 | The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice |  |
Actus Quartus.
Scena Prima.
Enter Othello, and Iago.Iago.
Will you thinke so?
Oth.
Thinke so, Iago?
Iago.
What, to kisse in priuate?
Oth.
An vnauthoriz'd kisse?
Iago.
Or to be naked with her Friend in bed,
An houre, or more, not meaning any harme?
Oth.
Naked in bed (Iago) and not meane harme?
It is hypocrisie against the Diuell:
They that meane vertuously, and yet do so,
The Diuell their vertue tempts, and they tempt Heauen.
Iago.
If they do nothing, 'tis a Veniall slip:
But if I giue my wife a Handkerchiefe.
Oth.
What then?
Iago.
Why then 'tis hers (my Lord) and being hers,
She may (I thinke) bestow't on any man.
Oth.
She is Protectresse of her honor too:
May she giue that?
Her honor is an Essence that's not seene,
They haue it very oft, that haue it not.
But for the Handkerchiefe.
Othe.
By heauen, I would most gladly haue forgot it:
Thou saidst (oh, it comes ore my memorie,
As doth the Rauen o're the infectious house:
Boading to all) he had my Handkerchiefe.
Iago.
I: what of that?
Othe.
That's not so good now.
Iag.
What if I had said, I had seene him do you wrong?
Or heard him say (as Knaues be such abroad,
Who hauing by their owne importunate suit,
Or voluntary dotage of some Mistris,
Conuinced or supply'd them cannot chuse
But they must blab.)
Oth.
Hath he said any thing?
Iago.
He hath (my Lord) but be you well assur'd,
No more then he'le vn-sweare.
Oth.
What hath he said?
Iago.
Why, that he did: I know not what he did.
Othe.
What? What?
Iago.
Lye.
Oth.
With her?
Iago.
With her? On her: what you will.
Othe.
Lye with her? lye on her? We say lye on her,
when they be-lye-her. Lye with her: that's fullsome:
Handkerchiefe: Confessions: Handkerchiefe. To confesse,
and be hang'd for his labour. First, to be hang'd,
and then to confesse: I tremble at it. Nature would not
inuest her selfe in such shadowing passion, without some
Instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus, (pish)
Noses, Eares, and Lippes: is't possible. Confesse? Handkerchiefe?
O diuell.
Falls in a Traunce.
Iago.
Worke on,
My Medicine workes. Thus credulous Fooles are caught,
And many worthy, and chast Dames euen thus,
(All guiltlesse) meete reproach; what hoa? My Lord?
My Lord, I say: Othello.
Enter Cassio.
How now Cassio?
Cas.
What's the matter?
Iago.
My Lord is falne into an Epilepsie,
This is his second Fit: he had one yesterday.
Cas.
Rub him about the Temples.
Iago.
The Lethargie must haue his quyet course:
If not, he foames at mouth: and by and by
Breakes out to sauage madnesse. Looke, he stirres:
Do you withdraw your selfe a little while,
He will recouer straight: when he is gone,
I would on great occasion, speake with you.
How is it Generall? Haue you not hurt your head?
Othe.
Dost thou mocke me?
Iago.
I mocke you not, by Heauen:
Would you would beare your Fortune like a Man.
Othe.
A Horned man's a Monster, and a Beast.
Iago.
Ther's many a Beast then in a populous Citty,
And many a ciuill Monster.
Othe.
Did he confesse it?
Iago.
Good Sir, be a man:
Thinke euery bearded fellow that's but yoak'd
May draw with you. There's Millions now aliue,
That nightly lye in those vnproper beds,
Which they dare sweare peculiar. Your case is better.
Oh, 'tis the spight of hell, the Fiends Arch-mock,
To lip a wanton in a secure Cowch;
And to suppose her chast. No, let me know,
And knowing what I am, I know what she shallbe.
Oth.
Oh, thou art wise: 'tis certaine.
Iago.
Stand you a while apart,
Confine your selfe but in a patient List,
Whil'st you were heere, o're-whelmed with your griefe
(A passion most resulting such a man)
Cassio came hither. I shifted him away,
And layd good scuses vpon your Extasie,
Bad him anon returne: and heere speake with me,
The which he promis'd. Do but encaue your selfe,
And marke the Fleeres, the Gybes, and notable Scornes
That dwell in euery Region of his face.
