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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Modern Text |
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Enter DESDEMONA , CASSIO , and EMILIA
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Enter DESDEMONA , CASSIO , and EMILIA
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DESDEMONA Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do
All my abilities in thy behalf.
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DESDEMONA Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do
All my abilities in thy behalf.
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EMILIA Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband
As if the cause were his.
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EMILIA Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband
As if the cause were his.
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DESDEMONA 5 Oh, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were.
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DESDEMONA Oh, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were.
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CASSIO Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He’s never anything but your true servant.
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CASSIO Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He’s never anything but your true servant.
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DESDEMONA 10 I know ’t, I thank you. You do love my lord.
You have known him long, and be you well assured
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off
Than in a polite distance.
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DESDEMONA I know ’t, I thank you. You do love my lord.
You have known him long, and be you well assured
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off
Than in a polite distance.
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CASSIO Ay, but, lady,
That policy may either last so long,
15 Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstances,
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
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CASSIO Ay, but, lady,
That policy may either last so long,
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstances,
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
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DESDEMONA Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here
20 I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it
To the last article. My lord shall never rest,
I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience.
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DESDEMONA Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here
I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it
To the last article. My lord shall never rest,
I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience.
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His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift,
25 I’ll intermingle everything he does
With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
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His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift,
I’ll intermingle everything he does
With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
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Enter OTHELLO and IAGO
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Enter OTHELLO and IAGO
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EMILIA Madam, here comes my lord.
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EMILIA Madam, here comes my lord.
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CASSIO Madam, I’ll take my leave.
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CASSIO Madam, I’ll take my leave.
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DESDEMONA Why, stay and hear me speak.
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DESDEMONA Why, stay and hear me speak.
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CASSIO 30 Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.
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CASSIO Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.
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DESDEMONA Well, do your discretion.
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DESDEMONA Well, do your discretion.
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Exit CASSIO
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Exit CASSIO
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IAGO Ha! I like not that.
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IAGO Ha! I like not that.
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OTHELLO What dost thou say?
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OTHELLO What dost thou say?
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IAGO 35 Nothing, my lord, or if—I know not what.
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IAGO Nothing, my lord, or if—I know not what.
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OTHELLO Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
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OTHELLO Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
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IAGO Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guilty-like
Seeing you coming.
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IAGO Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guilty-like
Seeing you coming.
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OTHELLO 40 I do believe ’twas he.
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OTHELLO I do believe ’twas he.
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DESDEMONA How now, my lord?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
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DESDEMONA How now, my lord?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
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OTHELLO Who is ’t you mean?
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OTHELLO Who is ’t you mean?
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DESDEMONA Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,
45 If I have any grace or power to move you
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one that truly loves you,
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgment in an honest face.
50 I prithee, call him back.
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DESDEMONA Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,
If I have any grace or power to move you
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one that truly loves you,
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgment in an honest face.
I prithee, call him back.
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OTHELLO Went he hence now?
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OTHELLO Went he hence now?
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DESDEMONA Ay, sooth, so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
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DESDEMONA Ay, sooth, so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
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OTHELLO 55 Not now, sweet Desdemona. Some other time.
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OTHELLO Not now, sweet Desdemona. Some other time.
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DESDEMONA But shall ’t be shortly?
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DESDEMONA But shall ’t be shortly?
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OTHELLO The sooner, sweet, for you.
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OTHELLO The sooner, sweet, for you.
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DESDEMONA Shall ’t be tonight at supper?
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DESDEMONA Shall ’t be tonight at supper?
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OTHELLO No, not tonight.
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OTHELLO No, not tonight.
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DESDEMONA Tomorrow dinner, then?
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DESDEMONA Tomorrow dinner, then?
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OTHELLO I shall not dine at home,
I meet the captains at the citadel.
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OTHELLO I shall not dine at home,
I meet the captains at the citadel.
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DESDEMONA 60 Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn.
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn.
I prithee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent,
And yet his trespass, in our common reason
65 (Save that, they say, the wars must make example
Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault
T' incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny
70 Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much—
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DESDEMONA Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn.
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn.
I prithee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent,
And yet his trespass, in our common reason
(Save that, they say, the wars must make example
Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault
T' incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny
Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much—
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OTHELLO 75 Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will,
I will deny thee nothing.
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OTHELLO Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will,
I will deny thee nothing.
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DESDEMONA Why, this is not a boon,
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
80 To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
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DESDEMONA Why, this is not a boon,
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
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OTHELLO I will deny thee nothing!
Whereon I do beseech thee, grant me this,
85 To leave me but a little to myself.
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OTHELLO I will deny thee nothing!
Whereon I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leave me but a little to myself.
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DESDEMONA Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord.
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DESDEMONA Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord.
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OTHELLO Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight.
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OTHELLO Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight.
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DESDEMONA Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies teach you.
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
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DESDEMONA Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies teach you.
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
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Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
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Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
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OTHELLO 90 Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not
Chaos is come again.
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OTHELLO Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not
Chaos is come again.
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IAGO My noble lord—
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IAGO My noble lord—
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OTHELLO What dost thou say, Iago?
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OTHELLO What dost thou say, Iago?
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IAGO 95 Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady,
Know of your love?
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IAGO Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady,
Know of your love?
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OTHELLO He did, from first to last.
Why dost thou ask?
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OTHELLO He did, from first to last.
Why dost thou ask?
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IAGO But for a satisfaction of my thought,
100 No further harm.
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IAGO But for a satisfaction of my thought,
No further harm.
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OTHELLO Why of thy thought, Iago?
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OTHELLO Why of thy thought, Iago?
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IAGO I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
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IAGO I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
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OTHELLO Oh, yes, and went between us very oft.
