OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE<\/p>\n
by William Shakespeare<\/p>\n
Contents<\/p>\n
ACT I<\/p>\n
Scene I. Venice. A street.<\/p>\n
Scene II. Venice. Another street.<\/p>\n
Scene III. Venice. A council chamber.<\/p>\n
ACT II<\/p>\n
Scene I. A seaport in Cyprus. A Platform.<\/p>\n
Scene II. A street.<\/p>\n
Scene III. A Hall in the Castle.<\/p>\n
ACT III<\/p>\n
Scene I. Cyprus. Before the Castle.<\/p>\n
Scene II. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.<\/p>\n
Scene III. Cyprus. The Garden of the Castle.<\/p>\n
Scene IV. Cyprus. Before the Castle.<\/p>\n
ACT IV<\/p>\n
Scene I. Cyprus. Before the Castle.<\/p>\n
Scene II. Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.<\/p>\n
Scene III. Cyprus. Another Room in the Castle.<\/p>\n
ACT V<\/p>\n
Scene I. Cyprus. A Street.<\/p>\n
Scene II. Cyprus. A Bedchamber in the castle.<\/p>\n
Dramatis Person\u00e6<\/p>\n
DUKE OF VENICE<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO, a Senator of Venice and Desdemona\u2019s father<\/p>\n
Other Senators<\/p>\n
GRATIANO, Brother to Brabantio<\/p>\n
LODOVICO, Kinsman to Brabantio<\/p>\n
OTHELLO, a noble Moor in the service of Venice<\/p>\n
CASSIO, his Lieutenant<\/p>\n
IAGO, his Ancient<\/p>\n
MONTANO, Othello\u2019s predecessor in the government of Cyprus<\/p>\n
RODERIGO, a Venetian Gentleman<\/p>\n
CLOWN, Servant to Othello<\/p>\n
DESDEMONA, Daughter to Brabantio and Wife to Othello<\/p>\n
EMILIA, Wife to Iago<\/p>\n
BIANCA, Mistress to Cassio<\/p>\n
Officers, Gentlemen, Messenger, Musicians, Herald, Sailor, Attendants,<\/p>\n
&c.<\/p>\n
SCENE: The First Act in Venice; during the rest of the Play at a<\/p>\n
Seaport in Cyprus.<\/p>\n
ACT I<\/p>\n
SCENE I. Venice. A street.<\/p>\n
Enter Roderigo and Iago.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Tush, never tell me, I take it much unkindly<\/p>\n
That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse,<\/p>\n
As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
\u2019Sblood, but you will not hear me.<\/p>\n
If ever I did dream of such a matter,<\/p>\n
Abhor me.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Thou told\u2019st me, thou didst hold him in thy hate.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Despise me if I do not. Three great ones of the city,<\/p>\n
In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,<\/p>\n
Off-capp\u2019d to him; and by the faith of man,<\/p>\n
I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.<\/p>\n
But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,<\/p>\n
Evades them, with a bombast circumstance,<\/p>\n
Horribly stuff\u2019d with epithets of war:<\/p>\n
And in conclusion,<\/p>\n
Nonsuits my mediators: for \u201cCertes,\u201d says he,<\/p>\n
\u201cI have already chose my officer.\u201d<\/p>\n
And what was he?<\/p>\n
Forsooth, a great arithmetician,<\/p>\n
One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,<\/p>\n
A fellow almost damn\u2019d in a fair wife,<\/p>\n
That never set a squadron in the field,<\/p>\n
Nor the division of a battle knows<\/p>\n
More than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric,<\/p>\n
Wherein the toged consuls can propose<\/p>\n
As masterly as he: mere prattle without practice<\/p>\n
Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election,<\/p>\n
And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof<\/p>\n
At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds,<\/p>\n
Christian and heathen, must be belee\u2019d and calm\u2019d<\/p>\n
By debitor and creditor, this counter-caster,<\/p>\n
He, in good time, must his lieutenant be,<\/p>\n
And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship\u2019s ancient.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Why, there\u2019s no remedy. \u2019Tis the curse of service,<\/p>\n
Preferment goes by letter and affection,<\/p>\n
And not by old gradation, where each second<\/p>\n
Stood heir to the first. Now sir, be judge yourself<\/p>\n
Whether I in any just term am affin\u2019d<\/p>\n
To love the Moor.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
I would not follow him, then.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
O, sir, content you.<\/p>\n
I follow him to serve my turn upon him:<\/p>\n
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters<\/p>\n
Cannot be truly follow\u2019d. You shall mark<\/p>\n
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave<\/p>\n
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,<\/p>\n
Wears out his time, much like his master\u2019s ass,<\/p>\n
