Enter Roderigo and Iago.

RODERIGO 
FTLN 0001 Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly
FTLN 0002 That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse
FTLN 0003 As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.
IAGO  FTLN 0004’Sblood, but you’ll not hear me!
FTLN 00055 If ever I did dream of such a matter,
FTLN 0006 Abhor me.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0007 Thou toldst me thou didst hold him in thy hate.
IAGO  FTLN 0008Despise me
FTLN 0009 If I do not. Three great ones of the city,
FTLN 001010 In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,
FTLN 0011 Off-capped to him; and, by the faith of man,
FTLN 0012 I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.
FTLN 0013 But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,
FTLN 0014 Evades them with a bombast circumstance,
FTLN 001515 Horribly stuffed with epithets of war,
FTLN 0016 And in conclusion,
FTLN 0017 Nonsuits my mediators. For “Certes,” says he,
FTLN 0018 “I have already chose my officer.”
FTLN 0019 And what was he?
FTLN 002020 Forsooth, a great arithmetician,
FTLN 0021 One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,
FTLN 0022 A fellow almost damned in a fair wife,

---

FTLN 0023 That never set a squadron in the field,
FTLN 0024 Nor the division of a battle knows
FTLN 002525 More than a spinster—unless the bookish theoric,
FTLN 0026 Wherein the togèd consuls can propose
FTLN 0027 As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice
FTLN 0028 Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th’ election;
FTLN 0029 And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof
FTLN 003030 At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds
FTLN 0031 Christened and heathen, must be beleed and
FTLN 0032 calmed
FTLN 0033 By debitor and creditor. This countercaster,
FTLN 0034 He, in good time, must his lieutenant be,
FTLN 003535 And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0036 By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.
IAGO 
FTLN 0037 Why, there’s no remedy. ’Tis the curse of service.
FTLN 0038 Preferment goes by letter and affection,
FTLN 0039 And not by old gradation, where each second
FTLN 004040 Stood heir to th’ first. Now, sir, be judge yourself
FTLN 0041 Whether I in any just term am affined
FTLN 0042 To love the Moor.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0043 I would not follow him, then.
IAGO  FTLN 0044 O, sir, content you.
FTLN 004545 I follow him to serve my turn upon him.
FTLN 0046 We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
FTLN 0047 Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark
FTLN 0048 Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave
FTLN 0049 That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,
FTLN 005050 Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass,
FTLN 0051 For naught but provender, and when he’s old,
FTLN 0052 cashiered.
FTLN 0053 Whip me such honest knaves! Others there are
FTLN 0054 Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty,
FTLN 005555 Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,

---

FTLN 0056 And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,
FTLN 0057 Do well thrive by them; and when they have lined
FTLN 0058 their coats,
FTLN 0059 Do themselves homage. These fellows have some
FTLN 006060 soul,
FTLN 0061 And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir,
FTLN 0062 It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
FTLN 0063 Were I the Moor I would not be Iago.
FTLN 0064 In following him, I follow but myself.
FTLN 006565 Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
FTLN 0066 But seeming so for my peculiar end.
FTLN 0067 For when my outward action doth demonstrate
FTLN 0068 The native act and figure of my heart
FTLN 0069 In complement extern, ’tis not long after
FTLN 007070 But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
FTLN 0071 For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0072 What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe
FTLN 0073 If he can carry ’t thus!
IAGO  FTLN 0074 Call up her father.
FTLN 007575 Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight,
FTLN 0076 Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen,
FTLN 0077 And, though he in a fertile climate dwell,
FTLN 0078 Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy,
FTLN 0079 Yet throw such chances of vexation on ’t
FTLN 008080 As it may lose some color.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0081 Here is her father’s house. I’ll call aloud.
IAGO 
FTLN 0082 Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell
FTLN 0083 As when, by night and negligence, the fire
FTLN 0084 Is spied in populous cities.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 008585 What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!
IAGO 
FTLN 0086 Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves!

---

FTLN 0087 Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!
FTLN 0088 Thieves, thieves!

Enter Brabantio, above.

BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0089 What is the reason of this terrible summons?
FTLN 009090 What is the matter there?
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0091 Signior, is all your family within?
IAGO 
FTLN 0092 Are your doors locked?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0093 Why, wherefore ask you this?
IAGO 
FTLN 0094 Zounds, sir, you’re robbed. For shame, put on your
FTLN 009595 gown!
FTLN 0096 Your heart is burst. You have lost half your soul.
FTLN 0097 Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
FTLN 0098 Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise!
FTLN 0099 Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,
FTLN 0100100 Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.
FTLN 0101 Arise, I say!
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0102 What, have you lost your wits?
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0103 Most reverend signior, do you know my voice?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0104Not I. What are you?
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0105105 My name is Roderigo.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0106 The worser welcome.
FTLN 0107 I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors.
FTLN 0108 In honest plainness thou hast heard me say
FTLN 0109 My daughter is not for thee. And now in madness,
FTLN 0110110 Being full of supper and distemp’ring draughts,
FTLN 0111 Upon malicious bravery dost thou come
FTLN 0112 To start my quiet.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0113 Sir, sir, sir—
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0114But thou must needs be sure

---

FTLN 0115115 My spirit and my place have in them power
FTLN 0116 To make this bitter to thee.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0117 Patience, good sir.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0118 What tell’st thou me of robbing?
FTLN 0119 This is Venice. My house is not a grange.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0120120Most grave Brabantio,
FTLN 0121 In simple and pure soul I come to you—
IAGO  FTLN 0122Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not
FTLN 0123 serve God if the devil bid you. Because we come to
FTLN 0124 do you service and you think we are ruffians, you’ll
FTLN 0125125 have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse,
FTLN 0126 you’ll have your nephews neigh to you, you’ll have
FTLN 0127 coursers for cousins and jennets for germans.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0128What profane wretch art thou?
IAGO  FTLN 0129I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter
FTLN 0130130 and the Moor are now making the beast with
FTLN 0131 two backs.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0132Thou art a villain.
IAGO  FTLN 0133You are a senator.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0134 This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo.
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0135135 Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you,
FTLN 0136 If ’t be your pleasure and most wise consent—
FTLN 0137 As partly I find it is—that your fair daughter,
FTLN 0138 At this odd-even and dull watch o’ th’ night,
FTLN 0139 Transported with no worse nor better guard
FTLN 0140140 But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,
FTLN 0141 To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor:
FTLN 0142 If this be known to you, and your allowance,
FTLN 0143 We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs.
FTLN 0144 But if you know not this, my manners tell me
FTLN 0145145 We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe
FTLN 0146 That from the sense of all civility
FTLN 0147 I thus would play and trifle with your Reverence.

---

FTLN 0148 Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,
FTLN 0149 I say again, hath made a gross revolt,
FTLN 0150150 Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes
FTLN 0151 In an extravagant and wheeling stranger
FTLN 0152 Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself.
FTLN 0153 If she be in her chamber or your house,
FTLN 0154 Let loose on me the justice of the state
FTLN 0155155 For thus deluding you.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0156Strike on the tinder, ho!
FTLN 0157 Give me a taper. Call up all my people.
FTLN 0158 This accident is not unlike my dream.
FTLN 0159 Belief of it oppresses me already.
FTLN 0160160 Light, I say, light! He exits.
IAGO , to Roderigo  FTLN 0161 Farewell, for I must leave you.
FTLN 0162 It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place
FTLN 0163 To be producted, as if I stay I shall,
FTLN 0164 Against the Moor. For I do know the state,
FTLN 0165165 However this may gall him with some check,
FTLN 0166 Cannot with safety cast him, for he’s embarked
FTLN 0167 With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,
FTLN 0168 Which even now stands in act, that, for their souls,
FTLN 0169 Another of his fathom they have none
FTLN 0170170 To lead their business. In which regard,
FTLN 0171 Though I do hate him as I do hell pains,
FTLN 0172 Yet, for necessity of present life,
FTLN 0173 I must show out a flag and sign of love—
FTLN 0174 Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find
FTLN 0175175 him,
FTLN 0176 Lead to the Sagittary the raisèd search,
FTLN 0177 And there will I be with him. So, farewell. He exits.

Enter Brabantio in his nightgown, with Servants and
Torches.

BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0178 It is too true an evil. Gone she is,
FTLN 0179 And what’s to come of my despisèd time

---

FTLN 0180180 Is naught but bitterness.—Now, Roderigo,
FTLN 0181 Where didst thou see her?—O, unhappy girl!—
FTLN 0182 With the Moor, sayst thou?—Who would be a
FTLN 0183 father?—
FTLN 0184 How didst thou know ’twas she?—O, she deceives
FTLN 0185185 me
FTLN 0186 Past thought!—What said she to you?—Get more
FTLN 0187 tapers.
FTLN 0188 Raise all my kindred.—Are they married, think
FTLN 0189 you?
RODERIGO  FTLN 0190190Truly, I think they are.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0191 O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood!
FTLN 0192 Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds
FTLN 0193 By what you see them act.—Is there not charms
FTLN 0194 By which the property of youth and maidhood
FTLN 0195195 May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo,
FTLN 0196 Of some such thing?
RODERIGO  FTLN 0197 Yes, sir, I have indeed.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0198 Call up my brother.—O, would you had had her!—
FTLN 0199 Some one way, some another.—Do you know
FTLN 0200200 Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?
RODERIGO 
FTLN 0201 I think I can discover him, if you please
FTLN 0202 To get good guard and go along with me.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0203 Pray you lead on. At every house I’ll call.
FTLN 0204 I may command at most.—Get weapons, ho!
FTLN 0205205 And raise some special officers of night.—
FTLN 0206 On, good Roderigo. I will deserve your pains.
They exit.

Enter Othello, Iago, Attendants, with Torches.