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OTHELLO Oh, yes, and went between us very oft.
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IAGO Indeed?
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IAGO Indeed?
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OTHELLO Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern’st thou aught in that?
105 Is he not honest?
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OTHELLO Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern’st thou aught in that?
Is he not honest?
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IAGO Honest, my lord?
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IAGO Honest, my lord?
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OTHELLO Honest, ay, honest.
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OTHELLO Honest, ay, honest.
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IAGO My lord, for aught I know.
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IAGO My lord, for aught I know.
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OTHELLO What dost thou think?
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OTHELLO What dost thou think?
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IAGO Think, my lord?
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IAGO Think, my lord?
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OTHELLO As if there were some monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.
I heard thee say even now thou lik’st not that
When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?
115 And when I told thee he was of my counsel
Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried’st “Indeed?”
And didst contract and purse thy brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me
120 Show me thy thought.
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OTHELLO As if there were some monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.
I heard thee say even now thou lik’st not that
When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?
And when I told thee he was of my counsel
Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried’st “Indeed?”
And didst contract and purse thy brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me
Show me thy thought.
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IAGO My lord, you know I love you.
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IAGO My lord, you know I love you.
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OTHELLO I think thou dost.
And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
125 Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just
They are close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.
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OTHELLO I think thou dost.
And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just
They are close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.
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IAGO For Michael Cassio,
130 I dare be sworn, I think, that he is honest.
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IAGO For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn, I think, that he is honest.
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OTHELLO I think so too.
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OTHELLO I think so too.
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IAGO Men should be what they seem,
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
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IAGO Men should be what they seem,
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
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OTHELLO Certain, men should be what they seem.
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OTHELLO Certain, men should be what they seem.
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IAGO Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.
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IAGO Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.
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OTHELLO 135 Nay, yet there’s more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
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OTHELLO Nay, yet there’s more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
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IAGO Good my lord, pardon me,
Though I am bound to every act of duty
140 I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,
As where’s that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure
Wherein uncleanly apprehensions
145 Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit
With meditations lawful?
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IAGO Good my lord, pardon me,
Though I am bound to every act of duty
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,
As where’s that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure
Wherein uncleanly apprehensions
Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit
With meditations lawful?
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OTHELLO Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
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OTHELLO Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
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IAGO I do beseech you,
150 Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,
As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
155 Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
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IAGO I do beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,
As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
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Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom
To let you know my thoughts.
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Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom
To let you know my thoughts.
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OTHELLO What dost thou mean?
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OTHELLO What dost thou mean?
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IAGO 160 Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:
'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.
But he that filches from me my good name
165 Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
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IAGO Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:
'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
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OTHELLO I’ll know thy thoughts.
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OTHELLO I’ll know thy thoughts.
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IAGO You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody.
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IAGO You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody.
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OTHELLO Ha!
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OTHELLO Ha!
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IAGO 170 Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger,
But, oh, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
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IAGO Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger,
But, oh, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
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OTHELLO Oh, misery!
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OTHELLO Oh, misery!
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IAGO Poor and content is rich, and rich enough,
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
180 Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
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IAGO Poor and content is rich, and rich enough,
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
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OTHELLO Why, why is this?
Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt
185 Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
190 Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances.
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous.
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,
For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago,
195 I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,
And on the proof there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!
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OTHELLO Why, why is this?
Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt
Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances.
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous.
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,
For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago,
I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,
And on the proof there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!
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IAGO I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
200 With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio.
Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature
205 Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to ’t.
I know our country disposition well.
In Venice they do let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands. Their best conscience
Is not to leave ’t undone, but keep’t unknown.
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IAGO I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio.
Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature
Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to ’t.
I know our country disposition well.
In Venice they do let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands. Their best conscience
Is not to leave ’t undone, but keep’t unknown.
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OTHELLO 210 Dost thou say so?
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OTHELLO Dost thou say so?
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IAGO She did deceive her father, marrying you,
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
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IAGO She did deceive her father, marrying you,
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
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OTHELLO And so she did.
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OTHELLO And so she did.
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IAGO Why, go to then.
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming,
215 To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak,
He thought ’twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame.
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
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IAGO Why, go to then.
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming,
To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak,
He thought ’twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame.
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
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OTHELLO I am bound to thee forever.
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OTHELLO I am bound to thee forever.
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IAGO I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
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IAGO I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
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OTHELLO 220 Not a jot, not a jot.
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OTHELLO Not a jot, not a jot.
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IAGO Trust me, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you’re moved.
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
225 Than to suspicion.
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IAGO Trust me, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you’re moved.
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
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OTHELLO I will not.
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OTHELLO I will not.
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IAGO Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio’s my worthy friend—
230 My lord, I see you’re moved.
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IAGO Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio’s my worthy friend—
My lord, I see you’re moved.
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OTHELLO No, not much moved.
I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.
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OTHELLO No, not much moved.
I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.
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IAGO Long live she so. And long live you to think so.
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IAGO Long live she so. And long live you to think so.
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OTHELLO And yet how nature, erring from itself—
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OTHELLO And yet how nature, erring from itself—
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IAGO Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you,
235 Not to affect many proposèd matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends—
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural.
240 But—pardon me—I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
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IAGO Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposèd matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends—
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural.
But—pardon me—I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
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OTHELLO Farewell, farewell.
245 If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
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OTHELLO Farewell, farewell.
If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
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IAGO My lord, I take my leave. (going)
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IAGO My lord, I take my leave. (going)
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OTHELLO (aside) Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
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OTHELLO (aside) Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
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IAGO To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure, he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,
255 You shall by that perceive him and his means.
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
|
IAGO To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure, he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,
You shall by that perceive him and his means.
