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No Fear Translations

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Enter DESDEMONA , EMILIA , and CLOWN
Enter DESDEMONA , EMILIA , and CLOWN

DESDEMONA

Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?

DESDEMONA

Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?

CLOWN

I dare not say he lies anywhere.

CLOWN

I dare not say he lies anywhere.

DESDEMONA

Why, man?

DESDEMONA

Why, man?

CLOWN

He’s a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.

CLOWN

He’s a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.

DESDEMONA

5 Go to. Where lodges he?

DESDEMONA

Go to. Where lodges he?

CLOWN

To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.

CLOWN

To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.

DESDEMONA

Can anything be made of this?

DESDEMONA

Can anything be made of this?

CLOWN

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging and say he lies here, or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.

CLOWN

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging and say he lies here, or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.

DESDEMONA

Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?

DESDEMONA

Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?

CLOWN

I will catechize the world for him, that is, make questions, and by them answer.

CLOWN

I will catechize the world for him, that is, make questions, and by them answer.

DESDEMONA

Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.

DESDEMONA

Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.

CLOWN

To do this is within the compass of man’s wit, and therefore I will attempt the doing it.

CLOWN

To do this is within the compass of man’s wit, and therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Exit
Exit

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

EMILIA

I know not, madam.

EMILIA

I know not, madam.

DESDEMONA

15 Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes. And but my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.

DESDEMONA

Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes. And but my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.

EMILIA

20 Is he not jealous?

EMILIA

Is he not jealous?

DESDEMONA

Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humors from him.

DESDEMONA

Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humors from him.

EMILIA

Look where he comes.

EMILIA

Look where he comes.
Enter OTHELLO
Enter OTHELLO

DESDEMONA

I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be called to him.—How is ’t with you, my lord?

DESDEMONA

I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be called to him.—How is ’t with you, my lord?

OTHELLO

Well, my good lady.—(aside) Oh, hardness to dissemble!—
How do you, Desdemona?

OTHELLO

Well, my good lady.—(aside) Oh, hardness to dissemble!—
How do you, Desdemona?

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

OTHELLO

Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.

OTHELLO

Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.

DESDEMONA

It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.

DESDEMONA

It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.

OTHELLO

30 This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer,

OTHELLO

This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer,
Much castigation, exercise devout,
For here’s a young and sweating devil here,
35 That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.
Much castigation, exercise devout,
For here’s a young and sweating devil here,
That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.

DESDEMONA

You may indeed say so,
For ’twas that hand that gave away my heart.

DESDEMONA

You may indeed say so,
For ’twas that hand that gave away my heart.

OTHELLO

A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands,
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.

OTHELLO

A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands,
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.

DESDEMONA

40 I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.

DESDEMONA

I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.

OTHELLO

What promise, chuck?

OTHELLO

What promise, chuck?

DESDEMONA

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

DESDEMONA

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

OTHELLO

I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me.
Lend me thy handkerchief.

OTHELLO

I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me.
Lend me thy handkerchief.

DESDEMONA

Here, my lord.

DESDEMONA

Here, my lord.

OTHELLO

45 That which I gave you.

OTHELLO

That which I gave you.

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

OTHELLO

Not?

OTHELLO

Not?

DESDEMONA

No, indeed, my lord.

DESDEMONA

No, indeed, my lord.

OTHELLO

That’s a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give,
She was a charmer and could almost read

OTHELLO

That’s a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give,
She was a charmer and could almost read
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it
50 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father’s eye
Should hold her loathèd and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me
55 And bid me, when my fate would have me wived,
To give it her. I did so, and take heed on ’t,
Make it a darling like your precious eye.
To lose ’t or give ’t away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it
'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father’s eye
Should hold her loathèd and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me
And bid me, when my fate would have me wived,
To give it her. I did so, and take heed on ’t,
Make it a darling like your precious eye.
To lose ’t or give ’t away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.

DESDEMONA

Is ’t possible?

DESDEMONA

Is ’t possible?

OTHELLO

60 'Tis true. There’s magic in the web of it.
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sewed the work.
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk,
65 And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.

OTHELLO

'Tis true. There’s magic in the web of it.
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sewed the work.
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk,
And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.

DESDEMONA

Indeed? Is ’t true?

DESDEMONA

Indeed? Is ’t true?

OTHELLO

Most veritable, therefore look to ’t well.

OTHELLO

Most veritable, therefore look to ’t well.

DESDEMONA

Then would to Heaven that I had never seen ’t!

DESDEMONA

Then would to Heaven that I had never seen ’t!

OTHELLO

Ha! Wherefore?

OTHELLO

Ha! Wherefore?

DESDEMONA

70 Why do you speak so startingly and rash?

DESDEMONA

Why do you speak so startingly and rash?

OTHELLO

Is ’t lost? Is ’t gone? Speak, is ’t out o' th' way?

OTHELLO

Is ’t lost? Is ’t gone? Speak, is ’t out o' th' way?

DESDEMONA

Bless us!

DESDEMONA

Bless us!

OTHELLO

Say you?

OTHELLO

Say you?

DESDEMONA

It is not lost, but what and if it were?

DESDEMONA

It is not lost, but what and if it were?

OTHELLO

75 How!

OTHELLO

How!

DESDEMONA

I say, it is not lost.

DESDEMONA

I say, it is not lost.

OTHELLO

Fetch ’t, let me see ’t.

OTHELLO

Fetch ’t, let me see ’t.

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.
This is a trick to put me from my suit.
Pray you, let Cassio be received again.

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.
This is a trick to put me from my suit.
Pray you, let Cassio be received again.

OTHELLO

80 Fetch me the handkerchief—my mind misgives.

OTHELLO

Fetch me the handkerchief—my mind misgives.

DESDEMONA

Come, come,
You’ll never meet a more sufficient man.

DESDEMONA

Come, come,
You’ll never meet a more sufficient man.

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA

A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
85 Shared dangers with you—

DESDEMONA

A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
Shared dangers with you—

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA

In sooth, you are to blame.

DESDEMONA

In sooth, you are to blame.

OTHELLO

Away!

OTHELLO

Away!
Exit
Exit

EMILIA

Is not this man jealous?

EMILIA

Is not this man jealous?

DESDEMONA

I ne'er saw this before.
90 Sure, there’s some wonder in this handkerchief,
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.

DESDEMONA

I ne'er saw this before.
Sure, there’s some wonder in this handkerchief,
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.

EMILIA

'Tis not a year or two shows us a man.
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
95 They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!

EMILIA

'Tis not a year or two shows us a man.
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!
Enter CASSIO and IAGO
Enter CASSIO and IAGO

IAGO

There is no other way. 'Tis she must do ’t,
And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her.

IAGO

There is no other way. 'Tis she must do ’t,
And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her.

DESDEMONA

How now, good Cassio, what’s the news with you?

DESDEMONA

How now, good Cassio, what’s the news with you?

CASSIO

Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you
100 That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist, and be a member of his love
Whom I, with all the office of my heart
Entirely honor. I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
105 That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit.
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
110 And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortune’s alms.

CASSIO

Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you
That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist, and be a member of his love
Whom I, with all the office of my heart
Entirely honor. I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit.
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortune’s alms.

DESDEMONA

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,
My advocation is not now in tune.
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him
Were he in favor as in humor altered.
115 So help me every spirit sanctified
As I have spoken for you all my best
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient.
What I can do I will, and more I will
120 Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.

DESDEMONA

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,
My advocation is not now in tune.
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him
Were he in favor as in humor altered.
So help me every spirit sanctified
As I have spoken for you all my best
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient.
What I can do I will, and more I will
Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.

IAGO

Is my lord angry?

IAGO

Is my lord angry?

EMILIA

He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.

EMILIA

He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.

IAGO

Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon
When it hath blown his ranks into the air
125 And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puffed his own brother—and is he angry?
Something of moment then, I will go meet him.
There’s matter in ’t indeed, if he be angry.

IAGO

Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon
When it hath blown his ranks into the air
And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puffed his own brother—and is he angry?
Something of moment then, I will go meet him.
There’s matter in ’t indeed, if he be angry.

DESDEMONA

I prithee, do so.

DESDEMONA

I prithee, do so.
Exit IAGO
Exit IAGO
Something, sure, of state,
130 Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases
Men’s natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so,
135 For let our finger ache and it endues
Our other healthful members even to that sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observances
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
140 I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul,
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And he’s indicted falsely.
Something, sure, of state,
Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases
Men’s natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so,
For let our finger ache and it endues
Our other healthful members even to that sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observances
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul,
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And he’s indicted falsely.

EMILIA

Pray heaven it be
State matters, as you think, and no conception
145 Nor no jealous toy concerning you.

EMILIA

Pray heaven it be
State matters, as you think, and no conception
Nor no jealous toy concerning you.

DESDEMONA

Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

DESDEMONA

Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

EMILIA

But jealous souls will not be answered so.
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster
150 Begot upon itself, born on itself.

EMILIA

But jealous souls will not be answered so.
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.

DESDEMONA

Heaven keep the monster from Othello’s mind!

DESDEMONA

Heaven keep the monster from Othello’s mind!

EMILIA

Lady, amen.

EMILIA

Lady, amen.

DESDEMONA

I will go seek him.—Cassio, walk hereabout.
If I do find him fit, I’ll move your suit
155 And seek to effect it to my uttermost.

DESDEMONA

I will go seek him.—Cassio, walk hereabout.
If I do find him fit, I’ll move your suit
And seek to effect it to my uttermost.

CASSIO

I humbly thank your ladyship.

CASSIO

I humbly thank your ladyship.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Enter BIANCA
Enter BIANCA

BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

CASSIO

What make you from home?
How is ’t with you, my most fair Bianca?
Indeed, sweet love, I was coming to your house.

CASSIO

What make you from home?
How is ’t with you, my most fair Bianca?
Indeed, sweet love, I was coming to your house.

BIANCA

160 And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours
More tedious than the dial eightscore times!
Oh weary reckoning!

BIANCA

And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours
More tedious than the dial eightscore times!
Oh weary reckoning!

CASSIO

Pardon me, Bianca,
165 I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed,
But I shall, in a more continuate time,
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
(giving her DESDEMONA’s handkerchief)
Take me this work out.

CASSIO

Pardon me, Bianca,
I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed,
But I shall, in a more continuate time,
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
(giving her DESDEMONA’s handkerchief)
Take me this work out.

BIANCA

O Cassio, whence came this?
170 This is some token from a newer friend!
To the felt absence now I feel a cause.
Is ’t come to this? Well, well.

BIANCA

O Cassio, whence came this?
This is some token from a newer friend!
To the felt absence now I feel a cause.
Is ’t come to this? Well, well.

CASSIO

Go to, woman,
Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
175 That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.
No, in good troth, Bianca.

CASSIO

Go to, woman,
Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.
No, in good troth, Bianca.

BIANCA

Why, whose is it?

BIANCA

Why, whose is it?

CASSIO

I know not neither, I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded,
As like enough it will, I would have it copied.
180 Take it and do ’t, and leave me for this time.

CASSIO

I know not neither, I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded,
As like enough it will, I would have it copied.
Take it and do ’t, and leave me for this time.

BIANCA

Leave you! Wherefore?

BIANCA

Leave you! Wherefore?

CASSIO

I do attend here on the general
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned.

CASSIO

I do attend here on the general
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned.

BIANCA

Why, I pray you?

BIANCA

Why, I pray you?

CASSIO

185 Not that I love you not.

CASSIO

Not that I love you not.

BIANCA

But that you do not love me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little
And say if I shall see you soon at night.

BIANCA

But that you do not love me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little
And say if I shall see you soon at night.

CASSIO

'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend here. But I’ll see you soon.

CASSIO

'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend here. But I’ll see you soon.

BIANCA

190 'Tis very good. I must be circumstanced.

BIANCA

'Tis very good. I must be circumstanced.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter DESDEMONA , EMILIA , and CLOWN
Enter DESDEMONA , EMILIA , and CLOWN

DESDEMONA

Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?

DESDEMONA

Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?

CLOWN

I dare not say he lies anywhere.

CLOWN

I dare not say he lies anywhere.

DESDEMONA

Why, man?

DESDEMONA

Why, man?

CLOWN

He’s a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.

CLOWN

He’s a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.

DESDEMONA

5 Go to. Where lodges he?

DESDEMONA

Go to. Where lodges he?

CLOWN

To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.

CLOWN

To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie.

DESDEMONA

Can anything be made of this?

DESDEMONA

Can anything be made of this?

CLOWN

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging and say he lies here, or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.

CLOWN

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a lodging and say he lies here, or he lies there, were to lie in mine own throat.

DESDEMONA

Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?

DESDEMONA

Can you inquire him out and be edified by report?

CLOWN

I will catechize the world for him, that is, make questions, and by them answer.

CLOWN

I will catechize the world for him, that is, make questions, and by them answer.

DESDEMONA

Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.

DESDEMONA

Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.

CLOWN

To do this is within the compass of man’s wit, and therefore I will attempt the doing it.

CLOWN

To do this is within the compass of man’s wit, and therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Exit
Exit

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

EMILIA

I know not, madam.

EMILIA

I know not, madam.

DESDEMONA

15 Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes. And but my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.

DESDEMONA

Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes. And but my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.

EMILIA

20 Is he not jealous?

EMILIA

Is he not jealous?

DESDEMONA

Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humors from him.

DESDEMONA

Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humors from him.

EMILIA

Look where he comes.

EMILIA

Look where he comes.
Enter OTHELLO
Enter OTHELLO

DESDEMONA

I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be called to him.—How is ’t with you, my lord?

DESDEMONA

I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be called to him.—How is ’t with you, my lord?

OTHELLO

Well, my good lady.—(aside) Oh, hardness to dissemble!—
How do you, Desdemona?

OTHELLO

Well, my good lady.—(aside) Oh, hardness to dissemble!—
How do you, Desdemona?

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

OTHELLO

Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.

OTHELLO

Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.

DESDEMONA

It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.

DESDEMONA

It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.

OTHELLO

30 This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer,

OTHELLO

This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer,
Much castigation, exercise devout,
For here’s a young and sweating devil here,
35 That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.
Much castigation, exercise devout,
For here’s a young and sweating devil here,
That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.

DESDEMONA

You may indeed say so,
For ’twas that hand that gave away my heart.

DESDEMONA

You may indeed say so,
For ’twas that hand that gave away my heart.

OTHELLO

A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands,
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.

OTHELLO

A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands,
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.

DESDEMONA

40 I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.

DESDEMONA

I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.

OTHELLO

What promise, chuck?

OTHELLO

What promise, chuck?

DESDEMONA

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

DESDEMONA

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

OTHELLO

I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me.
Lend me thy handkerchief.

OTHELLO

I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me.
Lend me thy handkerchief.

DESDEMONA

Here, my lord.

DESDEMONA

Here, my lord.

OTHELLO

45 That which I gave you.

OTHELLO

That which I gave you.

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

OTHELLO

Not?

OTHELLO

Not?

DESDEMONA

No, indeed, my lord.

DESDEMONA

No, indeed, my lord.

OTHELLO

That’s a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give,
She was a charmer and could almost read

OTHELLO

That’s a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give,
She was a charmer and could almost read
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it
50 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father’s eye
Should hold her loathèd and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me
55 And bid me, when my fate would have me wived,
To give it her. I did so, and take heed on ’t,
Make it a darling like your precious eye.
To lose ’t or give ’t away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it
'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father’s eye
Should hold her loathèd and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me
And bid me, when my fate would have me wived,
To give it her. I did so, and take heed on ’t,
Make it a darling like your precious eye.
To lose ’t or give ’t away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.

DESDEMONA

Is ’t possible?

DESDEMONA

Is ’t possible?

OTHELLO

60 'Tis true. There’s magic in the web of it.
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sewed the work.
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk,
65 And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.

OTHELLO

'Tis true. There’s magic in the web of it.
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sewed the work.
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk,
And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.

DESDEMONA

Indeed? Is ’t true?

DESDEMONA

Indeed? Is ’t true?

OTHELLO

Most veritable, therefore look to ’t well.

OTHELLO

Most veritable, therefore look to ’t well.

DESDEMONA

Then would to Heaven that I had never seen ’t!

DESDEMONA

Then would to Heaven that I had never seen ’t!

OTHELLO

Ha! Wherefore?

OTHELLO

Ha! Wherefore?

DESDEMONA

70 Why do you speak so startingly and rash?

DESDEMONA

Why do you speak so startingly and rash?

OTHELLO

Is ’t lost? Is ’t gone? Speak, is ’t out o' th' way?

OTHELLO

Is ’t lost? Is ’t gone? Speak, is ’t out o' th' way?

DESDEMONA

Bless us!

DESDEMONA

Bless us!

OTHELLO

Say you?

OTHELLO

Say you?

DESDEMONA

It is not lost, but what and if it were?

DESDEMONA

It is not lost, but what and if it were?

OTHELLO

75 How!

OTHELLO

How!

DESDEMONA

I say, it is not lost.

DESDEMONA

I say, it is not lost.

OTHELLO

Fetch ’t, let me see ’t.

OTHELLO

Fetch ’t, let me see ’t.

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.
This is a trick to put me from my suit.
Pray you, let Cassio be received again.

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.
This is a trick to put me from my suit.
Pray you, let Cassio be received again.

OTHELLO

80 Fetch me the handkerchief—my mind misgives.

OTHELLO

Fetch me the handkerchief—my mind misgives.

DESDEMONA

Come, come,
You’ll never meet a more sufficient man.

DESDEMONA

Come, come,
You’ll never meet a more sufficient man.

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA

A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
85 Shared dangers with you—

DESDEMONA

A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
Shared dangers with you—

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

OTHELLO

The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA

In sooth, you are to blame.

DESDEMONA

In sooth, you are to blame.

OTHELLO

Away!

OTHELLO

Away!
Exit
Exit

EMILIA

Is not this man jealous?

EMILIA

Is not this man jealous?

DESDEMONA

I ne'er saw this before.
90 Sure, there’s some wonder in this handkerchief,
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.

DESDEMONA

I ne'er saw this before.
Sure, there’s some wonder in this handkerchief,
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.

EMILIA

'Tis not a year or two shows us a man.
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
95 They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!

EMILIA

'Tis not a year or two shows us a man.
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!
Enter CASSIO and IAGO
Enter CASSIO and IAGO

IAGO

There is no other way. 'Tis she must do ’t,
And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her.

IAGO

There is no other way. 'Tis she must do ’t,
And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her.

DESDEMONA

How now, good Cassio, what’s the news with you?

DESDEMONA

How now, good Cassio, what’s the news with you?

CASSIO

Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you
100 That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist, and be a member of his love
Whom I, with all the office of my heart
Entirely honor. I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
105 That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit.
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
110 And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortune’s alms.

CASSIO

Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you
That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist, and be a member of his love
Whom I, with all the office of my heart
Entirely honor. I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit.
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortune’s alms.

DESDEMONA

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,
My advocation is not now in tune.
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him
Were he in favor as in humor altered.
115 So help me every spirit sanctified
As I have spoken for you all my best
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient.
What I can do I will, and more I will
120 Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.

DESDEMONA

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio,
My advocation is not now in tune.
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him
Were he in favor as in humor altered.
So help me every spirit sanctified
As I have spoken for you all my best
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient.
What I can do I will, and more I will
Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.

IAGO

Is my lord angry?

IAGO

Is my lord angry?

EMILIA

He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.

EMILIA

He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.

IAGO

Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon
When it hath blown his ranks into the air
125 And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puffed his own brother—and is he angry?
Something of moment then, I will go meet him.
There’s matter in ’t indeed, if he be angry.

IAGO

Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon
When it hath blown his ranks into the air
And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puffed his own brother—and is he angry?
Something of moment then, I will go meet him.
There’s matter in ’t indeed, if he be angry.

DESDEMONA

I prithee, do so.

DESDEMONA

I prithee, do so.
Exit IAGO
Exit IAGO
Something, sure, of state,
130 Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases
Men’s natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so,
135 For let our finger ache and it endues
Our other healthful members even to that sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observances
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
140 I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul,
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And he’s indicted falsely.
Something, sure, of state,
Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases
Men’s natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so,
For let our finger ache and it endues
Our other healthful members even to that sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observances
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul,
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And he’s indicted falsely.

EMILIA

Pray heaven it be
State matters, as you think, and no conception
145 Nor no jealous toy concerning you.

EMILIA

Pray heaven it be
State matters, as you think, and no conception
Nor no jealous toy concerning you.

DESDEMONA

Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

DESDEMONA

Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

EMILIA

But jealous souls will not be answered so.
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster
150 Begot upon itself, born on itself.

EMILIA

But jealous souls will not be answered so.
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.

DESDEMONA

Heaven keep the monster from Othello’s mind!

DESDEMONA

Heaven keep the monster from Othello’s mind!

EMILIA

Lady, amen.

EMILIA

Lady, amen.

DESDEMONA

I will go seek him.—Cassio, walk hereabout.
If I do find him fit, I’ll move your suit
155 And seek to effect it to my uttermost.

DESDEMONA

I will go seek him.—Cassio, walk hereabout.
If I do find him fit, I’ll move your suit
And seek to effect it to my uttermost.

CASSIO

I humbly thank your ladyship.

CASSIO

I humbly thank your ladyship.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Enter BIANCA
Enter BIANCA

BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

CASSIO

What make you from home?
How is ’t with you, my most fair Bianca?
Indeed, sweet love, I was coming to your house.

CASSIO

What make you from home?
How is ’t with you, my most fair Bianca?
Indeed, sweet love, I was coming to your house.

BIANCA

160 And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours
More tedious than the dial eightscore times!
Oh weary reckoning!

BIANCA

And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours
More tedious than the dial eightscore times!
Oh weary reckoning!

CASSIO

Pardon me, Bianca,
165 I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed,
But I shall, in a more continuate time,
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
(giving her DESDEMONA’s handkerchief)
Take me this work out.

CASSIO

Pardon me, Bianca,
I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed,
But I shall, in a more continuate time,
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
(giving her DESDEMONA’s handkerchief)
Take me this work out.

BIANCA

O Cassio, whence came this?
170 This is some token from a newer friend!
To the felt absence now I feel a cause.
Is ’t come to this? Well, well.

BIANCA

O Cassio, whence came this?
This is some token from a newer friend!
To the felt absence now I feel a cause.
Is ’t come to this? Well, well.

CASSIO

Go to, woman,
Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
175 That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.
No, in good troth, Bianca.

CASSIO

Go to, woman,
Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.
No, in good troth, Bianca.

BIANCA

Why, whose is it?

BIANCA

Why, whose is it?

CASSIO

I know not neither, I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded,
As like enough it will, I would have it copied.
180 Take it and do ’t, and leave me for this time.

CASSIO

I know not neither, I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded,
As like enough it will, I would have it copied.
Take it and do ’t, and leave me for this time.

BIANCA

Leave you! Wherefore?

BIANCA

Leave you! Wherefore?

CASSIO

I do attend here on the general
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned.

CASSIO

I do attend here on the general
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned.

BIANCA

Why, I pray you?

BIANCA

Why, I pray you?

CASSIO

185 Not that I love you not.

CASSIO

Not that I love you not.

BIANCA

But that you do not love me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little
And say if I shall see you soon at night.

BIANCA

But that you do not love me.
I pray you bring me on the way a little
And say if I shall see you soon at night.

CASSIO

'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend here. But I’ll see you soon.

CASSIO

'Tis but a little way that I can bring you,
For I attend here. But I’ll see you soon.

BIANCA

190 'Tis very good. I must be circumstanced.

BIANCA

'Tis very good. I must be circumstanced.
Exeunt
Exeunt