Act I, Scene III — A council-chamber.
The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.[5075]
Duke. There is no composition in these news[5076] That gives them credit.
First Sen. Indeed they are disproportion'd;[5077] My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.[5078]
Duke. And mine, a hundred and forty.
Sec. Sen. And mine, two hundred:[5079] But though they jump not on a just account,-- 5 As in these cases, where the aim reports,[5080] 'Tis oft with difference,--yet do they all confirm[5081] A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to judgement: I do not so secure me in the error,[5082] 10 But the main article I do approve[5083] In fearful sense.
Sailor. [Within] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho![5084]
First Off. A messenger from the galleys.
Enter Sailor.[5085]
Duke. Now, what's the business?
Sail. The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes; So was I bid report here to the state[5086] 15 By Signior Angelo.[5086][5087]
Duke. How say you by this change?
First Sen. This cannot be,[5088] By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant[5088] To keep us in false gaze. When we consider The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, 20 And let ourselves again but understand That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, So may he with more facile question bear it,[5089] For that it stands not in such warlike brace,[5090] But altogether lacks the abilities[5090][5091] 25 That Rhodes is dress'd in: if we make thought of this,[5090][5092] We must not think the Turk is so unskilful[5090] To leave that latest which concerns him first,[5090] Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain,[5090][5093] To wake and wage a danger profitless.[5090][5093] 30
Duke. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes.[5094]
First Off. Here is more news.
Enter a Messenger.[5095]
Mess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an after fleet.[5096] 35
First Sen. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?[5097]
Mess. Of thirty sail: and now they do re-stem[5098] Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,[5099] Your trusty and most valiant servitor, 40 With his free duty recommends you thus,[5100] And prays you to believe him.[5101]
Duke. 'Tis certain then for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?[5102]
First Sen. He's now in Florence. 45
Duke. Write from us to him; post-post-haste dispatch.[5103]
First Sen. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.
Enter BRABANTIO, Othello, IAGO, RODERIGO, and Officers.[5104]
Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you[5105] Against the general enemy Ottoman. [To Brabantio] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior;[5106] 50 We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night.[5107]
Bra. So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me; Neither my place nor aught I heard of business[5108] Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general care[5109] Take hold on me; for my particular grief[5110] 55 Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature That it engluts and swallows other sorrows,[5111] And it is still itself.[5112]
Duke. Why, what's the matter?
Bra. My daughter! O, my daughter!
All. Dead?
Bra. Ay, to me;[5113] She is abused, stol'n from me and corrupted 60 By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; For nature so preposterously to err,[5114] Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,[5115] Sans witchcraft could not.[5116]
Duke. Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding 65 Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself And you of her, the bloody book of law You shall yourself read in the bitter letter After your own sense, yea, though our proper son[5117] Stood in your action.
Bra. Humbly I thank your grace. 70 Here is the man, this Moor; whom now, it seems, Your special mandate for the state-affairs Hath hither brought.
All. We are very sorry for't.[5118]
Duke. [To Othello] What in your own part can you say to this?[5119]
Bra. Nothing, but this is so. 75
Oth. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, My very noble and approved good masters, That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter, It is most true; true, I have married her: The very head and front of my offending 80 Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,[5120] And little blest with the soft phrase of peace;[5121] For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith, Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used[5122] Their dearest action in the tented field; 85 And little of this great world can I speak, More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;[5123] And therefore little shall I grace my cause In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,[5124] I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver[5125] 90 Of my whole course of love; what drugs, what charms,[5126] What conjuration and what mighty magic-- For such proceeding I am charged withal--[5127] I won his daughter.[5128]
Bra. A maiden never bold;[5129] Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion[5129] 95 Blush'd at herself; and she--in spite of nature,[5130] Of years, of country, credit, every thing-- To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on![5131] It is a judgement maim'd and most imperfect[5132] That will confess perfection so could err[5133] 100 Against all rules of nature; and must be driven To find out practices of cunning hell, Why this should be. I therefore vouch again, That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood, Or with some dram conjured to this effect, 105 He wrought upon her.
Duke. To vouch this, is no proof,[5134] Without more certain and more overt test[5135] Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods[5136] Of modern seeming do prefer against him.[5137]
First Sen. But, Othello, speak:[5138] 110 Did you by indirect and forced courses Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth?
Oth. I do beseech you,[5139] Send for the lady to the Sagittary,[5140] 115 And let her speak of me before her father: If you do find me foul in her report, The trust, the office I do hold of you,[5141] Not only take away, but let your sentence Even fall upon my life.[5142]
Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither. 120
Oth. Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place.
[Exeunt Iago and Attendants.[5143]
And till she come, as truly as to heaven[5144] I do confess the vices of my blood,[5145] So justly to your grave ears I'll present How I did thrive in this fair lady's love 125 And she in mine.
Duke. Say it, Othello.
Oth. Her father loved me, oft invited me, Still question'd me the story of my life[5146] From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes,[5147] 130 That I have pass'd.[5148] I ran it through, even from my boyish days[5149] To the very moment that he bade me tell it: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,[5150] Of moving accidents by flood and field,[5151] 135 Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach,[5152] Of being taken by the insolent foe, And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence,[5153] And portance in my travels' history:[5154] Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,[5155] 140 Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven,[5156] It was my hint to speak,--such was the process;[5157][5158][5159] And of the Cannibals that each other eat,[5158][5160] The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads[5158][5161] Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear[5158][5162] 145 Would Desdemona seriously incline: But still the house-affairs would draw her thence;[5163] Which ever as she could with haste dispatch,[5164] She'ld come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my discourse: which I observing, 150 Took once a pliant hour, and found good means To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, Whereof by parcels she had something heard,[5165] But not intentively: I did consent,[5166] 155 And often did beguile her of her tears When I did speak of some distressful stroke[5167] That my youth suffer'd. My story being done,[5168] She gave me for my pains a world of sighs:[5169] She swore, in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange;[5170] 160 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful: She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd me,[5171] And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, 165 And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake:[5172] She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,[5173] And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady; let her witness it. 170
Enter DESDEMONA, IAGO, and Attendants.[5174]
Duke. I think this tale would win my daughter too.[5175] Good Brabantio,[5176] Take up this mangled matter at the best:[5176] Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands.
Bra. I pray you, hear her speak: 175 If she confess that she was half the wooer, Destruction on my head, if my bad blame[5177] Light on the man! Come hither, gentle mistress: Do you perceive in all this noble company[5178] Where most you owe obedience?
Des. My noble father,[5179] 180 I do perceive here a divided duty: To you I am bound for life and education;[5180] My life and education both do learn me How to respect you; you are the lord of duty,[5181] I am hitherto your daughter: but here's my husband,[5180] 185 And so much duty as my mother show'd[5182] To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess[5183] Due to the Moor my lord.
Bra. God be with you! I have done.[5184] Please it your grace, on to the state-affairs: 190 I had rather to adopt a child than get it.[5185] Come hither, Moor: I here do give thee that with all my heart, Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart[5186] I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel,[5187] 195 I am glad at soul I have no other child;[5180][5188] For thy escape would teach me tyranny, To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord.[5189]
Duke. Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence[5190] Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers[5191] 200 Into your favour.[5192] When remedies are past, the griefs are ended[5193] By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.[5194] To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to draw new mischief on.[5195] 205 What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, Patience her injury a mockery makes.[5196] The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief;[5197] He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.
Bra. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile;[5198] 210 We lose it not so long as we can smile.[5199] He bears the sentence well, that nothing bears[5200] But the free comfort which from thence he hears;[5200] But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow,[5201] That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. 215 These sentences, to sugar or to gall, Being strong on both sides, are equivocal: But words are words; I never yet did hear That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear.[5202] I humbly beseech you, proceed to the affairs of state.[5203] 220
Duke. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes[5204] for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you; and though we have there a substitute of[5205] most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress[5206] of effects, throws a more safer voice on you: you must[5207] 225 therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes[5208] with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition.[5209]
Oth. The tyrant custom, most grave senators,[5210] Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war[5211] My thrice-driven bed of down: I do agnize 230 A natural and prompt alacrity[5212] I find in hardness; and do undertake[5213] These present wars against the Ottomites.[5214] Most humbly therefore bending to your state, I crave fit disposition for my wife, 235 Due reference of place and exhibition,[5215] With such accommodation and besort[5216] As levels with her breeding.
Duke. If you please,[5217] Be 't at her father's.[5217]
Bra. I'll not have it so.[5218]
Oth. Nor I.
Des. Nor I, I would not there reside,[5219] 240 To put my father in impatient thoughts By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear,[5220] And let me find a charter in your voice[5221] To assist my simpleness.[5222] 245
Duke. What would you, Desdemona?[5223]
Des. That I did love the Moor to live with him,[5224] My downright violence and storm of fortunes[5225] May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued[5226] Even to the very quality of my lord:[5227] 250 I saw Othello's visage in his mind, And to his honours and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,[5228] A moth of peace, and he go to the war, 255 The rites for which I love him are bereft me,[5229] And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him.
Oth. Let her have your voices.[5230] Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not,[5231] 260 To please the palate of my appetite; Nor to comply with heat--the young affects[5232][5233] In me defunct--and proper satisfaction;[5232][5234] But to be free and bounteous to her mind:[5234][5235] And heaven defend your good souls, that you think[5236] 265 I will your serious and great business scant[5237] For she is with me. No, when light-wing'd toys[5238] Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dullness[5239] My speculative and officed instruments,[5240] That my disports corrupt and taint my business, 270 Let housewives make a skillet of my helm,[5241] And all indign and base adversities Make head against my estimation![5242]
Duke. Be it as you shall privately determine, Either for her stay or going: the affair cries haste,[5243] 275 And speed must answer 't; you must hence to-night.[5244]
Des. To-night, my lord?[5245]
Duke. This night.
Oth. With all my heart.
Duke. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again.[5246] Othello, leave some officer behind, And he shall our commission bring to you; 280 With such things else of quality and respect[5247] As doth import you.
Oth. So please your grace, my ancient;[5248] A man he is of honesty and trust: To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good grace shall think[5249] 285 To be sent after me.
Duke. Let it be so. Good night to every one. [To Brab.] And, noble signior,[5250] If virtue no delighted beauty lack,[5251] Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
First Sen. Adieu, brave Moor; use Desdemona well.[5252] 290
Bra. Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:[5253] She has deceived her father, and may thee.
[Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, &c.[5254]
Oth. My life upon her faith! Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee: I prithee, let thy wife attend on her; 295 And bring them after in the best advantage.[5255] Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour Of love, of worldly matters and direction,[5256] To spend with thee: we must obey the time.
[Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.[5257]
Rod. Iago![5258] 300
Iago. What say'st thou, noble heart?
Rod. What will I do, thinkest thou?[5259]
Iago. Why, go to bed and sleep.
Rod. I will incontinently drown myself.
Iago. If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why,[5260] 305 thou silly gentleman![5261]
Rod. It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and[5262] then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician.[5263]
Iago. O villanous! I have looked upon the world for[5264] 310 four times seven years; and since I could distinguish betwixt[5265] a benefit and an injury, I never found man that knew[5266] how to love himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity[5267] with a baboon. 315
Rod. What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond; but it is not in my virtue to amend it.
Iago. Virtue! a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are gardens; to the which our wills[5268] are gardeners: so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, 320 set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one[5269] gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to have[5270] it sterile with idleness or manured with industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If[5271] the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise[5272] 325 another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: but we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings,[5273] our unbitted lusts; whereof I take this, that you call love,[5274] to be a sect or scion.[5275] 330
Rod. It cannot be.
Iago. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission[5276] of the will. Come, be a man: drown thyself! drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I[5277] confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable 335 toughness: I could never better stead thee than now. Put[5278] money in thy purse; follow thou the wars; defeat thy favour[5279] with an usurped beard; I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love[5280] to the Moor--put money in thy purse--nor he his to her: it[5281] 340 was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an[5282][5283] answerable sequestration; put but money in thy purse. These[5283][5284] Moors are changeable in their wills:--fill thy purse with money. The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts,[5285] shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She[5286][5287] 345 must change for youth: when she is sated with his body,[5287] she will find the error of her choice: she must have change,[5288][5289] she must: therefore put money in thy purse. If thou wilt[5289] needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst: if sanctimony and a 350 frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle[5290] Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself! it is clean out of the way: seek thou[5291] rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be 355 drowned and go without her.
Rod. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on[5292] the issue?[5292]
Iago. Thou art sure of me: go, make money: I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate[5293] 360 the Moor: my cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason.[5294] Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him: if thou[5295] canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.[5296] There are many events in the womb of time, which will be delivered. Traverse; go; provide thy money. We will 365 have more of this to-morrow. Adieu.
Rod. Where shall we meet i' the morning?
Iago. At my lodging.
Rod. I'll be with thee betimes.
Iago. Go to; farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo?[5297][5298] 370
Rod. What say you?[5297]
Iago. No more of drowning, do you hear?[5297]
Rod. I am changed: I'll go sell all my land. [Exit.[5297][5299]
Iago. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;[5297][5300] For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane, 375 If I would time expend with such a snipe[5301] But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if't be true;[5302] But I for mere suspicion in that kind[5303] 380 Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man: let me see now; To get his place, and to plume up my will[5304] In double knavery--How, how?--Let's see:--[5305] 385 After some time, to abuse Othello's ear[5306] That he is too familiar with his wife.[5307] He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected; framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature,[5308] 390 That thinks men honest that but seem to be so;[5309] And will as tenderly be led by the nose[5310][5311] As asses are.[5310] I have 't. It is engender'd. Hell and night[5312] Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. [Exit.[5313] 395
FOOTNOTES:
[4877] ACT I. SCENE I.] Acts and Scenes are marked throughout in Ff, not in Qq, except at the beginning of Acts II, III, IV and V.
Venice. A street.] Capell. Venice. Rowe. A street in Venice. Theobald.
Enter....] Enter Iago and Roderigo. Qq. Enter Rodorigo and Iago. Ff.
[4878] Tush,] Qq. om. Ff.
much] Qq F₁. very F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4879] thou] Ff. you Qq.
Iago,] om. Q₂ Q₃.
hast] has Q₁.
had] held Capell conj.
[4880] As ... this.] One line in Qq F₁ F₂ F₃. Two lines in F₄.
this.] this-- Hanmer.
[4881] 'Sblood,] S'blood Q₁. Omitted in the rest.
[4882] but ... me.] Arranged as by Steevens (1793). Two lines, the first ending heare me, in Qq. Two, the first ending dream, in F₁ F₂ F₃. Three lines in F₄. Two lines, the first ending ever, in Malone.
[4883] you will] Q₁. you'l F₁ F₂. you'le Q₂ Q₃. you'll F₃ F₄.
[4884] matter, Abhor me.] matter-- Capell.
[4885] Abhor me.] Abhor me then. Hanmer, ending lines 4 and 5 as in text.
[4886] Thou ... hate.] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending me, in Ff. Two, the first ending hold, in Hanmer.
[4887] Despise me] As in Qq. A separate line in Ff.
[4888] Despise ... conclusion,] Hanmer ends the lines not ... suit ... him: ... price, ... loving ... with ... stuft ... conclusion.
[4889] if I do not] else Seymour conj.
[4890] Off-capped] Off-capt Ff. Oft capt Qq. Off'd cap Jennens conj.
[4891] I am] I'm Pope.
worse] worsse F₁. wose F₂.
[4892] own] om. Hanmer.
purposes] purpose Theobald.
[4893] bombast] Theobald, bumbast Qq Ff.
[4894] epithets] F₃ F₄. epithites The rest.
[4895] And, in conclusion,] Q₁. Omitted in Ff Q₂ Q₃. Clean from the point; and, in conclusion, Seymour conj.
[4896] And ... arithmetician] Four lines, ending mediators; ... already ... he?... arithmetician, in Malone. Three, ending mediators ... officer ... arithmetician, in Keightley.
[4897] for] om. Pope.
for, 'Certes,'] See note (I).
[4898] I ... he?] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.
[4899] already] om. Seymour conj., reading I have ... he? as one line.]
chose] Ff Q₂ Q₃. chosen Q₁. Chosen Malone.
[4900] Cassio, ... wife;] Cassio;--("the Florentine's A ... wife;")-- Theobald. Cassio;--(a Florentine's A ... wife;) Warburton. See note (II). Cassio, a Florentine, (A fellow's almost damnd in a fair-wife!) [Aside. Jennens.
[4901] damn'd in] Ff. dambd in Qq. trimm'd as Maginn conj.
a fair wife] a false wife Tollet conj. a frail wife Jackson conj. a fair-wife Staunton conj. warfare life Bullock conj. other wise Cartwright conj. wife affairs Anon. conj.
wife] phyz Hanmer. face Capell. life Keightley (Tyrwhitt conj.) guise Petrie conj. wise Grant White (Becket conj.) strife Anon. conj. (N. and Q.)
[4902] spinster;] spinster, Qq. spinster. F₁. spinster: F₂ F₃ F₄.
unless] but Pope.
bookish] blockish Q₃. om. Steevens conj.