IAGO 
FTLN 0207 Though in the trade of war I have slain men,
FTLN 0208 Yet do I hold it very stuff o’ th’ conscience
FTLN 0209 To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity
FTLN 0210 Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times
FTLN 02115 I had thought t’ have yerked him here under the
FTLN 0212 ribs.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0213 ’Tis better as it is.
IAGO  FTLN 0214 Nay, but he prated
FTLN 0215 And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
FTLN 021610 Against your Honor,
FTLN 0217 That with the little godliness I have
FTLN 0218 I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir,
FTLN 0219 Are you fast married? Be assured of this,
FTLN 0220 That the magnifico is much beloved,
FTLN 022115 And hath in his effect a voice potential
FTLN 0222 As double as the Duke’s. He will divorce you
FTLN 0223 Or put upon you what restraint or grievance
FTLN 0224 The law (with all his might to enforce it on)
FTLN 0225 Will give him cable.
OTHELLO  FTLN 022620 Let him do his spite.
FTLN 0227 My services which I have done the signiory
FTLN 0228 Shall out-tongue his complaints. ’Tis yet to know
FTLN 0229 (Which, when I know that boasting is an honor,
FTLN 0230 I shall promulgate) I fetch my life and being
FTLN 023125 From men of royal siege, and my demerits
FTLN 0232 May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
FTLN 0233 As this that I have reached. For know, Iago,
FTLN 0234 But that I love the gentle Desdemona,
FTLN 0235 I would not my unhousèd free condition
FTLN 023630 Put into circumscription and confine
FTLN 0237 For the sea’s worth. But look, what lights come
FTLN 0238 yond?

---

IAGO 
FTLN 0239 Those are the raisèd father and his friends.
FTLN 0240 You were best go in.
OTHELLO  FTLN 024135Not I. I must be found.
FTLN 0242 My parts, my title, and my perfect soul
FTLN 0243 Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?
IAGO  FTLN 0244By Janus, I think no.

Enter Cassio, with Officers, and Torches.

OTHELLO 
FTLN 0245 The servants of the Duke and my lieutenant!
FTLN 024640 The goodness of the night upon you, friends.
FTLN 0247 What is the news?
CASSIO  FTLN 0248 The Duke does greet you, general,
FTLN 0249 And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance,
FTLN 0250 Even on the instant.
OTHELLO  FTLN 025145 What is the matter, think you?
CASSIO 
FTLN 0252 Something from Cyprus, as I may divine.
FTLN 0253 It is a business of some heat. The galleys
FTLN 0254 Have sent a dozen sequent messengers
FTLN 0255 This very night at one another’s heels,
FTLN 025650 And many of the Consuls, raised and met,
FTLN 0257 Are at the Duke’s already. You have been hotly
FTLN 0258 called for.
FTLN 0259 When, being not at your lodging to be found,
FTLN 0260 The Senate hath sent about three several quests
FTLN 026155 To search you out.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0262 ’Tis well I am found by you.
FTLN 0263 I will but spend a word here in the house
FTLN 0264 And go with you. He exits.
CASSIO  FTLN 0265 Ancient, what makes he here?
IAGO 
FTLN 026660 Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack.
FTLN 0267 If it prove lawful prize, he’s made forever.
CASSIO  FTLN 0268I do not understand.

---

IAGO  FTLN 0269 He’s married.
CASSIO  FTLN 0270 To who?
IAGO  FTLN 027165Marry, to—

Reenter Othello.

FTLN 0272 Come, captain, will you go?
OTHELLO  FTLN 0273Have with you.
CASSIO 
FTLN 0274 Here comes another troop to seek for you.

Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, with Officers, and Torches.

IAGO 
FTLN 0275 It is Brabantio. General, be advised,
FTLN 027670 He comes to bad intent.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0277 Holla, stand there!
RODERIGO  FTLN 0278Signior, it is the Moor.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0279 Down with him,
FTLN 0280 thief!
They draw their swords.
IAGO 
FTLN 028175 You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0282 Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust
FTLN 0283 them.
FTLN 0284 Good signior, you shall more command with years
FTLN 0285 Than with your weapons.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 028680 O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my
FTLN 0287 daughter?
FTLN 0288 Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her!
FTLN 0289 For I’ll refer me to all things of sense,
FTLN 0290 If she in chains of magic were not bound,
FTLN 029185 Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy,
FTLN 0292 So opposite to marriage that she shunned
FTLN 0293 The wealthy curlèd darlings of our nation,
FTLN 0294 Would ever have, t’ incur a general mock,

---

FTLN 0295 Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
FTLN 029690 Of such a thing as thou—to fear, not to delight!
FTLN 0297 Judge me the world, if ’tis not gross in sense
FTLN 0298 That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms,
FTLN 0299 Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
FTLN 0300 That weakens motion. I’ll have ’t disputed on.
FTLN 030195 ’Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.
FTLN 0302 I therefore apprehend and do attach thee
FTLN 0303 For an abuser of the world, a practicer
FTLN 0304 Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.—
FTLN 0305 Lay hold upon him. If he do resist,
FTLN 0306100 Subdue him at his peril.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0307 Hold your hands,
FTLN 0308 Both you of my inclining and the rest.
FTLN 0309 Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it
FTLN 0310 Without a prompter.—Whither will you that I go
FTLN 0311105 To answer this your charge?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0312To prison, till fit time
FTLN 0313 Of law and course of direct session
FTLN 0314 Call thee to answer.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0315 What if I do obey?
FTLN 0316110 How may the Duke be therewith satisfied,
FTLN 0317 Whose messengers are here about my side,
FTLN 0318 Upon some present business of the state,
FTLN 0319 To bring me to him?
OFFICER  FTLN 0320 ’Tis true, most worthy signior.
FTLN 0321115 The Duke’s in council, and your noble self
FTLN 0322 I am sure is sent for.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0323 How? The Duke in council?
FTLN 0324 In this time of the night? Bring him away;
FTLN 0325 Mine’s not an idle cause. The Duke himself,
FTLN 0326120 Or any of my brothers of the state,
FTLN 0327 Cannot but feel this wrong as ’twere their own.
FTLN 0328 For if such actions may have passage free,
FTLN 0329 Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.
They exit.

Enter Duke, Senators, and Officers.

DUKE , reading a paper 
FTLN 0330 There’s no composition in these news
FTLN 0331 That gives them credit.
FIRST SENATOR , reading a paper 
FTLN 0332 Indeed, they are disproportioned.
FTLN 0333 My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.
DUKE 
FTLN 03345 And mine, a hundred forty.
SECOND SENATOR , reading a paper 
FTLN 0335 And mine, two hundred.
FTLN 0336 But though they jump not on a just account
FTLN 0337 (As in these cases, where the aim reports
FTLN 0338 ’Tis oft with difference), yet do they all confirm
FTLN 033910 A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
DUKE 
FTLN 0340 Nay, it is possible enough to judgment.
FTLN 0341 I do not so secure me in the error,
FTLN 0342 But the main article I do approve
FTLN 0343 In fearful sense.
SAILOR , within  FTLN 034415 What ho, what ho, what ho!

Enter Sailor.

OFFICER  FTLN 0345A messenger from the galleys.
DUKE  FTLN 0346Now, what’s the business?
SAILOR 
FTLN 0347 The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes.
FTLN 0348 So was I bid report here to the state
FTLN 034920 By Signior Angelo. He exits.
DUKE 
FTLN 0350 How say you by this change?
FIRST SENATOR  FTLN 0351 This cannot be,
FTLN 0352 By no assay of reason. ’Tis a pageant
FTLN 0353 To keep us in false gaze. When we consider
FTLN 035425 Th’ importancy of Cyprus to the Turk,

---

FTLN 0355 And let ourselves again but understand
FTLN 0356 That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,
FTLN 0357 So may he with more facile question bear it,
FTLN 0358 For that it stands not in such warlike brace,
FTLN 035930 But altogether lacks th’ abilities
FTLN 0360 That Rhodes is dressed in—if we make thought of
FTLN 0361 this,
FTLN 0362 We must not think the Turk is so unskillful
FTLN 0363 To leave that latest which concerns him first,
FTLN 036435 Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain
FTLN 0365 To wake and wage a danger profitless.
DUKE 
FTLN 0366 Nay, in all confidence, he’s not for Rhodes.
OFFICER  FTLN 0367Here is more news.

Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGER 
FTLN 0368 The Ottomites, Reverend and Gracious,
FTLN 036940 Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,
FTLN 0370 Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
FIRST SENATOR 
FTLN 0371 Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?
MESSENGER 
FTLN 0372 Of thirty sail; and now they do restem
FTLN 0373 Their backward course, bearing with frank
FTLN 037445 appearance
FTLN 0375 Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,
FTLN 0376 Your trusty and most valiant servitor,
FTLN 0377 With his free duty recommends you thus,
FTLN 0378 And prays you to believe him. He exits.
DUKE  FTLN 037950’Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.
FTLN 0380 Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?
FIRST SENATOR 
FTLN 0381 He’s now in Florence.
DUKE  FTLN 0382 Write from us to him.
FTLN 0383 Post-post-haste. Dispatch.

---

FIRST SENATOR 
FTLN 038455 Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.

Enter Brabantio, Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo, and
Officers.

DUKE 
FTLN 0385 Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
FTLN 0386 Against the general enemy Ottoman.
FTLN 0387  To Brabantio. I did not see you. Welcome, gentle
FTLN 0388 signior.
FTLN 038960 We lacked your counsel and your help tonight.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0390 So did I yours. Good your Grace, pardon me.
FTLN 0391 Neither my place nor aught I heard of business
FTLN 0392 Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general
FTLN 0393 care
FTLN 039465 Take hold on me, for my particular grief
FTLN 0395 Is of so floodgate and o’erbearing nature
FTLN 0396 That it engluts and swallows other sorrows
FTLN 0397 And it is still itself.
DUKE  FTLN 0398 Why, what’s the matter?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 039970My daughter! O, my daughter!
FIRST SENATOR  FTLN 0400Dead?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0401Ay, to me.
FTLN 0402 She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted
FTLN 0403 By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;
FTLN 040475 For nature so prepost’rously to err—
FTLN 0405 Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense—
FTLN 0406 Sans witchcraft could not.
DUKE 
FTLN 0407 Whoe’er he be that in this foul proceeding
FTLN 0408 Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself
FTLN 040980 And you of her, the bloody book of law
FTLN 0410 You shall yourself read in the bitter letter,
FTLN 0411 After your own sense, yea, though our proper son
FTLN 0412 Stood in your action.