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
|
|
With any strong or vehement importunity.
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears—
260 As worthy cause I have to fear I am—
And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.
|
With any strong or vehement importunity.
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears—
As worthy cause I have to fear I am—
And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.
|
|
OTHELLO Fear not my government.
|
OTHELLO Fear not my government.
|
|
IAGO I once more take my leave.
|
IAGO I once more take my leave.
|
|
Exit
|
Exit
|
|
OTHELLO This fellow’s of exceeding honesty
And knows all quantities, with a learnèd spirit,
265 Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,
I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
270 That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years—yet that’s not much—
She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
275 And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet ’tis the plague to great ones,
Prerogatived are they less than the base.
280 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forkèd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look where she comes.
|
OTHELLO This fellow’s of exceeding honesty
And knows all quantities, with a learnèd spirit,
Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,
I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years—yet that’s not much—
She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet ’tis the plague to great ones,
Prerogatived are they less than the base.
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forkèd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look where she comes.
|
|
Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
|
If she be false, heaven mocked itself.
I’ll not believe ’t.
|
If she be false, heaven mocked itself.
I’ll not believe ’t.
|
|
DESDEMONA How now, my dear Othello?
285 Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
|
DESDEMONA How now, my dear Othello?
Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
|
|
OTHELLO I am to blame.
|
OTHELLO I am to blame.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
|
DESDEMONA Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
|
|
OTHELLO 290 I have a pain upon my forehead, here.
|
OTHELLO I have a pain upon my forehead, here.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why that’s with watching, ’twill away again.
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well. (pulls out a handkerchief)
|
DESDEMONA Why that’s with watching, ’twill away again.
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well. (pulls out a handkerchief)
|
|
OTHELLO Your napkin is too little,
295 Let it alone.
|
OTHELLO Your napkin is too little,
Let it alone.
|
|
Her handkerchief drops
|
Her handkerchief drops
|
|
Come, I’ll go in with you.
|
Come, I’ll go in with you.
|
|
DESDEMONA I am very sorry that you are not well.
|
DESDEMONA I am very sorry that you are not well.
|
|
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA
|
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA
|
|
EMILIA (picks up the handkerchief)
I am glad I have found this napkin,
300 This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
|
EMILIA (picks up the handkerchief)
I am glad I have found this napkin,
This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
|
|
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)
That she reserves it evermore about her
And give ’t Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
|
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)
That she reserves it evermore about her
And give ’t Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
|
|
Enter IAGO
|
Enter IAGO
|
|
IAGO How now! What do you here alone?
|
IAGO How now! What do you here alone?
|
|
EMILIA 310 Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.
|
EMILIA Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.
|
|
IAGO A thing for me? It is a common thing—
|
IAGO A thing for me? It is a common thing—
|
|
EMILIA Ha?
|
EMILIA Ha?
|
|
IAGO To have a foolish wife.
|
IAGO To have a foolish wife.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, is that all? What will you give me now
315 For the same handkerchief?
|
EMILIA Oh, is that all? What will you give me now
For the same handkerchief?
|
|
IAGO What handkerchief?
|
IAGO What handkerchief?
|
|
EMILIA What handkerchief?
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
|
EMILIA What handkerchief?
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
|
|
IAGO 320 Hast stolen it from her?
|
IAGO Hast stolen it from her?
|
|
EMILIA No, but she let it drop by negligence
And, to th' advantage, I being here, took ’t up.
Look, here it is.
|
EMILIA No, but she let it drop by negligence
And, to th' advantage, I being here, took ’t up.
Look, here it is.
|
|
IAGO A good wench, give it me.
|
IAGO A good wench, give it me.
|
|
EMILIA What will you do with ’t, that you have been so earnest
325 To have me filch it?
|
EMILIA What will you do with ’t, that you have been so earnest
To have me filch it?
|
|
IAGO Why, what is that to you?
|
IAGO Why, what is that to you?
|
|
EMILIA If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give ’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run mad
When she shall lack it.
|
EMILIA If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give ’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run mad
When she shall lack it.
|
|
IAGO Be not acknown on ’t,
330 I have use for it. Go, leave me.
|
IAGO Be not acknown on ’t,
I have use for it. Go, leave me.
|
|
Exit EMILIA
|
Exit EMILIA
|
|
I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
335 The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood
Burn like the mines of sulfur.
|
I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood
Burn like the mines of sulfur.
|
|
Enter OTHELLO
|
Enter OTHELLO
|
|
I did say so.
340 Look, where he comes. Not poppy nor mandragora
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
|
I did say so.
Look, where he comes. Not poppy nor mandragora
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
|
|
OTHELLO Ha! Ha! False to me?
|
OTHELLO Ha! Ha! False to me?
|
|
IAGO Why, how now, general? No more of that.
|
IAGO Why, how now, general? No more of that.
|
|
OTHELLO 345 Avaunt! Be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Than but to know ’t a little.
|
OTHELLO Avaunt! Be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Than but to know ’t a little.
|
|
IAGO How now, my lord!
|
IAGO How now, my lord!
|
|
OTHELLO What sense had I in her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw ’t not, thought it not, it harmed not me.
350 I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry.
I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all.
|
OTHELLO What sense had I in her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw ’t not, thought it not, it harmed not me.
I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry.