[4903] toged] Q₁. Tongued Ff. tongued Q₂ Q₃.
consuls] couns'lors Theobald.
[4904] as he] om. Steevens conj.
[4905] Is all] In all F₃ F₄.
But he, sir, had] he had Pope. But he had Seymour conj.
[4906] Cyprus] F₂ F₃ F₄. Cypres Qq. Ciprus F₁.
other] Qq. others Ff.
[4907] Christian] Q₁ F₃ F₄. Christen'd F₁ F₂. Christn'd Q₂ Q₃.
be be-lee'd] be led Q₁. be let Warburton. be lee'd Heath conj.
[4908] debitor] debtor Hanmer.
creditor: this counter-castor,] creditor. This counter-caster, Ff. creditor, this counter-caster: Qq.
[4909] I--God bless the mark!--] I, God blesse the marke, Q₁. I (blesse the marke) Ff. I sir (blesse the marke) Q₂ Q₃.
Moorship's] Worships Q₁.
[4910] Why] Ff. But Qq.
Why ... service,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
service,] Qq. service; Ff.
[4911] letter] favour Collier MS.
[4912] And ... old] Ff. Not by the olde Qq. Not (as of old) gradation Warburton.
[4913] Stood ... yourself] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
[4914] Whether] If Pope.
affined] Affin'd F₁ F₃ F₄. affin'd Q₂ Q₃. assign'd Q₁. Affirn'd F₂.
[4915] follow'd] Ff. followed Qq.
[4916] nought] noughe Q₁. naught F₁.
and when he's old,] and when old, 's Hanmer. when old, Steevens conj.
when] om. Q₃.
old,] old's Seymour conj.
cashier'd] As a separate line, Anon. conj.
[4917] Whip ... lords] As in Ff. Five lines, ending knaves: ... formes, ... hearts, ... throwing ... lords, in Q₁. Five lines, ending knaves: ... are, ... duty, ... themselves, ... lords, in Q₂ Q₃.
[4918] trimm'd ... visages] learn'd ... usages Collier MS. train'd ... usages Grant White.
[4919] Do ... soul,] Two lines in Rowe. Four lines in Qq Ff.
[4920] Do well] Well Pope.]
them] Ff. 'em Qq.
they have] they've Pope.
[4921] these] Those Qq.
these fellows] these, now, Seymour conj.
fellows] folks Pope.
[4922] a one] om. Seymour conj., reading And ... sir, as one line.
[4923] For, sir,] In a separate line first by Capell. At end of previous line in Qq Ff. Omitted by Pope.
[4924] Heaven ... end:] As in Ff. Three lines, ending I, ... so, ... end, in Q₁. Two, the first ending I, in Q₂ Q₃.
[4925] doth] does Q₁.
[4926] compliment] Rowe (ed. 2). complement Qq Ff.
[4927] For ... am.] As in Ff. Two lines in Qq.
daws] Dawes Ff Q₂ Q₃. Doues Q₁.
I am ... I am.] I'm ... I seem. Pope. I'm ... I am. Johnson.
[4928] full] Qq. fall. Ff.
thick-lips] Thicks-lips F₁.
[4929] carry't] carry 'et Q₁. carry her Pope. carry 'er Jennens conj.
[4930] father, Rouse him:] Pointed as by Capell. father, Rowse him, Qq. father: Rowse him, Ff.
[4931] streets] streete Q₁. street Q₂ Q₃.
[4932] And, though] An though S. Walker conj.
[4933] changes] Qq. chances Ff.
on't] Ff. out Qq.
[4934] timorous] F₂ F₃ F₄. timerous Qq F₁.
[4935] the fire] a fire Hanmer.
[4936] spied] spred Warburton.
[4937] Awake!... thieves!] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
thieves!] Thrice in Qq. Twice in Ff. ho! thieves, thieves! Pope.
[4938] your daughter] you daughter Q₁.
your] all Pope.
[4939] SCENE II. Pope.
[4940] Brabantio ... Bra.] Theobald. Brabantio at a window. Brab. Qq (Bra. Q₂ Q₃). Bra. Above. Ff.
[4941] What ... there?] As in Qq. In Ff the first line ends at terrible.
[4942] Are ... lock'd?] Are all doore lockts? Q₁.
your] all Pope.
[4943] 'Zounds] Zounds Q₁. Omitted in the rest.
you're] you are Qq. y'are Ff.
[4944] soul;] Q₃. soule; Q₁ Q₂. soule or soul Ff.
[4945] now, now] F₁ F₂. now, Qq F₃ F₄. now, ev'n Pope.
[4946] Or ... say.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[4947] say] sad Q₃.
[4948] worser] worse Qq.
[4949] I have] I've Pope.
[4950] daughter is] daughter's Pope.
[4951] bravery] Qq. knaverie F₁. knavery F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4952] quiet.] Ff. quiet? Qq.
[4953] sir,--] sir-- Rowe. sir. Qq Ff.
[4954] spirit] Qq. spirits Ff.
them] Qq. their Ff.
[4955] good] om. Seymour conj.
[4956] What ... grange.] As in Qq. Two lines, the first ending robbing? in Ff.
[4957] What tell'st] Ff. What, tell'st Qq.
[4958] 'Zounds] Zouns Q₁. Omitted in the rest.
[4959] and you] Ff. you Qq.
[4960] germans] Iermans Q₁. Germaines F₁.
[4961] comes] Ff. come Qq.
[4962] now] Qq. om. Ff.
[4963] are--a] Capell. are a Qq Ff.
[4964] answer;] answer, Qq. answere, Ff.
[4965] I beseech] beseech Seymour conj.
[4966] If't ... yourself:] Omitted in Q₁.
[4967] At] Be at Hanmer.
At this odd-even] Even at this odd Becket conj.
odd-even] Hyphened by Malone. odd steven Steevens conj. (withdrawn). odd season Anon. apud Rann conj. odd hour Cartwright conj.
[4968] Transported] Be transported Mason conj.
nor] or F₃ F₄.
[4969] common] om. Pope.
gondolier] Gundelier Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[4970] and your] and to your Q₃.
[4971] wrongs;] wrongs? Q₂ Q₃.
[4972] Tying ... In ... wheeling] Laying ... On ... wheedling Collier (Collier MS.)
[4973] In] To Pope. On Capell.
wheeling] whirling Staunton conj.
[4974] here and] om. Seymour conj.
[4975] her] Qq F₁. your F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4976] thus deluding you] this delusion Q₁. this deluding you Jennens.
[4977] [Exit above.] Exit Brabantio, from above. Hanmer. Exit. F₁. Omitted in Qq F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4978] place] pate Q₁.
[4979] produced] produc'd Qq. producted Ff.
[4980] However] Now ever Q₁.
[4981] Cannot with safety ... he's] Can't safely ... he is Seymour conj.
[4982] Cyprus] Ff. Cipres Qq. Cyprus' Theobald.
wars] war Capell.
[4983] stand] Pope. stands Qq Ff.
[4984] fathom] fathome Qq. fadome F₁ F₂ F₃. fadom F₄.
none] not Q₁.
[4985] business] business on Capell.
[4986] hell-pains] Hyphenated by Dyce. hell pains Capell. hells paines Q₁ Q₂. hells pains Q₃. hell apines F₁. hell F₂ F₃ F₄. hell's pains Rowe.
[4987] love, Which ... sign. That] love, Which ... sign: that Rowe (ed. 1). love, Which ... signe, that Qq. love, (Which ... signe) that Ff.
[4988] shall surely find] may surely find Pope. may find Hanmer.
[4989] Sagittary] Q₂ Q₃ F₄. Sagitar Q₁. Sagitary F₁ F₂ F₃.
[4990] SCENE III. Pope.
Enter....] Edd. Enter Barbantio in his night gowne, and servants with Torches. Qq (Brabantio Q₂ Q₃). Enter Brabantio, with Servants and Torches. Ff. Enter, below, Brabantio, and Servants, with Lights. Capell.
[4991] despised] despited Wharburton.
[4992] Is] I Q₃.
nought] Qq. naught Ff.
bitterness. Now] bitternesse now Qq.
[4993] say'st] saidst Theobald (ed. 2).
[4994] she deceives] thou deceivest Q₁.
[4995] more] Qq. moe Ff.
[4996] kindred] kinred F₂ F₃.
[4997] are] are, my lord Seymour conj., ending lines 168, 169 at heaven!... blood!
[4998] O ... blood!] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
got] gat Rowe (ed. 2).
the blood] Qq F₁. my blood F₂ F₃ F₄.
[4999] Is] Qq F₁. Are F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5000] maidhood] Ff. manhood Qq.
[5001] thing?] Ff. thing. Q₁ Q₂. things? Q₃.
Yes ... indeed.] I have sir. Q₁.
[5002] brother] brothers F₃ F₄.
would] that Q₁.
[5003] you, lead] leade me Q₁.
[5004] night] Q₁. might Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[5005] I'll] Ile Q₁ Q₂. ile Q₃. I will Ff.
[5006] SCENE II.] SCENE IV. Pope.
Another street.] The Street. Rowe. Another Street, before the Sagittary. Theobald.
... and Attendants] Qq.... Attendants, Ff.
[5007] stuff o' the conscience] stuft of conscience Q₁. tough o' the conscience Jackson conj.
[5008] lack] lake F₂ F₃. take F₄. do lack Seymour conj., ending lines 3-6 at lack ... service: ... here ... is.
[5009] Sometimes] Qq. Sometime Ff.
[5010] I ... ribs.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending here, in Qq.
had] om. Pope.
to have] to 've Pope.
yerk'd] ierk'd Q₁. jerk'd Q₂ Q₃.
ribs] rib F₄.
[5011] 'Tis] It's Pope.
[5012] spoke] he spoke Seymour conj., reading Nay ... scurvy as one line.
provoking] such provoking Seymour conj., reading and ... honour as one line.
[5013] Against ... have,] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.
[5014] you] om. Qq.
[5015] Be assured] Be assur'd Ff. For be sure Qq.
[5016] double] capable Cartwright conj.
duke's] duke Q₃.
[5017] and] Qq. or Ff.
grievance] greevances Q₃.
[5018] The] That Q₁.
[5019] Will] Ff. Weele Qq.
[5020] services] service Q₃.
[5021] Which ... know] Omitted in Q₁.
[5022] promulgate] provulgate Q₁.
my] om. Pope.
[5023] siege] F₃ F₄. seige F₁ F₂. height Q₁ Q₂. hight Q₃.
[5024] May ... unbonneted] Unbonneted may speak Becket conj.
unbonneted] unbonnetting Pope (ed. 2). and bonnetted Theobald. imbonnetted Theobald conj. e'en bonneted Hanmer.
to] om. Q₂ Q₃.
[5025] For ... yond?] As in Ff. Two lines in Qq.
sea's] Theobald, seas Qq Ff. seas' Anon. conj.
lights come] light comes Johnson.
yond] Ff. yonder Qq.
[5026] SCENE V. Pope.
Those] Ff. These Qq.
[5027] parts] part Hanmer.
[5028] manifest] manifestly F₂. mainefest Q₃.
me rightly] Q₁ Ff. my right by Q₂ Q₃.
Is it they?] it is they. Q₁.
[5029] Enter....] Enter Cassio with lights, Officers, and torches. Qq (after worth, line 28). Enter Cassio, with Torches. Ff (after yond? line 28). Enter, at a Distance, ... Capell (after line 28). Transferred by Collier.
[5030] The ... lieutenant.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
duke,] Qq. Dukes? Ff.
lieutenant.] lieutenant: Rowe. leiutenant, Q₁. lieutenant? Ff. leiutenant? Q₂ Q₃.
[5031] you,] your Q₁.
[5032] news?] newes. Q₁.
[5033] haste-post-haste] Steevens (1793). hast, post hast Q₁. haste, post-haste Ff. hast, post-hast Q₂ Q₃.
[5034] What is] Ff. What's Qq.
[5035] sequent] frequent Q₁.
[5036] at one] one at Q₂ Q₃.
[5037] consuls] couns'lers Theobald. counsel Hanmer. council Johnson.
[5038] have] had Lettrom conj.
[5039] hath] Ff. om. Qq.
about] Ff. aboue Q₁ Q₂. above Q₃. out Johnson.
[5040] I ... you.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
I will but spend] Ile spend Q₁. I will spend but F₃ F₄.
[5041] And go] And then go Keightley.
[Exit.] Exit Othello. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[5042] carack] carrick Q₁. carract F₁. carriact Q₂ Q₃. carrac F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5043] who? Q₁ F₁ F₂. whom. Q₂ Q₃. whom? F₃ F₄ Q (1695).
Re-enter Othello.] Capell. Enter Othello. Rowe (after line 53). Omitted in Qq Ff.
[5044] Have with you.] Ff. Ha' with you. Q₂ Q₃. Ha, with who? Q₁. Ha, with you. Q (1695).
[5045] SCENE VI. Pope.
[5046] Enter....] Enters Brabantio, Roderigo, and others with lights and weapons. Qq (Enter Q₂ Q₃), after line 52. Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, with Officers, and Torches. Ff.
Holla] Q₁ Ff Q₂. Ho la Q₃.
[5047] [They....] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[5048] Keep ... weapons.] Verse in Qq. Prose in Ff.
[5049] for] or S. Walker conj.
them] Ff. em Qq.
[5050] O ... daughter?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
stow'd] Ff. stowed Qq.
[5051] Damn'd] Ff. Dambd Qq.
[5052] things] thing Q₁.
[5053] If ... bound,] Omitted in Q₁.
[5054] wealthy curled] Ff. wealthy culled Theobald, ed. 2 (Warburton). wealthiest cull'd Hanmer.
darlings] Qq. Deareling F₁. Dearling F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5055] to incur] to incurre Qq. t'encurre F₁ F₂ F₃. t'incurr F₄.
[5056] guardage] Ff. gardage Qq.
[5057] as thou] om. Seymour conj.
[5058] Judge ... thee] Omitted in Q₁.
[5059] not] no Q₃.
[5060] delicate] om. Seymour conj.
[5061] weaken motion] Rowe. weakens motion Ff Q₂ Q₃. weaken notion Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). waken motion Hanmer.
[5062] probable] Ff. portable Q₂ Q₃.
[5063] For] Such Q₁.
[5064] warrant.] warrant? Q₁.
[5065] hands] hand F₄.
[5066] cue] Qu. Q₁.
[5067] Where] Qq. Whether F₁. Whither F₂ F₃ F₄.
that] om. Pope.
[5068] To answer] And answer Q₁.
[5069] fit ... session] One line in Hanmer.
[5070] if I do] if do F₁. if I Pope.
[5071] bring] Ff. beare Qq.
First Off.] 1. O. Capell. Officer Qq Ff.
'Tis] om. Pope.
[5072] I am] I'm Pope.
[5073] night] nigh F₂.
[5074] pagans] pageants Theobald. paysans Becket conj.
[5075] SCENE III.] SCENE VII. Pope.
A council-chamber.] Capell. The Senate House. Rowe.
The ... attending.] Enter Duke and Senators, set at a Table with lights and Attendants. Qq. Enter Duke, Senators, and Officers. Ff.
[5076] There is] There's F₁.
these] Q₁ Q₂. this Ff. his Q₃.
[5077] Indeed] om. Seymour conj.
they are] they're Pope.
disproportion'd] Pope. disproportioned Qq Ff.
[5078] and seven] seven Grant White conj.
[5079] And ... forty.] A hundred and forty, mine. Seymour conj.
a] Q₁ Ff. an Q₂ Q₃.
and] Qq F₄ om. F₁ F₂ F₃ and Grant White conj.
And mine] Mine Grant White conj.
[5080] where the aim] with the same Collier MS.
the] Ff. they Qq.
aim] aym'd Q₁.
aim reports] aim besorts Anon. conj. main accords Anon. conj.
[5081] do] om. Pope.
[5082] in] Ff. to Qq.
[5083] article] articles Q₁.
[5084] Sailor. [Within] Ff. One within. Qq. Sailors [within. Theobald.
[5085] First Off.] Dyce. Officer. Ff Q₂ Q₃. Sailor. Q₁.
galleys] galley Q₁.
Enter Sailor.] As in Dyce. After line 12 in Ff. Enter a Messenger. Qq, after sense, line 12. Enter an Officer, bringing in a Sailor. Capell.
what's] om. Qq.
[5086] So ... Angelo.] As in Ff. One line in Q₂ Q₃.
[5087] By Signior Angelo] Omitted in Q₁.
[They withdraw. Capell.
[5088] This ... pageant] Divided as in Ff. Two lines, the first ending reason-- in Qq.
[5089] facile] fertile Pope.
[5090] For ... profitless.] Omitted in Q₁.
[5091] But] Ff. Who Q₂ Q₃.
[5092] thought] nought Q₂, as quoted in Steevens's reprint of Q₁.
[5093] ease ... wake and] Printed as in Q₂ Q₃ F₃ F₄. ease, and gaine To wake, and F₁ F₂.
[5094] Nay,] And Q₁
all] om. Rowe (ed. 2)
[5095] First Off.] Dyce. Officer. Qq Ff.
a Messenger.] Ff. a 2. Messenger. Qq. a Messenger, usher'd. Capell, after line 31.
