The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice
Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.

Rodorigo. Neuer tell me, I take it much vnkindly

That thou (Iago) who hast had my purse,

As if y strings were thine, should'st know of this

Ia. But you'l not heare me. If euer I did dream

Of such a matter, abhorre me

Rodo. Thou told'st me,

Thou did'st hold him in thy hate

Iago. Despise me

If I do not. Three Great-ones of the Cittie,

(In personall suite to make me his Lieutenant)

Off-capt to him: and by the faith of man

I know my price, I am worth no worsse a place.

But he (as louing his owne pride, and purposes)

Euades them, with a bumbast Circumstance,

Horribly stufft with Epithites of warre,

Non-suites my Mediators. For certes, saies he,

I haue already chose my Officer. And what was he?

For-sooth, a great Arithmatician,

One Michaell Cassio, a Florentine,

(A Fellow almost damn'd in a faire Wife)

That neuer set a Squadron in the Field,

Nor the deuision of a Battaile knowes

More then a Spinster. Vnlesse the Bookish Theoricke:

Wherein the Tongued Consuls can propose

As Masterly as he. Meere pratle (without practise)

Is all his Souldiership. But he (Sir) had th' election;

And I (of whom his eies had seene the proofe

At Rhodes, at Ciprus, and on others grounds

Christen'd, and Heathen) must be be-leed, and calm'd

By Debitor, and Creditor. This Counter-caster,

He (in good time) must his Lieutenant be,

And I (blesse the marke) his Mooreships Auntient

Rod. By heauen, I rather would haue bin his hangman

Iago. Why, there's no remedie.

'Tis the cursse of Seruice;

Preferment goes by Letter, and affection,

And not by old gradation, where each second

Stood Heire to'th' first. Now Sir, be iudge your selfe,

Whether I in any iust terme am Affin'd

To loue the Moore?

Rod. I would not follow him then

Iago. O Sir content you.

I follow him, to serue my turne vpon him.

We cannot all be Masters, nor all Masters

Cannot be truely follow'd. You shall marke

Many a dutious and knee-crooking knaue;

That (doting on his owne obsequious bondage)

Weares out his time, much like his Masters Asse,

For naught but Prouender, & when he's old Casheer'd.

Whip me such honest knaues. Others there are

Who trym'd in Formes, and visages of Dutie,

Keepe yet their hearts attending on themselues,

And throwing but showes of Seruice on their Lords

Doe well thriue by them.

And when they haue lin'd their Coates

Doe themselues Homage.

These Fellowes haue some soule,

And such a one do I professe my selfe. For (Sir)

It is as sure as you are Rodorigo,

Were I the Moore, I would not be Iago:

In following him, I follow but my selfe.

Heauen is my Iudge, not I for loue and dutie,

But seeming so, for my peculiar end:

For when my outward Action doth demonstrate

The natiue act, and figure of my heart

In Complement externe, 'tis not long after

But I will weare my heart vpon my sleeue

For Dawes to pecke at; I am not what I am

Rod. What a fall Fortune do's the Thicks-lips owe

If he can carry't thus?

Iago. Call vp her Father:

Rowse him, make after him, poyson his delight,

Proclaime him in the Streets. Incense her kinsmen,

And though he in a fertile Clymate dwell,

Plague him with Flies: though that his Ioy be Ioy,

Yet throw such chances of vexation on't,

As it may loose some colour

Rodo. Heere is her Fathers house, Ile call aloud

Iago. Doe, with like timerous accent, and dire yell,

As when (by Night and Negligence) the Fire

Is spied in populus Citties

Rodo. What hoa: Brabantio, Signior Brabantio, hoa

Iago. Awake: what hoa, Brabantio: Theeues, Theeues.

Looke to your house, your daughter, and your Bags,

Theeues, Theeues

Bra. Aboue. What is the reason of this terrible

Summons? What is the matter there?

Rodo. Signior is all your Familie within?

Iago. Are your Doores lock'd?

Bra. Why? Wherefore ask you this?

Iago. Sir, y'are rob'd, for shame put on your Gowne,

Your heart is burst, you haue lost halfe your soule

Euen now, now, very now, an old blacke Ram

Is tupping your white Ewe. Arise, arise,

Awake the snorting Cittizens with the Bell,

Or else the deuill will make a Grand-sire of you.

Arise I say

Bra. What, haue you lost your wits?

Rod. Most reuerend Signior, do you know my voice?

Bra. Not I: what are you?

Rod. My name is Rodorigo

Bra. The worsser welcome:

I haue charg'd thee not to haunt about my doores:

In honest plainenesse thou hast heard me say,

My Daughter is not for thee. And now in madnesse

(Being full of Supper, and distempring draughtes)

Vpon malitious knauerie, dost thou come

To start my quiet

Rod. Sir, Sir, Sir

Bra. But thou must needs be sure,

My spirits and my place haue in their power

To make this bitter to thee

Rodo. Patience good Sir

Bra. What tell'st thou me of Robbing?

This is Venice: my house is not a Grange

Rodo. Most graue Brabantio,

In simple and pure soule, I come to you

Ia. Sir: you are one of those that will not serue God,

if the deuill bid you. Because we come to do you seruice,

and you thinke we are Ruffians, you'le haue your Daughter

couer'd with a Barbary horse, you'le haue your Nephewes

neigh to you, you'le haue Coursers for Cozens:

and Gennets for Germaines

Bra. What prophane wretch art thou?

Ia. I am one Sir, that comes to tell you, your Daughter

and the Moore, are making the Beast with two backs

Bra. Thou art a Villaine

Iago. You are a Senator

Bra. This thou shalt answere. I know thee Rodorigo

Rod. Sir, I will answere any thing. But I beseech you

If't be your pleasure, and most wise consent,

(As partly I find it is) that your faire Daughter,

At this odde Euen and dull watch o'th' night

Transported with no worse nor better guard,

But with a knaue of common hire, a Gundelier,

To the grosse claspes of a Lasciuious Moore:

If this be knowne to you, and your Allowance,

We then haue done you bold, and saucie wrongs.

But if you know not this, my Manners tell me,

We haue your wrong rebuke. Do not beleeue

That from the sence of all Ciuilitie,

I thus would play and trifle with your Reuerence.

