 | The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice |  |
Actus Tertius.
Scena Prima.
Enter Cassio, Musitians, and Clowne.Cassio.
Masters, play heere, I wil content your paines,
Something that's briefe: and bid, goodmorrow General.
Clo.
Why Masters, haue your Instruments bin in Naples,
that they speake i'th' Nose thus?
Mus.
How Sir? how?
Clo.
Are these I pray you, winde Instruments?
Mus.
I marry are they sir.
Clo.
Oh, thereby hangs a tale.
Mus.
Whereby hangs a tale, sir?
Clow.
Marry sir, by many a winde Instrument that I
know. But Masters, heere's money for you: and the Generall
so likes your Musick, that he desires you for loues
sake to make no more noise with it.
Mus.
Well Sir, we will not.
Clo.
If you haue any Musicke that may not be heard,
too't againe. But (as they say) to heare Musicke, the Generall
do's not greatly care.
Mus.
We haue none such, sir.
Clow.
Then put vp your Pipes in your bagge, for Ile
away. Go, vanish into ayre, away.
Exit Mu.
Cassio
Dost thou heare me, mine honest Friend?
Clo.
No, I heare not your honest Friend:
I heare you.
Cassio.
Prythee keepe vp thy Quillets, ther's a poore
peece of Gold for thee: if the Gentlewoman that attends
the Generall be stirring, tell her, there's one Cassio entreats
her a little fauour of Speech. Wilt thou do this?
Clo.
She is stirring sir: if she will stirre hither, I shall
seeme to notifie vnto her.
Enter Iago.
In happy time, Iago.
Iago.
You haue not bin a-bed then?
Cassio.
Why no: the day had broke before we parted.
I haue made bold (Iago) to send in to your wife:
My suite to her is, that she will to vertuous Desdemona
Procure me some accesse.
Iago.
Ile send her to you presently:
And Ile deuise a meane to draw the Moore
Out of the way, that your conuerse and businesse
May be more free.
Exit
Cassio.
I humbly thanke you for't. I neuer knew
A Florentine more kinde, and honest.
Enter Æmilia.
Æmil.
Goodmorrow (good Lieutenant) I am sorrie
For your displeasure: but all will sure be well.
The Generall and his wife are talking of it,
And she speakes for you stoutly. The Moore replies,
That he you hurt is of great Fame in Cyprus,
And great Affinitie: and that in wholsome Wisedome
He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loues you
And needs no other Suitor, but his likings
To bring you in againe.
Cassio.
Yet I beseech you,
If you thinke fit, or that it may be done.
Giue me aduantage of some breefe Discourse
With Desdemon alone.
Æmil.
Pray you come in:
I will bestow you where you shall haue time
To speake your bosome freely.
Cassio.
I am much bound to you.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen.Othe.
These Letters giue (Iago) to the Pylot,
And by him do my duties to the Senate:
That done, I will be walking on the Workes,
Repaire there to mee.
Iago.
Well, my good Lord, Ile doo't.
Oth.
This Fortification (Gentlemen) shall we see't?
Gent.
Well waite vpon your Lordship.
Exeunt
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Æmilia.Des.
Be thou assur'd (good Cassio) I will do
All my abilities in thy behalfe.
Æmil.
Good Madam do:
I warrant it greeues my Husband,
As if the cause were his.
Des.
Oh that's an honest Fellow, Do not doubt Cassio
But I will haue my Lord, and you againe
As friendly as you were.
Cassio.
Bounteous Madam,
What euer shall become of Michael Cassio,
He's neuer any thing but your true Seruant.
Des.
I know't: I thanke you: you do loue my Lord:
You haue knowne him long, and be you well assur'd
He shall in strangenesse stand no farther off,
Then in a politique distance.
Cassio.
I, but Lady,
That policie may either last so long,
Or feede vpon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breede it selfe so out of Circumstances,
That I being absent, and my place supply'd,
My Generall will forget my Loue, and Seruice.
Des.
Do not doubt that: before Æmilia here,
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If I do vow a friendship, Ile performe it
To the last Article. My Lord shall neuer rest,
Ile watch him tame, and talke him out of patience;
His Bed shall seeme a Schoole, his Boord a Shrift,
Ile intermingle euery thing he do's
With Cassio's suite: Therefore be merry Cassio,
For thy Solicitor shall rather dye,
Then giue thy cause away.
Enter Othello, and Iago.
