Othello

No Fear Shakespeare Othello (by SparkNotes) -1-
Original Text Modern Text
Act 1, Scene 1
Enter RODMERIGO and IAGO RODERIGO and IAGO enter.

RODERIGO RODERIGO
Tush! Never tell me. I take it much unkindly Come on, dont tell me that. I dont like it that you
That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse knew about this, Iago. All this time Ive thought
As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. you were such a good friend that Ive let you
spend my money as if it was yours.
IAGO IAGO
'Sblood, but youll not hear me! If ever I did dream of Damn it, youre not listening to me! I never
such a matter, abhor me. dreamed this was happeningif you find out I did,
you can go ahead and hate me.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Thou toldst me You told me you hated him.
Thou didst hold him in thy hate.
IAGO IAGO
Despise me I do hate him, I swear. Three of Venices most
If I do not. Three great ones of the city important noblemen took their hats off to him and
10 (In personal suit to make me his lieutenant) asked him humbly to make me his lieutenant, the
Off-capped to him, and by the faith of man second in command. And I know my own worth
I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. well enough to know I deserve that position. But
But he (as loving his own pride and purposes) he wants to have things his own way, so he
Evades them with a bombast circumstance sidesteps the issue with a lot of military talk and
15 Horribly stuffed with epithets of war, refuses their request. Ive already chosen my
And in conclusion lieutenant, he says. And who does he choose? A
Nonsuits my mediators. For Certes, says he, guy who knows more about numbers then fighting!
I have already chose my officer. This guy from Florence named Michael Cassio.
And what was he? He has a pretty wife but he cant even control her.
20 Forsooth, a great arithmetician, And hes definitely never commanded men in
One Michael Cassio, a Florentine battle. Hes got no more hands-on knowledge of
(A fellow almost damned in a fair wife) warfare than an old womanunless you count
That never set a squadron in the field, what hes read in books,
Nor the division of a battle knows
25 More than a spinsterunless the bookish theoric,
Act 1, Scene 1, Page 2
Wherein the toged consuls can propose which any peace-lover can do. His military
As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice understanding is all theory, no practice. But
Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th' election Cassios been chosen over me. My career is cut
And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof short by some bookkeeper, even though the
30 At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds general saw my fighting skills first-hand in Rhodes
Christian and heathen, must be beleed and calmed and Cyprus. This accountant is now lieutenant,
By debitor and creditor. This counter-caster while I end up as the Moors flag-bearer.
He (in good time) must his lieutenant be
And I, bless the mark, his Moorships ancient.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
35 By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. By God, Id rather be his executioner.
IAGO IAGO
Why, theres no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service. And theres nothing I can do about it. Thats the
Preferment goes by letter and affection, curse of military service. You get promoted when
And not by old gradation, where each second someone likes you, not because youre next in
Stood heir to th' first. Now sir, be judge yourself, line. Now, you tell me: should I feel loyal to the
40 Whether I in any just term am affined Moor?
To love the Moor.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I would not follow him then. If you dont like him you should quit.
IAGO IAGO
O sir, content you. No, calm down. Im serving under him to take
I follow him to serve my turn upon him. advantage of him. We cant all be masters, and
45 We cannot all be masters, nor all masters not all masters should be followed. Look at all the
Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark devoted servants who work for their masters their
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave whole lives for nothing but their food, and then
That (doting on his own obsequious bondage) when they get old theyre terminated. They ought
Wears out his time much like his masters ass to be whipped for being so stupid. But then theres
50 For naught but provender, and when hes old, another kind of servant who looks dutiful and
cashiered. devoted, but whos really looking out for himself.
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are By pretending to serve their lords, these men get
Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, rich, and when theyve saved up enough they can
Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves be their own masters. Guys like that have soul,
55 And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, and thats the kind of guy I am. Let me tell
Do well thrive by them. And when they have lined their
coats,
Do themselves homage. These fellows have some
soul,
And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, you, as sure as your names Roderigo, if I were
It is as sure as you are Roderigo, the Moor I wouldnt want to be Iago. I may seem to
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago. love and obey him, but in fact, Im just serving him
60 In following him, I follow but myself. to get what I want. If my outward appearance
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, started reflecting what I really felt, soon enough Id
But seeming so, for my peculiar end. be wearing my heart on my sleeve for birds to
For when my outward action doth demonstrate peck at. No, its better to hide it. Im not who I
The native act and figure of my heart appear to be.
65 In compliment extern, tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve

For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
What a full fortune does the Thick-lips owe Thick-lips sure is lucky if he can pull this off!
If he can carryt thus!
IAGO IAGO
Call up her father. Lets shout up to Desdemonas father, wake him,
70 Rouse him. Make after him, Poison his delight, pester him, spoil his happiness, spread rumors
Proclaim him in the streets. Incense her kinsmen, about him in the streets, enrage his relatives, and
And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, irritate him endlessly. However real his happiness
Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy is, it will vanish in light of this.
Yet throw such changes of vexation ont,
75 As it may lose some color.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Here is her fathers house, Ill call aloud. Heres her fathers house. Ill call out.
IAGO IAGO
Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell Do it, and shout like the citys on fire.
As when, by night and negligence, the fire
Is spied in populous cities.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
80 What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho! Hey, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, hey!
IAGO IAGO
Awake! What, ho, Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves! Wake up, Brabantio! Wake up! Thieves! Thieves!
Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! Check on your daughter, your house, your money!
Thieves! thieves! Thieves! Thieves!
Enter BRABANTIO, above BRABANTIO enters, above.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
What is the reason of this terrible summons? Whats the reason for this horrible shouting?
85 What is the matter there? Whats the matter?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Signior, is all your family within? Sir, is everyone in your family at home?
IAGO IAGO
Are your doors locked? Are your doors locked?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Why, wherefore ask you this? Why are you asking me that?
IAGO IAGO
Zounds, sir, youre robbed! For shame, put on your For Gods sake, sir, youve been robbed. Get
gown. dressed. Your hearts going to break. Its like half
90 Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul. your souls been ripped out. At this very minute an
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram old black ram is having sex with your little white
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise, lamb. Wake up, wake up, ring a bell and wake up
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell all the snoring citizens. If you wait too long youll
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. have black grandchildren. Get up, I tell you!
Arise, I say!
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
What, have you lost your wits? Are you crazy?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
95 Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? Do you recognize my voice, noble lord?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Not I. What are you? Not me. Who are you?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
My name is Roderigo. My names Roderigo.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
The worser welcome. I told you not to hang around my house. Ive
I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. already told you quite plainly that my daughter will
100 In honest plainness thou hast heard me say never marry you. Now you come here drunk to
My daughter is not for thee. And now in madness, make trouble and startle me out of a sound
Being full of supper and distempering drafts, sleep?
Upon malicious knavery dost thou come
To start my quiet?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
105 Sir, sir, sir Sir, sir, sir
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
But thou must needs be sure You know Im powerful enough to make you pay
My spirits and my place have in their power for this.
To make this bitter to thee.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Patience, good sir. Please wait, sir.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
What tellst thou me of robbing? This is Venice, Why are you talking about robbery? This is
110 My house is not a grange. Venice. My house isnt in some remote
countryside.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Most grave Brabantio, Brabantio, with all due respect, Im here out of
In simple and pure soul I come to you courtesy and good will. Ive come to tell you
IAGO IAGO
Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve My God, sir, youre stubborn and suspicious. We
God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you come here to help you and you treat us like thugs,
service and you think we are ruffians, youll have your but you let an African horse climb all over your
daughter covered with a Barbary horse. Youll have daughter. Your grandsons will neigh to you like
your nephews neigh to you. Youll have coursers for horses. Your whole family will be ruined.
cousins and gennets for germans.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
What profane wretch art thou? What kind of crude jerk are you?
IAGO IAGO
I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter The kind that tells you that the Moor is having sex
and the Moor are now making the beast with two with your daughter right now.
backs.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Thou art a villain! Youre a villain!
IAGO IAGO
You are a senator! Youre a senator!
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo. Youre going to pay for this, Roderigo. I know who
you are.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Sir, I will answer any thing. But, I beseech you, Ill answer for everything. I dont know if you know
Ift be your pleasure and most wise consent or approve of this, but in the wee hours of the
120 (As partly I find it is) that your fair daughter morning your daughter left your house, with no
At this odd-even and dull watch o' th' night better escort than a hired gondolier, to go into the
rough embrace of a lustful Moor. If all of this
happened with your
Transported with no worse nor better guard approval, then weve been very rude to bother you
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, like this. But if you didnt know about it, then you
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor, were wrong to get mad at us. Id never play
125 If this be known to you and your allowance, pranks on you. If you didnt allow your daughter to
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs. do what shes doing, then shes rebelling against
But if you know not this my manners tell me you. Shes throwing her life away on some
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe stranger. Go ahead, see for yourself if shes in her
That, from the sense of all civility, bedroom. If she is, you can sue me for lying to
130 I thus would play and trifle with your reverence. you.
Your daughter (if you have not given her leave)
I say again, hath made a gross revolt,
Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger
135 Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself.
If she be in her chamber or your house,
Let loose on me the justice of the state
For thus deluding you.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Strike on the tinder, ho! Light the candles! Wake up my whole household!
Give me a taper, call up all my people! I dreamt about this. Im starting to worry its true.
140 This accident is not unlike my dream, Give me some light!
Belief of it oppresses me already.
Light, I say, light!
Exit above BRABANTIO exits.
IAGO IAGO
(to RODERIGO) (to RODERIGO)
Farewell, for I must leave you. Its time for me to say goodbye to you. It would be
It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place, inappropriatedangerous, evenfor me to be
145 To be producted (as, if I stay, I shall) seen working against the Moor, as I would if I
Against the Moor. For I do know the state stayed. The Venetian government might
(However this may gall him with some check) reprimand him for this, but it cant safely get rid of
Cannot with safety cast him, for hes embarked him, since it needs him urgently for the imminent
With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars Cyprus wars. They couldnt find another man with
150 (Which even now stand in act) that, for their souls, his abilities to lead their armed forcesnot if their
Another of his fathom they have none souls depended on it. I hate him, but Ive got to
To lead their business. In which regard, show him signs of loyalty
Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, and affection, even if its just an act. If you want to
Yet for necessity of present life find him, send the search party to the Sagittarius
155 I must show out a flag and sign of love, Inn. He and I will be there.
(Which is indeed but sign). That you shall surely find
him,
Lead to the Sagittary the raisd search,
And there will I be with him. So farewell.
Exit IAGO exits.
Enter BRABANTIO, with servants and torches BRABANTIO enters with servants and torches.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
It is too true an evil. Gone she is. Its true. Shes gone. The rest of my life will be
160 And whats to come of my despisd time nothing but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, where did
Is naught but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, you see her?Oh, that miserable wretch!You
Where didst thou see her?Oh, unhappy girl! say you saw her with the Moor?Oh, who would
With the Moor, sayst thou?Who would be a father? want to be a father?How did you know it was
her?To think she tricked me so easily!What
165 How didst thou know twas she?Oh, she deceives did she say to you?Get me more candles, and
me wake up all my relatives. Do you think theyre
Past thought!What said she to you?Get more married?
tapers,
Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Truly, I think they are. Yes, I really think so.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Oh, heaven, how got she out? Oh, treason of the Oh, heaven, how did she get out? My own flesh
blood! and blood rebels against me! Fathers, never trust
170 Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds your daughters just because they act obedient
By what you see them act. Is there not charms and innocent. Are there magic spells that can
By which the property of youth and maidhood lead young virgins astray? Have you ever heard
May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, of anything like that, Roderigo?
Of some such thing?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Yes, sir, I have indeed. Yes, sir, I have.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Call up my brotherOh, would you had had her! Call my brother.Now I wish youd married her!
175 Some one way, some another. Do you know Some of you go one way, some the other way.
Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? Do you know where we can find her and the
Moor?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I think I can discover him, if you please I think I can find him. Get together a group of
To get good guard and go along with me. armed men and follow me.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Pray you lead on. At every house Ill call. Lead the way. Ill stop at every house. Im
180 I may command at most.Get weapons, ho! respected enough that most of them will do what I
And raise some special officers of might. say.Get your weapons! And get the officers who
On, good Roderigo. I will deserve your pains. guard the city at night.Lets go, Roderigo. Ill
reward you for your troubles.
Exeunt They exit
Act 1, Scene 2
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and attendants with torches OTHELLO and IAGO enter, followed by
attendants with torches.
IAGO IAGO
Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Ive killed many men in battle, but I still believe its
Yet do I hold it very stuff o' th' conscience deeply wrong to murder someone. Sometimes I
To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity worry Im not cruel enough for this job. Nine or ten
Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times times I wanted to stab him under the ribs.
5 I had thought t' have yerked him here under the ribs.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
'Tis better as it is. Its better that you didnt kill him.
IAGO IAGO
Nay, but he prated But he kept chattering so foolishly, talking about
And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms you in such insulting and despicable terms, that it
Against your honor was hard for me to restrain myself. But please tell
That, with the little godliness I have, me, sir, is your marriage secure? Brabantio is an
10 I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir, important man in this city, almost as powerful as
Are you fast married? Be assured of this: the duke himself. Hell try to annul your marriage,
That the Magnifico is much beloved or else inflict whatever punishment the law and his
And hath in his effect a voice potential power will allow him to.
As double as the Dukes. He will divorce you,

15 Or put upon you what restraint and grievance
The law (with all his might to enforce it on)
Will give him cable.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Let him do his spite. Let him do his worst. The services I have done for
My services which I have done the signiory the Venetian government will count for more than
Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know his complaints will. No one knows this yetand I
20 Which, when I know that boasting is an honor, dont like to brag, but I come from a royal family,
I shall promulgate. I fetch my life and being and Im as noble as the woman Ive married. And
From men of royal siege, and my demerits let me tell you, Iago, if I didnt love Desdemona as
May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune much as I do, Id never agree to get married and
As this that I have reached. For know, Iago, lose my freedom at all. But look at those lights.
25 But that I love the gentle Desdemona, Whos coming?
I would not my unhousd free condition
Put into circumscription and confine
For the seas worth. But look, what lights come yond?
IAGO IAGO
Those are the raisd father and his friends. Thats her father and his friends, whove been
30 You were best go in. roused out of bed. Youd better go inside.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Not I, I must be found. No, I must let them find me. My good qualities, my
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul legal status as Desdemonas husband, and my
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? innocence will protect me. Is it them?
IAGO IAGO
By Janus, I think no. I dont think so.
Enter CASSIO, with officers and torches CASSIO enters with officers and men carrying
torches.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The servants of the Duke and my lieutenant? The servants of the Duke and my lieutenant?
35 The goodness of the night upon you, friends! Hello, everyone! Whats going on?
What is the news?
CASSIO CASSIO
The Duke does greet you, general, The Duke sends his regards. He needs to see you
And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance, right away.
Even on the instant.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Whats the matter, think you? What do you think he wants?
CASSIO CASSIO
Something from Cyprus as I may divine. Something about Cyprus. I think its important.
40 It is a business of some heat. The galleys The warships have sent a dozen messages
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers tonight, one after the other, and many of the
This very night at one anothers heels, senators have been awakened and are at the
And many of the consuls, raised and met, Dukes already. Theyre very anxious for you to get
Are at the Dukes already. You have been hotly called there. When you werent at home, the Senate sent
45 for. out three different search parties to find you.
When being not at your lodging to be found
The Senate hath sent about three several guests
To search you out.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
'Tis well I am found by you. Its good you found me. Ill just speak a word or
I will but spend a word here in the house two here in the house and then Ill go with you.
And go with you.
Exit OTHELLO exits.
CASSIO CASSIO
Ancient, what makes he here? Ensign, whats he doing in there?
IAGO IAGO
50 Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack. Tonight he boarded a treasure ship. If he can keep
If it prove lawful prize, hes made for ever. it, hell be set forever.
CASSIO CASSIO
I do not understand. I dont understand.
IAGO IAGO
Hes married. Hes married.
CASSIO CASSIO
To who? To whom?
IAGO IAGO
Marry, to To
Enter OTHELLO OTHELLO enters.
Come, captain, will you go? Are you ready?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
55 Have with you. Yes, Ill go with you now.
CASSIO CASSIO
Here comes another troop to seek for you. Here comes another group looking for you.
Enter BRABANTIO, RODERIGO, and officers with BRABANTIO and RODERIGO enter, followed
torches and weapons byOFFICERS and men with torches.
IAGO IAGO
It is Brabantio. General, be advised, Its Brabantio. Look out, sir. He intends to do
He comes to bad intent. something bad to you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Holla! Stand there! Hey! Stop right there!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Signior, it is the Moor. Sir, its the Moor.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Down with him, thief! Get him, hes a thief!
They draw their swords Both sides draw their swords.
IAGO IAGO
60 You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you. You, Roderigo! Come on, Ill fight you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust Put away your swords. Theyll get rusty in the dew.
them. Sir, your age and status inspire more respect than
Good signior, you shall more command with years your weapons do.
Than with your weapons.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my You evil thief, where have you hidden my
65 daughter? daughter? You devil, youve put a spell on her!
Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her! Anybody with eyes could tell you that a beautiful
For Ill refer me to all things of sense, and happy young girl like her, whos refused to
If she in chains of magic were not bound, marry all of the handsome young men of the city,
Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, wouldnt run off with a black thing like you unless
70 So opposite to marriage that she shunned shed been bewitched. Youre something to fear,
The wealthy curld darlings of our nation, not to love. Its obvious to everyone that youve
Would ever have, t' incur a general mock, tricked her, drugged her, or kidnapped her. Thats
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom probably what happened, so Im arresting you.
Of such a thing as thouto fear, not to delight. Arrest this man as a practitioner of black magic.
75 Judge me the world if tis not gross in sense Grab him. If he struggles, use force!
That thou hast practiced on her with foul charms,
Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
That weakens motion. Ill have t disputed on.
'Tis probable and palpable to thinking.
80 I therefore apprehend and do attach thee
For an abuser of the world, a practicer
Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.
Lay hold upon him. If he do resist,
Subdue him at his peril!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Hold your hands, Just a minute. I dont need anyone to tell me when
Both you of my inclining and the rest. to fight. Youve accused me of some serious
85 Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it crimes. Where do you want me to go to respond to
Without a prompter. Whither will you that I go these charges?
To answer this your charge?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
To prison, till fit time To prison, until youre called into court.
Of law and course of direct session

Call thee to answer.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What if I do obey? What if I do what you say? How would I satisfy
90 How may the Duke be therewith satisfied, the Duke then? His messengers are waiting here
Whose messengers are here about my side to take me to him immediately, on pressing state
Upon some present business of the state business.
To bring me to him?
OFFICER OFFICER
'Tis true, most worthy signior. Its true. The Dukes in a meeting right now, and
The Dukes in council and your noble self, hes sent for you too.
95 I am sure, is sent for.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
How? The Duke in council? The Dukes in a meeting? At this time of night?
In this time of the night? Bring him away. Bring him with us. The laws on my side. The
Mines not an idle cause. The Duke himself, Duke and any of my fellow senators will take this
Or any of my brothers of the state, wrong as seriously as if it were their own. If we let
Cannot but feel this wrong as twere their own. crimes like this happen, slaves and heathens will
100 For if such actions may have passage free, be our rulers.
Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.
Exeunt They all exit.
Act 1, Scene 3
Enter DUKE, SENATORS, and OFFICERS The DUKE enters

with SENATORS andOFFICERS.
DUKE DUKE
Theres no composition in this news These reports are inconsistent. You cant trust
That gives them credit. them.
FIRST SENATOR FIRST SENATOR
Indeed, they are disproportioned. Its true, theyre inconsistent. My letters say there
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. are a hundred and seven ships.
DUKE DUKE
5 And mine a hundred and forty. And mine say a hundred and forty.
SECOND SENATOR SECOND SENATOR
And mine, two hundred. And mine say two hundred. But often in these
But though they jump not on a just account cases, reports are just estimates. The important
As in these cases, where the aim reports thing is that they all say a Turkish fleet is
'Tis oft with differenceyet do they all confirm approaching Cyprus.
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
DUKE DUKE
10 Nay, it is possible enough to judgment. Yes, we get the idea. The inconsistency doesnt
I do not so secure me in the error, make me think that the reports are all wrong. I
But the main article I do approve have no doubt about what theyre basically saying,
In fearful sense. and its frightening.
SAILOR SAILOR
(within) (offstage) Hello! Hey, hello!
What, ho, what, ho, what, ho!
OFFICER OFFICER
15 A messenger from the galleys. Its a messenger from the warships.
Enter SAILOR A SAILOR enters.
DUKE DUKE
Now, whats the business? Why are you here?
SAILOR SAILOR
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes, Signor Angelo told me to come here and tell you
So was I bid report here to the state that the Turkish fleet is heading for Rhodes, not
By Signior Angelo. Cyprus.
DUKE DUKE
20 How say you by this change? What do you think about this change?
This cannot be, They cant have changed; theres no way this
By no assay of reason. 'Tis a pageant, could be true. Its a trick to confuse us. Think
To keep us in false gaze. When we consider about how important Cyprus is to the Turks, and
Th' importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, remember that they could capture Cyprus more
And let ourselves again but understand easily, since it isnt as well protected as Rhodes is.
25 That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes If we keep these things in mind, we cant possibly
So may he with more facile question bear it, imagine that the Turks would be so incompetent
For that it stands not in such warlike brace as to put off for last what they want to achieve first,
But altogether lacks th' abilities setting aside something easy and profitable to do
That Rhodes is dressed in. If we make thought of this something dangerous and pointless.
30 We must not think the Turk is so unskillful
To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain
To wake and wage a danger profitless.
DUKE DUKE
Nay, in all confidence, hes not for Rhodes. No, I think we can be confident that the Turks
arent really headed for Rhodes.
OFFICER OFFICER
35 Here is more news. Heres some more news coming in.
Enter a MESSENGER A MESSENGER enters.
MESSENGER MESSENGER
The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, Sir, the Turks sailed to Rhodes, where they joined
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, with another fleet.
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? Thats just what I thought. How many, can you
guess?
MESSENGER MESSENGER
40 Of thirty sail. And now they do re-stem Thirty ships. Now theyve turned around and are
Their backward course, bearing with frank clearly heading for Cyprus. Signor Montano, your
appearance brave and loyal servant, gives you this information
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, and asks you to send reinforcements to relieve
Your trusty and most valiant servitor, him.
45 With his free duty recommends you thus,
And prays you to believe him.
DUKE DUKE
'Tis certain then for Cyprus. Then its certain theyre heading for Cyprus. Is
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? Marcus Luccicos in town?
Hes now in Florence. No, hes in Florence.
DUKE DUKE
Write from us to him. Post-post-haste, dispatch. Write to him immediately. Hurry.
Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. Here come Brabantio and the brave Moor.
Enter BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, CASSIO, IAGO,RO BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, CASSIO, IAGO,RODER
DERIGO, and officers IGO and the officers enter.
DUKE DUKE
50 Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Brave Othello, I have to send you right away to fight
Against the general enemy Ottoman the Turks, our great enemy.(toBRABANTIO) Oh, I
(to BRABANTIO) I did not see you. Welcome, gentle didnt see you there. Welcome, sir. I could have
signior. used your wisdom and help tonight.
We lacked your counsel and your help tonight.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me. I could have used yours as well. Forgive me, your
55 Neither my place nor aught I heard of business grace. I didnt get out of bed and come here in the
Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general dead of night because I heard about the war or
care because I was worried about the citys defense. I
Take hold on me, for my particular grief have a personal problem so painful and gut-
Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature wrenching that it overwhelms everything else.
60 That it engluts and swallows other sorrows
And it is still itself.
DUKE DUKE
Why, whats the matter? Why, whats the matter?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
My daughter! Oh, my daughter! Its my daughter! Oh, my daughter!
ALL FIRST SENATOR
Dead? Is she dead?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Ay, to me. Shes dead to me. Shes been tricked and stolen
She is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted from me, enchanted by black magic spells. She
By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks. mustve
65 For nature so prepost'rously to err, been tricked or drugged, because theres no way
Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, she could have made this mistake on her own.
Sans witchcraft could not.
DUKE DUKE
Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding Whoever tricked your daughter and stole her from
Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself you will pay for it. And you yourself will determine
70 And you of her, the bloody book of law the sentence as you see fit, and impose the death
You shall yourself read in the bitter letter, penalty if you choose to, even if the criminal were
After your own sense, yea, though our proper son my own son.
Stood in your action.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Humbly I thank your grace. I humbly thank you, sir. Here is the man, the Moor.
Here is the man, this Moor, whom now it seems, It seems you had your own reasons for
75 Your special mandate for the state affairs summoning him here.
Hath hither brought.
ALL ALL
We are very sorry fort. Were sorry to hear this.
DUKE DUKE
(to OTHELLO)What, in your own part, can you say to (to OTHELLO) What do you have to say for
this? yourself?
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Nothing, but this is so. Nothing, but this is true.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, Noble, honorable gentlemen whom I serve: its
80 My very noble and approved good masters, true that Ive taken this mans daughter from him
That I have ta'en away this old mans daughter, and married her. But thats my only offense.
It is most true. True, I have married her. Theres nothing more. Im awkward in my speech
The very head and front of my offending and Im not a smooth talker. From the time I was
Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, seven years old until nine months ago Ive been
85 And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace, fighting in battles. I dont know much about the
For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith world apart from fighting. So I wont do myself
Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used much good by speaking in my own defense. But if
Their dearest action in the tented field, youll let me, Ill tell you the plain
And little of this great world can I speak,
90 More than pertains to feats of broils and battle, story of how we fell in love, and what drugs,
And therefore little shall I grace my cause charms, spells, and powerful magicbecause
In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious thats what Im being accused ofI used to win
patience, his daughter.
I will a round unvarnished tale deliver
95 Of my whole course of love. What drugs, what
charms,
What conjuration and what mighty magic
For such proceeding I am charged withal
I won his daughter.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
A maiden never bold, Shes a good girl, quiet and obedient. She
Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion blushes at the slightest thing. And you want me to
Blushed at herself. And she, in spite of nature, believe that despite her young age and proper
100 Of years, of country, credit, everything, upbringing she fell in love with a man shed be
To fall in love with what she feared to look on? afraid to look at? The very thought of it is
It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect ridiculous. Youd have to be stupid to think that
That will confess perfection so could err. someone so perfect could make such an
Against all rules of nature, and must be driven unnatural mistake as that. The devil must be
105 To find out practices of cunning hell behind this. Therefore I say again that he must
Why this should be. I therefore vouch again have used some powerful drug or magic potion
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood on her.
Or with some dram, conjured to this effect,
He wrought upon her.
DUKE DUKE
To vouch this is no proof, Your saying this isnt proof. There has to be clear
110 Without more wider and more overt test evidence that hes done this, not just these
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods accusations.
Of modern seeming do prefer against him.
But, Othello, speak. Tell us, Othello. Did you trick or deceive this lady
Did you by indirect and forcd courses in some way? Or did you agree to this as equals?
115 Subdue and poison this young maids affections?
Or came it by request and such fair question
As soul to soul affordeth?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I do beseech you, Please, send for Desdemona to come here from
Send for the lady to the Sagittary, the Sagittarius Inn and ask her to speak about me
in front
And let her speak of me before her father. of her father. If she has anything bad to say about
120 If you do find me foul in her report me, then you can sentence me to death.
The trust, the office I do hold of you,
Not only take away, but let your sentence
Even fall upon my life.