Your Daughter (if you haue not giuen her leaue)

I say againe, hath made a grosse reuolt,

Tying her Dutie, Beautie, Wit, and Fortunes

In an extrauagant, and wheeling Stranger,

Of here, and euery where: straight satisfie your selfe.

If she be in her Chamber, or your house,

Let loose on me the Iustice of the State

For thus deluding you

Bra. Strike on the Tinder, hoa:

Giue me a Taper: call vp all my people,

This Accident is not vnlike my dreame,

Beleefe of it oppresses me alreadie.

Light, I say, light.

Iag. Farewell: for I must leaue you.

It seemes not meete, nor wholesome to my place

To be producted, (as if I stay, I shall,)

Against the Moore. For I do know the State,

(How euer this may gall him with some checke)

Cannot with safetie cast-him. For he's embark'd

With such loud reason to the Cyprus Warres,

(Which euen now stands in Act) that for their soules

Another of his Fadome, they haue none,

To lead their Businesse. In which regard,

Though I do hate him as I do hell paines,

Yet, for necessitie of present life,

I must show out a Flag, and signe of Loue,

(Which is indeed but signe) that you shal surely find him

Lead to the Sagitary the raised Search:

And there will I be with him. So farewell.

Bra. It is too true an euill. Gone she is,

And what's to come of my despised time,

Is naught but bitternesse. Now Rodorigo,

Where didst thou see her? (Oh vnhappie Girle)

With the Moore saist thou? (Who would be a Father?)

How didst thou know 'twas she? (Oh she deceaues me

Past thought:) what said she to you? Get moe Tapers.

Raise all my Kindred. Are they married thinke you?

Rodo. Truely I thinke they are

Bra. Oh Heauen: how got she out?

Oh treason of the blood.

Fathers, from hence trust not your Daughters minds

By what you see them act. Is there not Charmes,

By which the propertie of Youth, and Maidhood

May be abus'd? Haue you not read Rodorigo,

Of some such thing?

Rod. Yes Sir: I haue indeed

Bra. Call vp my Brother: oh would you had had her.

Some one way, some another. Doe you know

Where we may apprehend her, and the Moore?

Rod. I thinke I can discouer him, if you please

To get good Guard, and go along with me

Bra. Pray you lead on. At euery house Ile call,

(I may command at most) get Weapons (hoa)

And raise some speciall Officers of might:

On good Rodorigo, I will deserue your paines.

Scena Secunda.

Ia. Though in the trade of Warre I haue slaine men,

Yet do I hold it very stuffe o'th' conscience

To do no contriu'd Murder: I lacke Iniquitie

Sometime to do me seruice. Nine, or ten times

I had thought t'haue yerk'd him here vnder the Ribbes

Othello. 'Tis better as it is

Iago. Nay but he prated,

And spoke such scuruy, and prouoking termes

Against your Honor, that with the little godlinesse I haue

I did full hard forbeare him. But I pray you Sir,

Are you fast married? Be assur'd of this,

That the Magnifico is much belou'd,

And hath in his effect a voice potentiall

As double as the Dukes: He will diuorce you.

Or put vpon you, what restraint or greeuance,

The Law (with all his might, to enforce it on)

Will giue him Cable

Othel. Let him do his spight;

My Seruices, which I haue done the Signorie

Shall out-tongue his Complaints. 'Tis yet to know,

Which when I know, that boasting is an Honour,

I shall promulgate. I fetch my life and being,

From Men of Royall Seige. And my demerites

May speake (vnbonnetted) to as proud a Fortune

As this that I haue reach'd. For know Iago,

But that I loue the gentle Desdemona,

I would not my vnhoused free condition

Put into Circumscription, and Confine,

For the Seas worth. But looke, what Lights come yond?

Iago. Those are the raised Father, and his Friends:

You were best go in

Othel. Not I: I must be found.

My Parts, my Title, and my perfect Soule

Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?

Iago. By Ianus, I thinke no

Othel. The Seruants of the Dukes?

And my Lieutenant?

The goodnesse of the Night vpon you (Friends)

What is the Newes?

Cassio. The Duke do's greet you (Generall)

And he requires your haste, Post-haste appearance,

Euen on the instant

Othello. What is the matter, thinke you?

Cassio. Something from Cyprus, as I may diuine:

It is a businesse of some heate. The Gallies

Haue sent a dozen sequent Messengers

This very night, at one anothers heeles:

And many of the Consuls, rais'd and met,

Are at the Dukes already. You haue bin hotly call'd for,

When being not at your Lodging to be found,

The Senate hath sent about three seuerall Quests,

To search you out

Othel. 'Tis well I am found by you:

I will but spend a word here in the house,

And goe with you

Cassio. Aunciant, what makes he heere?

Iago. Faith, he to night hath boarded a Land Carract,

If it proue lawfull prize, he's made for euer

Cassio. I do not vnderstand

Iago. He's married

Cassio. To who?

Iago. Marry to- Come Captaine, will you go?

Othel. Haue with you

Cassio. Here comes another Troope to seeke for you.

Iago. It is Brabantio: Generall be aduis'd,

He comes to bad intent

Othello. Holla, stand there

Rodo. Signior, it is the Moore

Bra. Downe with him, Theefe

Iago. You, Rodorigo? Come Sir, I am for you

Othe. Keepe vp your bright Swords, for the dew will

rust them. Good Signior, you shall more command with

yeares, then with your Weapons

Bra. Oh thou foule Theefe,

Where hast thou stow'd my Daughter?

Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchaunted her

For Ile referre me to all things of sense,

(If she in Chaines of Magick were not bound)

Whether a Maid, so tender, Faire, and Happie,

So opposite to Marriage, that she shun'd

The wealthy curled Deareling of our Nation,

Would euer haue (t' encurre a generall mocke)

Run from her Guardage to the sootie bosome,

Of such a thing as thou: to feare, not to delight?

Iudge me the world, if 'tis not grosse in sense,

That thou hast practis'd on her with foule Charmes,

Abus'd her delicate Youth, with Drugs or Minerals,

That weakens Motion. Ile haue't disputed on,

'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking;

I therefore apprehend and do attach thee,

For an abuser of the World, a practiser

Of Arts inhibited, and out of warrant;

Lay hold vpon him, if he do resist

Subdue him, at his perill

Othe. Hold your hands

Both you of my inclining, and the rest.