[5096] injointed] injoin'd Rowe. injoint Seymore conj.
them] om. Q₁.
[5097] First Sen. Ay ... guess? Mess.] Omitted in Q₁.
[5098] thirty] 30. Q₁.
re-stem] Ff. resterine Q₁. resterne Q₂ Q₃. restrain Strutt conj.
[5099] toward] Ff. towards Qq.
[5100] his] this Capell (corrected in Errata).
thus] this Lettsom conj.
[5101] believe] relieve Keightley (T. Clark ap. Johnson, and Capell conj.)
[retiring. Capell
[5102] Luccicos] Qq Ff. Lucchese Capell.
not he] F₁ F₂ Q₂ Q₃. not here Q₁. he not F₃ F₄. he not here Theobald, ending the previous line Luccicos.
town?] towne. Q₁.
[5103] Write ... dispatch.] One line in Q₂ Q₃. Two, the first ending us, in Ff. Capell, reading with Q₁, ends the line him post.
to him; post] wish him post, Q₁.
post-post-haste] Hyphened by Steevens (1793), reading with Q₁. Post-haste Pope, ending the line to him.
post-post-haste dispatch] post post-haste: dispatch Steevens (1773).
[5104] valiant] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
Iago, Roderigo,] Capell. Roderigo, Iago, Cassio, Desdemona, Qq (after line 46). Cassio, Iago, Rodorigo, Ff.
and Officers.] Qq Ff. and Others. Capell.
[5105] SCENE VIII. Pope.
[5106] [To Brabantio] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[5107] lack'd] lack't Ff. lackt Q₂ Q₃. lacke Q₁.
[5108] nor] Qq. hor F₁. for F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5109] Hath ... bed] Rais'd me from bed Steevens conj.
nor doth] not doth Q₂.
care] om. Pope.
[5110] hold on] Ff. any hold of Q₁. hold of Q₂ Q₃.
grief] griefes, Q₁.
[5111] and] snd F₁.
[5112] And it] And yet Rowe.
[5113] All.] Qq. Sen. Ff. Duke and Sen. Dyce.
Ay,] I, Ff. I Qq. om. Pope.
[5114] to] om. Mason conj.
[5115] Being ... sense,] Omitted in Q₁.
not deficient] deficient Q₃.
or] nor Johnson.
[5116] Sans] Ff Q₂ Q₃. Saunce Q₁.
not.] not-- Rowe. not be. Capell.
[5117] your] Ff. its Qq.
yea,] om. Q₁.
[5118] All.] Sen. Capell. Duke and Sen. Malone.
for't] for it Steevens.
[5119] [To Othello] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[5120] am I] I am Q₂ Q₃.
[5121] soft] Ff. set Qq.
[5122] now some] Qq. now, some Ff.
[5123] feats of broil] Capell. feate of broyle, Q₁. feats of broiles, F₁. feats of broyles, F₂. feates of broyles, Q₂ Q₃. feats of broyls, F₃ F₄.
[5124] for] of Q₃.
gracious] om. Pope.
[5125] will] would Q₂ Q₃.
unvarnish'd] unravish'd Q₂ Q₃.
tale] u Tale F₁.
[5126] Of ... charms,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
drugs, what charms,] Pointed as in Qq F₁ F₂. drugs? what charmes? F₃ F₄.
[5127] proceeding] Ff. proceedings Qq.
I am] Ff. am I Qq.
[5128] daughter.] daughter with. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5129] bold; Of spirit so] bold of spirit, So Q₁.
[5130] herself] it self Pope.
[5131] on!] on? Qq. on; Ff.
[5132] maim'd] main'd F₁.
imperfect] Qq. imperfect. Ff.
[5133] perfection] affection Theobald.
could] Ff. would Qq.
[5134] upon] on Seymore conj.
Duke.] Omitted in F₁.
vouch] youth Q₁.
[5135] certain] certaine Qq. wider Ff. witness Anon. conj.
certain and more] evidence, and Collier MS.
overt test] Q₁ Q₂. over Test F₁. over-Test F₂ F₃ F₄. over test Q₃.
[5136] Than these] Ff. These are Qq.
[5137] seeming] seemings Q₁ Q₂.
do] F₃ F₄. doe F₁ F₂. you Qq.
[5138] First Sen.] 1. Sena. Qq. Sen. Ff.
But,] om. Hanmer.
[5139] do] om. Pope.
[5140] Sagittary] Sagittar Q₁.
[to some Attendants. Capell.
[5141] The ... you,] Omitted in Q₁.
[5142] Even fall upon] Fall on Seymour conj.
[Exit two or three. Q₁. Exeunt two or three. Q₂ Q₃ and Theobald. om. Ff, Rowe and Pope.
[5143] Ancient, ... place.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[Exeunt....] Exeunt Attendants and Iago. Capell. Exit Iago. Rowe, Pope and Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[5144] till] tell F₁.
truly] faithfull Q₁.
[5145] I ... blood,] Omitted in Q₁.
[5146] question'd] Ff. questioned Qq.
story] storyes Q₃.
[5147] From year to year] om. Seymour conj., reading the battles ... pass'd as one line.
battles] battaile F₁.
fortunes] Qq. fortune Ff.
[5148] have] had Collier MS.
pass'd.] pass'd. With his demands complying, Keightley conj.
[5149] from] to Q₃.
[5150] spake] Qq. spoke Ff.
[5151] accidents by] accident of Q₁.
[5152] imminent deadly] Hyphened by Staunton.
[5153] of] and Q₁.
[5154] portance in my] Ff Q₂. portence in my Q₃. with it all my Q₁. portents in my So quoted by Rymer. portance in't; my Johnson conj.
travels'] Edd. (Globe ed.) travells Qq. travel's Pope. Travellours F₁. Travellers F₂ F₃. Traveller's F₄. travellous or travailous Richardson conj.
[5155] antres] antrees Q₁. antars The rest. antrées Pope.
idle] Qq F₁. wilde F₂ F₃. wild F₄.
[5156] and] om. F₁.
heads] head F₁.
[5157] hint] hent Q₁ and Warburton. bent Jackson conj.
[5158] such ... shoulders.] Put in the margin by Pope.
[5159] the] Q₁. my The rest.
[5160] other] Qq F₃ F₄. others F₁ F₂.
[5161] Anthropophagi] F₂ F₃ F₄. Anthropophagie Qq. Anthropophague F₁.
[5162] Do grow] Doe grow Qq. Grew Ff. Did grow Rowe.
This] Q₁. These things Ff. these Q₂ Q₃. All these Pope.
[5163] thence] Qq. hence Ff.
[5164] Which] And Q₁.
[5165] parcels] parcell Q₁.
[5166] not] nought Capell conj.
intentively] Qq. instinctiuely F₁. distinctively F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5167] distressful] distressed Q₁.
[5168] suffer'd] Ff. suffered Qq.
[5169] sighs] sighes Qq. kisses Ff. thanks Southern MS.
[5170] in faith] Ff. I faith Qq.
[5171] thank'd] Ff. thanked Qq.
[5172] Upon] On Pope.
hint] Ff. heate Qq.
[5173] had] Qq F₁. have F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5174] Here ... it.] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
and Attendants.] Rowe. Attendants. Ff. and the rest. Qq.
[5175] SCENE IX. Pope.
[5176] Good ... best:] Divided as in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.
[5177] on my head] Ff. light on me Qq (lite Q₁).
[5178] this] his F₂.
[5179] most you] you most Pope. you must Warburton.
My noble] Noble Pope.
[5180] I am] I'm Pope.
[5181] you are] you're Pope.
the lord of] lord of all my Q₁.
[5182] show'd] shew'd Ff. shewed Qq.
[5183] much] much must Q₃.
[5184] the Moor] om. Seymour conj.
God ... done.] Ff. God bu'y, I ha done: Qq.
[5185] had rather to] rather would Seymour conj.
[5186] Which ... heart] Omitted in Q₁.
all] om. Pope.
[5187] For your] And for your Hanmer. For my own Lettsom conj.
[5188] soul I] soule. I Q₁.
[5189] them] Ff. em Qq.
my] om. Steevens's reprint of Q₁.
[5190] Let ... sentence] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending selfe: in Ff.
speake] now speak more Hanmer, ending lines 199-201 lay ... step ... favour.
yourself] our self Warburton.
sentence,] sentence in, Hanmer.
[5191] as] Qq F₁. like F₂ F₃ F₄.
grise] Ff. greese Qq.
lovers] Qq. lovers. Ff. lovers here Hanmer.
[5192] Into your favour.] Omitted in Ff.
[5193] ended] Ff. ended, Qq. ended; Hanmer.
[5194] the worst] worst F₃ F₄.
[5195] new] Ff. more Qq.
[5196] mockery] mock'ry F₁. mocker Q₃.
[5197] from the] from a Q₃.
[5198] So let] So, let Theobald.
[5199] lose] loose F₁.
[5200] bears ... But the free comfort] cares For the false comforts Hanmer.
[5201] bears] heares F₃. hears F₄. heaps Hanmer.
[5202] pierced] Qq F₂ F₃ F₄. pierc'd F₁. pieced Theobald (Warburton). plaster'd Bailey conj.
ear] eares F₁.
[5203] I ... proceed to] F₁ F₂. Beseech you now, to Qq. I humbly beseech you to proceed to F₃. Humbly beseech you to proceed to F₄. Beseech you, now to Theobald.
of state] Ff. of the state Qq. o' th' state Theobald.
[goes to his Seat. Capell.
[5204] a] om. Qq. most om. Johnson.
[5205] there] here Q₃.
[5206] a] Qq. a more Ff. a most Collier MS.
[5207] safer] Qq F₁. safe F₂ F₃ F₄ Q (1695).
[5208] gloss] glosse Qq F₁. grosse F₂. gross F₃ F₄.
[5209] more] most Rowe.
[5210] grave] great Q₁.
[5211] couch] Pope. cooch Qq. coach Ff.
[5212] alacrity] alacartie F₁.
[5213] in] it Steevens (1785).
hardness] harness Mason conj. hardiness Anon. conj.
do] would Q₁.
[5214] These ... wars] Malone. This ... warres Q₁ F₁. This ... warre Q₂ F₂. This ... war Q₃ F₃ F₄.
[5215] reference] F₁ Q₂ F₂ Q₃. reuerence Q₁. reverence F₃ F₄. preference Johnson conj.
[5216] With] Which Q₁.
accommodation] accomodation? Q₁.
[5217] If ... father's.] Divided as by Capell. One line in Qq. Why at her Fathers? F₁. Why, at her Fathers. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5218] I'll] Ile Qq. I will Ff.
[5219] Nor ... not] Qq. Nor would I Ff.
reside] recide F₁.
[5220] your prosperous] Ff. a gracious Qq. your gracious Pope. a prosperous Seymour conj. propitious Anon. conj.
[5221] charter] Qq F₁. character F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5222] To ... simpleness.] And if my simplenesse.--Q₁.
[5223] you, Desdemona?] you--speake. Q₁.
[5224] did] om. Ff.
[5225] and ... fortunes] and scorne of Fortunes Q₁. to forms, my fortunes Warburton. and scorn of Fortune Johnson conj.
[5226] heart's] Ff. hearts Qq.
[5227] very quality] utmost pleasure Q₁.
[5228] dear] my dear Q₃.
[5229] rites] rights Warburton. parts Keightley.
which] Qq. why Ff.
[5230] Let ... voices.] Dyce. Let ... voice. Ff. _Your voyces Lords: beseech you let her will, Have a free way,_ Qq.
[5231] Vouch ... heaven,] Omitted in Q₁, ending the lines will, ... not. In Q₂ Q₃ the lines end will ... way; ... not.
[5232] with ... affects] wi' the young effects of heat Collier MS.
[5233] heat--the ... defunct--] heat, (the ... defunct) Capell (Upton conj.) heate, the affects In my defunct, Qq. heat the yong affects In my defunct, Ff (effects F₂ F₃ F₄). heat, the young affects, In my distinct Theobald. heat affects the young, In my distinct Hanmer. heat, (the young affects,) In my defect Upton conj. heat, the young affects, In my defunct Johnson (Upton conj.) heat, the young affects, In my defenc'd Tollet conj. heat, (the young affect's In me defunct) Rann. heat, and young affects, In my disjunct, Anon. apud Rann conj. heat, the young affects, In my disjunct Malone. heat (the young affects, In me adjunct) Becket conj. heat i' the young affects In my disjunct Singer conj. (withdrawn). heat of the young affects In my distinct Keightley. th' heat of young affects In my distinct Bailey conj.
[5234] In ... mind:] Tyrrwhitt would transpose these lines, reading as F₁.
[5235] to] of Q₁.
[5236] good souls] counsels Collier MS.
[5237] great] Ff. good Qq.
[5238] For] Qq. When Ff.
[5239] Of] Ff. And Qq.
seel] F₄. seele F₁ F₂ F₃. foyles] Qq. feel Rowe (ed. 2). foil Pope.
dullness] dalliance Theobald conj. (withdrawn).
[5240] officed] offic'd Ff. active Qq.
instruments] Qq. instrument Ff.
[5241] housewives] huswives Qq.
skillet] skellet Qq.
[5242] estimation] Ff. reputation Qq.
[5243] Either] Or Pope.
her] om. Q₁.
affair cries] affaires cry Q₁.
[5244] answer't;] Edd. answer it. Ff. answer, Qq.
you ... to-night.] Qq. Sen. You must away to night. Ff.
[5245] Des. To-night, my lord?] Qq. Omitted in Ff. Des. To-night, my lord, to-night? Pope. Duke. This night.] Qq. Omitted in Ff. and Pope.
[5246] nine] ten Q₁.
[to the Senators, rising. Capell.
[5247] With] Qq. And Ff.
and] or Q₁.
[5248] import] concerne Q₁.
So] Ff. om. Qq.
[5249] good] om. Q₃.
[5250] [To Brab.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[5251] no delighted] no delighting Hanmer. no belighted Warburton. no delight or Johnson conj. so belighted Becket conj.
[5252] First Sen.] 1 Sena. Qq. Sen. Ff.
[5253] if thou hast eyes] have a quicke eye Q₁.
[5254] deceived] deceiud'd Q₂ Q₃.
and may thee] may doe thee Q₁.
[Exeunt ...] Exit Duke, with Senators. Theobald. Exeunt. Qq. Exit. Ff.
[5255] them] Ff. her Qq.
in the] Qq F₁. in their F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5256] worldly] wordly F₁ F₄.
matters] Qq. matter Ff.
[5257] spend] Qq F₁. speake F₂. speak F₃ F₄.
the] the the F₁.
[Exeunt....] Exit Moore and Desdemona. Qq. Exit. Ff. Exeunt. Manent Rodorigo and Jago. Pope.
[5258] SCENE X. Pope.
[5259] will] shall Seymour conj.
[5260] If] Ff. Well, if Qq.
after.] Ff. after it, Qq.
[5261] gentleman!] Rowe. gentleman? Ff. gentleman. Q₁ Q₂. gentleman, Q₃.
[5262] torment] Ff. a torment Qq.
[5263] have we] Ff. we have Qq.
prescription to die] prescription to dye, Ff (die F₃ F₄). prescription, to dye Qq.
[5264] O villanous!] Omitted in Q₁.
have] Ff. ha Qq.
[5265] betwixt] Ff. betweene Qq.
[5266] man] Ff. a man Qq.
[5267] guinea-hen] Ginny Hen Qq. Gynney Hen F₁ F₂ F₃. Guinney-Hen F₄.
[5268] gardens] Qq. our gardens Ff.
[5269] hyssop] F₄. Isop Qq. Hisope F₁. Hysope F₂. Hysop F₃.
thyme] Pope. Time Qq Ff.
[5270] to have] Qq F₁. have F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5271] wills] will Rowe (ed. 2).
[5272] balance] ballance Q₁ Q₂. ballence Q₃. braine F₁ F₂. brain F₃ F₄. beam Theobald.
[5273] our carnal] our carnall Qq F₁. or carnall F₂ F₃. or carnal F₄.
[5274] our] Qq. or Ff.
[5275] sect] slip Hanmer. set Johnson.
scion] Steevens (1793). scyon Hanmer. syen Qq. seyen Ff. scien Johnson.
[5276] of the] of Q₃.
permission] primission Q₃.
[5277] have professed] have profest Ff. professe Qq.
[5278] stead] Hanmer. steede Q₁ Q₂. steed Ff Q₃.
[5279] thou the] Ff. these Qq. thou these Rowe.
defeat] disseat Warburton.
[5280] be that ... should long] Q₁ Q₂. be long that ... should Ff. be, the Disdemona should long Q₃.
[5281] to] Ff. unto Qq.
Moor--put ... purse--] Moore,--put ... purse,-- Qq. Moore. Put ... purse: Ff.
his] om. Q₁.
[5282] commencement] Qq. commencement in her Ff.
[5283] commencement ... sequestration] conjunction ... sequestration or commencement ... sequel Johnson conj.
[5284] put but] but put F₃ F₄.
[5285] locusts] locust Q₃. loches Warburton. lohock Warburton conj. apud Theobald MS. lohocks Johnson.
[5286] shall be to him shortly] shall to him shortly bee F₂ F₃ F₄. shall shortly be Pope.
bitter as] acerbe as the Q₁.
[5287] She ... youth:] Omitted in Qq.
[5288] error] Qq. errors Ff.
[5289] she must ... must:] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[5290] erring] arrant Hanmer. errant Warburton.
a] Qq. om. Ff.
supersubtle] super-supple Collier MS.
[5291] of drowning] Ff. a drowning Qq.
thyself] om. Qq.
it is] Ff. tis Qq.
[5292] if ... issue] Omitted in Q₁.
[5293] re-tell] Ff. tell Qq.
thee] the Q₃.
[5294] hath] Ff. has Qq.
[5295] conjunctive] communicative Q₁.
[5296] cuckold] cuckole Q₃.
me] and me Q₁.
[5297] Iago. Go to ... purse;] Q₂ Q₃. See note (III).
[5298] hear] here F₂ F₃.
[5299] [Exit.] Ff. Exit Roderigo. Qq.
[5300] SCENE XI. Pope.
[5301] would] should Q₃ and Pope.
snipe] Qq. snpe F₁. swaine F₂. swain F₃ F₄.
[5302] He has] F₃ F₄. Ha's Qq. He ha's F₂. She ha's F₁.
[5303] But] Ff. Yet Qq.
[5304] his] F₁. this The rest.
to plume] F₁ Q₂ F₂ Q₃. plume F₃ F₄. to make Q₁.
[5305] In] Ff. A Qq.
knavery--] Qq. knavery. Ff.
Let's] Ff. let me Qq.
[5306] ear] eare Qq. eares Ff.
[5307] his] my Q₃.
[5308] is ... nature] a free and open nature too Q₁.
[5309] seem] seemes Q₁ Q₂. seems Q₃.
[5310] And ... are.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[5311] led] lead F₁ F₂.
nose] nose-- Qq.
[5312] have't] Ff. ha't Qq.
engender'd] ingender'd Q₁ Q₂. engendred Ff. ingendr'd Q₃.
night] spite Warburton.
[5313] [Exit] Qq. om. Ff.
Act II, Scene I — A sea-port in Cyprus. An open place near the quay.
Enter MONTANO and two Gentlemen.[5314]
Mon. What from the cape can you discern at sea?
First Gent. Nothing at all: it is a high-wrought flood;[5315] I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main,[5316] Descry a sail.[5317]
Mon. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land;[5317][5318] 5 A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements:[5317] If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea,[5317][5319] What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them,[5317][5320] Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this?[5317][5321]
Sec. Gent. A segregation of the Turkish fleet:[5322] 10 For do but stand upon the foaming shore,[5323] The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds;[5324] The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane,[5325] Seems to cast water on the burning bear, And quench the guards of the ever-fixed pole:[5326] 15 I never did like molestation view On the enchafed flood.
Mon. If that the Turkish fleet[5327] Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd;[5328] It is impossible to bear it out.
Enter a third Gentleman.[5329]
Third Gent. News, lads! our wars are done.[5330][5331][5332] 20 The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks,[5333] That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice[5334][5335] Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance[5334][5336] On most part of their fleet.[5337]
Mon. How! is this true?
Third Gent. The ship is here put in,[5338][5339][5340] 25 A Veronesa; Michael Cassio,[5338][5340] Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello,[5341] Is come on shore: the Moor himself at sea,[5342] And is in full commission here for Cyprus.
Mon. I am glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor.[5343] 30
Third Gent. But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted[5344] With foul and violent tempest.
Mon. Pray heavens he be;[5345] For I have served him, and the man commands 35 Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho![5346] As well to see the vessel that's come in As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, Even till we make the main and the aerial blue[5347][5348] An indistinct regard.[5347][5349]
Third Gent. Come, let's do so; 40 For every minute is expectancy Of more arrivance.
Enter CASSIO.[5350]
Cas. Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle,[5351] That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens[5352] Give him defence against the elements,[5353] 45 For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.[5354]
Mon. Is he well shipp'd?
Cas. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot[5355] Of very expert and approved allowance;[5356] Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,[5357][5358] 50 Stand in bold cure.[5358]
[A cry within: 'A sail, a sail, a sail!'
Enter a fourth Gentleman.[5359]
Cas. What noise?[5360]
Fourth Gent. The town is empty; on the brow o' the sea[5361] Stand ranks of people, and they cry 'A sail!'[5362]
Cas. My hopes do shape him for the governor. 55
[Guns heard.[5363]
Sec. Gent. They do discharge their shot of courtesy:[5364] Our friends at least.[5365]
Cas. I pray you, sir, go forth, And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived.
Sec. Gent. I shall. [Exit.[5366]
Mon. But, good lieutenant, is your general wived? 60
Cas. Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame; One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,[5367] And in the essential vesture of creation[5368] Does tire the ingener.
Re-enter second Gentleman.
How now! who has put in?[5369] 65
Sec. Gent. 'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general.[5366]
Cas. He has had most favourable and happy speed:[5370] Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,[5371] The gutter'd rocks, and congregated sands,[5372] Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel,[5373] 70 As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by[5374] The divine Desdemona.
Mon. What is she?
Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain,[5375] Left in the conduct of the bold Iago; 75 Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts A se'nnight's speed. Great Jove, Othello guard,[5376] And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms,[5377] 80 Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits,[5378] And bring all Cyprus comfort.
Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, IAGO, RODERIGO, and Attendants.[5379]
O, behold, The riches of the ship is come on shore![5380] Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.[5381] Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven,[5382] 85 Before, behind thee, and on every hand, Enwheel thee round!
Des. I thank you, valiant Cassio. What tidings can you tell me of my lord?[5383]
Cas. He is not yet arrived: nor know I aught[5384] But that he's well and will be shortly here. 90
Des. O, but I fear--How lost you company?[5385]
Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies[5386] Parted our fellowship--But, hark! a sail.
[A cry within: 'A sail, a sail!' Guns heard.[5387]
Sec. Gent. They give their greeting to the citadel:[5388] This likewise is a friend.
Cas. See for the news. [Exit Gentleman.[5389] 95 Good ancient, you are welcome. [To Emilia] Welcome, mistress:[5390] Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy. [Kissing her.[5391]
Iago. Sir, would she give you so much of her lips[5392] 100 As of her tongue she oft bestows on me,[5393] You'ld have enough.[5394]
Desd. Alas, she has no speech.
Iago. In faith, too much;[5395] I find it still when I have list to sleep:[5396] Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, 105 She puts her tongue a little in her heart[5397] And chides with thinking.
Emil. You have little cause to say so.[5398]
Iago. Come on, come on; you are pictures out of doors,[5399][5400] Bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens,[5399] 110 Saints in your injuries, devils being offended,[5399] Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.[5399][5401]
Des. O, fie upon thee, slanderer![5402]
Iago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: You rise to play, and go to bed to work. 115
Emil. You shall not write my praise.
Iago. No, let me not.
Des. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst praise me?[5403]
Iago. O gentle lady, do not put me to't; For I am nothing if not critical.
Des. Come on, assay--There's one gone to the harbour?[5404] 120
Iago. Ay, madam.
Des. I am not merry; but I do beguile The thing I am by seeming otherwise. Come, how wouldst thou praise me?
Iago. I am about it; but indeed my invention[5405][5406] 125 Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize;[5405][5407] It plucks out brains and all: but my Muse labours,[5405][5408] And thus she is deliver'd.[5405][5409] If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit,[5410] The one's for use, the other useth it.[5410][5411] 130
Des. Well praised! How if she be black and witty?[5412]
Iago. If she be black, and thereto have a wit,[5410] She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit.[5410][5413]
Des. Worse and worse.
Emil. How if fair and foolish?[5414] 135
Iago. She never yet was foolish that was fair;[5410][5415] For even her folly help'd her to an heir.[5410][5415][5416]
Des. These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh[5417][5418] i' the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her[5417] that's foul and foolish?[5414][5417] 140
Iago. There's none so foul, and foolish thereunto,[5410] But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do.[5410][5419]
Des. O heavy ignorance! thou praisest the worst best.[5420] But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed, one that in the authority of her merit did justly[5421][5422] 145 put on the vouch of very malice itself?[5421][5423]
Iago. She that was ever fair and never proud,[5410] Had tongue at will and yet was never loud,[5410] Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay,[5410] Fled from her wish and yet said 'Now I may;'[5410] 150 She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh,[5410][5424] Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly;[5410] She that in wisdom never was so frail[5410] To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail;[5410] She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind,[5410][5425] 155 See suitors following and not look behind;[5410][5426] She was a wight, if ever such wight were,--[5410][5427][5428]
Des. To do what?[5428]
Iago. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer.[5410]
Des. O most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn[5429] 160 of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband. How say you,[5429] Cassio? is he not a most profane and liberal counsellor?[5429][5430]
Cas. He speaks home, madam: you may relish him[5431] more in the soldier than in the scholar.[5431][5432]
Iago. [Aside] He takes her by the palm: ay, well said,[5433] 165 whisper: with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great[5434] a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee[5435] in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if[5436] such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it[5437] had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so[5438] 170 oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in.[5439] Very good; well kissed! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so,[5440] indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? would they[5441] were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Trumpet within.] The[5442] Moor! I know his trumpet. 175
Cas. 'Tis truly so.
Des. Let's meet him and receive him.
Cas. Lo, where he comes!
Enter OTHELLO and Attendants.[5443]
Oth. O my fair warrior!
Des. My dear Othello!
Oth. It gives me wonder great as my content 180 To see you here before me. O my soul's joy![5444] If after every tempest come such calms,[5445] May the winds blow till they have waken'd death![5446] And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas Olympus-high and duck again as low 185 As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die,[5447] 'Twere now to be most happy; for I fear, My soul hath her content so absolute That not another comfort like to this Succeeds in unknown fate.
Des. The heavens forbid 190 But that our loves and comforts should increase,[5448] Even as our days do grow!
Oth. Amen to that, sweet powers![5449] I cannot speak enough of this content; It stops me here; it is too much of joy: And this, and this, the greatest discords be [Kissing her.[5450] 195 That e'er our hearts shall make!
Iago. [Aside] O, you are well tuned now![5451][5452] But I'll set down the pegs that make this music,[5452][5453] As honest as I am.[5452]
Oth. Come, let us to the castle.[5454] News, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd.[5455] How does my old acquaintance of this isle?[5456] 200 Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus; I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet,[5457] I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine own comforts. I prithee, good Iago,[5458] Go to the bay, and disembark my coffers:[5459] 205 Bring thou the master to the citadel; He is a good one, and his worthiness Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona, Once more well met at Cyprus.
[Exeunt all but Iago and Roderigo.[5460]
Iago. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come[5461] 210 hither. If thou be'st valiant--as, they say, base men being[5462][5463] in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is[5463] native to them--list me. The lieutenant to-night watches[5463][5464] on the court of guard. First, I must tell thee this: Desdemona[5465] is directly in love with him. 215
Rod. With him! why, 'tis not possible.
Iago. Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed.[5466] Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but[5467] for bragging and telling her fantastical lies: and will she[5468] love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think[5468][5469] 220 it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have[5470] to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, again to inflame it and to give[5471] satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favour, sympathy in[5472] years, manners and beauties; all which the Moor is defective 225 in: now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will[5473] instruct her in it and compel her to some second choice.[5474] Now, sir, this granted--as it is a most pregnant and unforced[5475] 230 position--who stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune[5476] as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no further conscionable[5477] than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane[5478] seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most[5478][5479][5480] hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: a slipper and[5479][5481][5482] 235 subtle knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can[5482][5483] stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage[5484] never present itself: a devilish knave! Besides, the knave[5484][5485] is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after: a pestilent complete[5486] 240 knave; and the woman hath found him already.[5487]
Rod. I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most[5488] blest condition.[5489][5490]
Iago. Blest fig's-end! the wine she drinks is made of[5489][5491] grapes: if she had been blest, she would never have loved[5489] 245 the Moor: blest pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle[5489][5492] with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that?[5493]
Rod. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy.[5494]
Iago. Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure prologue[5495] to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so 250 near with their lips that their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so[5496] marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main[5497] exercise, the incorporate conclusion: pish! But, sir, be you[5498] ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch 255 you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you: Cassio[5499] knows you not: I'll not be far from you: do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud or tainting his discipline, or from what other course you[5500] please, which the time shall more favourably minister. 260
Rod. Well.
Iago. Sir, he is rash and very sudden in choler, and[5501] haply may strike at you: provoke him, that he may; for[5502] even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny;[5503] whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but[5504] 265 by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter[5505] journey to your desires by the means I shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment most profitably removed,[5506] without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity.[5507] 270
Rod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity.[5508]
Iago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel: I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.
Rod. Adieu. [Exit.[5509]
Iago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;[5510] 275 That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit: The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;[5511] And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too,[5512] 280 Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin, But partly led to diet my revenge,[5513] For that I do suspect the lusty Moor[5514] Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof[5515] 285 Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards; And nothing can or shall content my soul[5516] Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife;[5517] Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong[5518] 290 That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do, If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash[5519] For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip, Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb;[5520] 295 For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too;[5521] Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me, For making him egregiously an ass And practising upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused: 300 Knavery's plain face is never seen till used. [Exit.
Act II, Scene II — A street.
Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People following.[5522]
Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put[5523] himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires,[5524] each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads[5525] 5 him: for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration[5526] of his nuptial. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed.[5527] All offices are open, and there is full liberty of[5528] feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have[5528][5529] told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our[5530] 10 noble general Othello! [Exeunt.[5531]
Act II, Scene III — A hall in the castle.
Enter OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and Attendants.[5532]
Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop,[5533] Not to outsport discretion.
Cas. Iago hath direction what to do;[5534] But notwithstanding with my personal eye 5 Will I look to't.[5535]
Oth. Iago is most honest. Michael, good night: to-morrow with your earliest[5536] Let me have speech with you. Come, my dear love,[5537] The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.[5538] 10 Good night. [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants.[5539]
Enter IAGO.
Cas. Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.
Iago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the[5540] clock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of his[5540] Desdemona; who let us not therefore blame: he hath not yet[5541] 15 made wanton the night with her, and she is sport for Jove.
Cas. She's a most exquisite lady.[5542]
Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game.
Cas. Indeed she's a most fresh and delicate creature.[5543]
Iago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley[5544][5545] 20 to provocation.[5544][5546]
Cas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.[5547]
Iago. And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?[5547][5548]
Cas. She is indeed perfection.
Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, 25 I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of[5549] Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the[5550] health of black Othello.[5551]
Cas. Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy 30 would invent some other custom of entertainment.
Iago. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you.
Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was[5552] craftily qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes[5553] 35 here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity and dare not task[5554] my weakness with any more.
Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it.
Cas. Where are they? 40
Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.
Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. [Exit.
Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk to-night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence 45 As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo,[5555] Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out,[5556] To Desdemona hath to-night caroused Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch: Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits,[5557] 50 That hold their honours in a wary distance,[5558] The very elements of this warlike isle, Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups, And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of drunkards,[5559] Am I to put our Cassio in some action[5560] 55 That may offend the isle. But here they come:[5561] If consequence do but approve my dream,[5562] My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
Re-enter CASSIO; with him MONTANO and Gentlemen; Servants following with wine.[5563]
Cas. 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already.[5564]
Mon. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am[5565] 60 a soldier.[5565]
Iago. Some wine, ho! [Sings] And let me the canakin clink, clink;[5566][5567][5568] And let me the canakin clink:[5567][5569] A soldier's a man;[5567][5570] 65 A life's but a span;[5567][5570][5571] Why then let a soldier drink.[5567] Some wine, boys![5572]
Cas. 'Fore God, an excellent song.[5573]
Iago. I learned it in England, where indeed they are 70 most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander,--Drink, ho!--are nothing to your English.[5574]
Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking?[5575]
Iago. Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead 75 drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives[5576] your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled.
Cas. To the health of our general!
Mon. I am for it, lieutenant, and I'll do you justice.[5577]
Iago. O sweet England! 80 [Sings] King Stephen was a worthy peer,[5578] His breeches cost him but a crown;[5567] He held them sixpence all too dear,[5567][5579] With that he call'd the tailor lown.[5567]
He was a wight of high renown,[5567] 85 And thou art but of low degree:[5567] 'Tis pride that pulls the country down;[5567] Then take thine auld cloak about thee.[5567][5580] Some wine, ho!
Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other.[5581] 90
Iago. Will you hear't again?
Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place[5582] that does those things. Well: God's above all; and[5583] there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must[5584][5585] not be saved.[5585] 95
Iago. It's true, good lieutenant.[5586]
Cas. For mine own part--no offence to the general, nor any man of quality--I hope to be saved.