For nought but provender, and when he\u2019s old, cashier\u2019d.<\/p>\n
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are<\/p>\n
Who, trimm\u2019d in forms, and visages of duty,<\/p>\n
Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,<\/p>\n
And throwing but shows of service on their lords,<\/p>\n
Do well thrive by them, and when they have lin\u2019d their coats,<\/p>\n
Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul,<\/p>\n
And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir,<\/p>\n
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,<\/p>\n
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:<\/p>\n
In following him, I follow but myself.<\/p>\n
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,<\/p>\n
But seeming so for my peculiar end.<\/p>\n
For when my outward action doth demonstrate<\/p>\n
The native act and figure of my heart<\/p>\n
In complement extern, \u2019tis not long after<\/p>\n
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve<\/p>\n
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe,<\/p>\n
If he can carry\u2019t thus!<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Call up her father,<\/p>\n
Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight,<\/p>\n
Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen,<\/p>\n
And though he in a fertile climate dwell,<\/p>\n
Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy,<\/p>\n
Yet throw such changes of vexation on\u2019t,<\/p>\n
As it may lose some color.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Here is her father\u2019s house, I\u2019ll call aloud.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell<\/p>\n
As when, by night and negligence, the fire<\/p>\n
Is spied in populous cities.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Awake! what ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves!<\/p>\n
Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!<\/p>\n
Thieves, thieves!<\/p>\n
Brabantio appears above at a window.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
What is the reason of this terrible summons?<\/p>\n
What is the matter there?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Signior, is all your family within?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Are your doors locked?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Why, wherefore ask you this?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Zounds, sir, you\u2019re robb\u2019d, for shame put on your gown,<\/p>\n
Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul;<\/p>\n
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram<\/p>\n
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise,<\/p>\n
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,<\/p>\n
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you:<\/p>\n
Arise, I say.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
What, have you lost your wits?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Most reverend signior, do you know my voice?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Not I. What are you?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
My name is Roderigo.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
The worser welcome.<\/p>\n
I have charg\u2019d thee not to haunt about my doors;<\/p>\n
In honest plainness thou hast heard me say<\/p>\n
My daughter is not for thee; and now in madness,<\/p>\n
Being full of supper and distempering draughts,<\/p>\n
Upon malicious bravery, dost thou come<\/p>\n
To start my quiet.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Sir, sir, sir,\u2014<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
But thou must needs be sure<\/p>\n
My spirit and my place have in them power<\/p>\n
To make this bitter to thee.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Patience, good sir.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
What tell\u2019st thou me of robbing?<\/p>\n
This is Venice. My house is not a grange.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Most grave Brabantio,<\/p>\n
In simple and pure soul I come to you.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil<\/p>\n
bid you. Because we come to do you service, and you think we are<\/p>\n
ruffians, you\u2019ll have your daughter cover\u2019d with a Barbary horse;<\/p>\n
you\u2019ll have your nephews neigh to you; you\u2019ll have coursers for cousins<\/p>\n
and gennets for germans.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
What profane wretch art thou?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are<\/p>\n
now making the beast with two backs.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Thou art a villain.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
You are a senator.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo.<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you,<\/p>\n
If \u2019t be your pleasure, and most wise consent,<\/p>\n
(As partly I find it is) that your fair daughter,<\/p>\n
At this odd-even and dull watch o\u2019 the night,<\/p>\n
Transported with no worse nor better guard,<\/p>\n
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,<\/p>\n
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor:<\/p>\n
If this be known to you, and your allowance,<\/p>\n
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs.<\/p>\n
But if you know not this, my manners tell me,<\/p>\n
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe<\/p>\n
That from the sense of all civility,<\/p>\n
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence.<\/p>\n
Your daughter (if you have not given her leave)<\/p>\n
I say again, hath made a gross revolt,<\/p>\n
Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes<\/p>\n
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger<\/p>\n
Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself:<\/p>\n
If she be in her chamber or your house,<\/p>\n
Let loose on me the justice of the state<\/p>\n
For thus deluding you.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Strike on the tinder, ho!<\/p>\n
Give me a taper! Call up all my people!<\/p>\n
This accident is not unlike my dream,<\/p>\n
Belief of it oppresses me already.<\/p>\n
Light, I say, light!<\/p>\n
[_Exit from above._]<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Farewell; for I must leave you:<\/p>\n
It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place<\/p>\n
To be produc\u2019d, as if I stay I shall,<\/p>\n
Against the Moor. For I do know the state,<\/p>\n
However this may gall him with some check,<\/p>\n
Cannot with safety cast him, for he\u2019s embark\u2019d<\/p>\n
With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars,<\/p>\n
Which even now stand in act, that, for their souls,<\/p>\n
Another of his fathom they have none<\/p>\n
To lead their business. In which regard,<\/p>\n
Though I do hate him as I do hell pains,<\/p>\n
Yet, for necessity of present life,<\/p>\n
I must show out a flag and sign of love,<\/p>\n
Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him,<\/p>\n
Lead to the Sagittary the raised search,<\/p>\n
And there will I be with him. So, farewell.<\/p>\n
[_Exit._]<\/p>\n
Enter Brabantio with Servants and torches.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
It is too true an evil. Gone she is,<\/p>\n
And what\u2019s to come of my despised time,<\/p>\n
Is naught but bitterness. Now Roderigo,<\/p>\n
Where didst thou see her? (O unhappy girl!)<\/p>\n
With the Moor, say\u2019st thou? (Who would be a father!)<\/p>\n
How didst thou know \u2019twas she? (O, she deceives me<\/p>\n
Past thought.) What said she to you? Get more tapers,<\/p>\n
Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Truly I think they are.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood!<\/p>\n
Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters\u2019 minds<\/p>\n
By what you see them act. Is there not charms<\/p>\n
By which the property of youth and maidhood<\/p>\n
May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo,<\/p>\n
Of some such thing?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Yes, sir, I have indeed.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Call up my brother. O, would you had had her!<\/p>\n
Some one way, some another. Do you know<\/p>\n
Where we may apprehend her and the Moor?<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
I think I can discover him, if you please<\/p>\n
To get good guard, and go along with me.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Pray you lead on. At every house I\u2019ll call,<\/p>\n
I may command at most. Get weapons, ho!<\/p>\n
And raise some special officers of night.<\/p>\n
On, good Roderigo. I will deserve your pains.<\/p>\n
[_Exeunt._]<\/p>\n
SCENE II. Venice. Another street.<\/p>\n
Enter Othello, Iago and Attendants with torches.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Though in the trade of war I have slain men,<\/p>\n
Yet do I hold it very stuff o\u2019 the conscience<\/p>\n
To do no contriv\u2019d murder; I lack iniquity<\/p>\n
Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times<\/p>\n
I had thought to have yerk\u2019d him here under the ribs.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis better as it is.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Nay, but he prated,<\/p>\n
And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms<\/p>\n
Against your honour,<\/p>\n
That with the little godliness I have,<\/p>\n
I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir,<\/p>\n
Are you fast married? Be assur\u2019d of this,<\/p>\n
That the magnifico is much belov\u2019d<\/p>\n
And hath in his effect a voice potential<\/p>\n
As double as the duke\u2019s; he will divorce you,<\/p>\n
Or put upon you what restraint and grievance<\/p>\n
The law (with all his might to enforce it on)<\/p>\n
Will give him cable.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Let him do his spite;<\/p>\n
My services, which I have done the signiory,<\/p>\n
Shall out-tongue his complaints. \u2019Tis yet to know,\u2014<\/p>\n
Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,<\/p>\n
I shall promulgate,\u2014I fetch my life and being<\/p>\n
From men of royal siege. And my demerits<\/p>\n
May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune<\/p>\n
As this that I have reach\u2019d. For know, Iago,<\/p>\n
But that I love the gentle Desdemona,<\/p>\n
I would not my unhoused free condition<\/p>\n
Put into circumscription and confine<\/p>\n
For the sea\u2019s worth. But look, what lights come yond?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Those are the raised father and his friends:<\/p>\n
You were best go in.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Not I; I must be found.<\/p>\n
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul<\/p>\n
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
By Janus, I think no.<\/p>\n
Enter Cassio and Officers with torches.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
The servants of the duke and my lieutenant.<\/p>\n
The goodness of the night upon you, friends!<\/p>\n
What is the news?<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
The duke does greet you, general,<\/p>\n
And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance<\/p>\n
Even on the instant.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
What is the matter, think you?<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
Something from Cyprus, as I may divine.<\/p>\n
It is a business of some heat. The galleys<\/p>\n
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers<\/p>\n
This very night at one another\u2019s heels;<\/p>\n
And many of the consuls, rais\u2019d and met,<\/p>\n
Are at the duke\u2019s already. You have been hotly call\u2019d for,<\/p>\n
When, being not at your lodging to be found,<\/p>\n
The senate hath sent about three several quests<\/p>\n
To search you out.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis well I am found by you.<\/p>\n
I will but spend a word here in the house,<\/p>\n
And go with you.<\/p>\n
[_Exit._]<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
Ancient, what makes he here?<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack:<\/p>\n
If it prove lawful prize, he\u2019s made forever.<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
I do not understand.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s married.<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
To who?<\/p>\n
Enter Othello.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
Marry to\u2014Come, captain, will you go?<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Have with you.<\/p>\n
CASSIO.<\/p>\n
Here comes another troop to seek for you.<\/p>\n
Enter Brabantio, Roderigo and Officers with torches and weapons.<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
It is Brabantio. General, be advis\u2019d,<\/p>\n
He comes to bad intent.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Holla, stand there!<\/p>\n
RODERIGO.<\/p>\n
Signior, it is the Moor.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Down with him, thief!<\/p>\n
[_They draw on both sides._]<\/p>\n
IAGO.<\/p>\n
You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.<\/p>\n
Good signior, you shall more command with years<\/p>\n
Than with your weapons.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow\u2019d my daughter?<\/p>\n
Damn\u2019d as thou art, thou hast enchanted her,<\/p>\n
For I\u2019ll refer me to all things of sense,<\/p>\n
(If she in chains of magic were not bound)<\/p>\n
Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy,<\/p>\n
So opposite to marriage, that she shunn\u2019d<\/p>\n
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,<\/p>\n
Would ever have, to incur a general mock,<\/p>\n
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom<\/p>\n
Of such a thing as thou\u2014to fear, not to delight.<\/p>\n
Judge me the world, if \u2019tis not gross in sense,<\/p>\n
That thou hast practis\u2019d on her with foul charms,<\/p>\n
Abus\u2019d her delicate youth with drugs or minerals<\/p>\n
That weakens motion. I\u2019ll have\u2019t disputed on;<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.<\/p>\n
I therefore apprehend and do attach thee<\/p>\n
For an abuser of the world, a practiser<\/p>\n
Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.\u2014<\/p>\n
Lay hold upon him, if he do resist,<\/p>\n
Subdue him at his peril.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Hold your hands,<\/p>\n
Both you of my inclining and the rest:<\/p>\n
Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it<\/p>\n
Without a prompter. Where will you that I go<\/p>\n
To answer this your charge?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
To prison, till fit time<\/p>\n
Of law and course of direct session<\/p>\n
Call thee to answer.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
What if I do obey?<\/p>\n
How may the duke be therewith satisfied,<\/p>\n
Whose messengers are here about my side,<\/p>\n
Upon some present business of the state,<\/p>\n
To bring me to him?<\/p>\n
OFFICER.<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis true, most worthy signior,<\/p>\n
The duke\u2019s in council, and your noble self,<\/p>\n
I am sure is sent for.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
How? The duke in council?<\/p>\n
In this time of the night? Bring him away;<\/p>\n
Mine\u2019s not an idle cause. The duke himself,<\/p>\n
Or any of my brothers of the state,<\/p>\n
Cannot but feel this wrong as \u2019twere their own.<\/p>\n
For if such actions may have passage free,<\/p>\n
Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.<\/p>\n
[_Exeunt._]<\/p>\n
SCENE III. Venice. A council chamber.<\/p>\n
The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
There is no composition in these news<\/p>\n
That gives them credit.<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
Indeed, they are disproportion\u2019d;<\/p>\n
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
And mine a hundred and forty.<\/p>\n
SECOND SENATOR<\/p>\n
And mine two hundred:<\/p>\n
But though they jump not on a just account,<\/p>\n
(As in these cases, where the aim reports,<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis oft with difference,) yet do they all confirm<\/p>\n
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Nay, it is possible enough to judgement:<\/p>\n
I do not so secure me in the error,<\/p>\n
But the main article I do approve<\/p>\n
In fearful sense.<\/p>\n
SAILOR.<\/p>\n
[_Within._] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho!<\/p>\n
OFFICER.<\/p>\n
A messenger from the galleys.<\/p>\n
Enter Sailor.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Now,\u2014what\u2019s the business?<\/p>\n
SAILOR.<\/p>\n
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes,<\/p>\n
So was I bid report here to the state<\/p>\n
By Signior Angelo.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
How say you by this change?<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
This cannot be<\/p>\n
By no assay of reason. \u2019Tis a pageant<\/p>\n
To keep us in false gaze. When we consider<\/p>\n
The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk;<\/p>\n
And let ourselves again but understand<\/p>\n
That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,<\/p>\n
So may he with more facile question bear it,<\/p>\n
For that it stands not in such warlike brace,<\/p>\n
But altogether lacks the abilities<\/p>\n
That Rhodes is dress\u2019d in. If we make thought of this,<\/p>\n
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful<\/p>\n
To leave that latest which concerns him first,<\/p>\n
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain,<\/p>\n
To wake and wage a danger profitless.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Nay, in all confidence, he\u2019s not for Rhodes.<\/p>\n
OFFICER.<\/p>\n
Here is more news.<\/p>\n
Enter a Messenger.<\/p>\n
MESSENGER.<\/p>\n
The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,<\/p>\n
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,<\/p>\n
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?<\/p>\n
MESSENGER.<\/p>\n
Of thirty sail, and now they do re-stem<\/p>\n
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance<\/p>\n
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,<\/p>\n
Your trusty and most valiant servitor,<\/p>\n
With his free duty recommends you thus,<\/p>\n
And prays you to believe him.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.<\/p>\n
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s now in Florence.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Write from us to him; post-post-haste dispatch.<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.<\/p>\n
Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo and Officers.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you<\/p>\n
Against the general enemy Ottoman.<\/p>\n
[_To Brabantio._] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior,<\/p>\n
We lack\u2019d your counsel and your help tonight.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me.<\/p>\n
Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business<\/p>\n
Hath rais\u2019d me from my bed, nor doth the general care<\/p>\n
Take hold on me; for my particular grief<\/p>\n
Is of so flood-gate and o\u2019erbearing nature<\/p>\n
That it engluts and swallows other sorrows,<\/p>\n
And it is still itself.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Why, what\u2019s the matter?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
My daughter! O, my daughter!<\/p>\n
DUKE and SENATORS.<\/p>\n
Dead?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Ay, to me.<\/p>\n
She is abused, stol\u2019n from me, and corrupted<\/p>\n
By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;<\/p>\n
For nature so preposterously to err,<\/p>\n
Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,<\/p>\n
Sans witchcraft could not.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Whoe\u2019er he be, that in this foul proceeding,<\/p>\n
Hath thus beguil\u2019d your daughter of herself,<\/p>\n
And you of her, the bloody book of law<\/p>\n
You shall yourself read in the bitter letter,<\/p>\n
After your own sense, yea, though our proper son<\/p>\n
Stood in your action.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Humbly I thank your grace.<\/p>\n
Here is the man, this Moor, whom now it seems<\/p>\n
Your special mandate for the state affairs<\/p>\n
Hath hither brought.<\/p>\n
ALL.<\/p>\n
We are very sorry for \u2019t.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
[_To Othello._] What, in your own part, can you say to this?<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
Nothing, but this is so.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors,<\/p>\n
My very noble and approv\u2019d good masters:<\/p>\n
That I have ta\u2019en away this old man\u2019s daughter,<\/p>\n
It is most true; true, I have married her.<\/p>\n
The very head and front of my offending<\/p>\n
Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,<\/p>\n
And little bless\u2019d with the soft phrase of peace;<\/p>\n
For since these arms of mine had seven years\u2019 pith,<\/p>\n
Till now some nine moons wasted, they have us\u2019d<\/p>\n
Their dearest action in the tented field,<\/p>\n
And little of this great world can I speak,<\/p>\n
More than pertains to feats of broil and battle,<\/p>\n
And therefore little shall I grace my cause<\/p>\n
In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,<\/p>\n
I will a round unvarnish\u2019d tale deliver<\/p>\n
Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms,<\/p>\n
What conjuration, and what mighty magic,<\/p>\n
(For such proceeding I am charged withal)<\/p>\n
I won his daughter.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
A maiden never bold:<\/p>\n
Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion<\/p>\n
Blush\u2019d at herself; and she, in spite of nature,<\/p>\n
Of years, of country, credit, everything,<\/p>\n
To fall in love with what she fear\u2019d to look on!<\/p>\n
It is judgement maim\u2019d and most imperfect<\/p>\n
That will confess perfection so could err<\/p>\n
Against all rules of nature, and must be driven<\/p>\n
To find out practices of cunning hell,<\/p>\n
Why this should be. I therefore vouch again,<\/p>\n
That with some mixtures powerful o\u2019er the blood,<\/p>\n
Or with some dram conjur\u2019d to this effect,<\/p>\n
He wrought upon her.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
To vouch this is no proof;<\/p>\n
Without more wider and more overt test<\/p>\n
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods<\/p>\n
Of modern seeming do prefer against him.<\/p>\n
FIRST SENATOR.<\/p>\n
But, Othello, speak:<\/p>\n
Did you by indirect and forced courses<\/p>\n
Subdue and poison this young maid\u2019s affections?<\/p>\n
Or came it by request, and such fair question<\/p>\n
As soul to soul affordeth?<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
I do beseech you,<\/p>\n
Send for the lady to the Sagittary,<\/p>\n
And let her speak of me before her father.<\/p>\n
If you do find me foul in her report,<\/p>\n
The trust, the office I do hold of you,<\/p>\n
Not only take away, but let your sentence<\/p>\n
Even fall upon my life.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Fetch Desdemona hither.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Ancient, conduct them, you best know the place.<\/p>\n
[_Exeunt Iago and Attendants._]<\/p>\n
And till she come, as truly as to heaven<\/p>\n
I do confess the vices of my blood,<\/p>\n
So justly to your grave ears I\u2019ll present<\/p>\n
How I did thrive in this fair lady\u2019s love,<\/p>\n
And she in mine.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
Say it, Othello.<\/p>\n
OTHELLO.<\/p>\n
Her father lov\u2019d me, oft invited me,<\/p>\n
Still question\u2019d me the story of my life,<\/p>\n
From year to year\u2014the battles, sieges, fortunes,<\/p>\n
That I have pass\u2019d.<\/p>\n
I ran it through, even from my boyish days<\/p>\n
To the very moment that he bade me tell it,<\/p>\n
Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,<\/p>\n
Of moving accidents by flood and field;<\/p>\n
Of hair-breadth scapes i\u2019 th\u2019 imminent deadly breach;<\/p>\n
Of being taken by the insolent foe,<\/p>\n
And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence,<\/p>\n
And portance in my traveler\u2019s history,<\/p>\n
Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,<\/p>\n
Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven,<\/p>\n
It was my hint to speak,\u2014such was the process;<\/p>\n
And of the Cannibals that each other eat,<\/p>\n
The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads<\/p>\n
Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear<\/p>\n
Would Desdemona seriously incline.<\/p>\n
But still the house affairs would draw her thence,<\/p>\n
Which ever as she could with haste dispatch,<\/p>\n
She\u2019d come again, and with a greedy ear<\/p>\n
Devour up my discourse; which I observing,<\/p>\n
Took once a pliant hour, and found good means<\/p>\n
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart<\/p>\n
That I would all my pilgrimage dilate,<\/p>\n
Whereof by parcels she had something heard,<\/p>\n
But not intentively. I did consent,<\/p>\n
And often did beguile her of her tears,<\/p>\n
When I did speak of some distressful stroke<\/p>\n
That my youth suffer\u2019d. My story being done,<\/p>\n
She gave me for my pains a world of sighs.<\/p>\n
She swore, in faith, \u2019twas strange, \u2019twas passing strange;<\/p>\n
\u2019Twas pitiful, \u2019twas wondrous pitiful.<\/p>\n
She wish\u2019d she had not heard it, yet she wish\u2019d<\/p>\n
That heaven had made her such a man: she thank\u2019d me,<\/p>\n
And bade me, if I had a friend that lov\u2019d her,<\/p>\n
I should but teach him how to tell my story,<\/p>\n
And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake:<\/p>\n
She lov\u2019d me for the dangers I had pass\u2019d,<\/p>\n
And I lov\u2019d her that she did pity them.<\/p>\n
This only is the witchcraft I have us\u2019d.<\/p>\n
Here comes the lady. Let her witness it.<\/p>\n
Enter Desdemona, Iago and Attendants.<\/p>\n
DUKE.<\/p>\n
I think this tale would win my daughter too.<\/p>\n
Good Brabantio,<\/p>\n
Take up this mangled matter at the best.<\/p>\n
Men do their broken weapons rather use<\/p>\n
Than their bare hands.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
I pray you hear her speak.<\/p>\n
If she confess that she was half the wooer,<\/p>\n
Destruction on my head, if my bad blame<\/p>\n
Light on the man!\u2014Come hither, gentle mistress:<\/p>\n
Do you perceive in all this noble company<\/p>\n
Where most you owe obedience?<\/p>\n
DESDEMONA.<\/p>\n
My noble father,<\/p>\n
I do perceive here a divided duty:<\/p>\n
To you I am bound for life and education.<\/p>\n
My life and education both do learn me<\/p>\n
How to respect you. You are the lord of duty,<\/p>\n
I am hitherto your daughter: but here\u2019s my husband.<\/p>\n
And so much duty as my mother show\u2019d<\/p>\n
To you, preferring you before her father,<\/p>\n
So much I challenge that I may profess<\/p>\n
Due to the Moor my lord.<\/p>\n
BRABANTIO.<\/p>\n
God be with you! I<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE by William Shakespeare Contents ACT I Scene I. Venice. A street. Scene II. Venice. Another<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n