Were it my Cue to fight, I should haue knowne it

Without a Prompter. Whether will you that I goe

To answere this your charge?

Bra. To Prison, till fit time

Of Law, and course of direct Session

Call thee to answer

Othe. What if I do obey?

How may the Duke be therewith satisfi'd,

Whose Messengers are heere about my side,

Vpon some present businesse of the State,

To bring me to him

Officer. 'Tis true most worthy Signior,

The Dukes in Counsell, and your Noble selfe,

I am sure is sent for

Bra. How? The Duke in Counsell?

In this time of the night? Bring him away;

Mine's not an idle Cause. The Duke himselfe,

Or any of my Brothers of the State,

Cannot but feele this wrong, as 'twere their owne:

For if such Actions may haue passage free,

Bond-slaues, and Pagans shall our Statesmen be.

Scaena Tertia.

Duke. There's no composition in this Newes,

That giues them Credite

1.Sen. Indeed, they are disproportioned;

My Letters say, a Hundred and seuen Gallies

Duke. And mine a Hundred fortie

2.Sena. And mine two Hundred:

But though they iumpe not on a iust accompt,

(As in these Cases where the ayme reports,

'Tis oft with difference) yet do they all confirme

A Turkish Fleete, and bearing vp to Cyprus

Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to iudgement:

I do not so secure me in the Error,

But the maine Article I do approue

In fearefull sense

Saylor within. What hoa, what hoa, what hoa.

Officer. A Messenger from the Gallies

Duke. Now? What's the businesse?

Sailor. The Turkish Preparation makes for Rhodes,

So was I bid report here to the State,

By Signior Angelo

Duke. How say you by this change?

1.Sen. This cannot be

By no assay of reason. 'Tis a Pageant

To keepe vs in false gaze, when we consider

Th' importancie of Cyprus to the Turke;

And let our selues againe but vnderstand,

That as it more concernes the Turke then Rhodes,

So may he with more facile question beare it,

For that it stands not in such Warrelike brace,

But altogether lackes th' abilities

That Rhodes is dress'd in. If we make thought of this,

We must not thinke the Turke is so vnskillfull,

To leaue that latest, which concernes him first,

Neglecting an attempt of ease, and gaine

To wake, and wage a danger profitlesse

Duke. Nay, in all confidence he's not for Rhodes

Officer. Here is more Newes.

Messen. The Ottamites, Reueren'd, and Gracious,

Steering with due course toward the Ile of Rhodes,

Haue there inioynted them with an after Fleete

1.Sen. I, so I thought: how many, as you guesse?

Mess. Of thirtie Saile: and now they do re-stem

Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance

Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,

Your trustie and most Valiant Seruitour,

With his free dutie, recommends you thus,

And prayes you to beleeue him

Duke. 'Tis certaine then for Cyprus:

Marcus Luccicos is not he in Towne?

1.Sen. He's now in Florence

Duke. Write from vs,

To him, Post, Post-haste, dispatch

1.Sen. Here comes Brabantio, and the Valiant Moore.

Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you,

Against the generall Enemy Ottoman.

I did not see you: welcome gentle Signior,

We lack't your Counsaile, and your helpe to night

Bra. So did I yours: Good your Grace pardon me.

Neither my place, nor ought I heard of businesse

Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the generall care

Take hold on me. For my perticular griefe

Is of so flood-gate, and ore-bearing Nature,

That it engluts, and swallowes other sorrowes,

And it is still it selfe

Duke. Why? What's the matter?

Bra. My Daughter: oh my Daughter!

Sen. Dead?

Bra. I, to me.

She is abus'd, stolne from me, and corrupted

By Spels, and Medicines, bought of Mountebanks;

For Nature, so prepostrously to erre,

(Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,)

Sans witch-craft could not

Duke. Who ere he be, that in this foule proceeding

Hath thus beguil'd your Daughter of her selfe,

And you of her; the bloodie Booke of Law,

You shall your selfe read, in the bitter letter,

After your owne sense: yea, though our proper Son

Stood in your Action

Bra. Humbly I thanke your Grace,

Here is the man; this Moore, whom now it seemes

Your speciall Mandate, for the State affaires

Hath hither brought

All. We are verie sorry for't

Duke. What in your owne part, can you say to this?

Bra. Nothing, but this is so

Othe. Most Potent, Graue, and Reueren'd Signiors,

My very Noble, and approu'd good Masters;

That I haue tane away this old mans Daughter,

It is most true: true I haue married her;

The verie head, and front of my offending,

Hath this extent; no more. Rude am I, in my speech,

And little bless'd with the soft phrase of Peace;

For since these Armes of mine, had seuen yeares pith,

Till now, some nine Moones wasted, they haue vs'd

Their deerest action, in the Tented Field:

And little of this great world can I speake,

More then pertaines to Feats of Broiles, and Battaile,

And therefore little shall I grace my cause,

In speaking for my selfe. Yet, (by your gratious patience)

I will a round vn-varnish'd Tale deliuer,

Of my whole course of Loue.

What Drugges, what Charmes,

What Coniuration, and what mighty Magicke,

(For such proceeding I am charg'd withall)

I won his Daughter

Bra. A Maiden, neuer bold:

Of Spirit so still, and quiet, that her Motion

Blush'd at her selfe, and she, in spight of Nature,

Of Yeares, of Country, Credite, euery thing

To fall in Loue, with what she fear'd to looke on;

It is a iudgement main'd, and most imperfect.

That will confesse Perfection so could erre

Against all rules of Nature, and must be driuen

To find out practises of cunning hell

Why this should be. I therefore vouch againe,

That with some Mixtures, powrefull o're the blood,

Or with some Dram, (coniur'd to this effect)

He wrought vpon her.

Duke. To vouch this, is no proofe,

Without more wider, and more ouer Test

Then these thin habits, and poore likely-hoods

Of moderne seeming, do prefer against him

Sen. But Othello, speake,

Did you, by indirect, and forced courses

Subdue, and poyson this yong Maides affections?

Or came it by request, and such faire question

As soule, to soule affordeth?