Iago. And so do I too, lieutenant.[5587]
Cas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant 100 is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have no[5588] more of this; let's to our affairs. God forgive us our sins![5589] Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my ancient: this is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now; I can[5590] 105 stand well enough, and speak well enough.[5591]
All. Excellent well.[5592]
Cas. Why, very well then; you must not think then[5593] that I am drunk. [Exit.[5594]
Mon. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch.[5595] 110
Iago. You see this fellow that is gone before; He is a soldier fit to stand by Cæsar[5596] And give direction: and do but see his vice; 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,[5597] The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him. 115 I fear the trust Othello puts him in[5598] On some odd time of his infirmity Will shake this island.[5599]
Mon. But is he often thus?
Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep:[5600] He'll watch the horologe a double set,[5601] 120 If drink rock not his cradle.
Mon. It were well[5602] The general were put in mind of it.[5603] Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio[5604] And looks not on his evils: is not this true? 125
Enter RODERIGO.[5605]
Iago. [Aside to him] How now, Roderigo![5606] I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit Roderigo.[5607]
Mon. And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor Should hazard such a place as his own second With one of an ingraft infirmity:[5608] 130 It were an honest action to say[5609] So to the Moor.[5609][5610]
Iago. Not I, for this fair island: I do love Cassio well, and would do much To cure him of this evil:--But, hark! what noise?
[A cry within: 'Help! help!'
Re-enter CASSIO, driving in RODERIGO.[5611]
Cas. 'Zounds! you rogue! you rascal![5612] 135
Mon. What's the matter, lieutenant?
Cas. A knave teach me my duty! But I'll beat the[5613][5614] knave into a wicker bottle.[5613][5615]
Rod. Beat me![5613][5616]
Cas. Dost thou prate, rogue? [Striking Roderigo.[5613][5617] 140
Mon. Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold[5613][5618] your hand.[5613]
Cas. Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.[5613][5619]
Mon. Come, come, you're drunk.[5613][5620] 145
Cas. Drunk! [They fight.[5621]
Iago. [Aside to Roderigo] Away, I say; go out, and cry a mutiny. [Exit Roderigo.[5622] Nay, good lieutenant! God's will, gentlemen![5623] Help, ho!--Lieutenant,--sir,--Montano--sir;--[5624] Help, masters!--Here's a goodly watch indeed![5625] 150
[A bell rings.
Who's that that rings the bell?--Diablo, ho![5626] The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant, hold;[5627] You will be shamed for ever.
Re-enter OTHELLO and Attendants.
Oth. What is the matter here?[5628]
Mon. 'Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death
[Faints.[5629]
Oth. Hold, for your lives! 155
Iago. Hold, ho! Lieutenant,--sir,--Montano,--gentlemen,--[5630] Have you forgot all sense of place and duty?[5631] Hold! the general speaks to you; hold, hold, for shame![5632]
Oth. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this?[5633] Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that 160 Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?[5634] For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: He that stirs next to carve for his own rage[5635] Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion. Silence that dreadful bell! it frights the isle 165 From her propriety. What is the matter, masters?[5636] Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,[5637] Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee.[5638]
Iago. I do not know: friends all but now, even now,[5639] In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom 170 Devesting them for bed; and then, but now,[5640] As if some planet had unwitted men,[5641] Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast,[5642] In opposition bloody. I cannot speak[5643] Any beginning to this peevish odds; 175 And would in action glorious I had lost Those legs that brought me to a part of it![5644]
Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?[5645]
Cas. I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.
Oth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil;[5646][5647] 180 The gravity and stillness of your youth The world hath noted, and your name is great In mouths of wisest censure: what's the matter,[5648] That you unlace your reputation thus,[5649] And spend your rich opinion for the name 185 Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it.[5650]
Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger: Your officer, Iago, can inform you-- While I spare speech, which something now offends me--[5651] Of all that I do know: nor know I aught 190 By me that's said or done amiss this night;[5652] Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,[5653] And to defend ourselves it be a sin When violence assails us.
Oth. Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule, 195 And passion, having my best judgement collied,[5654] Assays to lead the way: if I once stir,[5655] Or do but lift this arm, the best of you Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know How this foul rout began, who set it on, 200 And he that is approved in this offence,[5656] Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, Shall lose me. What! in a town of war,[5657] Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, To manage private and domestic quarrel,[5658] 205 In night, and on the court and guard of safety![5659] 'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't?[5660]
Mon. If partially affined, or leagued in office,[5661] Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, Thou art no soldier.[5662]
Iago. Touch me not so near: 210 I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth[5663] Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth[5664] Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general.[5665] Montano and myself being in speech, 215 There comes a fellow crying out for help, And Cassio following him with determined sword,[5666] To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause:[5667] Myself the crying fellow did pursue, 220 Lest by his clamour--as it so fell out-- The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot, Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather[5668] For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, And Cassio high in oath; which till to-night[5669] 225 I ne'er might say before. When I came back--[5670] For this was brief--I found them close together, At blow and thrust; even as again they were When you yourself did part them. More of this matter cannot I report:[5671] 230 But men are men; the best sometimes forget: Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, As men in rage strike those that wish them best,[5672] Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received From him that fled some strange indignity, 235 Which patience could not pass.
Oth. I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine.
Re-enter DESDEMONA, attended.[5673]
Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! 240 I'll make thee an example.
Des. What's the matter?[5674]
Oth. All's well now, sweeting; come away to bed.[5675][5676] Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon:[5675] Lead him off. [To Montano, who is led off.[5675][5677] Iago, look with care about the town, 245 And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.[5678] Come, Desdemona: 'tis the soldiers' life To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
[Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio.[5679]
Iago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant?[5680]
Cas. Ay, past all surgery.[5681] 250
Iago. Marry, heaven forbid![5682]
Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost[5683][5684][5685] my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and[5683][5685][5686] what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my[5683] reputation![5683] 255
Iago. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received[5687] some bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in[5688] reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving: you have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a 260 loser. What, man! there are ways to recover the general[5689] again: you are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice; even so as one would beat his offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion: sue to him[5690] again, and he's yours. 265
Cas. I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet[5691] an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble?[5692][5693] swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow?[5692] O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name[5692][5694] 270 to be known by, let us call thee devil!
Iago. What was he that you followed with your sword? What had he done to you?
Cas. I know not.
Iago. Is't possible? 275
Cas. I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly, a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should[5695] put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance, revel and applause,[5696] transform ourselves into beasts! 280
Iago. Why, but you are now well enough: how came you thus recovered?
Cas. It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath: one unperfectness shows me another, to make me frankly despise myself. 285
Iago. Come, you are too severe a moraler: as the time, the place, and the condition of this country stands, I could[5697] heartily wish this had not befallen; but since it is as it is,[5698] mend it for your own good.
Cas. I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me 290 I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man,[5699] by and by a fool, and presently a beast! O strange! Every[5700] inordinate cup is unblest, and the ingredient is a devil.[5701]
Iago. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature,[5702] 295 if it be well used: exclaim no more against it. And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you.
Cas. I have well approved it, sir. I drunk!
Iago. You or any man living may be drunk at some time,[5703] man. I'll tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife[5704] 300 is now the general. I may say so in this respect, for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation,[5705] mark and denotement of her parts and graces: confess[5706] yourself freely to her; importune her help to put you in[5707] your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed[5708] 305 a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do[5709] more than she is requested: this broken joint between you[5710] and her husband entreat her to splinter; and, my fortunes against any lay worth naming, this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before.[5711] 310
Cas. You advise me well.
Iago. I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest[5712] kindness.
Cas. I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I[5713] will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me:[5713] 315 I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me here.[5714]
Iago. You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I[5715] must to the watch.[5715]
Cas. Good night, honest Iago. [Exit.[5716]
Iago. And what's he then that says I play the villain?[5717] 320 When this advice is free I give and honest, Probal to thinking, and indeed the course[5718] To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy[5719] The inclining Desdemona to subdue[5720] In any honest suit. She's framed as fruitful[5720] 325 As the free elements. And then for her To win the Moor, were't to renounce his baptism,[5721] All seals and symbols of redeemed sin, His soul is so enfetter'd to her love, That she may make, unmake, do what she list, 330 Even as her appetite shall play the god With his weak function. How am I then a villain[5722] To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,[5723] Directly to his good? Divinity of hell![5723][5724] When devils will the blackest sins put on,[5725] 335 They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now: for whiles this honest fool[5726] Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,[5727] And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I'll pour this pestilence into his ear, 340 That she repeals him for her body's lust;[5728] And by how much she strives to do him good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So will I turn her virtue into pitch; And out of her own goodness make the net 345 That shall enmesh them all.
Enter RODERIGO.[5729]
How now, Roderigo!
Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that[5730] hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent; I have been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled;[5731] and I think the issue will be, I shall have so much[5732] 350 experience for my pains; and so, with no money at all and a[5733] little more wit, return again to Venice.[5733]
Iago. How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft,[5734] 355 And wit depends on dilatory time. Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee,[5735] And thou by that small hurt hast cashier'd Cassio:[5736] Though other things grow fair against the sun,[5737] Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe:[5738] 360 Content thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning;[5739] Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.[5740] Retire thee; go where thou art billeted: Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter: Nay, get thee gone. [Exit Rod.] Two things are to be done:[5741] 365 My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; I'll set her on;[5742][5743][5744][5745] Myself the while to draw the Moor apart,[5743][5745][5746] And bring him jump when he may Cassio find[5747] Soliciting his wife: ay, that's the way; 370 Dull not device by coldness and delay. [Exit.[5748]
FOOTNOTES:
[5314] ACT II. SCENE I.] Actus 2. Scæna 1. Qq. Actus Secundus. Scena Prima. Ff.
A ... quay.] Edd. (Globe ed.) The capital City of Cyprus. Rowe. The Capital of Cyprus. A Plat-form. Capell. A Sea-port town in Cyprus. A Platform. Malone.
Enter....] F₁. Enter Montano and Gentleman. F₂ F₃ F₄. Enter Montanio, Governor of Cypres, with two other Gentlemen. Qq (Cyprus Q₂ Q₃).
[5315] high-wrought] Hyphened by Pope.
[5316] heaven] haven Q₁. heav'ns Rowe (ed. 2).
[5317] Seymour, reading oak so strong, When the huge mountains, proposes to end the lines spoke ... shook ... so ... strong ... hold ... this?
[5318] hath spoke] Ff. does speake Q₁ Q₂. doth speake Q₃.
at land] at hand Q₃.
[5319] hath] Ff. ha Qq. ha' Q (1695).
[5320] mountains melt on them,] F₃ F₄. mountaines melt on them, F₁ F₂ Q₃. the huge mountaine meslt, Q₁. mountaine melt on them, Q₂. the huge mountains melt, Pope. the huge mountain melts, Jennens. mountains meet on them, Jackson conj.
[5321] mortise] Theobald (ed. 2). morties Qq Ff. mortises Seymore conj.
[5322] Sec. Gent.] 2. Gent. Qq. 2. Ff.
[5323] foaming] banning Q₁.
[5324] chidden] Ff. chiding Qq.
billow] billowes Q₂ Q₃.
seems] seem Q₃.
[5325] mane] Knight. mayne Qq. maine F₁ F₂. main F₃ F₄.
[5326] ever-fixed] Ff. ever fired Qq.
[5327] On the enchafed] On 'th' enchaf'd Hanmer.
that the] that be the F₄. the Seymour conj.
[5328] embay'd] Ff. embayed Qq.
they are] they're Pope.
[5329] to] they Q₁.
Enter a third Gentleman.] Qq. Enter a Gentleman. Ff.
[5330] SCENE II. Pope.
[5331] Third Gent.] 3 Gent. Qq. 3. Ff.
[5332] lads] lords Q₁.
lads! our] lords, our Pope.
our] Ff. your Qq.
[5333] Turks] F₃ F₄. Turkes F₁ F₂. Turke Qq.
[5334] That ... sufferance] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending seene, in Q₁. Three, ending halts: ... Venice, ... sufferance, in Q₂ Q₃.
[5335] a noble] Another Q₁. A Hanmer.
[5336] wreck] Theobald (ed. 2). wracke Qq F₁ F₂. wrack F₃ F₄.
[5337] their] the Q₁.
[5338] The ... Cassio,] As in Qq. One line in Ff.
[5339] here] om. F₄.
[5340] in, A Veronesa:] in, A Veronessa; Theobald. _in: A Veronessa,_ Qq. in: A Verennessa, F₁. in: A Veronesso, F₂ F₃ F₄. in; a Veronessa; Hanmer. in, A Veronese; Johnson. in: A Veronesé, Collier (Heath conj.) in: A Florentine, Collier MS. _in, The Veronessa;_ Steevens conj.
[5341] to] of F₄.
[5342] on shore] Ff. a shore Qq.
the Moor himself] the Moor himself's Rowe. the Moor's himself Dyce conj.
[5343] I ... governor.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
I am] I'm Pope.
[5344] prays] praye F₁.
[5345] heavens] Ff. heaven Qq.
[5346] Like ... ho!] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
ho!]om. Pope.
[5347] Even ... regard.] Omitted in Q₁.]
[5348] the aerial] th' aerial Pope. th' Eriall F₁ F₂ F₃. _th' Ayre all_ Q₂ Q₃. th' Erial F₄.
blue] Q₂ Q₃ F₄. blew F₁ F₂ F₃.
[5349] An] F₁ Q₂. And F₂ Q₃ F₃ F₄.
[5350] more arrivance] Qq. more Arrivancie F₁. more Arrivancy F₂ F₃. our Arrivancy F₄.
[going Capell
Enter Cassio.] Enter Cassio: the others run and salute him. Capell.
[5351] SCENE III. Pope
Thanks, you the] Knight. Thankes you, the Ff. Thankes to the Qq.
this] Qq. the Ff.
warlike] Ff. worthy Q₁. om. Q₂ Q₃.
[5352] O, let] Oh let Ff. and let Qq.
[5353] against] from F₄.
the] Ff. their Qq.
[5354] a] the Q₃.
[5355] pilot] Pilot F₃ F₄. Pylot F₁ F₂. Pilate Q₁. Pilote Q₂ Q₃.
[5356] Of very ... and] Very expert and of Johnson conj.
[5357] hopes F₃ F₄. hope's The rest.
[5358] hopes, ... cure] fears, ... cure or hopes, not forfeited to death, Stand bold, not sure Johnson conj.
[5359] [A cry within:] Within. Ff. Enter a Messenger. Mess. Qq. Enter another Gentleman. 4. G. Capell.
Enter a fourth Gentleman.] Dyce. Enter another Gentleman. Malone. om. Qq Ff.
[5360] noise] news Capell.
[5361] Fourth Gent.] 4. G. Capell. Gent. Ff. Mess. Qq.
on] one Q₃.
[5362] Stand] Ff. otand Q₁. Stands Q₂ Q₃.
[5363] governor] Ff. guernement Q₁. gouernement Q₂. government Q₃.
[Guns heard.] Capell. A shot. Qq (after least, line 57). om. Ff. Sound of Cannon. Johnson (after least, line 57).
[5364] Sec. Gent.] 2. Gen. Qq. Gent. Ff.
their] Ff. the Qq.
[5365] friends] Ff. friend Qq.
[5366] Sec Gent.] 2. Gent. Qq. Gent. Ff.
[5367] quirks of] Omitted in Q₁.
[5368] the essential] terrestrial Warburton. the sensual Heath conj.
[5369] tire the ingener.] Knight (Steevens conj.) tyre the Ingeniuer. F₁. tire the Ingeniver. F₂ F₃ F₄. beare all excellency:-- Q₁. beare an excellency:-- Q₂ Q₃. bear an excellency-- Rowe. bear all excellency-- Pope. tire th' ingenious verse. Johnson conj. tire the inventer. Capell. tire the ingenuous virtue. Steevens conj. tire the ingene ever. Malone conj. tire the engineer. or beat all excellency. Mason conj. tire the ingenieur. Henley conj. bear all excellence. Seymour conj. try the ingenieur. Becket conj. tire the Indian ever. Jackson conj. tire the imaginer. Jervis conj.
Act II, Scene IV — Pope
Re-enter....] Capell. Enter 2. Gentlemen. Qq (after in?). Enter Gentleman. Ff.
How] Ff. om. Qq.
[5370] Cas.] Cassio. Ff. om. Qq, continuing the speech to 2. Gent.
He has] Qq. Ha's Ff. Has Dyce. He's Grant White.
[5371] high seas] by seas Q₁.
[5372] gutter'd] Ff. guttered Qq.
[5373] ensteep'd] ensteep'd, Ff Q₂ Q₃. enscerped; Q₁. enur'd Pope conj. enscarf'd Steevens conj. escerped Id. conj. enscarp'd Grant White.
clog] Qq. enclogge F₁ F₂ F₃. enclog F₄.
[5374] mortal] common Qq.
go safely] safe go Pope.
[5375] She ... captain,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
spake] spoke Q₁. speak Q (1695).
great] om. Q₃.
[5376] Jove] God Malone conj.
[5377] Make ... in] Ff. And swiftly come to Qq.
[5378] Give ... spirits,] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
extincted] extinctest F₃ F₄. extinguish'd Rowe.
[5379] And ... comfort.] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
bring] give Rowe.
Enter ... Attendants.] Malone, after Capell. Enter Desdemona, Iago, Rodorigo, and Æmilia. Ff. Enter Desdemona, Iago, Emillia, and Roderigo. Qq (Emilla Q₂ Q₃), after armes, line 80.
