Jago. She that was ever fair, and never proud;
Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud;
Never lack'd gold, and yet went never gay;
Fled from her wish, and yet said,-now I
may ;

[nigh, 5
She that, being anger'd, her revenge being
Bade her wrong stay, and her displeasure

fly;

She that in wisdom never was so frail,
To change the cod's head for the salmon's 10
tail';
[mind,
She that could think,and ne'er disclose her
See suitors following, and not look behind;
She was a wight,-if ever such wight|

were,Des. To do what?.

lago. Tosuckle fools, and chronicle small beer2. Des. O most lame and impotent conclusion!Do not learn of him, Æmilia, though he be thy husband.-How say you, Cassio? is he not a most 20 profane and liberal counsellor ?

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

Oth. Come, let us to the castle.

News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are
drown'd.

How do our old acquaintance of this isle?---
Honey, you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,
I have found great love amongst them. O mysweet,
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
In mine own comforts.-I pr'ythee, good Iago,
15 Go to the bay, and disembark my coffers:
Bring thou the master to the citadel;
He is a good one, and his worthiness [mona,
Does challenge much respect.-Come, Desde-
Once more well met at Cyprus.

[Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants. lugo. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come hither. If thou be'st valiant; as (they say) base men, being in love, have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them,-list

Iago. [Aside.] He takes her by the palm: Ay, well said, whisper: with as little a web as this, 25 me. The lieutenant to-night watches on the will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Av, smile upon her, do; I will gyve' thee in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed :| if such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kiss'd your 30 three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; well kiss'd! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? 'would, they were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Trumpci. 35 The Moor, I know his trumpet.

Cas. 'Tis truly so.

court of guard ':-First, I must tell thee this,
-Desdemona is directly in love with him.
Rod. With him! Why, 'tis not possible.
Iago. Lay thy finger-thus, and let thy soul be
instructed. Mark ine with what violence she first
lov'd the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her
fantastical lies: And will she love him still for
prating? let not thy discreet heart think it.
Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she
have to look on the devil? When the blood is
made dull with the act of sport, there should be,—
again to inflame it, and to give satiety a fresh ap-
petite,-loveliness in favour; sympathy in years,
manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is de-
40fective in: Now, for want of these required con-
veniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself
abus'd, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and
abhor the Moor; very nature will instruct her in
it, and compel her to some second choice. Now,
45 sir, this granted, (as it is a most pregnant and un-
forc'd position,) who stands so eminently in the
degree of this fortune, as Cassio does; a knave
very voluble; no farther conscionable, than in
putting on the mere form of civil and humane
50 seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and
most hidden loose affection? Why, none; why,
none: A slippery and subtle knave; a finder out
of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and coun-
terfeit advantages, though true advantage never

Oth. O my fair warrior!
Des. My dear Othello!

Oth. It gives me wonder great as my content,
To see you here before me. O my soul's joy!
If after every tempest come such calmness,
May the winds blow till they have waken'd death!
And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas,
Olympus high; and duck again as low
As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die,
'Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear,
My soul hath her content so absolute,
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.

Des. The heavens forbid,

But that our loves and comforts should increase, 55 present itself: A devilish knave! Besides, the Even as our days do grow!

Oth. Amen to that, sweet powers !→→→ I cannot speak enough of this content, It stops me here; it is too much of joy;

knave is handsome, young; and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and green minds' look after: A pestilent complete knave; and the woman hath found him already.

Des. Let's meet him, and receive him.
Cas. Lo, where he comes!

Enter Othello, and Attendants.

And this, and this, the greatest discords be
[Kissing her.

That e'er our hearts shall make!
Iago. O, you are well tun'd now!
But I'll let down the pegs that make this music,
As honest as I am.
[Aside.

1i. e. to exchange a delicacy for coarser fare. gross of language, of expression broad and brutal.

2 i. e. to keep the accounts of a household. 'i. e. * i. e. a licentious talker. 'i. e. catch, shackle.

i. e. out of method, without any settled order of discourse. i. e. the place where the guard i. e. on thy mouth, to stop it while thou art listening to a wiser mau. yet fully formed.

musters.

• Minds not

9

Rod.

Rod. I cannot believe that in her; she is full of

most bless'd condition'.