DUKE DUKE
Fetch Desdemona hither. Bring Desdemona here.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ancient, conduct them. You best know the place. Iago, bring Desdemona here. You know where
she is.
Exeunt IAGO and attendants IAGO and attendants exit.
125 And till she come, as truly as to heaven In the meantime Ill tell you all, as honestly as I
I do confess the vices of my blood confess my sins to God, how I wooed this
So justly to your grave ears Ill present beautiful lady, and how she came to love me.
How I did thrive in this fair ladys love
And she in mine.
DUKE DUKE
Say it, Othello. Tell us, Othello.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
130 Her father loved me, oft invited me, Her father loved me and used to invite me to his
Still questioned me the story of my life house often, continually asking me about my life
From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, and all the battles Ive fought. I told him
That I have passed. everything, from my boyhood up until the time
I ran it through, even from my boyish days, when I was talking to him. I told him about
135 To th' very moment that he bade me tell it, unfortunate disasters, hair-raising adventures on
Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, sea and on land, and near-catastrophes and
Of moving accidents by flood and field, dangerous adventures Ive been through. I told
Of hair-breadth scapes i' th' imminent deadly breach, him how I was captured and sold as a slave, how
Of being taken by the insolent foe I bought my freedom, and how I wandered
140 And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence through caves and deserts. I was able to tell him
And portance in my travelers history. about cannibals who eat each other, and men
Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle, with heads growing below their shoulders. When I
Rough quarries, rocks, hills whose heads touch talked about all these things, Desdemona used to
heaven listen attentively. If she had to go do some
145 It was my hint to speaksuch was my process household chore, I noticed that shed always
And of the Cannibals that each others eat, come back quickly to hear more of my stories.
The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads When I was relaxing, shed pull me aside and ask
Grew beneath their shoulders. These things to hear to hear some part of a story she had missed. Her
Would Desdemona seriously incline. eyes would fill with tears at the bad things I went
But still the house affairs would draw her hence, through in my younger years. When my stories
150 Which ever as she could with haste dispatch, were done, shed sigh and tell me how strangely
Shed come again, and with a greedy ear wonderful and sad my life had been. She said
Devour up my discourse, which I, observing, she wished she hadnt heard it, but she also
Took once a pliant hour and found good means wished there was a man like me for her. She
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart thanked me and told me that if a friend of mine
155 That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, had a story like mine to tell, shed fall in love with
Whereof by parcels she had something heard him. I took the hint and spoke to her. She said
But not intentively. I did consent, she loved me for the dangers Id survived, and I
And often did beguile her of her tears loved her for feeling such strong emotions about
When I did speak of some distressful stroke me. Thats the only witchcraft I ever used. Here
160 That my youth suffered. My story being done comes my wife now. Shell confirm everything.
She gave me for my pains a world of sighs.
She swore, in faith, twas strange, twas passing
strange,
'Twas pitiful, twas wondrous pitiful.
165 She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished
That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked
me
And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her,
I should but teach him how to tell my story
170 And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake.
She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
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.
Enter DESDEMONA, IAGO, and attendants DESDEMONA, IAGO, and attendants enter.
DUKE DUKE
I think this tale would win my daughter too. I think a story like that would win my own
Good Brabantio. Take up this mangled matter at the daughter over. Brabantio, I urge you to make the
175 best. best of this. Try to accept whats happened.
Men do their broken weapons rather use
Than their bare hands.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
I pray you, hear her speak. Please let her speak. If she admits she wanted
If she confess that she was half the wooer, this, then I wont blame Othello.Come here, my
Destruction on my head if my bad blame child. Who do you obey here?
Light on the man.Come hither, gentle mistress.
180 Do you perceive in all this noble company
Where most you owe obedience?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
My noble father, Father, this isnt easy for me. Im torn. I owe you
I do perceive here a divided duty. respect because you gave me life and education.
To you I am bound for life and education. Youre the one I have to obey. Im your daughter.
My life and education both do learn me But this man here is my husband now, and I owe
185 How to respect you. You are the lord of duty. him as much as my mother owed you, just as she
I am hitherto your daughter. But heres my husband. preferred you to her own father. So I have to give
And so much duty as my mother showed my obedience to the Moor, my husband.
To you, preferring you before her father,

So much I challenge that I may profess
190 Due to the Moor my lord.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
God be with you. I have done. Im finished, then. Duke, please go ahead with
Please it your grace, on to the state affairs. your state business. Id rather adopt a child than
I had rather to adopt a child than get it. have one of my own.Come here, Moor. Im
Come hither, Moor. forced to give my blessing to this marriage. With
I here do give thee that with all my heart all my heart, I give you that thing which, if you
195 Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart didnt already have it, Id try with all my heart to
I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, keep from you. Desdemona, Im glad youre my
I am glad at soul I have no other child. only child, since if I had others Id keep them all
For thy escape would teach me tyranny, locked up. You would have made me treat them
To hang clogs on them.I have done, my lord. like a tyrant.Im done, my lord.
DUKE DUKE
200 Let me speak like yourself and lay a sentence Let me refer to a proverb that may help you
Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers. forgive these lovers: if you cant change
When remedies are past, the griefs are ended something, dont cry about it. When you lament
By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. something bad thats already happened, youre
setting yourself up for more
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone bad news. A robbery victim who can smile about
205 Is the next way to draw new mischief on. his losses is superior to the thief who robbed him,
What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, but if he cries hes just wasting time.
Patience her injury a mock'ry makes.
The robbed that smiles steals something from the
thief,
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
210 So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile, So if the Turks steal Cyprus from us, it wont be
We lose it not, so long as we can smile. bad as long as we keep smiling. Its easy to
He bears the sentence well that nothing bears accept platitudes like that if you havent lost
But the free comfort which from thence he hears. anything. But Ive lost something precious, and I
But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow have to put up with the platitude as well as
215 That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. suffering my loss. Talk is cheap. Ive never heard
These sentences to sugar or to gall, of someone feeling better because of someone
Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. elses words. Please, Im asking you, go ahead
But words are words. I never yet did hear and get back to your state affairs.
That the bruised heart was piercd through the ears.
220 I humbly beseech you, proceed to th' affairs of state.
DUKE DUKE
The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for The Turks are heading for Cyprus with a powerful
Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best fleet. Othello, you understand better than anyone
known to you, and though we have there a substitute how the defenses for Cyprus work. Even though
of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign we have a very good officer in charge there
mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you. already, everyone says youre the better man for
You must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of the job. So Ill have to ask you to put a damper on
your new fortunes with this more stubborn and your marriage celebrations and take part in this
boist'rous expedition. dangerous expedition.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Ive gotten used to the hardships of a military life.
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war I rise to the occasion when faced with difficulties. I
My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize will take charge of this war against the Turks. But
225 A natural and prompt alacrity I humbly ask you to make appropriate
I find in hardness, and do undertake arrangements for my wife,
These present wars against the Ottomites.
Most humbly therefore bending to your state,
I crave fit disposition for my wife. giving her a place to live and people to keep her
230 Due reference of place and exhibition, company that suit her high rank.
With such accommodation and besort
As levels with her breeding.
DUKE DUKE
Why, at her fathers. She can stay at her fathers house.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Ill not have it so. I wont allow it.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
235 Nor I. Neither will I.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Nor would I there reside, And I wouldnt stay there. I dont want to upset my
To put my father in impatient thoughts father by being in his house. Dear Duke, please
By being in his eye. Most gracious Duke, listen to what I have to say.
To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear
240 And let me find a charter in your voice,
T' assist my simpleness.
DUKE DUKE
What would you, Desdemona? What do you want to do, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
That I did love the Moor to live with him, When I fell in love with Othello I made up my mind
My downright violence and storm of fortunes that I wanted to live with him. You can see how
245 May trumpet to the world. My hearts subdued much I wanted to be with him by how violently I
Even to the very quality of my lord. threw away my old life. I feel like Im a part of him
I saw Othellos visage in his mind, now, and that means Im part of a soldier. I saw
And to his honors and his valiant parts Othellos true face when I saw his mind. I gave my
Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. whole life to him because of his honor and
250 So that, dear lords, if I be left behind bravery. If I were left at home uselessly while he
A moth of peace and he go to the war, went off to war, then Im separated from my
The rites for which I love him are bereft me, husband in his natural element. Id be miserable
And I a heavy interim shall support without him. Let me go with him.
By his dear absence. Let me go with him.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
255 Let her have your voice. Please allow her to do this. Im not asking to have
Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not her near me for sexIm too old for that, and my
To please the palate of my appetite, sexual
Nor to comply with heat the young affects urges are dead. I want this because she wants it
In my defunct and proper satisfaction, I love her for her mind. And Id never want you
260 But to be free and bounteous to her mind, to think that Id neglect my serious official duties
And heaven defend your good souls, that you think while she was there with me. If I ever let love blind
I will your serious and great business scant me so that I choose to lounge around in bed with
When she is with me. No, when light-winged toys my loved one instead of going off to war, then you
Of feathered Cupid seel with wanton dullness can let a housewife use my helmet as a frying
265 My speculative and officed instrument, pan. My reputation would be disgraced if I ever
That my disports corrupt and taint my business, acted like that.
Let housewives make a skillet of my helm
And all indign and base adversities
Make head against my estimation.
DUKE DUKE
270 Be it as you shall privately determine, You can decide that privately. I dont care whether
Either for her stay or going. Th' affair cries haste she stays or goes. Whats important is the
And speed must answer it. urgency of this mission. Youve got to act fast.
You must away tonight. Youll have to leave tonight.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
With all my heart. With all my heart, Ill go right away.
DUKE DUKE
At nine i' th' morning here well meet again. Well meet again at nine in the morning. Othello,
275 Othello, leave some officer behind have one of your officers stay behind to bring you
And he shall our commission bring to you, your commission and whatever else is important
And such things else of quality and respect to you.
As doth import you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
So please your grace, my ancient. My lord, my ensign is an honest and trustworthy
A man he is of honesty and trust. man. Hell accompany my wife, and bring
280 To his conveyance I assign my wife, whatever else you think I might need.
With what else needful your good grace shall think
To be sent after me.
DUKE DUKE
Let it be so. All right, then. Good night, everyone.
Good night to every one.(to BRABANTIO) (toBRABANTIO) Sir, if goodness is beautiful, your
And, noble signior, son-in-law is beautiful, not black.
285 If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
Adieu, brave Moor. Use Desdemona well. Goodbye, black Moor. Treat Desdemona well.
BRABANTIO BRABANTIO
Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. Keep an eye on her, Moor. She lied to me, and
She has deceived her father, and may thee. she may lie to you.
Exeunt DUKE, BRABANTIO, CASSIO,SENATORS, The DUKE, BRABANTIO, CASSIO,SENATORS,
and officers and officers exit.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
290 My life upon her faith!Honest Iago, Id bet my life shed never lie to me. Iago, Im
My Desdemona must I leave to thee. leaving my dear Desdemona with you. Have your
I prithee, let thy wife attend on her, wife attend to her, and bring them along as soon
And bring them after in the best advantage. as you can. Come on, Desdemona, Ive only got
Come, Desdemona, I have but an hour an hour of love to spend with you, to tell you what
295 Of love, of worldly matter and direction, you need to do. Were on a tight schedule.
To spend with thee. We must obey the time.
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA OTHELLO and DESDEMONA exit.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Iago. Iago.
IAGO IAGO
What sayst thou, noble heart? What do you have to say, noble friend?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
What will I do, thinkst thou? What do you think I should do?
IAGO IAGO
300 Why, go to bed, and sleep. Go to bed, and sleep.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I will incontinently drown myself. Im going to go drown myself.
IAGO IAGO
If thou dost I shall never love thee after. Why, thou If you do that, Ill never respect you again. Why,
silly gentleman! you silly man!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
It is silliness to live when to live is torment, and then Its silly to live when life is torture. The only cure is
have we a prescription to die when death is our death.
physician.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, villainous! I have looked upon the world for four Oh, how stupid! Ive been alive for twenty-eight
times seven years, and since I could distinguish years, and Ive never met a man who knew what
betwixt a benefit and an injury I never found man that was good for him. Id rather be a baboon than kill
knew how to love himself. Ere I would say I would myself out of love for some woman I cant have.
drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, I would
change my humanity with a baboon.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
305 What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so What should I do? I know its foolish to be so
fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it. much in love, but I cant help it.
IAGO IAGO
Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or Cant help it? Nonsense! What we are is up to us.
thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our Our bodies are like gardens and our willpower is
wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles or like the gardener. Depending on what we plant
sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it weeds or lettuce, or one kind of herb rather than a
with one gender of herbs or distract it with many variety, the garden will either be barren and
either to have it sterile with idleness, or manured with useless, or rich and productive. If we didnt have
industrywhy, the power and corrigible authority of rational minds to counterbalance our emotions
this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not and desires, our bodily urges would take over.
one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality, Wed end up in ridiculous situations. Thankfully,
the blood and baseness of our natures would we have reason to cool our raging lusts. In my
conduct us to most prepost'rous conclusions. But we opinion, what you call love is just an offshoot of
have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal lust.
stings, our unbitted lusts. Whereof I take this that you
call love to be a sect or scion.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
It cannot be. I dont believe it.
IAGO IAGO
It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the You feel love because you feel lust and you have
will. Come, be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats no willpower. Come on, be a man. Drown
and blind puppies! I have professed me thy friend, yourself? Drowning is for cats or blind puppies
and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of dont drown yourself! Ive told you Im your friend,
perdurable toughness. and Ill stick by you.
I could never better stead thee than now. Put money Ive never been more useful to you than I will be
in thy purse. Follow thou the wars, defeat thy favor now. Heres what youll do. Sell all your assets
with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. and your land, and turn it into cash. Desdemona
It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue cant continue loving the Moor any more than he
her love to the Moorput money in thy pursenor can continue loving her. She fell in love with him
he his to her. It was a violent commencement in her, very suddenly, and theyll break up just as
and thou shalt see an answerable sequestrationput suddenly. Moors are moody people.So sell your
but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable lands and raise a lot of cash. What seems sweet
in their willsfill thy purse with money. The food that to him now will soon turn bitter. Shell dump
to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him Othello for a younger man. When shes had
shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She must change for enough of the Moors body, shell realize her
youth. When she is sated with his body she will find mistake. Shell need to have a new lover. Shell
the errors of her choice. Therefore, put money in thy have to have it. So have your money ready. If you
purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more want to go to hell, there are better ways to do it
delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou than killing yourself. Raise all the money you can.
canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring I can get the better of religion and a few flimsy
barbarian and supersubtle Venetian be not too hard vows between a misguided barbarian and a
for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy depraved Venetian girl. Youll get to sleep with her
her. Therefore make money. A pox of drowning just put together some money. And to hell with
thyself! 'Tis clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to drowning yourself! Thats completely beside the
be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned point. If youre ready to die, you can risk death by
and go without her. committing crimes in an attempt to get the woman
you want. Dont just give up on her and drown
yourself.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
310 Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the Can I count on you if I wait to see what happens?
issue?
IAGO IAGO
Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told You can trust me. Go now and get cash. I told you
thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate before, and Ill tell you again and again: I hate the
the Moor. My cause is hearted. Thine hath no less Moor. Im devoted to my cause of hating him, just
reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against as devoted as you are to yours. So lets join
him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a forces and get revenge. If you seduce
pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the Desdemona and make a fool out of him, itll be
womb of time which will be delivered. Traverse, go, fun for both of us. Many things may happen. Go
provide thy money. We will have more of this get money. Well speak again tomorrow.
tomorrow. Adieu. Goodbye.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Where shall we meet i' th' morning? Where will we meet in the morning?
IAGO IAGO
At my lodging. At my house.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Ill be with thee betimes. Ill be there early.
IAGO IAGO
Go to, farewell. Go home. Goodbye. Oh, and one more thing
Do you hear, Roderigo?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
315 What say you? What is it?
IAGO IAGO
No more of drowning, do you hear? No more talk about killing yourself, okay?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I am changed. Ive changed my mind about that.
IAGO IAGO
Go to, farewell. Put money enough in your purse. Go then, goodbye. Put a lot of cash together.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Ill sell all my land. Im going to sell all my land.
Exit RODERIGO exits.
IAGO IAGO
320 Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. Thats how I always do it, getting money from
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane fools. Id be wasting my skills dealing with an idiot
If I would time expend with such a snipe like that if I couldnt get something useful out of
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, him. I hate the Moor, and theres a widespread
And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets rumor that hes slept with my wife. Im not sure its
325 Hes done my office. I know not if t be true, true, but just the suspicion is enough for me. He
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, thinks highly of me. Thatll help. Cassios a
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well. handsome man. Lets see, how can I
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassios a proper man. Let me see now,
330 To get his place and to plume up my will get his position and use him to hurt Othello at the
In double knavery. How? How? Lets see. same time? How? How? Lets see. After a while
After some time, to abuse Othellos ear Ill start telling Othello that Cassio is too intimate
That he is too familiar with his wife. with Desdemona. Cassio is a smooth talker and a
He hath a person and a smooth dispose good-looking guy, the sort of man that people
335 To be suspected, framed to make women false. would expect to be a seducer. The Moor is open
The Moor is of a free and open nature and straightforward. He thinks any man who
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, seems honest is honest. People like that are easy
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose to manipulate. So its all decided. Ive worked it
As asses are. out. With a little help from the devil, Ill bring this
340 I have t. It is engendered! Hell and night monstrous plan to success.
Must bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light.
Exit He exits.
Act 2, Scene 1
Enter MONTANO and two GENTLEMEN MONTANO and two GENTLEMEN enter.
MONTANO MONTANO
What from the cape can you discern at sea? What can you see out on the ocean?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FIRST GENTLEMAN
Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood. Nothing. The waters so rough that I cant see any
I cannot twixt the heaven and the main sails, either in the bay or on the ocean.
Descry a sail.
MONTANO MONTANO
5 Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land, It was windy on shore too. A big blast of wind
A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. shook our fortifications. How could a ship made
If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea out of wood hold together in those mountainous
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, waves? What do you think will be the result of this
Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? storm?
SECOND GENTLEMAN SECOND GENTLEMAN
10 A segregation of the Turkish fleet. The Turkish navy will be broken up. The winds
For do but stand upon the foaming shore, whipping up the waves so high you expect them to
The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds, reach the clouds and splash against the stars in
The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous the sky. Ive never seen the waters so disturbed.
mane,
15 Seems to cast water on the burning bear,
And quench the guards of th' ever-fixd pole.
I never did like molestation view
On the enchafd flood.
MONTANO MONTANO
If that the Turkish fleet If the Turkish fleet isnt protected in some harbor,
Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned. their men must all be drowned. No ship could
20 It is impossible they bear it out. survive this storm.
Enter a THIRD GENTLEMAN A THIRD GENTLEMAN enters.
THIRD GENTLEMAN THIRD GENTLEMAN

News, lads, Our wars are done! Ive got news, boys, the wars over! This terrible
The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks, storm has smashed the Turks so badly that their
That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice plans are ruined. One of our ships has reported
Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance that it saw most of their fleet shipwrecked.
25 On most part of their fleet.
MONTANO MONTANO
How? Is this true? What? Is this true?
The ship is here put in, The ships sailing into harbor now; its from
A Veronesa. Michael Cassio, Verona. Michael Cassio, lieutenant of the Moor
Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, Othello, has arrived on shore. The Moor himself is
Is come on shore. The Moor himself at sea still at sea. Hes been commissioned to come here
30 And is in full commission here for Cyprus. to Cyprus.
MONTANO MONTANO
I am glad on t. 'Tis a worthy governor. Im happy about that. Hell be a good governor.
But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort Cassio brings good news about the Turkish
Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly defeat, but hes worried about the Othellos safety.
And prays the Moor be safe. For they were parted The two of them were separated during the storm.
35 With foul and violent tempest.
MONTANO MONTANO
Pray heavens he be, I hope to God Othellos all right. I served under
For I have served him, and the man commands him, and I know what an excellent commander he
Like a full soldier. Lets to the seaside, ho! is. Lets go to the shore to get a look at the ship
As well to see the vessel thats come in that came in, and to look out for Othellos ship.
As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, Well stare out at the sea until the sea and the sky
40 Even till we make the main and th' aerial blue blur together.
An indistinct regard.
Come, lets do so. Lets do that. Every minute we expect more ships
For every minute is expectancy to arrive.
Of more arrivance.
Enter CASSIO CASSIO enters.
CASSIO CASSIO
Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle Thanks, you brave men who defend this island
45 That so approve the Moor. Oh, let the heavens and respect Othello. I hope heaven protects him
Give him defense against the elements, from the weather, because I lost sight of him on
For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. the stormy sea.
MONTANO MONTANO
Is he well shipped? Is his ship sturdy?
CASSIO CASSIO
His bark is stoutly timbered and his pilot Yes, its well built, and the ships pilot is very
50 Of very expert and approved allowance expert and experienced. For that reason I still
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, have some hope for him, even though I dont have
Stand in bold cure. my hopes up too high.
A VOICE A VOICE
(within) A sail, a sail, a sail! (offstage) A sail! A sail! A sail!
Enter a MESSENGER A MESSENGER enters.
CASSIO CASSIO
What noise? Whats all that shouting about?
MESSENGER MESSENGER
55 The town is empty. On the brow o' th' sea Everybody in town is down at the shore shouting
Stand ranks of people, and they cry A sail! A sail!
CASSIO CASSIO
My hopes do shape him for the governor. I hope its Othello.
A shot A shot is heard.
They do discharge their shot of courtesy. Theyve fired a greeting shot, so at least its a
Our friends at least. friendly ship.
CASSIO CASSIO
60 I pray you sir, go forth Please go find out for certain who has arrived.
And give us truth who tis that is arrived.