Æmil.
Madam, heere comes my Lord.
Cassio.
Madam, Ile take my leaue.
Des.
Why stay, and heare me speake.
Cassio.
Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease,
Vnfit for mine owne purposes.
Des.
Well, do your discretion.
Exit Cassio.
Iago.
Hah? I like not that.
Othel.
What dost thou say?
Iago.
Nothing my Lord; or if—I know not what.
Othel.
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago.
Cassio my Lord? No sure, I cannot thinke it
That he would steale away so guilty-like,
Seeing your comming.
Oth.
I do beleeue 'twas he.
Des.
How now my Lord?
I haue bin talking with a Suitor heere,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Oth.
Who is't you meane?
Des.
Why your Lieutenant Cassio: Good my Lord,
If I haue any grace, or power to moue you,
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one, that truly loues you,
That erres in Ignorance, and not in Cunning,
I haue no iudgement in an honest face.
I prythee call him backe.
Oth.
Went he hence now?
Des.
I sooth; so humbled,
That he hath left part of his greefe with mee
To suffer with him. Good Loue, call him backe.
Othel.
Not now (sweet Desdemon) some other time.
Des.
But shall't be shortly?
Oth.
The sooner (Sweet) for you.
Des.
Shall't be to night, at Supper?
Oth.
No, not to night.
Des.
To morrow Dinner then?
Oth.
I shall not dine at home:
I meete the Captaines at the Cittadell.
Des.
Why then to morrow night, on Tuesday morne,
On Tuesday noone, or night; on Wensday Morne.
I prythee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three dayes. Infaith hee's penitent:
And yet his Trespasse, in our common reason
(Saue that they say the warres must make example)
Out of her best, is not almost a fault
T'encurre a priuate checke. When shall he come?
Tell me Othello. I wonder in my Soule
What you would aske me, that I should deny
Or stand so mam'ring on? What? Michael Cassio,
That came a woing with you? and so many a time
(When I haue spoke of you dispraisingly)
Hath tane your part, to haue so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much.
Oth.
Prythee no more: Let him come when he will:
I will deny thee nothing.
Des.
Why, this is not a Boone:
'Tis as I should entreate you weare your Gloues,
Or feede on nourishing dishes, or keepe you warme,
Or sue to you, to do a peculiar profit
To your owne person. Nay, when I haue a suite
Wherein I meane to touch your Loue indeed.
It shall be full of poize, and difficult waight,
And fearefull to be granted.
Oth.
I will deny thee nothing.
Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leaue me but a little to my selfe.
Des.
Shall I deny you? No: farewell my Lord.
Oth.
Farewell my Desdemona, Ile come to thee strait.
Des.
Æmilia come; be as your Fancies teach you:
What ere you be, I am obedient.
Exit.
Oth.
Excellent wretch: Perdition catch my Soule
But I do loue thee: and when I loue thee not,
Chaos is come againe.
Iago.
My Noble Lord.
Oth.
What dost thou say, Iago?
Iago.
Did Michael Cassio
When he woo'd my Lady, know of your loue?
Oth.
He did, from first to last:
Why dost thou aske?
Iago.
But for a satisfaction of my Thought,
No further harme.
Oth.
Why of thy thought, Iago?
Iago.
I did not thinke he had bin acquainted with hir.
Oth.
O yes, and went betweene vs very oft.
Iago.
Indeed?
Oth.
Indeed? I indeed. Discern'st thou ought in that?
Is he not honest?
Iago.
Honest, my Lord?
Oth.
Honest? I, Honest.
Iago.
My Lord, for ought I know.
Oth.
What do'st thou thinke?
Iago.
Thinke, my Lord?
Oth.
Thinke, my Lord? Alas, thou ecchos't me;
As if there were some Monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shewne. Thou dost mean somthing:
I heard thee say euen now, thou lik'st not that,
When Cassio left my wife. What didd'st not like?
And when I told thee, he was of my Counsaile,
Of my whole course of wooing; thou cried'st, Indeede?
And didd'st contract, and purse thy brow together,
As if thou then hadd'st shut vp in thy Braine
Some horrible Conceite. If thou do'st loue me,
Shew me thy thought.
Iago.
My Lord, you know I loue you.
Oth.
I thinke thou do'st:
And for I know thou'rt full of Loue, and Honestie,
And weigh'st thy words before thou giu'st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine, fright me the more:
For such things in a false disloyall Knaue
Are trickes of Custome: but in a man that's iust,
They're close dilations, working from the heart,
That Passion cannot rule.
