The Dramatic Works of Shakspeare

lago. O, 'tis foul in her. Oth. With mine officer! Iago. That's fouler.

Oth. Get me some poison, Iago; this night: I'll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again: this night, lago.

Tago. Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated. Oth. Good, good: the justice of it pleases; very good.

Iago. And, for Cassio,-let me be his undertaker: You shall hear more by midnight. [A Trumpet within. Oth. Excellent good.-What trumpet is that [Lodovico, lago. Something from Venice, sure. 'Tis Come from the duke: and, see, your wife is

same :

with him.

Iago. I am very glad to see you, signior; Welcome to Cyprus. [Cassio? Lod. I thank you: How does lieutenant lago. Lives, sir. [and my lord Des. Cousin, there's fallen between him An unkind breach: but you shall make all Oth. Are you sure of that? [well. Des. My lord? Oth. This fuil you not to do, as you will[Reads. Lod. He did not call; he's busy in the paper. Is there division 'twixt thy lord and Cassio? Des. A most unhappy one; I would do much To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. Oth. Fire and brimstone! Des.

Oth.

My lord?

Are you wise? Des. What, is he angry? Lod. May be, the letter moved him: For, as I think, they do command him home, Deputing Cassio in his government. Des. By my troth, I am glad on't. Oth. Indeed. My lord?

Des.

Oth. I am glad to see you mad.
Des.

How, sweet Othello?
Oth. Devil!
[Striking her.
Des.
I have not deserved this.
Lod. My lord, this would not be believed in
Venice,
(much;
Though I should swear I saw it: 'Tis very
Make her amends, she weeps.
Oth.
O devil, devil!
If that the earth could teem with woman's
tears,

Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile :Out of my sight!

Des. Oth.

My lord?

What would you with her, sir? Lod. Who, I, my lord? [her turn: Oth. Ay; you did wish, that I would make Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; And she's obedient, as you say,-obedient,Very obedient;-Proceed you in your tears.Concerning this, sir,-O well-painted passion! I am commanded home :-Get you away; I'll send for you anon.- Sir, I obey the mandate, And will return to Venice;-Hence, avaunt! [Exit DESDEMONA. Cassio shall have my place. And,―sir, tonight,

I do entreat that we may sup together. You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.-Goats, and monkeys!

[Exit.

Lod. Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate

[ture Call-all-in-all sufficient?-This the noble na Whom passion could not shake? whose solid

virtue

The shot of accident, nor dart of chance,
Could neither graze, nor pierce?
lago.
He is much changed.
Lod. Are his wits safe? is he not light of
brain?
[my censure.
Jago. He is that he is; I may not breathe
What he might be,-if, what he might, he is
I would to heaven, he were.
[not,-
Lod.
What, strike his wife!
Iago, 'Faith, that was not so well: Yet
'would I knew,

That stroke would prove the worst.
Lod.

Is it his use?
Or did the letters work upon his blood,
And new-create this fault?

Iago. Alas, alas! It is not honest in me, to speak [serve him; What I have seen and known. You shall obAnd his own courses will denote him so, That I may save my speech; Do but go after, And mark how he continues.

Lod. I am sorry that I am deceived in him. [Exeunt.

SCENE II. A Room in the Castle. Enter OTHELLO and EMILIA. Oth. You have seen nothing then? Emil. Nor ever heard; nor ever did sus [together.

peet.

Oth. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she Emil. But then I saw no harm: and then I heard [them. Each syllable, that breath made up between Oth. What, did they never whisper?

Emil.
Never, my lord.
Oth. Nor send you ont o'the way?
Emil.

Never.

• Reconcile,

Oth. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, To point his slow unmoving finger at,-
Emil. Never, my lord. [nor nothing? 0!0!
Oth. That's strange.
[honest,
Emil. I durst, my lord, to wager she is
Lay down my soul at stake: if you think other,
Remove your thought; it doth abuse your
bosom.

If any wretch hath put this in your head
Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse!
For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There's no man happy; the purest of their
Is foul as slander.
[wives
Oth.
Bid her come hither:-go.-
[Exit EMILIA.

She says enough :-yet she's a simple bawd,
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle
whore,

A closet-lock-and-key of villanous secrets:
And yet, she'll kneel, and pray; I have seen

her do't.

Re-enter EMILIA, with DESDEMONA.
Des. My lord, what is your will?
Oth.