Iago. Bless'd figs' end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if she had been bless'd, she would never have lov'd the Moor: Bless'd pud- 5 ding! Didst thou not see her paddle in the palm of his hand? didst not mark that?

Rod. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy.} Iago. Lechery, by this hand! an index, and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul 10 thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that their breaths embrac'd together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion:15 Pish!-But, sir, be you rul'd by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you: Cassio knows you not; I'll not be far from : Do you: find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favourably minister.

you

Rod. Well.

Iago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in 25 choler; and, haply, with his truncheon may strike at you: Provoke him, that he may: for, even out of that, will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny whose qualification shall come into no true taste again, but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires, by the means I shall then have to prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prospe rity.

Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong

That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,-
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash'
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb
For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too;
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me,
For making him egregiously an ass,
And practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. "Tis here, but yet confus'd;
Knavery's plain face is never seen, 'till us'd. [Erit
SCENE II.

A Street.

But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat: The thought whereof
Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw iny inwards:
And nothing can or shall content my soul,
'Till I am even with him, wife for wife;

Enter Herald, with a proclamation.

20

Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arriv'd,importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him; for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials: So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open; and there is full liberty of feasting, from this present hour of five, 'till the bell hath told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus, and our noble general Othello! [Exit,

30

SCENE III.
The Castle.
Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.
Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-
night:

35

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

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

Rod. Adieu.

[Exit.

Iago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;
That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great credit:
The Moor-howbeit that I endure him not,-
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;
And, I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now I do love her too;
Not out of absolute lust, (though, peradventure,
I stand accountant for as great a sin)

1

Let's teach ourselves that bonourable stop,
Not to out-sport discretion.

140

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

Oth. Iago is most honest.

(45)

Michael, good night: To-morrow, with your ear-
liest,
[love;
Let me have speech with you.-Come, my dear
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
[To Desdemona.
That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you.-
Good night.
[Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.

50

Enter Iago. Cas. Welcome, Iago: We must to the watch. Jago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o'clock: Our general cast us" thus early, for the 55 love of his Desdemona: whom let us not there

2 Indexes were formerly prefixed to books.

'i. e. throwing

7

1i. e. qualities, disposition of mind. a slur upon his discipline. * Sudden, is precipitately violent. i. e. whose resentment shall not be so qualified or tempered, as to be well tasted, as not to retain some bitterness. A trifling, insignificant fellow may, in some respects, very well be called trash. To trash a hound is a term of hunting still used in the North, and perhaps not uncommon in other parts of England. It is, to correct, to rate. * A phrase from the art of wrestling. Rank garb may mean grossly, i. e. without mincing the matter. 10 Mere in this place signifies entire. "That is, appointed us to our stations, according to Dr. Johnson; whereas Mr. Steevens thinks, that cast us only means dismissed us, or got rid of our company.

fore

fore blame: he hath not yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for Jove.

Cas. She's a most exquisite lady.

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

Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate 5 creature.

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

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

lago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?

Cus. She is, indeed, perfection.

Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, Jieutenant, I have a stoop of wine; and here 15 without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello.

Cas. Not to-night, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well 20 wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment.

To Desdemona hath to-night carouz'd
Potations pottle deep; and he's to watch:
Three lads of Cyprus,-noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honours in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle 2,-
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups,
And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of
drunkards,

lago. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you.

Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and 25 that was craftily qualified too', and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more.

Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the 30 gallants desire it.

Cas. Where are they?

Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.
Cas. I'll do 't; but it dislikes me. [Exit Cassio.
Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk to-night already,]
He'll be as full of quarrel and offence
As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool,
Roderigo,
Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side 40
outward,

Am I to put our Cassio in some action
That may offend the isle.—But here they come :
If consequence do but approve my dream,
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
- Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen.
Cas. 'Fore heaven, they have given me a rouse
already.

Mont. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint,|
As I am a soldier.

Iago. Some wine, ho!

[Iago sings.

And let me the canakin clink, clink;
And let me the canakin clink:
A soldier's a man;
A lije's but a span;

Why then, let a soldier drink.
Some wine, boys!

Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song.

10

Iago. I learn'd it in England, where (indeed) they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander,Drink, ho!-are nothing to your English.