Iago.
For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworne, I thinke that he is honest.
Oth.
I thinke so too.
Iago.
Men should be what they seeme,
Or those that be not, would they might seeme none.
Oth.
Certaine, men should be what they seeme.
Iago.
Why then I thinke Cassio's an honest man.
Oth.
Nay, yet there's more in this?
I prythee speake to me, as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and giue thy worst of thoughts
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Iago.
Good my Lord pardon me,
Though I am bound to euery Acte of dutie,
I am not bound to that: All Slaues are free:
Vtter my Thoughts? Why say, they are vild, and falce?
As where's that Palace, whereinto foule things
Sometimes intrude not? Who ha's that breast so pure,
Wherein vncleanly Apprehensions
Keepe Leetes, and Law-dayes, and in Sessions sit
With meditations lawfull?
Oth.
Thou do'st conspire against thy Friend (Iago)
If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and mak'st his eare
A stranger to thy Thoughts.
Iago.
I do beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my guesse
(As I confesse it is my Natures plague
To spy into Abuses, and of my iealousie
Shapes faults that are not) that your wisedome
From one, that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build your selfe a trouble
Out of his scattering, and vnsure obseruance:
It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
Nor for my Manhood, Honesty, and Wisedome,
To let you know my thoughts.
Oth.
What dost thou meane?
Iago.
Good name in Man, & woman (deere my Lord)
Is the immediate Iewell of their Soules;
Who steales my purse, steales trash:
'Tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has bin slaue to thousands:
But he that filches from me my good Name,
Robs me of that, which not enriches him,
And makes me poore indeed.
Oth.
Ile know thy Thoughts.
Iago.
You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whil'st 'tis in my custodie.
Oth.
Ha?
Iago.
Oh, beware my Lord, of iealousie,
It is the greene-ey'd Monster, which doth mocke
The meate it feeds on. That Cuckold liues in blisse,
Who certaine of his Fate, loues not his wronger:
But oh, what damned minutes tels he ore,
Who dotes, yet doubts: Suspects, yet soundly loues?
Oth.
O miserie.
Iago.
Poore, and Content, is rich, and rich enough,
But Riches finelesse, is as poore as Winter,
To him that euer feares he shall be poore:
Good Heauen, the Soules of all my Tribe defend
From Iealousie.
Oth.
Why? why is this?
Think'st thou, I'ld make a Life of Iealousie;
To follow still the changes of the Moone
With fresh suspitions? No: to be once in doubt,
Is to be resolu'd: Exchange me for a Goat,
When I shall turne the businesse of my Soule
To such exufflicate, and blow'd Surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me Iealious,
To say my wife is faire, feeds well, loues company,
Is free of Speech, Sings, Playes, and Dances:
Where Vertue is, these are more vertuous
Nor from mine owne weake merites, will I draw
The smallest feare, or doubt of her reuolt,
For she had eyes, and chose me. No Iago,
Ile see before I doubt; when I doubt, proue;
And on the proofe, there is no more but this,
Away at once with Loue, or Iealousie.
Ia.
I am glad of this: For now I shall haue reason
To shew the Loue and Duty that I beare you
With franker spirit. Therefore (as I am bound)
Receiue it from me. I speake not yet of proofe:
Looke to your wife, obserue her well with Cassio,
Weare your eyes, thus: not Iealious, nor Secure:
I would not haue your free, and Noble Nature,
Out of selfe-Bounty, be abus'd: Looke too't:
I know our Country disposition well:
In Venice, they do let Heauen see the prankes
They dare not shew their Husbands.
Their best Conscience,
Is not to leaue't vndone, but kept vnknowne.
Oth.
Dost thou say so?
Iago.
She did deceiue her Father, marrying you,
And when she seem'd to shake, and feare your lookes,
She lou'd them most.
Oth.
And so she did.
Iago.
Why go too then:
Shee that so young could giue out such a Seeming
To seele her Fathers eyes vp, close as Oake,
He thought 'twas Witchcraft.
But I am much too blame:
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much louing you.
Oth.
I am bound to thee for euer.
Iago.
I see this hath a little dash'd your Spirits:
Oth.
Not a iot, not a iot.
Iago.
Trust me, I feare it has:
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from your Loue.
