Iago. I pray you, be content; 'tis but his hu

mour;

The business of the state does him offence,

And he does chide with you.

Des. If 'twere no other

Iago. It is but so, I warrant.

[Trumpets.

Hark, how these instruments summon to supper! The messenger of Venice stays the meat;

Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well.

[Exeunt Desdemona and Æmilia.

Enter RODORIGO to IAGO.

How now, Rodorigo?

Rod. I do not find that thou deal'st justly Iago. What in the contrary? [with me.

Rod. Every day thou doft'st me with some device, Iago; and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all conveniency, than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will, indeed, no longer endure it. Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.

Iago. Will you hear me, Rodorigo?

Rod. 'Faith, I have heard too much; and your words and performances are no kin together. lago. You charge me most unjustly.

Rod. With nought but truth: I have wasted myself out of my means. The jewels you have

had from me, to deliver to Desdemona, would half have corrupted a votarist. You have told me, she hath received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquittance; but I find none.

Iago. Well, go to; very well.

Rod. Very well, go to; I cannot go to, man, nor 'tis not very well; nay, I think, it is scurvy, and begin to find myself fobbed in it.

Iago. Very well.

Rod. I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona; if she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit, and repent my unlawful solicitation: if not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you.

Iago. You have said now

Rod. Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

Iago. Why, now, I see there's mettle in thee; and even from this instant do I build on thee a better opinion than ever before. Give me thy hand, Rodorigo: thou hast taken against me a most just exception; but, I protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

Rod. It hath not appeared.

Iago. I grant, indeed, it hath not appeared: and your suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But, Rodorigo, if thou hast that in thee, indeed,

which I have greater reason to believe now than ever, (I mean, purpose, courage, and valour) this night shew it. If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from this world with treachery, and devise engines for my life.

Rod. Well; what is it? is it within reason and compass?

Iago. Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place.

Rod. Is that true? why, then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice.

Iago. Oh, no; he goes into Mauritania, and taketh away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident : wherein none can be so determinate, as the removing of Cassio.

Rod. How do you mean removing him?

Iago. Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place; knocking out his brains.

Rod. And that you would have me to do? Iago. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He sups to-night with a harlot; and thither will I go to him. He knows not yet of his honourable fortune; if you will watch his going thence, (which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one) you may take him at your pleasure. I will be near to second your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed

at it, but go along with me; I will shew you such a necessity in his death, that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high supper-time; and the night grows to waste. About it.

Rod. I will hear further reason for this.

Iago. And you shall be satisfied.

Enter OTHELLO,

[Exeunt.

LODOVICO, DESDEMONA,

EMILIA, and Attendants.

Lod. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further.

Oth. Oh, pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk. Lod. Madam, good night; I humbly thank your

ladyship.

Des. Your honour is most welcome.

Oth. Will you walk, sir? Oh Desdemona !
Des. My lord.

Oth. Get you to bed on th' instant, I will be re

turned forthwith: dismiss your attendant there ; look it be done.

Des. I will, my lord.

[Exit.

Emil. How goes it now? he looks gentler than he did.

Des. He says he will return incontinent;

And hath commanded me to go to bed,

Des. It was his bidding; therefore, good Æmilia, Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu.

We must not now displease him.

Emil. I would you had never seen him! [him, Des. So would not I; my love doth so approve That even his stubbornness, his checks, and frowns, (Pr'ythee, unpin me) have grace and favour in them. Emil. I have laid those sheets you bade me on [our minds ! Des. All's one good Father! how foolish are If I do die before thee, pr'ythee, shroud me. In one of these same sheets.

the bed.

Emil. Come, come; you talk.

Des. My mother had a maid called Barbara, She was in love; and he she loved, proved mad, And did forsake her. She had a song of willow, An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune, And she died singing it. That song to night Will not go from my mind; I've much ado, But to go hang my head all at one side, And sing it like poor Barbara. Pr'ythee dispatch, Emil. Shall I go fetch your night-gown?

Des. No, unpin me here;

This Lodovico is a proper man.

Emil. A very handsome man.

Des. He speaks well.

Emil. I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.