I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all.
|
|
IAGO I am sorry to hear this.
|
IAGO I am sorry to hear this.
|
|
OTHELLO 355 I had been happy if the general camp,
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. Oh, now forever
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Farewell the plumèd troops and the big wars
360 That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
365 And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dead clamors counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone.
|
OTHELLO I had been happy if the general camp,
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. Oh, now forever
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Farewell the plumèd troops and the big wars
That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dead clamors counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone.
|
|
IAGO Is ’t possible, my lord?
|
IAGO Is ’t possible, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,
370 Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof
Or by the worth of mine eternal soul
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath!
|
OTHELLO Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,
Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof
Or by the worth of mine eternal soul
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath!
|
|
IAGO Is ’t come to this?
|
IAGO Is ’t come to this?
|
|
OTHELLO Make me to see ’t, or at the least so prove it
375 That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
|
OTHELLO Make me to see ’t, or at the least so prove it
That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
|
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
|
OTHELLO If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse.
380 On horror’s head horrors accumulate,
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed,
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
|
OTHELLO If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse.
On horror’s head horrors accumulate,
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed,
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
|
|
IAGO Oh, grace! Oh, heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?
385 God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool
That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit, and from hence
|
IAGO Oh, grace! Oh, heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?
God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool
That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit, and from hence
|
|
OTHELLO Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest.
|
OTHELLO Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest.
|
|
IAGO I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool
And loses that it works for.
|
IAGO I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool
And loses that it works for.
|
|
OTHELLO By the world,
I think my wife be honest and think she is not.
395 I think that thou art just and think thou art not.
I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives,
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,
400 I’ll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
|
OTHELLO By the world,
I think my wife be honest and think she is not.
I think that thou art just and think thou art not.
I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives,
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,
I’ll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
|
|
IAGO I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
|
IAGO I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
|
|
OTHELLO Would? Nay, and I will.
|
OTHELLO Would? Nay, and I will.
|
|
IAGO And may, but how? How satisfied, my lord?
405 Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,
Behold her topped?
|
IAGO And may, but how? How satisfied, my lord?
Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,
Behold her topped?
|
|
OTHELLO Death and damnation! Oh!
|
OTHELLO Death and damnation! Oh!
|
|
IAGO It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
410 More than their own! What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
415 As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances
Which lead directly to the door of truth
Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.
|
IAGO It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
More than their own! What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances
Which lead directly to the door of truth
Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.
|
|
OTHELLO Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.
|
OTHELLO Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.
|
|
IAGO 420 I do not like the office.
But, sith I am entered in this cause so far,
Pricked to ’t by foolish honesty and love,
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately
And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
425 I could not sleep. There are a kind of men
So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter
|
IAGO I do not like the office.
But, sith I am entered in this cause so far,
Pricked to ’t by foolish honesty and love,
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately
And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleep. There are a kind of men
So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter
|
|
Their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio.
In sleep I heard him say “Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves.”
430 And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry “O sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard,
As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips, lay his leg
Over my thigh, and sigh, and kiss, and then
|
Their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio.
In sleep I heard him say “Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves.”
And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry “O sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard,
As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips, lay his leg
Over my thigh, and sigh, and kiss, and then
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, monstrous! Monstrous!
|
OTHELLO Oh, monstrous! Monstrous!
|
|
IAGO Nay, this was but his dream.
|
IAGO Nay, this was but his dream.
|
|
OTHELLO But this denoted a foregone conclusion.
|
OTHELLO But this denoted a foregone conclusion.
|
|
IAGO 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.
440 And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
|
IAGO 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.
And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
|
|
OTHELLO I’ll tear her all to pieces!
|
OTHELLO I’ll tear her all to pieces!
|
|
IAGO Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
445 Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?
|
IAGO Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?
|
|
OTHELLO I gave her such a one, ’twas my first gift.
|
OTHELLO I gave her such a one, ’twas my first gift.
|
|
IAGO I know not that, but such a handkerchief—
I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
|
IAGO I know not that, but such a handkerchief—
I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
|
|
OTHELLO If it be that—
|
OTHELLO If it be that—
|
|
IAGO 450 If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
|
IAGO If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago,
455 All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.
'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
460 For ’tis of aspics' tongues!
|
OTHELLO Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago,
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.
'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
For ’tis of aspics' tongues!
|
|
IAGO Yet be content.
|
IAGO Yet be content.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, blood, blood, blood!
|
OTHELLO Oh, blood, blood, blood!
|
|
IAGO Patience, I say. Your mind may change.
|
IAGO Patience, I say. Your mind may change.
|
|
OTHELLO Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on
465 To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven,
470 In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words. (he kneels)
|
OTHELLO Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven,
In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words. (he kneels)
|
|
IAGO Do not rise yet.
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
475 The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othello’s service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
|
IAGO Do not rise yet.
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othello’s service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
|
|
OTHELLO I greet thy love
Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous,
480 And will upon the instant put thee to ’t.
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio’s not alive.
|
OTHELLO I greet thy love
Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous,
And will upon the instant put thee to ’t.
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio’s not alive.
|
|
IAGO My friend is dead,
'Tis done at your request. But let her live.
|
IAGO My friend is dead,
'Tis done at your request. But let her live.
|
|
OTHELLO Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her!
485 Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
|
OTHELLO Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her!
Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
|
|
IAGO I am your own for ever.
|
IAGO I am your own for ever.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter DESDEMONA , CASSIO , and EMILIA
|
Enter DESDEMONA , CASSIO , and EMILIA
|
|
DESDEMONA Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do
All my abilities in thy behalf.
|
DESDEMONA Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do
All my abilities in thy behalf.
|
|
EMILIA Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband
As if the cause were his.
|
EMILIA Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband
As if the cause were his.
|
|
DESDEMONA 5 Oh, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were.
|
DESDEMONA Oh, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were.
|
|
CASSIO Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He’s never anything but your true servant.
|
CASSIO Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He’s never anything but your true servant.
|
|
DESDEMONA 10 I know ’t, I thank you. You do love my lord.