For I will make him tell the Tale anew;
Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when
He hath, and is againe to cope your wife.
I say, but marke his gesture: marry Patience,
Or I shall say y'are all in all in Spleene,
And nothing of a man.
Othe.
Do'st thou heare, Iago,
I will be found most cunning in my Patience:
But (do'st thou heare) most bloody.
Iago.
That's not amisse,
But yet keepe time in all: will you withdraw?
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,
A Huswife that by selling her desires
Buyes her selfe Bread, and Cloath. It is a Creature
That dotes on Cassio, (as 'tis the Strumpets plague
To be-guile many, and be be-guil'd by one)
He, when he heares of her, cannot restraine
From the excesse of Laughter. Heere he comes.
Enter Cassio.
As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad:
And his vnbookish Ielousie must conserue
Poore Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behauiours
Quite in the wrong. How do you Lieutenant?
Cas.
The worser, that you giue me the addition,
Whose want euen killes me.
Iago.
Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't:
Now, if this Suit lay in Bianca's dowre,
How quickely should you speed?
Cas.
Alas poore Caitiffe.
Oth.
Looke how he laughes already.
Iago.
I neuer knew woman loue man so.
Cas.
Alas poore Rogue, I thinke indeed she loues me.
Oth.
Now he denies it faintly: and laughes it out.
Iago.
Do you heare Cassio?
Oth.
Now he importunes him
To tell it o're: go too, well said, well said.
Iago.
She giues it out, that you shall marry her.
Do you intend it?
Cas.
Ha, ha, ha.
Oth.
Do ye triumph, Romaine? do you triumph?
Cas.
I marry. What? A customer; prythee beare
Some Charitie to my wit, do not thinke it
So vnwholesome. Ha, ha, ha.
Oth.
So, so, so, so: they laugh, that winnes.
Iago.
Why the cry goes, that you marry her.
Cas.
Prythee say true.
Iago.
I am a very Villaine else.
Oth.
Haue you scoar'd me? Well.
Cas.
This is the Monkeys owne giuing out:
She is perswaded I will marry her
Out of her owne loue & flattery, not out of my promise.
Iago becomes me: now he begins the story.
Cassio.
She was heere euen now: she haunts me in euery
place. I was the other day talking on the Sea-banke
with certaine Venetians, and thither comes the
Bauble, and falls me thus about my neck.
Oth.
Crying oh deere Cassio, as it were: his iesture imports
it.
Cassio.
So hangs, and lolls, and weepes vpon me:
So shakes, and pulls me. Ha, ha, ha.
Oth.
Now he tells how she pluckt him to my Chamber:
oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dogge, I
shall throw it to.
Cassio.
Well, I must leaue her companie.
Iago.
Before me: looke where she comes.
Enter Bianca.
Cas
'Tis such another Fitchew: marry a perfum'd one?
What do you meane by this haunting of me?
Bian.
Let the diuell, and his dam haunt you: what
did you meane by that same Handkerchiefe, you gaue
me euen now? I was a fine Foole to take it: I must take
out the worke? A likely piece of worke, that you should
finde it in your Chamber, and know not who left it there.
This is some Minxes token, & I must take out the worke?
There, giue it your Hobbey-horse, wheresoeuer you had
it, Ile take out no worke on't.
Cassio.
How now, my sweete Bianca?
How now? How now?
Othe.
By Heauen, that should be my Handkerchiefe.
Bian.
If you'le come to supper to night you may, if
you will not, come when you are next prepar'd for.
Exit
Iago.
After her: after her.
Cas.
I must, shee'l rayle in the streets else.
Iago.
Will you sup there?
Cassio.
Yes, I intend so.
Iago.
Well, I may chance to see you: for I would very
faine speake with you.
Cas
Prythee come: will you?
Iago.
Go too: say no more.
Oth.
How shall I murther him, Iago.
Iago.
Did you perceiue how he laugh'd at his vice?
Oth.
Oh, Iago.
Iago.
And did you see the Handkerchiefe?
Oth.
Was that mine?
Iago.
Yours by this hand: and to see how he prizes
the foolish woman your wife: she gaue it him, and he
hath giu'n it his whore.
Oth.
I would haue him nine yeeres a killing:
A fine woman, a faire woman, a sweete woman?
Iago.
Nay, you must forget that.
Othello.