Othel. I do beseech you,

Send for the Lady to the Sagitary,

And let her speake of me before her Father;

If you do finde me foule, in her report,

The Trust, the Office, I do hold of you,

Not onely take away, but let your Sentence

Euen fall vpon my life

Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither

Othe. Aunciant, conduct them:

You best know the place.

And tell she come, as truely as to heauen,

I do confesse the vices of my blood,

So iustly to your Graue eares, Ile present

How I did thriue in this faire Ladies loue,

And she in mine

Duke. Say it Othello

Othe. Her Father lou'd me, oft inuited me:

Still question'd me the Storie of my life,

From yeare to yeare: the Battaile, Sieges, Fortune,

That I haue past.

I ran it through, euen from my boyish daies,

Toth' very moment that he bad me tell it.

Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances:

Of mouing Accidents by Flood and Field,

Of haire-breadth scapes i'th' imminent deadly breach;

Of being taken by the Insolent Foe,

And sold to slauery. Of my redemption thence,

And portance in my Trauellours historie.

Wherein of Antars vast, and Desarts idle,

Rough Quarries, Rocks, Hills, whose head touch heauen,

It was my hint to speake. Such was my Processe,

And of the Canibals that each others eate,

The Antropophague, and men whose heads

Grew beneath their shoulders. These things to heare,

Would Desdemona seriously incline:

But still the house Affaires would draw her hence:

Which euer as she could with haste dispatch,

She'l'd come againe, and with a greedie eare

Deuoure vp my discourse. Which I obseruing,

Tooke once a pliant houre, and found good meanes

To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart,

That I would all my Pilgrimage dilate,

Whereof by parcels she had something heard,

But not instinctiuely: I did consent,

And often did beguile her of her teares,

When I did speake of some distressefull stroke

That my youth suffer'd: My Storie being done,

She gaue me for my paines a world of kisses:

She swore in faith 'twas strange: 'twas passing strange,

'Twas pittifull: 'twas wondrous pittifull.

She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd

That Heauen had made her such a man. She thank'd me,

And bad me, if I had a Friend that lou'd her,

I should but teach him how to tell my Story,

And that would wooe her. Vpon this hint I spake,

She lou'd me for the dangers I had past,

And I lou'd her, that she did pitty them.

This onely is the witch-craft I haue vs'd.

Here comes the Ladie: Let her witnesse it.

Duke. I thinke this tale would win my Daughter too,

Good Brabantio, take vp this mangled matter at the best:

Men do their broken Weapons rather vse,

Then their bare hands

Bra. I pray you heare her speake?

If she confesse that she was halfe the wooer,

Destruction on my head, if my bad blame

Light on the man. Come hither gentle Mistris,

Do you perceiue in all this Noble Companie,

Where most you owe obedience?

Des. My Noble Father,

I do perceiue heere a diuided dutie.

To you I am bound for life, and education:

My life and education both do learne me,

How to respect you. You are the Lord of duty,

I am hitherto your Daughter. But heere's my Husband;

And so much dutie, as my Mother shew'd

To you, preferring you before her Father:

So much I challenge, that I may professe

Due to the Moore my Lord

Bra. God be with you: I haue done.

Please it your Grace, on to the State Affaires;

I had rather to adopt a Child, then get it.

Come hither Moore;

I here do giue thee that with all my heart,

Which but thou hast already, with all my heart

I would keepe from thee. For your sake (Iewell)

I am glad at soule, I haue no other Child,

For thy escape would teach me Tirranie

To hang clogges on them. I haue done my Lord

Duke. Let me speake like your selfe:

And lay a Sentence,

Which as a grise, or step may helpe these Louers.

When remedies are past, the griefes are ended

By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.

To mourne a Mischeefe that is past and gon,

Is the next way to draw new mischiefe on.

What cannot be preseru'd, when Fortune takes:

Patience, her Iniury a mock'ry makes.

The rob'd that smiles, steales something from the Thiefe,

He robs himselfe, that spends a bootelesse griefe

Bra. So let the Turke of Cyprus vs beguile,

We loose it not so long as we can smile:

He beares the Sentence well, that nothing beares,

But the free comfort which from thence he heares.

But he beares both the Sentence, and the sorrow,

That to pay griefe, must of poore Patience borrow.

These Sentences, to Sugar, or to Gall,

Being strong on both sides, are Equiuocall.

But words are words, I neuer yet did heare:

That the bruized heart was pierc'd through the eares.

I humbly beseech you proceed to th' Affaires of State

Duke. The Turke with a most mighty Preparation

makes for Cyprus: Othello, the Fortitude of the place is

best knowne to you. And though we haue there a Substitute

of most allowed sufficiencie; yet opinion, a more

soueraigne Mistris of Effects, throwes a more safer

voice on you: you must therefore be content to slubber

the glosse of your new Fortunes, with this more stubborne,

and boystrous expedition

Othe. The Tirant Custome, most Graue Senators,

Hath made the flinty and Steele Coach of Warre

My thrice-driuen bed of Downe. I do agnize

A Naturall and prompt Alacratie,

I finde in hardnesse: and do vndertake

This present Warres against the Ottamites.

Most humbly therefore bending to your State,

I craue fit disposition for my Wife,

Due reference of Place, and Exhibition,

With such Accomodation and besort

As leuels with her breeding

Duke. Why at her Fathers?

Bra. I will not haue it so

Othe. Nor I

Des. Nor would I there recide,

To put my Father in impatient thoughts

By being in his eye. Most Gracious Duke,

To my vnfolding, lend your prosperous eare,

And let me finde a Charter in your voice

T' assist my simplenesse

Duke. What would you Desdemona?

Des. That I loue the Moore, to liue with him,

My downe-right violence, and storme of Fortunes,

May trumpet to the world. My heart's subdu'd

Euen to the very quality of my Lord;

I saw Othello's visage in his mind,

And to his Honours and his valiant parts,

Did I my soule and Fortunes consecrate.

So that (deere Lords) if I be left behind

A Moth of Peace, and he go to the Warre,

The Rites for why I loue him, are bereft me:

And I a heauie interim shall support

By his deere absence. Let me go with him

Othe. Let her haue your voice.