You have known him long, and be you well assured
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off
Than in a polite distance.
|
DESDEMONA I know ’t, I thank you. You do love my lord.
You have known him long, and be you well assured
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off
Than in a polite distance.
|
|
CASSIO Ay, but, lady,
That policy may either last so long,
15 Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstances,
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
|
CASSIO Ay, but, lady,
That policy may either last so long,
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstances,
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
|
|
DESDEMONA Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here
20 I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it
To the last article. My lord shall never rest,
I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience.
|
DESDEMONA Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here
I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,
If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it
To the last article. My lord shall never rest,
I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience.
|
|
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift,
25 I’ll intermingle everything he does
With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
|
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift,
I’ll intermingle everything he does
With Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
|
|
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO
|
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO
|
|
EMILIA Madam, here comes my lord.
|
EMILIA Madam, here comes my lord.
|
|
CASSIO Madam, I’ll take my leave.
|
CASSIO Madam, I’ll take my leave.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why, stay and hear me speak.
|
DESDEMONA Why, stay and hear me speak.
|
|
CASSIO 30 Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.
|
CASSIO Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease,
Unfit for mine own purposes.
|
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DESDEMONA Well, do your discretion.
|
DESDEMONA Well, do your discretion.
|
|
Exit CASSIO
|
Exit CASSIO
|
|
IAGO Ha! I like not that.
|
IAGO Ha! I like not that.
|
|
OTHELLO What dost thou say?
|
OTHELLO What dost thou say?
|
|
IAGO 35 Nothing, my lord, or if—I know not what.
|
IAGO Nothing, my lord, or if—I know not what.
|
|
OTHELLO Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
|
OTHELLO Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
|
|
IAGO Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guilty-like
Seeing you coming.
|
IAGO Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guilty-like
Seeing you coming.
|
|
OTHELLO 40 I do believe ’twas he.
|
OTHELLO I do believe ’twas he.
|
|
DESDEMONA How now, my lord?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
|
DESDEMONA How now, my lord?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
|
|
OTHELLO Who is ’t you mean?
|
OTHELLO Who is ’t you mean?
|
|
DESDEMONA Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,
45 If I have any grace or power to move you
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one that truly loves you,
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgment in an honest face.
50 I prithee, call him back.
|
DESDEMONA Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,
If I have any grace or power to move you
His present reconciliation take.
For if he be not one that truly loves you,
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,
I have no judgment in an honest face.
I prithee, call him back.
|
|
OTHELLO Went he hence now?
|
OTHELLO Went he hence now?
|
|
DESDEMONA Ay, sooth, so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
|
DESDEMONA Ay, sooth, so humbled
That he hath left part of his grief with me
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
|
|
OTHELLO 55 Not now, sweet Desdemona. Some other time.
|
OTHELLO Not now, sweet Desdemona. Some other time.
|
|
DESDEMONA But shall ’t be shortly?
|
DESDEMONA But shall ’t be shortly?
|
|
OTHELLO The sooner, sweet, for you.
|
OTHELLO The sooner, sweet, for you.
|
|
DESDEMONA Shall ’t be tonight at supper?
|
DESDEMONA Shall ’t be tonight at supper?
|
|
OTHELLO No, not tonight.
|
OTHELLO No, not tonight.
|
|
DESDEMONA Tomorrow dinner, then?
|
DESDEMONA Tomorrow dinner, then?
|
|
OTHELLO I shall not dine at home,
I meet the captains at the citadel.
|
OTHELLO I shall not dine at home,
I meet the captains at the citadel.
|
|
DESDEMONA 60 Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn.
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn.
I prithee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent,
And yet his trespass, in our common reason
65 (Save that, they say, the wars must make example
Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault
T' incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny
70 Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much—
|
DESDEMONA Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn.
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn.
I prithee name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent,
And yet his trespass, in our common reason
(Save that, they say, the wars must make example
Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault
T' incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny
Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much—
|
|
OTHELLO 75 Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will,
I will deny thee nothing.
|
OTHELLO Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will,
I will deny thee nothing.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why, this is not a boon,
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
80 To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
|
DESDEMONA Why, this is not a boon,
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
|
|
OTHELLO I will deny thee nothing!
Whereon I do beseech thee, grant me this,
85 To leave me but a little to myself.
|
OTHELLO I will deny thee nothing!
Whereon I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leave me but a little to myself.
|
|
DESDEMONA Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord.
|
DESDEMONA Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord.
|
|
OTHELLO Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight.
|
OTHELLO Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight.
|
|
DESDEMONA Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies teach you.
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
|
DESDEMONA Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies teach you.
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
|
|
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
|
OTHELLO 90 Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not
Chaos is come again.
|
OTHELLO Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not
Chaos is come again.
|
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
|
OTHELLO What dost thou say, Iago?
|
OTHELLO What dost thou say, Iago?
|
|
IAGO 95 Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady,
Know of your love?
|
IAGO Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady,
Know of your love?
|
|
OTHELLO He did, from first to last.
Why dost thou ask?
|
OTHELLO He did, from first to last.
Why dost thou ask?
|
|
IAGO But for a satisfaction of my thought,
100 No further harm.
|
IAGO But for a satisfaction of my thought,
No further harm.
|
|
OTHELLO Why of thy thought, Iago?
|
OTHELLO Why of thy thought, Iago?
|
|
IAGO I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
|
IAGO I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, yes, and went between us very oft.
|
OTHELLO Oh, yes, and went between us very oft.
|
|
IAGO Indeed?
|
IAGO Indeed?
|
|
OTHELLO Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern’st thou aught in that?