I, let her rot and perish, and be damn'd to
night, for she shall not liue. No, my heart is turn'd to
stone: I strike it, and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world
hath not a sweeter Creature: she might lye by an Emperours
side, and command him Taskes.
Iago.
Nay, that's not your way.
Othe.
Hang her, I do but say what she is: so delicate
with her Needle: an admirable Musitian. Oh she will
sing the Sauagenesse out of a Beare: of so high and plenteous
wit, and inuention?
Iago.
She's the worse for all this.
Othe.
Oh, a thousand, a thousand times:
And then of so gentle a condition?
Iago.
I too gentle.
Othe.
Nay that's certaine:
But yet the pitty of it, Iago: oh Iago, the pitty of it
Iago.
Iago.
If you are so fond ouer her iniquitie: giue her
pattent to offend, for if it touch not you, it comes neere
no body.
Oth.
I will chop her into Messes: Cuckold me?
Iago.
Oh, 'tis foule in her.
Oth.
With mine Officer?
Iago.
That's fouler.
Othe.
Get me some poyson, Iago, this night. Ile not
expostulate with her: least her body and beautie vnprouide
my mind againe: this night Iago.
Iago.
Do it not with poyson, strangle her in her bed,
Euen the bed she hath contaminated.
Oth.
Good, good:
The Iustice of it pleases: very good.
Iago.
And for Cassio, let me be his vndertaker:
You shall heare more by midnight.
Enter Lodouico, Desdemona, and Attendants.
Othe.
Excellent good: What Trumpet is that same?
Iago.
I warrant something from Venice,
'Tis Lodouico this, comes from the Duke.
See, your wife's with him.
Lodo.
Saue you worthy Generall.
Othe
With all my heart Sir.
Lod.
The Duke, and the Senators of Venice greet you.
Othe.
I kisse the Instrument of their pleasures.
Des.
And what's the newes, good cozen Lodouico?
Iago.
I am very glad to see you Signior:
Welcome to Cyprus.
Lod.
I thanke you: how do's Lieutenant Cassio?
Iago.
Liues Sir,
Des.
Cozen, there's falne betweene him, & my Lord,
An vnkind breach: but you shall make all well.
Othe.
Are you sure of that?
Des.
My Lord?
Othe.
This faile you not to do, as you will—
Lod.
He did not call: he's busie in the paper,
Is there deuision 'twixt my Lord, and Cassio?
Des.
A most vnhappy one: I would do much
T'attone them, for the loue I beare to Cassio.
Oth.
Fire, and brimestone.
Des.
My Lord.
Oth.
Are you wise?
Des.
What is he angrie?
Lod.
May be th Letter mou'd him.
For as I thinke, they do command him home,
Deputing Cassio in his Gouernment.
Des.
Trust me, I am glad on't.
Othe.
Indeed?
Des.
My Lord?
Othe.
I am glad to see you mad.
Des.
Why, sweete Othello?
Othe.
Diuell.
Des.
I haue not deseru'd this.
Lod.
My Lord, this would not be beleeu'd in Venice,
Though I should sweare I saw't. 'Tis very much,
Make her amends: she weepes.
Othe.
Oh diuell, diuell:
If that the Earth could teeme with womans teares,
Each drop she falls, would proue a Crocodile:
Out of my sight.
Des.
I will not stay to offend you.
Lod.
Truely obedient Lady:
I do beseech your Lordship call her backe.
Mistris.
Des.
My Lord.
Othe.
What would you with her, Sir?
Lod.
Who I, my Lord?
Othe.
I, you did wish, that I would make her turne:
Sir, she can turne, and turne: and yet go on
And turne againe. And she can weepe, Sir, weepe.
And she's obedient: as you say obedient.
Very obedient: proceed you in your teares.
Concerning this Sir, (oh well-painted passion)
I am commanded home: get you away:
Ile send for you anon. Sir I obey the Mandate,
And will returne to Venice. Hence, auaunt:
Cassio shall haue my Place. And Sir, to night
I do entreat, that we may sup together.
You are welcome Sir to Cyprus.
Goates, and Monkeys.
Exit.
Lod.
Is this the Noble Moore, whom our full Senate
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the Nature
Whom Passion could not shake? Whose solid vertue
The shot of Accident, nor dart of Chance
Could neither graze, nor pierce?
Iago.
He is much chang'd.
Lod.
Are his wits safe? Is he not light of Braine?