---

BRABANTIO  FTLN 0413 Humbly I thank your Grace.
FTLN 041485 Here is the man—this Moor, whom now it seems
FTLN 0415 Your special mandate for the state affairs
FTLN 0416 Hath hither brought.
ALL  FTLN 0417 We are very sorry for ’t.
DUKE , to Othello 
FTLN 0418 What, in your own part, can you say to this?
BRABANTIO  FTLN 041990Nothing, but this is so.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0420 Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors,
FTLN 0421 My very noble and approved good masters:
FTLN 0422 That I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter,
FTLN 0423 It is most true; true I have married her.
FTLN 042495 The very head and front of my offending
FTLN 0425 Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,
FTLN 0426 And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace;
FTLN 0427 For since these arms of mine had seven years’ pith,
FTLN 0428 Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used
FTLN 0429100 Their dearest action in the tented field,
FTLN 0430 And little of this great world can I speak
FTLN 0431 More than pertains to feats of broil and battle.
FTLN 0432 And therefore little shall I grace my cause
FTLN 0433 In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious
FTLN 0434105 patience,
FTLN 0435 I will a round unvarnished tale deliver
FTLN 0436 Of my whole course of love—what drugs, what
FTLN 0437 charms,
FTLN 0438 What conjuration, and what mighty magic
FTLN 0439110 (For such proceeding I am charged withal)
FTLN 0440 I won his daughter.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0441 A maiden never bold,
FTLN 0442 Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion
FTLN 0443 Blushed at herself. And she, in spite of nature,
FTLN 0444115 Of years, of country, credit, everything,
FTLN 0445 To fall in love with what she feared to look on!
FTLN 0446 It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect

---

FTLN 0447 That will confess perfection so could err
FTLN 0448 Against all rules of nature, and must be driven
FTLN 0449120 To find out practices of cunning hell
FTLN 0450 Why this should be. I therefore vouch again
FTLN 0451 That with some mixtures powerful o’er the blood,
FTLN 0452 Or with some dram conjured to this effect,
FTLN 0453 He wrought upon her.
DUKE  FTLN 0454125 To vouch this is no proof
FTLN 0455 Without more wider and more overt test
FTLN 0456 Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
FTLN 0457 Of modern seeming do prefer against him.
FIRST SENATOR  FTLN 0458But, Othello, speak:
FTLN 0459130 Did you by indirect and forcèd courses
FTLN 0460 Subdue and poison this young maid’s affections?
FTLN 0461 Or came it by request, and such fair question
FTLN 0462 As soul to soul affordeth?
OTHELLO  FTLN 0463 I do beseech you,
FTLN 0464135 Send for the lady to the Sagittary
FTLN 0465 And let her speak of me before her father.
FTLN 0466 If you do find me foul in her report,
FTLN 0467 The trust, the office I do hold of you,
FTLN 0468 Not only take away, but let your sentence
FTLN 0469140 Even fall upon my life.
DUKE  FTLN 0470Fetch Desdemona hither.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0471 Ancient, conduct them. You best know the place.
Iago and Attendants exit.
FTLN 0472 And till she come, as truly as to heaven
FTLN 0473 I do confess the vices of my blood,
FTLN 0474145 So justly to your grave ears I’ll present
FTLN 0475 How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love,
FTLN 0476 And she in mine.
DUKE  FTLN 0477Say it, Othello.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0478 Her father loved me, oft invited me,
FTLN 0479150 Still questioned me the story of my life

---

FTLN 0480 From year to year—the battles, sieges, fortunes
FTLN 0481 That I have passed.
FTLN 0482 I ran it through, even from my boyish days
FTLN 0483 To th’ very moment that he bade me tell it,
FTLN 0484155 Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances:
FTLN 0485 Of moving accidents by flood and field,
FTLN 0486 Of hairbreadth ’scapes i’ th’ imminent deadly
FTLN 0487 breach,
FTLN 0488 Of being taken by the insolent foe
FTLN 0489160 And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence,
FTLN 0490 And portance in my traveler’s history,
FTLN 0491 Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,
FTLN 0492 Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads
FTLN 0493 touch heaven,
FTLN 0494165 It was my hint to speak—such was my process—
FTLN 0495 And of the cannibals that each other eat,
FTLN 0496 The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads
FTLN 0497 Do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to
FTLN 0498 hear
FTLN 0499170 Would Desdemona seriously incline.
FTLN 0500 But still the house affairs would draw her thence,
FTLN 0501 Which ever as she could with haste dispatch
FTLN 0502 She’d come again, and with a greedy ear
FTLN 0503 Devour up my discourse. Which I, observing,
FTLN 0504175 Took once a pliant hour, and found good means
FTLN 0505 To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart
FTLN 0506 That I would all my pilgrimage dilate,
FTLN 0507 Whereof by parcels she had something heard,
FTLN 0508 But not intentively. I did consent,
FTLN 0509180 And often did beguile her of her tears
FTLN 0510 When I did speak of some distressful stroke
FTLN 0511 That my youth suffered. My story being done,
FTLN 0512 She gave me for my pains a world of sighs.
FTLN 0513 She swore, in faith, ’twas strange, ’twas passing
FTLN 0514185 strange,
FTLN 0515 ’Twas pitiful, ’twas wondrous pitiful.

---

FTLN 0516 She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished
FTLN 0517 That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked
FTLN 0518 me,
FTLN 0519190 And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her,
FTLN 0520 I should but teach him how to tell my story,
FTLN 0521 And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake.
FTLN 0522 She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
FTLN 0523 And I loved her that she did pity them.
FTLN 0524195 This only is the witchcraft I have used.
FTLN 0525 Here comes the lady. Let her witness it.

Enter Desdemona, Iago, Attendants.

DUKE 
FTLN 0526 I think this tale would win my daughter, too.
FTLN 0527 Good Brabantio,
FTLN 0528 Take up this mangled matter at the best.
FTLN 0529200 Men do their broken weapons rather use
FTLN 0530 Than their bare hands.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0531 I pray you hear her speak.
FTLN 0532 If she confess that she was half the wooer,
FTLN 0533 Destruction on my head if my bad blame
FTLN 0534205 Light on the man.—Come hither, gentle mistress.
FTLN 0535 Do you perceive in all this noble company
FTLN 0536 Where most you owe obedience?
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0537 My noble father,
FTLN 0538 I do perceive here a divided duty.
FTLN 0539210 To you I am bound for life and education.
FTLN 0540 My life and education both do learn me
FTLN 0541 How to respect you. You are the lord of duty.
FTLN 0542 I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my
FTLN 0543 husband.
FTLN 0544215 And so much duty as my mother showed
FTLN 0545 To you, preferring you before her father,
FTLN 0546 So much I challenge that I may profess
FTLN 0547 Due to the Moor my lord.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0548God be with you! I have done.

---

FTLN 0549220 Please it your Grace, on to the state affairs.
FTLN 0550 I had rather to adopt a child than get it.—
FTLN 0551 Come hither, Moor.
FTLN 0552 I here do give thee that with all my heart
FTLN 0553 Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart
FTLN 0554225 I would keep from thee.—For your sake, jewel,
FTLN 0555 I am glad at soul I have no other child,
FTLN 0556 For thy escape would teach me tyranny,
FTLN 0557 To hang clogs on them.—I have done, my lord.
DUKE 
FTLN 0558 Let me speak like yourself and lay a sentence,
FTLN 0559230 Which as a grise or step may help these lovers
FTLN 0560 Into your favor.
FTLN 0561 When remedies are past, the griefs are ended
FTLN 0562 By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
FTLN 0563 To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
FTLN 0564235 Is the next way to draw new mischief on.
FTLN 0565 What cannot be preserved when fortune takes,
FTLN 0566 Patience her injury a mock’ry makes.
FTLN 0567 The robbed that smiles steals something from the
FTLN 0568 thief;
FTLN 0569240 He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0570 So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile,
FTLN 0571 We lose it not so long as we can smile.
FTLN 0572 He bears the sentence well that nothing bears
FTLN 0573 But the free comfort which from thence he hears;
FTLN 0574245 But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow
FTLN 0575 That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow.
FTLN 0576 These sentences to sugar or to gall,
FTLN 0577 Being strong on both sides, are equivocal.
FTLN 0578 But words are words. I never yet did hear
FTLN 0579250 That the bruised heart was piercèd through the
FTLN 0580 ear.
FTLN 0581 I humbly beseech you, proceed to th’ affairs of
FTLN 0582 state.