Pray, chuck, come hither.
Des. What is your pleasure?
Oth.
Let me see your eyes;
Look in my face.
Des. What horrible fancy's this?
Oth. Some of your function, mistress;
[To EMILIA.
Leave procreants alone, and shut the door;
Cough, or cry-hem, if any body come:
Your mystery, your mystery; nay, despatch.
[Exit EMILIA.
Des. Upon my knees, what doth your
speech import?

I understand a fury in your words,
But not the words.

Oth. Why, what art thou?
Des.

And loyal wife.

Your wife, my lord; your true

Oth.
Come, swear it, damn thyself;
Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils
themselves
[damn'd,
Should fear to seize thee: therefore be double-
Swear-thou art honest.

Des.
Heaven doth truly know it.
Oth. Heaven truly knows, that thou art
false as hell.
[am I false?
Des. To whom, my lord? with whom? How
Oth. O Desdemona!-away! away! away!
Des. Alas, the heavy day!-Why do you
weep?

Am I the occasion of these tears, my lord?
If, haply, you my father do suspect,
An instrument of this your calling back,
Lay not your blame on me; if you have lost
Why, I have lost him too.

[him,

Oth.
Had it pleased heaven
To try me with affliction; had he rain'd
All kinds of sores, and shames, on my bare
head;

Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips;
Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes;
I should have found in some part of my soul
A drop of patience: but (alas!) to make me
A fixed figure, for the time of scorn

Yet could I bear that too; well, very well :
But there, where I have garner'd up my
heart;

Where either I must live, or bear no life;
The fountain from the which my current runs,
Or else dries up; to be discarded thence!
Or keep it as a cistern, for foul toads [there!
To knot and gender in!-turn thy complexion
Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubim;
Ay, there, look grim as hell!

Des. I hope, my noble lord esteems me
houest.

Oth. O, ay; as summer flies are in the
shambles.

That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed,
Who art so lovely fair, and smell'st so sweet,
That the sense aches at thee.--'Would, thou
had'st ne'er been born!

[ted? Des. Alas, what ignorant sin have 1 commitOth. Was this fair paper, this most goodly

book,

Made to write whore upon? What committed!
Committed!-0 thou public commoner!
I should make very forges of my cheeks,
That would to cinders burn up modesty,
Did I but speak thy deeds.-What committed!
Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon
winks;

The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets,
Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth,
And will not hear it: What committed!-
Impudent strumpet!

Des.
By heaven, you do me wrong.
Oth. Are not you a strumpet?

Des.

No, as I am a christian:
If to preserve this vessel for my lord,
From any other foul unlawful touch,
Be-not to be a strumpet, I am none.
Oth. What, not a whore?

No, as I shall be saved.

Des.
Oth. Is it possible?
Des. O, heaven forgive us!
Oth

I cry you mercy, then;
I took you for that cunning whore of Venice,
That married with Othello.-You, mistress,
Re-enter EMILIA.

That have the office cpposite to Saint Peter,
And keep the gate of hell; Yon! you! ay,
you!
[your pains;

We have done our course; there's money for
I pray you, turn the key, and keep our coun

sel.

[Exit.

Emil. Alas, what does this gentleman con-
ceive? -
[lady?
How do you, madam? how do you, my good
Des. 'Faith, half asleep.
[my lord;

Emil. Good madam, what's the matter with
Des. With who?
Emil.

Why, with my lord, madain.

Des. Who is thy lord?
Emil.

He that is yours, sweet lady.
Des. I have none: Do not talk to me,
Emilia;

I cannot weep; nor answer I have none, Treasured w

But what should go by water. Pr'ythee, to-
night
[ber ;-
Lay on my bed my wedding sheets,-remem-
And call thy husband hither.
Emil.

Here is a change, indeed! [Exit. Des. 'Tis meet I should be used so, very

meet.

How have I been behaved, that he might stick
The small'st opinion on my great'st abuse?
Re-enter EMILIA, with IAGO.
lago, What is your pleasure, madam? How
is it with you?
[young babes,
Des. I cannot tell. Those, that do teach
Do it with gentle means, and easy tasks:
He might have chid me so; for, in good faith,
I am a child to chiding.
Iago.
What's the matter, lady?
Emil. Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored
her,
[her,
Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon
As true hearts cannot bear.

was.

Des. Am I that name, Iago? Iago. What name, fair lady? Des. Such as, she says, my lord did say I [his drink, Emil. He call'd her, whore; a beggar, in Could not have laid such terms upon his calLago. Why did he so? [let. Des. I do not know; I am sure, I am none [day! Iago. Do not weep, do not weep; Alas, the Emil. Has she forsook so many noble matches,

such.