Iago.
He's that he is: I may not breath my censure.
What he might be: if what he might, he is not,
I would to heauen he were.
Lod.
What? Strike his wife?
Iago.
'Faith that was not so well: yet would I knew
That stroke would proue the worst.
Lod.
Is it his vse?
Or did the Letters, worke vpon his blood,
And new create his fault?
Iago.
Alas, alas:
It is not honestie in me to speake
What I haue seene, and knowne. You shall obserue him,
And his owne courses will deonte him so,
That I may saue my speech: do but go after
And marke how he continues.
Lod.
I am sorry that I am deceiu'd in him.
Exeunt.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Othello, and Æmilia.Othe.
You haue seene nothing then?
Æmil.
Nor euer heard: nor euer did suspect.
Othe.
Yes, you haue seene Cassio, and she together.
Æmi.
But then I saw no harme: and then I heard,
Each syllable that breath made vp betweene them.
Othe.
What? Did they neuer whisper?
Æmil.
Neuer my Lord.
Othe.
Nor send you out o'th' way?
Æmil.
Neuer.
Othe.
To fetch her Fan, her Gloues, her Mask, nor nothing?
Æmil.
Neuer my Lord.
Othe.
That's strange.
Æmil.
I durst (my Lord) to wager, she is honest:
Lay downe my Soule at stake: If you thinke other,
Remoue your thought. It doth abuse your bosome:
If any wretch haue put this in your head,
Let Heauen requit it with the Serpents curse,
For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There's no man happy. The purest of their Wiues
Is foule as Slander.
Othe.
Bid her come hither: go.
Exit Æmilia.
She saies enough: yet she's a simple Baud
That cannot say as much. This is a subtile Whore:
A Closset Locke and Key of Villanous Secrets,
And yet she'le kneele, and pray: I haue seene her do't.
Enter Desdemona, and Æmilia.
Des.
My Lord, what is your will?
Othe.
Pray you Chucke come hither.
Des.
What is your pleasure?
Oth.
Let me see your eyes: looke in my face.
Des.
What horrible Fancie's this?
Othe.
Some of your Function Mistris:
Leaue Procreants alone, and shut the doore:
Cough, or cry hem; if any body come:
Your Mystery, your Mystery: May dispatch.
Exit Æmi.
Des.
Vpon my knee, what doth your speech import?
I vnderstand a Fury in your words.
Othe.
Why? What art thou?
Des.
Your wife my Lord: your true and loyall wife.
Othello.
Come sweare it: damne thy selfe, least
being like one of Heauen, the diuells themselues should
feare to ceaze thee. Therefore be double damn'd: sweare
thou art honest.
Des.
Heauen doth truely know it.
Othe.
Heauen truely knowes, that thou art false as hell.
Des.
To whom my Lord?
With whom? How am I false?
Othe.
Ah Desdemon, away, away, away.
Des.
Alas the heauy day: why do you weepe?
Am I the motiue of these teares my Lord?
If happely you my Father do suspect,
An Instrument of this your calling backe,
Lay not your blame on me: if you haue lost him,
I haue lost him too.
Othe.
Had it pleas'd Heauen,
To try me with Affliction, had they rain'd
All kind of Sores, and Shames on my bare-head:
Steep'd me in pouertie to the very lippes.
Giuen to Captiuitie, me, and my vtmost hopes,
I should haue found in some place of my Soule
A drop of patience. But alas, to make me
The fixed Figure for the time of Scorne,
To point his slow, and mouing finger at.
Yet could I beare that too, well, very well:
But there where I haue garnerd vp my heart,
Where either I must liue, or beare no life,
The Fountaine from the which my currant runnes,
Or else dries vp: to be discarded thence,
Or keepe it as a Cesterne, for foule Toades
To knot and gender in. Turne thy complexion there:
Patience, thou young and Rose-lip'd Cherubin,
I heere looke grim as hell.
Des.
I hope my Noble Lord esteemes me honest.
Othe.
Oh I, as Sommer Flyes are in the Shambles,
That quicken euen with blowing. Oh thou weed:
Who art so louely faire, and smell'st so sweete,
That the Sense akes at thee,
Would thou had'st neuer bin borne.
Des.
Alas, what ignorant sin haue I committed?
Othe.
Was this faire Paper? This most goodly Booke
Made to write Whore vpon? What commited,
I should make very Forges of my cheekes,
That would to Cynders burne vp Modestie.