I shall. Ill do that.
Exit SECOND GENTLEMAN exits.
MONTANO MONTANO
But good lieutenant, is your general wived? Good lieutenant, is your general married?
CASSIO CASSIO
Most fortunately. He hath achieved a maid Yes, and hes very lucky to have married the woman
65 That paragons description and wild fame, he did. His wife defies description. Shes Gods
One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, masterpiece, and shed exhaust whoever tried to do
And in th' essential vesture of creation her justice while praising her.
Does tire the ingener.
Enter SECOND GENTLEMAN The SECOND GENTLEMAN enters.
How now? Who has put in? Whos arrived in the harbor?
70 'Tis one Iago, ancient to the general. A man named Iago, the generals ensign.
CASSIO CASSIO
Hes had most favorable and happy speed. He made good time. You see how the storm, the
Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling jagged rocks, and the sand banks that trap ships all
winds, appreciate a beautiful woman. They let the heavenly
The guttered rocks and congregated sands, Desdemona arrive safe and sound.
75 Traitors ensteeped to enclog the guiltless keel,
As having sense of beauty, do omit
Their mortal natures, letting go safely by
The divine Desdemona.
MONTANO MONTANO
What is she? Whos that?
CASSIO CASSIO
She that I spake of, our great captains captain, Shes the one I was talking about, the generals
80 Left in the conduct of the bold Iago, wife. The brave Iago was put in charge of bringing
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts her here, and hes arrived a week sooner than we
A se'nnights speed. Great Jove, Othello guard, expected. Dear God, please protect Othello and
And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, help him arrive here safely, so he and Desdemona
That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, can be in each others arms, and Othello can cheer
85 Make loves quick pants in Desdemonas arms, us up and bring comfort to Cyprus.
Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits
And bring all Cyprus comfort!
Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, IAGO, RODERIGOwi DESDEMONA, IAGO, RODERIGO and EMILIAent
th attendants er.

Oh, behold, Look, the precious Desdemona has arrived on

The riches of the ship is come on shore! shore. We should all kneel before her, men of
You men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. Cyprus! Greetings, my lady, and may God always
90 Hail to thee, lady, and the grace of heaven, be with you.
Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
Enwheel thee round!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I thank you, valiant Cassio. Thank you, brave Cassio. Is there any news about
What tidings can you tell me of my lord? my husband?
CASSIO CASSIO
95 He is not yet arrived. Nor know I aught He hasnt arrived yet. As far as I know, hes okay
But that hes well and will be shortly here. and will arrive here soon.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, but I fear. How lost you company? Oh, but Im worried. How did you two get
separated?
CASSIO CASSIO
The great contention of the sea and skies The storm separated us.
Parted our fellowship
A VOICE A VOICE
100 (within) A sail, a sail! (offstage) A sail! A sail!
CASSIO CASSIO
But, hark! a sail. Listen, theyve spotted another ship!
A shot A gunshot is heard.
They give this greeting to the citadel. They fired a greeting shot too, so this is also a
This likewise is a friend. friendly ship.
CASSIO CASSIO
See for the news. Go find out the news.
Exit a SECOND GENTLEMEN SECOND GENTLEMAN exits.
Good ancient, you are welcome.Welcome, Ensign Iago, welcome.And welcome to you,
105 mistress. too, madam. (he kisses EMILIA) Dont be upset
(kisses EMILIA) that I kissed your wife hello, Iago. Its a courtesy
Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, where I come from.
That I extend my manners. 'Tis my breeding
That gives me this bold show of courtesy.
IAGO IAGO
Sir, would she give you so much of her lips If she gave you as much lip as she gives me,
110 As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, youd be sick of her by now.
Youll have enough.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas, she has no speech! On the contrary, shes a soft-spoken woman.
IAGO IAGO
In faith, too much. No, she talks too much. Shes always talking
I find it still, when I have leave to sleep. when I want to sleep. I admit that in front of you,
115 Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, my lady, she keeps a bit quiet. But shes scolding
She puts her tongue a little in her heart me silently.
And chides with thinking.
EMILIA EMILIA
You have little cause to say so. You have no reason to say that.
IAGO IAGO
Come on, come on. You are pictures out of door, Come on, come on. You women are all the same.
bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints Youre as pretty as pictures when youre out in
in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your public, but in your own houses youre as noisy as
housewifery, and housewives in your beds. jangling bells. In your own kitchens you act like
wildcats. You make yourselves sound like saints
when youre complaining about something, but
you act like devils when someone offends you.
You dont take your jobs as housewives seriously,
and youre shameless hussies in bed.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer! Shame on you, you slanderer!
IAGO IAGO
120 Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk. No, its true, or if its not, Im a villain. You wake
You rise to play and go to bed to work. up to have fun, and you start work when you go to
bed.
EMILIA EMILIA
You shall not write my praise. You clearly have nothing good to say about me.
IAGO IAGO
No, let me not. No, I dont.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst But if you had to say something nice about me,
praise me? what would you say?
IAGO IAGO
O gentle lady, do not put me to t, Dont make me do it, my lady. Im critical by
125 For I am nothing, if not critical. nature.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Come on, assay. Theres one gone to the harbor? Come on, just try.By the way, has someone
gone down to the harbor?
IAGO IAGO
Ay, madam. Yes, madam.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I am not merry, but I do beguile Im not as happy as I seem. Im just trying not to
The thing I am by seeming otherwise. show how worried I am about Othellos safety.
130 Come, how wouldst thou praise me? Come on, what would you say about me?
IAGO IAGO
I am about it, but indeed my invention Im trying to think of something, but Im not good
Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frieze, at inventing clever things. It takes time. Ah, Ive
It plucks out brains and all. But my Muse labors got it. If a woman is pretty and smart, she uses
And thus she is delivered: her good looks to get what she wants.
135 If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit,
The ones for use, the other useth it.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Well praised! How if she be black and witty? Very clever! But what if the woman is smart but
ugly?
IAGO IAGO
If she be black, and thereto have a wit, Even if shes ugly, shell be smart enough to find a
Shell find a white that shall her blackness fit. guy to sleep with her.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
140 Worse and worse! This is getting worse and worse!
EMILIA EMILIA
How if fair and foolish? What if shes pretty but stupid?
IAGO IAGO
She never yet was foolish that was fair, No pretty woman is stupid, because her stupidity
For even her folly helped her to an heir. will make her more attractive to men.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i' These are stupid old jokes that men tell each
th' alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her other in bars. What horrible thing do you have to
Thats foul and foolish? say about a woman whos both ugly and stupid?
IAGO IAGO
145 Theres none so foul and foolish thereunto, No matter how ugly or stupid the woman is, she
But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. plays the same dirty tricks that the smart and
pretty ones do.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the worst best. You dont know a thing! You give your best praise
But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving to the worst women. But how would you praise a
woman indeed, one that in the authority of her merit truly good woman, someone who had no reason
did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself? to worry about what anyone said about her?
IAGO IAGO
She that was ever fair and never proud, A woman who was beautiful but never proud, who
Had tongue at will and yet was never loud, could speak well but knew when to be quiet, who
150 Never lacked gold and yet went never gay, dressed well but was never overdressed, who had
Fled from her wish and yet said Now I may, self-restraint even when she could get what she
She that being angered, her revenge being nigh, wanted, a woman who never took revenge, who
Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly, overlooked it when people hurt her, who was too
She that in wisdom never was so frail wise to do anything stupid, who could think
155 To change the cods head for the salmons tail, without revealing her thoughts, and who could
She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind, refrain from flirting with men in love with her, that
See suitors following and not look behind, kind of woman, if she ever existed, would
She was a wight, if ever such wights were
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
To do what? Would do what?
IAGO IAGO
160 To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. Would raise babies and clip coupons.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn Oh, thats pathetic! Dont listen to him, Emilia,
of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband. How say even though hes your husband. What do you
you, Cassio? Is he not a most profane and liberal think about him, Cassio? Isnt he a horrible man?
counselor?
CASSIO CASSIO
He speaks home, madam. You may relish him more He speaks bluntly, madam. Hes more of a soldier
in the soldier than in the scholar. than a wise man.
CASSIO takes DESDEMONA'S hand CASSIO takes DESDEMONA'S hand.
IAGO IAGO
(aside) He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, (to himself) Hes taking her hand. Thats right, go
whisper! With as little a web as this will I ensnare as ahead and whisper together. This is all I need to
great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do, I will get Cassio. Yes, keep smiling at her, Cassio. Your
gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, 'Tis fine manners around women will be your
so, indeed. downfall. Oh, Im sure youre saying something
very clever.
If such tricks as these strip you out of your If you lose your job because of little flirtations like
lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed this, youll wish you hadnt been so courteous with
your three fingers so oft, which now again you are her. Oh, how nice, youre kissingyour own hand,
most apt to play the sir in. Very good, well kissed, one finger at a time? I wish those fingers were
and excellent courtesy! tis so, indeed. Yet again your enema tubes!
fingers to your lips? Would they were clyster-pipes for
your sake!
Trumpet within A trumpet plays offstage.
165 The Moor! I know his trumpet. Thats the Moor! I recognize his trumpet.
CASSIO CASSIO
'Tis truly so. Yes, it is.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Lets meet him and receive him. Lets go greet him when he lands.
CASSIO CASSIO
Lo, where he comes! Look, here he comes.
Enter OTHELLO and attendants OTHELLO enters with attendants.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh my fair warrior! My beautiful warrior!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
My dear Othello! My darling Othello!

OTHELLO OTHELLO
It gives me wonder great as my content Im amazed you got here before me. But Im
To see you here before me. Oh, my souls joy! overjoyed! My love, if the calm after the storm
170 If after every tempest come such calms, could always be this wonderful, Id want the wind
May the winds blow till they have wakened death, to blow until it waked the dead, and whipped up
And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas waves as tall as mountains! If I died right now Id
Olympus-high, and duck again as low be completely happy, since Ill probably never be
As hells from heaven! If it were now to die, as happy as this again in my life.
175 '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.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
The heavens forbid God willing, our love and our happiness will only
But that our loves and comforts should increase, increase as we get older.
180 Even as our days do grow.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Amen to that, sweet powers! Amen to that! I cant talk about my happiness
I cannot speak enough of this content. anymore. Its too much. I hope these kisses Im
It stops me here, it is too much of joy. about to give you are the closest we ever come to
And this, and this, the greatest discords be (kissing fighting.(they kiss)
her)
That e'er our hearts shall make!
IAGO IAGO
185 (aside) (to himself) Oh, youre happy now, but Ill ruin
Oh, you are well tuned now, your happiness, for all my supposed honesty.
But Ill set down the pegs that make this music,
As honest as I am.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Come, let us to the castle. Lets go up to the castle. Good news, friends. The
News, friends! Our wars are done, the Turks are wars over and the Turks are drowned. How are
drowned. my old friends from this island doing?Honey,
190 How does my old acquaintance of this isle? theyll love you here in Cyprus. Theyve been very
Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus, good to me here. Oh, my dear, Im blabbing on
I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, and on because Im so happy.Iago, would you
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote be good enough to go get my trunks from the
In mine own comforts.I prithee, good Iago, ships? And bring the ships captain to the castle.
195 Go to the bay and disembark my coffers. Hes a good man.Lets go, Desdemona. Ill say
Bring thou the master to the citadel. it again: Im so happy to see you here in Cyprus!
He is a good one, and his worthiness
Does challenge much respect.Come, Desdemona,

Once more, well met at Cyprus.
Exeunt OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, and attendants OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, and attendants exit.
IAGO IAGO
Do thou meet me presently at the harbor.Come Meet me down at the harbor.Come here. They
hither. If thou best valiant, as they say base men say love makes cowards brave. So if youre brave,
being in love have then a nobility in their natures listen to me. Lieutenant Cassio will be on guard
more than is native to them, list me. The lieutenant duty tonight. But first, I have to tell you that
tonight watches on the court of guard. First, I must Desdemonas completely in love with him.
tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
200 With him? Why, tis not possible. With Cassio? Thats impossible.
IAGO IAGO
Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Be quiet and listen to me. Remember how she fell
Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, madly in love with the Moor because he bragged
but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies. To and told her made-up stories? Did you expect her
love him still for prating? Let not thy discreet heart to keep on loving him for his chattering? Youre
think it. Her eye must be fed, and what delight shall too smart to think that. No, she needs someone
she have to look on the devil? When the blood is nice-looking. Othellos ugly, what pleasure could
made dull with the act of sport, there should be a she find in him? Lovemaking gets boring after a
game to inflame it and to give satiety a fresh appetite, while. To keep things hot, shell need to see
loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners and someone with a handsome face, someone close
beauties. All which the Moor is defective in. Now for to her in age, someone who looks and acts like
want of these required conveniences, her delicate her. Othello isnt any of those things. Since he
tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the doesnt have these advantages to make him
gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor. Very nature will attractive to her, shell get sick of him until he
instruct her in it and compel her to some second makes her want to puke. Shell start looking
choice. Now sir, this grantedas it is a most around for a second choice. Now, if thats true
pregnant and unforced positionwho stands so and its obviously truewhos in a better position
eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio than Cassio? Hes a smooth talker, and uses
does? A knave very voluble, no further conscionable sophistication and fine manners to hide his lust.
than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane Nobodys as crafty as he is. Besides, hes young
seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and and handsome, and hes got all the qualities that
most hidden loose affection. Why, none, why, none! A nave and silly girls go for. Hes a bad boy, and
slipper and subtle knave, a finder of occasions that Desdemonas got her eye on him already.
has an eye, can stamp and counterfeit advantages,
though true advantage never present itself. A devilish
knave. Besides, the knave is handsome, young, and
hath all those requisites in him that folly and green
minds look after. A pestilent complete knave, and the
woman hath found him already.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I cannot believe that in her. Shes full of most blessed I cant believe that. Shes not that kind of woman.
condition. Shes very moral.
IAGO IAGO
Blessed figs-end! The wine she drinks is made of Like hell she is! Shes made of the same flesh
grapes. If she had been blessed, she would never and blood as everyone else. If she were so moral,
have loved the Moor. Blessed pudding! Didst thou not she would never have fallen in love with the Moor
see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not in the first place. Good lord! Did you notice how
mark that? she and Cassio were fondling each others
hands? Did you see that?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Yes, that I did, but that was but courtesy. Yes, I did. But that wasnt romantic, it was just
polite manners.
IAGO IAGO
205 Lechery, by this hand, an index and obscure They were lusting after each other. You could tell
prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They by how they were acting that theyre going to be
met so near with their lips that their breaths lovers. They were so close that their breath was
embraced together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! mingling. When two people get that intimate, sex
When these mutabilities so marshal the way, hard at will soon follow. Disgusting! But listen to me; let
hand comes the master and main exercise, th' me guide you. I brought you here from Venice. Be
incorporate conclusion. Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by on guard duty tonight. Ill put you in charge.
me. I have brought you from Venice. Watch you Cassio doesnt know you. Ill be nearby. Make
tonight for the command, Ill lay t upon you. Cassio Cassio angry somehow, either by speaking too
knows you not. Ill not be far from you. Do you find loud, or insulting his military skills, or however
some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking else you want.
too loud, or tainting his discipline, or from what other
course you please, which the time shall more
favorably minister.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Well. All right.
IAGO IAGO
Sir, hes rash and very sudden in choler, and haply Hes hot-tempered, and he might try to hit you
may strike at you. Provoke him that he may. For even with his staff. Try to get him to do that. Thatll
out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, allow me to stir up public sentiment against him
whose qualification shall come into no true taste here in Cyprus. Ill get them so riled up that theyll
again but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you only calm down when Cassios fired. To get what
have a shorter journey to your desires by the means I you want, you need to get Cassio out of the way.
shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment If you dont do that, things are hopeless for you.
most profitably removed, without the which there
were no expectation of our prosperity.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I will do this, if you can bring it to any opportunity. Ill do it, if you help me out.
IAGO IAGO
I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I I promise I will. Meet me in a little while at the
must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. citadel. I need to get Othellos things from the
ship. Goodbye.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
210 Adieu. Goodbye.
Exit RODERIGO exits.
IAGO IAGO
That Cassio loves her, I do well believe t. I think Cassio really does love her, and its
That she loves him, tis apt and of great credit. perfectly likely that she loves him too. I cant
The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, stand the Moor, but I have to admit that hes a
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, reliable, loving, and good-natured man. Hed
215 And I dare think hell prove to Desdemona probably be a good husband to Desdemona. I
A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too, love her too, not simply out of lust, but also to
Not out of absolute lustthough peradventure feed my revenge. I have a feeling the Moor slept
I stand accountant for as great a sin with my wife. That thought keeps gnawing at me,
But partly led to diet my revenge, eating me up inside. I wont be satisfied until I get
220 For that I do suspect the lusty Moor even with him, wife for wife. If I cant do that, I can
Hath leaped into my seat. The thought whereof at least make the Moor so jealous that he cant
Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards, think straight. If that piece of Venetian trash
And nothing can or shall content my soul Roderigo can do what I need to carry out my plan,
Till I am evened with him, wife for wife. Ill have power over Cassio. Ill say bad things
225 Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor about him to the Moor. I have a feeling Cassio
At least into a jealousy so strong seduced my wife as well. Ill make the Moor thank
That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do, me, love me, and reward me, even though the
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace joke will be on him the whole time. Ive got a good
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, plan, though I havent worked out the details yet.
230 Ill have our Michael Cassio on the hip, You can never see the end of an evil plan until the
Abuse him to the Moor in the right garb moment comes.
(For I fear Cassio with my night-cape too)
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me
For making him egregiously an ass
235 And practicing upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused.
Knaverys plain face is never seen till used.
Exit IAGO exits.
Act 2, Scene 2
Enter Othellos HERALD, with a proclamation Othellos HERALD enters with a proclamation.
HERALD HERALD
It is Othellos pleasure, our noble and valiant general, Our noble and courageous general Othello having
that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the been informed that the Turkish fleet has been
mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put completely destroyed, invites every man to
himself into triumph: some to dance, some to make celebrate our victory. Some of you dance, some of
bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his you make bonfires, and every man celebrate in
addiction leads him. For besides these beneficial whatever way he likes to. For besides the good
news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So much was news, we are also celebrating his marriage. Thats
his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are the end of the announcement. There will be a feast
open, and there is full liberty of feasting from this from five o'clock until eleven. God bless the island
present hour of five till the bell have told eleven. Bless of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!
the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!
Exit The HERALD exits.
Act 2, Scene 3
Enter OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, CASSIO and

attendants attendants enter.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight. Good Michael, keep a careful eye on the guards
Lets teach ourselves that honorable stop tonight. Lets exercise restraint and not let the
Not to outsport discretion. party get too wild.
CASSIO CASSIO
Iago hath direction what to do, Iago has orders what to do. But Ill see to it
5 But notwithstanding with my personal eye personally anyway.
Will I look to t.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Iago is most honest. Iagos a good man. Goodnight, Michael. Come
Michael, good night. Tomorrow with your earliest talk to me tomorrow as early as you can.Come
Let me have speech with you. with me, my dear love. Now that the weddings
Come, my dear love, over, we can have the pleasure of consummating
10 The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue: our marriage. Good night, everyone.
That profits yet to come tween me and you.
Good night.
Exeunt OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, and attendants OTHELLO and DESDEMONA exit with their
attendants.
Enter IAGO IAGO enters.
CASSIO CASSIO
Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch. Hello, Iago. Its time for us to stand guard.
IAGO IAGO
Not this hour, lieutenant, tis not yet ten o' the clock. Not yet, lieutenant. Its not even ten o'clock. The
Our general cast us thus early for the love of his general got rid of us early tonight so he could be
Desdemonawho let us not therefore blame. He hath with Desdemona.I cant blame him. He hasnt
not yet made wanton the night with her, and she is spent the night with her yet, and shes beautiful
sport for Jove. enough to be Joves lover.
CASSIO CASSIO
15 Shes a most exquisite lady. Shes an exquisitely beautiful lady.
IAGO IAGO
And, Ill warrant her, full of game. And I bet shes good in bed too.
CASSIO CASSIO
Indeed shes a most fresh and delicate creature. Yes, shes young and tender.
IAGO IAGO
What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to And such pretty eyes! Like an invitation.
provocation.
CASSIO CASSIO
An inviting eye, and yet methinks right modest. Yes, shes pretty. But shes modest and ladylike
too.
IAGO IAGO
20 And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love? And when she speaks, doesnt her voice stir up
passion?
CASSIO CASSIO
She is indeed perfection. Shes a perfect woman, its true.
IAGO IAGO
Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I Well, good luck to them tonight in bed! Come with
have a stoup of wine, and here without are a brace of us, lieutenant. Ive got a jug of wine, and these two
Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the Cyprus gentlemen want to drink a toast to the
health of black Othello. black Othello.
CASSIO CASSIO
Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and unhappy Not tonight, Iago. Im not much of a drinker. I wish
brains for drinking. I could well wish courtesy would there was less social pressure to drink.
invent some other custom of entertainment.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, they are our friends. But one cup. Ill drink for you. Oh, but these are our friends. Just one glass. Ill
do most of the drinking for you.
CASSIO CASSIO
25 I have drunk but one cup tonight, and that was craftily Ive already had a glass of wine tonight, watered
qualified too, and behold what innovation it makes down, but look how drunk I am. Im not a heavy
here. I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not drinker. I wouldnt dare drink much more than that.
task my weakness with any more.
IAGO IAGO
What, man, tis a night of revels! The gallants desire it. What are you talking about, man? Tonight is for
celebrating! The gentlemen are waiting.
CASSIO CASSIO
Where are they? Where are they?
IAGO IAGO
Here at the door. I pray you call them in. By the door. Please invite them in.
CASSIO CASSIO
Ill do t, but it dislikes me. Ill do it, but I dont like it.
Exit CASSIO exits.
IAGO IAGO
30 If I can fasten but one cup upon him, If I can just get him to drink one more glass after
With that which he hath drunk tonight already, what hes drunk already, hell be as argumentative
Hell be as full of quarrel and offense and eager to fight as a little dog. That fool
As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo, all twisted up inside with love, has been
Roderigo, drinking toasts to Desdemona by the gallon, and
35 Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out, hes on guard duty.Ive gotten the rest of the
To Desdemona hath tonight caroused guards drunk, as well as several gentlemen from
Potations pottle-deep, and hes to watch. Cyprus who are quick to take offense. Now Ill get
Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits Cassio to do something in front of all these
(That hold their honors in a wary distance, drunkards that will offend everyone on the island.
40 The very elements of this warlike isle) Here they come. If the future turns out as I hope it
Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups, will, Im all set for success.
And they watch too. Now mongst this flock of
drunkards
Am I to put our Cassio in some action
That may offend the isle.
45 But here they come.
If consequence do but approve my dream
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
Enter CASSIO, MONTANO and gentlemen CASSIO, MONTANO, and GENTLEMEN enter,
followed by servants with wine.
CASSIO CASSIO
'Fore heaven, they have given me a rouse already. My God, theyve given me a lot to drink.
MONTANO MONTANO
Good faith, a little one, not past a pint, As I am a No, it was a little one, not more than a pint.
soldier.
IAGO IAGO
Some wine, ho! Bring in more wine!
(sings) (he sings)
And let me the cannikin clink, clink, And clink your glasses together,
50 And let me the cannikin clink. And clink your glasses together.
A soldiers a man, A soldiers a man,
A lifes but a span, And a mans life is short,
Why then let a soldier drink. So let the soldier drink.
Some wine, boys! Have some more wine, boys!

CASSIO CASSIO
55 Fore heaven, an excellent song. My God, what a great song!
IAGO IAGO
I learned it in England where indeed they are most I learned it England, where they have a talent for
potent in potting. Your Dane, your German, and your drinking. The Danes, the Germans, and the Dutch
swag-bellied HollanderDrink, ho!are nothing to come on, drink, drink!are nothing compared to
your English. the English.
CASSIO CASSIO
Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? Are Englishmen really such heavy drinkers?
IAGO IAGO
Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk; They drink Danes under the table, and it takes
he sweats not to overthrow your Almain. He gives them no effort at all to out-drink Germans. And the
your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be Dutch are vomiting while the English are asking
filled. for refills.
CASSIO CASSIO
To the health of our general! Lets drink to our general!
MONTANO MONTANO
60 I am for it, lieutenant, and Ill do you justice. Hear, hear! Ill drink as much as you do!
IAGO IAGO
Oh, sweet England! Oh, sweet England!
(sings) (he sings)
King Stephen was a worthy peer, King Stephen was a good king, and his pants
His breeches cost him but a crown, were very cheap,
65 He held them sixpence all too dear, But he thought his tailor overcharged him, so he
With that he called the tailor lown. called him a peasant.
He was a wight of high renown, And that was a man of noble rank, much higher
And thou art but of low degree, than you are.
'Tis pride that pulls the country down, So be happy with your worn-out cloak,
70 Then take thine auld cloak about thee. Since pride is ruining the nation.
Some wine, ho! More wine!
CASSIO CASSIO
Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. God, that songs even better than the other one.
IAGO IAGO
Will you hear t again? Do you want to hear it again?
CASSIO CASSIO
No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that No, because we shouldnt be doing thatstuff. Oh
does those things. Well, heavens above all, and there well, Gods in charge, and some people have to
be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not go to heaven, while other people have to go to
be saved. hell.
IAGO IAGO
75 Its true, good lieutenant. Thats true, lieutenant.
CASSIO CASSIO
For mine own part, no offence to the general nor any Speaking for myselfand no offense to the
man of quality, I hope to be saved. general or anyone elseI hope Im going to
heaven.
IAGO IAGO
And so do I too, lieutenant. Me too, lieutenant.
CASSIO CASSIO
Ay, but (by your leave) not before me. The lieutenant Okay, but please not before me. The lieutenant
is to be saved before the ancient. Lets have no more has to get to heaven before the ensign. But lets
of this, lets to our affairs.Forgive us our sins! stop this drinking and get down to business.God
Gentlemen, lets look to our business. Do not think, forgive our sins!Gentlemen, lets get down to
gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ancient, this is my business. By the way, I dont want anyone thinking
right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now. I Im drunk. This is my ensign. This is my right
can stand well enough, and I speak well enough. hand, and this is my left hand.
Im not drunk. I can stand well enough, and I can
speak just fine.
ALL ALL
Excellent well! Yes, youre speaking very well.
CASSIO CASSIO
80 Why, very well then. You must not think then that I am Yes, very well. So dont think that Im drunk.
drunk.
Exit CASSIO exits.
MONTANO MONTANO
To th' platform, masters. Come, lets set the watch. Lets go to the platform where well stand guard.
Come on.
Exit GENTLEMEN GENTLEMEN exit.
IAGO IAGO
You see this fellow that is gone before, You see that man who just left? Hes a good
He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar soldier, good enough to be Caesars right-hand
And give direction. And do but see his vice, man. But he has a serious weakness. Its too bad.
85 'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, Im worried that Othello trusts him too much, and
The one as long as th' other. 'Tis pity of him. itll be bad for Cyprus eventually.
I fear the trust Othello puts him in
On some odd time of his infirmity
Will shake this island.
MONTANO MONTANO
But is he often thus? But is he often like this?
IAGO IAGO
90 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. He drinks like this every night before he goes to
Hell watch the horologe a double set sleep. Hed stay up all night and all day if he didnt
If drink rock not his cradle. drink himself to sleep.
MONTANO MONTANO
It were well The general should be informed about this.
The general were put in mind of it. Maybe hes never noticed, or he only wants to see
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature Cassios good side. Dont you think so?
95 Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio
And looks not on his evils. Is not this true?
Enter RODERIGO RODERIGO enters.
IAGO IAGO
(aside) How now, Roderigo? (speaking so that only RODERIGO can hear)
I pray you, after the lieutenant, go! Hello, Roderigo. Please, follow the lieutenant.
Hurry! Go!
Exit RODERIGO RODERIGO exits.
MONTANO MONTANO
And tis great pity that the noble Moor And its too bad that the Moor chose a man with
100 Should hazard such a place as his own second such a deep-rooted drinking problem as his
With one of an ingraft infirmity. second-in-command. We should definitely say
It were an honest action to say something to the Moor.
So to the Moor.
IAGO IAGO
Not I, for this fair island. I wouldnt say anything, not if you gave me the
I do love Cassio well, and would do much whole island for doing so. I respect Cassio and Id
105 To cure him of this evil like to help cure his alcoholism
Cry within Help! help! A voice offstage calls Help! Help!
IAGO IAGO
But, hark! What noise? Whats that noise?
Enter CASSIO, pursuing RODERIGO CASSIO enters, chasing RODERIGO.
CASSIO CASSIO
Zounds! You rogue! You rascal! Damn you, you villain, you rascal!
MONTANO MONTANO
Whats the matter, lieutenant? Whats the matter, lieutenant?
CASSIO CASSIO
A knave teach me my duty? To think that fool had the nerve to try to teach me
110 Ill beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. manners! Ill beat him until the welts look like
basket-weave!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Beat me? Youll beat me?
CASSIO CASSIO
Dost thou prate, rogue? (strikes him) Are you talking, you villain?(he hits RODERIGO)
MONTANO MONTANO
Nay, good lieutenant! I pray you, sir, hold your hand. No, dont hit him, lieutenant! Please, sir, restrain
(stays him) yourself. (he restrains CASSIO)
CASSIO CASSIO
Let me go, sir, or Ill knock you o'er the mazzard. Let me go, or Ill knock you on the head.
MONTANO MONTANO
115 Come, come, youre drunk. Come on, youre drunk.

CASSIO CASSIO
Drunk? Drunk?
They fight MONTANO and CASSIO fight.
IAGO IAGO
(aside to RODERIGO) (speaking so that only RODERIGO can hear) Go
Away, I say, go out, and cry a mutiny. tell everyone theres a riot.
Nay, good lieutenant! Alas, gentlemen No, lieutenantGod, gentlemenHelp
120 Help, ho! Lieutenantsir, Montano Lieutenantsir, MontanoHelp, men!The night
Help, masters!Heres a goodly watch indeed! guard is coming!
Bell rings Someone rings a bell.
Whos that which rings the bell?Diablo, ho! Whos sounding that alarm? The whole town will
The town will rise. Fie, Fie, lieutenant, riot! God, lieutenant, please stop! Youll be
Youll be ashamed for ever. ashamed of this forever!
Enter OTHELLO and attendants OTHELLO enters with attendants.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
125 What is the matter here? What is the matter here?
MONTANO MONTANO
I bleed still, My God, Im bleeding! Ive been mortally
I am hurt to the death. He dies! wounded. Ill kill him!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Hold, for your lives! Stop right now!
IAGO IAGO
Hold, ho! Lieutenantsir, Montanogentlemen, Stop! Lieutenantsir, Montanogentlemen!
130 Have you forgot all place of sense and duty? Have you forgotten your duty and your sense of
Hold! The general speaks to you. Hold, for shame! decorum? Stop! The general is talking to you!
Stop, for Gods sake!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why, how now, ho! From whence ariseth this? How did this all start? Have we all become as
Are we turned Turks? And to ourselves do that savage as the Turks, treating each other as badly
Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? as they would have treated us? For heavens
135 For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl. sake, stop this savage brawl! The next man who
He that stirs next to carve for his own rage swings his sword must not care about his life,
Holds his soul light, he dies upon his motion. because the instant he strikes, he dies. Stop that
Silence that dreadful bell, it frights the isle alarm from ringing, its scaring the islanders.
From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? Whats the matter here, gentlemen?Honest
140 Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, Iago, you look upset. Speak up and tell me who
Speak, who began this? On thy love, I charge thee. started this. Answer me.
IAGO IAGO
I do not know. Friends all but now, even now, I dont know. We were all having fun until just a
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom minute ago; we were as happy as a bride and
Divesting them for bed. And then, but now, groom taking off their clothes. But then the mood
145 As if some planet had unwitted men, suddenly changed. It was as if something had
driven the men insane and made them point their
swords at one another. I dont
Swords out, and tilting one at others breasts know what could have started this. Id rather have
In opposition bloody. I cannot speak lost my legs in battle than be a part of this!
Any beginning to this peevish odds,
And would in action glorious I had lost
150 Those legs that brought me to a part of it.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? How did you manage to lose your self-control like
this, Michael?
CASSIO CASSIO
I pray you pardon me, I cannot speak. Please, excuse me, sir. I cant speak.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil. Montano, youre supposed to be calm and
The gravity and stillness of your youth collected. Youre famous for it. Wise people
155 The world hath noted, and your name is great respect you. What in the world made you risk your
In mouths of wisest censure. Whats the matter reputation like this and become a street brawler?
That you unlace your reputation thus Tell me.
And spend your rich opinion for the name
Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it.
MONTANO MONTANO
160 Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. Othello, Ive been seriously hurt. Your officer Iago
Your officer Iago can inform you, can tell you what happened. I should save my
While I spare speech, which something now offends breath, since it hurts to talk. I didnt do anything
me, wrong that I know of, unless it was a sin to defend
Of all that I do know. Nor know I aught myself when someone attacked me.
165 By me thats said or done amiss this night,
Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
When violence assails us.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Now, by heaven, All right, now Im starting to lose my cool. By God,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule, if you dont tell me what happened youll all suffer.
And passion, having my best judgment collied, Tell me how this fight began, who started it.
170 Assays to lead the way. If I once stir, Whoever is guilty, even if he were my twin brother,
I swear Im through with him. Were in a town
thats just

Or do but lift this arm, the best of you avoided a war, everyones still on edge, and
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know youre getting into private fights while youre
How this foul rout began, who set it on, supposed to be on guard duty? Thats
And he that is approved in this offence, unbelievably bad. Iago, who started it?
175 Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me. What, in a town of war
Yet wild, the peoples hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel?
In night, and on the court and guard of safety?
180 'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began t?
MONTANO MONTANO
If partially affined or leagued in office I know youre close to Cassio, but if you diverge
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth from the truth in any way, youre not a true soldier.
Thou art no soldier.
IAGO IAGO
Touch me not so near. Youre hitting close to home there. Id rather cut
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth my tongue out of my mouth than say anything bad
185 Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio. about Michael Cassio. But I dont think itll hurt
Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth him to tell the truth. This is what happened,
Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general: General. Montano and I were talking when a man
Montano and myself being in speech, came running, crying for help. Cassio was
There comes a fellow crying out for help chasing him with his sword out, trying to kill the
190 And Cassio following him with determined sword guy. This gentleman stopped Cassio and told him
To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman to put away his sword. I followed the guy who was
Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause, crying for help, to keep him from scaring the
Myself the crying fellow did pursue, public. But he was fast and outran me. When I got
Lest by his clamoras it so fell out back, I heard the swords clinking and Cassio
195 The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot, swearing. Id never heard him swear before. They
Outran my purpose, and I returned then rather were nearly killing each other, as you saw when
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords you pulled them apart. I cant tell you anything
And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight else.
I ne'er might say before. When I came back
200 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.
But men are men, the best sometimes forget. But nobodys perfect, and even the best man
205 Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, sometimes loses control and strikes out in rage.
As men in rage strike those that wish them best, Cassio was wrong to hurt Montano, who was only
Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received trying to help him, but Im sure the guy who ran
From him that fled some strange indignity away must have offended Cassio in some terrible
Which patience could not pass. way, and Cassio couldnt let it pass.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I know, Iago, Iago, I know youre fond of Cassio and are
210 Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, downplaying this for his benefit. Cassio, I love
Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee you, but youre never again going to be one of my
But never more be officer of mine. officers.
Enter DESDEMONA, attended DESDEMONA enters with attendants.
Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! Look, youve woken my wife! Ill make you an
Ill make thee an example. example for the others to learn from.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
215 Whats the matter, dear? Whats the matter, dear?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Alls well, sweeting, Everythings fine, now, sweetheart. Go back to
Come away to bed.(to MONTANO) Sir, for your bed. (to MONTANO) Ill see to it personally that
hurts your wounds are treated. Lead him off.
Myself will be your surgeon. Lead him off.
MONTANO is led off MONTANO is carried off.
Iago, look with care about the town Iago, go and calm down the townspeople.Come
220 And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. with me, Desdemona. Unfortunately, its part of
Come, Desdemona, tis the soldiers' life the soldiers life to be woken up by trouble.
To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
Exeunt all but IAGO and CASSIO Everyone except CASSIO and IAGO exits.
IAGO IAGO
What, are you hurt, lieutenant? Are you hurt, lieutenant?
CASSIO CASSIO
Ay, past all surgery. Yes, but no doctor can help me.
IAGO IAGO
225 Marry, heaven forbid! Oh I hope thats not true!
CASSIO CASSIO
Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my My reputation, my reputation! Ive lost my
reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, reputation, the longest-living and truest part of
and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my myself! Everything else in me is just animal-like.
reputation! Oh, my reputation, Iago, my reputation!
IAGO IAGO
As I am an honest man, I thought you had received I swear I thought you meant youd been hurt
some bodily wound. There is more sense in that than physically. Your physical health matters more than
in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false your reputation. A reputation is a useless and
imposition, oft got without merit and lost without fake quality that others impose on us. You havent
deserving. You have lost no reputation at all unless lost it unless you think you have. There are lots of
you repute yourself such a loser. What, man, there ways to get on the generals good side again.
are ways to recover the general again. You are but Youve been discharged because hes angry, and
now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy because hes obliged to do so for policy reasons,
than in malice, even so as one would beat his not because he dislikes you. Hes got to beat up
offenseless dog to affright an imperious lion. Sue to the weak to frighten the strong. Go to him, petition
him again and hes yours. him. Hell change his mind.
CASSIO CASSIO
I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so Id rather ask him to hate me than ask such a
good a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so good commander to accept such a worthless,
indiscreet an officer. Drunk? And speak parrot? And drunk, stupid officer as myself. Drunk? Babbling
squabble? Swagger? Swear? And discourse fustian senselessly? Squabbling? Swaggering?
with ones own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of Swearing? Ranting and raving to my own
wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call shadow! Oh, wine is the devil!
thee devil!
IAGO IAGO
What was he that you followed with your sword? Who were you chasing with your sword? What did
What had he done to you? he do to you?
CASSIO CASSIO
230 I know not. I dont know.
IAGO IAGO
Is t possible? Is that possible?
CASSIO CASSIO
I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly. A I remember a jumble of impressions, but nothing
quarrel, but nothing wherefore. Oh, that men should distinctly. I remember a fight, but not why we were
put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their fighting. Oh God, why do men drink and lose their
brains! That we should, with joy, pleasance revel and minds? Why do we party until were like animals?
applause, transform ourselves into beasts!
IAGO IAGO
Why, but you are now well enough. How came you You seem all right now. How did you get better?
thus recovered?
CASSIO CASSIO
It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to My drunkenness went away when anger took
the devil wrath. One unperfectness shows me over. One weakness led to another, to make me
another, to make me frankly despise myself. hate myself.
IAGO IAGO
235 Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the time, the Come on, youre being too hard on yourself. I
place, and the condition of this country stands, I wish none of this had happened, given the
could heartily wish this had not befallen. But since it situation here, and your rank. But since this has
is as it is, mend it for your own good. happened, you should fix it for your own good.
CASSIO CASSIO
I will ask him for my place again, he shall tell me I am Ill ask him for my position back again, and hell
a drunkard. Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such an tell me Im a drunk. Even if I had a whole bunch of
answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible mouths, I wouldnt be able to answer that. I was a
man, by and by a fool, and presently a beast! Oh, reasonable man, then I became a fool, and finally
strange! Every inordinate cup is unblessed and the a beast! Oh, how strange! Every glass of liquor is
ingredient is a devil. damned, and the devils the main ingredient!
IAGO IAGO
Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if Come on now, wine is good for you, if you know
it be well used. Exclaim no more against it. And, how to use it. Dont say anything bad about wine
good lieutenant, I think you think I love you. anymore. Lieutenant, I think you know Im your
friend.
CASSIO CASSIO
I have well approved it, sir. I drunk! I know that, sir. Imagine, me, a drunk!
IAGO IAGO
You or any man living may be drunk at a time, man. I Any man can get drunk sometime. Ill tell you
tell you what you shall do. Our generals wife is now what to do. Othellos wife has a lot of influence
the general. I may say so in this respect, for that he now. Hes completely devoted to her. Go open
hath devoted and given up himself to the your heart to her. Ask her to help you get back
contemplation, mark, and denotement of her parts your position. She is so generous, kind, and
and graces. Confess yourself freely to her, importune ready to help that she thinks its wrong not to do
her help to put you in your place again. She is of so everything she can, even more than she is asked
free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, she to do. Ask her to help you heal the rift between
holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than her husband and you. Id bet my lucky stars your
she is requested. This broken joint between you and problem will be forgotten, and your relationship
her husband entreat her to splinter, and, my fortunes will be stronger than ever.
against any lay worth naming, this crack of your love
shall grow stronger than it was before.
CASSIO CASSIO
240 You advise me well. Thats good advice.
IAGO IAGO
I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness. Im helping you because I like and respect you.
CASSIO CASSIO
I think it freely, and betimes in the morning I will I believe it completely. Early in the morning Ill go
beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for visit Desdemona and plead my case. My situation
me. I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me. is desperate.
IAGO IAGO
You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant, I must to Youre doing the right thing. Good night,
the watch. lieutenant. Ive got to go to the guard tower.
CASSIO CASSIO
Good night, honest Iago. Good night, honest Iago.
Exit CASSIO exits.
IAGO IAGO
245 And whats he then that says I play the villain? Who can say Im evil when my advice is so good?
When this advice is free I give and honest, Thats really the best way to win the Moor back
Probal to thinking and indeed the course again. Its easy to get Desdemona on your side.
To win the Moor again? For tis most easy Shes full of good intentions. And the Moor loves
Th' inclining Desdemona to subdue her so much he would renounce his Christianity to
250 In any honest suit. Shes framed as fruitful keep her happy. Hes so enslaved by love that she
As the free elements. And then for her can make him do whatever she wants. How am I
To win the Moor, were to renounce his baptism, evil to advise Cassio to do exactly whatll do him
All seals and symbols of redeemd sin, good? Thats the kind of argument youd expect
His soul is so enfettered to her love, from Satan! When devils are about to commit
255 That she may make, unmake, do what she list, their biggest sins they put on their most heavenly
Even as her appetite shall play the god faces, just like Im doing now. And while this fool
With his weak function. How am I then a villain is begging Desdemona to help him, and while
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, shes pleading his case to the Moor, Ill poison the
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! Moors ear against her, hinting that shes taking
260 When devils will the blackest sins put on Cassios side because of her lust for him. The
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows more she
As I do now. For whiles this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
265 Ill pour this pestilence into his ear:
That she repeals him for her bodys lust. tries to help Cassio, the more shell shake
And by how much she strives to do him good Othellos confidence in her. And thats how Ill turn
She shall undo her credit with the Moor. her good intentions into a big trap to snag them
So will I turn her virtue into pitch all.
270 And out of her own goodness make the net
That shall enmesh them all.
How now, Roderigo! Hello, Roderigo!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I do follow here in the chase not like a hound that Im totally worn out. My chase is too much for me.
hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is Ive spent most of my money, and tonight I got
almost spent, I have been tonight exceedingly well beaten up. The upshot is that Ive got a little more
cudgeled, and I think the issue will be I shall have so experience. So with no money, but a little more
much experience for my pains. And so, with no wisdom, Im going back to Venice.
money at all and a little more wit, return again to
Venice.
IAGO IAGO
How poor are they that have not patience! Youre a poor man if youre this impatient! If you
What wound did ever heal but by degrees? get hurt, does your wound heal immediately? No,
275 Thou knowst we work by wit and not by witchcraft, it heals gradually. We achieve things with our
And wit depends on dilatory time. intelligence, not by magic, and intelligent planning
Doest not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee. takes time. Arent things going well? Cassios
And thou, by that small hurt, hath cashiered Cassio. beaten you up, but with that tiny sacrifice on your
Though other things grow fair against the sun, part, you got Cassio discharged! If were patient,
280 Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. well be rewarded with the fruits of our labors. My
Content thyself awhile. In troth, tis morning. God, its morning. All this excitement has made
Pleasure and action make the hours seem short. the time fly by. Go back to where youre staying
Retire thee, go where thou art billeted. and go to sleep. Go on, Im telling you. Youll
Away, I say, thou shalt know more hereafter. understand better later. Go.
285 Nay, get thee gone.
Two things are to be done: Now two things still need to be done. My wife has
My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress. to help make Desdemona take Cassios side. Ill
Ill set her on. put her on that. And I need to take the Moor aside
Myself, the while, to draw the Moor apart right at the moment when Cassios talking to
And bring him jump when he may Cassio find Desdemona, so hell see them together. Yes,
290 Soliciting his wife. Ay, thats the way. thats the way Ill do it. Lets not ruin a brilliant
Dull not device by coldness and delay. plan by being slow to act.
Exit IAGO exits.
Act 3, Scene 1
Enter CASSIO and MUSICIANS CASSIO enters with MUSICIANS.

CASSIO CASSIO
Masters, play here, I will content your pains. Musicians, start playing here. Ill pay you for your
Something thats brief, and bid Good morrow, trouble. Play something short that will put the
general. general in a good mood.
They play. Enter CLOWN The MUSICIANS play. The CLOWN enters.
CLOWN CLOWN
Why masters, have your instruments been in Naples, Your instruments all have a nasal twang. Have
that they speak i' th' nose thus? they been to Naples?
MUSICIAN MUSICIAN
How, sir? How? Excuse me?
CLOWN CLOWN
5 Are these, I pray you, wind instruments? Are these wind instruments?
MUSICIAN MUSICIAN
Ay, marry, are they, sir. Yes, they are.
CLOWN CLOWN
Oh, thereby hangs a tail. Oh, theres the problem.
MUSICIAN MUSICIAN
Whereby hangs a tale, sir? Whats the problem?
CLOWN CLOWN
Marry sir, by many a wind instrument that I know. But, Anyone full of hot air is a problem. But heres
masters, heres money for you, and the general so some money. The general likes your music a lot,
likes your music that he desires you, for loves sake, but he asks you to stop playing now.
to make no more noise with it.