But I do see y'are moou'd:
I am to pray you, not to straine my speech
To grosser issues, nor to larger reach,
Then to Suspition.
Oth.
I will not.
Iago.
Should you do so (my Lord)
My speech should fall into such vilde successe,
Which my Thoughts aym'd not.
Cassio's my worthy Friend:
My Lord I see y'are mou'd.
Oth.
No, not much mou'd:
I do not thinke but Desdemona's honest.
Iago.
Long liue she so;
And long liue you to thinke so.
Oth.
And yet how Nature erring from it selfe.
Iago.
I, there's the point:
As (to be bold with you)
Not to affect many proposed Matches
Of her owne Clime, Complexion, and Degree,
Whereto we see in all things, Nature tends:
Foh, one may smel in such, a will most ranke,
Foule disproportions, Thoughts vnnaturall.
But (pardon me) I do not in position
Distinctly speake of her, though I may feare
Her will, recoyling to her better iudgement,
May fal to match you with her Country formes,
And happily repent.
Oth.
Farewell, farewell:
If more thou dost perceiue, let me know more:
Set on thy wife to obserue.
Leaue me Iago.
Iago.
My Lord, I take my leaue.
Oth.
Why did I marry?
This honest Creature (doubtlesse)
Sees, and knowes more, much more then he vnfolds.
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My Lord, I would I might intreat your Honor
To scan this thing no farther: Leaue it to time,
Although 'tis fit that Cassio haue his Place;
For sure he filles it vp with great Ability;
Yet if you please, to him off a-while:
You shall by that perceiue him, and his meanes:
Note if your Lady straine his Entertainment
With any strong, or vehement importunitie,
Much will be seene in that: In the meane time,
Let me be thought too busie in my feares,
(As worthy cause I haue to feare I am)
And hold her free, I do beseech your Honor.
Oth.
Feare not my gouernment.
Iago.
I once more take my leaue.
Exit.
Oth.
This Fellow's of exceeding honesty,
And knowes all Quantities with a learn'd Spirit
Of humane dealings. If I do proue her Haggard,
Though that her Iesses were my deere heart-strings,
I'ld whistle her off, and let her downe the winde
To prey at Fortune. Haply, for I am blacke,
And haue not those soft parts of Conuersation
That Chamberers haue: Or for I am declin'd
Into the vale of yeares (yet that's not much)
Shee's gone. I am abus'd, and my releefe
Must be to loath her. Oh Curse of Marriage!
That we can call these delicate Creatures ours,
And not their Appetites? I had rather be a Toad,
And liue vpon the vapour of a Dungeon,
Then keepe a corner in the thing I loue
For others vses. Yet 'tis the plague to Great-ones,
Prerogatiu'd are they lesse then the Base,
'Tis destiny vnshunnable, like death:
Euen then, this forked plague is Fated to vs,
When we do quicken. Looke where she comes:
Enter Desdemona and Æmilia.
If she be false, Heauen mock'd it selfe:
Ile not beleeue't.
Des.
How now, my deere Othello?
Your dinner, and the generous Islanders
By you inuited, do attend your presence.
Oth.
I am too blame.
Des.
Why do you speake so faintly?
Are you not well?
Oth.
I haue a paine vpon my Forehead, heere.
Des.
Why that's with watching, 'twill away againe.
Let me but binde it hard, within this houre
It will be well.
Oth.
Your Napkin is too little:
Let it alone: Come, Ile go in with you.
Exit.
Des.
I am very sorry that you are not well.
Æmil.
I am glad I haue found this Napkin:
This was her first remembrance from the Moore,
My wayward Husband hath a hundred times
Woo'd me to steale it. But she so loues the Token,
(For he coniur'd her, she should euer keepe it)
That she reserues it euermore about her,
To kisse, and talke too. Ile haue the worke tane out,
And giu't Iago: what he will do with it
Heauen knowes, not I:
I nothing, but to please his Fantasie.
Enter Iago.
Iago.
How now? What do you heere alone?
Æmil.
Do not you chide: I haue a thing for you.
Iago.
You haue a thing for me?
It is a common thing—
Æmil.
Hah?
Iago.
To haue a foolish wife.
Æmil.
Oh, is that all? What will you giue me now
For that same Handkerchiefe.
Iago.
What Handkerchiefe?
Æmil.
What Handkerchiefe?
Why that the Moore first gaue to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steale.
Iago.
Hast stolne it from her?