Did I but speake thy deedes. What commited?
Heauen stoppes the Nose at it, and the Moone winks:
The baudy winde that kisses all it meetes,
Is hush'd within the hollow Myne of Earth
And will not hear't. What commited?
Des.
By Heauen you do me wrong.
Othe.
Are not you a Strumpet?
Des.
No, as I am a Christian.
If to preserue this vessell for my Lord,
From any other foule vnlawfull touch
Be not to be a Strumpet, I am none.
Othe.
What, not a Whore?
Des.
No, as I shall be sau'd.
Othe.
Is't possible?
Des.
Oh Heauen forgiue vs.
Othe.
I cry you mercy then.
I tooke you for that cunning Whore of Venice,
That married with Othello. You Mistris,
Enter Æmilia.
That haue the office opposite to Saint Peter,
And keepes the gate of hell. You, you: I you.
We haue done our course: there's money for your paines:
I pray you turne the key, and keepe our counsaile.
Exit.
Æmil.
Alas, what do's this Gentleman conceiue?
How do you Madam? how do you my good Lady?
Des.
Faith, halfe a sleepe.
Æmi.
Good Madam,
What's the matter with my Lord?
Des.
With who?
Æmil.
Why, with my Lord, Madam?
Des.
Who is thy Lord?
Æmil.
He that is yours, sweet Lady.
Des.
I haue none: do not talke to me, Æmilia,
I cannot weepe: nor answeres haue I none,
But what should go by water. Prythee to night,
Lay on my bed my wedding sheetes, remember,
And call thy husband hither.
Æmil.
Heere's a change indeed.
Exit.
Des.
'Tis meete I should be vs'd so: very meete.
How haue I bin behau'd, that he might sticke
The small'st opinion on my least misvse?
Enter Iago, and Æmilia.
Iago.
What is your pleasure Madam?
How is't with you?
Des.
I cannot tell: those that do teach yong Babes
Do it with gentle meanes, and easie taskes
He might haue chid me so: for in good faith
I am a Child to chiding.
Iago.
What is the matter Lady?
Æmil.
Alas (Iago) my Lord hath so bewhor'd her,
Throwne such dispight, and heauy termes vpon her
That true hearts cannot beare it.
Des.
Am I that name, Iago?
Iago.
What name (faire Lady?)
Des.
Such as she said my Lord did say I was.
Æmil.
He call'd her whore: a Begger in his drinke:
Could not haue laid such termes vpon his Callet.
Iago.
Why did he so?
Des.
I do not know: I am sure I am none such.
Iago.
Do not weepe, do not weepe: alas the day.
Æmil.
Hath she forsooke so many Noble Matches?
Her Father? And her Country? And her Friends?
To be call'd Whore? Would it not make one weepe?
Des.
It is my wretched Fortune.
Iago.
Beshrew him for't:
How comes this Tricke vpon him?
Des.
Nay, Heauen doth know.
Æmi.
I will be hang'd, if some eternall Villaine,
Some busie and insinuating Rogue,
Some cogging, cozening Slaue, to get some Office,
Haue not deuis'd this Slander: I will be hang'd else.
Iago.
Fie, there is no such man: it is impossible.
Des.
If any such there be, Heauen pardon him.
Æmil.
A halter pardon him:
And hell gnaw his bones.
Why should he call her Whore?
Who keepes her companie?
What Place? What Time?
What Forme? What liklyhood?
The Moore's abus'd by some most villanous Knaue,
Some base notorious Knaue, some scuruy Fellow.
Oh Heauens, that such companions thou'd'st vnfold,
And put in euery honest hand a whip
To lash the Rascalls naked through the world,
Euen from the East to th'West.
Iago.
Speake within doore.
Æmil.
Oh fie vpon them: some such Squire he was
That turn'd your wit, the seamy-side without,
And made you to suspect me with the Moore.
Iago.
You are a Foole: go too.
Des.
Alas Iago,
What shall I do to win my Lord againe?
Good Friend, go to him: for by this light of Heauen,
I know not how I lost him, Heere I kneele:
If ere my will did trespasse 'gainst his Loue,
Either in discourse of thought, or actuall deed,
Or that mine Eyes, mine Eares, or any Sence
Delighted them: or any other Forme.
Or that I do not yet, and euer did,
And euer will, (though he do shake me off
To beggerly diuorcement) Loue him deerely,
Comfort forsweare me. Vnkindnesse may do much,
And his vnkindnesse may defeat my life,
But neuer taynt my Loue. I cannot say Whore,
It do's abhorre me now I speake the word,
To do the Act, that might the addition earne,
Not the worlds Masse of vanitie could make me.
Iago.
I pray you be content: 'tis but his humour:
The businesse of the State do's him offence.
Des.
If't were no other.
Iago.
It is but so, I warrant,
Hearke how these Instruments summon to supper:
The Messengers of Venice staies the meate,
Go in, and weepe not: all things shall be well.
Exeunt Desdemona and Æmilia.
Enter Rodorigo.
How now Rodorigo?
Rod.
I do not finde
That thou deal'st iustly with me.
Iago.
What in the contrarie?
Rodori.
Euery day thou dafts me with some deuise
Iago, and rather, as it seemes to me now, keep'st from
me all conueniencie, then suppliest me with the least aduantage
of hope: I will indeed no longer endure it. Nor
am I yet perswaded to put vp in peace, what already I
haue foolishly suffred.
Iago.
Will you heare me Rodorigo?
I haue heard too much: and your words and
Performances are no kin together.
Iago.
You charge me most vniustly.
Rodo.
With naught but truth: I haue wasted my
selfe out of my meanes. The Iewels you haue had from
me to deliuer Desdemona, would halfe haue corrupted a
Votarist. You haue told me she hath receiu'd them,
and return'd me expectations and comforts of sodaine
respect, and acquaintance, but I finde none.
Iago.
Well, go too: very well.
Rod.
Very well go too: I cannot go too, (man) not
tis not very well. Nay I think it is scuruy: and begin to
finde my selfe fopt in it.
Iago.
Very well.
Rodor.
I tell you, 'tis not very well: I will make my
selfe knowne to Desdemona. If she will returne me my
Iewels, I will giue ouer my Suit, and repent my vnlawfull
solicitation. If not, assure your selfe, I will seeke
satisfaction of you.
Iago.
You haue said now.
Rodo.
I: and said nothing but what I protest intendment
of doing.
Iago.
Why, now I see there's mettle in thee: and
euen from this instant do build on thee a better opinion
then euer before: giue me thy hand Rodorigo.
Thou hast taken against me a most iust exception:
but yet I protest I haue dealt most directly in thy
Affaire.
Rod.
It hath not appeer'd.
Iago.
I grant indeed it hath not appeer'd: and
your suspition is not without wit and iudgement.
But Rodorigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which
I haue greater reason to beleeue now then euer (I
meane purpose, Courage, and Valour) this night
shew it. If thou the next night following enioy not
Desdemona, take me from this world with Treacherie,
and deuise Engines for my life.
Rod.
Well: what is it? Is it within, reason and compasse?
Iago.
Sir, there is especiall Commission come from
Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place.
Rod.
Is that true? Why then Othello and Desdemona
returne againe to Venice.
Iago.
Oh no: he goes into Mauritania and taketh
away with him the faire Desdemona, vnlesse his abode
be lingred heere by some accident. Wherein
none can be so determinate, as the remouing of
Cassio.
Rod.
How do you meane remouing him?
Iago.
Why, by making him vncapable of Othello's
place: knocking out his braines.
Rod.
And that you would haue me to do.
Iago.
I: if you dare do your selfe a profit, and a
right. He sups to night with a Harlotry: and thither
will I go to him. He knowes not yet of his Honourable
Fortune, if you will watch his going thence (which
I will fashion to fall out betweene twelue and one)
you may take him at your pleasure. I will be neere
to second your Attempt, and he shall fall betweene
vs. Come, stand not amaz'd at it, but go along with
me: I will shew you such a necessitie in his death, that
you shall thinke your selfe bound to put it on him. It
is now high supper time: and the night growes to wast.
About it.
Rod.
I will heare further reason for this.
Iago.
And you shalbe satisfi'd.
Exeunt.
Scena Tertia.
Enter Othello, Lodouico, Desdemona Æmilia, and Atendants.Lod.
I do beseech you Sir, trouble your selfe no further.
Oth.
Oh pardon me: 'twill do me good to walke.
Lodoui.
Madam, good night: I humbly thanke your
Ladyship.
Des.
Your Honour is most welcome.
Oth.
Will you walke Sir? Oh Desdemona.
Des.
My Lord.
Othello.
Get you to bed on th'instant, I will be return'd
forthwith: dismisse your Attendant there: look't
be done.
Exit.
Des.
I will my Lord.
Æm.
How goes it now? He lookes gentler then he did.
Des.
He saies he will returne incontinent,
And hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bid me to dismisse you.
Æmi.
Dismisse me?
Des.
It was his bidding: therefore good Æmilia,
Giue me my nightly wearing and adieu.
We must not now displease him.
Æmil.
I, would you had neuer seene him.
Des.
So would not I: my loue doth so approue him,
That euen his stubbornesse, his checks, his frownes,
(Prythee vn-pin me) haue grace and fauour.
Æmi.
I haue laid those Sheetes you bad me on the bed.
Des.
All's one: good Father, how foolish are our minds?
If I do die before, prythee shrow'd me
In one of these same Sheetes.
Æmil
Come, come: you talke.
Des.
My Mother had a Maid call'd Barbarie,
She was in loue: and he she lou'd prou'd mad,
And did forsake her. She had a Song of Willough,
An old thing 'twas: but it express'd her Fortune,
And she dy'd singing it. That Song to night,
Will not go from my mind. I haue much to do,
But to go hang my head all at one side
And sing it like poore Brabarie: prythee dispatch.
Æmi.
Shall I go fetch your Night-gowne?
Des.
No, vn-pin me here,
This Lodouico is a proper man.
Æmil.
A very handsome man.
Des.
He speakes well.
Æmil.
I know a Lady in Venice would haue walk'd
barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.
Des.
Sing all a greene Willough:
Her hand on her bosome her head on her knee,
Sing Willough, Willough, Willough.
The fresh Streames ran by her, and murmur'd her moanes
Sing Willough, &c.
Her salt teares fell from her, and softned the stones,
Sing Willough, &c.
Let no body blame him, his scorne I approue.
Æmil.
It's the wind.
Des.
Sing Willough, &c.
If I court mo women, you'le couch with mo men.
Doth that boade weeping?
Æmil,
'Tis neyther heere, nor there.
Des.
I haue heard it said so. O these Men, these men!
Do'st thou in conscience thinke (tell me Æmilia)
That there be women do abuse their husbands
In such grosse kinde?
Æmil.
There be some such, no question.
Des.
Would'st thou do such a deed for all the world?
Æmil.
Why, would not you?
Des.
No, by this Heauenly light.
Æmil.
Nor I neither, by this Heauenly light:
I might doo't as well i'th' darke.
Des.
Would'st thou do such a deed for al the world?
Æmil.
The world's a huge thing:
It is a great price, for a small vice.
Des.
Introth, I thinke thou would'st not.
Æmil.
Introth I thinke I should, and vndoo't when
I had done. Marry, I would not doe such a thing for a
ioynt Ring, nor for measures of Lawne, nor for Gownes,
Petticoats, nor Caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for
all the whole world: why, who would not make her husband
a Cuckold, to make him a Monarch? I should venture
Purgatory for't.
Des.
Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong
For the whole world.
Æmil.
Why, the wrong is but a wrong i'th' world;
and hauing the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in
your owne world, and you might quickly make it right.
Des.
I do not thinke there is any such woman.
Æmil.
Yes, a dozen: and as many to'th' vantage, as
would store the world they plaid for.
If Wiues do fall: (Say, that they slacke their duties,
And powre our Treasures into forraigne laps;
Or else breake out in peeuish Iealousies,
Throwing restraint vpon vs: Or say they strike vs,
Or scant our former hauing in despight)
Why we haue galles: and though we haue some Grace,
Yet haue we some Reuenge. Let Husbands know,
Their wiues haue sense like them: They see, and smell,
And haue their Palats both for sweet, and sowre,
As Husbands haue. What is it that they do,
When they change vs for others? Is it Sport?
I thinke it is: and doth Affection breed it?
I thinke it doth. Is't Frailty that thus erres?
It is so too. And haue not we Affections?
Desires for Sport? and Frailty, as men haue?
Then let them vse vs well: else let them know,
The illes we do, their illes instruct vs so.
Des.
Good night, good night:
Heauen me such vses send,
Not to picke bad, from bad; but by bad, mend.
Exeunt
| The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice | |