpet . Bian. I am no strumpet , but of life as honest , As you , that thus abuse me . Em. As I ●●ough , fie vpon thee . Iag. Kind Gentlemen , let 's goe see poore Cassio drest● Come mistresse , you must tell 's another tale . Emillia , runne you to the Cittadell , And tell my Lord and Lady what has hapt : Will you goe on , I pray , this is the night , That either markes me , or foredoes me quite . Ex●●nt . Enter Othello with a light . Oth. It is the cause , it is the cause , my soule , Let me not name it to you , you chaste starres : It is the cause yet I 'le not shed her blood , Nor scarre that whiter skin of hers , then snow , And smooth , as monumentall Alablaster ; Yet she must die , else shee 'll betray more men , Put out the light , and then put out the light : If I quench thee , thou flaming minister , I can againe , thy former light restore , Should I repent me ; but once put out thine , Thou cunning patterne of excelling nature , I know not where is that promethian heate , That can thy light returne : when I haue pluckt the rose , I cannot giue it vitall growth againe , It must needes wither ; I 'le smell it on the tree , A balmy breath , that doth almost perswade Iustice her selfe to breake her sword once more , Be thus , when thou art dead , and I will kill thee , And loue thee after : once more , and this the last , He kisses her . So sweete was ne're so fatall : I must weepe , But they are cruell teares ; this sorrowes heauenly , It strikes when it does loue : she wakes . Des. Who 's there , Othello ? Oth. I , Desdemona . Des. Will you come to bed my Lord ? Oth. Haue you prayed to night , Desdemona ? Des. I my Lord : Oth. If you bethinke your selfe of any crime , Vnreconcil'd as yet to heauen and grace , Sollicite for it straite . Des. Alas my Lord , what may you meane by that ? Oth. Well doe it , and be briefe , I will walke by , I would not kill thy vnprepared spirit , No , ●eauen fore-fend , I would not kill thy soule . Des. Talke you of killing ? Oth. I , I doe . Des. Then heauen haue mercy on me . Oth. Amen , with all my heart . Des. If you say so , I hope you will not kill me . Oth. Hum. Des. And yet I feare you , for you are fatall then , When your eyes roule so : why I should feare , I know not , Since guiltinesse I know not , but yet I feele I feare . Oth. Thinke on thy sinnes . Des. They are loues I beare to you . Oth. And for that thou diest . Des. That death 's vnnaturall , that kills for louing , Alas , why gnaw you so your neather lip ? Some bloody passion shakes your very frame , These are portents : but yet I hope They doe not point on me . Oth. Peace , and be still . Des. I will , so , what 's the matter ? Oth. That handkercher which I so lou'd , and gaue thee , Thou gauest to Cassio . Des. No , by my life and soule , Send for the man and aske him . Oth. Sweete soule take heed , take heed of p●●iury , Thou art on thy death-bed . Des. I , but not yet to die . Oth. Yes , presently : Therefore confesse thee freely of thy sinne , For to deny each article with oath , Cannot remoue , nor choke the strong conc●●t , That I doe groane withall : thou art to die . Des. Then Lord haue mercy on me . Oth. I say Amen . Des. And haue you mercy too : I neuer did offend you in my life , — neuer lou'd Cassio , But with such generall warranty of heauen , As I might loue : I neuer gaue him token . Oth. By heauen I saw my handkercher in his hand , O periured woman , thou doest stone thy heart , And makest me call , what I intend to doe , A murder , which I thought a sacrifice , I saw the handkercher . Des. He found it then , I neuer gaue it him , send for him hither , And let him confesse a truth . Oth. He has confest . Des. What , my Lord ? Oth. That he hath — vds death . Des. How , vnlawfully ? Oth. I. Des. He will not say so . Oth. No , his mouth is stop'd , Honest Iago hath tane order for 't . Des. My feare interprets then , — what is he dead ? Oth. Had all his haires bin liues , My great reuenge had stomacke for 'em all . Des. Alas he is betraid , and I vndone . Oth. O strumpet , — weepest thou for him to my face ? Des. O bannish me , my Lord , but kill me not . Oth. Downe strumpet . Des. Kill me to morrow , let me