Act II, Scene V — Pope
[5380] on shore] ashore Q₁.
[5381] Ye] Qq. You Ff.
[5382] thee, lady] the lady Q (1695).
[5383] me] om F₁.
[5384] yet] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5385] O ... company?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
fear--] feare:-- Qq. feare: Ff.
[5386] the sea] sea F₁.
[5387] fellowship--But] fellowship. But Ff. fellowship: but Qq.
[A cry within: 'A sail, a sail!'] Within. A saile, a saile. Ff. After company? line 91, in Qq.
Guns heard.] Sound of Cannons. Johnson. om. Qq Ff.
[5388] their] Qq. this Ff.
the] this Rowe (ed. 2).
[5389] See ... news.] So speakes this voyce: Q₁.
[Exit ...] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[5390] [To Emilia] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[5391] [Kissing her.] Kisses her. Johnson. Saluting her. Hanmer. om. Qq Ff.
[5392] Sir,] For Q₁.
[5393] oft bestows] F₄. oft bestowes F₁ F₂ F₃. has bestowed Qq.
on] Qq F₁. of F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5394] You'ld] You'd Qq. You would Ff.
[5395] In faith,] I know Q₁.
[5396] it still when] Ff. it, I; for when Q₁. it still, for when Q₂ Q₃.
have] Ff. ha Qq.
list] Q₁. leave Ff Q₂ Q₃. lust Collier (Collier MS.) lief Anon. conj.
[5397] her heart] heart Q₃.
[5398] have] Ff Q₃. ha Q₁ Q₂.
[5399] Come ... beds.] Prose in F₁.
[5400] you are] you're Pope.
of doors] F₄. of dores Q₂ F₂ Q₃. of doores F₃. of doore F₁. adores Q₁.
[5401] housewifery] Q₂ Q₃. houswifery Q₁. huswiferie F₁. huswiferie F₂ F₃ F₄.
and] om. Hanmer.
housewives] Q₂ Q₃. houswives Q₁. huswives Ff.
[5402] Des.] om. Q₁. Emil. Jennens.
Em. Anon. MS. See note (IV).
[5403] What ... me?] One line in Rowe. Two in Qq. Prose in Ff.
thou] Qq. om. Ff.
me?] me. F₂ F₃.
[5404] Come ... harbour?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
Come on, assay--] Come, one assay. Pope.
assay--] Qq. assay. Ff.
[5405] I am ... deliver'd.] Arranged as in Qq. Prose in Ff.
[5406] indeed] om. Q₃.
my] om. Johnson.
[5407] frize] Steevens (1773). freeze Qq Ff.
[5408] brains] braine Qq.
[5409] deliver'd] Q₁ F₁. delivered The rest.
[5410] Printed in italics in Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[5411] useth] using Q₁.
[5412] Well ... witty?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[5413] fit] hit Q₁.
[5414] foolish?] foolish. F₂ F₃.
[5415] never yet was ... For] ne'er was yet so ... But Johnson conj.
[5416] her to an heir.] her, to a haire. Q₁.
[5417] These ... foolish?] Prose in Ff. Three lines, ending alehouse, ... her, ... foolish? in Qq.
[5418] fond] Ff. om. Qq.
[5419] wise ones] wise-ones F₁ F₂.
[5420] thou praisest] Ff. that praises Qq.
[5421] indeed, ... itself?] indeed?... it selfe? Qq. indeed?... it selfe. Ff.
[5422] merit] Ff. merrits Q₁. merits Q₂ Q₃.
[5423] put on] put down Theobald.
[5424] being anger'd] when anger'd Pope.
[5425] ne'er] ne're Qq F₃ F₄. nev'r F₁ F₂.
[5426] See ... behind;] Omitted in Q₁.
not] ne'er Johnson.
[5427] such wight] Qq. such wights Ff (wightes F₁).
were,--] were. Q₁. were) Ff Q₃. were,) Q₂.
[5428] were,-- Des. To] were, To-- Des. Seymour conj.
[5429] O most ... counsellor?] Prose in Ff. Four irregular lines in Qq.
[5430] liberal] illiberal Hanmer.
counsellor] censurer Theobald.
[5431] He ... scholar.] Prose in Ff. Two lines, the first ending him, in Qq.
[5432] the scholar] scholler F₂.
[they converse apart. Capell.
[5433] [Aside] Rowe. A sid to him selfe. Anon. MS. See note (IV).
ay, well] I, well Ff. I well Qq.
said] Ff. sed Qq.
[5434] with as ... will I] as ... will Q₁.
[5435] fly] flee Q₁.
Ay, smile] I, smile Q₂ F₂ Q₃ F₃ F₄. I smile Q₁ F₁.
gyve thee] F₂. give thee F₁ F₃ F₄. catch you Qq.
[5436] thine] Ff. your Qq.
courtship] courtesies Q₁.
[5437] lieutenantry] lieutenancy Rowe.
[5438] kissed] kiss'd Ff. rist Qq.
[5439] which now again] which--now again!-- Anon. conj.
[5440] Very] om. Q₁.
an] Q₁. and Ff Q₂ Q₃.
courtesy] courtesie Qq. curtsie F₁ F₂ F₃. curtesie F₄.
so] om. Q₃.
[5441] again] Q₃. againe, Q₁ Ff Q₂. again-- Rowe.
to] Ff. at Qq.
[5442] [Trumpet within.] Q₂ Q₃ (after line 175). Trumpets within. Q₁ (after line 175). Omitted in Ff.
[5443] comes] come F₃ F₄.
Act II, Scene VI — Pope
[Enter....] Places as in Ff. After line 175 in Qq.
[5444] To see ... joy!] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
O] om. Pope.
[5445] come] came Q₃.
calms] F₄. calmes F₁ F₂ F₃. calmenesse Qq.
[5446] waken'd] Ff. wakned Q₃. wakened Q₁ Q₂.
[5447] from] for Q₃.
it] I Rowe (ed. 2).
[5448] But ... increase,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[5449] do grow] om. Steevens conj.
to that] om. Seymour conj.
that, sweet powers!] that sweete power, Q₁. that sweet prayer! Warburton.
[5450] discords] Ff. discord Qq.
[Kissing her.] they kisse. Q₁. Kisse. Q₂ Q₃. Omitted in Ff.
[5451] [Aside] Rowe.
O] om. Hanmer.
[5452] O ... am.] Verse as in Qq. Prose in Ff.
[5453] set] let Pope.
make] makes Q₂ Q₃.
[5454] let us] lees Q₃. let's Rowe (ed. 2).
[5455] News ... drown'd.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
News] Now Rowe (ed. 2).
drown'd] dro Q₂.
[5456] does my] doe our Q₁.
of this] of the Q₁. in this Rowe (ed. 2).
[to Montano. Capell.
[5457] I have] I've Pope.
[5458] comforts] comfort Pope.
I] om. Pope.
[5459] my] thy F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5460] [Exeunt....] Exeunt Oth. Des. Emi. Mon. Gen. and Att. Capell. Exit. Q₁. Exeunt. Q₂ Q₃. Exit Othello and Desdemona. Ff (Exeunt.... F₄).
[5461] SCENE VII. Manent Jago and Rodorigo. Pope.
thou] you F₂ F₃ F₄.
harbour] Habour Q₁.
[5462] hither] Qq. thither Ff.
[calling him back. Rann.
[5463] as ... them] [Aside] as ... them Anon. conj.
[5464] list me] list-me F₁ F₂ F₃.
[5465] of] om. Rowe (ed. 2).
must] Ff. will Qq.
thee this: Desdemona] Ff. thee, this Desdemona Q₁. thee this, Desdemona Q₂ Q₃.
[5466] finger] fingers F₄.
[5467] first] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5468] and will she love] Qq. To love Ff.
[5469] prating?] Qq. prating, Ff.
thy] Ff. the Qq.
[5470] it] so Q₁.
[5471] be, again] Hanmer. be again Theobald. be againe Q₁. be a game Ff Q₂ Q₃.
to give] Ff. give Qq.
[5472] satiety] Ff. saciety Q₁ Q₂. satity Q₃.
appetite,] Theobald. appetite. Qq Ff.
loveliness] Love lines Q₁.
[5473] the gorge] the, gorge F₁.
[5474] in it] Ff. to it Qq.
[5475] a most] most Q₂ Q₃.
[5476] eminently] Qq. eminent Ff.
[5477] further] Ff. farder Qq.
[5478] humane seeming] hand-seeming Q₁. human seeming Rowe.
[5479] compassing] Qq. compasse Ff.
[5480] most hidden loose] hidden Q₁. most hidden-loose S. Walker conj.
[5481] affection] Ff. affections Qq.
why, none; why, none:] Omitted in Q₁.
[5482] slipper and subtle] slipper, and subtle F₁. slippery, and subtle F₂ F₃ F₄. subtle slippery Qq.
[5483] a finder out of occasions] Qq. a finder of occasion Ff. a finder of occasions Rowe. a finder of warm occasions Johnson.
has] he's F₁.
[5484] counterfeit ... itself:] counterfeit the true advantages never present themselves. Q₁.
[5485] a ... knave!] Omitted in Qq.
[5486] pestilent complete] pestilent-complete S. Walker conj.
[5487] hath] Ff. has Qq.
[5488] in her] of her Pope.
[5489] blest] Qq. bless'd Ff. blessed Reed (1803).
[5490] condition] conditions Q₃.
[5491] drinks] drinke F₂.
[5492] blest pudding] Bless'd pudding Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[5493] didst ... that?] Omitted in Q₁.
[5494] that I did] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[5495] obscure] om. Q₁. obscene Staunton conj.
[5496] Villanous thoughts,] Omitted in Q₁.
Roderigo] Rodorigo Ff. Omitted in Qq.
mutualities] Qq. mutabilities Ff.
[5497] hard at hand] Ff. hand at hand Qq.
comes ... main] Ff. comes the maine Q₁. comes Roderigo, the master and the maine Q₂ Q₃.
[5498] incorporate] incorrupt Q₃.
pish!] om. Qq.
[5499] for the] Ff. for your Q₁. for Q₂ Q₃.
[5500] tainting] taunting Steevens conj. (withdrawn).
course] cause Q₁.
[5501] he is] Qq. he's Ff.
[5502] haply] Q₁ Q₂. happely F₁. happily F₂ F₃ F₄. hoply Q₃.
may] with his Trunchen may Qq.
[5503] these] those Rowe (ed. 2).
[5504] taste] trust Q₁.
again] again't Qq.
[5505] by the] by F₃ F₄.
displanting] displaying Q₃. transplanting Theobald (ed. 2).
[5506] impediment] impediments Rowe (ed. 2).
profitably] profitable Q₃.
[5507] the which] Ff. which Qq.
were] was Pope.
[5508] if I can] Qq. if you can Ff. if can Jennens (a misprint).
[5509] [Exit.] om. Q₃.
[5510] SCENE VIII. Manet Jago. Pope.
believe it] Qq. beleev't Ff. believe Pope.
[5511] constant, loving] constant-loving S. Walker conj.
loving, noble] Ff. noble, loving Qq.
[5512] do] om. Pope.
[5513] led] Ff. lead Qq.
[5514] lusty] F₂ F₃ F₄. lustie F₁. lustfull Qq.
[5515] thought] thoughts F₄.
[5516] or] Ff. nor Qq.
[5517] even'd] even Q₁.
for wife] for wift F₁.
[5518] At least] At last Theobald (ed 2).
[5519] trash ... I trash] Steevens (1778). trash ... I crush Q₁. Trash ... I trace Ff Q₂ Q₃. brach ... I trace Theobald (Warburton conj.) brach ... I cherish Warburton. brach ... I trash Collier, ed. 2 (Warton conj.) brach ... I do cherish Heath conj. rache ... I'd crush Becket conj. trash ... I leash Bailey conj. trash ... I train Anon. conj.
[5520] rank] ranke Qq. right Ff.
[5521] with] wore Anon. MS. (pencil). See note (IV).
night-cap] night-cape F₁.
[5522] SCENE II.] SCENE IXX. Pope.
A street.] Capell. The Street. Pope.
Enter ... following.] Malone. Enter a Gentleman reading a Proclamation. Q₁. Enter Othello's Herald with a Proclamation. Ff (Othello's, F₁). Enter Othello's Herauld, reading a Proclamation. Q₂ Q₃. People moving in it. Trumpets. Enter a Herald, attended. Capell.
[5523] every] Ff. that every Qq.
[5524] to make] Ff. make Qq.
[5525] addiction] Q₂ Q₃. addition Ff. minde Q₁. mind's addiction Anon. conj.
[5526] these] this Rowe (ed. 2).
celebration] Delebration F₃.
[5527] nuptial] F₄. nuptiall F₁ F₂ F₃. nuptialls Qq.
[5528] of feasting] Omitted in Qq.
[5529] five] nine Capell conj.
have] Ff. hath Qq.
[5530] told] Qq F₁ F₂. toll'd F₃ F₄.
Heaven] Qq. om. Ff. God S. Walker conj.
[5531] Exeunt.] Steevens (1793). Shouts, and Exeunt. Capell. Exit. Ff. om. Qq.
[5532] SCENE III.] Capell. Scene continued in Qq Ff, and Pope. SCENE X. Hanmer.
A hall ...] The same. Hall of the Castle. Capell. The Castle. Hanmer.
Enter ... Attendants.] Ff. Enter Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona. Qq.
[5533] that] the Q₁.
[5534] direction] directed Q₁.
[5535] to't] Ff. to it Qq.
[5536] your] our Malone.
[5537] [To Desd. Johnson.
[5538] That] The Q₁.
profit's] Ff. profits Qq.
'tween] F₃ F₄. 'tweene F₁. tweene F₂. twixt Qq.
[5539] Good night.] Cas. Good night. Anon. conj.
[Exeunt ...] Capell. Exit Othello and Desdemona. Qq. Exit. Ff.
[5540] o' the clock] aclock Qq.
[5541] who] Qq F₁. whom F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5542] She's] Ff. She is Qq.
[5543] she's] she is Qq.
[5544] What ... provocation.] Prose in Pope. Two lines, the first ending has? in Qq Ff.
[5545] has!] ha's? F₁ F₂. has? The rest.
[5546] to] Ff. of Qq.
[5547] An ... love?] Two lines in Qq. Four in Ff.
[5548] is it not ... love?] Ff. tis an alarme to love. Qq.
[5549] stoup] stope Qq Ff. stoop Rowe.
[5550] Cyprus] Cyprus' Capell.
[5551] of] Ff. of the Qq.
[5552] have] Ff. ha Qq.
[5553] too] to Q₁ Q₂. om. Johnson.
[5554] unfortunate] Qq. infortunate Ff.
[5555] As ... Roderigo,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
mistress'] mistris Qq F₁ F₂. mistris's F₃. mistriss's F₄.
Now, my sick fool] My fool Seymour conj.
[5556] hath] Ff. has Qq.
out] Ff. outward Qq.
[5557] lads] Qq. else Ff. elks Jackson conj. elves Collier MS.
[5558] honours] Ff. honour, Qq.
[5559] And ... drunkards,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
they] Ff. the Qq.
'mongst] amongst Q₃.
[5560] Am I] F₁ F₂. I am Qq. And I F₃ F₄.
in some] on some Capell conj.
[5561] That ... come:] One line in Ff. Two in Qq.
[5562] dream] deem Theobald. scheme Johnson conj.
[5563] Re-enter ... wine.] Dyce, substantially. Enter Montanio, Cassio, and others. Qq (opposite line 56). Enter Cassio, Montano, and Gentlemen. Ff (after line 56). Re-enter Cassio; Montano, and Others with him. Capell.
[5564] SCENE X. Pope. SCENE XI. Hanmer.
'Fore] Ff. Fore Qq.
God] Q₁. heaven Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[5565] Good faith ... soldier.] Prose in Ff. Two lines, the first ending pint, in Qq.
[5566] [Sings] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[5567] Printed in italics in Qq Ff.
[5568] clink, clink] clink, clink, clink Hanmer.
[5569] clink] clinke, clinke Qq.
[5570] A ... span;] Two lines in Capell. One in Qq Ff.
[5571] A life's] Qq. Oh, mans life's Ff.
[5572] Some wine] Come, wine Jennens.
[Wine brought in. Capell.
[5573] God] Q₁. heaven Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[5574] English] Englishman Collier (Collier MS.)
[drinks, and puts it about. Capell.
[5575] Englishman] Englishmen F₁.
expert] Q₁. exquisite Ff Q₂ Q₃.
[5576] sweats] Q₁ Q₃. sweates F₁ Q. sweares F₂ F₃. swears F₄.
[5577] I'll] I will Qq.
[5578] King ... peer,] Printed as if not part of the song in Q₁. In italics in the rest.
a] Q₁. and-a Ff. and a Q₂ Q₃.
[5579] them] Ff. 'em Qq.
too] Q₁ F₃ F₄. to The rest.
[5580] Then] Qq. And Ff.
thine] Qq. thy Ff.
auld] Q₂ Q₃. owd Q₁. awl'd Ff. old Pope.
[5581] Why] Fore God Q₁.