MUSICIAN MUSICIAN
10 Well, sir, we will not. Well, well stop, then.
CLOWN CLOWN
If you have any music that may not be heard, to t If youve got any music that cant be heard, then
again. But, as they say, to hear music the general play that. But as I said, the general isnt really in
does not greatly care. the mood to hear music now.
MUSICIAN MUSICIAN
We have none such, sir. We dont have any music that cant be heard.
CLOWN CLOWN
Then put up your pipes in your bag, for Ill away. Go, Then pack up your instruments and go away. Go!
vanish into air, away!
Exeunt MUSICIANS The MUSICIANS exit.
CASSIO CASSIO
Dost thou hear, my honest friend? Do you hear, my friend?
CLOWN CLOWN
15 No, I hear not your honest friend, I hear you. No, I dont hear your friend. I hear you.
CASSIO CASSIO
Prithee, keep up thy quillets. Theres a poor piece of Please dont play games.
gold for thee. If the gentlewoman that attends the (CASSIO givesCLOWN money). Theres a bit of
generals wife be stirring, tell her theres one Cassio gold for you. When the woman taking care of the
entreats her a little favour of speech. Wilt thou do generals wife wakes up, could you please tell her
this? that Cassio asks to speak with her?
CLOWN CLOWN
She is stirring, sir. If she will stir hither, I shall seem to Shes awake, sir. If she feels like coming over
notify unto her. here, Ill give her your message.
Exit CLOWN The CLOWN exits.
In happy time, Iago. Good to see you, Iago.
IAGO IAGO
You have not been abed, then? You didnt go to sleep, then?
CASSIO CASSIO
Why, no. The day had broke No. When I left you it was already morning. Ive
Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, been bold, Iago. Ive asked to talk to your wife. Im
20 To send in to your wife. My suit to her going to ask her to let me talk to Desdemona.
Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access.
IAGO IAGO
Ill send her to you presently, Ill send her out to you now. Ill think of a plan to
And Ill devise a mean to draw the Moor get the Moor out of the way, so you can speak
25 Out of the way, that your converse and business more openly.
May be more free.
CASSIO CASSIO
I humbly thank you fort. I humbly thank you.
Exit IAGO IAGO exits.
I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest. Even for a Florentine, I never knew someone so
kind and honest.
Enter EMILIA EMILIA enters.
EMILIA EMILIA
Good morrow, good Lieutenant. I am sorry Good morning, lieutenant. Im sorry about what
30 For your displeasure, but all will sure be well. happened, but Im sure everything will turn out all
The general and his wife are talking of it, right. The general and his wife are talking about it
And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies now, and shes defending you strongly. The Moor
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus says the man you hurt is very important in Cyprus,
And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom and that under the circumstances he has no
35 He might not but refuse you. But he protests he loves choice but to refuse to reinstate you. But he says
you he still loves and respects you, and based on his
And needs no other suitor but his likings own feelings alone hes looking for an opportunity
To take the safest occasion by the front to safely take you back.
To bring you in again.
CASSIO CASSIO
Yet I beseech you, Please find a way to give me some time alone with
If you think fit, or that it may be done, Desdemona, if you think thats all right.
40 Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemona alone.
EMILIA EMILIA
Pray you come in. Please come in. Ill take you to a place where you
I will bestow you where you shall have time can speak freely.
To speak your bosom freely.
CASSIO CASSIO
I am much bound to you. Thank you very much.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 3, Scene 2
Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and GENTLEMEN OTHELLO, IAGO and GENTLEMEN enter.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
These letters give, Iago, to the pilot, Iago, give these letters to the ships captain who
And by him do my duties to the senate. brought me here, and ask him to pay my respects
That done, I will be walking on the works, to the Senate of Venice. Now thats done, Im
Repair there to me. going to walk on the fortification walls. Look for me
there when you come back.
IAGO IAGO
5 Well, my good lord, Ill do t. I will, my lord.

OTHELLO OTHELLO
This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see t? Shall we go see this fortification, men?
GENTLEMEN GENTLEMEN
Well wait upon your lordship. Were at your service, my lord.
Act 3, Scene 3
Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA DESDEMONA, CASSIO and EMILIA enter.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do Ill do everything I can for you, Cassio.
All my abilities in thy behalf.
EMILIA EMILIA
Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husband Please do, madam. My husbands so upset about
As if the cause were his. Cassios problem youd think it was his own.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
5 Oh, thats an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio, Your husbands such a good man. Dont worry,
But I will have my lord and you again Cassio. Im sure you and my husband will be as
As friendly as you were. friendly as you were before.
CASSIO CASSIO
Bounteous madam, My dear beautiful lady, whatever happens to
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, Michael Cassio, hell always be your humble
Hes never anything but your true servant. servant.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
10 I know t, I thank you. You do love my lord. I know that. Thank you. Youre my husbands
You have known him long, and be you well assured friend and youve known him a long time. I assure
He shall in strangeness stand no farther off you the only reason hes keeping away from you
Than in a polite distance. now is political.
CASSIO CASSIO
Ay, but, lady, Yes, my lady. But those political considerations
That policy may either last so long, might last such a long time that the general will
15 Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, forget my love and service, especially if Im gone
Or breed itself so out of circumstances, and someone else has my job.
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
My general will forget my love and service.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Do not doubt that. Before Emilia here Thatll never happen. Emilia here will be my
20 I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee, witness: I promise you that youll get your position
If I do vow a friendship, Ill perform it back again. And if I promise to help someone, I do
To the last article. My lord shall never rest, everything I can. My husband will never get a
Ill watch him tame and talk him out of patience. moments rest, Ill keep him up at night talking
about you until he runs out
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift, of patience. He will think that his bed has become
25 Ill intermingle everything he does a conference table for discussing your problem
With Cassios suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio, he wont be able to get away from it. Ill bring up
For thy solicitor shall rather die your name at every moment. So cheer up. Im
Than give thy cause away. your advocate, and Id rather die than give up on
you.
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO OTHELLO and IAGO enter.
EMILIA EMILIA
Madam, here comes my lord. Madam, here comes your husband.
CASSIO CASSIO
Madam, Ill take my leave. Madam, Id better leave now.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, stay and hear me speak. Why not stay and hear me talk to him?
CASSIO CASSIO
30 Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease, No, madam. Im very uncomfortable, and that
Unfit for mine own purposes. wont help my case.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Well, do your discretion. Well, do whatever you think best.
Exit CASSIO CASSIO exits.
IAGO IAGO
Ha! I like not that. Hey! I dont like that.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What dost thou say? What did you say?
IAGO IAGO
35 Nothing, my lord, or ifI know not what. Nothing, my lord, or if I didI dont know what.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? Wasnt that Cassio leaving my wife?
IAGO IAGO
Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it Cassio, my lord? No, I dont think so. He wouldnt
That he would steal away so guilty-like sneak away looking so guilty when he saw you
Seeing you coming. coming.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
40 I do believe twas he. I really think it was him.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
How now, my lord? Whats this, my lord? I was talking to a petitioner
I have been talking with a suitor here, here just now, someone whos suffering from your
A man that languishes in your displeasure. anger.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Who is t you mean? Who do you mean?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, Your lieutenant, Cassio. Oh, if Ive got any
45 If I have any grace or power to move you influence over you at all, please patch things up
His present reconciliation take. with him. In my judgment, this man truly loves you,
For if he be not one that truly loves you, and his mistake was innocent rather than wicked.
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, Please call him and tell him to come back here.
I have no judgment in an honest face.
50 I prithee, call him back.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Went he hence now? Was that him just now?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Ay, sooth, so humbled Yes. He feels so bad and humble that I feel bad
That he hath left part of his grief with me along with him. My love, call him back in here.
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
55 Not now, sweet Desdemona. Some other time. Not now, my sweet Desdemona. Some other time.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
But shall t be shortly? But will it be soon?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The sooner, sweet, for you. Very soon, because you want it.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Shall t be tonight at supper? Will it be tonight at supper?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
No, not tonight. No, not tonight.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Tomorrow dinner, then? Then tomorrow at dinner?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I shall not dine at home, I wont be eating dinner at home. Ill be meeting
I meet the captains at the citadel. the captains at the citadel.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
60 Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn. Well then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morning. Or
On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn. Tuesday noon or at night, or Wednesday morning.
I prithee name the time, but let it not Please just name a time, but dont wait more than
Exceed three days. In faith, hes penitent, three days. Hes very sorry. His mistake was
And yet his trespass, in our common reason hardly worth punishing him for in the first place
65 (Save that, they say, the wars must make example though in wartime it is sometimes necessary to
Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault make examples out of even the best soldiers. So
T' incur a private check. When shall he come? when should he come? Tell me, Othello. I cant
Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul imagine you asking me for something and me
What you would ask me that I should deny telling you no or standing there muttering. Michael
70 Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio Cassio came with you when you were trying to win
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time, my love. Sometimes Id criticize you to him, and
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly, hed defend you. And now I have to make this big
Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do fuss about bringing him back? I swear, I could do
To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much so much
OTHELLO OTHELLO
75 Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will, Please, no more. He can come whenever he
I will deny thee nothing. wants. I wont refuse you anything.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, this is not a boon, Dont act like youre doing me a favor! This is like if
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, I asked you to wear your gloves when its cold
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, outside, or eat nutritious food, or do something
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit thats good for you. If I ever have to ask you for
80 To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit something that will put your luck to the test, itll be
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed something difficult and terrible.
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I will deny thee nothing! I wont deny you anything! But in return, please, do
Whereon I do beseech thee, grant me this, one thing for me: leave me alone for a little while.
85 To leave me but a little to myself.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord. Would I ever deny you anything? No. Goodbye,
my husband.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Farewell, my Desdemona. Ill come to thee straight. Goodbye, my Desdemona. Ill come see you right
away.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Emilia, come.Be as your fancies teach you. Come here, Emilia.Do whatever you feel like
Whate'er you be, I am obedient. doing, my husband, and Ill obey you.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA DESDEMONA and EMILIA exit.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
90 Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul What a wonderful girl! God help me, I love you!
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not And when I stop loving you, the universe will fall
Chaos is come again. back into the chaos that was there when time
began.
IAGO IAGO
My noble lord My noble lord
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What dost thou say, Iago? What is it, Iago?
IAGO IAGO
95 Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady, When you were wooing Desdemona, did Michael
Know of your love? Cassio know about it?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
He did, from first to last. Yes, he knew about it the whole time. Why do you
Why dost thou ask? ask?
IAGO IAGO
But for a satisfaction of my thought, I was just curious. No reason.
100 No further harm.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why of thy thought, Iago? Why are you curious, Iago?
IAGO IAGO
I did not think he had been acquainted with her. I didnt realize he knew her.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, yes, and went between us very oft. Oh, yes. He carried messages back and forth
between us very often.
IAGO IAGO
Indeed? Oh, really?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Indeed? Ay, indeed! Discernst thou aught in that? Oh, really? Yes, really. Do you see something
105 Is he not honest? wrong with that? Isnt he an honest man?
IAGO IAGO
Honest, my lord? Honest, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Honest, ay, honest. Honest, yes, honest.
IAGO IAGO
My lord, for aught I know. As far as I know, sir.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What dost thou think? What are you thinking?
IAGO IAGO
Think, my lord? Thinking, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
110 Think, my lord? Alas, thou echost me Thinking, my lord? My God, you keep repeating
As if there were some monster in thy thought everything I say as if you were thinking something
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean too horrible to say out loud. Youre thinking
something. something. Just a minute ago I heard you say you
I heard thee say even now thou likst not that didnt like it when Cassio left my wife. What didnt
115 When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like? you like? And when I told you he was involved the
And when I told thee he was of my counsel whole time I was trying to get Desdemona, you
Of my whole course of wooing, thou criedst were like, Oh, really? And then you frowned and
Indeed? wrinkled up your foreheard as if you were
And didst contract and purse thy brow together imagining something horrible. If youre my friend,
120 As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain tell me what youre thinking.
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me
Show me thy thought.
IAGO IAGO
My lord, you know I love you. My lord, you know Im your friend.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I think thou dost. I think you are. And I know youre full of love and
And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty honesty, and you think carefully before you speak.
And weighst thy words before thou givst them Thats why these pauses of yours frighten me. If
125 breath, some fool were withholding things from me, I
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more. wouldnt think twice about it. If some lying,
For such things in a false disloyal knave cheating villain acted like that, it would just be a
Are tricks of custom, but in a man thats just trick. But when an honest man acts like that, you
They are close dilations, working from the heart, know hes wrestling with bad thoughts and cant
That passion cannot rule. help it.
IAGO IAGO
For Michael Cassio, As for Michael Cassio, I think it would be safe for
130 I dare be sworn, I think, that he is honest. me to swear that hes honest.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I think so too. I think so too.
IAGO IAGO
Men should be what they seem, People should be what they appear to be. If
Or those that be not, would they might seem none! theyre not honest, they shouldnt look like they
are!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Certain, men should be what they seem. Absolutely, people should be what they appear to
be.
IAGO IAGO
Why then I think Cassios an honest man. In that case, I think Cassios an honest man.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
135 Nay, yet theres more in this. No, I think theres more to this than youre letting
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings, on. Please tell me what youre thinkingeven
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts your worst suspicions.
The worst of words.
IAGO IAGO
Good my lord, pardon me, Please dont make me do that, sir. I have to obey
Though I am bound to every act of duty all your orders, but surely Im not obligated to
140 I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. reveal my deepest thoughtseven slaves arent
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false, expected to do that. You want me to say what Im
As wheres that palace whereinto foul things thinking? What if my thoughts are disgusting and
Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure wrong? Even good people think horrible things
Wherein uncleanly apprehensions sometimes. Who is so pure that they never think a
145 Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit bad thought?
With meditations lawful?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, Youre not being a good friend, Iago, if you
If thou but thinkst him wronged and makst his ear eventhink your friend has been wronged and you
A stranger to thy thoughts. dont tell him about it.
IAGO IAGO
I do beseech you, Please dont ask me to tell you. I might be
150 Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, completely wrong. I have a bad tendency to be
As, I confess, it is my natures plague suspicious of people and to look too closely into
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy what theyre doing. Often I imagine crimes that
Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom, arent really there. You would be wise to ignore
From one that so imperfectly conceits, my weak guesses and imaginary suspicions, and
155 Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble dont worry yourself about the meaningless things
Out of his scattering and unsure observance. Ive noticed. For me to tell you my thoughts would
It were not for your quiet nor your good, only destroy your peace of mind, and
Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom it wouldnt be wise, honest, or responsible for me
To let you know my thoughts. to tell them.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What dost thou mean? What are you talking about?
IAGO IAGO
160 Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, A good reputation is the most valuable thing we
Is the immediate jewel of their souls. havemen and women alike. If you steal my
Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, money, youre just stealing trash. Its something,
nothing: its nothing: its yours, its mine, and itll belong to
'Twas mine, tis his, and has been slave to thousands more. But if you steal my reputation,
165 thousands. youre robbing me of something that doesnt make
But he that filches from me my good name you richer, but makes me much poorer.
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ill know thy thoughts. Im going to find out what youre thinking.
IAGO IAGO
You cannot, if my heart were in your hand, You cant find that out, even if you held my heart
Nor shall not, whilst tis in my custody. in your hand you couldnt make me tell you. And
as long my hearts inside my body, you never will.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ha! What?
IAGO IAGO
170 Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! Beware of jealousy, my lord! Its a green-eyed
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock monster that makes fun of the victims it devours.
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss The man who knows his wife is cheating on him is
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger, happy, because at least he isnt friends with the
But, oh, what damnd minutes tells he o'er man shes sleeping with. But think of the
175 Who dotes, yet doubts suspects, yet soundly loves! unhappiness of a man who worships his wife, yet
doubts her faithfulness. He suspects her, but still
loves her.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, misery! Oh, what misery!
IAGO IAGO
Poor and content is rich, and rich enough, The person whos poor and contented is rich
But riches fineless is as poor as winter enough. But infinite riches are nothing to
To him that ever fears he shall be poor. someone whos always afraid hell be poor. God,
180 Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend help us not be jealous!
From jealousy!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why, why is this? Why are you telling me this? Do you think I would
Thinkst thou Id make a life of jealousy, live a life of jealousy, tormented by new
To follow still the changes of the moon suspicions every hour? No. If theres any doubt,
With fresh suspicions? No! To be once in doubt there is no doubt. I might as well be a goat if I
185 Is to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat ever let myself become obsessed with the kind of
When I shall turn the business of my soul suspicions youre implying. If you say my wife is
To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises, beautiful, eats well, loves good company, speaks
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous freely, sings, plays music, and dances well, youre
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, not making me jealous. When a woman is
190 Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances. virtuous, talents like these just make her better.
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. And Im not going to start feeling inferior. She had
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw her eyes wide open when she chose me. No,
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, Iago, Ill have to see some real evidence before I
For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, start suspecting her of anything bad, and when I
195 Ill see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, suspect her, Ill look for proof, and if theres proof,
And on the proof there is no more but this: thats when Ill let go of my love and my jealousy.
Away at once with love or jealousy!
IAGO IAGO
I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason Im glad to hear you say that. Now I can show you
To show the love and duty that I bear you my devotion and my duty with more honesty. So
200 With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound, please listen to me. Im not talking about proof
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof. yet. Watch your wife. Watch how she is with
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio. Cassio. Just watchdont be either completely
Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure. suspicious or completely trustful. I wouldnt want
I would not have your free and noble nature to see you taken advantage of because youre
205 Out of self-bounty be abused. Look to t. such an open and trusting guy. Watch out! I know
I know our country disposition well. the people of Venice well. They let God see
In Venice they do let God see the pranks things they wouldnt show their husbands. They
They dare not show their husbands. Their best dont avoid doing things that are wrong, they just
conscience try not to get caught.
Is not to leave t undone, but keept unknown.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
210 Dost thou say so? Do you really think so?
IAGO IAGO
She did deceive her father, marrying you, She lied to her father to marry you. And when she
And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, pretended to be afraid of you, she loved you the
She loved them most. most.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
And so she did. Thats right, she did.
IAGO IAGO
Why, go to then. Well, there you go. She was so young, but she
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming, deceived her father so thoroughly he thought it
215 To seel her fathers eyes up close as oak, was witchcraft! But Im sorry Ive blurted all this
He thought twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame. out. I beg your pardon for loving you too much.
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I am bound to thee forever. Im indebted to you forever.
IAGO IAGO
I see this hath a little dashed your spirits. You seem a little depressed about this.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
220 Not a jot, not a jot. Not at all, not at all.
IAGO IAGO
Trust me, I fear it has. Really, Im afraid you are. I hope you remember
I hope you will consider what is spoke that I said all this because I love you. But I see
Comes from my love. But I do see youre moved. youre troubled. Please dont take what I said
I am to pray you not to strain my speech more seriously than it deserves to be taken.
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
225 Than to suspicion.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I will not. I wont.
IAGO IAGO
Should you do so, my lord, If you take it too seriously, itll have bad effects
My speech should fall into such vile success that I didnt want it to have. Cassios a good friend
Which my thoughts aimed not at. Cassios my worthy of mineMy lord, I can see youre upset.
230 friend
My lord, I see youre moved.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
No, not much moved. No, not too upset. Im sure Desdemona would
I do not think but Desdemonas honest. never cheat on me.

IAGO IAGO
Long live she so. And long live you to think so. I hope she never does! And I hope you keep on
thinking she wouldnt.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
And yet how nature, erring from itself But still, its true that good things can go bad,
away from their true natures
IAGO IAGO
Ay, theres the point. As, to be bold with you, Thats the point Im trying to make. If I can be
235 Not to affect many proposd matches frank with you, she veered away from her own
Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, nature in turning down all those young men from
Whereto we see in all things nature tends her own country, with her skin color, with her
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank, statuseverything her nature would have drawn
Foul disproportions, thoughts unnatural. her toUgh! You can almost smell the dark and
240 Butpardon meI do not in position ugly desires inside her, the unnatural thoughts
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear ButIm sorryI didnt mean to refer to her
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment, specifically just now. I only worry that she might
May fall to match you with her country forms, snap back to her natural taste in men one day,
And happily repent. and compare you unfavorably to other Italians.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Farewell, farewell. Goodbye, goodbye. If you see anything else, let
245 If more thou dost perceive, let me know more. me know. Tell your wife to watch her. Leave me
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago. alone now, Iago.
IAGO IAGO
My lord, I take my leave. (going) My lord, Ill say goodbye now. (beginning to exit)
OTHELLO OTHELLO
(aside) Why did I marry? This honest creature (to himself) Why did I ever get married? Im sure
doubtless this good and honest man sees and knows more,
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. much more, than hes telling me.
IAGO IAGO
250 (returns) My lord, I would I might entreat your honor (returning) My lord, please dont think about this
To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time. any more. Time will tell. Its right for Cassio to
Although tis fit that Cassio have his place, have his lieutenancy backhes very talented.
For sure, he fills it up with great ability, But keep him away for a while, and youll see how
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile, he goes about getting it back. Notice whether
255 You shall by that perceive him and his means. your wife insists on your
Note if your lady strain his entertainment
With any strong or vehement importunity. giving it back to him. That will tell you a lot. But in
Much will be seen in that. In the meantime, the meantime, just assume that Im paranoidas
Let me be thought too busy in my fears Im pretty sure I amand keep thinking shes
260 As worthy cause I have to fear I am innocent, please.
And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Fear not my government. Dont worry about how I handle it.
IAGO IAGO
I once more take my leave. Ill say goodbye once more.
Exit IAGO exits.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
This fellows of exceeding honesty This Iago is extremely honest and good, and he
And knows all quantities, with a learnd spirit, knows a lot about human behavior. If it turns out
265 Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, that she really is running around on me, Ill send
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, her away, even though itll break my heart. Maybe
Id whistle her off and let her down the wind because Im black, and I dont have nice manners
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black like courtiers do, or because Im getting oldbut
And have not those soft parts of conversation thats not muchShes gone, and Ive been
270 That chamberers have, or for I am declined cheated on. I have no choice but to hate her. Oh
Into the vale of yearsyet thats not much what a curse marriage is! We think our beautiful
Shes gone, I am abused, and my relief wives belong to us, but their desires are free! Id
Must be to loathe her. Oh, curse of marriage rather be a toad in a moldy basement than to
That we can call these delicate creatures ours have only a part of someone I love, sharing the
275 And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad rest of her with others. This is the plague of
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon important menour wives betray us more than
Than keep a corner in the thing I love those of poor men. Its our destiny, like death. We
For others' uses. Yet tis the plague to great ones, are destined to be betrayed when we are born.
Prerogatived are they less than the base. Oh, here she comes.
280 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.
Even then this forkd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look where she comes.
Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA DESDEMONA and EMILIA enter.
If she be false, heaven mocked itself. If shes cheated on me, then heaven itself is a
Ill not believe t. fake. I dont believe it.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
How now, my dear Othello? Whats going on, Othello, darling? The nobles of
285 Your dinner, and the generous islanders Cyprus whom you invited to dinner are waiting for
By you invited, do attend your presence. you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I am to blame. Im sorry.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why do you speak so faintly? Why are you whispering? Are you sick?
Are you not well?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
290 I have a pain upon my forehead, here. I have a headache, right here in my forehead.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why thats with watching, twill away again. Thats from lack of sleep. Itll go away. Let me
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour wrap up your head, and it will feel okay in less
It will be well. (pulls out a handkerchief) than an hour. (she pulls out a handkerchief)
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Your napkin is too little, No, your handkerchiefs too little. Leave my head
295 Let it alone. alone.
Her handkerchief drops The handkerchief falls to the floor.
Come, Ill go in with you. Come on, Ill escort you to dinner.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I am very sorry that you are not well. Im very sorry youre not feeling well.
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA OTHELLO and DESDEMONA exit.
EMILIA EMILIA
(picks up the handkercheif) (picking up the handkerchief) Im glad I found this
I am glad I have found this napkin, handkerchief. Its the first keepsake the Moor
300 This was her first remembrance from the Moor. gave her. My stubborn husband has asked me to
My wayward husband hath a hundred times steal it a
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token hundred times. But she loves it so much (since
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it) Othello told her she should always keep it with
That she reserves it evermore about her her) that she always keeps it near her to kiss it
305 To kiss and talk to. Ill have the work ta'en out and talk to it. Ill copy the embroidery pattern and
And give t Iago. What he will do with it then give it to Iago. Heaven knows what hes
Heaven knows, not I. going to do with it. I only try to satisfy his whims.
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
IAGO IAGO
How now! What do you here alone? Whats going on? What are you doing here
alone?
EMILIA EMILIA
310 Do not you chide. I have a thing for you. Dont snap at me. Ive got something for you.
IAGO IAGO
A thing for me? It is a common thing Youve got something for me? Its a commonthing

EMILIA EMILIA
Ha? What?
IAGO IAGO
To have a foolish wife. to have a stupid wife.
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, is that all? What will you give me now Oh, is that so? And what would you give me for
315 For the same handkerchief? the handkerchief?
IAGO IAGO
What handkerchief? What handkerchief?
EMILIA EMILIA
What handkerchief? What handkerchief? The one the Moor gave to
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona, Desdemona, which you asked me to steal so
That which so often you did bid me steal. many times.
IAGO IAGO
320 Hast stolen it from her? You stole it from her?
EMILIA EMILIA
No, but she let it drop by negligence No, actually. She dropped it carelessly, and,
And, to th' advantage, I being here, took t up. seizing the opportunity, since I was here, I picked
Look, here it is. it up. Look, here it is.
IAGO IAGO
A good wench, give it me. Good girl, give it to me.
EMILIA EMILIA
What will you do with t, that you have been so And what are you going to do with it? Why did you
325 earnest want it so much that you begged me to steal it?
To have me filch it?
IAGO IAGO
Why, what is that to you? Whats it to you?
EMILIA EMILIA
If it be not for some purpose of import, If you dont need it for some important reason,
Give t me again. Poor lady, shell run mad then give it back to me. Poor lady, shell go crazy
When she shall lack it. when she sees its missing.
IAGO IAGO
Be not acknown on t, Dont admit to knowing anything about it. I need it.
330 I have use for it. Go, leave me. Now go, leave me.
Exit EMILIA EMILIA exits.
I will in Cassios lodging lose this napkin Ill leave this handkerchief at Cassios house and
And let him find it. Trifles light as air let him find it.To a jealous man, a meaningless
Are to the jealous confirmations strong little thing like this looks like absolute proof. This
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something. handkerchief may be useful to me. The Moors
335 The Moor already changes with my poison. mind has already become infected with my
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons poisonous suggestions. Ideas can be like
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, poisons. At first they hardly even taste bad, but
But with a little act upon the blood once they get into your blood they start burning
Burn like the mines of sulfur. like hot lava.
I did say so. Here he comes. No drugs or sleeping pills will
340 Look, where he comes. Not poppy nor mandragora ever give you the restful sleep that you had last
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, night.
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ha! Ha! False to me? Argh! Shes cheating on me?
IAGO IAGO
Why, how now, general? No more of that. Oh, general, please, no more of that!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
345 Avaunt! Be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack. Get lost! Youve tortured me with these thoughts.
I swear tis better to be much abused It is better to be tricked completely than to only
Than but to know t a little. suspect a little.
IAGO IAGO
How now, my lord! Whats with you, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What sense had I in her stol'n hours of lust? I had no idea she was cheating on me. I never
I saw t not, thought it not, it harmed not me. saw it or suspected it, so it never hurt me. I slept
350 I slept the next night well, fed well, was free and well, ate well, and was happy. I never saw
merry. Cassios kisses on her lips. A man whos robbed,
I found not Cassios kisses on her lips. but doesnt miss whats stolen, isnt robbed at all.
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not knowt, and hes not robbed at all.
IAGO IAGO
I am sorry to hear this. Im sorry to hear this.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
355 I had been happy if the general camp, I wouldve been happy if the whole army had had
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, sex with her, the lowest-ranking grunts and all, as
So I had nothing known. Oh, now forever long as I didnt know anything about it. Oh,
Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! goodbye to my peace of mind! Goodbye to my
Farewell the plumd troops and the big wars happiness! Goodbye to the soldiers and to the
360 That makes ambition virtue! Oh, farewell! wars that make men great! Goodbye! Goodbye to
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, the horses and the trumpets and the drums, the
The spirit-stirring drum, th' ear-piercing fife, flute and the splendid banners, and all those
The royal banner, and all quality, proud displays and pageantry of war! And you
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war! deadly cannons that roar like thunderbolts thrown
365 And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats by the gods, goodbye! Othellos career is over.
The immortal Joves dead clamors counterfeit,
Farewell! Othellos occupations gone.
IAGO IAGO
Is t possible, my lord? Is this possible, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, You villain, youd better be able to prove my wifes
370 Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof a whore! Be sure of it. Get me proof I can see. If
Or by the worth of mine eternal soul you cant, trust me, you wont want to feel my
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog rage!
Than answer my waked wrath!

IAGO IAGO
Is t come to this? Has it come to this?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Make me to see t, or at the least so prove it Show me, or at least prove it beyond the shadow
375 That the probation bear no hinge nor loop of a doubt. If you cant, your life is worthless!
To hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!
IAGO IAGO
My noble lord My noble lord
OTHELLO OTHELLO
If thou dost slander her and torture me, If youre slandering her just to torture me, then itll
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse. be no use to pray for mercy or say youre sorry.
380 On horrors head horrors accumulate, You might as well go ahead and commit every
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed, unspeakable crime you can think of, because
For nothing canst thou to damnation add theres nothing you could that would top what
Greater than that. youve already done!
IAGO IAGO
Oh, grace! Oh, heaven forgive me! Oh, heaven help me! Arent you a rational human
Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense? being? Dont you have any sense at all?
385 God buy you, take mine office. O wretched fool Goodbye. I resign my official position. Im such an
That lovst to make thine honesty a vice! idiot for always telling the truth! What a horrible
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world, world we live in! Listen, pay attention, everybody.
To be direct and honest is not safe. Its not safe to be straightforward and honest. Im
I thank you for this profit, and from hence glad youve taught me this valuable lesson. From
390 Ill love no friend, sith love breeds such offence. now on, Ill never try to help a friend when it hurts
him so much to hear the truth.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest. No, stop. You should always be honest.
IAGO IAGO
I should be wise, for honestys a fool I should always be wise. Honestys stupid, it
And loses that it works for. makes me lose my friends even when Im trying to
help them.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
By the world, I swear, I think my wifes faithful, and I think shes
I think my wife be honest and think she is not. not. I think youre trustworthy one minute and then
395 I think that thou art just and think thou art not. not the next. I need proof! Her reputation was as
Ill have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh pure as the snow, but now its as dirty and black
As Dians visage, is now begrimed and black as my own face. As long as there are ropes,
As mine own face. If there be cords or knives, knives, poison, fire, or streams to drown in , I
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams, wont stand for this. Oh, how I wish I knew the
400 Ill not endure it. Would I were satisfied! truth!
IAGO IAGO
I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion. I see youre all eaten up with emotion. Im sorry I
I do repent me that I put it to you. said anything. You want proof?
You would be satisfied?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Would? Nay, and I will. Want? Yes, I want it, and Ill get it.
IAGO IAGO
And may, but how? How satisfied, my lord? But how? How will you get proof? Are you going
405 Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on, to hide and watch them having sex?
Behold her topped?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Death and damnation! Oh! Death and damnation! Oh!
IAGO IAGO
It were a tedious difficulty, I think, I think it would be very hard to arrange for them to
To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then, have sex while you watched. If anyone sees them
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster in bed together besides themselves, I guess we
410 More than their own! What then? How then? could damn them then. So what can we do? What
What shall I say? Wheres satisfaction? can I say? What proof is there? Itd be impossible
It is impossible you should see this, for you to watch them, even if they were as horny
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, as animals in heat and as stupid as drunks. But if
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross you would be willing to accept circumstantial
415 As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, evidence as proof, we can get that.
If imputation and strong circumstances
Which lead directly to the door of truth
Will give you satisfaction, you may have t.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Give me a living reason shes disloyal. Give me one good reason to think shes cheating
on me.
IAGO IAGO
420 I do not like the office. I dont like what youre asking me to do. But since
But, sith I am entered in this cause so far, Ive gotten myself involved this far, because Im so
Pricked to t by foolish honesty and love, stupidly honest and because I like you so much,
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately Ill keep going. I recently shared a bed with
And, being troubled with a raging tooth, Cassio, and I couldnt sleep because of a raging
425 I could not sleep. There are a kind of men toothache. Well, some people talk in their sleep,
So loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter and Cassio is one of them. I heard him saying,
Sweet Desdemona, lets be careful and hide our
love, in his sleep. And then he grabbed my hand
and said, Oh, my darling! and
Their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio. kissed me hard, as if he were trying to suck my
In sleep I heard him say Sweet Desdemona, lips off. Then he put his leg over mine, and sighed
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves. and kissed me, and said, Damn fate for giving
430 And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, you to the Moor!
Cry O sweet creature! and then kiss me hard,

As if he plucked up kisses by the roots
That grew upon my lips, lay his leg
Over my thigh, and sigh, and kiss, and then
435 Cry Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, monstrous! Monstrous! Oh, thats monstrous! Monstrous!
IAGO IAGO
Nay, this was but his dream. No, it was just a dream.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
But this denoted a foregone conclusion. But it shows that something has already
happened.
IAGO IAGO
'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. Its a reason for suspicion, even though its just a
440 And this may help to thicken other proofs dream. And it might back up other evidence that
That do demonstrate thinly. may seem too flimsy.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ill tear her all to pieces! Ill tear her to pieces!
IAGO IAGO
Nay, yet be wise, yet we see nothing done, No, be reasonable. We dont have any proof yet.
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this, She might still be faithful. Just tell me this: have
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief you ever seen her holding a handkerchief with an
445 Spotted with strawberries in your wifes hand? embroidered strawberry pattern on it?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I gave her such a one, twas my first gift. Yes, I gave her one like that. It was my first gift to
her.
IAGO IAGO
I know not that, but such a handkerchief I dont know about that, but I saw a handkerchief
I am sure it was your wifesdid I today like that today. Im sure it belongs to your wife,
See Cassio wipe his beard with. and I saw Cassio use it to wipe his beard.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
If it be that If its the same one
IAGO IAGO
450 If it be that, or any that was hers, If its the same one, or any one that belongs to
It speaks against her with the other proofs. her, then together with the other evidence its
pretty strong.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, that the slave had forty thousand lives! Oh, Id kill that bastard Cassio forty thousand
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. times if I could! Killing him once is not enough
Now do I see tis true. Look here, Iago, revenge. Now I see its true. Oh, Iago, all the love
455 All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. I felt is gone, vanished in the wind. Welcome,
'Tis gone. hatred and vengeance! Get out of my heart, love!
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell! My heart feels like its full of poisonous snakes!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
460 For tis of aspics' tongues!
IAGO IAGO
Yet be content. Calm down
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, blood, blood, blood! I want blood!
IAGO IAGO
Patience, I say. Your mind may change. Be patient, Im telling you. You may change your
mind later.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea, Never, Iago. My thoughts of revenge are flowing
Whose icy current and compulsive course through me like a violent river, never turning back
Ne'er keeps retiring ebb but keeps due on to love, only flowing toward full revenge thatll
465 To the Propontic and the Hellespont, swallow them up. I swear to God Ill get
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace revenge. (he kneels)
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. Now, by yon marble heaven,
470 In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words. (he kneels)
IAGO IAGO
Do not rise yet. Dont get up yet. Let heaven be my witnessIm
Witness, you ever-burning lights above, putting my mind, my heart, and my hands in
You elements that clip us round about, Othellos control. Let him command me, and Ill
Witness that here Iago doth give up do whatever he asks, no matter how violent.
475 The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othellos service. Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I greet thy love I accept your devotion with my deepest love. Ill
Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous, put you to the test right away. Within the next
480 And will upon the instant put thee to t. three days I want to hear you tell me that Cassios
Within these three days let me hear thee say dead.
That Cassios not alive.
IAGO IAGO
My friend is dead, My friend Cassio is dead. Its done, because you
'Tis done at your request. But let her live. request it. But let her live.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her! Damn her, the wicked whore! Oh, damn her,
485 Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw damn her! Come away with me. Im going inside
To furnish me with some swift means of death to think up some way to kill that beautiful devil.
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant. Youre my lieutenant now.
IAGO IAGO
I am your own for ever. Im yours forever.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 3, Scene 4
Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, and CLOWN DESDEMONA, EMILIA and the CLOWN enter.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? Excuse me, do you know which room Lieutenant
Cassio lies in?
CLOWN CLOWN
I dare not say he lies anywhere. I wouldnt dare say he lies anywhere.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, man? Why do you say that?
CLOWN CLOWN
Hes a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, tis Hes a soldier. If I accused a soldier of lying, hed
stabbing. stab me.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
5 Go to. Where lodges he? Oh, come on. Where does he sleep?
CLOWN CLOWN
To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie. Telling you where hes sleeping is like telling you
where Im lying.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Can anything be made of this? What on earth does that mean?
CLOWN CLOWN
I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a I dont know where hes staying, so if I told you
lodging and say he lies here, or he lies there, were to hes sleeping here or there, Id be lying.
lie in mine own throat.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Can you inquire him out and be edified by report? Can you ask around and find out?
CLOWN CLOWN
10 I will catechize the world for him, that is, make Ill go ask questions everywhere.
questions, and by them answer.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Seek him, bid him come hither. Tell him I have moved Find him and tell him to come here. Tell him Ive
my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well. spoken to my husband on his behalf, and I think
everything will be all right.
CLOWN CLOWN
To do this is within the compass of mans wit, and I think I can do that. Its not too much to ask.
therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Exit CLOWN exits.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia? Where could I have lost that handkerchief, Emilia?
EMILIA EMILIA
I know not, madam. I dont know, madam.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
15 Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse Believe me, Id rather have lost a purse full of gold
Full of crusadoes. And but my noble Moor coins. This would be enough to make my husband
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness suspect me, if he wasnt so free of jealousy.
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.
EMILIA EMILIA
20 Is he not jealous? Hes not jealous?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Who, he? I think the sun where he was born Who, him? I think all tendencies to jealousy were
Drew all such humors from him. burned out of him by the sun of his native land.
EMILIA EMILIA
Look where he comes. Look, here he comes.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I will not leave him now till Cassio I wont leave him alone until he gives Cassio his
25 Be called to him.How is t with you, my lord? job back.How are you, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Well, my good lady.(aside) Oh, hardness to Im fine, my lady.(to himself) Oh, its so hard to
dissemble! pretend!How are you, Desdemona?
How do you, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Well, my good lord. Im fine, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady. Give me your hand. Your hands moist, my lady.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
It hath felt no age nor known no sorrow. Its moist because its still young and
inexperienced.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
30 This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart. It says youre fertile, and youve got a giving heart.
Hot, hot, and moist. This hand of yours requires Hot, hot and moist. With a hand like this you need
A sequester from liberty, fasting, and prayer, to
Much castigation, exercise devout, fast and pray to stave off temptations. Someone
For heres a young and sweating devil here, with a young sweating hand like this one is bound
35 That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, to act up sooner or later. Its a nice hand, an open
A frank one. one.

DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
You may indeed say so, Youre right to say that. This was the hand that
For twas that hand that gave away my heart. gave you my heart.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
A liberal hand. The hearts of old gave hands, This hand gives itself away very freely. In the old
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. days, people used to give their hearts to each
other when they joined their hands in marriage.
But these days, people give each other their
hands without their hearts.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
40 I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise. I dont know about that. Now, dont forget, you
promised me something.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What promise, chuck? What did I promise, my dear?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you. I sent for Cassio to come talk with you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me. I have a bad cold thats bothering me. Lend me
Lend me thy handkerchief. your handkerchief.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Here, my lord. Here, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
45 That which I gave you. No, the one I gave you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I have it not about me. I dont have it with me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Not? You dont?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
No, indeed, my lord. No, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thats a fault. That handkerchief Thats not good. An Egyptian woman gave that
Did an Egyptian to my mother give, handkerchief to my mother. She was a witch, and
She was a charmer and could almost read she could
The thoughts of people. She told her, while she kept it almost read peoples thoughts. She told my
50 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father mother that as long as she kept it with her, my
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it father would love and desire her. But if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my fathers eye or gave it away, my father would start hating her
Should hold her loathd and his spirits should hunt and looking at other women. When she was dying
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me she gave it to me and told me to give it to my wife
55 And bid me, when my fate would have me wived, when I got married. I did. So pay attention. Treat it
To give it her. I did so, and take heed on t, as something precious. Losing it or giving it away
Make it a darling like your precious eye. would be an unspeakable loss, a loss like none
To lose t or give t away were such perdition other.
As nothing else could match.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
OTHELLO OTHELLO
60 'Tis true. Theres magic in the web of it. Yes, its true. Theres magic in its fabric. A two-
A sibyl, that had numbered in the world hundred-year-old witch sewed it while she was in
The sun to course two hundred compasses, a fevered trance. The silk came from sacred
In her prophetic fury sewed the work. silkworms, and it was dyed with fluid made from
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk, embalmed virgins' hearts.
65 And it was dyed in mummy which the skillful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Indeed? Is t true? Really? Is that true?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Most veritable, therefore look to t well. Its absolutely true, so take good care of it.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Then would to Heaven that I had never seen t! I wish I had never seen it!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ha! Wherefore? Ha! Why?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
70 Why do you speak so startingly and rash? Why are you yelling at me so angrily?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Is t lost? Is t gone? Speak, is t out o' th' way? Is it lost? Is it gone? Tell me, is it missing?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Bless us! God help me!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Say you? What do you have to say for yourself?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
It is not lost, but what and if it were? Its not lost, but what if it were?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
75 How! What do you mean?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I say, it is not lost. Im telling you, its not lost.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Fetch t, let me see t. Then bring it here. Let me see it.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now. I could, sir. But I dont want to now. This is just a
This is a trick to put me from my suit. trick to take my mind off what Im asking you for.
Pray you, let Cassio be received again. Please hire Cassio again.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
80 Fetch me the handkerchiefmy mind misgives. Bring me the handkerchiefMy mind is full of
doubt.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Come, come, Come on. You know youll never find a more
Youll never meet a more sufficient man. capable man.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The handkerchief! The handkerchief!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
A man that all his time Hes counted on your friendship for his success.
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, Hes shared dangers with you
85 Shared dangers with you
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The handkerchief! The handkerchief!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
In sooth, you are to blame. Really, I dont think youre behaving very well.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Away! Damn it!
Exit OTHELLO exits.
EMILIA EMILIA
Is not this man jealous? And you say hes not jealous?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I ne'er saw this before. I never saw him like this before. There must be
90 Sure, theres some wonder in this handkerchief, some magic in that handkerchief. Im miserable
I am most unhappy in the loss of it. that I lost it.
EMILIA EMILIA
'Tis not a year or two shows us a man. Men are all the same, but it takes longer than a
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food. year or two to see how bad they are. Theyre like
To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, stomachs and were just the food. They eat us up
95 They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband! hungrily, and when theyre full, they vomit us up.
Look, here comes Cassio and my husband.
Enter CASSIO and IAGO IAGO and CASSIO enter.
IAGO IAGO
There is no other way. 'Tis she must do t, Theres no other way. Shes the one whos got to
And, lo, the happiness! Go and importune her. do it. And what luck, shes here! Go ahead and
ask her.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
How now, good Cassio, whats the news with you? Hello, Cassio. How are you?
CASSIO CASSIO
Madam, my former suit. I do beseech you Nothing, madam. Just my earlier request. Im
100 That by your virtuous means I may again begging you to help me get back on his good
Exist, and be a member of his love side. Im devoted to him with all my heart. I cant
Whom I, with all the office of my heart wait any longer. If my wrongdoing was so serious
Entirely honor. I would not be delayed. that I cant get back into his good graces either by
If my offence be of such mortal kind my past service, or my present situation, or the
105 That nor my service past, nor present sorrows, promise of devoted service in the future, just
Nor purposed merit in futurity, knowing that would help me. Then I could stop
Can ransom me into his love again, wondering, and find some other career.
But to know so must be my benefit.
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
110 And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortunes alms.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio, Im sorry, dear Cassio, but now is not the right
My advocation is not now in tune. time to bring up your case. My husbands not
My lord is not my lord, nor should I know him himself. If his face changed as much as his
Were he in favor as in humor altered. personality has, I wouldnt recognize him. God
115 So help me every spirit sanctified knows I have done my best to argue for you, and
As I have spoken for you all my best made him angry at me for being so aggressive.
And stood within the blank of his displeasure Youll just have to be patient for a little while. Ill
For my free speech. You must awhile be patient. do what I can, more than Id do for myself. Let
What I can do I will, and more I will that be enough for you.
120 Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you.
IAGO IAGO
Is my lord angry? Is Othello angry?
EMILIA EMILIA
He went hence but now, He just left, clearly upset about something.
And certainly in strange unquietness.
IAGO IAGO
Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon Can he even get angry? Its hard to believe. Ive
When it hath blown his ranks into the air seen him stay calm when cannons were blowing
125 And, like the devil, from his very arm his soldiers to bits, even killing his own brother
Puffed his own brotherand is he angry? without him batting an eyelidis he really upset?
Something of moment then, I will go meet him. It must be about something important. Ill go talk
Theres matter in t indeed, if he be angry. to him. If hes angry, there must be something
seriously wrong.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I prithee, do so. Please, do so.
Something, sure, of state, There must be some political news from Venice,
130 Either from Venice, or some unhatched practice or some dangerous plot here in Cyprus has
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, ruined his good mood. Men always get angry
Hath puddled his clear spirit, and in such cases about little things when theyre really worried
Mens natures wrangle with inferior things, about bigger ones. Thats the way it goes. When
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so, our finger hurts, it makes the rest of the body hurt
135 For let our finger ache and it endues too. We shouldnt expect men to be perfect, or for
Our other healthful members even to that sense them to be as polite as on the weddingday. Oh,
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods, Emilia, Im so inexperienced that I thought he was
Nor of them look for such observances being unkind, but actually I was judging him
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia, harshly.
140 I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul,
But now I find I had suborned the witness,
And hes indicted falsely.
EMILIA EMILIA
Pray heaven it be I hope to God its something political, like you
State matters, as you think, and no conception think, and not jealousy involving you.
145 Nor no jealous toy concerning you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas the day! I never gave him cause. Oh no! I never gave him reason to be jealous.
EMILIA EMILIA
But jealous souls will not be answered so. But jealous people dont think like that. Theyre
They are not ever jealous for the cause, never jealous for a reason; theyre just jealous. Its
But jealous for theyre jealous. It is a monster like a monster that just grows and grows, out of
150 Begot upon itself, born on itself. nothing.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Heaven keep the monster from Othellos mind! I hope God keeps that monster from growing in
Othellos mind!
EMILIA EMILIA
Lady, amen. Amen to that, lady.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I will go seek him.Cassio, walk hereabout. Ill go look for himCassio, stay around here. If
If I do find him fit, Ill move your suit hes in a good mood Ill mention you again, and
155 And seek to effect it to my uttermost. do everything I can.
CASSIO CASSIO
I humbly thank your ladyship. I thank you, lady.
Enter BIANCA BIANCA enters.
BIANCA BIANCA
Save you, friend Cassio! Hello, Cassio!
CASSIO CASSIO
What make you from home? Why are you so far from home? How are you, my
How is t with you, my most fair Bianca? pretty Bianca? To tell you the truth, I was just
Indeed, sweet love, I was coming to your house. going to your house.
BIANCA BIANCA
160 And I was going to your lodging, Cassio. And I was just going to yours. Youve kept away
What, keep a week away? Seven days and nights? from me for a week? Seven days and seven
Eight score eight hours? And lovers' absent hours nights? A hundred and sixty-eight hours? And
More tedious than the dial eightscore times! lovers' hours are a hundred and sixty times longer
Oh weary reckoning! than normal ones! What a tedious wait!
CASSIO CASSIO
Pardon me, Bianca, Im sorry, Bianca. All this time Ive been
165 I have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed, depressed and had problems on my mind. When I
But I shall, in a more continuate time, get some free time Ill make it up to you.(he gives
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, her DESDEMONA s handkerchief)Sweet Bianca,
(giving her DESDEMONAs handkerchief) would you copy this embroidery pattern for me?
Take me this work out.
BIANCA BIANCA
O Cassio, whence came this? Oh, Cassio, where did you get this? This is a gift
170 This is some token from a newer friend! from another woman, a new lover! Now I know
To the felt absence now I feel a cause. why youve been staying away from me. Has it
Is t come to this? Well, well. come to this? Well, well.
CASSIO CASSIO
Go to, woman, Oh, come on, woman. Stop jumping to silly
Throw your vile guesses in the devils teeth conclusions. Now youre jealous, thinking that this
From whence you have them. You are jealous now is from some mistress of mine, but I swear its not,
175 That this is from some mistress, some remembrance. Bianca.
No, in good troth, Bianca.
BIANCA BIANCA
Why, whose is it? Well, whose is it?
CASSIO CASSIO
I know not neither, I found it in my chamber. I dont even know. I found it in my room. Its pretty.
I like the work well. Ere it be demanded, Someone is certainly looking for it, and Ill have to
As like enough it will, I would have it copied. give it back. So Id like it copied. Take it and do
180 Take it and do t, and leave me for this time. that for me, and leave me alone for a while.
BIANCA BIANCA
Leave you! Wherefore? Leave you alone! Why?
CASSIO CASSIO
I do attend here on the general Im waiting here for the general, and I dont want
And think it no addition, nor my wish, him to see me with a woman.
To have him see me womaned.
BIANCA BIANCA
Why, I pray you? And whys that?
CASSIO CASSIO
185 Not that I love you not. Its not because I dont love you.
BIANCA BIANCA
But that you do not love me. But you dont love me. Please, just walk with me a
I pray you bring me on the way a little little ways, and tell me if Ill see you later tonight.
And say if I shall see you soon at night.
CASSIO CASSIO
'Tis but a little way that I can bring you, I can only walk a little way with you, since Im
For I attend here. But Ill see you soon. waiting here. But Ill see you soon.
BIANCA BIANCA
190 'Tis very good. I must be circumstanced. All right, have it your way. I have to make do.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 4, Scene 1
Enter OTHELLO and IAGO OTHELLO and IAGO enter.