liue to night . Oth. Nay , an you striue . Des. But halfe an houre , but while I say one prayer . Oth. T is too late . he stif●●es her . Des. O Lord , Lord , Lord . Emillia calls within . Em. My Lord , my Lord , what ho , my Lord , my Lord . Oth. What voyce is this ? not dead ? not yet quite dead ? I that am cruell , am yet mercifull , I would not haue thee linger in thy paine , — so , so . Em. What ho , my Lord , my Lord . Oth. Who 's there ? Em. O good my Lord , I 'de speake a word with you . Oth. Yes , t is Emillia , by and by : shee 's dead : T is like she comes to speake of Cassios death ; The noyse was here ; ha , no more mouing , Still as the graue : shall she come in ? were 't good ? I thinke she stirres againe ; no , what 's the best ? If she come in , shee 'll sure speake to my wife . My wife , my wife , my wife ; I ha no wife ; O insupportable : O heauy houre . Me thinks it should be now a huge Ecclips Of Sunne and Moone , and that the affrighted Globe , Should yawne at alteration . Em. I doe beseech you I may speake with you , - good my Lord . Oth. I had forgot thee : O come in Emillia . Soft , by and by ; let me the Curtaines draw , Ent. Emil. Where art thou ? what s the matter with thee now ? Em. O ●y good Lord , yonder 's foule murders done . Oth. What , now ? Em. But now my Lord . Oth. It is the very error of the Moone , She comes more neere the earth , then she was wont , And makes men mad . Em. Cassio my Lord has kil'd a yong Venetian , Cal'd Roderigo . Oth. Roderigo kild , and Cassio kild ? Em. No , Cassio is not kild . Oth. Not Cassio kild , then murders out of tune , And sweete reuenge growes harsh . Des. O falsly , falsly murdered . Em. O Lord , what cry is that ? Oth. That ? what ? Em. Out and alas , it is my Ladyes voy●● ▪ Helpe , helpe , ho helpe , O Lady speake againe , Sweete Desdemona , O sweete Mistresse speake . Des. A guiltlesse death I die . Em. O who has done this deed ? Des. No body , I my selfe , farewell : Commend me to my kinde Lord , O farewell . she dies . Oth. Why , how should she be murdered ? Em. Alas , who knowes ? Oth. You heard her say , her selfe , it was not I. Em. She sayd so , I must needes report a truth . Oth. She 's like a lyer , gone to burning Hell , ●T was I that kild her . Em. O , the more Angell she , And you the blacker diuell . Oth. She turn'd to folly , and she was a whore . Em. Thou doest bely her , and thou art a diuell . Oth. She was false as water . Em. Thou as rash as fire , To say that she was false : O she was heauenly true . Oth. Cassio did top her , aske thy husband else , O I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell , But that I did proceed , vpon iust grounds , To this extremity , thy husband knew it all . Em. My husband ? Oth. Thy husband . Em. That she was false to wedlocke ? Oth. I , with Cassio : nay , had she bin true , If heauen would make me such another world , Of one intire and perfect Crisolite , I 'de not haue sold her for it . Em. My husband ? Oth. I , t was he that told me first , An honest man he is , and hates the slime , That sticks on filthy deedes . Em. My husband ? Oth. What needes this i●eration ? woman , I say thy husband . Em. If he say so , may his pernitious soule . Rot halfe a graine a day : he lies to 'th heart , She was too fond of her most filthy bargaine . Oth. Ha ? Em. Doe thy worst , This deed of thine is no more worthy heauen , Then thou wast worthy her . Oth. Peace , you were best . Em. Thou hast not halfe the power to doe me harme , As I haue to be hurt : O gull , O dolt , As ignorant as dirtt ; thou hast done a deed — I care not for thy sword , I 'le make thee know , Tho I lost twenty liues : helpe , helpe , O helpe ; The Moore has kild my Mistresse , murder , murder . Enter Montano , Gratiano , Iago , and others . Mon. What is the matter ? how now Generall ? Em. O , are you come Iago ? you haue done well , That men must lay their murder on your neck . All. What is the matter ? Em. Disproue this villa me , if thou bee'st a man ; He sayes thou toldst him that his wife was false , I know thou didst not , thou art not such a villaine : Speake , for my heart is full . Iag. I told him what I thought , and told no more , Then what he found himselfe was apt and true . Em. But did you euer tell him she was false ? Iag. I did . Em. You told a lie , an odious damned lie ; Vpon my soule , a lie , a wicked lie : She false with Cassio ; did you say with Cassio ? Iag. With Cassio mistrefle ; go to , charme you tongue . Em. I will not charme my tongue , I am bound to speake . Iag. What are you mad , I charge you get you home . Em. Good Gentlemen let me haue leaue to speake , T is proper I obey him , but not now : Perchance Iago , I will ne're goe home . Oth. Oh , oh , oh . Oth. fals on the bed . Em. Nay , lay thee downe , and rore , For thou hast kild the sweetest innocent , That ere did lift vp eye . Oth. O she was foule : I scarce did know you Vncle , there lies your Niece , Whose breath indeed , these hands haue newly ●topt , I know this act shewes terrible and grim . Gra. Poore Desdemona , I am glad thy father's dead , Thy match was mortall to him , and pure griefe , Shore his old thread at wane : did he liue now , This sight would make him doe a desperate turne , Yea curse his better Angell from his side , And fall to reprobation . Oth. T is pittifull , but yet Iago knowes , That she with Cassio , hath the act of shame A thousand times committed ; Cassio confest it , And she did gratifie his amorous workes , With the recognisance and pledge of loue , Which I first gaue her ; I saw it in his hand , It was a handkercher ; an Antique token My father gaue my mother . Em. O God , O heauenly God . Iag. Zouns , hold your peace . Em. 'T will out , 't will : I hold my peace sir , no , I 'le be in speaking , liberall as the ayre , Let heauen , and men , and diuells , let em all . All , all cry shame against me , yet I 'le speake . Iag. Be wise , and get you home . Em. I will not . Gra. Fie , your sword vpon a woman ? Em. O thou dull Moore , that handkercher thou speakst on , I found by fortune , and did giue my husband : For often with a solemne earnestnesse , More then indeed belong'd to such a trifle , He beg'd of me to steale it . Iag. Villainous whore . Em. She gaue it Cassio ? no alas I found it , And I did giu 't my husband . Iag. Filth thou liest . Em. By heauen I doe not , I doe not Gentlemen , O murderous Coxcombe ! what should such a foole Doe with so good a woman ? The Moore runnes at Iago . Iago kils his wife . Oth. Are there no stones in heauen , But what serues for the thunder ? pretious villaine . Gra. The woman falls , sure he has kild his wife . Em. I , I , O lay me by my mistresse side . Exit Iago . Gra. Hee 's gone , but his wife 's kild . Mon. T is a notorious villaine , take your weapon , Which I haue here recouered from the Moore : Come , guard the dore without , let him not passe , But kill him rather , I 'le after that same villaine , For t is a damned slaue . Exit Mont. and Gratiano . Oth. I am not valiant neither , But euery puny whipster gets my sword , But why should honour out liue honesty ? Let it goe all . Em. Moore , she was chast , she lou'd thoe cruell Moore , So come my soule to blisse , as I speake true ; So speaking as I thinke , I die , I die . she dies . Oth. I haue another weapon in this chamber , It is a sword of Spaine , the Ise brookes temper ; O here it is ; Vncle I must come forth . Gra , within . Gra. If thou attempt it , it will cost thee decre , Thou hast no weapon , and perforce must suffer . Oth. Looke in vpon me then , and speake to me , Or naked as I am , I will assault thee . Gra. What is the matter ? Oth. Behold , I haue a weapon , A better neuer did it selfe sustaine Vpon a Souldiers thigh : I haue seene the day , That with this little arme , and this good sword , I haue made my way through more impediments , Then twenty times you stop : but O vaine boast , Who can controule his Fate ? t is not so now , Pale as thy smo●ke , when we shall meet at count , This looke of thine , will hurle my soule from heauen , And fiends will snatch at it : cold , cold my girle , Euen like thy chastity ; O cursed slaue : Whippe me you Diuells , From the possession of this heauenly sight , Blow me about in winds , roast me in sulphure , Wash me in sleepe downe gulphes of liquid fire : O Desdemona , Desdemoua , dead , O , o , o. Enter Lodouico , Montano , Iago , and Officers , Cassio in a Chaire . Lod. Where is this rash and most infortunate man . Oth. Tha●'s he that was Othello , here I am . Lod. Where is this Viper , bring the villaine forth . Oth. I looke downe towards his feet , but that 's a fable If thou beest a diuell , I cannot kill thee . Lod. Wring his sword from him . Iag. I bleed sir , but not kil'd . Oth. I am not sorry neither , I 'de haue thee liue , For in my sense t is happinesse to die . Lod. O thou Othello , that wert once so good , Falne in the practise of a damned slaue , What should be said to thee ? Oth. Why any thing , An honourable murderer if you will : For nought did I in hate , but all in honour . Lod. This wretch hath part confest his villainy : Did you and he consent in Cassio's death ? Oth. I. Cas. Deare Generall , I did neuer giue you cause . Oth. I doe beleeue it , and I aske you pardon , Will you ●●ay , d●●●and that demy diuell , Why he hath thus in●●ar'd my soule and body ? Iag. D●mand me nothing , what you know you know , From this time forth I neuer will speake word . Lod. What not to pray ? Grat. Torments will op'e your lips . Oth. Well , thou doest best . Lod. Sir , you shall vnderstand what hath befalue , Which , as I thinke you know not : here is a letter , Found in the pocket of the slaine Roderigo ; And here another ; the one of them imports The death of Cassio ; to be vndertooke — by Roderigo . Oth. O villaine . Cas. Most h●athenish , and most grosse . Lod. Now here s another discontented paper , Found in his pocket too , and this it seemes , Roderigo meant to haue sent this damned villaine , But that belike , Iago , in the nicke Came in , and satisfied him . Oth. O the pernitious catieffe ! How came you Cassio by a handkercher , That was my wifes ? Cas. I found it in my chamber , And he himselfe confest it euen now , That there he dropt it , for a speciall purpose ; Which wrought to his desire . Oth. O foole , foole , foole . Cas. There is besides in Roderigoes letter How he vpbraides Iago , that he made him , B●●ue me vpon the watch , whereon it came , That I was cast ; and euen but now he spake , After long seeming dead , Iago , hurt him , Iago set him on . Lod. You must forsake this roome , and goe with vs , Your power and your command is taken off , And Cassio rules in Cypres : for this slaue , If there be any cunning cruelty , That can torment him much , and hold him long , It shall be his : you shall close prisoner rest , Till that the nature of your fault be knowne To the Venetian State ; come , bring him away . Oth. Soft you , a word or two , I haue done the State some seruice , and they know 't ; No more of that : I pray you in your letters , When you shall these vnlucky deedes relate , Speake of them as they are ; nothing extenuate , Nor set downe ought in malice , then must you speake , Of one that lou'd not wisely , but too well : Of one not easily iealous , but being wrought , Perplext in the extreame ; of one whose hand , Like the base Indian , threw a pearle away . Richer then all his Tribe : of one whose subdued eyes , Albeit vnused to the melting moode , Drops teares as fast as the Arabian trees , Their medicinall gum ; set you downe this , And say besides , that in Al●ppo once , Where a Malignant and a Turband Turke , Beate a Venetian , and traduc'd the State ; I tooke b●'ch throate the circumcised dog , And smote him thus . He stabs himselfe . Lod. O bloody period . Gra. All that 's spoke is mard . Oth. I kist thee ere I kild thee , no way but this , Killing my selfe , to die vpon a kisse . He dies . Cas. This did I feare , but thought he had no weapon , For he was great of heart . Lod. O Spartane dog , More fell then anguish , hunger , or the Sea , Looke on the trag●cke lodging of this bed : This is thy worke , the obiect poisons sight , Let it be hid : Gratiano , keepe the house , And ceaze vpon the fortunes of the Moore : For they succeed to you , to you Lord Gouernour , Remaines the censure of this hellish villaine , The time , the place , the torture : O inforce it , My selfe will straite aboord , and to the State , This heauy act with heauy heart relate . Exeunt omnes . FINIS .