[5582] to be] om. Qq.
[5583] things. Well:] Ff. things: Well, Q₁. things well, Q₂ Q₃.
God's] Q₁. heav'ns F₁ F₂. heaven's The rest.
[5584] must be] Ff. that must be Qq.
[5585] and ... not be saved.] Omitted in Qq.
[5586] It's] It is Qq.
[5587] too] om. Qq.
[5588] have] Ff. ha Qq.
[5589] God] Q₁. om. Ff Q₂ Q₃.
us] om. F₃ F₄.
[5590] and this is] and this Q₃.
left] Ff. left hand Qq.
[5591] and] Qq. and I Ff.
[5592] All] Qq. Gent. Ff.
[5593] Why] om. Q₁.
think then] think Q₁.
[5594] [Exit.] om. Rowe.
[5595] SCENE XI. Manent Jago and Montano. Pope. SCENE XII. Hanmer.
platform] F₄. platforme F₁ F₂ F₃. plotforme Q₁ Q₂. pletforme Q₃.
set] see Rowe.
[5596] He is] He's F₁.
[5597] virtue] virtues F₃ F₄.
[5598] puts] Ff. put Qq.
him in] in him Capell.
[5599] island] isle Seymour conj.
[5600] the] Qq. his Ff.
[5601] horologe] F₁ Q₃. horolodge Q₁ Q₂. horologue F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5602] It were] Ff. Twere Qq (T'were Q₂ Q₃), reading Twere ... of it as one line.
[5603] were] wete Q₁.
[5604] Prizes] Ff. Praises Qq.
virtue] vertues Q₁.
[5605] looks] looke Q₁.
is not this] is't not Seymour conj.
Enter Roderigo.] Roderigo shows himself. Capell.
[5606] [Aside to him] First marked by Capell.
[5607] [Exit Roderigo.] Exit Rod. Qq. om. Ff. [pushing him out. Capell.
[5608] of an] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5609] It ... Moor.] As in Malone. One line in Qq. Two, the first ending so, in Ff.
[5610] to] Unto Pope, ending the previous line so.
Moor.] Moor, Iago. Anon. conj., dividing as Ff.
Not I] Q₁. (Dev.) Ff Q₂ Q₃. Nor I Q₁. (Cap. and Chip.)
[5611] But] om. Pope.
[A cry ... help!'] Placed as in Theobald. Helpe, helpe, within. Qq, in italics, opposite line 133. Omitted in Ff.
Re-enter] Pope. Enter Qq Ff.
driving in] Qq. pursuing Ff.
[5612] 'Zounds!] Zouns Q₁. Omitted in the rest.
[5613] A ... you're drunk.] Prose in Qq. Nine irregular lines in Ff. Five lines, ending duty!... bottle ... lieutenant; ... sir, ... drunk, in Capell, reading as Ff.
[5614] knave teach] Ff. knave, teach Qq.
But] Qq. om. Ff.
[5615] wicker bottle] Qq. Twiggen-Bottle F₁. Twiggen Bottle F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5616] me!] me? Qq F₁. me. The rest, me-- Rowe.
[5617] [Striking Roderigo.] Beats Roderigo. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[5618] Nay] om. Qq.
lieutenant] lieutenant, hold Seymour conj., reading as verse.
[Staying him. Rowe.
I pray you, sir] pray sir Qq.
[5619] knock] know F₂ F₃ F₄.
o'er] on Q₃.
[5620] you're] Ff. you are Qq.
[5621] [They fight.] Qq. om. Ff. Draws upon Mon. and they fight. Capell.
[5622] [Aside ...] First marked by Capell.
[Exit Roderigo.] Exit Rod. Q₂ Q₃. om. Q₁ Ff.
[5623] God's will] godswill Q₁. God's-will Q₂ Q₃. Alas Ff.
[5624] sir,--Montano,--sir;--] Capell. Sir Montanio, sir, Q₁. Sir, Montanio, sir, Q₂ Q₃. Sir Montano: Ff.
[5625] masters] master Q₃.
[A bell rings.] Q₂ Q₃. A bell rung: Q₁, opposite line 147. Omitted in Ff. Bell rings. Rowe, after line 151.
[5626] that that] Qq. that which Ff. that who Pope.
[5627] God's will] godswill Q₁. Fie, fie Ff Q₂ Q₃.
hold] Qq. om. Ff.
[5628] You will be shamed] You will be sham'd Qq. You'le be asham'd F₁. You'l be sham'd F₂. You'll be asham'd F₃ F₄.
[taking him off. Capell.
Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff. Enter Othello, and Gentlemen with weapons. Qq.
Act II, Scene XII — Pope. SCENE XIII. Hanmer
What ... here?] What's the matter? Seymour conj.
What is] Q₁ Ff. What's Q₂ Q₃.
[5629] 'Zounds] Zouns Q₁. om. Ff Q₂ Q₃.
hurt to] hurt, but not to F₂ F₃ F₄.
death. [Faints.] death. he faints (in italics) Q₂ Q₃. death. He dies (in roman) F₁. death: Q₁. death. F₂ F₃ F₄. death;--he dies. [assailing Cassio again. Capell.
[Faints.] After line 158. Anon. conj.
[5630] Hold, ho!] Hold, hold Q₁ Q₂. Holp, hold Q₃.
sir,--Montano,--] sir--Montano-- Rowe. Sir Montano Ff. sir Montanio Qq.
[5631] sense of place] Hanmer. place of sense Qq Ff (sence Qq).
[5632] Hold!] om. Pope. Hold, hold! Capell and Grant White. Hold! I say, Seymour conj., ending lines 155-158 at sir, ... forgot ... say, ... shame!
hold, hold,] Qq. hold Ff and Capell. om. Grant White.
[5633] ariseth] Ff. arises Qq.
[5634] hath] Ff. has Qq.
[5635] for] forth Q₁.
[5636] What is] Ff. what's Qq.
masters] om. Pope.
[5637] look'st] Hanmer. lookes Qq F₁ F₂. looks F₃ F₄.
[5638] this?] Ff. this, Qq.
[5639] not] not not F₂.
[5640] Devesting] Qq Ff. Digesting Q (1695). Divesting Rowe (ed. 2).
for bed] Ff. to bed Qq.
then] om. Q₃.
[5641] men] them Collier MS.
[5642] Swords] Sword F₃ F₄.
breast] Qq (brest Q₃). breasts Ff (breastes F₁).
[5643] cannot] can't Pope.
[5644] Those] These Q₁.
[5645] comes ... are] Ff. came ... were Qq.
[5646] Montano] Ff. Montanio Qq.
[5647] be] Qq. to be Ff.
[5648] In mouths] In men Q₁. With men Seymour conj.
[5649] unlace] unbrace Becket conj.
[5650] to it] Ff. to't Qq.
[5651] me] om. Q₂.
[5652] By me] By me, Qq F₁. By me; F₂ F₃ F₄.
said] sed Q₁.
[5653] sometimes] Ff. sometime Qq.
[5654] collied] Ff. coold Qq. choler'd Rowe. quell'd Capell. coil'd Becket conj. quelled Collier (Collier MS.) cullied Bailey conj.
[5655] if I once] Ff. Zouns, if I Q₁. If once I Q₂ Q₃.
[5656] this] his Rowe (ed. 2).
[5657] Shall] Should Q₃.
lose] Rowe (ed. 2). loose Qq Ff. loosen Capell.
me] me ever Lettsom conj.
What! in] Capell. What, in Qq. What in Ff. What, and in Hanmer. What! here! Seymour conj.
[5658] quarrel,] quarrell? F₁ F₂ F₃. quarrels? F₄. quarrels, Q₁. quarrells Q₂ Q₃.
[5659] and guard of] of guard and Theobald.
[5660] Iago] Say Jago Pope.
began't] Ff. began Q₁ Q₂. degan Q₃. began it Malone.
[5661] partially] Ff. partiality Qq.
leagued] leagu'd Pope, league Qq Ff.
[5662] no] mo Q₃.
[5663] I had] I'd Pope.
have] Ff. ha Q₁ ha' Q₂ Q₃.
cut from my] Ff. out from my Q₁. out of my Q₂. out of his Q₃.
[5664] the truth] so the truth F₂ F₃ F₄.
[5665] him] om. Long MS.
Thus] Qq. This Ff.
it is] 'tis Pope.
[5666] him] om. Pope.
[5667] in to] into Q₂ F₂ Q₃.
[5668] and] om. Pope.
the] then F₁.
[5669] oath] oaths Q₁.
[5670] say] see Q₁.
[5671] cannot I] Ff. can I not Qq.
[5672] those] them Q₃.
[5673] Re-enter....] Dyce. Enter ... Ff. Enter Desdemona, with others. Q₁. After line 240 in Q₂ Q₃.
[5674] What's] Q₂ Q₃. What is Q₁ Ff.
matter?] Qq. matter (Deere?) F₁ F₂. matter (Dear?) F₃ F₄.
[5675] All's ... off] Arranged as by Pope. Three lines, ending sweeting: ... hurts, ... off, in Qq Ff.
[5676] All's] All is Pope.
well now, sweeting] well now sweeting Qq. well, Sweeting Ff. well. Here, sweeting Johnson.
come away] Come, away Rowe. Come, let's away Capell, arranging as Qq Ff.
[5677] Lead him off.] A stage direction. Malone conj.
[To Montano....] Steevens (1778). To Montano. Johnson. Exeunt some with Montano. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[5678] vile] vild F₁.
brawl] brawl's Anon. conj.
[5679] [Exeunt....] Exit Moore, Desdemona, and attendants. Qq (after line 249). Exit. Ff.
[5680] SCENE XIII. Pope. SCENE XIV. Hanmer.
[5681] Ay,] om. Pope.
[5682] Marry, heaven] Mary God Q₁.
[5683] Reputation ... reputation!] Prose in Ff. Four lines in Qq.
[5684] Reputation] Thrice in Ff. Twice in Qq.
O] om. Q₁.
O, I have] ho I Q (1695).
[5685] have ... have] Ff. ha ... ha Qq.
[5686] part of] Ff. part sir of Qq.
myself] my salfe Q₃.
[5687] thought] Qq. had thought Ff.
[5688] sense] sence Ff. offence Qq. of sense Anon. conj.
[5689] are] Qq. are more Ff.
[5690] affright] appease Staunton conj.
imperious] impious Hanmer (ed. 2).
[5691] slight] Ff. light Qq.
and so] Ff. and Qq.
[5692] Drunk ... shadow?] Omitted in Q₁.
[5693] speak parrot?] speake parrat? F₁ Q₂ F₂ Q₃. speak parrat? F₃. speak, parrot? F₄. speak? parrot, Theobald. speak? parrot? Hanmer.
[5694] if thou] thou Q₃.
[5695] nothing] not the Anon. conj.
O God] Q₁. O Q₂ Q₃. Oh Ff.
[5696] pleasance, revel] revell, pleasure Qq.
[5697] and] om. Qq.
[5698] not] not so Q₁ Q₂.
[5699] them] Ff. em Qq.
[5700] fool] foule Q₃.
O strange!] om. Qq.
[5701] inordinate] unordinate Q₁.
ingredient] Ff. ingredience Qq.
[5702] familiar] famillar F₁.
[5703] some time] Qq. a time Ff. one time Grant White conj.
[5704] man] om. Q₁.
I'll] I'le Q₁. Ile Q₂ Q₃. I Ff.
[5705] hath] Ff. has Qq.
[5706] mark] Q₃. marke. Q₁ Q₂. marke: Ff (mark: F₄).
denotement] Theobald. deuotement Q₁ F₁ Q₂. devotement F₂ Q₃ F₃ F₄.
[5707] her help] her, shee'll helpe to Qq.
[5708] of so free] so free Qq.
[5709] she] Ff. that she Qq.
[5710] broken joint] braule Q₁.
[5711] stronger] stonger F₁ F₂.
it was] Ff. twas Q₁. t'was Q₂ Q₃.
[5712] honest] om. Q₃.
[5713] I will] Ff. will I Qq.
[5714] here] om. Ff.
[5715] You ... watch.] Prose in Ff. Two lines, the first ending right, in Qq.
[5716] [Exit.] Qq. Exit Cassio. Ff.
[5717] SCENE XIV. Pope. SCENE XV. Hanmer.
And ... villain?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[5718] Probal] Probable Rowe. Likely Pope.
[5719] To win ... easy] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[5720] subdue ... suit. She's] Pointed as in Ff. subdue, In ... suite, she's Q₁. subdue, In ... suite she's Q₂ Q₃. subdue; In ... suit she's Q (1695).
[5721] were't] Q₃. wer't Q₁ Q₂. were Ff.
[5722] How am] Am Pope.
[5723] course, Directly] course Directly S. Walker conj.
[5724] Divinity of hell!] 'Tis hell's divinity: Pope.
hell!] hell, Qq Ff.
[5725] the] F₁ F₂ F₃. their Qq F₄.
[5726] whiles] Ff. while Q₁. whilst Q₂ Q₃.
[5727] fortunes] Qq. fortune Ff.
[5728] for] from Johnson.
[5729] That ... Roderigo!] One line in Pope. Two in Qq. Ff.
enmesh] Q₁ Q₂. en-mash F₁ F₂. enmash F₃ F₄. enemesh Q₃.
them] em Q₁.
Enter....] Qq. Enter Rodorigo. Ff (after Roderigo!).
[5730] SCENE XV. Pope. SCENE XVI. Hanmer.
do] om. Pope.
[5731] have] Ff. ha Qq.
[5732] and] om. Qq.
[5733] pains ... Venice.] paines, as that comes to, and no money at all, and with that wit returne to Venice. Q₁. paines, and no mony at all, and a little more wit returne to Venice. Q₂ Q₃ (and with a Q₃).
[5734] know'st] Ff. knowest Qq.
[5735] Does't] Do'st Q₁. Dos't F₁ Q₂ F₂ Q₃. Dost F₃ F₄.
hath] Ff. has Qq.
[5736] hast] hath F₁ Q (1695).
[5737] grow] grew Q₃.
[5738] Yet] But Q₁.
will ... ripe] will fire be ripe Q₃. are not first ripe Hanmer.
[5739] By the mass] Introth F₁ F₂ F₃. In troth F₄.
[5740] hours] time Jennens.
[5741] Nay ... done:] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[Exit Rod.] Exit Rodorigo. Ff. om. Qq.
Two] Ff. Some Qq.
[5742] I'll ... on;] om. Seymour conj.
[5743] I'll ... apart,] Divided as in Qq. One line in Ff.
[5744] on;] on:-- Theobald. on. Qq. on Ff.
[5745] on ... draw] on to draw Pope. on; so draw Theobald.
[5746] the while] Theobald. awhile Q₁. a while Ff Q₂ Q₃.
to draw] will draw Johnson.
[5747] when] where Collier MS.
[5748] device] Ff. devise Qq.
[Exit.] Ff. Exeunt. Qq.
Act III, Scene I — Before the castle.
Enter CASSIO and some Musicians.[5749]
Cas. Masters, play here; I will content your pains;[5750] Something that's brief; and bid 'Good morrow, general.' [Music.
Enter Clown.[5751]
Clo. Why, masters, have your instruments been in[5752] Naples, that they speak i' the nose thus?[5753]
First Mus. How, sir, how![5754] 5
Clo. Are these, I pray you, wind-instruments?[5755]
First Mus. Ay, marry, are they, sir.[5754]
Clo. O, thereby hangs a tail.[5756]
First Mus. Whereby hangs a tale, sir?[5757]
Clo. Marry, sir, by many a wind-instrument that I know. 10 But, masters, here's money for you: and the general so[5758] likes your music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to[5759] make no more noise with it.[5760]
First Mus. Well, sir, we will not.
Clo. If you have any music that may not be heard, 15 to 't again: but, as they say, to hear music the general does not greatly care.
First Mus. We have none such, sir.[5761]
Clo. Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away:[5762] go; vanish into air; away! [Exeunt Musicians.[5763] 20
Cas. Dost thou hear, my honest friend?[5764]
Clo. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you.[5765]
Cas. Prithee, keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece of gold for thee: if the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife be stirring, tell her there's one Cassio entreats[5766] 25 her a little favour of speech: wilt thou do this?[5767]
Clo. She is stirring, sir: if she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her.[5768]
Cas. Do, good my friend. [Exit Clown.[5769]
Enter Iago.[5770]
In happy time, Iago.
Iago. You have not been a-bed, then?[5771][5772] 30
Cas. Why, no; the day had broke[5773] Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago,[5772][5773][5774] To send in to your wife: my suit to her[5773][5775] Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona[5773][5776] Procure me some access.
Iago. I'll send her to you presently;[5777] 35 And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and business May be more free.
Cas. I humbly thank you for't. [Exit Iago.] I never knew[5778][5779] A Florentine more kind and honest.[5779][5780] 40
Enter EMILIA.
Emil. Good morrow, good lieutenant: I am sorry For your displeasure; but all will sure be well.[5781] The general and his wife are talking of it, And she speaks for you stoutly: the Moor replies, That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus 45 And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom[5782] He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves you,[5783] And needs no other suitor but his likings[5784] To take the safest occasion by the front[5785] To bring you in again.
