For I have lost him on a dangerous sea!
Mon. Is he well shipp'd?

Cas. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot
Of very expert and approv'd allowance;
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,
Stand in bold cure.
[Within.]

A sail, a sail, a sail!
Enter another Gentleman.

Cas. What noise?

4 Gent. The town is empty; on the brow o'the

sea

tesy.

Stand ranks of people, and the cry-a sail.
Cas. My hopes do shape him for the governor.
2 Gent. They do discharge their shot of cour-
[Guns heard.
Our friends, at least.
Cas,
I pray you, sir, go forth,
And give us truth who 'tis that is arriv'd.
2 Gent. I shall.
Mon. But, good lieutenant, is your general
wiv'd?

[Exit.

Cas. Most fortunately: he hath achiev'd a maid
That paragons description, and wild fame;
One that excel the quirks of blazoning pens,
And in the essential vesture of creation,
Does bear all excellency.-How now? who has
put in?

Re-enter second Gentleman.

2 Gent. 'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general. Cas. He has had most favourable and happy speed:

Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling
winds,

The gutted rocks, and congregated sands,-
Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel,
As having sense of beauty, do omit
Their mortal natures, letting go safely by
The divine Desdemona.

Mon.

What is she?

Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's
captain,

Left in the conduct of bold Iago;
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts,
A se'nnight's speed.-Great Jove,Othello guard,
And swell his sail with thine own powerful
breath;

That he may bless this bay with his tall ship,
Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms,
Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits,
And bring all Cyprus comfort!- O, behold,
Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, IAGO, RODERIGO,
and Attendants.

The riches of the ship is come on shore!

out of doors,

Bells in your parlours,wild cats in your kitchens,
Saints in your injuries, devils being offended,
Players in your housewifery, and housewives
in your beds.

Des. O, fye upon thee, slanderer!
Jago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk;
You rise to play, and go to bed to work.
Emil. You shall not write my praise.
Ingo.
No, let me not.
Des. What would'st thou write of me, if thou
should'st praise me?

Iago. O gentle lady, do not put me to't;
For I am nothing, if not critical.
Des. Come on, assay:-There's one gone to
lago. Ay, madam.
[the harbour?
Des. I am not merry; but I do beguile
The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.--
Come, how would'st thou praise me?
Iago. I am about it; but, indeed, my invention
Comes from my pate, as birdlime does from frize,
It plucks out brains and all: But my muse
And thus she is deliver'd.
[labours,

If she be fair and wise,-fairness, and wit,
The one's for use, the other useth it.

Des. Well prais'd! How if she be black and
witty?

Iago. If she be black, and thereto have a wit, She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit. Des. Worse and worse.

Emil. How, if fair and foolish?

Iago. She never yet was foolish that was fair; For even her folly help'd her to an heir.

Des. These are old fond paradoxes, to make fools laugh i' the alehouse. praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? What miserable Lago. There's none so foul, and foolish there

unto, But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones [do. Des. O heavy ignorance!-thon praisest the worst best. But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed? one, that,

the vouch of very malice itself?

Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees:-in the authority of her merit, did justly put on
Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven,
Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
Enwheel thee round!

Des.
I thank you, valiant Cassio.
What tidings can you tell me of my lord?
Cas. He is not yet arriv'd; nor know I aught
But that he's well, and will be shortly here.
Des. O, but I fear;-How lost you company?
Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship: But, hark! a sail.

[Cry within, A sail, a sail! Then guns heard.
2 Gent. They give their greeting to the citadel,
This likewise is a friend.
Cas.

mistress:

See for the news.-
[Exit Gentleman.

Iago. She that was ever fair, and never proud;
Ilad 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;
She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh,
Bade her wrong stay, and her displeasure fiy:
She that in wisdom never was so frail,
To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail;
She that could think, and ne'er disclose her mind,
See suitors following, and not look behind:
She was a wight,-if ever such wight were,-
Des. To do what?

Jago. To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer.
Dis. O most lame and impotent conclusion!

Good ancient, you are welcome;-Welcome,'-Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband.-How say you, Cassio? is he not a most profane and liberal counsellor?

[To EMILIA, Jet it not gall your patience, good lago, That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy. [Kissing her.

Cas. He speaks home, madam; you may relish him more in the soldier, than in the scholar. Iago. [Aside.] He takes her by the palm: Ay,

well said, whisper: with as little a web as this, | fresh appetite,-loveliness in favour; sympathy will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile in years, manners, and beauties; all which the upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own Moor is defective in: Now, for want of these courtship. You say true; 'tis so indeed: if required conveniences, her delicate tenderness such tricks as these strip you out of your lieu- will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, tenantry, it had been better you had not kissed disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will your three fingers so oft, which now again you instruct her in it, and compel her to some second are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; choice. Now, sir, this granted (as it is a most well kissed! an excellent courtesy ! 'tis so, in- pregnant and unforced position), who stands so deed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? eminently in the degree of this fortune, as Cas'would, they were clyster-pipes for your sake! sio does? a knave very voluble, no further conTrumpet) The Moor, I know his trumpet. scionable, than in putting on the mere form of Cas. 'Tis truly so. civil and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: A slippery and subtle knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: A devilish knave! besides the knave is handsome, young; and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and green minds look after: A pestilent complete 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.

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 calms,
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 froin 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,
Even as our days do grow!

Oth.

Rod. I cannot believe that in her: she is full of most blessed condition.

Iago. Blessed fig's end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if she had been blessed, she I would never have loved the Moor: Blessed pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that?