105 Is he not honest?
|
OTHELLO Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discern’st thou aught in that?
Is he not honest?
|
|
IAGO Honest, my lord?
|
IAGO Honest, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO Honest, ay, honest.
|
OTHELLO Honest, ay, honest.
|
|
IAGO My lord, for aught I know.
|
IAGO My lord, for aught I know.
|
|
OTHELLO What dost thou think?
|
OTHELLO What dost thou think?
|
|
IAGO Think, my lord?
|
IAGO Think, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO As if there were some monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.
I heard thee say even now thou lik’st not that
When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?
115 And when I told thee he was of my counsel
Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried’st “Indeed?”
And didst contract and purse thy brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me
120 Show me thy thought.
|
OTHELLO As if there were some monster in thy thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.
I heard thee say even now thou lik’st not that
When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?
And when I told thee he was of my counsel
Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried’st “Indeed?”
And didst contract and purse thy brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me
Show me thy thought.
|
|
IAGO My lord, you know I love you.
|
IAGO My lord, you know I love you.
|
|
OTHELLO I think thou dost.
And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
125 Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just
They are close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.
|
OTHELLO I think thou dost.
And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just
They are close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule.
|
|
IAGO For Michael Cassio,
130 I dare be sworn, I think, that he is honest.
|
IAGO For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn, I think, that he is honest.
|
|
OTHELLO I think so too.
|
OTHELLO I think so too.
|
|
IAGO Men should be what they seem,
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
|
IAGO Men should be what they seem,
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
|
|
OTHELLO Certain, men should be what they seem.
|
OTHELLO Certain, men should be what they seem.
|
|
IAGO Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.
|
IAGO Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.
|
|
OTHELLO 135 Nay, yet there’s more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
|
OTHELLO Nay, yet there’s more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
|
|
IAGO Good my lord, pardon me,
Though I am bound to every act of duty
140 I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,
As where’s that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure
Wherein uncleanly apprehensions
145 Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit
With meditations lawful?
|
IAGO Good my lord, pardon me,
Though I am bound to every act of duty
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,
As where’s that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure
Wherein uncleanly apprehensions
Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit
With meditations lawful?
|
|
OTHELLO Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
|
OTHELLO Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
|
|
IAGO I do beseech you,
150 Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,
As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
155 Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
|
IAGO I do beseech you,
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,
As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
|
|
Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom
To let you know my thoughts.
|
Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom
To let you know my thoughts.
|
|
OTHELLO What dost thou mean?
|
OTHELLO What dost thou mean?
|
|
IAGO 160 Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:
'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.
But he that filches from me my good name
165 Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
|
IAGO Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:
'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
|
|
OTHELLO I’ll know thy thoughts.
|
OTHELLO I’ll know thy thoughts.
|
|
IAGO You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody.
|
IAGO You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,
Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody.
|
|
OTHELLO Ha!
|
OTHELLO Ha!
|
|
IAGO 170 Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger,
But, oh, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
|
IAGO Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger,
But, oh, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, misery!
|
OTHELLO Oh, misery!
|
|
IAGO Poor and content is rich, and rich enough,
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
180 Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
|
IAGO Poor and content is rich, and rich enough,
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
|
|
OTHELLO Why, why is this?
Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt
185 Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
190 Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances.
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous.
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,
For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago,
195 I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,
And on the proof there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!
|
OTHELLO Why, why is this?
Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt
Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances.
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous.
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,
For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago,
I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,
And on the proof there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!
|
|
IAGO I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
200 With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio.
Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature
205 Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to ’t.
I know our country disposition well.
In Venice they do let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands. Their best conscience
Is not to leave ’t undone, but keep’t unknown.
|
IAGO I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio.
Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature
Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to ’t.
I know our country disposition well.
In Venice they do let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands. Their best conscience
Is not to leave ’t undone, but keep’t unknown.
|
|
OTHELLO 210 Dost thou say so?
|
OTHELLO Dost thou say so?
|
|
IAGO She did deceive her father, marrying you,
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
|
IAGO She did deceive her father, marrying you,
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
|
|
OTHELLO And so she did.
|
OTHELLO And so she did.
|
|
IAGO Why, go to then.
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming,
215 To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak,
He thought ’twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame.
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
|
IAGO Why, go to then.
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming,
To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak,
He thought ’twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame.
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
|
|
OTHELLO I am bound to thee forever.
|
OTHELLO I am bound to thee forever.
|
|
IAGO I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
|
IAGO I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
|
|
OTHELLO 220 Not a jot, not a jot.
|
OTHELLO Not a jot, not a jot.
|
|
IAGO Trust me, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you’re moved.
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
225 Than to suspicion.
|
IAGO Trust me, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you’re moved.
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
|
|
OTHELLO I will not.
|
OTHELLO I will not.
|
|
IAGO Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio’s my worthy friend—
230 My lord, I see you’re moved.
|
IAGO Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio’s my worthy friend—
My lord, I see you’re moved.
|
|
OTHELLO No, not much moved.
I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.
|
OTHELLO No, not much moved.
I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.
|
|
IAGO Long live she so. And long live you to think so.
|
IAGO Long live she so. And long live you to think so.
|
|
OTHELLO And yet how nature, erring from itself—
|
OTHELLO And yet how nature, erring from itself—
|
|
IAGO Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you,
235 Not to affect many proposèd matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends—
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural.
240 But—pardon me—I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
|
IAGO Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposèd matches
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends—
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural.
But—pardon me—I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
|
|
OTHELLO Farewell, farewell.
245 If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
|
OTHELLO Farewell, farewell.
If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
|
|
IAGO My lord, I take my leave. (going)
|
IAGO My lord, I take my leave. (going)
|
|
OTHELLO (aside) Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
|
OTHELLO (aside) Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
|
|
IAGO To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure, he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,
255 You shall by that perceive him and his means.
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
|
IAGO To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure, he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,
You shall by that perceive him and his means.
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
|
|
With any strong or vehement importunity.
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears—
260 As worthy cause I have to fear I am—
And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.
|
With any strong or vehement importunity.
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears—
As worthy cause I have to fear I am—
And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.
|
|
OTHELLO Fear not my government.
|
OTHELLO Fear not my government.
|
|
IAGO I once more take my leave.
|
IAGO I once more take my leave.
|
|
Exit
|
Exit
|
|
OTHELLO This fellow’s of exceeding honesty
And knows all quantities, with a learnèd spirit,
265 Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,
I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
270 That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years—yet that’s not much—
She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
275 And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet ’tis the plague to great ones,
Prerogatived are they less than the base.
280 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forkèd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look where she comes.
|
OTHELLO This fellow’s of exceeding honesty
And knows all quantities, with a learnèd spirit,
Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,
I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years—yet that’s not much—
She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet ’tis the plague to great ones,
Prerogatived are they less than the base.
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forkèd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look where she comes.
|
|
Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA
|
|
If she be false, heaven mocked itself.
I’ll not believe ’t.
|
If she be false, heaven mocked itself.
I’ll not believe ’t.
|
|
DESDEMONA How now, my dear Othello?
285 Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
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DESDEMONA How now, my dear Othello?
Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
|
|
OTHELLO I am to blame.
|
OTHELLO I am to blame.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
|
DESDEMONA Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
|
|
OTHELLO 290 I have a pain upon my forehead, here.
|
OTHELLO I have a pain upon my forehead, here.
|
|
DESDEMONA Why that’s with watching, ’twill away again.
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well. (pulls out a handkerchief)
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DESDEMONA Why that’s with watching, ’twill away again.
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well. (pulls out a handkerchief)
|
|
OTHELLO Your napkin is too little,
295 Let it alone.
|
OTHELLO Your napkin is too little,
Let it alone.
|
|
Her handkerchief drops
|
Her handkerchief drops
|
|
Come, I’ll go in with you.
|
Come, I’ll go in with you.
|
|
DESDEMONA I am very sorry that you are not well.
|
DESDEMONA I am very sorry that you are not well.
|
|
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA
|
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA
|
|
EMILIA (picks up the handkerchief)
I am glad I have found this napkin,
300 This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
|
EMILIA (picks up the handkerchief)
I am glad I have found this napkin,
This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
|
|
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)
That she reserves it evermore about her
And give ’t Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
|
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)
That she reserves it evermore about her
And give ’t Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
|
|
Enter IAGO
|
Enter IAGO
|
|
IAGO How now! What do you here alone?
|
IAGO How now! What do you here alone?
|
|
EMILIA 310 Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.
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EMILIA Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.
|
|
IAGO A thing for me? It is a common thing—
|
IAGO A thing for me? It is a common thing—
|
|
EMILIA Ha?
|
EMILIA Ha?
|
|
IAGO To have a foolish wife.
|
IAGO To have a foolish wife.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, is that all? What will you give me now
315 For the same handkerchief?
|
EMILIA Oh, is that all? What will you give me now
For the same handkerchief?
|
|
IAGO What handkerchief?
|
IAGO What handkerchief?
|
|
EMILIA What handkerchief?
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
|
EMILIA What handkerchief?
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
That which so often you did bid me steal.
|
|
IAGO 320 Hast stolen it from her?
|
IAGO Hast stolen it from her?
|
|
EMILIA No, but she let it drop by negligence
And, to th' advantage, I being here, took ’t up.
Look, here it is.
|
EMILIA No, but she let it drop by negligence
And, to th' advantage, I being here, took ’t up.
Look, here it is.
|
|
IAGO A good wench, give it me.
|
IAGO A good wench, give it me.
|
|
EMILIA What will you do with ’t, that you have been so earnest
325 To have me filch it?
|
EMILIA What will you do with ’t, that you have been so earnest
To have me filch it?
|
|
IAGO Why, what is that to you?
|
IAGO Why, what is that to you?
|
|
EMILIA If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give ’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run mad
When she shall lack it.
|
EMILIA If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give ’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run mad
When she shall lack it.
|
|
IAGO Be not acknown on ’t,
330 I have use for it. Go, leave me.
|
IAGO Be not acknown on ’t,
I have use for it. Go, leave me.
|
|
Exit EMILIA
|
Exit EMILIA
|
|
I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
335 The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood
Burn like the mines of sulfur.
|
I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison.
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood
Burn like the mines of sulfur.
|
|
Enter OTHELLO
|
Enter OTHELLO
|
|
I did say so.
340 Look, where he comes. Not poppy nor mandragora
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
|
I did say so.
Look, where he comes. Not poppy nor mandragora
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
|
|
OTHELLO Ha! Ha! False to me?
|
OTHELLO Ha! Ha! False to me?
|
|
IAGO Why, how now, general? No more of that.
|
IAGO Why, how now, general? No more of that.
|
|
OTHELLO 345 Avaunt! Be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Than but to know ’t a little.
|
OTHELLO Avaunt! Be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Than but to know ’t a little.
|
|
IAGO How now, my lord!
|
IAGO How now, my lord!
|
|
OTHELLO What sense had I in her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw ’t not, thought it not, it harmed not me.
350 I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry.
I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all.
|
OTHELLO What sense had I in her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw ’t not, thought it not, it harmed not me.
I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and merry.
I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all.
|
|
IAGO I am sorry to hear this.
|
IAGO I am sorry to hear this.
|
|
OTHELLO 355 I had been happy if the general camp,
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. Oh, now forever
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Farewell the plumèd troops and the big wars
360 That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
365 And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dead clamors counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone.
|
OTHELLO I had been happy if the general camp,
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. Oh, now forever
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Farewell the plumèd troops and the big wars
That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dead clamors counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone.
|
|
IAGO Is ’t possible, my lord?
|
IAGO Is ’t possible, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,
370 Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof
Or by the worth of mine eternal soul
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath!
|
OTHELLO Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,
Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof
Or by the worth of mine eternal soul
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath!
|
|
IAGO Is ’t come to this?
|
IAGO Is ’t come to this?
|
|
OTHELLO Make me to see ’t, or at the least so prove it
375 That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
|
OTHELLO Make me to see ’t, or at the least so prove it
That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
|
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
IAGO My noble lord—
|
|
OTHELLO If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse.
380 On horror’s head horrors accumulate,
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed,
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
|
OTHELLO If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse.
On horror’s head horrors accumulate,
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed,
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
|
|
IAGO Oh, grace! Oh, heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?
385 God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool
That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit, and from hence
|
IAGO Oh, grace! Oh, heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?
God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool
That lov’st to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit, and from hence
|
|
OTHELLO Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest.
|
OTHELLO Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest.
|
|
IAGO I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool
And loses that it works for.
|
IAGO I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool
And loses that it works for.
|
|
OTHELLO By the world,
I think my wife be honest and think she is not.
395 I think that thou art just and think thou art not.
I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives,
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,
400 I’ll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
|
OTHELLO By the world,
I think my wife be honest and think she is not.
I think that thou art just and think thou art not.
I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives,
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,
I’ll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
|
|
IAGO I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
|
IAGO I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
|
|
OTHELLO Would? Nay, and I will.
|
OTHELLO Would? Nay, and I will.
|
|
IAGO And may, but how? How satisfied, my lord?
405 Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,
Behold her topped?
|
IAGO And may, but how? How satisfied, my lord?
Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,
Behold her topped?
|
|
OTHELLO Death and damnation! Oh!
|
OTHELLO Death and damnation! Oh!
|
|
IAGO It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
410 More than their own! What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
415 As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances
Which lead directly to the door of truth
Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.
|
IAGO It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
More than their own! What then? How then?
What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances
Which lead directly to the door of truth
Will give you satisfaction, you may have ’t.
|
|
OTHELLO Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.
|
OTHELLO Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.
|
|
IAGO 420 I do not like the office.
But, sith I am entered in this cause so far,
Pricked to ’t by foolish honesty and love,
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately
And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
425 I could not sleep. There are a kind of men
So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter
|
IAGO I do not like the office.
But, sith I am entered in this cause so far,
Pricked to ’t by foolish honesty and love,
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately
And, being troubled with a raging tooth,
I could not sleep. There are a kind of men
So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter
|
|
Their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio.
In sleep I heard him say “Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves.”
430 And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry “O sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard,
As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips, lay his leg
Over my thigh, and sigh, and kiss, and then
|
Their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio.
In sleep I heard him say “Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves.”
And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry “O sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard,
As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips, lay his leg
Over my thigh, and sigh, and kiss, and then
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, monstrous! Monstrous!
|
OTHELLO Oh, monstrous! Monstrous!
|
|
IAGO Nay, this was but his dream.
|
IAGO Nay, this was but his dream.
|
|
OTHELLO But this denoted a foregone conclusion.
|
OTHELLO But this denoted a foregone conclusion.
|
|
IAGO 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.
440 And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
|
IAGO 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.
And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
|
|
OTHELLO I’ll tear her all to pieces!
|
OTHELLO I’ll tear her all to pieces!
|
|
IAGO Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
445 Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?
|
IAGO Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done,
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?
|
|
OTHELLO I gave her such a one, ’twas my first gift.
|
OTHELLO I gave her such a one, ’twas my first gift.
|
|
IAGO I know not that, but such a handkerchief—
I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
|
IAGO I know not that, but such a handkerchief—
I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
|
|
OTHELLO If it be that—
|
OTHELLO If it be that—
|
|
IAGO 450 If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
|
IAGO If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago,
455 All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.
'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
460 For ’tis of aspics' tongues!
|
OTHELLO Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago,
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.
'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
For ’tis of aspics' tongues!
|
|
IAGO Yet be content.
|
IAGO Yet be content.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, blood, blood, blood!
|
OTHELLO Oh, blood, blood, blood!
|
|
IAGO Patience, I say. Your mind may change.
|
IAGO Patience, I say. Your mind may change.
|
|
OTHELLO Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on
465 To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven,
470 In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words. (he kneels)
|
OTHELLO Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven,
In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words. (he kneels)
|
|
IAGO Do not rise yet.
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
475 The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othello’s service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
|
IAGO Do not rise yet.
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othello’s service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
|
|
OTHELLO I greet thy love
Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous,
480 And will upon the instant put thee to ’t.
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio’s not alive.
|
OTHELLO I greet thy love
Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous,
And will upon the instant put thee to ’t.
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio’s not alive.
|
|
IAGO My friend is dead,
'Tis done at your request. But let her live.
|
IAGO My friend is dead,
'Tis done at your request. But let her live.
|
|
OTHELLO Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her!
485 Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
|
OTHELLO Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her!
Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
|
|
IAGO I am your own for ever.
|
IAGO I am your own for ever.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
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