Cas. Is your Englishman so exquisite in his drinking?

Iago. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be fill'd.

Cas. To the health of our general.

Mont. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice.

Iago. O sweet England!

+

King Stephen was a worthy peer,
His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them six-pence all too dear,
With that he call'd the taylor lown.'
He was a wight of high renown,

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

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

Jago. Will you hear it again?

35

Cus. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place, that does those things.-Well,-Heaven's above all; and there be souls that must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. Iago. It's true, good lieutenant.

Cas. For mine own part,-no offence to the general, nor any man of quality,—I hope to be saved.

Iago. And so I do too, lieutenant. Cas. Ay, but, by your leav not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient, 45 Let's have no more of this: let's to our affairs.Forgive us our sins!-Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk; this is my ancient;-this is my right hand, and this is my left hand:-I am not drunk 50 now; I can stand well enough, and I speak well Jenough.

All. Excellent well.

Cas. Why, very well then: you must not think then that I am drunk. [Exit. Mont. To the platform, masters; come, let's

55

set the watch.

Iago. You see this fellow, that is gone before;→→→
He is a soldier, fit to stand by Cæsar
And give direction: and do but see his vice;

i. e. As quarrelsome as the discordia semina rerum; as quick in op

1i. e. slily mixed with water. position as fire and water. A rouse appears to be a quantity of liquor rather too large. + Thes: stanzas are taken from an old song, which the reader will find in Percy's Relicks of Ancient Poetry. 2 i. e. a worthy fellow.

i. e. sorry fellow, paltry wretch.

'Tis

'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,

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

Mont. But is he often thus?

Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep:
He'll watch the horologue a double set,
If drink rock not his cradle '.

Mont. It were well,

The general were put in mind of it.
Perhaps, he sees not; or his good-nature
Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio,
And looks not on his evils; Is not this true?
Enter Roderigo.
Iago. How now, Roderigo?

I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit Rod.
Mont. And 'tis great pity, that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place, as his own second,
With one of an ingraft infirmity 2:
It were an honest action to say so
Unto the Moor.

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

shame!

Oth. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth
5 Are we turn'd Turks; and to ourselves do that,
Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?
For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl:
He that stirs next to carve forth his own rage,
Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.-
10 Silence that dreadful bell, it frights the isle
From her propriety '.- -What is the matter,

masters?

Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,
Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee.
Iago. I do not know; friends all but now,

Cas. Dost thou prate, rogue?

Mont. Nay, good lieutenant; [Staying him. I pray you, sir, hold your

hand.

Cas. Let me go, sir,

Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.
Mont. Come, come, you're drunk.
Cas. Drunk?

15

even now,

In quarter and in terms like bride and groom Divesting them for bed: and then, but now, (As if some planet had unwitted men) 20 Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast, In opposition bloody. I cannot speak Any beginning to this peevish odds; And 'would in action glorious I had lost These legs, that brought me to a part of it! Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?

lago. Not I, for this fair island: I do love Cassio well; and would do much To cure him of this evil. But hark! what noise? 25 [Cry within,-Help! help! Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo. Cas. You rogue! you rascal!

Mont. What's the matter, lieutenant? Cas. A knave!-teach me my duty! I'll beat the knave into a twiggen' bottle. Rod. Beat me!

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

35

Mont. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger:
Your officer, lago, can inform you-
While I spare speech, which something now of
fends ine,-

[They fight.

Of all that I do know: nor know I aught,
By me that's said or done amiss this night;
Unless self-charity 10 be sometime a vice:
And to defend ourselves it be a sin,
When violence assails us.

lago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny. 40
[Aside to Rod.
[Exit Roderigo.
Nay, good lieutenant,—alas, gentlemen,—
Help,ho!-Lieutenant,-sir,-Montano,-sir;-
Help, masters! Here's a goodly watch, indeed!-45
Who's that that rings the bell?-Diablo, ho!
[Bell rings.
The town will rise: Fie, fie, lieutenant! hold;
You will be sham'd for ever.

Oth. Now, by heaven,

Enter Othello, and Attendants.
Oth. What is the matter here?
Mont. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death;-
he dies1.