Rod. Yes, that I did; but, that was but courtesy.
Iago. Lechery, by this hand: an index, and
obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul
Amen to that, sweet powers!-thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that

I cannot speak enough of this content,
It stops me here; it is too much of joy :
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 set down the pegs that make this musick,
As honest as I am.
[Aside
Oth.
Come, let's 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 among them, O my
sweet,

I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
In mine own comforts.-I pr'ythee, good Iago,
Go to the bay, and disembark my coffers :
Bring thou the master to the citadel;
He is a good one, and his worthiness
Does challenge much respect.-Come, Desde-

mona,

Once more well met at Cyprus,

[Exeunt OTI, DES. and Attendants. Iago. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come hither. If thou be'st valiant as (they say) base men, being in love, have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them-list me. The lieutenant to-night watches on the court of guard:-First, I must tell thee this-Desdemona is directly in love with him. Rod. With him! why, 'tis not possible. Iago. Lay thy finger-thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies: And will she love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be,-again to inflame it, and to give satiety a

their breaths embraced together. Villanous
thoughts, Roderigo; when these mutualities so
marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master
and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion:
Pish!-But, sir, be you ruled 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 you: 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.
Rod. Well.

Lugo. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choiler; and, haply, with his truncheon may strike at you. Proveke 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 prosperity.

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

Iago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the 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),
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof

Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my in- would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello.

wards;

[do,

And nothing can or shall content my soul,
Till I am even with him, wife for wife;
Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace
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 nightcap too;
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward
For making him egregiously an ass, [me,
And practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confus'd;
Knavery's plain face is never seen till us'd.

[Exit.

SCENE II. A Street.
Enter a Herald, with a Proclamation; People

following.

Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, 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.

[Exeunt.

Iago is most honest.

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

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

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

Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the
Cas. Where are they?

[in.

[Exit.

Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them
Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me.
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,
[outward,
Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side
To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd
Potations pottle deep; and he's to watch:
Three lads of Cyprus,-noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honours in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle,
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups,
And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock
of drunkards,

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.
Re-enter CASSIO, with him MONTANO, and
Gentlemen.

Cas. 'Fore heaven, they have given me a
rouse already.

Mon. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint,

as I am a soldier."

Iago. Some wine, ho!

And let me the canakin clink, clink; [Sings.
And let me the canukin clink:

A soldier's a man;

A life's but a spon;

Why then, let a soldier drink.

Oth. Michael, good night: To-morrow, with our ear- Some wine, boys. [Wine brought in. liest, [love, Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song. Let me have speech with you.-Come, my dear Jago. I learned it in England, where (indeed) The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; they are most potent in potting: your Dane, [To DESDEMONA. your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander, That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you.--Drink, ho!-are nothing to your English. Good night. [Exeunt OTH. DES. and Attend.

Enter IAGO.

Cas. Welcome, lago: We must to the watch. Tago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o'clock. Our general cast us thus early, for the love of his Desdemona; whom let us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her: and she is sport for Jove. Cas. She's a most exquisite lady.

Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate creature. [a parley of provocation. Iago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds. Cas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right. modest. [to love? Iago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm Cas. She is, indeed, perfection.

Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoop of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that

Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking?

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

Cas. To the health of our general.
Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you
Iago. O sweet England!
[justice

King Stephen was a worthy peer,
His breeches cost him but a crown;
He held them sixpence all too dear,

With that he call'd the tailor-lown.
He was a wight of high renown,

And thou art but of low degree:
'Tis pride that pulls the country down:
Then take thine auld cloak about thee.
Some wine, ho!
[the other.
Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than
Iago. Will you hear it again?

Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of The town will rise; God's will, lieutenant, hold; his place, that does those things.-Well, Hea- You will be sham'd for ever. ven'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, or any man of quality,-I hope to be Iago. And so do I too, lieutenant. [saved. Cas. Ay, but by your leave, not before me: the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. 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 now; I can stand well enough, and speak well Tenough. Cas. Why, very well, then; you must not think that I am drunk. [Exit. Mon. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch.

All. Excellent well.

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;
'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.

Mon.

But is he often thus?

Enter OTHELLO and Attendants.

Oth.
What is the matter here?
Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death;-
Oth. Hold, for your lives.
[he dies.
Iago. Hold, hold, lieutenant, sir, Montano,-

gentlemen,

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

brawl:

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

Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,
Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge
thee.
[even now,

Iago. I do not know;-friends all but now,
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom
Devesting them for bed: and then, but now,
(As if some planet had unwitted men),
Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast,

Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep: In opposition bloody. I cannot speak
He'll watch the horologe à double set,

If drink rock not his cradle.

The general were put in mind of it.
Perhaps, he sees it 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?
[Aside
I pray you, after the lieutenant: go. [Exit ROD.
Mon. And 'tis great pity, that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place, as his own second,
With one of an ingraft infirmity;
It were an honest action, to say
So to the Moor.

Let me go, sir,
Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.
Mon.
Come, come, you're drunk.
[They fight.
Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny..
[Aside to Rov. who goes out.
Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen,-
Help, ho!- Lieutenant, - sir, Montano,-

sir;

Any beginning to this peevish odds;
And 'would, in action glorious I had lost
These legs, that brought me to a part of it!
Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus
forgot?

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

Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger;
Your officer, Iago, can inform you-
While I spare speech, which something now
offends me :-

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

Oth.

Now, by heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule:
And passion, having my best judgment 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
How this foul rout began, who set it on;
And he that is approv'd in this offence,
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me.-What! in a town of war,
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestick quarrel,
In night, and on the court of guard and safety!
'Tis monstrous.--Iago, who began it?

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

lago.

Touch me not so near:

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth, Help, masters!- Here's a goodly watch, in-Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; deed! [Bell rings. Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth Who's that that rings the bell?-Diablo, ho! Shall nothing wrong him.-Thus it is, general.