Vouch with me Heauen, I therefore beg it not

To please the pallate of my Appetite:

Nor to comply with heat the yong affects

In my defunct, and proper satisfaction.

But to be free, and bounteous to her minde:

And Heauen defend your good soules, that you thinke

I will your serious and great businesse scant

When she is with me. No, when light wing'd Toyes

Of feather'd Cupid, seele with wanton dulnesse

My speculatiue, and offic'd Instrument:

That my Disports corrupt, and taint my businesse:

Let House-wiues make a Skillet of my Helme,

And all indigne, and base aduersities,

Make head against my Estimation

Duke. Be it as you shall priuately determine,

Either for her stay, or going: th' Affaire cries hast:

And speed must answer it

Sen. You must away to night

Othe. With all my heart

Duke. At nine i'th' morning, here wee'l meete againe.

Othello, leaue some Officer behind

And he shall our Commission bring to you:

And such things else of qualitie and respect

As doth import you

Othe. So please your Grace, my Ancient,

A man he is of honesty and trust:

To his conueyance I assigne my wife,

With what else needfull, your good Grace shall think

To be sent after me

Duke. Let it be so:

Good night to euery one. And Noble Signior,

If Vertue no delighted Beautie lacke,

Your Son-in-law is farre more Faire then Blacke

Sen. Adieu braue Moore, vse Desdemona well

Bra. Looke to her (Moore) if thou hast eies to see:

She ha's deceiu'd her Father, and may thee.

Othe. My life vpon her faith. Honest Iago,

My Desdemona must I leaue to thee:

I prythee let thy wife attend on her,

And bring them after in the best aduantage.

Come Desdemona, I haue but an houre

Of Loue, of wordly matter, and direction

To spend with thee. We must obey the time.

Rod. Iago

Iago. What saist thou Noble heart?

Rod. What will I do, think'st thou?

Iago. Why go to bed and sleepe

Rod. I will incontinently drowne my selfe

Iago. If thou do'st, I shall neuer loue thee after. Why

thou silly Gentleman?

Rod. It is sillynesse to liue, when to liue is torment:

and then haue we a prescription to dye, when death is

our Physition

Iago. Oh villanous: I haue look'd vpon the world

for foure times seuen yeares, and since I could distinguish

betwixt a Benefit, and an Iniurie: I neuer found man that

knew how to loue himselfe. Ere I would say, I would

drowne my selfe for the loue of a Gynney Hen, I would

change my Humanity with a Baboone

Rod. What should I do? I confesse it is my shame

to be so fond, but it is not in my vertue to amend it

Iago. Vertue? A figge, 'tis in our selues that we are

thus, or thus. Our Bodies are our Gardens, to the which,

our Wills are Gardiners. So that if we will plant Nettels,

or sowe Lettice: Set Hisope, and weede vp Time:

Supplie it with one gender of Hearbes, or distract it with

many: either to haue it sterrill with idlenesse, or manured

with Industry, why the power, and Corrigeable authoritie

of this lies in our Wills. If the braine of our liues

had not one Scale of Reason, to poize another of Sensualitie,

the blood, and basenesse of our Natures would

conduct vs to most prepostrous Conclusions. But we

haue Reason to coole our raging Motions, our carnall

Stings, or vnbitted Lusts: whereof I take this, that you

call Loue, to be a Sect, or Seyen

Rod. It cannot be

Iago. It is meerly a Lust of the blood, and a permission

of the will. Come, be a man: drowne thy selfe? Drown

Cats, and blind Puppies. I haue profest me thy Friend,

and I confesse me knit to thy deseruing, with Cables of

perdurable toughnesse. I could neuer better steed thee

then now. Put Money in thy purse: follow thou the

Warres, defeate thy fauour, with an vsurp'd Beard. I say

put Money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona

should continue her loue to the Moore. Put Money in

thy purse: nor he his to her. It was a violent Commencement

in her, and thou shalt see an answerable Sequestration,

put but Money in thy purse. These Moores

are changeable in their wils: fill thy purse with Money.

The Food that to him now is as lushious as Locusts,

shalbe to him shortly, as bitter as Coloquintida. She

must change for youth: when she is sated with his body

she will find the errors of her choice. Therefore, put Money

in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damne thy selfe, do

it a more delicate way then drowning. Make all the Money

thou canst: If Sanctimonie, and a fraile vow, betwixt

an erring Barbarian, and super-subtle Venetian be

not too hard for my wits, and all the Tribe of hell, thou

shalt enioy her: therefore make Money: a pox of drowning

thy selfe, it is cleane out of the way. Seeke thou rather

to be hang'd in Compassing thy ioy, then to be

drown'd, and go without her

Rodo. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on

the issue?

Iago. Thou art sure of me: Go make Money: I haue

told thee often, and I re-tell thee againe, and againe, I

hate the Moore. My cause is hearted; thine hath no lesse

reason. Let vs be coniunctiue in our reuenge, against

him. If thou canst Cuckold him, thou dost thy selfe a

pleasure, me a sport. There are many Euents in the

Wombe of Time, which wilbe deliuered. Trauerse, go,

prouide thy Money. We will haue more of this to morrow.

Adieu

Rod. Where shall we meete i'th' morning?

Iago. At my Lodging

Rod. Ile be with thee betimes

Iago. Go too, farewell. Do you heare Rodorigo?

Rod. what say you?

Iago.No more of drowning, doe you heare?

Rod. I am chang'd. Ile sell all my Land.

Iago. Thus do I euer make my Foole, my purse:

For I mine owne gain'd knowledge should prophane

If I would time expend with such Snipe,

But for my Sport, and Profit: I hate the Moore,

And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets

She ha's done my Office. I know not if't be true,

But I, for meere suspition in that kinde,

Will do, as if for Surety. He holds me well,

The better shall my purpose worke on him:

Cassio's a proper man: Let me see now,

To get his Place, and to plume vp my will

In double Knauery. How? How? Let's see.

After some time, to abuse Othello's eares,

That he is too familiar with his wife:

He hath a person, and a smooth dispose

To be suspected: fram'd to make women false.

The Moore is of a free, and open Nature,

That thinkes men honest, that but seeme to be so,

And will as tenderly be lead by'th' Nose

As Asses are:

I hau't: it is engendred: Hell, and Night,

Must bring this monstrous Birth, to the worlds light.

Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.

Mon. What from the Cape, can you discerne at Sea?

1.Gent. Nothing at all, it is a high wrought Flood:

I cannot 'twixt the Heauen, and the Maine,

Descry a Saile

Mon. Me thinks, the wind hath spoke aloud at Land,

A fuller blast ne're shooke our Battlements:

If it hath ruffiand so vpon the Sea,

What ribbes of Oake, when Mountaines melt on them,

Can hold the Morties. What shall we heare of this?

2 A Segregation of the Turkish Fleet:

For do but stand vpon the Foaming Shore,

The chidden Billow seemes to pelt the Clowds,

The winde-shak'd-Surge, with high & monstrous Maine

Seemes to cast water on the burning Beare,

And quench the Guards of th' euer-fixed Pole:

I neuer did like mollestation view

On the enchafed Flood

Men. If that the Turkish Fleete

Be not enshelter'd, and embay'd, they are drown'd,

It is impossible to beare it out.

3 Newes Laddes: our warres are done:

The desperate Tempest hath so bang'd the Turkes,

That their designement halts. A Noble ship of Venice,

Hath seene a greeuous wracke and sufferance

On most part of their Fleet

Mon. How? Is this true?

3 The Ship is heere put in: A Verennessa, Michael Cassio

Lieutenant to the warlike Moore, Othello,

Is come on Shore: the Moore himselfe at Sea,

And is in full Commission heere for Cyprus

Mon. I am glad on't:

'Tis a worthy Gouernour

3 But this same Cassio, though he speake of comfort,

Touching the Turkish losse, yet he lookes sadly,

And praye the Moore be safe; for they were parted

With fowle and violent Tempest

Mon. Pray Heauens he be:

For I haue seru'd him, and the man commands

Like a full Soldier. Let's to the Sea-side (hoa)

As well to see the Vessell that's come in,

As to throw-out our eyes for braue Othello,

Euen till we make the Maine, and th' Eriall blew,

An indistinct regard

Gent. Come, let's do so;

For euery Minute is expectancie

Of more Arriuancie.

Cassi. Thankes you, the valiant of the warlike Isle,

That so approoue the Moore: Oh let the Heauens

Giue him defence against the Elements,

For I haue lost him on a dangerous Sea

Mon. Is he well ship'd?

Cassio. His Barke is stoutly Timber'd, and his Pylot

Of verie expert, and approu'd Allowance;

Therefore my hope's (not surfetted to death)

Stand in bold Cure

Cassio. What noise?

Gent. The Towne is empty; on the brow o'th' Sea

Stand rankes of People and they cry, a Saile

Cassio. My hopes do shape him for the Gouernor

Gent. They do discharge their Shot of Courtesie,

Our Friends, at least

Cassio. I pray you Sir, go forth,

And giue vs truth who 'tis that is arriu'd

Gent. I shall.

Mon. But good Lieutenant, is your Generall wiu'd?

Cassio. Most fortunately: he hath atchieu'd a Maid

That paragons description, and wilde Fame:

One that excels the quirkes of Blazoning pens,

And in th' essentiall Vesture of Creation,

Do's tyre the Ingeniuer.

How now? Who ha's put in?

Gent. 'Tis one Iago, Auncient to the Generall

Cassio. Ha's had most fauourable, and happie speed:

Tempests themselues, high Seas, and howling windes,

The gutter'd-Rockes, and Congregated Sands,

Traitors ensteep'd, to enclogge the guiltlesse Keele,

As hauing sence of Beautie, do omit

Their mortall Natures, letting go safely by

The Diuine Desdemona

Mon. What is she?

Cassio. She that I spake of:

Our great Captains Captaine,

Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,

Whose footing heere anticipates our thoughts,

A Senights speed. Great Ioue, Othello guard,

And swell his Saile with thine owne powrefull breath,

That he may blesse this Bay with his tall Ship,

Make loues quicke pants in Desdemonaes Armes,

Giue renew'd fire to our extincted Spirits.

Oh behold,

The Riches of the Ship is come on shore:

You men of Cyprus, let her haue your knees.

Haile to thee Ladie: and the grace of Heauen,

Before, behinde thee, and on euery hand

Enwheele thee round

Des. I thanke you, Valiant Cassio,

What tydings can you tell of my Lord?

Cas. He is not yet arriu'd, nor know I ought

But that he's well, and will be shortly heere

Des. Oh, but I feare:

How lost you company?

Cassio. The great Contention of Sea, and Skies

Parted our fellowship. But hearke, a Saile

Gent. They giue this greeting to the Cittadell:

This likewise is a Friend

Cassio. See for the Newes:

Good Ancient, you are welcome. Welcome Mistris:

Let it not gaule your patience (good Iago)

That I extend my Manners. 'Tis my breeding,

That giues me this bold shew of Curtesie

Iago. Sir, would she giue you so much of her lippes,

As of her tongue she oft bestowes on me,

You would haue enough

Des. Alas: she ha's no speech

Iago. Infaith too much:

I finde it still, when I haue leaue to sleepe.

Marry before your Ladyship, I grant,

She puts her tongue a little in her heart,

And chides with thinking

aemil. You haue little cause to say so

Iago. Come on, come on: you are Pictures out of

doore: Bells in your Parlours: Wilde-Cats in your Kitchens:

Saints in your Iniuries: Diuels being offended:

Players in your Huswiferie, and Huswiues in your

Beds

Des. Oh, fie vpon thee, Slanderer

Iago. Nay, it is true: or else I am a Turke,

You rise to play, and go to bed to worke.

Aemil. You shall not write my praise

Iago. No, let me not

Desde. What would'st write of me, if thou should'st

praise me?

Iago. Oh, gentle Lady, do not put me too't,

For I am nothing, if not Criticall

Des. Come on, assay.

There's one gone to the Harbour?

Iago. I Madam

Des. I am not merry: but I do beguile

The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.

Come, how would'st thou praise me?

Iago. I am about it, but indeed my inuention comes

from my pate, as Birdlyme do's from Freeze, it pluckes

out Braines and all. But my Muse labours, and thus she

is deliuer'd.