Cas. Yet, I beseech you, 50 If you think fit, or that it may be done, Give me advantage of some brief discourse With Desdemona alone.
Emil. Pray you, come in:[5786] I will bestow you where you shall have time To speak your bosom freely.
Cas. I am much bound to you. [Exeunt.[5787] 55
Act III, Scene II — A room in the castle.[5788]
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and Gentlemen.
Oth. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And by him do my duties to the senate:[5789] That done, I will be walking on the works;[5790] Repair there to me.
Iago. Well, my good lord, I'll do't.[5791]
Oth. This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see't? 5
Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt.[5792]
Act III, Scene III — The garden of the castle.[5793]
Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA.
Des. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf.
Emil. Good madam, do: I warrant it grieves my husband[5794] As if the case were his.[5795]
Des. O, that's an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,[5796] 5 But I will have my lord and you again As friendly as you were.
Cas. Bounteous madam,[5797] Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, He's never any thing but your true servant.
Des. I know't: I thank you. You do love my lord:[5798] 10 You have known him long; and be you well assured[5799] He shall in strangeness stand no farther off[5800] Than in a politic distance.
Cas. Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long,[5801] Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, 15 Or breed itself so out of circumstance,[5802] That, I being absent and my place supplied, My general will forget my love and service.[5803]
Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here I give thee warrant of thy place: assure thee,[5804] 20 If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it To the last article: my lord shall never rest;[5805] I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; I'll intermingle every thing he does 25 With Cassio's suit: therefore be merry, Cassio; For thy solicitor shall rather die Than give thy cause away.[5806]
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO, at a distance.[5807]
Emil. Madam, here comes my lord.
Cas. Madam, I'll take my leave. 30
Des. Nay, stay and hear me speak.[5808]
Cas. Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease,[5809] Unfit for mine own purposes.[5810]
Des. Well, do your discretion. [Exit Cassio.[5811]
Iago. Ha! I like not that. 35
Oth. What dost thou say?
Iago. Nothing, my lord: or if--I know not what.[5812]
Oth. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it,[5813] That he would steal away so guilty-like,[5814] 40 Seeing you coming.
Oth. I do believe 'twas he.[5815][5816]
Des. How now, my lord![5816][5817] I have been talking with a suitor here, A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Oth. Who is't you mean? 45
Des. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,[5818] If I have any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take;[5819] For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, 50 I have no judgement in an honest face: I prithee, call him back.
Oth. Went he hence now?[5820]
Des. Ay, sooth; so humbled,[5820][5821] That he hath left part of his grief with me,[5822] To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.[5823] 55
Oth. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.[5824]
Des. But shall't be shortly?
Oth. The sooner, sweet, for you.[5825]
Des. Shall't be to-night at supper?
Oth. No, not to-night.[5826]
Des. To-morrow dinner then?
Oth. I shall not dine at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. 60
Des. Why then to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn;[5827] On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn:[5828] I prithee, name the time; but let it not[5829] Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;[5830] And yet his trespass, in our common reason-- 65 Save that, they say, the wars must make examples[5831] Out of their best--is not almost a fault[5832] To incur a private check. When shall he come? Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul, What you would ask me, that I should deny,[5833] 70 Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio,[5834] That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time[5835] When I have spoke of you dispraisingly Hath ta'en your part; to have so much to do To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much--[5836] 75
Oth. Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing.
Des. Why, this is not a boon; 'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,[5837] Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,[5838] Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit[5839] 80 To your own person: nay, when I have a suit[5840] Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,[5841] And fearful to be granted.
Oth. I will deny thee nothing: Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, 85 To leave me but a little to myself.
Des. Shall I deny you? no: farewell, my lord.
Oth. Farewell, my Desdemona: I'll come to thee straight.[5842]
Des. Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;[5843] Whate'er you be, I am obedient. 90
[Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia.[5844]
Oth. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,[5845] But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.
Iago. My noble lord,--[5846]
Oth. What dost thou say, Iago?
Iago. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady,[5847][5848] 95 Know of your love?[5847]
Oth. He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?[5849]
Iago. But for a satisfaction of my thought;[5850] No further harm.
Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago?
Iago. I did not think he had been acquainted with her.[5851] 100
Oth. O, yes, and went between us very oft.[5852]
Iago. Indeed!
Oth. Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that?[5853] Is he not honest?
Iago. Honest, my lord! 105
Oth. Honest! ay, honest.[5854]
Iago. My lord, for aught I know.
Oth. What dost thou think?
Iago. Think, my lord!
Oth. Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me,[5855] 110 As if there were some monster in his thought[5856] Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something:[5857] I heard thee say even now, thou likedst not that,[5858] When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like? And when I told thee he was of my counsel 115 In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst 'Indeed!'[5859] And didst contract and purse thy brow together, As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me,[5860] Show me thy thought. 120
Iago. My lord, you know I love you.
Oth. I think thou dost; And for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty[5861] And weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath,[5862] Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:[5863] For such things in a false disloyal knave 125 Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just They're close delations, working from the heart,[5864] That passion cannot rule.
Iago. For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.[5865]
Oth. I think so too.
Iago. Men should be what they seem;[5866] 130 Or those that be not, would they might seem none![5867]
Oth. Certain, men should be what they seem.[5868]
Iago. Why then I think Cassio's an honest man.[5869]
Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this: I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,[5870] 135 As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts[5871] The worst of words.[5872]
Iago. Good my lord, pardon me: Though I am bound to every act of duty,[5873] I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.[5874] Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false;[5875] 140 As where's that palace whereinto foul things Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,[5876] But some uncleanly apprehensions[5877] Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit[5878] With meditations lawful? 145
Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his ear[5879] A stranger to thy thoughts.
Iago. I do beseech you--[5880] Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,[5880][5881] As, I confess, it is my nature's plague 150 To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy[5882][5883] Shapes faults that are not--that your wisdom yet,[5883][5884] From one that so imperfectly conceits,[5885] Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble[5886] Out of his scattering and unsure observance.[5887] 155 It were not for your quiet nor your good, Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,[5888] To let you know my thoughts.
Oth. What dost thou mean?[5889]
Iago. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,[5890] Is the immediate jewel of their souls:[5891] 160 Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;[5892] 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him[5893] And makes me poor indeed. 165
Oth. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.[5894]
Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody.
Oth. Ha!
Iago. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;[5895] It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock[5896][5897] 170 The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss[5897][5898] Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;[5899] But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves![5900]
Oth. O misery! 175
Iago. Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as winter[5901] To him that ever fears he shall be poor: Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend[5902] From jealousy!
Oth. Why, why is this?[5903] 180 Think'st thou I'ld make a life of jealousy, To follow still the changes of the moon With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt Is once to be resolved: exchange me for a goat,[5904] When I shall turn the business of my soul 185 To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,[5905] Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous[5906] To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well;[5907] Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:[5908] 190 Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago;[5909] I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this, 195 Away at once with love or jealousy![5910]
Iago. I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason[5911][5912] To show the love and duty that I bear you With franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound,[5911] Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.[5913] 200 Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure:[5914] I would not have your free and noble nature Out of self-bounty be abused; look to't: I know our country disposition well; 205 In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks[5915] They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience[5916] Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.[5917]
Oth. Dost thou say so?[5918]
Iago. She did deceive her father, marrying you; 210 And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, She loved them most.
Oth. And so she did.
Iago. Why, go to then;[5919] She that so young could give out such a seeming, To seel her father's eyes up close as oak--[5920] He thought 'twas witchcraft--but I am much to blame;[5911][5921] 215 I humbly do beseech you of your pardon For too much loving you.
Oth. I am bound to thee for ever.[5911][5922]
Iago. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits.
Oth. Not a jot, not a jot.
Iago. I'faith, I fear it has.[5923] I hope you will consider what is spoke 220 Comes from my love; but I do see you're moved:[5924] I am to pray you not to strain my speech To grosser issues nor to larger reach Than to suspicion.
Oth. I will not.
Iago. Should you do so, my lord, 225 My speech should fall into such vile success[5925] As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend--[5926] My lord, I see you're moved.[5927]
Oth. No, not much moved: I do not think but Desdemona's honest.[5928]
Iago. Long live she so! and long live you to think so![5929] 230
Oth. And yet, how nature erring from itself--[5930]
Iago. Ay, there's the point: as--to be bold with you--[5931] Not to affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends--[5932] 235 Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank,[5933] Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.[5934] But pardon me: I do not in position[5935] Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear[5936] Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, 240 May fall to match you with her country forms,[5937] And happily repent.
Oth. Farewell, farewell:[5938] If more thou dost perceive, let me know more; Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, Iago.[5939]
Iago. [Going] My lord, I take my leave.[5940] 245
Oth. Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless[5941] Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
Iago. [Returning] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour[5942][5943] To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:[5943][5944] Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,[5945] 250 For sure he fills it up with great ability, Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,[5946] You shall by that perceive him and his means: Note if your lady strain his entertainment[5947] With any strong or vehement importunity; 255 Much will be seen in that. In the mean time, Let me be thought too busy in my fears-- As worthy cause I have to fear I am-- And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
Oth. Fear not my government. 260
Iago. I once more take my leave. [Exit.[5948]
Oth. This fellow's of exceeding honesty,[5949] And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,[5950][5951] Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,[5951][5952] Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings, 265 I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind[5953] To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black[5911][5954] And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have, or for I am declined Into the vale of years,--yet that's not much--[5955] 270 She's gone; I am abused, and my relief[5956] Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,[5957] That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad, And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,[5958] 275 Than keep a corner in the thing I love[5959] For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones;[5960] Prerogatived are they less than the base;[5961] 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death:[5962] Even then this forked plague is fated to us 280 When we do quicken. Desdemona comes:
Re-enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA.[5963]
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself![5964] I'll not believe 't.[5965]
Des. How now, my dear Othello! Your dinner, and the generous islanders[5966] By you invited, do attend your presence. 285
Oth. I am to blame.
Des. Why do you speak so faintly?[5967][5968] Are you not well?[5968]
Oth. I have a pain upon my forehead here.[5969]
Des. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again:[5970] Let me but bind it hard, within this hour[5971] 290 It will be well.
Oth. Your napkin is too little;
[He puts the handkerchief from him; and she drops it.[5972]
Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you.
Des. I am very sorry that you are not well.
[Exeunt Othello and Desdemona.[5973]
Emil. I am glad I have found this napkin:[5974] This was her first remembrance from the Moor: 295 My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token,[5975] For he conjured her she should ever keep it, That she reserves it evermore about her To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out,[5976][5977][5978] 300 And give 't Iago: what he will do with it[5976][5978][5979] Heaven knows, not I;[5976] I nothing but to please his fantasy.
Re-enter IAGO.[5980]
Iago. How now! what do you here alone?
Emil. Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.[5981] 305
Iago. A thing for me? it is a common thing--[5981][5982]
Emil. Ha!
Iago. To have a foolish wife.[5983]
Emil. O, is that all? What will you give me now For that same handkerchief?
Iago. What handkerchief?[5984] 310
Emil. What handkerchief![5984] Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; That which so often you did bid me steal.
Iago. Hast stol'n it from her?[5985]
Emil. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence,[5986] 315 And, to the advantage, I being here took 't up.[5987] Look, here it is.[5988]
Iago. A good wench; give it me.
Emil. What will you do with 't, that you have been so earnest[5989][5990] To have me filch it?[5989]
Iago. [Snatching it] Why, what's that to you?[5991]
Emil. If 't be not for some purpose of import,[5992] 320 Give 't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad[5993] When she shall lack it.
Iago. Be not acknown on 't; I have use for it.[5994][5995] Go, leave me. [Exit Emilia.[5994] I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,[5996] 325 And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ: this may do something.[5997] The Moor already changes with my poison:[5998] Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,[5999] 330 Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood[6000] Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so:[6001] Look, where he comes!
Re-enter OTHELLO.[6002]
Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,[6003] 335 Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday.
Oth. Ha! ha! false to me?[6004]
Iago. Why, how now, general! no more of that.
Oth. Avaunt! be gone! thou hast set me on the rack:[6005] I swear 'tis better to be much abused 340 Than but to know 't a little.
Iago. How now, my lord![6006]
Oth. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust?[6007] I saw 't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me:[6008] I slept the next night well, was free and merry;[6009] I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips: 345 He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n, Let him not know 't and he's not robb'd at all.
Iago. I am sorry to hear this.
Oth. I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,[6010] 350 So I had nothing known. O, now for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars[6011] That make ambition virtue! O, farewell,[6012] Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, 355 The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,[6013] The royal banner and all quality, Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war! And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats[6014] The immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit,[6015] 360 Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!
Iago. Is't possible, my lord?[6016]
Oth. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;[6017] Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof;[6018] Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul,[6019] 365 Thou hadst been better have been born a dog[6020] Than answer my waked wrath![6021]
Iago. Is't come to this?
Oth. Make me to see 't; or at the least so prove it, That the probation bear no hinge nor loop To hang a doubt on; or woe upon thy life! 370
Iago. My noble lord,--[6022]
Oth. If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror's head horrors accumulate;[6023] Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; 375 For nothing canst thou to damnation add[6024] Greater than that.[6024]
Iago. O grace! O heaven defend me![6025] Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? God be wi' you; take mine office. O wretched fool,[6026] That livest to make thine honesty a vice![6027] 380 O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,[6028] To be direct and honest is not safe. I thank you for this profit, and from hence I'll love no friend sith love breeds such offence.[6029]
Oth. Nay, stay: thou shouldst be honest.[6030] 385
Iago. I should be wise; for honesty's a fool, And loses that it works for.[6031]
Oth. By the world,[6032] I think my wife be honest, and think she is not;[6032][6033] I think that thou art just, and think thou art not:[6032] I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh[6032][6034] 390 As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black[6032] As mine own face. If there be cords, or knives,[6032] Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,[6032][6035] I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied![6032]
Iago. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion:[6032][6036] 395 I do repent me that I put it to you. You would be satisfied?
Oth. Would! nay, I will.[6037]
Iago. And may: but, how? how satisfied, my lord? Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on?[6038] Behold her topp'd?[6039]
Oth. Death and damnation! O! 400
Iago. It were a tedious difficulty, I think, To bring them to that prospect: damn them then,[6040] If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster[6041] More than their own! What then? how then?[6042] What shall I say? Where's satisfaction?[6043] 405 It is impossible you should see this, Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,[6044] As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, If imputation and strong circumstances, 410 Which lead directly to the door of truth, Will give you satisfaction, you may have 't.[6045]
Oth. Give me a living reason she's disloyal.[6046]
Iago. I do not like the office: But sith I am enter'd in this cause so far,[5911][6047] 415 Prick'd to 't by foolish honesty and love, I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,[6048] And being troubled with a raging tooth,[6049] I could not sleep.[6049] There are a kind of men so loose of soul,[6049] 420 That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs:[6049][6050] One of this kind is Cassio:[6049] In sleep I heard him say 'Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;'[6051] And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, 425 Cry 'O sweet creature!' and then kiss me hard,[6052] As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, That grew upon my lips: then laid his leg[6053][6054] Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd, and then[6053][6055] Cried 'Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!'[6053][6055] 430
Oth. O monstrous! monstrous!
Iago. Nay, this was but his dream.[6056]
Oth. But this denoted a foregone conclusion:[6057] 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.[6058]
Iago. And this may help to thicken other proofs[6058] That do demonstrate thinly.
Oth. I'll tear her all to pieces. 435
Iago. Nay, but be wise: yet we see nothing done;[6059] She may be honest yet. Tell me but this; Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief[6060] Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?[6061][6062]
Oth. I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift. 440
Iago. I know not that: but such a handkerchief--[6060] I am sure it was your wife's--did I to-day[5911][6061] See Cassio wipe his beard with.
Oth. If it be that,--[6063]
Iago. If it be that, or any that was hers,[6064] It speaks against her with the other proofs. 445
Oth. O, that the slave had forty thousand lives! One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. Now do I see 'tis true. Look here, Iago;[6065] All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: 'Tis gone.[6066] 450 Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell![6067] Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne[6068] To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, For 'tis of aspics' tongues!
Iago. Yet be content.[6069]
Oth. O, blood, blood, blood![6070] 455
Iago. Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.[6071]
Oth. Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,[6072][6073] Whose icy current and compulsive course[6072][6074] Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on[6072][6075] To the Propontic and the Hellespont;[6072] 460 Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace,[6072] Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,[6072][6076] Till that a capable and wide revenge[6072] Swallow them up. Now, by yond marble heaven,[6072][6077] In the due reverence of a sacred vow [Kneels.[6078] 465 I here engage my words.
Iago. Do not rise yet. [Kneels.[6079] Witness, you ever-burning lights above,[6080] You elements that clip us round about,[6081] Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart,[6082] 470 To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command, And to obey shall be in me remorse,[6083][6084] What bloody business ever. [They rise.[6084][6085]
Oth. I greet thy love, Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, And will upon the instant put thee to 't: 475 Within these three days let me hear thee say That Cassio's not alive.
Iago. My friend is dead; 'tis done at your request:[6086][6087] But let her live.[6086]
Oth. Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her![6088] Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw, 480 To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.[6089]
Iago. I am your own for ever. [Exeunt.