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OTHELLO I am not valiant
neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword.
But why should honor outlive honesty?
260Let it go all.
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OTHELLO I’m not that strong, if a puny nobody can grab my
sword. But why should my reputation for honor last longer than my
honor did? Let it all go.
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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.
265So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
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EMILIA What did your song mean, lady? Can you hear me? I’ll
die like a swan. They sing when they die.
(singing) Willow, willow,
willow.—
Moor, she never cheated on you. She loved you, you cruel man. I
swear on my soul I’m telling the truth, and as I say
this, I die.
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Dies
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EMILIA dies.
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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.
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OTHELLO I’ve got another weapon in the room. It’s a
Spanish sword, hardened in ice cold water and razor sharp. Here it
is. Uncle, I’m coming out!
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GRATIANO
(within) If thou attempt it, it
will cost thee dear.
270Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
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GRATIANO
(offstage) If you try that,
you’ll pay for it. You’ve got no weapon, so
you’ll have to suffer.
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OTHELLO Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
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OTHELLO Look in on me, and talk with me, or I’ll attack even
without a weapon.
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Enter GRATIANO
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GRATIANO enters.
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GRATIANO What is the matter?
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GRATIANO What’s the matter?
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OTHELLO Behold, I have a
weapon.
A better never did itself sustain
275Upon a soldier’s thigh. I have seen the day
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OTHELLO Look, I have a weapon, the best sword a soldier could have.
I’ve fought my way through obstacles twenty times more
terrifying than you with this weapon. But
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