Her father, and her country, and her friends,
To be call'd-whore? would it not make one
Des. It is my wretched fortune. [weep?
Iago.

Beshrew him for it?

How comes this trick upon him?
Des.
Nay, heaven doth know.

lago. You are a fool; go to.
Des.

O good lago,

What shall I do to win my lord again?
Good friend, go to bim; for, by this light of
heaven,

I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:-
If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love,
Either in discourse of thought, or actual deed;
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense,
Delighted them in any other form;
Or that I do not yet, and ever did,
And ever will,-though he do shake me off
To beggarly divorcement,-love him dearly,
Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do
much;

And his unkindness may defeat my life,
But never taint my love. I cannot say, whore;
It does abhor me, now I speak the word;
To do the act that might the addition § earn,
Not the world's mass of vanity could make
[humour;

me.

Iago. I pray you be content; 'tis but his
The business of the state does him offence,
And he does chide with you.
Des.
If 'twere no other,-
lago. It is but so, I warrant you.

[Trumpets. Hark, how these instruments summon to sup [per! And the great messengers of Venice stay: Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well. [Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA. Enter RODERIGO.

How now, Roderigo?
Rod. I do not find, that thou deal'st justly
with me.

lago. What in the contrary?

Rod. Every day thou doff 'st || me with some device, Iago; and rather (as it seems to me now,) keep'st from me all conveniency, than Emil. I will be hang'd, if some eternal vil-suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. Some busy and insinuating rogue, [lain, I will, indeed, no longer endure it: Nor am I Some cogging cozening slave, to get some yet persuaded, to put up in peace what already office, [else. I have foolishly suffered. Have not devised this slander; I'll be hang'd Iago. Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. [hin! Des. If any such there be, heaven pardon Emil. A halter pardon him! and hell gnaw his bones! [her company? Why should he call her, whore? who keeps What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? [knave,

Iago. Will you hear me, Roderigo? Rod. 'Faith, I have heard too much; for 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 The Moor's abused by some most villanous have told me-she has received them, and Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fel-returned me expectations and comforts of [unfold; sudden respect and acquittance ¶; but I find

low:

Iago. Well; go to; very well.

O, heaven, that such companions+ thou'dst none.
And put in every honest hand a whip,
To lash the rascal naked through the world,
Even from the east to the west!
Iago.
Speak within door.
Emil. O, fie upon him! some such squire he

was,

That turn'd your wit the seamy side without,

Rod. Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis not very well: By this hand, I say, it is very scurvy; and begin to find my. self fobbed in it.

Iago. Very well.

Rod. I tell you, 'tis not very well. I will And made you to suspect me with the Moor. make myself known to Desdemona: If she

• His drab.

ý Title.

+ Fellows. Put'st me off.

+ Inside out. ¶ Requital.

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.

Lugo. You have said now.

Rod. Ay, and I have 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 build on thee a better opinion than ever before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo: Thou hast taken against me a most just exception; but, yet, I protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

Rod. It bath not appeared.

lago. I grant, indeed, it hath not appeared; and your suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But, Roderigo, if thou hast that within thee indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now than ever,-I mean, purpose, courage, and valour,-this night show it: if thou the next night following enjoyest 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.

prove him,

Emil. I would, you had never seen him! Des. So would not 1; my love doth so ap[frowns,That even his stubbornness, his checks, and Pr'ythee, unpin me,-have grace and favour in them. [on the bed. Emil. I have laid those sheets you bade me Des. All's oue:-Good father! how foolish are our minds!

If I do die before thee, pr'ythee, shroud me
In one of those same sheets.
Emil.
Come, come, you talk.
Des. My mother had a maid call'd-Bar-
bara;

[madt,

Iago. O, no; he goes into Mauritania, and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, un- She was in love; and he she loved proved less his abode be lingered here by some acci-And did forsake her: she had a song of dent; wherein none can be so determinate, as the removing of Cassio.

Rod. How do you mean-removing of him? lago. Why, by inaking him uncapable of Othello's place; knocking out his brains.

Rod. And that you would have me do? lago. 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 show 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. Jago. And you shall be satisfied. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Another Room in the Castle. Enter OTHELLO, LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, EMILIA, and Attendants.

Lod. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself
no further.
[walk.
Oth. O, pardon me; 'twill do me good to
Lod. Madam, good night; I humbly thank
your ladyship.

• Immediately.

willow

[tune, An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her forAnd she died singing it: That song, to-night, Will not go from my mind; I have much to But to go hang my head all at one side, [do, And sing it like poor Barbara. Pry'thee, [despatch.

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.

And he speaks well. Emil. I know a lady in Venice, who would have walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. I.

Des. The poor sou sat sighing by a syca more tree, [Singing.

Sing all a green willow; Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee.

Sing, willow, willow, willow: The fresh streams ran by her,and murmur'd her moans; Sing willow, &c. Her salt tears fell from her, and softened Lay by these: [the stones; Sing willow, willow, willow; Pr'ythee, hie thee; he'll come anon.-Sing all a green willow must he my garland.

+ Wild, inconstant.

II.

Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve,Nay, that's not next.-Hark! who is it that knocks?

Emil. It is the wind.

make her husband a cuckold, to make him a monarch? I would venture purgatory for't. Des. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong for the whole world.

Emil. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'the world; and, having the world for your la

Des. Icall'd my love, false love; but what bour, 'tis a wrong in your own world, and

said he then?

Sing willow, &c.

If I court mo women, you'll couch with mo

men.

So, get thee gone; good night. Mine eyes do Doth that bode weeping? [itch; Emil. 'Tis neither here nor there. Des. I have heard it is said so,-0, these men, these men![lia,

Dost thou in conscience think,-tell me, EmiThat there be women do abuse their husbands In such gross kind?

Emil. There be some such, no question. Des. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all Emil. Why, would not you? [the world? Des. No, by this heavenly light! Emil. Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do't as well i' the dark.

Des. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?

Emil. The world is a huge thing: 'Tis a great price

For a small vice.

Des. Good troth, I think thou wouldst not. Emil. By my troth, I think I should; and undo't when I had done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring; nor for measures of lawn; nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty exhibition: but, for the whole world,-Why, who would not

(man.

you might quickly make it right. Des. I do not think there is any such wo Emil. Yes, a dozen; and as many

To the vantage, as would store the world they play'd for.

But, I do think, it is their husbands' faults. If wives do fall: Say, that they slack their duties,

And pour our treasures into foreigu laps ;'
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us; or, say they strike
Or scant our former having tin despite; [as,
Why, we have galls; and, though we have
some grace,
[know,
Yet we have some revenge. Let husbands
Their wives have sense like them: they see
and smell,

And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. What is it that they do,
When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is; And doth affection breed it?
I think it doth; Is't frailty, that thus errs?
It is so too: And have not we affections?
Desires for sport? and frailty, as men have?
Then, let them use us well: else, let them know,
The ills we do, their ills instruct us to.

Des. Good night, good night: Heaven me
such usage send,

Not to pick bad from bad; but, by bad, mend! [Exeunt.

ACT V.

SCENE I. A Street. Enter IAGO and RODERIGO. Iago. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he conie:

Wear thy good rapier bare ý, and put it home; Quick, quick; fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow:

It makes us, or it mars us; think on that,
And fix most firm thy resolution.

Rod. Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't.
Iago. Here, at thy hand; be bold, and take

dies.

thy sword. [Retires to a little distance. Rod. I have no great devotion to the deed: And yet he has given me satisfying reasons:'Tis but a man gone:-forth, my sword; he [Goes to his stand. ago. I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense, [Cassio, And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Or Cassio hin, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain: Live Roderigo, He calls me to a restitution large

Of gold, and jewels, that I bobb'd' from him,|

Mo for more.

As gifts to Desdemona;

It must not be: if Cassio do remain,
He hath a daily beauty in his life,
That makes me ugly; and, besides, the Moor
May unfold me to him; there stand I in much
peril :

No, he must die:-But, so, I hear him coming.
Enter CASSIO.

Rod. I know his gait, 'tis he;-Villain, thou diest.

[Rushes from his post, and makes a pass at CASSIO. Cas. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed,

But that my coat is better than thou think'st; I will make proof of thine.

Rod.

[Draws, and wounds RODerigo. O, I am slain! [IAGO rushes from his post, cuts CASSIO behind in the Leg, and exit. Cas. I am maim'd for ever;-Help, ho! murder! murder! [Falls. Enter OTHELLO, at a distance. [word. Oth. The voice of Cassio :-Iago keeps his

+ Our former allowance of expense.
To the quick.

Unsheathed.

† Sensation.

¶ Fished.

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