IAGO IAGO
Will you think so? Do you really think so?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Think so, Iago? What do you mean, do I think so?
IAGO IAGO
What, What, just because they kissed in private?
To kiss in private?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
An unauthorized kiss! An illicit kiss!
IAGO IAGO
Or to be naked with her friend in bed Maybe she was just naked in bed with him for an
An hour or more, not meaning any harm? hour or so, but they didnt do anything.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
5 Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! Naked in bed together, but without doing
It is hypocrisy against the devil. anything? Come on, Iago. That would be like
They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, playing a trick on the devil: theyd make him think
The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven. theyre going to commit adultery, but then back off.
Anyone who acted like that would be letting the
devil tempt them, and tempting God to condemn
them.
IAGO IAGO
So they do nothing, tis a venial slip. As long as they didnt do anything, it would only be
10 But if I give my wife a handkerchief a minor sin. But if I gave my wife a handkerchief
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What then? Then what?
IAGO IAGO
Why then tis hers, my lord, and, being hers, Then its hers. And if its hers, I guess she can
She may, I think, bestow t on any man. give it to any man she wants.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
She is protectress of her honor too. Her reputation is also her own. Can she give that
15 May she give that? away too?
IAGO IAGO
Her honor is an essence thats not seen, You cant see a reputation. A lot of people dont
They have it very oft that have it not. even deserve the reputations they have. But a
But for the handkerchief handkerchief
OTHELLO OTHELLO
By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. God, I wish I could forget about the handkerchief!
20 Thou saidstOh, it comes o'er my memory, What you told me it haunts me like a nightmare
As doth the raven o'er the infectious house, hes got my handkerchief!
Boding to allhe had my handkerchief.
IAGO IAGO
Ay, what of that? Yes, what about it?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thats not so good now. Thats not good.
IAGO IAGO
What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong? What if Id said I saw him do something to hurt
25 Or heard him sayas knaves be such abroad, you? Or heard him say something about it. You
Who having, by their own importunate suit, know there are jerks out there who have to brag
Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, about bedding some woman.
Convincd or supplied them, cannot choose
But they must blab
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Hath he said any thing? Has he said anything?
IAGO IAGO
30 He hath, my lord, but be you well assured Yes, but hed deny it all.
No more than hell unswear.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What hath he said? What did he say?
IAGO IAGO
Why, that he didI know not what he did. He said he didI dont know.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What? what? He what?
IAGO IAGO
Lie He was in bed with
OTHELLO OTHELLO
With her? With her?
IAGO IAGO
With her, on her, what you will. With her, on top of herhowever you want to say
it.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Lie with her? lie on her? We say lie on her when In bed with her? On top of her? I would have
they belie her! Lie with herthats fulsome. thought people were telling lies about her rather
Handkerchiefconfessionshandkerchief! To than believe he was lying on her. My God, its
confess, and be hanged for his labor. First to be nauseating! Handkerchiefconfessions
hanged, and then to confessI tremble at it. Nature handkerchief! Ill kill him first, and then let him
would not invest herself in such shadowing passion confessIm trembling with rage. I wouldnt be
without some instruction. It is not words that shake me trembling like this if I didnt know deep down this
thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is t possible? was all true. Noses, ears, lips. Is it possible? Tell
Confess!Handkerchief!Oh, devil! me the truthHandkerchiefDamn it!
(falls in a trance) (he falls into a trance)
IAGO IAGO
35 Work on, My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools Keep working, poison! This is the way to trick
are caught, gullible fools. Many good and innocent women are
And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, punished for reasons like this.My lord? My lord,
All guiltless, meet reproach.What, ho! My lord! Othello!
My lord, I say! Othello!
How now, Cassio! Hey, Cassio!
CASSIO CASSIO
Whats the matter? Whats the matter?
IAGO IAGO
40 My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy. Othellos having some kind of epileptic fit. This is
This is his second fit. He had one yesterday. his second fit like this. He had one yesterday.
CASSIO CASSIO
Rub him about the temples. Rub his temples.
IAGO IAGO
No, forbear. No, dont. This fit has to run its course. If you
The lethargy must have his quiet course. interrupt it, hell foam at the mouth and go crazy.
If not, he foams at mouth and by and by Look, hes moving. Why dont you go away for a
45 Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs. bit? Hell get
Do you withdraw yourself a little while,
He will recover straight. When he is gone better right away. When he leaves, its very
I would on great occasion speak with you. important that I talk to you.
How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head? What happened, general? Did you hit your head?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
50 Dost thou mock me? Are you making fun of me?
IAGO IAGO
I mock you not, by heaven. Making fun of you? No, I swear! I wish you could
Would you would bear your fortune like a man! face your bad news like a man!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
A hornd mans a monster and a beast. A man whos been cheated on isnt a real man.
Hes subhuman, like an animal.

IAGO IAGO
Theres many a beast then in a populous city, In that case there are a lot of animals on the loose
And many a civil monster. in this city.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
55 Did he confess it? Did he confess?
IAGO IAGO
Good sir, be a man, Sir, be a man. Every married man has been
Think every bearded fellow thats but yoked cheated on. Millions of men sleep with wives who
May draw with you. Theres millions now alive cheat on them, wrongly believing they belong to
That nightly lie in those unproper beds them alone. Your case is better than that. At least
Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. youre not ignorant. The worst thing of all is to kiss
60 Oh, tis the spite of hell, the fiends arch-mock, your wife thinking shes innocent, when in fact
To lip a wanton in a secure couch, shes a whore. No, Id rather know the truth. Then
And to suppose her chaste. No, let me know, Ill know exactly what she is, just as I know what I
And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be. am.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, thou art wise! 'Tis certain. Youre wise! Thats for sure.
IAGO IAGO
Stand you awhile apart, Go somewhere else for a while. Calm down. While
65 Confine yourself but in a patient list. you were dazed by griefwhich isnt appropriate
Whilst you were here o'erwhelmd with your grief for a man like youCassio showed up here. I got
A passion most resulting such a man him to leave, and made up an excuse for your
Cassio came hither. I shifted him away trance. I told him to come back and talk to me in a
And laid good scuses upon your ecstasy, bit, and he promised he would. So hide here and
watch how he sneers
70 Bade him anon return and here speak with me, at you. Ill make him tell me the whole story again
The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, where, how often, how long agoand when he
And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns plans to sleep with your wife in the future. Im
That dwell in every region of his face. telling you, just watch his face. But stay calm, and
For I will make him tell the tale anew dont get carried away by rage, or Ill think youre
75 Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when not a man.
He hath, and is again to cope your wife.
I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience,
Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen,
And nothing of a man.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Dost thou hear, Iago? Do you hear what Im saying, Iago? Ill be very
80 I will be found most cunning in my patience, patient, butdo you hear me?Im not done with
Butdost thou hear?most bloody. him yet
IAGO IAGO
Thats not amiss, Thats fine, but for now keep your cool. Will you go
But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? hide?

OTHELLO withdraws OTHELLO hides.
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, Now Ill ask Cassio about Bianca, a prostitute who
A huswife that by selling her desires sells her body for food and clothes. Shes crazy
85 Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature about Cassio. Thats the whores curse, to seduce
That dotes on Cassio, as tis the strumpets plague many men, but to be seduced by one. Whenever
To beguile many and be beguiled by one. he talks about her he cant stop laughing.
He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain
From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.
90 As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And when he laughs, Othello will go crazy. In his
And his unbookish jealousy must construe ignorant jealousy, hell totally misunderstand
Poor Cassios smiles, gestures, and light behavior Cassios smiles, gestures, and jokes.How are
Quite in the wrong.How do you now, lieutenant? you, lieutenant?
CASSIO CASSIO
The worser that you give me the addition It doesnt make me feel any better when you call
95 Whose want even kills me. me lieutenant. Im dying to have that title back
again.
IAGO IAGO
Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on t. Just keep asking Desdemona, and itll be yours. If
Now if this suit lay in Biancas power it was up to Bianca to get you your job back, youd
How quickly should you speed! have had it already!
CASSIO CASSIO
Alas, poor caitiff! The poor thing!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Look how he laughs already! Hes laughing already!
IAGO IAGO
100 I never knew woman love man so. I never knew a woman who loved a man so much.
CASSIO CASSIO
Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves me. The poor thing, I really think she loves me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out. Now he denies it a bit, and tries to laugh it off.
IAGO IAGO
Do you hear, Cassio? Have you heard this, Cassio?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Now he importunes him Hes asking him to tell the story again. Go on, tell
To tell it o'er. Go to, well said, well said. it.
IAGO IAGO
105 She gives it out that you shall marry her. She says youre going to marry her. Are you?
Do you intend it?
CASSIO CASSIO
Ha, ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Do ye triumph, Roman? Do you triumph? Are you laughing because youve won? Do you
think youve won?
CASSIO CASSIO
I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some Me, marry her? That whore? Please give me a
charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. little credit! Im not that stupid. Ha, ha, ha!
Ha, ha, ha!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
110 So, so, so, so! They laugh that win! So, so, so, so! The winners always got the last
laugh, hasnt he?
IAGO IAGO
Why the cry goes that you shall marry her. I swear, theres a rumor going around that youll
marry her.
CASSIO CASSIO
Prithee say true! Youre kidding!
IAGO IAGO
I am a very villain else. If its not true, you can call me a villain.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Have you scored me? Well. Have you given me bastard children to raise? All
right, then.
CASSIO CASSIO
115 This is the monkeys own giving out. She is The little monkey must have started that rumor
persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and herself. She thinks Ill marry her because she
flattery, not out of my promise. loves me. Shes just flattering herself. I never
promised her anything.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Iago beckons me. Now he begins the story. Iago is gesturing for me to come closer. Now hes
telling the story.
CASSIO CASSIO
She was here even now. She haunts me in every She was here just now. She hangs around me all
place. I was the other day talking on the sea-bank the time. I was talking to some Venetians down by
with certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble the shore, and the fool showed up. I swear to you,
and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck she put her arms around me like this
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Crying O dear Cassio! as it were. His gesture Saying, Oh, Cassio, it seems, judging by his
imports it. gestures.
CASSIO CASSIO
So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me, so shakes, She hangs around me and dangles from my neck
and pulls me! Ha, ha, ha! and cries, shaking me and pulling at me. Ha, ha,
ha!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
120 Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. Now hes saying how she took him into our
Oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall bedroom. Oh, I can see your nose now. But I
throw it to. cant see the dog Im going to throw it to.
CASSIO CASSIO
Well, I must leave her company. I have to get rid of her.
IAGO IAGO
Before me! Look, where she comes. Look out, here she comes.
CASSIO CASSIO
'Tis such another fitchew. Marry, a perfumed one. Its a whore like all the others, stinking of cheap
What do you mean by this haunting of me? perfume.Why are you always hanging around
me?
BIANCA BIANCA
125 Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you Damn you! What did you mean by giving me this
mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even handkerchief? I was an idiot to take it! You want
now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the me to copy the embroidery pattern? That was a
work? A likely piece of work, that you should find it in likely story, that you found it in your room and
your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is didnt know who it belonged to. This is a love
some minxs token, and I must take out the work? token from some other slut, and you want me to
There, give it your hobby-horse. Wheresoever you copy its pattern for you? Give it back to her, I
had it, Ill take out no work on t. wont do anything with it.
CASSIO CASSIO
How now, my sweet Bianca! How now, how now? What is it, my dear Bianca? Whats wrong?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
By heaven, that should be my handkerchief! My God, thats my handkerchief!
BIANCA BIANCA
If youll come to supper tonight, you may. If you will If you want to come have dinner with me, you
not, come when you are next prepared for. can. If you dont want to, then good riddance.
Exit BIANCA exits.
IAGO IAGO
After her, after her. Go after her, go.
CASSIO CASSIO
130 I must, shell rail in the street else. Actually, I should. Shell scream in the streets if I
dont.
IAGO IAGO
Will you sup there? Will you be having dinner with her tonight?
CASSIO CASSIO
Yes, I intend so. Yes, I will.
IAGO IAGO
Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very fain Well, maybe Ill see you there. Id really like to
speak with you. speak with you.
CASSIO CASSIO
Prithee come, will you? Please come. Will you?
IAGO IAGO
135 Go to! Say no more. Dont talk anymore, go after her.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
(advancing) How shall I murder him, Iago? (coming forward) How should I murder him, Iago?
IAGO IAGO
Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? Did you see how he laughed about sleeping with
her?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
O Iago! Oh Iago!
IAGO IAGO
And did you see the handkerchief? And did you see the handkerchief?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
140 Was that mine? Was it mine?
IAGO IAGO
Yours by this hand. And to see how he prizes the It was yours, I swear. And do you see how much
foolish woman your wife! She gave it him, and he your foolish wife means to him? She gave it to
hath given it his whore. him, and he gave it to his whore.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I would have him nine years a-killing. A fine woman! I wish I could keep killing him for nine years
A fair woman! A sweet woman! straight. Oh, shes a fine woman! A fair woman! A
sweet woman!
IAGO IAGO
Nay, you must forget that. No, you have to forget all that now.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for Yes, let her die and rot and go to hell tonight. She
she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone. I wont stay alive for long. No, my hearts turned to
strike it and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world hath not stonewhen I hit it, it hurts my hand. Oh, the
a sweeter creature, she might lie by an emperors world never saw a sweeter creature. She could be
side and command him tasks. married to an emperor, and hed be like her slave!
IAGO IAGO
145 Nay, thats not your way. But thats not how youre going to be.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with Damn her, Im just describing her truthfully! Shes
her needle, an admirable musician. Oh, she will sing so good at sewing, and a wonderful musician.
the savageness out of a bear! Of so high and Oh, she could sing a wild bear to sleep! Oh, shes
plenteous wit and invention! so witty and creative!
IAGO IAGO
Shes the worse for all this. All the worse that she stooped this low, then.

OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, a thousand thousand timesand then of so Oh, a thousand times worse, a thousand times
gentle a condition! and what a sweet personality she has!
IAGO IAGO
Ay, too gentle. Yes, a little too sweet.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
150 Nay, thats certain. But yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, Yes, thats for sure. Oh, its dreadful, dreadful,
the pity of it, Iago! Iago!
IAGO IAGO
If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to If you still feel so affectionate toward her, then
offend, for if it touch not you it comes near nobody. why not give her permission to cheat on you? If it
doesnt bother you, it wont bother anyone else.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me? Ill chop her into pieces. How could she cheat on
me?
IAGO IAGO
Oh, tis foul in her. Oh, its horrible of her.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
With mine officer! And with my own officer!
IAGO IAGO
155 Thats fouler. Thats worse.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Get me some poison, Iago, this night. Ill not Get me some poison tonight, Iago. I wont argue
expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty with her, so her beautiful body wont disarm me.
unprovide my mind againThis night, Iago! Tonight, Iago.
IAGO IAGO
Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even Dont do it with poison. Strangle her in her bed,
the bed she hath contaminated. the same bed shes contaminated.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Good, good, the justice of it pleases! Very good! Good, good, I like thatits only fair! Very good!
IAGO IAGO
And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall And let me kill Cassio. Youll hear more from me
hear more by midnight. by midnight.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
160 Excellent good. Excellent, good.
A trumpet within A trumpet sounds offstage.
What trumpet is that same? Whats that trumpet for?

IAGO IAGO
I warrant something from Venice. 'Tis Lodovico, this, I think someones coming from Venice. Its
comes from the duke. See, your wifes with him. Lodovico. He must be coming from the duke.
Look, your wife is with him.
Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and attendants LODOVICO, DESDEMONA and attendants enter.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Save you, worthy general! Greetings, good general!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
With all my heart, sir. Greetings, sir.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
The duke and senators of Venice greet you. The duke and senators of Venice greet you.
(gives him a letter) (he hands OTHELLO a piece of paper)
OTHELLO OTHELLO
165 I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. Ill do whatever they order me to do in this letter.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
And whats the news, good cousin Lodovico? Whats new, cousin Lodovico?
IAGO IAGO
I am very glad to see you, signior. Welcome to Very nice to see you, sir. Welcome to Cyprus.
Cyprus.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
I thank you. How does lieutenant Cassio? Thank you. How is lieutenant Cassio?
IAGO IAGO
Lives, sir. Well, hes alive.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
170 Cousin, theres fall'n between him and my lord Cousin, theres been a falling out between him
An unkind breach, but you shall make all well. and Othello. An unfortunate rift, but you can fix it.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Are you sure of that? Are you sure of that?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
My lord? Excuse me?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
(reads) This fail you not to do, as you will (reading) Dont fail to do this, since youll
LODOVICO LODOVICO
175 He did not call, hes busy in the paper. He didnt say anything, hes reading. So theres a
Is there division twixt my lord and Cassio? rift between Othello and Cassio?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
A most unhappy one. I would do much Yes, unfortunately. Id do anything to bring them
T' atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. back together, since I really care for Cassio.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Fire and brimstone! Damn it all!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
My lord? Excuse me, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Are you wise? Are you in your right mind?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
180 What, is he angry? Is he angry?
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Maybe the letter moved him, Maybe the letter upset him. I think they want him
For, as I think, they do command him home, to go home and appoint Cassio governor in his
Deputing Cassio in his government. place.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Trust me, I am glad on t. Im happy about that.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Indeed! Oh, are you really!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
185 My lord? My lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I am glad to see you mad. Im glad youre insane enough to admit it in front
of me.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Why, sweet Othello Why, sweet Othello
OTHELLO OTHELLO
(striking her) Devil! (striking her) You devil!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I have not deserved this. I havent done anything to deserve this!
LODOVICO LODOVICO
190 My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, My lord, no one will believe this in Venice, even
Though I should swear I saw t. 'Tis very much. though Id swear I saw it with my own eyes. That
Make her amends, she weeps. was too much. You should apologize. Shes
crying.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, devil, devil! Oh, you devil, you devil! You can cry all day and
If that the earth could teem with womans tears, all night, and I still wont believe youre sad. Get
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. out of my sight!
195 Out of my sight!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I will not stay to offend you. I wouldnt want to stay here and make you angry.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Truly, an obedient lady. Shes obedienta fine lady. Please, my lord, call
I do beseech your lordship, call her back. her back.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Mistress! Madam!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
200 My lord? My lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What would you with her, sir? What do you want with her, sir?
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Who, I, my lord? Who, me?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn. Yes, you asked me to call her back. See how well
Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, she can turn? She can turn and turn, and then
205 And turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep. turn on you again. And she can cry, siroh, how
And shes obedient, as you say, obedient, she can cry! And shes obedient, as you say,
Very obedient.Proceed you in your tears. obedient. Very obedientkeep crying.
Concerning this, sirOh, well-painted passion! Concerning thisoh, what fake emotion!I am
I am commanded home.Get you away, being ordered homeGet away from me, Ill send
210 Ill send for you anon.Sir, I obey the mandate for you later.Sir, Ill obey the order and return to
And will return to Venice.Hence, avaunt! Venice. Get away from me, you witch!
Exit DESDEMONA DESDEMONA exits.
Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight Cassio can have my job. And tonight, sir, I invite
I do entreat that we may sup together. you have dinner with me. Welcome to Cyprus.
You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and Horny animals!
monkeys!
Exit OTHELLO exits.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
215 Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Is this the same Moor whom the senate considers
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature so capable? Is this the guy whos supposed to
Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue never get emotional, and who never gets rattled,
The shot of accident nor dart of chance no matter what disaster happens?
Could neither graze nor pierce?
IAGO IAGO
He is much changed. Hes changed a great deal.
LODOVICO LODVICO
220 Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain? Is he sane? Is he losing his mind?
IAGO IAGO
Hes that he is. I may not breathe my censure He is what he is. I wont say anything negative
What he might be. If what he might he is not, about what he might be. If he isnt what he might
I would to heaven he were! be, then I wish to God he were!
LODOVICO LODOVICO
What? Strike his wife? Hitting his wife?
IAGO IAGO
'Faith, that was not so well. Yet would I knew Its true, that wasnt such a nice thing to do. But I
225 That stroke would prove the worst! wish I could say thats the last time hell do it!
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Is it his use? Is it a habit of his? Or did the letter make him
Or did the letters work upon his blood emotional somehow, and this is the first time hes
And new-create his fault? done it?

IAGO IAGO
Alas, alas! Oh, its too bad! It wouldnt be right for me to tell
It is not honesty in me to speak you everything Ive seen and heard. Youll see
What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, what hes like. His own actions will show you what
230 And his own courses will denote him so kind of person he is, so I wont have to bother
That I may save my speech. Do but go after telling you. Just go after him and watch what he
And mark how he continues. does next.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
I am sorry that I am deceived in him. Im sorry I was so wrong about him.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 4, Scene 2
Enter OTHELLO and EMILIA OTHELLO and EMILIA enter.