If she be faire, and wise: fairenesse, and wit,

The ones for vse, the other vseth it

Des. Well prais'd:

How if she be Blacke and Witty?

Iago. If she be blacke, and thereto haue a wit,

She'le find a white, that shall her blacknesse fit

Des. Worse, and worse.

Aemil. How if Faire, and Foolish?

Iago. She neuer yet was foolish that was faire,

For euen her folly helpt her to an heire

Desde. These are old fond Paradoxes, to make Fooles

laugh i'th' Alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou

for her that's Foule, and Foolish

Iago. There's none so foule and foolish thereunto,

But do's foule pranks, which faire, and wise-ones do

Desde. Oh heauy ignorance: thou praisest the worst

best. But what praise could'st thou bestow on a deseruing

woman indeed? One, that in the authorithy of her

merit, did iustly put on the vouch of very malice it

selfe

Iago. She that was euer faire, and neuer proud,

Had Tongue at will, and yet was neuer loud:

Neuer lackt Gold, and yet went neuer gay,

Fled from her wish, and yet said now I may.

She that being angred, her reuenge being nie,

Bad her wrong stay, and her displeasure flie:

She that in wisedome neuer was so fraile,

To change the Cods-head for the Salmons taile:

She that could thinke, and neu'r disclose her mind,

See Suitors following, and not looke behind:

She was a wight, (if euer such wightes were)

Des. To do what?

Iago. To suckle Fooles, and chronicle small Beere

Desde. Oh most lame and impotent conclusion. Do

not learne of him aemillia, though he be thy husband.

How say you (Cassio) is he not a most prophane, and liberall

Counsailor?

Cassio. He speakes home (Madam) you may rellish

him more in the Souldier, then in the Scholler

Iago. He takes her by the palme: I, well said, whisper.

With as little a web as this, will I ensnare as great

a Fly as Cassio. I smile vpon her, do: I will giue thee

in thine owne Courtship. You say true, 'tis so indeed.

If such tricks as these strip you out of your Lieutenantrie,

it had beene better you had not kiss'd your three fingers

so oft, which now againe you are most apt to play

the Sir, in. Very good: well kiss'd, and excellent Curtsie:

'tis so indeed. Yet againe, your fingers to your

lippes? Would they were Cluster-pipes for your

sake.

The Moore I know his Trumpet

Cassio. 'Tis truely so

Des. Let's meete him, and recieue him

Cassio. Loe, where he comes.

Oth. O, my faire Warriour

Des. My deere Othello

Othe. It giues me wonder great, as my content

To see you heere before me.

Oh my Soules Ioy:

If after euery Tempest, come such Calmes,

May the windes blow, till they haue waken'd death:

And let the labouring Barke climbe hills of Seas

Olympus high: and duck againe as low,

As hell's from Heauen. If it were now to dye,

'Twere now to be most happy. For I feare,

My Soule hath her content so absolute,

That not another comfort like to this,

Succeedes in vnknowne Fate

Des. The Heauens forbid

But that our Loues

And Comforts should encrease

Euen as our dayes do grow

Othe. Amen to that (sweet Powers)

I cannot speake enough of this content,

It stoppes me heere: it is too much of ioy.

And this, and this the greatest discords be

That ere our hearts shall make

Iago. Oh you are well tun'd now: But Ile set downe

the peggs that make this Musicke, as honest as I am

Othe. Come: let vs to the Castle.

Newes (Friends) our Warres are done:

The Turkes are drown'd.

How do's my old Acquaintance of this Isle?

(Hony) you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus,

I haue found great loue among'st them. Oh my Sweet,

I prattle out of fashion, and I doate

In mine owne comforts. I prythee, good Iago,

Go to the Bay, and disimbarke my Coffers:

Bring thou the Master to the Cittadell,

He is a good one, and his worthynesse

Do's challenge much respect. Come Desdemona,

Once more well met at Cyprus.

Iago. Do thou meet me presently at the Harbour.

Come thither, if thou be'st Valiant, (as they say base men

being in Loue, haue then a Nobilitie in their Natures,

more then is natiue to them) list-me; the Lieutenant to

night watches on the Court of Guard. First, I must tell

thee this: Desdemona, is directly in loue with him

Rod. With him? Why, 'tis not possible

Iago. Lay thy finger thus: and let thy soule be instructed.

Marke me with what violence she first lou'd

the Moore, but for bragging, and telling her fantasticall

lies. To loue him still for prating, let not thy discreet

heart thinke it. Her eye must be fed. And what delight

shall she haue to looke on the diuell? When the Blood

is made dull with the Act of Sport, there should be a

game to enflame it, and to giue Satiety a fresh appetite.

Louelinesse in fauour, simpathy in yeares, Manners,

and Beauties: all which the Moore is defectiue in. Now

for want of these requir'd Conueniences, her delicate

tendernesse wil finde it selfe abus'd, begin to heaue the,

gorge, disrellish and abhorre the Moore, very Nature wil

instruct her in it, and compell her to some second choice.

Now Sir, this granted (as it is a most pregnant and vnforc'd

position) who stands so eminent in the degree of

this Fortune, as Cassio do's: a knaue very voluble: no

further conscionable, then in putting on the meere forme

of Ciuill, and Humaine seeming, for the better compasse

of his salt, and most hidden loose Affection? Why none,

why none: A slipper, and subtle knaue, a finder of occasion:

that he's an eye can stampe, and counterfeit Aduantages,

though true Aduantage neuer present it selfe.

A diuelish knaue: besides, the knaue is handsome, young:

and hath all those requisites in him, that folly and greene

mindes looke after. A pestilent compleat knaue, and the

woman hath found him already

Rodo. I cannot beleeue that in her, she's full of most

bless'd condition

Iago. Bless'd figges-end. The Wine she drinkes is

made of grapes. If shee had beene bless'd, shee would

neuer haue lou'd the Moore: Bless'd pudding. Didst thou

not see her paddle with the palme of his hand? Didst not

marke that?

Rod. Yes, that I did: but that was but curtesie

Iago. Leacherie by this hand: an Index, and obscure

prologue to the History of Lust and foule Thoughts.