---

DUKE  FTLN 0583The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes
FTLN 0584255 for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is
FTLN 0585 best known to you. And though we have there a
FTLN 0586 substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a
FTLN 0587 sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer
FTLN 0588 voice on you. You must therefore be content to
FTLN 0589260 slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this
FTLN 0590 more stubborn and boist’rous expedition.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0591 The tyrant custom, most grave senators,
FTLN 0592 Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
FTLN 0593 My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize
FTLN 0594265 A natural and prompt alacrity
FTLN 0595 I find in hardness, and do undertake
FTLN 0596 This present wars against the Ottomites.
FTLN 0597 Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state,
FTLN 0598 I crave fit disposition for my wife,
FTLN 0599270 Due reference of place and exhibition,
FTLN 0600 With such accommodation and besort
FTLN 0601 As levels with her breeding.
DUKE 
FTLN 0602 Why, at her father’s.
BRABANTIO  FTLN 0603 I will not have it so.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0604275Nor I.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0605Nor would I there reside
FTLN 0606 To put my father in impatient thoughts
FTLN 0607 By being in his eye. Most gracious duke,
FTLN 0608 To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear
FTLN 0609280 And let me find a charter in your voice
FTLN 0610 T’ assist my simpleness.
DUKE  FTLN 0611What would you, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0612 That I did love the Moor to live with him
FTLN 0613 My downright violence and storm of fortunes
FTLN 0614285 May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued
FTLN 0615 Even to the very quality of my lord.

---

FTLN 0616 I saw Othello’s visage in his mind,
FTLN 0617 And to his honors and his valiant parts
FTLN 0618 Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate.
FTLN 0619290 So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
FTLN 0620 A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
FTLN 0621 The rites for why I love him are bereft me
FTLN 0622 And I a heavy interim shall support
FTLN 0623 By his dear absence. Let me go with him.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0624295Let her have your voice.
FTLN 0625 Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not
FTLN 0626 To please the palate of my appetite,
FTLN 0627 Nor to comply with heat (the young affects
FTLN 0628 In me defunct) and proper satisfaction,
FTLN 0629300 But to be free and bounteous to her mind.
FTLN 0630 And heaven defend your good souls that you think
FTLN 0631 I will your serious and great business scant
FTLN 0632 For she is with me. No, when light-winged toys
FTLN 0633 Of feathered Cupid seel with wanton dullness
FTLN 0634305 My speculative and officed instruments,
FTLN 0635 That my disports corrupt and taint my business,
FTLN 0636 Let housewives make a skillet of my helm,
FTLN 0637 And all indign and base adversities
FTLN 0638 Make head against my estimation.
DUKE 
FTLN 0639310 Be it as you shall privately determine,
FTLN 0640 Either for her stay or going. Th’ affair cries haste,
FTLN 0641 And speed must answer it.
FIRST SENATOR  FTLN 0642You must away tonight.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0643 With all my
FTLN 0644315 heart.
DUKE 
FTLN 0645 At nine i’ th’ morning here we’ll meet again.
FTLN 0646 Othello, leave some officer behind
FTLN 0647 And he shall our commission bring to you,
FTLN 0648 With such things else of quality and respect
FTLN 0649320 As doth import you.

---

OTHELLO  FTLN 0650 So please your Grace, my
FTLN 0651 ancient.
FTLN 0652 A man he is of honesty and trust.
FTLN 0653 To his conveyance I assign my wife,
FTLN 0654325 With what else needful your good Grace shall think
FTLN 0655 To be sent after me.
DUKE  FTLN 0656 Let it be so.
FTLN 0657 Good night to everyone.  To Brabantio. And, noble
FTLN 0658 signior,
FTLN 0659330 If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
FTLN 0660 Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
FIRST SENATOR 
FTLN 0661 Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well.
BRABANTIO 
FTLN 0662 Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.
FTLN 0663 She has deceived her father, and may thee. He exits.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0664335 My life upon her faith!
The Duke, the Senators, Cassio, and Officers exit.
FTLN 0665 Honest Iago,
FTLN 0666 My Desdemona must I leave to thee.
FTLN 0667 I prithee let thy wife attend on her,
FTLN 0668 And bring them after in the best advantage.—
FTLN 0669340 Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour
FTLN 0670 Of love, of worldly matters, and direction
FTLN 0671 To spend with thee. We must obey the time.
Othello and Desdemona exit.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0672Iago—
IAGO  FTLN 0673What sayst thou, noble heart?
RODERIGO  FTLN 0674345What will I do, think’st thou?
IAGO  FTLN 0675Why, go to bed and sleep.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0676I will incontinently drown myself.
IAGO  FTLN 0677If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why,
FTLN 0678 thou silly gentleman!
RODERIGO  FTLN 0679350It is silliness to live, when to live is torment,
FTLN 0680 and then have we a prescription to die when death is
FTLN 0681 our physician.

---

IAGO  FTLN 0682O, villainous! I have looked upon the world for
FTLN 0683 four times seven years, and since I could distinguish
FTLN 0684355 betwixt a benefit and an injury, I never found
FTLN 0685 man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say
FTLN 0686 I would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, I
FTLN 0687 would change my humanity with a baboon.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0688What should I do? I confess it is my shame
FTLN 0689360 to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it.
IAGO  FTLN 0690Virtue? A fig! ’Tis in ourselves that we are thus or
FTLN 0691 thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our
FTLN 0692 wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles
FTLN 0693 or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme,
FTLN 0694365 supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it
FTLN 0695 with many, either to have it sterile with idleness or
FTLN 0696 manured with industry, why the power and corrigible
FTLN 0697 authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance
FTLN 0698 of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise
FTLN 0699370 another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our
FTLN 0700 natures would conduct us to most prepost’rous
FTLN 0701 conclusions. But we have reason to cool our raging
FTLN 0702 motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts—
FTLN 0703 whereof I take this that you call love to be a sect, or
FTLN 0704375 scion.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0705It cannot be.
IAGO  FTLN 0706It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission
FTLN 0707 of the will. Come, be a man! Drown thyself? Drown
FTLN 0708 cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy
FTLN 0709380 friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving
FTLN 0710 with cables of perdurable toughness. I could never
FTLN 0711 better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse.
FTLN 0712 Follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an
FTLN 0713 usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It
FTLN 0714385 cannot be that Desdemona should long continue
FTLN 0715 her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse—
FTLN 0716 nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement in
FTLN 0717 her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration

---

FTLN 0718 —put but money in thy purse. These Moors are
FTLN 0719390 changeable in their wills. Fill thy purse with money.
FTLN 0720 The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts
FTLN 0721 shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida.
FTLN 0722 She must change for youth. When she is sated
FTLN 0723 with his body she will find the error of her choice.
FTLN 0724395 Therefore, put money in thy purse. If thou wilt
FTLN 0725 needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than
FTLN 0726 drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony
FTLN 0727 and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian
FTLN 0728 and a supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my
FTLN 0729400 wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her.
FTLN 0730 Therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself!
FTLN 0731 It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be
FTLN 0732 hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned
FTLN 0733 and go without her.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0734405Wilt thou be fast to my hopes if I depend on
FTLN 0735 the issue?
IAGO  FTLN 0736Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have
FTLN 0737 told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I
FTLN 0738 hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no
FTLN 0739410 less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge
FTLN 0740 against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost
FTLN 0741 thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many
FTLN 0742 events in the womb of time which will be delivered.
FTLN 0743 Traverse, go, provide thy money. We will have more
FTLN 0744415 of this tomorrow. Adieu.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0745Where shall we meet i’ th’ morning?
IAGO  FTLN 0746At my lodging.
RODERIGO  FTLN 0747I’ll be with thee betimes.
IAGO  FTLN 0748Go to, farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo?
RODERIGO  FTLN 0749420What say you?
IAGO  FTLN 0750No more of drowning, do you hear?
RODERIGO  FTLN 0751I am changed.
IAGO  FTLN 0752Go to, farewell. Put money enough in your
FTLN 0753 purse.

---

RODERIGO  FTLN 0754425I’ll sell all my land. He exits.
IAGO 
FTLN 0755 Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.
FTLN 0756 For I mine own gained knowledge should profane
FTLN 0757 If I would time expend with such a snipe
FTLN 0758 But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,
FTLN 0759430 And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets
FTLN 0760 ’Has done my office. I know not if ’t be true,
FTLN 0761 But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
FTLN 0762 Will do as if for surety. He holds me well.
FTLN 0763 The better shall my purpose work on him.
FTLN 0764435 Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now:
FTLN 0765 To get his place and to plume up my will
FTLN 0766 In double knavery—How? how?—Let’s see.
FTLN 0767 After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear
FTLN 0768 That he is too familiar with his wife.
FTLN 0769440 He hath a person and a smooth dispose
FTLN 0770 To be suspected, framed to make women false.
FTLN 0771 The Moor is of a free and open nature
FTLN 0772 That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
FTLN 0773 And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose
FTLN 0774445 As asses are.
FTLN 0775 I have ’t. It is engendered. Hell and night
FTLN 0776 Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.
He exits.

Enter Montano and two Gentlemen.

MONTANO 
FTLN 0777 What from the cape can you discern at sea?
FIRST GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 0778 Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood.
FTLN 0779 I cannot ’twixt the heaven and the main
FTLN 0780 Descry a sail.
MONTANO 
FTLN 07815 Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land.
FTLN 0782 A fuller blast ne’er shook our battlements.
FTLN 0783 If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea,
FTLN 0784 What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them,
FTLN 0785 Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this?
SECOND GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 078610 A segregation of the Turkish fleet.
FTLN 0787 For do but stand upon the foaming shore,
FTLN 0788 The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds,
FTLN 0789 The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous
FTLN 0790 mane,
FTLN 079115 Seems to cast water on the burning Bear
FTLN 0792 And quench the guards of th’ ever-fixèd pole.
FTLN 0793 I never did like molestation view
FTLN 0794 On the enchafèd flood.
MONTANO  FTLN 0795If that the Turkish fleet
FTLN 079620 Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned.
FTLN 0797 It is impossible to bear it out.

---

Enter a third Gentleman.

THIRD GENTLEMAN  FTLN 0798News, lads! Our wars are done.
FTLN 0799 The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks
FTLN 0800 That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice
FTLN 080125 Hath seen a grievous wrack and sufferance
FTLN 0802 On most part of their fleet.
MONTANO 
FTLN 0803 How? Is this true?
THIRD GENTLEMAN  FTLN 0804 The ship is here put in,
FTLN 0805 A Veronesa. Michael Cassio,
FTLN 080630 Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello,
FTLN 0807 Is come on shore; the Moor himself at sea,
FTLN 0808 And is in full commission here for Cyprus.
MONTANO 
FTLN 0809 I am glad on ’t. ’Tis a worthy governor.
THIRD GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 0810 But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort
FTLN 081135 Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly
FTLN 0812 And prays the Moor be safe, for they were parted
FTLN 0813 With foul and violent tempest.
MONTANO  FTLN 0814 Pray heaven he be;
FTLN 0815 For I have served him, and the man commands
FTLN 081640 Like a full soldier. Let’s to the seaside, ho!
FTLN 0817 As well to see the vessel that’s come in
FTLN 0818 As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello,
FTLN 0819 Even till we make the main and th’ aerial blue
FTLN 0820 An indistinct regard.
THIRD GENTLEMAN  FTLN 082145 Come, let’s do so;
FTLN 0822 For every minute is expectancy
FTLN 0823 Of more arrivance.

Enter Cassio.

CASSIO 
FTLN 0824 Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle,
FTLN 0825 That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens

---

FTLN 082650 Give him defense against the elements,
FTLN 0827 For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.
MONTANO  FTLN 0828Is he well shipped?
CASSIO 
FTLN 0829 His bark is stoutly timbered, and his pilot
FTLN 0830 Of very expert and approved allowance;
FTLN 083155 Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,
FTLN 0832 Stand in bold cure.
Voices cry within. “A sail, a sail, a sail!”

Enter a Messenger.

CASSIO  FTLN 0833What noise?
MESSENGER 
FTLN 0834 The town is empty; on the brow o’ th’ sea
FTLN 0835 Stand ranks of people, and they cry “A sail!”
CASSIO 
FTLN 083660 My hopes do shape him for the Governor.
A shot.
SECOND GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 0837 They do discharge their shot of courtesy.
FTLN 0838 Our friends, at least.
CASSIO  FTLN 0839 I pray you, sir, go forth,
FTLN 0840 And give us truth who ’tis that is arrived.
SECOND GENTLEMAN  FTLN 084165I shall. He exits.
MONTANO 
FTLN 0842 But, good lieutenant, is your general wived?
CASSIO 
FTLN 0843 Most fortunately. He hath achieved a maid
FTLN 0844 That paragons description and wild fame,
FTLN 0845 One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,
FTLN 084670 And in th’ essential vesture of creation
FTLN 0847 Does tire the ingener.

Enter Second Gentleman.

FTLN 0848 How now? Who has put in?

---

SECOND GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 0849 ’Tis one Iago, ancient to the General.
CASSIO 
FTLN 0850 ’Has had most favorable and happy speed!
FTLN 085175 Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,
FTLN 0852 The guttered rocks and congregated sands
FTLN 0853 (Traitors ensteeped to clog the guiltless keel),
FTLN 0854 As having sense of beauty, do omit
FTLN 0855 Their mortal natures, letting go safely by
FTLN 085680 The divine Desdemona.
MONTANO  FTLN 0857 What is she?
CASSIO 
FTLN 0858 She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain,
FTLN 0859 Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,
FTLN 0860 Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts
FTLN 086185 A sennight’s speed. Great Jove, Othello guard,
FTLN 0862 And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath,
FTLN 0863 That he may bless this bay with his tall ship,
FTLN 0864 Make love’s quick pants in Desdemona’s arms,
FTLN 0865 Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits,
FTLN 086690 And bring all Cyprus comfort!

Enter Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Emilia.

FTLN 0867 O, behold,
FTLN 0868 The riches of the ship is come on shore!
FTLN 0869 You men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.
He kneels.
FTLN 0870 Hail to thee, lady, and the grace of heaven,
FTLN 087195 Before, behind thee, and on every hand
FTLN 0872 Enwheel thee round. He rises.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0873 I thank you, valiant Cassio.
FTLN 0874 What tidings can you tell of my lord?
CASSIO 
FTLN 0875 He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught
FTLN 0876100 But that he’s well and will be shortly here.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0877 O, but I fear—How lost you company?

---

CASSIO 
FTLN 0878 The great contention of sea and skies
FTLN 0879 Parted our fellowship.
Within “A sail, a sail!” A shot.
FTLN 0880 But hark, a sail!
SECOND GENTLEMAN 
FTLN 0881105 They give their greeting to the citadel.
FTLN 0882 This likewise is a friend.
CASSIO  FTLN 0883 See for the news.
Second Gentleman exits.
FTLN 0884 Good ancient, you are welcome. Welcome, mistress.
He kisses Emilia.
FTLN 0885 Let it not gall your patience, good Iago,
FTLN 0886110 That I extend my manners. ’Tis my breeding
FTLN 0887 That gives me this bold show of courtesy.
IAGO 
FTLN 0888 Sir, would she give you so much of her lips
FTLN 0889 As of her tongue she oft bestows on me,
FTLN 0890 You would have enough.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0891115 Alas, she has no speech!
IAGO  FTLN 0892 In faith, too much.
FTLN 0893 I find it still when I have list to sleep.
FTLN 0894 Marry, before your Ladyship, I grant,
FTLN 0895 She puts her tongue a little in her heart
FTLN 0896120 And chides with thinking.
EMILIA  FTLN 0897You have little cause to say so.
IAGO  FTLN 0898Come on, come on! You are pictures out of door,
FTLN 0899 bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens,
FTLN 0900 saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players
FTLN 0901125 in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0902Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer.
IAGO 
FTLN 0903 Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk.
FTLN 0904 You rise to play, and go to bed to work.
EMILIA  FTLN 0905You shall not write my praise.

---

IAGO  FTLN 0906130 No, let me not.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0907 What wouldst write of me if thou shouldst praise
FTLN 0908 me?
IAGO 
FTLN 0909 O, gentle lady, do not put me to ’t,
FTLN 0910 For I am nothing if not critical.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0911135 Come on, assay.—There’s one gone to the harbor?
IAGO  FTLN 0912Ay, madam.
DESDEMONA , aside 
FTLN 0913 I am not merry, but I do beguile
FTLN 0914 The thing I am by seeming otherwise.—
FTLN 0915 Come, how wouldst thou praise me?
IAGO  FTLN 0916140I am about it, but indeed my invention comes
FTLN 0917 from my pate as birdlime does from frieze: it
FTLN 0918 plucks out brains and all. But my muse labors, and
FTLN 0919 thus she is delivered:
FTLN 0920 If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit,
FTLN 0921145 The one’s for use, the other useth it.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0922 Well praised! How if she be black and witty?
IAGO 
FTLN 0923 If she be black, and thereto have a wit,
FTLN 0924 She’ll find a white that shall her blackness hit.
DESDEMONA 
FTLN 0925 Worse and worse.
EMILIA  FTLN 0926150 How if fair and foolish?
IAGO 
FTLN 0927 She never yet was foolish that was fair,
FTLN 0928 For even her folly helped her to an heir.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0929These are old fond paradoxes to make
FTLN 0930 fools laugh i’ th’ alehouse. What miserable praise
FTLN 0931155 hast thou for her that’s foul and foolish?
IAGO 
FTLN 0932 There’s none so foul and foolish thereunto,
FTLN 0933 But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do.

---

DESDEMONA  FTLN 0934O heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the
FTLN 0935 worst best. But what praise couldst thou bestow on
FTLN 0936160 a deserving woman indeed, one that in the authority
FTLN 0937 of her merit did justly put on the vouch of very
FTLN 0938 malice itself?
IAGO 
FTLN 0939 She that was ever fair and never proud,
FTLN 0940 Had tongue at will and yet was never loud,
FTLN 0941165 Never lacked gold and yet went never gay,
FTLN 0942 Fled from her wish, and yet said “Now I may,”
FTLN 0943 She that being angered, her revenge being nigh,
FTLN 0944 Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly,
FTLN 0945 She that in wisdom never was so frail
FTLN 0946170 To change the cod’s head for the salmon’s tail,
FTLN 0947 She that could think and ne’er disclose her mind,
FTLN 0948 See suitors following and not look behind,
FTLN 0949 She was a wight, if ever such wight were—
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0950To do what?
IAGO 
FTLN 0951175 To suckle fools and chronicle small beer.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0952O, most lame and impotent conclusion!
FTLN 0953 —Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy
FTLN 0954 husband.—How say you, Cassio? Is he not a most
FTLN 0955 profane and liberal counselor?
CASSIO  FTLN 0956180He speaks home, madam. You may relish him
FTLN 0957 more in the soldier than in the scholar.
Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand.
IAGO , aside  FTLN 0958He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said,
FTLN 0959 whisper. With as little a web as this will I ensnare as
FTLN 0960 great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do. I will
FTLN 0961185 gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, ’tis
FTLN 0962 so indeed. If such tricks as these strip you out of
FTLN 0963 your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not
FTLN 0964 kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again
FTLN 0965 you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good; well
FTLN 0966190 kissed; an excellent courtesy! ’Tis so, indeed. Yet

---

FTLN 0967 again your fingers to your lips? Would they were
FTLN 0968 clyster pipes for your sake! Trumpets within.
FTLN 0969 The Moor. I know his trumpet.
CASSIO  FTLN 0970’Tis truly so.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0971195Let’s meet him and receive him.
CASSIO  FTLN 0972Lo, where he comes!

Enter Othello and Attendants.