Æmil.
No: but she let it drop by negligence,
And to th'aduantage, I being heere, took't vp:
Looke, heere 'tis.
Iago.
A good wench, giue it me.
Æmil.
What will you do with't, that you haue bene
so earnest to haue me filch it?
Iago.
Why, what is that to you?
Æmil.
If it be not for some purpose of import,
Giu't me againe. Poore Lady, shee'l run mad
When she shall lacke it.
Iago.
Be not acknowne on't:
I haue vse for it. Go, leaue me.
Exit Æmil.
I will in Cassio's Lodging loose this Napkin,
And let him finde it. Trifles light as ayre,
Are to the iealious, confirmations strong,
As proofes of holy Writ. This may do something.
The Moore already changes with my poyson:
Dangerous conceites, are in their Natures poysons,
Which at the first are scarse found to distaste:
But with a little acte vpon the blood,
Burne like the Mines of Sulphure. I did say so.
Enter Othello.
Looke where he comes: Not Poppy, nor Mandragora,
Nor all the drowsie Syrrups of the world
Shall euer medicine thee to that sweete sleepe
Which thou owd'st yesterday.
Oth.
Ha, ha, false to mee?
Iago.
Why how now Generall? No more of that.
Oth.
Auant, be gone: Thou hast set me on the Racke:
I sweare 'tis better to be much abus'd,
Then but to know't a little.
Iago.
How now, my Lord?
Oth.
What sense had I, in her stolne houres of Lust?
I saw't not, thought it not: it harm'd not me:
I slept the next night well, fed well, was free, and merrie.
I found not Cassio's kisses on her Lippes:
He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stolne,
Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all.
Iago.
I am sorry to heare this?
Oth.
I had beene happy, if the generall Campe,
Pyoners and all, had tasted her sweet Body,
So I had nothing knowne. Oh now, for euer
Farewell the Tranquill minde; farewell Content;
Farewell the plumed Troopes, and the bigge Warres,
That makes Ambition, Vertue! Oh farewell;
Farewell the neighing Steed, and the shrill Trumpe,
The Spirit-stirring Drum, th'Eare-piercing Fife,
The Royall Banner, and all Qualitie,
Pride, Pompe, and Circumstance of glorious Warre:
And O you mortall Engines, whose rude throates
Th'immortall Ioues dread Clamours, counterfet,
Farewell: Othello's Occupation's gone.
Iago.
Is't possible my Lord?
Oth.
Villaine, be sure thou proue my Loue a Whore;
Be sure of it: Giue me the Occular proofe,
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Thou had'st bin better haue bin borne a Dog
Then answer my wak'd wrath.
Iago.
Is't come to this?
Oth.
Make me so see't: or (at the least) so proue it,
That the probation beare no Hindge, nor Loope,
To hang a doubt on: Or woe vpon thy life.
Iago.
My Noble Lord.
Oth.
If thou dost slander her, and torture me,
Neuer pray more: Abandon all remorse
On Horrors head, Horrors accumulate:
Do deeds to make Heauen weepe, all Earth amaz'd;
For nothing canst thou to damnation adde,
Greater then that.
Iago.
O Grace! O Heauen forgiue me!
Are you a Man? Haue you a Soule? or Sense?
God buy you: take mine Office. Oh wretched Foole,
That lou'st to make thine Honesty, a Vice!
Oh monstrous world! Take note, take note (O World)
To be direct and honest, is not safe.
I thanke you for this profit, and from hence
Ile loue no Friend, sith Loue breeds such offence.
Oth.
Nay stay: thou should'st be honest.
Iago.
I should be wise; for Honestie's a Foole,
And looses that it workes for.
Oth.
By the World,
I thinke my Wife be honest, and thinke she is not:
I thinke that thou art iust, and thinke thou art not:
Ile haue some proofe. My name that was as fresh
As Dians Visage, is now begrim'd and blacke
As mine owne face. If there be Cords, or Kniues,
Poyson, or Fire, or suffocating streames,
Ile not indure it. Would I were satisfied.
Iago.
I see you are eaten vp with Passion:
I do repent me, that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
Oth.
Would? Nay, and I will.
Iago.
And may; but how? How satisfied, my Lord?
Would you the super-vision grossely gape on?
Behold her top'd?
Oth.
Death, and damnation. Oh!
Iago.