They met so neere with their lippes, that their breathes

embrac'd together. Villanous thoughts Rodorigo, when

these mutabilities so marshall the way, hard at hand

comes the Master, and maine exercise, th' incorporate

conclusion: Pish. But Sir, be you rul'd by me. I haue

brought you from Venice. Watch you to night: for

the Command, Ile lay't vpon you. Cassio knowes you

not: Ile not be farre from you. Do you finde some occasion

to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or

tainting his discipline, or from what other course

you please, which the time shall more fauorably minister

Rod. Well

Iago. Sir, he's rash, and very sodaine in Choller: and

happely may strike at you, prouoke him that he may: for

euen out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to Mutiny.

Whose qualification shall come into no true taste againe,

but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you

haue a shorter iourney to your desires, by the meanes I

shall then haue to preferre them. And the impediment

most profitably remoued, without the which there were

no expectation of our prosperitie

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

Iago. I warrant thee. Meete me by and by at the

Cittadell. I must fetch his Necessaries a Shore. Farewell

Rodo. Adieu.

Iago. That Cassio loues her, I do well beleeu't:

That she loues him, 'tis apt, and of great Credite.

The Moore (howbeit that I endure him not)

Is of a constant, louing, Noble Nature,

And I dare thinke, he'le proue to Desdemona

A most deere husband. Now I do loue her too,

Not out of absolute Lust, (though peraduenture

I stand accomptant for as great a sin)

But partely led to dyet my Reuenge,

For that I do suspect the lustie Moore

Hath leap'd into my Seate. The thought whereof,

Doth (like a poysonous Minerall) gnaw my Inwardes:

And nothing can, or shall content my Soule

Till I am eeuen'd with him, wife, for wife.

Or fayling so, yet that I put the Moore,

At least into a Ielouzie so strong

That iudgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,

If this poore Trash of Venice, whom I trace

For his quicke hunting, stand the putting on,

Ile haue our Michael Cassio on the hip,

Abuse him to the Moore, in the right garbe

(For I feare Cassio with my Night-Cape too)

Make the Moore thanke me, loue me, and reward me,

For making him egregiously an Asse,

And practising vpon his peace, and quiet,

Euen to madnesse. 'Tis heere: but yet confus'd,

Knaueries plaine face, is neuer seene, till vs'd.

Scena Secunda.

Herald. It is Othello's pleasure, our Noble and Valiant

Generall. That vpon certaine tydings now arriu'd,

importing the meere perdition of the Turkish Fleete:

euery man put himselfe into Triumph. Some to daunce,

some to make Bonfires, each man, to what Sport and

Reuels his addition leads him. For besides these beneficiall

Newes, it is the Celebration of his Nuptiall. So

much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices

are open, & there is full libertie of Feasting from this

present houre of fiue, till the Bell haue told eleuen.

Blesse the Isle of Cyprus, and our Noble Generall Othello.

Othe. Good Michael, looke you to the guard to night.

Let's teach our selues that Honourable stop,

Not to out-sport discretion

Cas. Iago, hath direction what to do.

But notwithstanding with my personall eye

Will I looke to't

Othe. Iago, is most honest:

Michael, goodnight. To morrow with your earliest,

Let me haue speech with you. Come my deere Loue,

The purchase made, the fruites are to ensue,

That profit's yet to come 'tweene me, and you.

Goodnight.

Cas. Welcome Iago: we must to the Watch

Iago. Not this houre Lieutenant: 'tis not yet ten

o'th' clocke. Our Generall cast vs thus earely for the

loue of his Desdemona: Who, let vs not therefore blame;

he hath not yet made wanton the night with her: and

she is sport for Ioue

Cas. She's a most exquisite Lady

Iago. And Ile warrant her, full of Game

Cas. Indeed shes a most fresh and delicate creature

Iago. What an eye she ha's?

Me thinkes it sounds a parley to prouocation

Cas. An inuiting eye:

And yet me thinkes right modest

Iago. And when she speakes,

Is it not an Alarum to Loue?

Cas. She is indeed perfection

Iago. Well: happinesse to their Sheetes. Come Lieutenant,

I haue a stope of Wine, and heere without are a

brace of Cyprus Gallants, that would faine haue a measure

to the health of blacke Othello

Cas. Not to night, good Iago, I haue very poore,

and vnhappie Braines for drinking. I could well wish

Curtesie would inuent some other Custome of entertainment

Iago. Oh, they are our Friends: but one Cup, Ile

drinke for you

Cassio. I haue drunke but one Cup to night, and that

was craftily qualified too: and behold what inouation

it makes heere. I am infortunate in the infirmity, and

dare not taske my weakenesse with any more

Iago. What man? 'Tis a night of Reuels, the Gallants

desire it

Cas. Where are they?

Iago. Heere, at the doore: I pray you call them in

Cas. Ile do't, but it dislikes me.

Iago. If I can fasten but one Cup vpon him

With that which he hath drunke to night alreadie,

He'l be as full of Quarrell, and offence

As my yong Mistris dogge.

Now my sicke Foole Rodorigo,

Whom Loue hath turn'd almost the wrong side out,

To Desdemona hath to night Carrows'd.

Potations, pottle-deepe; and he's to watch.

Three else of Cyprus, Noble swelling Spirites,

(That hold their Honours in a wary distance,

The very Elements of this Warrelike Isle)

Haue I to night fluster'd with flowing Cups,

And they Watch too.

Now 'mongst this Flocke of drunkards

Am I put to our Cassio in some Action

That may offend the Isle. But here they come.

If Consequence do but approue my dreame,

My Boate sailes freely, both with winde and Streame

Cas. 'Fore heauen, they haue giuen me a rowse already

Mon. Good-faith a litle one: not past a pint, as I am a

Souldier

Iago. Some Wine hoa.

And let me the Cannakin clinke, clinke:

And let me the Cannakin clinke.

A Souldiers a man: Oh, mans life's but a span,

Why then let a Souldier drinke.

Some Wine Boyes

Cas. 'Fore Heauen: an excellent Song

Iago. I learn'd it in England: where indeed they are

most potent in Potting. Your Dane, your Germaine,

and your swag-belly'd Hollander, (drinke hoa) are

nothing to your English

Cassio. Is your Englishmen so exquisite in his drinking?