OTHELLO 
FTLN 0973 O, my fair warrior!
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0974 My dear Othello!
OTHELLO 
FTLN 0975 It gives me wonder great as my content
FTLN 0976200 To see you here before me. O my soul’s joy!
FTLN 0977 If after every tempest come such calms,
FTLN 0978 May the winds blow till they have wakened death,
FTLN 0979 And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas
FTLN 0980 Olympus high, and duck again as low
FTLN 0981205 As hell’s from heaven! If it were now to die,
FTLN 0982 ’Twere now to be most happy, for I fear
FTLN 0983 My soul hath her content so absolute
FTLN 0984 That not another comfort like to this
FTLN 0985 Succeeds in unknown fate.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 0986210 The heavens forbid
FTLN 0987 But that our loves and comforts should increase
FTLN 0988 Even as our days do grow!
OTHELLO  FTLN 0989Amen to that, sweet powers!
FTLN 0990 I cannot speak enough of this content.
FTLN 0991215 It stops me here; it is too much of joy. They kiss.
FTLN 0992 And this, and this, the greatest discords be
FTLN 0993 That e’er our hearts shall make!
IAGO , aside  FTLN 0994O, you are well tuned now,
FTLN 0995 But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music,
FTLN 0996220 As honest as I am.
OTHELLO  FTLN 0997Come. Let us to the castle.—
FTLN 0998 News, friends! Our wars are done. The Turks are
FTLN 0999 drowned.

---

FTLN 1000 How does my old acquaintance of this isle?—
FTLN 1001225 Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus.
FTLN 1002 I have found great love amongst them. O, my sweet,
FTLN 1003 I prattle out of fashion, and I dote
FTLN 1004 In mine own comforts.—I prithee, good Iago,
FTLN 1005 Go to the bay and disembark my coffers.
FTLN 1006230 Bring thou the master to the citadel.
FTLN 1007 He is a good one, and his worthiness
FTLN 1008 Does challenge much respect.—Come, Desdemona.
FTLN 1009 Once more, well met at Cyprus.
All but Iago and Roderigo exit.
IAGO , to a departing Attendant  FTLN 1010Do thou meet me presently
FTLN 1011235 at the harbor.  To Roderigo. Come hither. If
FTLN 1012 thou be’st valiant—as they say base men being in
FTLN 1013 love have then a nobility in their natures more than
FTLN 1014 is native to them—list me. The Lieutenant tonight
FTLN 1015 watches on the court of guard. First, I must tell thee
FTLN 1016240 this: Desdemona is directly in love with him.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1017With him? Why, ’tis not possible.
IAGO  FTLN 1018Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed.
FTLN 1019 Mark me with what violence she first loved the
FTLN 1020 Moor but for bragging and telling her fantastical
FTLN 1021245 lies. And will she love him still for prating? Let not
FTLN 1022 thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed. And
FTLN 1023 what delight shall she have to look on the devil?
FTLN 1024 When the blood is made dull with the act of sport,
FTLN 1025 there should be, again to inflame it and to give
FTLN 1026250 satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favor, sympathy
FTLN 1027 in years, manners, and beauties, all which the Moor
FTLN 1028 is defective in. Now, for want of these required
FTLN 1029 conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself
FTLN 1030 abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and
FTLN 1031255 abhor the Moor. Very nature will instruct her in it
FTLN 1032 and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir,
FTLN 1033 this granted—as it is a most pregnant and unforced
FTLN 1034 position—who stands so eminent in the degree of

---

FTLN 1035 this fortune as Cassio does? A knave very voluble, no
FTLN 1036260 further conscionable than in putting on the mere
FTLN 1037 form of civil and humane seeming for the better
FTLN 1038 compassing of his salt and most hidden loose
FTLN 1039 affection. Why, none, why, none! A slipper and
FTLN 1040 subtle knave, a finder-out of occasions, that has an
FTLN 1041265 eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though
FTLN 1042 true advantage never present itself; a devilish knave!
FTLN 1043 Besides, the knave is handsome, young, and hath all
FTLN 1044 those requisites in him that folly and green minds
FTLN 1045 look after. A pestilent complete knave, and the
FTLN 1046270 woman hath found him already.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1047I cannot believe that in her. She’s full of
FTLN 1048 most blessed condition.
IAGO  FTLN 1049Blessed fig’s end! The wine she drinks is made of
FTLN 1050 grapes. If she had been blessed, she would never
FTLN 1051275 have loved the Moor. Blessed pudding! Didst thou
FTLN 1052 not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst
FTLN 1053 not mark that?
RODERIGO  FTLN 1054Yes, that I did. But that was but courtesy.
IAGO  FTLN 1055Lechery, by this hand! An index and obscure
FTLN 1056280 prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts.
FTLN 1057 They met so near with their lips that their breaths
FTLN 1058 embraced together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo!
FTLN 1059 When these mutualities so marshal the way, hard
FTLN 1060 at hand comes the master and main exercise, th’
FTLN 1061285 incorporate conclusion. Pish! But, sir, be you ruled
FTLN 1062 by me. I have brought you from Venice. Watch you
FTLN 1063 tonight. For the command, I’ll lay ’t upon you.
FTLN 1064 Cassio knows you not. I’ll not be far from you. Do
FTLN 1065 you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by
FTLN 1066290 speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline, or from
FTLN 1067 what other course you please, which the time shall
FTLN 1068 more favorably minister.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1069Well.
IAGO  FTLN 1070Sir, he’s rash and very sudden in choler, and

---

FTLN 1071295 haply may strike at you. Provoke him that he may,
FTLN 1072 for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to
FTLN 1073 mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no
FTLN 1074 true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio. So
FTLN 1075 shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by
FTLN 1076300 the means I shall then have to prefer them, and the
FTLN 1077 impediment most profitably removed, without the
FTLN 1078 which there were no expectation of our prosperity.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1079I will do this, if you can bring it to any
FTLN 1080 opportunity.
IAGO  FTLN 1081305I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I
FTLN 1082 must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1083Adieu. He exits.
IAGO 
FTLN 1084 That Cassio loves her, I do well believe ’t.
FTLN 1085 That she loves him, ’tis apt and of great credit.
FTLN 1086310 The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not,
FTLN 1087 Is of a constant, loving, noble nature,
FTLN 1088 And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona
FTLN 1089 A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too,
FTLN 1090 Not out of absolute lust (though peradventure
FTLN 1091315 I stand accountant for as great a sin)
FTLN 1092 But partly led to diet my revenge
FTLN 1093 For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
FTLN 1094 Hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof
FTLN 1095 Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards,
FTLN 1096320 And nothing can or shall content my soul
FTLN 1097 Till I am evened with him, wife for wife,
FTLN 1098 Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
FTLN 1099 At least into a jealousy so strong
FTLN 1100 That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,
FTLN 1101325 If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace
FTLN 1102 For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
FTLN 1103 I’ll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,
FTLN 1104 Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb
FTLN 1105 (For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too),

---

FTLN 1106330 Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me
FTLN 1107 For making him egregiously an ass
FTLN 1108 And practicing upon his peace and quiet
FTLN 1109 Even to madness. ’Tis here, but yet confused.
FTLN 1110 Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used.
He exits.

Enter Othello’s Herald with a proclamation.

HERALD  FTLN 1111It is Othello’s pleasure, our noble and valiant
FTLN 1112 general, that upon certain tidings now arrived,
FTLN 1113 importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet,
FTLN 1114 every man put himself into triumph: some to
FTLN 11155 dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what
FTLN 1116 sport and revels his addition leads him. For besides
FTLN 1117 these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his
FTLN 1118 nuptial. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed
FTLN 1119 All offices are open, and there is full
FTLN 112010 liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till
FTLN 1121 the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of
FTLN 1122 Cyprus and our noble general, Othello!
He exits.

Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.

OTHELLO 
FTLN 1123 Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.
FTLN 1124 Let’s teach ourselves that honorable stop
FTLN 1125 Not to outsport discretion.
CASSIO 
FTLN 1126 Iago hath direction what to do,
FTLN 11275 But notwithstanding, with my personal eye
FTLN 1128 Will I look to ’t.

---

OTHELLO  FTLN 1129 Iago is most honest.
FTLN 1130 Michael, goodnight. Tomorrow with your earliest
FTLN 1131 Let me have speech with you.  To Desdemona. Come,
FTLN 113210 my dear love,
FTLN 1133 The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue;
FTLN 1134 That profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you.—
FTLN 1135 Goodnight.
Othello and Desdemona exit, with Attendants.

Enter Iago.

CASSIO 
FTLN 1136 Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch.
IAGO  FTLN 113715Not this hour, lieutenant. ’Tis not yet ten o’ th’
FTLN 1138 clock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of
FTLN 1139 his Desdemona—who let us not therefore blame;
FTLN 1140 he hath not yet made wanton the night with her, and
FTLN 1141 she is sport for Jove.
CASSIO  FTLN 114220She’s a most exquisite lady.
IAGO  FTLN 1143And, I’ll warrant her, full of game.
CASSIO  FTLN 1144Indeed, she’s a most fresh and delicate
FTLN 1145 creature.
IAGO  FTLN 1146What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley
FTLN 114725 to provocation.
CASSIO  FTLN 1148An inviting eye, and yet methinks right
FTLN 1149 modest.
IAGO  FTLN 1150And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?
CASSIO  FTLN 1151She is indeed perfection.
IAGO  FTLN 115230Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant,
FTLN 1153 I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a
FTLN 1154 brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a
FTLN 1155 measure to the health of black Othello.
CASSIO  FTLN 1156Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and
FTLN 115735 unhappy brains for drinking. I could well wish
FTLN 1158 courtesy would invent some other custom of
FTLN 1159 entertainment.
IAGO  FTLN 1160O, they are our friends! But one cup; I’ll drink
FTLN 1161 for you.

---

CASSIO  FTLN 116240I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was
FTLN 1163 craftily qualified too, and behold what innovation it
FTLN 1164 makes here. I am unfortunate in the infirmity and
FTLN 1165 dare not task my weakness with any more.
IAGO  FTLN 1166What, man! ’Tis a night of revels. The gallants
FTLN 116745 desire it.
CASSIO  FTLN 1168Where are they?
IAGO  FTLN 1169Here at the door. I pray you, call them in.
CASSIO  FTLN 1170I’ll do ’t, but it dislikes me. He exits.
IAGO 
FTLN 1171 If I can fasten but one cup upon him
FTLN 117250 With that which he hath drunk tonight already,
FTLN 1173 He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense
FTLN 1174 As my young mistress’ dog. Now my sick fool
FTLN 1175 Roderigo,
FTLN 1176 Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out,
FTLN 117755 To Desdemona hath tonight caroused
FTLN 1178 Potations pottle-deep; and he’s to watch.
FTLN 1179 Three else of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits
FTLN 1180 That hold their honors in a wary distance,
FTLN 1181 The very elements of this warlike isle,
FTLN 118260 Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups;
FTLN 1183 And they watch too. Now, ’mongst this flock of
FTLN 1184 drunkards
FTLN 1185 Am I to put our Cassio in some action
FTLN 1186 That may offend the isle. But here they come.
FTLN 118765 If consequence do but approve my dream,
FTLN 1188 My boat sails freely both with wind and stream.

Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen, followed by
Servants with wine.

CASSIO  FTLN 1189’Fore God, they have given me a rouse
FTLN 1190 already.
MONTANO  FTLN 1191Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I
FTLN 119270 am a soldier.
IAGO  FTLN 1193Some wine, ho!

---

Sings. FTLN 1194 And let me the cannikin clink, clink,
FTLN 1195 And let me the cannikin clink.
FTLN 1196  A soldier’s a man,
FTLN 119775  O, man’s life’s but a span,
FTLN 1198 Why, then, let a soldier drink.
FTLN 1199 Some wine, boys!
CASSIO  FTLN 1200’Fore God, an excellent song.
IAGO  FTLN 1201I learned it in England, where indeed they are
FTLN 120280 most potent in potting. Your Dane, your German,
FTLN 1203 and your swag-bellied Hollander—drink, ho!—are
FTLN 1204 nothing to your English.
CASSIO  FTLN 1205Is your Englishman so exquisite in his
FTLN 1206 drinking?
IAGO  FTLN 120785Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane
FTLN 1208 dead drunk. He sweats not to overthrow your Almain.
FTLN 1209 He gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next
FTLN 1210 pottle can be filled.
CASSIO  FTLN 1211To the health of our general!
MONTANO  FTLN 121290I am for it, lieutenant, and I’ll do you
FTLN 1213 justice.
IAGO  FTLN 1214O sweet England!
Sings. FTLN 1215 King Stephen was and-a worthy peer,
FTLN 1216  His breeches cost him but a crown;
FTLN 121795 He held them sixpence all too dear;
FTLN 1218  With that he called the tailor lown.
FTLN 1219 He was a wight of high renown,
FTLN 1220  And thou art but of low degree;
FTLN 1221 ’Tis pride that pulls the country down,
FTLN 1222100  Then take thy auld cloak about thee.
FTLN 1223 Some wine, ho!
CASSIO  FTLN 1224’Fore God, this is a more exquisite song than
FTLN 1225 the other!
IAGO  FTLN 1226Will you hear ’t again?
CASSIO  FTLN 1227105No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place
FTLN 1228 that does those things. Well, God’s above all; and
FTLN 1229 there be souls must be saved, and there be souls
FTLN 1230 must not be saved.

---

IAGO  FTLN 1231It’s true, good lieutenant.
CASSIO  FTLN 1232110For mine own part—no offense to the General,
FTLN 1233 nor any man of quality—I hope to be saved.
IAGO  FTLN 1234And so do I too, lieutenant.
CASSIO  FTLN 1235Ay, but, by your leave, not before me. The
FTLN 1236 Lieutenant is to be saved before the Ancient. Let’s
FTLN 1237115 have no more of this. Let’s to our affairs. God
FTLN 1238 forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let’s look to our
FTLN 1239 business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk. This
FTLN 1240 is my ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my
FTLN 1241 left. I am not drunk now. I can stand well enough,
FTLN 1242120 and I speak well enough.
GENTLEMEN  FTLN 1243Excellent well.
CASSIO  FTLN 1244Why, very well then. You must not think then
FTLN 1245 that I am drunk. He exits.
MONTANO 
FTLN 1246 To th’ platform, masters. Come, let’s set the watch. Gentlemen exit.
IAGO , to Montano 
FTLN 1247125 You see this fellow that is gone before?
FTLN 1248 He’s a soldier fit to stand by Caesar
FTLN 1249 And give direction; and do but see his vice.
FTLN 1250 ’Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
FTLN 1251 The one as long as th’ other. ’Tis pity of him.
FTLN 1252130 I fear the trust Othello puts him in,
FTLN 1253 On some odd time of his infirmity,
FTLN 1254 Will shake this island.
MONTANO  FTLN 1255 But is he often thus?
IAGO 
FTLN 1256 ’Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep.
FTLN 1257135 He’ll watch the horologe a double set
FTLN 1258 If drink rock not his cradle.
MONTANO  FTLN 1259 It were well
FTLN 1260 The General were put in mind of it.
FTLN 1261 Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature
FTLN 1262140 Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio
FTLN 1263 And looks not on his evils. Is not this true?

---

Enter Roderigo.

IAGO , aside to Roderigo  FTLN 1264How now, Roderigo?
FTLN 1265 I pray you, after the Lieutenant, go.
Roderigo exits.
MONTANO 
FTLN 1266 And ’tis great pity that the noble Moor
FTLN 1267145 Should hazard such a place as his own second
FTLN 1268 With one of an engraffed infirmity.
FTLN 1269 It were an honest action to say so
FTLN 1270 To the Moor.
IAGO  FTLN 1271 Not I, for this fair island.
FTLN 1272150 I do love Cassio well and would do much
FTLN 1273 To cure him of this evil— “Help, help!” within.
FTLN 1274 But hark! What noise?

Enter Cassio, pursuing Roderigo.

CASSIO  FTLN 1275Zounds, you rogue, you rascal!
MONTANO  FTLN 1276What’s the matter, lieutenant?
CASSIO  FTLN 1277155A knave teach me my duty? I’ll beat the knave
FTLN 1278 into a twiggen bottle.
RODERIGO  FTLN 1279Beat me?
CASSIO  FTLN 1280Dost thou prate, rogue? He hits Roderigo.
MONTANO  FTLN 1281Nay, good lieutenant. I pray you, sir, hold
FTLN 1282160 your hand.
CASSIO  FTLN 1283Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the
FTLN 1284 mazard.
MONTANO  FTLN 1285Come, come, you’re drunk.
CASSIO  FTLN 1286Drunk?
They fight.
IAGO , aside to Roderigo 
FTLN 1287165 Away, I say! Go out and cry a mutiny.
Roderigo exits.
FTLN 1288 Nay, good lieutenant.—God’s will, gentlemen!—
FTLN 1289 Help, ho! Lieutenant—sir—Montano—sir—
FTLN 1290 Help, masters!—Here’s a goodly watch indeed!
A bell is rung.

---

FTLN 1291 Who’s that which rings the bell? Diablo, ho!
FTLN 1292170 The town will rise. God’s will, lieutenant, hold!
FTLN 1293 You will be shamed forever.

Enter Othello and Attendants.

OTHELLO  FTLN 1294What is the matter here?
MONTANO  FTLN 1295 Zounds, I bleed
FTLN 1296 still.
FTLN 1297175 I am hurt to th’ death. He dies! He attacks Cassio.
OTHELLO  FTLN 1298 Hold, for your lives!
IAGO 
FTLN 1299 Hold, ho! Lieutenant—sir—Montano—
FTLN 1300 gentlemen—
FTLN 1301 Have you forgot all sense of place and duty?
FTLN 1302180 Hold! The General speaks to you. Hold, for shame!
OTHELLO 
FTLN 1303 Why, how now, ho! From whence ariseth this?
FTLN 1304 Are we turned Turks, and to ourselves do that
FTLN 1305 Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?
FTLN 1306 For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl!
FTLN 1307185 He that stirs next to carve for his own rage
FTLN 1308 Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.
FTLN 1309 Silence that dreadful bell. It frights the isle
FTLN 1310 From her propriety. What is the matter, masters?
FTLN 1311 Honest lago, that looks dead with grieving,
FTLN 1312190 Speak. Who began this? On thy love, I charge thee.
IAGO 
FTLN 1313 I do not know. Friends all but now, even now,
FTLN 1314 In quarter and in terms like bride and groom
FTLN 1315 Divesting them for bed; and then but now,
FTLN 1316 As if some planet had unwitted men,
FTLN 1317195 Swords out, and tilting one at other’s breast,
FTLN 1318 In opposition bloody. I cannot speak
FTLN 1319 Any beginning to this peevish odds,
FTLN 1320 And would in action glorious I had lost
FTLN 1321 Those legs that brought me to a part of it!

---

OTHELLO 
FTLN 1322200 How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?
CASSIO 
FTLN 1323 I pray you pardon me; I cannot speak.
OTHELLO 
FTLN 1324 Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil.
FTLN 1325 The gravity and stillness of your youth
FTLN 1326 The world hath noted. And your name is great
FTLN 1327205 In mouths of wisest censure. What’s the matter
FTLN 1328 That you unlace your reputation thus,
FTLN 1329 And spend your rich opinion for the name
FTLN 1330 Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it.
MONTANO 
FTLN 1331 Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger.
FTLN 1332210 Your officer lago can inform you,
FTLN 1333 While I spare speech, which something now offends
FTLN 1334 me,
FTLN 1335 Of all that I do know; nor know I aught
FTLN 1336 By me that’s said or done amiss this night,
FTLN 1337215 Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,
FTLN 1338 And to defend ourselves it be a sin
FTLN 1339 When violence assails us.
OTHELLO  FTLN 1340 Now, by heaven,
FTLN 1341 My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
FTLN 1342220 And passion, having my best judgment collied,
FTLN 1343 Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir,
FTLN 1344 Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
FTLN 1345 Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
FTLN 1346 How this foul rout began, who set it on;
FTLN 1347225 And he that is approved in this offense,
FTLN 1348 Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth,
FTLN 1349 Shall lose me. What, in a town of war
FTLN 1350 Yet wild, the people’s hearts brimful of fear,
FTLN 1351 To manage private and domestic quarrel,
FTLN 1352230 In night, and on the court and guard of safety?
FTLN 1353 ’Tis monstrous. Iago, who began ’t?

---

MONTANO 
FTLN 1354 If partially affined, or leagued in office,
FTLN 1355 Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
FTLN 1356 Thou art no soldier.
IAGO  FTLN 1357235 Touch me not so near.
FTLN 1358 I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
FTLN 1359 Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio.
FTLN 1360 Yet I persuade myself, to speak the truth
FTLN 1361 Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general:
FTLN 1362240 Montano and myself being in speech,
FTLN 1363 There comes a fellow crying out for help,
FTLN 1364 And Cassio following him with determined sword
FTLN 1365 To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
Pointing to Montano.
FTLN 1366 Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause.
FTLN 1367245 Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
FTLN 1368 Lest by his clamor—as it so fell out—
FTLN 1369 The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot,
FTLN 1370 Outran my purpose, and I returned the rather
FTLN 1371 For that I heard the clink and fall of swords
FTLN 1372250 And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight
FTLN 1373 I ne’er might say before. When I came back—
FTLN 1374 For this was brief—I found them close together
FTLN 1375 At blow and thrust, even as again they were
FTLN 1376 When you yourself did part them.
FTLN 1377255 More of this matter cannot I report.
FTLN 1378 But men are men; the best sometimes forget.
FTLN 1379 Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
FTLN 1380 As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
FTLN 1381 Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received
FTLN 1382260 From him that fled some strange indignity
FTLN 1383 Which patience could not pass.
OTHELLO  FTLN 1384 I know, Iago,
FTLN 1385 Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
FTLN 1386 Making it light to Cassio.—Cassio, I love thee,
FTLN 1387265 But nevermore be officer of mine.

---

Enter Desdemona attended.

FTLN 1388 Look if my gentle love be not raised up!
FTLN 1389 I’ll make thee an example.
DESDEMONA  FTLN 1390What is the matter, dear?
OTHELLO  FTLN 1391 All’s well now,
FTLN 1392270 sweeting.
FTLN 1393 Come away to bed.  To Montano. Sir, for your hurts,
FTLN 1394 Myself will be your surgeon.—Lead him off.
Montano is led off.
FTLN 1395 Iago, look with care about the town
FTLN 1396 And silence those whom this vile brawl
FTLN 1397275 distracted.—
FTLN 1398 Come, Desdemona. ’Tis the soldier’s life
FTLN 1399 To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
All but Iago and Cassio exit.
IAGO  FTLN 1400What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
CASSIO  FTLN 1401Ay, past all surgery.
IAGO  FTLN 1402280Marry, God forbid!
CASSIO  FTLN 1403Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have
FTLN 1404 lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of
FTLN 1405 myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation,
FTLN 1406 Iago, my reputation!
IAGO  FTLN 1407285As I am an honest man, I thought you had
FTLN 1408 received some bodily wound. There is more sense
FTLN 1409 in that than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and
FTLN 1410 most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost
FTLN 1411 without deserving. You have lost no reputation at
FTLN 1412290 all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What,
FTLN 1413 man, there are ways to recover the General again!
FTLN 1414 You are but now cast in his mood—a punishment
FTLN 1415 more in policy than in malice, even so as one would
FTLN 1416 beat his offenseless dog to affright an imperious
FTLN 1417295 lion. Sue to him again and he’s yours.
CASSIO  FTLN 1418I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive
FTLN 1419 so good a commander with so slight, so drunken,

---

FTLN 1420 and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? And speak
FTLN 1421 parrot? And squabble? Swagger? Swear? And discourse
FTLN 1422300 fustian with one’s own shadow? O thou
FTLN 1423 invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be
FTLN 1424 known by, let us call thee devil!
IAGO  FTLN 1425What was he that you followed with your sword?
FTLN 1426 What had he done to you?
CASSIO  FTLN 1427305I know not.
IAGO  FTLN 1428Is ’t possible?
CASSIO  FTLN 1429I remember a mass of things, but nothing
FTLN 1430 distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O
FTLN 1431 God, that men should put an enemy in their
FTLN 1432310 mouths to steal away their brains! That we should
FTLN 1433 with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause transform
FTLN 1434 ourselves into beasts!
IAGO  FTLN 1435Why, but you are now well enough. How came
FTLN 1436 you thus recovered?
CASSIO  FTLN 1437315It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give
FTLN 1438 place to the devil wrath. One unperfectness shows
FTLN 1439 me another, to make me frankly despise myself.
IAGO  FTLN 1440Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time,
FTLN 1441 the place, and the condition of this country stands,
FTLN 1442320 I could heartily wish this had not so befallen. But
FTLN 1443 since it is as it is, mend it for your own good.
CASSIO  FTLN 1444I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell
FTLN 1445 me I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as
FTLN 1446 Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be
FTLN 1447325 now a sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently
FTLN 1448 a beast! O, strange! Every inordinate cup is unblessed,
FTLN 1449 and the ingredient is a devil.
IAGO  FTLN 1450Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature,
FTLN 1451 if it be well used. Exclaim no more against it.
FTLN 1452330 And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you.
CASSIO  FTLN 1453I have well approved it, sir.—I drunk!
IAGO  FTLN 1454You or any man living may be drunk at a time,
FTLN 1455 man. I’ll tell you what you shall do. Our general’s

---

FTLN 1456 wife is now the general: I may say so in this
FTLN 1457335 respect, for that he hath devoted and given up
FTLN 1458 himself to the contemplation, mark, and denotement
FTLN 1459 of her parts and graces. Confess yourself
FTLN 1460 freely to her. Importune her help to put you in your
FTLN 1461 place again. She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so
FTLN 1462340 blessed a disposition she holds it a vice in her
FTLN 1463 goodness not to do more than she is requested. This
FTLN 1464 broken joint between you and her husband entreat
FTLN 1465 her to splinter, and, my fortunes against any lay
FTLN 1466 worth naming, this crack of your love shall grow
FTLN 1467345 stronger than it was before.
CASSIO  FTLN 1468You advise me well.
IAGO  FTLN 1469I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest
FTLN 1470 kindness.
CASSIO  FTLN 1471I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I
FTLN 1472350 will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake
FTLN 1473 for me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they check
FTLN 1474 me here.
IAGO  FTLN 1475You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant. I
FTLN 1476 must to the watch.
CASSIO  FTLN 1477355Good night, honest Iago. Cassio exits.
IAGO 
FTLN 1478 And what’s he, then, that says I play the villain,
FTLN 1479 When this advice is free I give and honest,
FTLN 1480 Probal to thinking, and indeed the course
FTLN 1481 To win the Moor again? For ’tis most easy
FTLN 1482360 Th’ inclining Desdemona to subdue
FTLN 1483 In any honest suit. She’s framed as fruitful
FTLN 1484 As the free elements. And then for her
FTLN 1485 To win the Moor—were ’t to renounce his baptism,
FTLN 1486 All seals and symbols of redeemèd sin—
FTLN 1487365 His soul is so enfettered to her love
FTLN 1488 That she may make, unmake, do what she list,
FTLN 1489 Even as her appetite shall play the god
FTLN 1490 With his weak function. How am I then a villain

---

FTLN 1491 To counsel Cassio to this parallel course
FTLN 1492370 Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!
FTLN 1493 When devils will the blackest sins put on,
FTLN 1494 They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,
FTLN 1495 As I do now. For whiles this honest fool
FTLN 1496 Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune,
FTLN 1497375 And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
FTLN 1498 I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear:
FTLN 1499 That she repeals him for her body’s lust;
FTLN 1500 And by how much she strives to do him good,
FTLN 1501 She shall undo her credit with the Moor.
FTLN 1502380 So will I turn her virtue into pitch,
FTLN 1503 And out of her own goodness make the net
FTLN 1504 That shall enmesh them all.

Enter Roderigo.

FTLN 1505 How now, Roderigo?
RODERIGO  FTLN 1506I do follow here in the chase, not like a
FTLN 1507385 hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My
FTLN 1508 money is almost spent, I have been tonight exceedingly
FTLN 1509 well cudgeled, and I think the issue will be I
FTLN 1510 shall have so much experience for my pains, and so,
FTLN 1511 with no money at all and a little more wit, return
FTLN 1512390 again to Venice.
IAGO 
FTLN 1513 How poor are they that have not patience!
FTLN 1514 What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
FTLN 1515 Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft,
FTLN 1516 And wit depends on dilatory time.
FTLN 1517395 Dost not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,
FTLN 1518 And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashiered Cassio.
FTLN 1519 Though other things grow fair against the sun,
FTLN 1520 Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe.
FTLN 1521 Content thyself awhile. By th’ Mass, ’tis morning!
FTLN 1522400 Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.
FTLN 1523 Retire thee; go where thou art billeted.

---

FTLN 1524 Away, I say! Thou shalt know more hereafter.
FTLN 1525 Nay, get thee gone. Roderigo exits.
FTLN 1526 Two things are to be done.
FTLN 1527405 My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress.
FTLN 1528 I’ll set her on.
FTLN 1529 Myself the while to draw the Moor apart
FTLN 1530 And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
FTLN 1531 Soliciting his wife. Ay, that’s the way.
FTLN 1532410 Dull not device by coldness and delay.
He exits.