It were a tedious difficulty, I thinke,
To bring them to that Prospect: Damne them then,
If euer mortall eyes do see them boulster
More then their owne. What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where's Satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as Goates, as hot as Monkeyes,
As salt as Wolues in pride, and Fooles as grosse
As Ignorance, made drunke. But yet, I say,
If imputation, and strong circumstances,
Which leade directly to the doore of Truth,
Will giue you satisfaction, you might haue't.
Oth.
Giue me a liuing reason she's disloyall.
Iago.
I do not like the Office.
But sith I am entred in this cause so farre
(Prick'd too't by foolish Honesty, and Loue)
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,
And being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleepe. There are a kinde of men,
So loose of Soule, that in their sleepes will mutter
Their Affayres: one of this kinde is Cassio:
In sleepe I heard him say, sweet Desdemona,
Let vs be wary, let vs hide our Loues,
And then (Sir) would he gripe, and wring my hand:
Cry, oh sweet Creature: then kisse me hard,
As if he pluckt vp kisses by the rootes,
That grew vpon my lippes, laid his Leg ore my Thigh,
And sigh, and kisse, and then cry cursed Fate,
That gaue thee to the Moore.
Oth.
O monstrous! monstrous!
Iago.
Nay, this was but his Dreame.
Oth.
But this denoted a fore-gone conclusion,
'Tis a shrew'd doubt, though it be but a Dreame.
Iago,
And this may helpe to thicken other proofes,
That do demonstrate thinly.
Oth.
Ile teare her all to peeces.
Iago.
Nay yet be wise; yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet: Tell me but this,
Haue you not sometimes seene a Handkerchiefe
Spotted with Strawberries, in your wiues hand?
Oth.
I gaue her such a one: 'twas my first gift.
Iago.
I know not that: but such a Handkerchiefe
(I am sure it was your wiues) did I to day
See Cassio wipe his Beard with.
Oth.
If it be that.
Iago.
If it be that, or any, it was hers.
It speakes against her with the other proofes.
Othel.
O that the Slaue had forty thousand liues:
One is too poore, too weake for my reuenge.
Now do I see 'tis true. Looke heere Iago,
All my fond loue thus do I blow to Heauen. 'Tis gone.
Arise blacke vengeance, from the hollow hell,
Yeeld vp (O Loue) thy Crowne, and hearted Throne
To tyrannous Hate. Swell bosome with thy fraught,
For 'tis of Aspickes tongues.
Iago.
Yet be content.
Oth.
Oh blood, blood, blood.
Iago.
Patience I say: your minde may change.
Oth.
Neuer Iago. Like to the Ponticke Sea,
Whose Icie Current, and compulsiue course,
Neu'r keepes retyring ebbe, but keepes due on
To the Proponticke, and the Hellespont:
Euen so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace
Shall neu'r looke backe, neu'r ebbe to humble Loue,
Till that a capeable, and wide Reuenge
Swallow them vp. Now by yond Marble Heauen,
In the due reuerence of a Sacred vow,
I heere engage my words.
Iago.
Do not rise yet:
Witnesse you euer-burning Lights aboue,
You Elements, that clip vs round about,
Witnesse that heere Iago doth giue vp
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wrong'd Othello's Seruice. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody businesse euer.
Oth.
I greet thy loue,
Not with vaine thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,
And will vpon the instant put thee too't.
Within these three dayes let me heare thee say,
That Cassio's not aliue.
Iago.
My Friend is dead:
'Tis done at your Request.
But let her liue.
Oth.
Damne her lewde Minx:
O damne her, damne her.
Come go with me a-part, I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift meanes of death
For the faire Diuell.
Now art thou my Lieutenant.
Iago.
I am your owne for euer.
Exeunt.
327
Scæna Quarta.
Enter Desdemona, Æmilia, and Clown.Des.
Do you know Sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio
lyes?
Clow.
I dare not say he lies any where.
Des.
Why man?
Clo.
He's a Soldier, and for me to say a Souldier lyes,
'tis stabbing.
Des.
Go too: where lodges he?
Clo.
To tell you where he lodges, is to tel you where
I lye.
Des.
Can any thing be made of this?
Clo.
I know not where he lodges, and for mee to deuise
a lodging, and say he lies heere, or he lies there, were
to lye in mine owne throat.
Des.
Can you enquire him out? and be edified by report?
Clo.
I will Catechize the world for him, that is, make
Questions, and by them answer.
Des.
Seeke him, bidde him come hither: tell him, I
haue moou'd my Lord on his behalfe, and hope all will
be well.
Clo.
To do this, is within the compasse of mans Wit,
and therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Des.
Where should I loose the Handkerchiefe, Æmilia?
Æmil.
I know not Madam.
Des.
Beleeue me, I had rather haue lost my purse
Full of Cruzadoes. And but my Noble Moore
Is true of minde, and made of no such basenesse,
As iealious Creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill-thinking.
Æmil.
Is he not iealious?
Des.
Who, he? I thinke the Sun where he was borne,
Drew all such humors from him.
Æmil.
Looke where he comes.
Enter Othello.
Des.
I will not leaue him now, till Cassio be
Call'd to him. How is't with you, my Lord?
Oth.
Well my good Lady. Oh hardnes to dissemble!
How do you, Desdemona?
Des.
Well, my good Lord.
Oth.
Giue me your hand.
This hand is moist my Lady.
Des.
It hath felt no age, nor knowne no sorrow.
Oth.
This argues fruitfulnesse, and liberall heart:
Hot, hot, and moyst. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from Liberty: Fasting, and Prayer,
Much Castigation, Exercise deuout,
For heere's a yong, and sweating Diuell heere
That commonly rebels: 'Tis a good hand,
A franke one.
Des.
You may (indeed) say so:
For 'twas that hand that gaue away my heart.
Oth.
A liberall hand. The hearts of old, gaue hands:
But our new Heraldry is hands, not hearts.
Des.
I cannot speake of this:
Come, now your promise.
Oth.
What promise, Chucke?
Des.
I haue sent to bid Cassio come speake with you.
Oth.
I haue a salt and sorry Rhewme offends me:
Lend me thy Handkerchiefe.
Des.
Heere my Lord.
Oth.
That which I gaue you.
Des.
I haue it not about me.
Oth.
Not?
Des.
No indeed, my Lord.
Oth.
That's a fault: That Handkerchiefe
Did an Ægyptian to my Mother giue:
She was a Charmer, and could almost read
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it,
'T would make her Amiable, and subdue my Father
Intirely to her loue; But if she lost it,
Or made a Guift of it, my Fathers eye
Should hold her loathed, and his Spirits should hunt
After new Fancies. She dying, gaue it me,
And bid me (when my Fate would haue me Wiu'd)
To giue it her. I did so; and take heede on't,
Make it a Darling, like your precious eye:
To loose't, or giue't away, were such perdition,
As nothing else could match.
Des.
Is't possible?
Oth.
'Tis true: There's Magicke in the web of it:
A Sybill that had numbred in the world
The Sun to course, two hundred compasses,
In her Prophetticke furie sow'd the Worke:
The Wormes were hallowed, that did breede the Silke,
And it was dyde in Mummey, which the Skilfull
Conseru'd of Maidens hearts.
Des.
Indeed? Is't true?
Oth.
Most veritable, therefore looke too't well.
Des.
Then would to Heauen, that I had neuer seene't?
Oth.
Ha? wherefore?
Des.
Why do you speake so startingly, and rash?
Oth.
Is't lost? Is't gon? Speak, is't out o'th' way?
Des.
Blesse vs.
Oth.
Say you?
Des.
It is not lost: but what and if it were?
Oth.
How?
Des.
I say it is not lost.
Oth.
Fetcht, let me see't.
Des.
Why so I can: but I will not now:
This is a tricke to put me from my suite,
Pray you let Cassio be receiu'd againe.
Oth.
Fetch me the Handkerchiefe,
My minde mis-giues.
Des.
Come, come: you'l neuer meete a more sufficient
man.
Oth.
The Handkerchiefe.
Des.
A man that all his time
Hath founded his good Fortunes on your loue;
Shar'd dangers with you.
Oth.
The Handkerchiefe.
Des.
Insooth, you are too blame.
Oth.
Away.
Exit Othello.
Æmil.
Is not this man iealious?
Des.
I neu'r saw this before.
Sure, there's some wonder in this Handkerchikfe,
I am most vnhappy in the losse of it.
Æmil.
'Tis not a yeare or two shewes vs a man:
They are all but Stomackes; and we all but Food,
They eate vs hungerly, and when they are full
They belch vs.
Enter Iago, and Cassio.
Looke you, Cassio and my Husband.
Iago.
There is no other way: 'tis she must doo't:
And loe the happinesse: go, and importune her.
328
How now (good Cassio) what's the newes with
you?
Cassio.
Madam, my former suite. I do beseech you,
That by your vertuous meanes, I may againe
Exist, and be a member of his loue,
Whom I, with all the Office of my heart
Intirely honour, I would not be delayd.
If my offence, be of such mortall kinde,
That nor my Seruice past, nor present Sorrowes,
Nor purpos'd merit in futurity,
Can ransome me into his loue againe,
But to know so, must be my benefit:
So shall I cloath me in a forc'd content,
And shut my selfe vp in some other course
To Fortunes Almes.
Des.
Alas (thrice-gentle Cassio)
My Aduocation is not now in Tune;
My Lord, is not my Lord; nor should I know him,
Were he in Fauour, as in Humour alter'd.
So helpe me euery spirit sanctified,
As I haue spoken for you all my best,
And stood within the blanke of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient:
What I can do, I will: and more I will
Then for my selfe, I dare. Let that suffice you.
Iago.
Is my Lord angry?
Æmil.
He went hence but now:
And certainly in strange vnquietnesse.
Iago.
Can he be angry? I haue seene the Cannon
When it hath blowne his Rankes into the Ayre,
And like the Diuell from his very Arme
Puff't his owne Brother: And is he angry?
Something of moment then: I will go meet him,
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry.
Exit
Des.
I prythee do so. Something sure of State,
Either from Venice, or some vnhatch'd practise
Made demonstrable heere in Cyprus, to him,
Hath pudled his cleare Spirit: and in such cases,
Mens Natures wrangle with inferiour things,
Though great ones are their obiect. 'Tis euen so.
For let our finger ake, and it endues
Our other healthfull members, euen to a sense
Of paine. Nay, we must thinke men are not Gods,
Nor of them looke for such obseruancie
As fits the Bridall. Beshrew me much, Æmilia,
I was (vnhandsome Warrior, as I am)
Arraigning his vnkindnesse with my soule:
But now I finde, I had suborn'd the Witnesse,
And he's Indited falsely.
Æmil.
Pray heauen it bee
State matters, as you thinke, and no Conception,
Nor no Iealious Toy, concerning you.
Des.
Alas the day, I neuer gaue him cause.
Æmil.
But Iealious soules will not be answer'd so;
They are not euer iealious for the cause,
But iealious, for they're iealious. It is a Monster
Begot vpon it selfe, borne on it selfe.
Des.
Heauen keepe the Monster from Othello's mind.
Æmil.
Lady, Amen.
Des.
I will go seeke him. Cassio, walke heere about:
If I doe finde him fit, Ile moue your suite,
And seeke to effect it to my vttermost.
Exit
Cas.
I humbly thanke your Ladyship.
Enter Bianca.
Bian.
'Saue you (Friend Cassio.)
Cassio.
What make you from home?
How is't with you, my most faire Bianca?
Indeed (sweet Loue) I was comming to your house.
Bian.
And I was going to your Lodging, Cassio.
What? keepe a weeke away? Seuen dayes, and Nights?
Eight score eight houres? And Louers absent howres
More tedious then the Diall, eight score times?
Oh weary reck'ning.
Cassio.
Pardon me, Bianca:
I haue this while with leaden thoughts beene prest,
But I shall in a more continuate time
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca
Take me this worke out.
Bianca.
Oh Cassio, whence came this?
This is some Token from a newer Friend,
To the felt-Absence: now I feele a Cause:
Is't come to this? Well, well.
Cassio.
Go too, woman:
Throw your vilde gesses in the Diuels teeth,
From whence you haue them. You are iealious now,
That this is from some Mistris, some remembrance;
No, in good troth Bianca.
Bian.
Why, who's is it?
Cassio.
I know not neither:
I found it in my Chamber,
I like the worke well; Ere it be demanded
(As like enough it will) I would haue it coppied:
Take it, and doo't, and leaue me for this time.
Bian.
Leaue you? Wherefore?
Cassio.
I do attend heere on the Generall,
And thinke it no addition nor my wish
To haue him see me woman'd.
Bian.
Why, I pray you?
Cassio.
Not that I loue you not.
Bian.
But that you do not loue me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little,
And say, if I shall see you soone at night?
Cassio.
'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend heere: But Ile see you soone.
Bian.
'Tis very good. I must be circumstanc'd.
Exeunt omnes.
| The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice | |