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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
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DESDEMONA asleep in bed Enter OTHELLO with a light
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DESDEMONA asleep in bed Enter OTHELLO with a light
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OTHELLO It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars,
It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow
5 And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
10 Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,
Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose
I cannot give it vital growth again,
15 It must needs wither. I’ll smell thee on the tree.
Oh, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee
And love thee after. (kissing her) One more, and that’s the last.
20 So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly,
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
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OTHELLO It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars,
It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,
Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose
I cannot give it vital growth again,
It must needs wither. I’ll smell thee on the tree.
Oh, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee
And love thee after. (kissing her) One more, and that’s the last.
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly,
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
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DESDEMONA Who’s there? Othello?
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DESDEMONA Who’s there? Othello?
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OTHELLO Ay, Desdemona.
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OTHELLO Ay, Desdemona.
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DESDEMONA 25 Will you come to bed, my lord?
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DESDEMONA Will you come to bed, my lord?
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OTHELLO Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?
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OTHELLO Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?
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DESDEMONA Ay, my lord.
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DESDEMONA Ay, my lord.
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OTHELLO If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
30 Solicit for it straight.
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OTHELLO If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
Solicit for it straight.
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DESDEMONA Alack, my lord, what do you mean by that?
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DESDEMONA Alack, my lord, what do you mean by that?
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OTHELLO Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit.
No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!
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OTHELLO Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit.
No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!
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DESDEMONA 35 Talk you of killing?
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DESDEMONA Talk you of killing?
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OTHELLO Ay, I do.
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OTHELLO Ay, I do.
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DESDEMONA Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
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DESDEMONA Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
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OTHELLO Amen, with all my heart.
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OTHELLO Amen, with all my heart.
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DESDEMONA If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
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DESDEMONA If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
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OTHELLO Humh!
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OTHELLO Humh!
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DESDEMONA 40 And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear.
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DESDEMONA And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear.
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OTHELLO Think on thy sins.
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OTHELLO Think on thy sins.
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DESDEMONA They are loves I bear to you.
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DESDEMONA They are loves I bear to you.
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OTHELLO 45 Ay, and for that thou diest.
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OTHELLO Ay, and for that thou diest.
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DESDEMONA That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
These are portents, but yet I hope, I hope
50 They do not point on me.
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DESDEMONA That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
These are portents, but yet I hope, I hope
They do not point on me.
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OTHELLO Peace, and be still.
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OTHELLO Peace, and be still.
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DESDEMONA I will so. What’s the matter?
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DESDEMONA I will so. What’s the matter?
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OTHELLO That handkerchief
Which I so loved and gave thee, thou gav’st
To Cassio.
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OTHELLO That handkerchief
Which I so loved and gave thee, thou gav’st
To Cassio.
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DESDEMONA 55 No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man and ask him.
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DESDEMONA No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man and ask him.
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OTHELLO Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury.
Thou art on thy deathbed.
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OTHELLO Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury.
Thou art on thy deathbed.
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DESDEMONA Ay—but not yet to die!
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DESDEMONA Ay—but not yet to die!
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OTHELLO 60 Presently.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
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OTHELLO Presently.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
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DESDEMONA 65 Oh, heaven have mercy on me!
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DESDEMONA Oh, heaven have mercy on me!
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OTHELLO I say “amen.”
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OTHELLO I say “amen.”
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DESDEMONA And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love. I never gave him token.
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DESDEMONA And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love. I never gave him token.
|
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OTHELLO 70 By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ’s hand.
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart,
And mak’st me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice!
I saw the handkerchief.
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OTHELLO By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ’s hand.
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart,
And mak’st me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice!
I saw the handkerchief.
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DESDEMONA He found it then,
75 I never gave it him. Send for him hither,
Let him confess a truth.
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DESDEMONA He found it then,
I never gave it him. Send for him hither,
Let him confess a truth.
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OTHELLO He hath confessed.
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OTHELLO He hath confessed.
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DESDEMONA What, my lord?
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DESDEMONA What, my lord?
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OTHELLO That he hath usèd thee.
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OTHELLO That he hath usèd thee.
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DESDEMONA How? Unlawfully?
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DESDEMONA How? Unlawfully?
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OTHELLO Ay.
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OTHELLO Ay.
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DESDEMONA 80 He will not say so.
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DESDEMONA He will not say so.
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OTHELLO No, his mouth is stopped. Honest Iago
Hath ta'en order for ’t.
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OTHELLO No, his mouth is stopped. Honest Iago
Hath ta'en order for ’t.
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DESDEMONA Oh! My fear interprets. What, is he dead?
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DESDEMONA Oh! My fear interprets. What, is he dead?
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OTHELLO Had all his hairs been lives
85 My great revenge had stomach for them all.
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OTHELLO Had all his hairs been lives
My great revenge had stomach for them all.
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DESDEMONA Alas, he is betrayed and I undone.
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DESDEMONA Alas, he is betrayed and I undone.
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OTHELLO Out, strumpet! weep’st thou for him to my face?
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OTHELLO Out, strumpet! weep’st thou for him to my face?
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DESDEMONA Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
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DESDEMONA Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
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OTHELLO Down, strumpet!
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OTHELLO Down, strumpet!
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DESDEMONA 90 Kill me tomorrow—let me live tonight!
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DESDEMONA Kill me tomorrow—let me live tonight!
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OTHELLO Nay, if you strive—
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OTHELLO Nay, if you strive—
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DESDEMONA But half an hour!
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DESDEMONA But half an hour!
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OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause.
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OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause.
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DESDEMONA But while I say one prayer!
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DESDEMONA But while I say one prayer!
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OTHELLO |
OTHELLO |
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EMILIA (within) My lord , my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord!
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EMILIA (within) My lord , my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord!
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OTHELLO What noise is this?—Not dead? Not yet quite dead?
I that am cruel am yet merciful,
I would not have thee linger in thy pain.
100 So, so.
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OTHELLO What noise is this?—Not dead? Not yet quite dead?
I that am cruel am yet merciful,
I would not have thee linger in thy pain.
So, so.
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EMILIA (within) What, ho! My lord, my lord!
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EMILIA (within) What, ho! My lord, my lord!
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OTHELLO Who’s there?
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OTHELLO Who’s there?
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EMILIA (within) O good my lord, I would speak a word with you!
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EMILIA (within) O good my lord, I would speak a word with you!
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OTHELLO Yes, ’tis Emilia.—(to EMILIA) By and by.—She’s dead.—
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death,
105 The noise was high. Ha! No more moving?
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were ’t good?
I think she stirs again—No. What’s best to do?
If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife—
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.
110 Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
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OTHELLO Yes, ’tis Emilia.—(to EMILIA) By and by.—She’s dead.—
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death,
The noise was high. Ha! No more moving?
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were ’t good?
I think she stirs again—No. What’s best to do?
If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife—
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.
Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
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EMILIA (within) I do beseech you
115 That I may speak with you, O good my lord!
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EMILIA (within) I do beseech you
That I may speak with you, O good my lord!
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OTHELLO I had forgot thee—Oh, come in, Emilia.
Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw.
Where art thou?
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OTHELLO I had forgot thee—Oh, come in, Emilia.
Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw.
Where art thou?
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Unlocks the door. Enter EMILIA
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Unlocks the door. Enter EMILIA
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What’s the matter with thee now?
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What’s the matter with thee now?
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EMILIA O my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done!
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EMILIA O my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done!
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OTHELLO 120 What, now?
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OTHELLO What, now?
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EMILIA But now, my lord.
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EMILIA But now, my lord.
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OTHELLO It is the very error of the moon,
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont
And makes men mad.
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OTHELLO It is the very error of the moon,
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont
And makes men mad.
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EMILIA 125 Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
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EMILIA Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
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OTHELLO Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed!
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OTHELLO Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed!
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EMILIA No, Cassio is not killed.
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EMILIA No, Cassio is not killed.
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OTHELLO Not Cassio killed! Then murder’s out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
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OTHELLO Not Cassio killed! Then murder’s out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
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DESDEMONA 130 Oh, falsely, falsely murdered!
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DESDEMONA Oh, falsely, falsely murdered!
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EMILIA Alas, what cry is that?
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EMILIA Alas, what cry is that?
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OTHELLO That? What?
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OTHELLO That? What?
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EMILIA Out and alas, that was my lady’s voice.
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EMILIA Out and alas, that was my lady’s voice.
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Opens the bedcurtains
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Opens the bedcurtains
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Help! Help, ho, help! O lady, speak again!
135 Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!
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Help! Help, ho, help! O lady, speak again!
Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!
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DESDEMONA A guiltless death I die.
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DESDEMONA A guiltless death I die.
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EMILIA Oh, who hath done this deed?
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EMILIA Oh, who hath done this deed?
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DESDEMONA Nobody. I myself. Farewell.
Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!
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DESDEMONA Nobody. I myself. Farewell.
Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!
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Dies
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Dies
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OTHELLO Why, how should she be murdered?
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OTHELLO Why, how should she be murdered?
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EMILIA Alas, who knows?
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EMILIA Alas, who knows?
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OTHELLO 140 You heard her say herself it was not I.
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OTHELLO You heard her say herself it was not I.
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EMILIA She said so. I must needs report the truth.
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EMILIA She said so. I must needs report the truth.
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OTHELLO She’s like a liar gone to burning hell.
'Twas I that killed her.
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OTHELLO She’s like a liar gone to burning hell.
'Twas I that killed her.
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EMILIA Oh, the more angel she,
145 And you the blacker devil!
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EMILIA Oh, the more angel she,
And you the blacker devil!
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OTHELLO She turned to folly, and she was a whore.
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OTHELLO She turned to folly, and she was a whore.
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EMILIA Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
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EMILIA Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
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OTHELLO She was false as water.
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OTHELLO She was false as water.
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EMILIA Thou art rash as fire,
To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly true!
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EMILIA Thou art rash as fire,
To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly true!
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OTHELLO 150 Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else.
Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell,
But that I did proceed upon just grounds
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
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OTHELLO Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else.
Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell,
But that I did proceed upon just grounds
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
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EMILIA My husband!
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EMILIA My husband!
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OTHELLO Thy husband.
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OTHELLO Thy husband.
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EMILIA That she was false to wedlock?
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EMILIA That she was false to wedlock?
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OTHELLO 155 Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite,
I’d not have sold her for it.
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OTHELLO Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite,
I’d not have sold her for it.
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EMILIA My husband?
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EMILIA My husband?
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OTHELLO Ay, ’twas he that told me on her first.
160 An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
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OTHELLO Ay, ’twas he that told me on her first.
An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
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EMILIA My husband!
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EMILIA My husband!
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OTHELLO What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.
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OTHELLO What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.
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EMILIA O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!
My husband say that she was false!
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EMILIA O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!
My husband say that she was false!
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OTHELLO He, woman.
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
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OTHELLO He, woman.
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
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EMILIA If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th' heart.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
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EMILIA If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th' heart.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
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OTHELLO draws his sword
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OTHELLO draws his sword
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OTHELLO 170 Ha!
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OTHELLO Ha!
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EMILIA Do thy worst.
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
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EMILIA Do thy worst.
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
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OTHELLO Peace, you were best.
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OTHELLO Peace, you were best.
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EMILIA Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
175 As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!
As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—
I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known
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EMILIA Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!
As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—
I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known
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Though I lost twenty lives.—Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath killed my mistress! Murder, murder!
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Though I lost twenty lives.—Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath killed my mistress! Murder, murder!
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Enter MONTANO , GRATIANO , and IAGO
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Enter MONTANO , GRATIANO , and IAGO
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MONTANO 180 What is the matter? How now, general?
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MONTANO What is the matter? How now, general?
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EMILIA Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
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EMILIA Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
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GRATIANO What is the matter?
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GRATIANO What is the matter?
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EMILIA (to IAGO) Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man.
185 He says thou told’st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.
Speak, for my heart is full.
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EMILIA (to IAGO) Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man.
He says thou told’st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.
Speak, for my heart is full.
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IAGO I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
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IAGO I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
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EMILIA 190 But did you ever tell him she was false?
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EMILIA But did you ever tell him she was false?
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IAGO I did.
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IAGO I did.
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EMILIA You told a lie, an odious, damnèd lie.
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie.
She false with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?
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EMILIA You told a lie, an odious, damnèd lie.
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie.
She false with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?
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IAGO 195 With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
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IAGO With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
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EMILIA I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak.
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed—
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EMILIA I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak.
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed—
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ALL Oh, heavens forfend!
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ALL Oh, heavens forfend!
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EMILIA And your reports have set the murder on.
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EMILIA And your reports have set the murder on.
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OTHELLO 200 Nay, stare not, masters, it is true, indeed.
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OTHELLO Nay, stare not, masters, it is true, indeed.
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GRATIANO 'Tis a strange truth.
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GRATIANO 'Tis a strange truth.
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MONTANO Oh, monstrous act!
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MONTANO Oh, monstrous act!
|
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EMILIA Villainy, villainy, villainy!
I think upon ’t, I think I smell ’t, Oh, villainy!
I thought so then, I’ll kill myself for grief.
205 Oh, villainy, villainy!
|
EMILIA Villainy, villainy, villainy!
I think upon ’t, I think I smell ’t, Oh, villainy!
I thought so then, I’ll kill myself for grief.
Oh, villainy, villainy!
|
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IAGO What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.
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IAGO What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.
|
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EMILIA Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
|
EMILIA Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
|
|
OTHELLO 210 Oh! Oh! Oh!
|
OTHELLO Oh! Oh! Oh!
|
|
EMILIA Nay, lay thee down and roar,
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
|
EMILIA Nay, lay thee down and roar,
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, she was foul!—
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece,
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopped.
215 I know this act shows horrible and grim.
|
OTHELLO Oh, she was foul!—
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece,
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopped.
I know this act shows horrible and grim.
|
|
GRATIANO Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father’s dead,
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now,
|
GRATIANO Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father’s dead,
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now,
|
|
This sight would make him do a desperate turn,
220 Yea, curse his better angel from his side
And fall to reprobation.
|
This sight would make him do a desperate turn,
Yea, curse his better angel from his side
And fall to reprobation.
|
|
OTHELLO 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it,
225 And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand,
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
|
OTHELLO 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it,
And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand,
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, heaven! Oh, heavenly powers!
|
EMILIA Oh, heaven! Oh, heavenly powers!
|
|
IAGO 230 Zounds, hold your peace.
|
IAGO Zounds, hold your peace.
|
|
EMILIA 'Twill out, ’twill out.—I peace?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north.
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.
|
EMILIA 'Twill out, ’twill out.—I peace?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north.
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.
|
|
IAGO 235 Be wise, and get you home.
|
IAGO Be wise, and get you home.
|
|
Draws his sword
|
Draws his sword
|
|
EMILIA I will not.
|
EMILIA I will not.
|
|
GRATIANO Fie! Your sword upon a woman?
|
GRATIANO Fie! Your sword upon a woman?
|
|
EMILIA O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of
I found by fortune and did give my husband.
240 For often, with a solemn earnestness—
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle—
He begged of me to steal it.
|
EMILIA O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of
I found by fortune and did give my husband.
For often, with a solemn earnestness—
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle—
He begged of me to steal it.
|
|
IAGO Villainous whore!
|
IAGO Villainous whore!
|
|
EMILIA She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it
And I did give ’t my husband.
|
EMILIA She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it
And I did give ’t my husband.
|
|
IAGO Filth, thou liest!
|
IAGO Filth, thou liest!
|
|
EMILIA 245 By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.—
(to OTHELLO)
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
|
EMILIA By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.—
(to OTHELLO)
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
|
|
OTHELLO Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder?—Precious villain!
|
OTHELLO Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder?—Precious villain!
|
|
He runs at IAGO IAGO stabs EMILIA
|
He runs at IAGO IAGO stabs EMILIA
|
|
GRATIANO 250 The woman falls! Sure he hath killed his wife.
|
GRATIANO The woman falls! Sure he hath killed his wife.
|
|
EMILIA Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side.
|
EMILIA Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side.
|
|
Exit IAGO
|
Exit IAGO
|
|
GRATIANO He’s gone, but his wife’s killed.
|
GRATIANO He’s gone, but his wife’s killed.
|
|
MONTANO 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,
Which I have recovered from the Moor.
255 Come, guard the door without. Let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain,
For ’tis a damnèd slave.
|
MONTANO 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,
Which I have recovered from the Moor.
Come, guard the door without. Let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain,
For ’tis a damnèd slave.
|
|
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO
|
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO
|
|
OTHELLO I am not valiant neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honor outlive honesty?
260 Let it go all.
|
OTHELLO I am not valiant neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honor outlive honesty?
Let it go all.
|
|
EMILIA What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan.
And die in music.
(singing) Willow, willow, willow—
Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor.
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.
265 So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
|
EMILIA What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan.
And die in music.
(singing) Willow, willow, willow—
Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor.
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.
So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
|
|
Dies
|
Dies
|
|
OTHELLO I have another weapon in this chamber,
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper.
Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
|
OTHELLO I have another weapon in this chamber,
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper.
Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
|
|
GRATIANO (within) If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
270 Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
|
GRATIANO (within) If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
|
|
OTHELLO Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
|
OTHELLO Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
|
|
Enter GRATIANO
|
Enter GRATIANO
|
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
|
OTHELLO Behold, I have a weapon.
A better never did itself sustain
275 Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day
|
OTHELLO Behold, I have a weapon.
A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day
|
|
That with this little arm and this good sword
I have made my way through more impediments
Than twenty times your stop. But, oh, vain boast!
Who can control his fate? ’tis not so now.
280 Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed.
Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed? ’tis a lost fear.
Man but a rush against Othello’s breast,
285 And he retires. Where should Othello go?—
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench,
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl,
290 Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!—
295 Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!
|
That with this little arm and this good sword
I have made my way through more impediments
Than twenty times your stop. But, oh, vain boast!
Who can control his fate? ’tis not so now.
Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed.
Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed? ’tis a lost fear.
Man but a rush against Othello’s breast,
And he retires. Where should Othello go?—
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench,
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl,
Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!—
Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!
|
|
Enter LODOVICO , MONTANO , CASSIO carried in a chair, and officers with IAGO , prisoner
|
Enter LODOVICO , MONTANO , CASSIO carried in a chair, and officers with IAGO , prisoner
|
|
LODOVICO Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
|
LODOVICO Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
|
|
OTHELLO That’s he that was Othello. Here I am.
|
OTHELLO That’s he that was Othello. Here I am.
|
|
LODOVICO Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
|
LODOVICO Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
|
|
IAGO is brought forward
|
IAGO is brought forward
|
|
OTHELLO I look down towards his feet, but that’s a fable.
300 If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
|
OTHELLO I look down towards his feet, but that’s a fable.
If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
|
|
Stabs IAGO
|
Stabs IAGO
|
|
LODOVICO Wrench his sword from him.
|
LODOVICO Wrench his sword from him.
|
|
They take OTHELLO ’s sword
|
They take OTHELLO ’s sword
|
|
IAGO I bleed, sir, but not killed.
|
IAGO I bleed, sir, but not killed.
|
|
OTHELLO I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,
For in my sense ’tis happiness to die.
|
OTHELLO I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,
For in my sense ’tis happiness to die.
|
|
LODOVICO O thou Othello, thou was once so good,
305 Fall'n in the practice of a cursèd slave,
What shall be said to thee?
|
LODOVICO O thou Othello, thou was once so good,
Fall'n in the practice of a cursèd slave,
What shall be said to thee?
|
|
OTHELLO Why, anything.
An honorable murderer, if you will,
For naught I did in hate, but all in honor.
|
OTHELLO Why, anything.
An honorable murderer, if you will,
For naught I did in hate, but all in honor.
|
|
LODOVICO This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
310 Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death?
|
LODOVICO This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death?
|
|
OTHELLO Ay.
|
OTHELLO Ay.
|
|
CASSIO Dear general, I never gave you cause.
|
CASSIO Dear general, I never gave you cause.
|
|
OTHELLO I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
315 Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
|
OTHELLO I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
|
|
IAGO Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
|
IAGO Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
|
|
LODOVICO What, not to pray?
|
LODOVICO What, not to pray?
|
|
GRATIANO Torments will ope your lips.
|
GRATIANO Torments will ope your lips.
|
|
OTHELLO 320 Well, thou dost best.
|
OTHELLO Well, thou dost best.
|
|
LODOVICO Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,
And here another. The one of them imports
325 The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
|
LODOVICO Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,
And here another. The one of them imports
The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, villain!
|
OTHELLO Oh, villain!
|
|
CASSIO Most heathenish and most gross!
|
CASSIO Most heathenish and most gross!
|
|
LODOVICO Now here’s another discontented paper
330 Found in his pocket too, and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damnèd villain
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
|
LODOVICO Now here’s another discontented paper
Found in his pocket too, and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damnèd villain
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
|
|
OTHELLO O thou pernicious caitiff!
335 How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife’s?
|
OTHELLO O thou pernicious caitiff!
How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife’s?
|
|
CASSIO I found it in my chamber,
And he himself confessed but even now
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
|
CASSIO I found it in my chamber,
And he himself confessed but even now
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
|
|
OTHELLO O fool! fool! fool!
|
OTHELLO O fool! fool! fool!
|
|
CASSIO 340 There is besides in Roderigo’s letter
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came
That I was cast. And even but now he spake,
After long seeming dead—Iago hurt him,
345 Iago set him on.
|
CASSIO There is besides in Roderigo’s letter
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came
That I was cast. And even but now he spake,
After long seeming dead—Iago hurt him,
Iago set him on.
|
|
LODOVICO (to OTHELLO) You must forsake this room and go with us.
Your power and your command is taken off
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
350 That can torment him much and hold him long,
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest
Till that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state.—Come, bring him away.
|
LODOVICO (to OTHELLO) You must forsake this room and go with us.
Your power and your command is taken off
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
That can torment him much and hold him long,
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest
Till that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state.—Come, bring him away.
|
|
OTHELLO Soft you, a word or two before you go.
355 I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
360 Of one that loved not wisely, but too well.
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe. Of one whose subdued eyes,
365 Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this,
|
OTHELLO Soft you, a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well.
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe. Of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this,
|
|
And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
370 Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcisèd dog,
And smote him, thus.
|
And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcisèd dog,
And smote him, thus.
|
|
Stabs himself
|
Stabs himself
|
|
LODOVICO Oh, bloody period!
|
LODOVICO Oh, bloody period!
|
|
GRATIANO All that is spoke is marred.
|
GRATIANO All that is spoke is marred.
|
|
OTHELLO I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
|
OTHELLO I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
|
|
Kisses DESDEMONA , dies
|
Kisses DESDEMONA , dies
|
|
CASSIO This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
For he was great of heart.
|
CASSIO This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
For he was great of heart.
|
|
LODOVICO More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house
385 And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture. Oh, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
390 This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
|
LODOVICO More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture. Oh, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
DESDEMONA asleep in bed Enter OTHELLO with a light
|
DESDEMONA asleep in bed Enter OTHELLO with a light
|
|
OTHELLO It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars,
It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow
5 And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
10 Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,
Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose
I cannot give it vital growth again,
15 It must needs wither. I’ll smell thee on the tree.
Oh, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee
And love thee after. (kissing her) One more, and that’s the last.
20 So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly,
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
|
OTHELLO It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars,
It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,
Thou cunning’st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy rose
I cannot give it vital growth again,
It must needs wither. I’ll smell thee on the tree.
Oh, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more.
Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee
And love thee after. (kissing her) One more, and that’s the last.
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly,
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
|
|
DESDEMONA Who’s there? Othello?
|
DESDEMONA Who’s there? Othello?
|
|
OTHELLO Ay, Desdemona.
|
OTHELLO Ay, Desdemona.
|
|
DESDEMONA 25 Will you come to bed, my lord?
|
DESDEMONA Will you come to bed, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?
|
OTHELLO Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?
|
|
DESDEMONA Ay, my lord.
|
DESDEMONA Ay, my lord.
|
|
OTHELLO If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
30 Solicit for it straight.
|
OTHELLO If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
Solicit for it straight.
|
|
DESDEMONA Alack, my lord, what do you mean by that?
|
DESDEMONA Alack, my lord, what do you mean by that?
|
|
OTHELLO Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit.
No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!
|
OTHELLO Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by.
I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit.
No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!
|
|
DESDEMONA 35 Talk you of killing?
|
DESDEMONA Talk you of killing?
|
|
OTHELLO Ay, I do.
|
OTHELLO Ay, I do.
|
|
DESDEMONA Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
|
DESDEMONA Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
|
|
OTHELLO Amen, with all my heart.
|
OTHELLO Amen, with all my heart.
|
|
DESDEMONA If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
|
DESDEMONA If you say, I hope you will not kill me.
|
|
OTHELLO Humh!
|
OTHELLO Humh!
|
|
DESDEMONA 40 And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear.
|
DESDEMONA And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear.
|
|
OTHELLO Think on thy sins.
|
OTHELLO Think on thy sins.
|
|
DESDEMONA They are loves I bear to you.
|
DESDEMONA They are loves I bear to you.
|
|
OTHELLO 45 Ay, and for that thou diest.
|
OTHELLO Ay, and for that thou diest.
|
|
DESDEMONA That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
These are portents, but yet I hope, I hope
50 They do not point on me.
|
DESDEMONA That death’s unnatural that kills for loving.
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
These are portents, but yet I hope, I hope
They do not point on me.
|
|
OTHELLO Peace, and be still.
|
OTHELLO Peace, and be still.
|
|
DESDEMONA I will so. What’s the matter?
|
DESDEMONA I will so. What’s the matter?
|
|
OTHELLO That handkerchief
Which I so loved and gave thee, thou gav’st
To Cassio.
|
OTHELLO That handkerchief
Which I so loved and gave thee, thou gav’st
To Cassio.
|
|
DESDEMONA 55 No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man and ask him.
|
DESDEMONA No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man and ask him.
|
|
OTHELLO Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury.
Thou art on thy deathbed.
|
OTHELLO Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury.
Thou art on thy deathbed.
|
|
DESDEMONA Ay—but not yet to die!
|
DESDEMONA Ay—but not yet to die!
|
|
OTHELLO 60 Presently.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
|
OTHELLO Presently.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin,
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
|
|
DESDEMONA 65 Oh, heaven have mercy on me!
|
DESDEMONA Oh, heaven have mercy on me!
|
|
OTHELLO I say “amen.”
|
OTHELLO I say “amen.”
|
|
DESDEMONA And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love. I never gave him token.
|
DESDEMONA And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love. I never gave him token.
|
|
OTHELLO 70 By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ’s hand.
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart,
And mak’st me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice!
I saw the handkerchief.
|
OTHELLO By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ’s hand.
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart,
And mak’st me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice!
I saw the handkerchief.
|
|
DESDEMONA He found it then,
75 I never gave it him. Send for him hither,
Let him confess a truth.
|
DESDEMONA He found it then,
I never gave it him. Send for him hither,
Let him confess a truth.
|
|
OTHELLO He hath confessed.
|
OTHELLO He hath confessed.
|
|
DESDEMONA What, my lord?
|
DESDEMONA What, my lord?
|
|
OTHELLO That he hath usèd thee.
|
OTHELLO That he hath usèd thee.
|
|
DESDEMONA How? Unlawfully?
|
DESDEMONA How? Unlawfully?
|
|
OTHELLO Ay.
|
OTHELLO Ay.
|
|
DESDEMONA 80 He will not say so.
|
DESDEMONA He will not say so.
|
|
OTHELLO No, his mouth is stopped. Honest Iago
Hath ta'en order for ’t.
|
OTHELLO No, his mouth is stopped. Honest Iago
Hath ta'en order for ’t.
|
|
DESDEMONA Oh! My fear interprets. What, is he dead?
|
DESDEMONA Oh! My fear interprets. What, is he dead?
|
|
OTHELLO Had all his hairs been lives
85 My great revenge had stomach for them all.
|
OTHELLO Had all his hairs been lives
My great revenge had stomach for them all.
|
|
DESDEMONA Alas, he is betrayed and I undone.
|
DESDEMONA Alas, he is betrayed and I undone.
|
|
OTHELLO Out, strumpet! weep’st thou for him to my face?
|
OTHELLO Out, strumpet! weep’st thou for him to my face?
|
|
DESDEMONA Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
|
DESDEMONA Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
|
|
OTHELLO Down, strumpet!
|
OTHELLO Down, strumpet!
|
|
DESDEMONA 90 Kill me tomorrow—let me live tonight!
|
DESDEMONA Kill me tomorrow—let me live tonight!
|
|
OTHELLO Nay, if you strive—
|
OTHELLO Nay, if you strive—
|
|
DESDEMONA But half an hour!
|
DESDEMONA But half an hour!
|
|
OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause.
|
OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause.
|
|
DESDEMONA But while I say one prayer!
|
DESDEMONA But while I say one prayer!
|
|
OTHELLO |
OTHELLO |
|
EMILIA (within) My lord , my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord!
|
EMILIA (within) My lord , my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord!
|
|
OTHELLO What noise is this?—Not dead? Not yet quite dead?
I that am cruel am yet merciful,
I would not have thee linger in thy pain.
100 So, so.
|
OTHELLO What noise is this?—Not dead? Not yet quite dead?
I that am cruel am yet merciful,
I would not have thee linger in thy pain.
So, so.
|
|
EMILIA (within) What, ho! My lord, my lord!
|
EMILIA (within) What, ho! My lord, my lord!
|
|
OTHELLO Who’s there?
|
OTHELLO Who’s there?
|
|
EMILIA (within) O good my lord, I would speak a word with you!
|
EMILIA (within) O good my lord, I would speak a word with you!
|
|
OTHELLO Yes, ’tis Emilia.—(to EMILIA) By and by.—She’s dead.—
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death,
105 The noise was high. Ha! No more moving?
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were ’t good?
I think she stirs again—No. What’s best to do?
If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife—
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.
110 Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
|
OTHELLO Yes, ’tis Emilia.—(to EMILIA) By and by.—She’s dead.—
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio’s death,
The noise was high. Ha! No more moving?
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were ’t good?
I think she stirs again—No. What’s best to do?
If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife—
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.
Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
|
|
EMILIA (within) I do beseech you
115 That I may speak with you, O good my lord!
|
EMILIA (within) I do beseech you
That I may speak with you, O good my lord!
|
|
OTHELLO I had forgot thee—Oh, come in, Emilia.
Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw.
Where art thou?
|
OTHELLO I had forgot thee—Oh, come in, Emilia.
Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw.
Where art thou?
|
|
Unlocks the door. Enter EMILIA
|
Unlocks the door. Enter EMILIA
|
|
What’s the matter with thee now?
|
What’s the matter with thee now?
|
|
EMILIA O my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done!
|
EMILIA O my good lord, yonder’s foul murders done!
|
|
OTHELLO 120 What, now?
|
OTHELLO What, now?
|
|
EMILIA But now, my lord.
|
EMILIA But now, my lord.
|
|
OTHELLO It is the very error of the moon,
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont
And makes men mad.
|
OTHELLO It is the very error of the moon,
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont
And makes men mad.
|
|
EMILIA 125 Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
|
EMILIA Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
|
|
OTHELLO Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed!
|
OTHELLO Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed!
|
|
EMILIA No, Cassio is not killed.
|
EMILIA No, Cassio is not killed.
|
|
OTHELLO Not Cassio killed! Then murder’s out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
|
OTHELLO Not Cassio killed! Then murder’s out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
|
|
DESDEMONA 130 Oh, falsely, falsely murdered!
|
DESDEMONA Oh, falsely, falsely murdered!
|
|
EMILIA Alas, what cry is that?
|
EMILIA Alas, what cry is that?
|
|
OTHELLO That? What?
|
OTHELLO That? What?
|
|
EMILIA Out and alas, that was my lady’s voice.
|
EMILIA Out and alas, that was my lady’s voice.
|
|
Opens the bedcurtains
|
Opens the bedcurtains
|
|
Help! Help, ho, help! O lady, speak again!
135 Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!
|
Help! Help, ho, help! O lady, speak again!
Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!
|
|
DESDEMONA A guiltless death I die.
|
DESDEMONA A guiltless death I die.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, who hath done this deed?
|
EMILIA Oh, who hath done this deed?
|
|
DESDEMONA Nobody. I myself. Farewell.
Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!
|
DESDEMONA Nobody. I myself. Farewell.
Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!
|
|
Dies
|
Dies
|
|
OTHELLO Why, how should she be murdered?
|
OTHELLO Why, how should she be murdered?
|
|
EMILIA Alas, who knows?
|
EMILIA Alas, who knows?
|
|
OTHELLO 140 You heard her say herself it was not I.
|
OTHELLO You heard her say herself it was not I.
|
|
EMILIA She said so. I must needs report the truth.
|
EMILIA She said so. I must needs report the truth.
|
|
OTHELLO She’s like a liar gone to burning hell.
'Twas I that killed her.
|
OTHELLO She’s like a liar gone to burning hell.
'Twas I that killed her.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, the more angel she,
145 And you the blacker devil!
|
EMILIA Oh, the more angel she,
And you the blacker devil!
|
|
OTHELLO She turned to folly, and she was a whore.
|
OTHELLO She turned to folly, and she was a whore.
|
|
EMILIA Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
|
EMILIA Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
|
|
OTHELLO She was false as water.
|
OTHELLO She was false as water.
|
|
EMILIA Thou art rash as fire,
To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly true!
|
EMILIA Thou art rash as fire,
To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly true!
|
|
OTHELLO 150 Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else.
Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell,
But that I did proceed upon just grounds
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
|
OTHELLO Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else.
Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell,
But that I did proceed upon just grounds
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
|
|
EMILIA My husband!
|
EMILIA My husband!
|
|
OTHELLO Thy husband.
|
OTHELLO Thy husband.
|
|
EMILIA That she was false to wedlock?
|
EMILIA That she was false to wedlock?
|
|
OTHELLO 155 Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite,
I’d not have sold her for it.
|
OTHELLO Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite,
I’d not have sold her for it.
|
|
EMILIA My husband?
|
EMILIA My husband?
|
|
OTHELLO Ay, ’twas he that told me on her first.
160 An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
|
OTHELLO Ay, ’twas he that told me on her first.
An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
|
|
EMILIA My husband!
|
EMILIA My husband!
|
|
OTHELLO What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.
|
OTHELLO What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband.
|
|
EMILIA O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!
My husband say that she was false!
|
EMILIA O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!
My husband say that she was false!
|
|
OTHELLO He, woman.
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
|
OTHELLO He, woman.
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
|
|
EMILIA If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th' heart.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
|
EMILIA If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th' heart.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
|
|
OTHELLO draws his sword
|
OTHELLO draws his sword
|
|
OTHELLO 170 Ha!
|
OTHELLO Ha!
|
|
EMILIA Do thy worst.
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
|
EMILIA Do thy worst.
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
|
|
OTHELLO Peace, you were best.
|
OTHELLO Peace, you were best.
|
|
EMILIA Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
175 As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!
As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—
I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known
|
EMILIA Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!
As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—
I care not for thy sword, I’ll make thee known
|
|
Though I lost twenty lives.—Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath killed my mistress! Murder, murder!
|
Though I lost twenty lives.—Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath killed my mistress! Murder, murder!
|
|
Enter MONTANO , GRATIANO , and IAGO
|
Enter MONTANO , GRATIANO , and IAGO
|
|
MONTANO 180 What is the matter? How now, general?
|
MONTANO What is the matter? How now, general?
|
|
EMILIA Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
|
EMILIA Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
|
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
|
EMILIA (to IAGO) Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man.
185 He says thou told’st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.
Speak, for my heart is full.
|
EMILIA (to IAGO) Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man.
He says thou told’st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.
Speak, for my heart is full.
|
|
IAGO I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
|
IAGO I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
|
|
EMILIA 190 But did you ever tell him she was false?
|
EMILIA But did you ever tell him she was false?
|
|
IAGO I did.
|
IAGO I did.
|
|
EMILIA You told a lie, an odious, damnèd lie.
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie.
She false with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?
|
EMILIA You told a lie, an odious, damnèd lie.
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie.
She false with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?
|
|
IAGO 195 With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
|
IAGO With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
|
|
EMILIA I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak.
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed—
|
EMILIA I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak.
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed—
|
|
ALL Oh, heavens forfend!
|
ALL Oh, heavens forfend!
|
|
EMILIA And your reports have set the murder on.
|
EMILIA And your reports have set the murder on.
|
|
OTHELLO 200 Nay, stare not, masters, it is true, indeed.
|
OTHELLO Nay, stare not, masters, it is true, indeed.
|
|
GRATIANO 'Tis a strange truth.
|
GRATIANO 'Tis a strange truth.
|
|
MONTANO Oh, monstrous act!
|
MONTANO Oh, monstrous act!
|
|
EMILIA Villainy, villainy, villainy!
I think upon ’t, I think I smell ’t, Oh, villainy!
I thought so then, I’ll kill myself for grief.
205 Oh, villainy, villainy!
|
EMILIA Villainy, villainy, villainy!
I think upon ’t, I think I smell ’t, Oh, villainy!
I thought so then, I’ll kill myself for grief.
Oh, villainy, villainy!
|
|
IAGO What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.
|
IAGO What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.
|
|
EMILIA Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
|
EMILIA Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak.
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.
|
|
OTHELLO 210 Oh! Oh! Oh!
|
OTHELLO Oh! Oh! Oh!
|
|
EMILIA Nay, lay thee down and roar,
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
|
EMILIA Nay, lay thee down and roar,
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
|
|
OTHELLO Oh, she was foul!—
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece,
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopped.
215 I know this act shows horrible and grim.
|
OTHELLO Oh, she was foul!—
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece,
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopped.
I know this act shows horrible and grim.
|
|
GRATIANO Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father’s dead,
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now,
|
GRATIANO Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father’s dead,
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now,
|
|
This sight would make him do a desperate turn,
220 Yea, curse his better angel from his side
And fall to reprobation.
|
This sight would make him do a desperate turn,
Yea, curse his better angel from his side
And fall to reprobation.
|
|
OTHELLO 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it,
225 And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand,
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
|
OTHELLO 'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it,
And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand,
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
|
|
EMILIA Oh, heaven! Oh, heavenly powers!
|
EMILIA Oh, heaven! Oh, heavenly powers!
|
|
IAGO 230 Zounds, hold your peace.
|
IAGO Zounds, hold your peace.
|
|
EMILIA 'Twill out, ’twill out.—I peace?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north.
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.
|
EMILIA 'Twill out, ’twill out.—I peace?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north.
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all cry shame against me, yet I’ll speak.
|
|
IAGO 235 Be wise, and get you home.
|
IAGO Be wise, and get you home.
|
|
Draws his sword
|
Draws his sword
|
|
EMILIA I will not.
|
EMILIA I will not.
|
|
GRATIANO Fie! Your sword upon a woman?
|
GRATIANO Fie! Your sword upon a woman?
|
|
EMILIA O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of
I found by fortune and did give my husband.
240 For often, with a solemn earnestness—
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle—
He begged of me to steal it.
|
EMILIA O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of
I found by fortune and did give my husband.
For often, with a solemn earnestness—
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle—
He begged of me to steal it.
|
|
IAGO Villainous whore!
|
IAGO Villainous whore!
|
|
EMILIA She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it
And I did give ’t my husband.
|
EMILIA She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it
And I did give ’t my husband.
|
|
IAGO Filth, thou liest!
|
IAGO Filth, thou liest!
|
|
EMILIA 245 By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.—
(to OTHELLO)
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
|
EMILIA By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.—
(to OTHELLO)
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
|
|
OTHELLO Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder?—Precious villain!
|
OTHELLO Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder?—Precious villain!
|
|
He runs at IAGO IAGO stabs EMILIA
|
He runs at IAGO IAGO stabs EMILIA
|
|
GRATIANO 250 The woman falls! Sure he hath killed his wife.
|
GRATIANO The woman falls! Sure he hath killed his wife.
|
|
EMILIA Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side.
|
EMILIA Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side.
|
|
Exit IAGO
|
Exit IAGO
|
|
GRATIANO He’s gone, but his wife’s killed.
|
GRATIANO He’s gone, but his wife’s killed.
|
|
MONTANO 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,
Which I have recovered from the Moor.
255 Come, guard the door without. Let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain,
For ’tis a damnèd slave.
|
MONTANO 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,
Which I have recovered from the Moor.
Come, guard the door without. Let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I’ll after that same villain,
For ’tis a damnèd slave.
|
|
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO
|
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO
|
|
OTHELLO I am not valiant neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honor outlive honesty?
260 Let it go all.
|
OTHELLO I am not valiant neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honor outlive honesty?
Let it go all.
|
|
EMILIA What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan.
And die in music.
(singing) Willow, willow, willow—
Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor.
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.
265 So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
|
EMILIA What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan.
And die in music.
(singing) Willow, willow, willow—
Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor.
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true.
So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
|
|
Dies
|
Dies
|
|
OTHELLO I have another weapon in this chamber,
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper.
Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
|
OTHELLO I have another weapon in this chamber,
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brook’s temper.
Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
|
|
GRATIANO (within) If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
270 Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
|
GRATIANO (within) If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
|
|
OTHELLO Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
|
OTHELLO Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
|
|
Enter GRATIANO
|
Enter GRATIANO
|
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
GRATIANO What is the matter?
|
|
OTHELLO Behold, I have a weapon.
A better never did itself sustain
275 Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day
|
OTHELLO Behold, I have a weapon.
A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day
|
|
That with this little arm and this good sword
I have made my way through more impediments
Than twenty times your stop. But, oh, vain boast!
Who can control his fate? ’tis not so now.
280 Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed.
Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed? ’tis a lost fear.
Man but a rush against Othello’s breast,
285 And he retires. Where should Othello go?—
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench,
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl,
290 Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!—
295 Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!
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That with this little arm and this good sword
I have made my way through more impediments
Than twenty times your stop. But, oh, vain boast!
Who can control his fate? ’tis not so now.
Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed.
Here is my journey’s end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed? ’tis a lost fear.
Man but a rush against Othello’s breast,
And he retires. Where should Othello go?—
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench,
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl,
Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!—
Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!
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Enter LODOVICO , MONTANO , CASSIO carried in a chair, and officers with IAGO , prisoner
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Enter LODOVICO , MONTANO , CASSIO carried in a chair, and officers with IAGO , prisoner
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LODOVICO Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
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LODOVICO Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
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OTHELLO That’s he that was Othello. Here I am.
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OTHELLO That’s he that was Othello. Here I am.
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LODOVICO Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
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LODOVICO Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
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IAGO is brought forward
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IAGO is brought forward
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OTHELLO I look down towards his feet, but that’s a fable.
300 If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
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OTHELLO I look down towards his feet, but that’s a fable.
If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
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Stabs IAGO
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Stabs IAGO
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LODOVICO Wrench his sword from him.
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LODOVICO Wrench his sword from him.
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They take OTHELLO ’s sword
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They take OTHELLO ’s sword
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IAGO I bleed, sir, but not killed.
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IAGO I bleed, sir, but not killed.
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OTHELLO I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,
For in my sense ’tis happiness to die.
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OTHELLO I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,
For in my sense ’tis happiness to die.
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LODOVICO O thou Othello, thou was once so good,
305 Fall'n in the practice of a cursèd slave,
What shall be said to thee?
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LODOVICO O thou Othello, thou was once so good,
Fall'n in the practice of a cursèd slave,
What shall be said to thee?
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OTHELLO Why, anything.
An honorable murderer, if you will,
For naught I did in hate, but all in honor.
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OTHELLO Why, anything.
An honorable murderer, if you will,
For naught I did in hate, but all in honor.
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LODOVICO This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
310 Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death?
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LODOVICO This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
Did you and he consent in Cassio’s death?
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OTHELLO Ay.
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OTHELLO Ay.
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CASSIO Dear general, I never gave you cause.
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CASSIO Dear general, I never gave you cause.
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OTHELLO I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
315 Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
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OTHELLO I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
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IAGO Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
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IAGO Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
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LODOVICO What, not to pray?
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LODOVICO What, not to pray?
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GRATIANO Torments will ope your lips.
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GRATIANO Torments will ope your lips.
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OTHELLO 320 Well, thou dost best.
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OTHELLO Well, thou dost best.
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LODOVICO Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,
And here another. The one of them imports
325 The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
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LODOVICO Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,
And here another. The one of them imports
The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
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OTHELLO Oh, villain!
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OTHELLO Oh, villain!
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CASSIO Most heathenish and most gross!
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CASSIO Most heathenish and most gross!
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LODOVICO Now here’s another discontented paper
330 Found in his pocket too, and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damnèd villain
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
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LODOVICO Now here’s another discontented paper
Found in his pocket too, and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damnèd villain
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
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OTHELLO O thou pernicious caitiff!
335 How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife’s?
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OTHELLO O thou pernicious caitiff!
How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife’s?
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CASSIO I found it in my chamber,
And he himself confessed but even now
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
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CASSIO I found it in my chamber,
And he himself confessed but even now
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
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OTHELLO O fool! fool! fool!
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OTHELLO O fool! fool! fool!
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CASSIO 340 There is besides in Roderigo’s letter
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came
That I was cast. And even but now he spake,
After long seeming dead—Iago hurt him,
345 Iago set him on.
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CASSIO There is besides in Roderigo’s letter
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came
That I was cast. And even but now he spake,
After long seeming dead—Iago hurt him,
Iago set him on.
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LODOVICO (to OTHELLO) You must forsake this room and go with us.
Your power and your command is taken off
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
350 That can torment him much and hold him long,
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest
Till that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state.—Come, bring him away.
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LODOVICO (to OTHELLO) You must forsake this room and go with us.
Your power and your command is taken off
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
That can torment him much and hold him long,
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest
Till that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state.—Come, bring him away.
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OTHELLO Soft you, a word or two before you go.
355 I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
360 Of one that loved not wisely, but too well.
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe. Of one whose subdued eyes,
365 Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this,
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OTHELLO Soft you, a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well.
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe. Of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this,
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And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
370 Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcisèd dog,
And smote him, thus.
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And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcisèd dog,
And smote him, thus.
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Stabs himself
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Stabs himself
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LODOVICO Oh, bloody period!
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LODOVICO Oh, bloody period!
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GRATIANO All that is spoke is marred.
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GRATIANO All that is spoke is marred.
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OTHELLO I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
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OTHELLO I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
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Kisses DESDEMONA , dies
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Kisses DESDEMONA , dies
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CASSIO This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
For he was great of heart.
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CASSIO This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
For he was great of heart.
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LODOVICO More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house
385 And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture. Oh, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
390 This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
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LODOVICO More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture. Oh, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
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Exeunt
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Exeunt
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