My blood begins my safer guides to rule;
And passion, having my best judgement collied",
Assays to lead the way: if I once stir,
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
50 How this foul rout began, who set it on;
And he that is approv'd in this offence,
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth
Shall lose me.- -What! in a town of war,
Yet wild, the people's hearts brim-full of fear,

Oth. Hold, for your lives.
Jago. Hold, hold, lieutenant,-sir,-Montano, 55 To manage private and domestic quarrel,
In night, and on the'court and guard of safety!

-gentlemen,

with wicker. 4

'i. e.

6

1i. e. If he have no drink, he'll keep awake while the clock strikes two rounds, or four-and-twenty hours. i. e. an infirmity rooted, settled in his constitution. A twiggen bottle is a bottle covered i. e. he shall die. He may be supposed to say this as he renews the fight. from her regular and proper state. i. e. in their quarters; at their lodging. i. e. you have thus forgot yourself. i. e. slacken, or loosen, put in danger of dropping; or perhaps strip of its ornaments. i. e. throw away and squander a reputation so valuable as yours. 10 Care of one's self. "Othello means, that passion has discoloured his judgement. To colly anciently signified to besmut, to blacken as with coal. The word is still used in the midland counties 12 i. c. he that is convicted, by proof, of having been engaged in this offence.

B

*Tis

'Tis monsterous.-Iago, who began 't?

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

Jago. Touch me not so near:

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth,
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general.
Montano and myself being in speech,
There comes a fellow, crying out for help;
And Cassio following him with determin'd sword,
To execute upon him: Sir, this gentleman
Steps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause;
Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
Lest, by his clamour, (as it so fell out)
The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,
Out-ran ny purpose; and I return'd the rather
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath; which, till to-night,
I ne'er might say before: When I came back,
(For this was brief) I found them close together,
At blow, and thrust; even as again they were,
When you yourself did part them.
More of this matter can I not report:→
But men are men; the best sometimes forget:
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,-
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,-
Yet, surely, Cassio, I believe, receiv'd,
From him that fled, some strange indignity,
Which patience could not pass.
Oth. I know, Iago,

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

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

Des. What is the matter, dear?

Oth. All's well now, sweeting: Come away to bed.

[pute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are ways to recover the general again: You are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice; even so as one would beat 5 his offenceless dog, to affright an imperious lion: sue to him again, and he 's yours.

Cas. I will rather sue to be despis'd, than to deceive so good a commander, with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? 10 and speak parrot'? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow?-O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call theedevil!

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

Cas. I know not.

your

Iago. Is it possible?

20

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

25 Iago. Why, but you are now well enough; How came you thus recover'd?

Cas. It hath pleas'd the devil, drunkenness, to give place to the devil, wrath: one unperfectness shews me another, to make me frankly despise 30 myself.

Iago. Come, you are too severe a moraler: As the time, the place, and the condition of this country stands, I could heartily wish this had not befallen; but, since it is as it is, mend it for your 35 own good.

Cas. I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me, I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man, by-and-by a fool, 40 and presently a beast! O strange!-Every inordinate cap is unbless'd, and the ingredient is a devil.

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

Sir, for your hurts, myselfwill be your surgeon:-
Lead him off. [To Montano, who is led off:
fago, look with care about the town;
And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.--45
Come, Desdemona; 'tis the soldiers' life,
To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife.
[Exeunt. Manent Iago and Cassio.
Iago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
Cas. Ay, past all surgery.
Jago. Marry, heaven forbid!

I

Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part, sir, of myself, and what remains is bestial.My reputation, Iago, my reputation.

Cas. I have well approv'd it, sir.-I drunk! Iago. You, or any man living, may be drunk at some time, man. I tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the general;-I may 50 say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement, of her parts and graces :-confess yourself freely to her; importune her; she 'll help to put you in your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, that she holds it a vice in her goodness, not to do more than she is requested: This broken joint, between you and her husband, intreat her to splinter; and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this

55

Iago. As I am an honest man, I had thought you had receiv'd some bodily wound; there is more offence in that, than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving: 60 crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was You have lost no reputation at all, unless you re

before.

Affin'd, is bound by proximity of relationship; but here it means related by nearness of office. 2i. e. ejected in his anger. A phrase signifying to act foolishly and childishly.

Cas.

3Y