OTHELLO OTHELLO
You have seen nothing then? You havent seen anything, then?
EMILIA EMILIA
Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. No, and I didnt hear anything either, or suspect
anything at all.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together. But youve seen her and Cassio together.
EMILIA EMILIA
But then I saw no harm, and then I heard Yes, but I didnt see anything wrong, and I heard
5 Each syllable that breath made up between them. every syllable they said.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What, did they never whisper? Didnt they ever whisper?
EMILIA EMILIA
Never, my lord. Never, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Nor send you out o' th' way? Or ask you to leave the room?
EMILIA EMILIA
Never. Never.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
10 To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing? Not even to get her fan, or her gloves, or her
mask, or anything?
EMILIA EMILIA
Never, my lord. No, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thats strange. Thats strange.
EMILIA EMILIA
I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, Id swear to you on my soul that shes a good,
Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other honest person, sir. If you suspect otherwise, stop
15 Remove your thought, it doth abuse your bosom. thinking that right now because youre wrong. If
If any wretch have put this in your head any jerk has tried to convince you shes bad, I
Let heaven requite it with the serpents curse hope God curses him. If shes not honest, faithful,
For if she be not honest, chaste, and true and true, then theres no such thing as a faithful
Theres no man happy. The purest of their wives wife or a happy husband.
20 Is foul as slander.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Bid her come hither. Go. Tell her to come here. Go.
She says enough, yet shes a simple bawd She says all the right things, but the dumbest
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, brothel-keeper would tell the same story.
A closet, lock and key, of villainous secrets. Desdemonas a tricky whore with a closet full of
And yet shell kneel and pray, I have seen her do t. awful secrets, but still shell kneel and pray like an
honest woman. Ive seen her do it.
Enter DESDEMONA with EMILIA DESDEMONA and EMILIA enter.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
25 My lord, what is your will? My lord, what do you want?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Pray, chuck, come hither. Please, dear, come here.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
What is your pleasure? What can I do for you?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Let me see your eyes. Let me see your eyes. Look at my face.
Look in my face.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
What horrible fancys this? What horrible thing are you imagining?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
(to EMILIA) Some of your function, mistress, (to EMILIA) Go do what you do best, madam.
30 Leave procreants alone and shut the door. Leave us alone for our hanky-panky, and shut the
Cough or cry hem if any body come. door behind you. If somebody comes, give a
Your mystery, your mystery! Nay, dispatch! shout. Thats your job, your job. Go on, hurry!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Upon my knee, what doth your speech import? Im begging you on my knees to tell me what your
I understand a fury in your words, words mean. I can tell youre furious, but I dont
35 But not the words. understand what youre saying.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why, what art thou? Why? Who are you?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Your wife, my lord. Your true and loyal wife. Im your wife, your true and loyal wife.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Come, swear it, damn thyself. Go ahead, swear to that, so youll be damned to
Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves hell for lying. Otherwise the devils will mistake you
Should fear to seize thee. Therefore be double for an angel and be too scared to grab you. Go
40 damned, ahead, make sure you damn yourself by swearing
Swear thou art honest! youve been faithful to me.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Heaven doth truly know it. Heaven knows I am.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. Heaven knows youre as unfaithful as hell.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false? Unfaithful, my lord? With whom? How am I
unfaithful?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ah, Desdemona, away, away, away! Leave me alone, Desdemona, go away!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas the heavy day, why do you weep? Oh, what a horrible day! Why are you crying?
45 Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? Because of me? If youve been ordered back to
If haply you my father do suspect Venice because of my father, dont blame me. You
An instrument of this your calling back, may have lost his respect, but so have I.
Lay not your blame on me. If you have lost him,
Why, I have lost him too.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Had it pleased heaven If God had decided to treat me like Job, making
50 To try me with affliction, had they rained me sick and covered with sores, reducing me to
All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, abject poverty, selling me into slavery and
Steeped me in poverty to the very lips, destroying all my hopes, I would have found some
Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, way to accept it with patience. But instead Hes
I should have found in some place of my soul made me a laughingstock for everyone in our time
55 A drop of patience. But, alas, to make me to point at and scorn! Even that I could put up
with. But instead, my wife, whos supposed to
The fixd figure for the time of scorn be like the fountain that my children and all my
To point his slow and moving finger at! descendants flow from, has rejected me! Worse
Yet could I bear that too, well, very well. than that, shes polluted herself, so that the
But there where I have garnered up my heart, fountain is a place where disgusting toads
60 Where either I must live or bear no life, copulate and reproduce! Even the goddess of
The fountain from the which my current runs patience couldnt look at this and be patientits
Or else dries upto be discarded thence! too horrifying!
Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads
To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there,
65 Patience, thou young and rose-lipped cherubin,
Ay, there, look grim as hell!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. I hope you think Im faithful to you.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles, As faithful as flies in rotting meat, which give birth
That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, to maggots every time the wind blows. Youre like
70 Who art so lovely fair and smellst so sweet a weed pretending to be a flower, so beautiful and
That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst ne'er sweet-smelling that I ache when I look at you. Oh,
been born! I wish youd never been born!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed? Have I done something to offend you without
knowing it?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, Was someone as beautiful as you meant to be a
Made to write whore upon? What committed? whore? What have you done? What have you
75 Committed? O thou public commoner! done? Oh, you streetwalker! If I said out loud what
I should make very forges of my cheeks youve done, youd burn up with shame. What
That would to cinders burn up modesty have you done? Heaven has to hold its nose when
Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed? it sees you! The pure moon in the sky has to shut
Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks, its eyes when you go by! Even the wind that blows
80 The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets over everything on earth is ashamed to visit you.
Is hushed within the hollow mine of earth You brazen whore!
And will not hear t. What committed!
Impudent strumpet!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
By heaven, you do me wrong! I swear to God youre accusing me wrongly!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
85 Are you not a strumpet? So youre saying youre not a whore?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
No, as I am a Christian. No, Im as honest as I am Christian. If only letting
If to preserve this vessel for my lord my husband touch my body means Im not a
From any other foul unlawful touch whore, Im not a whore.
Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
90 What, not a whore? What, youre not a whore?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
No, as I shall be saved. No, I swear it.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, heaven forgive us! Oh, heaven help us!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I cry you mercy, then, I beg your pardon then. I must have the wrong
I took you for that cunning whore of Venice woman. I mistook you for that sly Venetian
95 That married with Othello.You, mistress, woman who married Othello.You whorehouse-
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter keeper.
And keep the gate of hell!
You, you, ay, you! Youre in charge of this hell! You! Weve finished
We have done our course. Theres money for your our business. Heres some money for you. Please
pains. lock the door and keep quiet.
I pray you, turn the key and keep our counsel.
Exit OTHELLO exits.
EMILIA EMILIA
100 Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? Whats he talking about? How are you, madam?
How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Faith, half asleep. Im stunned, to tell you the truth.
EMILIA EMILIA
Good madam, whats the matter with my lord? My lady, whats wrong with your husband?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
With who? With who?
EMILIA EMILIA
Why, with my lord, madam. Why, with your husband, madam. My lord.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
105 Who is thy lord? Whos your lord?
EMILIA EMILIA
He that is yours, sweet lady. My lord is your lord.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia. I dont have a lord. Dont talk to me, Emilia. I cant
I cannot weep, nor answers have I none, even cry, though tears are the only answers I
But what should go by water. Prithee, tonight could give to all your questions. Tonight put my
Lay on my bed my wedding sheets. Remember, wedding sheets on my bed, and tell your husband
110 And call thy husband hither. to come to me now.
EMILIA EMILIA
Heres a change indeed! Things have certainly changed!
Exit EMILIA exits.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet. Its fair for him to treat me like this, very fair. What
How have I been behaved that he might stick have I ever done that he has anything to complain
The smallst opinion on my least misuse? about?
Enter EMILIA with IAGO IAGO and EMILIA enter.
IAGO IAGO
What is your pleasure, madam? How is t with you? What can I do for you, madam? How are you?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
115 I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes I dont know. When grown-ups teach little
Do it with gentle means and easy tasks. children, they do it gently and easily. He might
He might have chid me so, for, in good faith, have treated me like that, because Im as unused
I am a child to chiding. to abuse as a little child.
IAGO IAGO
What is the matter, lady? Whats the matter, lady?

IAGO IAGO
Fie, there is no such man. It is impossible. Nobodys that bad. Its impossible.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
140 If any such there be, heaven pardon him! If there is, then heaven help him!
EMILIA EMILIA
A halter pardon him and hell gnaw his bones! A hangmans noose will help him! Let hell chew
Why should he call her whore? Who keeps her him up! Why should he call her a whore? Whos
company? been with her? When has she had the time, the
What place? What time? What form? What place, or the means to sleep with anyone? How is
145 likelihood? this at all likely? The Moor is being tricked by
The Moors abused by some most villainous knave, some crook, some terrible villain, some rotten
Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. bastard. Oh, I wish we could unmask scoundrels
O heavens, that such companions thoudst unfold, like that, and give a whip to every good man to
And put in every honest hand a whip beat them senseless with!
To lash the rascals naked through the world
Even from the east to th' west!
IAGO IAGO
Speak within door. Keep your voice down.
EMILIA EMILIA
150 Oh, fie upon them! Some such squire he was Oh, to hell with those people! Its the same kind of
That turned your wit the seamy side without guy who got you upset and made you suspect Id
And made you to suspect me with the Moor. cheated on you with the Moor.
IAGO IAGO
You are a fool. Go to. Youre a fool. Shut up.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas Iago, Oh God, Iago, what can I do to win my husband
What shall I do to win my lord again? back again? Please go to him, my friend. I swear I
155 Good friend, go to him. For, by this light of heaven, have no idea why he stopped loving me. Here Im
I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel: kneeling to swear that if I ever did anything to
If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love, destroy his love for me, either by thoughts or
Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, actions, or if I ever took pleasure in anyone else,
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, or if I never did love him, or dont love him now
160 Delighted them, or any other form, even though he tries to shake me off
Or that I do not yet, and ever did,
And ever willthough he do shake me off then I hope I have a life of misery! Unkindness is
To beggarly divorcementlove him dearly, powerful, and his unkindness may kill me, but itll
Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much, never destroy my love. I cant say whore. It
165 And his unkindness may defeat my life, makes me sick to say the word even now. I
But never taint my love. I cannot say whore, wouldnt do the thing that would make me a
It does abhor me now I speak the word. whore for all the money in the world.
To do the act that might the addition earn
Not the worlds mass of vanity could make me.
IAGO IAGO
170 I pray you, be content, tis but his humor. Please calm down. Hes just in a bad mood.
The business of the state does him offence, Political business is bothering him, and hes just
And he does chide with you. taking it out on you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
If twere no other If only that were all it is
IAGO IAGO
'Tis but so, I warrant. It is, I promise.
Trumpets sound Trumpets sound.
175 Hark, how these instruments summon to supper. Those trumpets are calling us in to dinner. The
The messengers of Venice stays the meat. Venetians are waiting for their food. Go in, and
Go in, and weep not. All things shall be well. dont cry. Everything will be all right.
How now, Roderigo! How are you, Roderigo?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I do not find that thou dealst justly with me. I dont think youre treating me fairly.
IAGO IAGO
180 What in the contrary? What makes you say that?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Every day thou daffst me with some device, Iago, Every day you put me off with some trick. Instead
and rather, as it seems to me now, keepst from me of finding opportunities for me, you seem to be
all conveniency than suppliest me with the least preventing me from making any progress.
advantage of hope.
I will indeed no longer endure it, nor am I yet Well, I wont take it any longer. And Im not going
persuaded to put up in peace what already I have to sit back and accept what youve done.
foolishly suffered.
IAGO IAGO
Will you hear me, Roderigo? Will you listen to me, Roderigo?
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I have heard too much, and your words and Ive listened to you too much already. Your words
performances are no kin together. and actions dont match up.
IAGO IAGO
185 You charge me most unjustly. Thats not fair.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my Its the truth. Ive got no money left. The jewels
means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver you took from me to deliver to Desdemona
Desdemona would half have corrupted a votaress. wouldve made even a nun want to sleep with me.
You have told me she hath received them and You told me she got them, and that she promised
returned me expectations and comforts of sudden to give me a little something in return soon, but
respect and acquaintance, but I find none. nothing like that ever happens.
IAGO IAGO
Well, go to. Very well. Well, all right then. Fine.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Very well, go to! I cannot go to, man, nor tis not Fine! he says. All right! Its not fine, and Im not
very well. Nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin to find all right! Its wrong, and Im starting to realize Im
myself fopped in it. being cheated!
IAGO IAGO
Very well. Okay.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
190 I tell you tis not very well. I will make myself known to Its not okay! Im going to tell Desdemona my
Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels I will give feelings. If she returns my jewels, Ill stop
over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation. If pursuing her and apologize to her. If not, Ill
not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you. challenge you to a duel.
IAGO IAGO
You have said now. Youve said what you have to say now.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of Yes, and Ill do everything I just said.
doing.
IAGO IAGO
Why, now I see theres mettle in thee, and even from Well, all right then. Now I see that you have some
this instant to build on thee a better opinion than ever guts. From this moment on I have a higher
before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken opinion of you than before. Give me your hand,
against me a most just exception, but yet I protest I Roderigo. Your complaint against me is perfectly
have dealt most directly in thy affair. understandable, but I still insist Ive done
everything I could to help you.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
It hath not appeared. It doesnt look that way to me.
IAGO IAGO
195 I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your I admit it doesnt look that way to me, and the fact
suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But, that you suspect me shows that youre smart. But
Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I Roderigo, if youre as courageous and determined
have greater reason to believe now than everI as I think you are, then wait just a bit longer. If
mean purpose, courage and valorthis night show it. youre not having sex with Desdemona tomorrow
If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, night, then I suggest you find some way to stab
take me from this world with treachery and devise me in the back and kill me.
engines for my life.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Well, what is it? Is it within reason and compass? Well, whats your plan? Is it feasible?
IAGO IAGO
Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice Venice has made Cassio governor here on
to depute Cassio in Othellos place. Cyprus.

RODERIGO RODERIGO
Is that true? Why, then Othello and Desdemona Is that true? Then Desdemona and Othello will go
return again to Venice. back to Venice.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, no, he goes into Mauritania and taketh away with Oh, no. Hell go to Mauritania and take the
him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be beautiful Desdemona with him, unless he gets
lingered here by some accidentwherein none can stuck here for some reason. The best way to
be so determinate as the removing of Cassio. extend his stay here is to get rid of Cassio.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
200 How do you mean, removing of him? What do you mean, get rid of him?
IAGO IAGO
Why, by making him uncapable of Othellos place: I mean knock his brains out, so he cant take
knocking out his brains. Othellos place.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
And that you would have me to do! And thats what you want me to do!
IAGO IAGO
Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. He Yes, if you want to help yourself. Hes having
sups tonight with a harlotry, and thither will I go to dinner tonight with a prostitute, and Ill go visit
him. He knows not yet of his honorable fortune. If you him. He doesnt know hes been appointed
will watch his going thence (which I will fashion to fall governor yet. When you see him walking by here
out between twelve and one) you may take him at (as Ill make sure he does between twelve and
your pleasure. I will be near to second your attempt, one) you can nab him. Ill be nearby to help you,
and he shall fall between us. Come, stand not and between the two of us we can handle him.
amazed at it, but go along with me. I will show you Come on, dont stand there in a daze. Come
such a necessity in his death that you shall think along with me. Ill give you such reasons for killing
yourself bound to put it on him. It is now high him that youll feel obliged to snuff him out. Its
suppertime, and the night grows to waste. About it! nearly dinner time, and the nights going to be
wasted. Lets go!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I will hear further reason for this. I want to hear more about this.
IAGO IAGO
205 And you shall be satisfied. You will. Youll hear all you want to hear.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 4, Scene 3
Enter OTHELLO, LODOVICO, DESDEMONA,EMIL OTHELLO, LODOVICO, DESDEMONA andEMILIA

IA and attendants enter, with attendants.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further. Please, sir, dont trouble yourself.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, pardon me, twill do me good to walk. I beg your pardon; walking will make me feel better.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Madam, good night. I humbly thank your ladyship. Good night, madam. Thank you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Your honor is most welcome. Youre most welcome.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
5 Will you walk, sir?O Desdemona Would you walk out with me, sir?Oh, Desdemona

DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
My lord? Yes, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Get you to bed on th' instant, I will be returned Go to bed right this minute. Ill be there shortly. Send
Forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there, look t be your maid Emilia away. Make sure you do what I
done. say.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I will, my lord. I will, my lord.
Exeunt OTHELLO, LODOVICO, and attendants OTHELLO, LODOVICO, and attendants
exit.
EMILIA How are things now? He looks calmer than he did
10 How goes it now? He looks gentler than he did. before.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
He says he will return incontinent, He says hell come back right away. He asked me to
And hath commanded me to go to bed go to bed and to send you away.
And bid me to dismiss you.
EMILIA EMILIA
Dismiss me? Send me away?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
It was his bidding. Therefore, good Emilia, Thats what he said. So give me my nightgown,
15 Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu. Emilia, and Ill say goodnight. We shouldnt
We must not now displease him. displease him.
EMILIA EMILIA
Ay. Would you had never seen him! Yes. I wish youd never met him.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
So would not I. My love doth so approve him Thats not what I wish. I love him even when hes
That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns harsh and meanHelp me unpin this, would you?
20 Prithee, unpin mehave grace and favor. I love even his stubbornness, his frowns, his
bad moods.
EMILIA EMILIA
I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed. I put those wedding sheets on your bed, as you
asked.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alls one. Good Father, how foolish are our minds! It doesnt matter. Oh, how silly we are! If I die
If I do die before thee, prithee, shroud me before you do make sure Im wrapped in those
In one of these same sheets. sheets in my coffin.
EMILIA EMILIA
Come, come! You talk! Listen to you! Dont be silly!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
25 My mother had a maid called Barbary, My mother had a maid named Barbary. She was
She was in love, and he she loved proved mad in love, and her lover turned out to be wild and left
And did forsake her. She had a song of Willow, her. She knew an old song called Willow that
An old thing twas, but it expressed her fortune reminded her of her own story, and she died
And she died singing it. That song tonight singing it. I cant get that song out of my head
30 Will not go from my mind. I have much to do tonight. Its all I can do to keep myself from
But to go hang my head all at one side hanging my head down in despair and singing it
And sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee, dispatch. like poor Barbary. Please, hurry up.
EMILIA EMILIA
Shall I go fetch your nightgown? Should I get your nightgown?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
No, unpin me here. No, just help me unpin this. That Lodovico is a
This Lodovico is a proper man. good-looking man.
EMILIA EMILIA
35 A very handsome man. Hes very handsome.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
He speaks well. He speaks well.
EMILIA EMILIA
I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to I know a lady in Venice whod walk all the way to
Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. Palestine for a kiss from him.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
(singing) (singing)
The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree, The poor soul sat singing by the sycamore tree,
Sing all a green willow. Everyone sing the green willow,
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee, She had her hand on her breast and her head
Sing willow, willow, willow. on her knee,
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmured her Sing willow, willow, willow.
moans, The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her
Sing willow, willow, willow. moans,
Her salt tears fell from her, and softened the stones Sing willow, willow, willow.
Sing willow, willow, willow Her salt tears fell from her and softened the
Lay by these stones,
Willow, willow Sing willow, willow, willow.
Prithee, hie thee, hell come anon Put these things over there.
Sing all a green willow must be my garland. Please, hurry, hell come right away.
Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve Everyone sing, a green willow must be my
Nay, thats not nextHark! Who is t that knocks? garland.

Nobody blame him, hes right to hate me
No, thats not how it goes.Whos knocking?
EMILIA EMILIA
Its the wind. Its the wind.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
40 (sings) (singing) I told my lover he didnt love me, but
I called my love false love but what said he then? what did he say? Sing willow, willow, willow.
Sing willow, willow, willow. If I chase more women, youll sleep with more
If I court more women youll couch with more men menOkay, go away now. Good night. My eyes
So, get thee gone, good night. Mine eyes do itch, itchis that an omen Ill be crying soon?
Doth that bode weeping?
EMILIA EMILIA
'Tis neither here nor there. No, it doesnt mean anything.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
45 I have heard it said so. Oh, these men, these men! I heard someone say thats what it means. Oh,
Dost thou in conscience thinktell me, Emilia these men, these men! Do you honestly thinktell
That there be women do abuse their husbands me, Emiliathere are women whod cheat on their
In such gross kind? husbands in such a disgusting manner?
EMILIA EMILIA
There be some such, no question. There are women like that out there, no question.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? Would you ever do such a thing for all the world?
EMILIA EMILIA
50 Why, would not you? Why, wouldnt you?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
No, by this heavenly light! By the light of heaven, no, I would not!
EMILIA EMILIA
Nor I neither, by this heavenly light. I wouldnt either, by daylight. It would be easier to
I might do t as well i' th' dark. do it in the dark.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? Could you really do such a thing, for all the world?
EMILIA EMILIA
The worlds a huge thing. It is a great price for a small The worlds huge. Its a big prize for such a small
vice. sin.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
55 In troth, I think thou wouldst not. I dont think you would.
EMILIA EMILIA
In troth, I think I should, and undo t when I had done. Actually I think I would, and then Id undo it after I
Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, nor did it. I wouldnt do it for a nice ring, or fine linen,
for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor or pretty gowns or petticoats or hats. But for the
caps, nor any petty exhibition. But for the whole whole world? Who wouldnt cheat on her husband
world? Why, who would not make her husband a to make him king? Id risk my soul for that.
cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture
purgatory for t.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong Id never do such a bad thing, not for the whole
For the whole world. world!
EMILIA EMILIA
Why the wrong is but a wrong i' th' world, and having Why, a bad action is just a wrong in this world, but
the world for your labor, tis a wrong in your own when youve won the whole world, its a wrong in
world, and you might quickly make it right. your own world, so you can make it right then.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
60 I do not think there is any such woman. I dont think any woman like that exists.
EMILIA EMILIA
Yes, a dozen, and as many to th' vantage as would Yes, a dozen of themas many as there are
store the world they played for. women in the world, in fact. But I do think its the
But I do think it is their husbands' faults husbands fault if we wives cheat on them. For
If wives do fall. Say that they slack their duties instance, our husbands
And pour our treasures into foreign laps, may stop sleeping with us, and give it out to other
65 Or else break out in peevish jealousies, women instead. Or they may get insanely jealous,
Throwing restraint upon us. Or say they strike us, and keep us from going anywhere. Or lets say
Or scant our former having in despite. they hit us, or cut back on the money they give us
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, out of spite. We have feelings. We may be able to
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know forgive them, but we want to get back at them too.
70 Their wives have sense like them. They see and smell Husbands need to know that their wives are
And have their palates both for sweet and sour, human beings too. They see, smell, and taste
As husbands have. What is it that they do sweet and sour just like their husbands. Why do
When they change us for others? Is it sport? they replace us with other women? Do they do it
I think it is. And doth affection breed it? for fun? I think they do. Is it out of lust? I think so.
75 I think it doth. Is t frailty that thus errs? Is it a weakness? It is. And dont we have
It is so too. And have not we affections, passions, and a taste for fun, and weaknesses,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? just like men? Then tell them to treat us well. Or
Then let them use us well, else let them know, let them figure out that the bad things we do are
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so. just what we learned from them.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
80 Good night, good night. Heaven me such uses send, Good night, good night. I pray that God will let me
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! learn from women like thatnot to follow their bad
example, but to avoid it!
Exeunt They exit.
Act 5, Scene 1
Enter IAGO and RODERIGO IAGO and RODERIGO enter.

IAGO IAGO
Here, stand behind this bulk, straight will he come. Here, stand behind this wall; hell come right away.
Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home. Keep your sword out, and then stick it in as far as
Quick, quick! Fear nothing. Ill be at thy elbow. itll go. Quick, quick. Dont be afraid. Ill be right
It makes us, or it mars us. Think on that, next to you. This will either make us or break us.
5 And fix most firm thy resolution. Keep that in mind, and be steady.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Be near at hand, I may miscarry in t. Stay right near me. I may mess it up.
IAGO IAGO
Here, at thy hand. Be bold, and take thy stand. Im right behind you. Be bold, and get ready.
Withdraws IAGO moves aside.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
I have no great devotion to the deed I dont really want to do this, but hes given me
And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. good reasons. I guess its only one manno big
10 'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword: he dies. deal. My sword comes out, and he dies.
IAGO IAGO
(aside) I have rubbed this young quat almost to the (to himself) Ive rubbed this young pimple until hes
sense, ready to pop, and now hes angry. Whether he kills
And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio Cassio, or Cassio kills him, or they kill each other,
Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, it all works in my favor. If Roderigo survives,
15 Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo, though, hell ask me for all the gold and jewelry
He calls me to a restitution large that I stole from him and said I gave to
Of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him Desdemona. I cant let that happen. If Cassio
As gifts to Desdemona. survives,hes so handsome and well-spoken that
It must not be. If Cassio do remain he makes me look ugly. And besides, the Moor
20 He hath a daily beauty in his life might tell him about my lies about him.That
That makes me ugly. And besides, the Moor would be very dangerous for me. No, hes got to
May unfold me to himthere stand I in much peril. die. Let it be so. I hear him coming.
No, he must die. But so, I hear him coming.

RODERIGO RODERIGO
I know his gait, tis he.Villain, thou diest! I know the sound of his walk.Die, villain!
Thrusts at CASSIO RODERIGO thrusts his sword at CASSIO.
CASSIO CASSIO
That thrust had been mine enemy indeed That thrust might really have hurt me if I didnt
25 But that my coat is better than thou knowst have this armor on under my cloak. Now lets see
I will make proof of thine. what youve got on.
Draws, and wounds RODERIGO CASSIOdraws his sword and stabs Roderigo.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Oh, I am slain! Oh, Im dead!
IAGO from behind wounds CASSIO in the legs, exits From behind, IAGO stabs CASSIO in the leg and
then exits.
CASSIO CASSIO
I am maimed for ever. Help, ho! Murder! Murder! Ill be crippled forever! Help! Murder! murder!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
The voice of Cassio. Iago keeps his word. Thats Cassios voice. Iago has kept his word.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Oh, villain that I am! Oh, what a villain I am!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
30 It is even so. Thats the truth.
CASSIO CASSIO
Oh, help, ho! Light! A surgeon! Help me! Get some light! Get me a surgeon!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
'Tis he. Oh, brave Iago, honest and just, Its him! Brave Iago, how honest and trustworthy
That hast such noble sense of thy friends wrong! you are! You even went as far as murder to help
your friend in his misfortune. You teach me how I
should act.
Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead, Whore, your lovers dead now, and youll be going
35 And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come. to hell soon. Im coming, slut! Ive shut the
For, of my heart, those charms, thine eyes, are memory of your beautiful eyes out of my heart.
blotted. Youve already stained our sheets with your lust;
Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lusts blood be now Ill stain them with your whores blood.
spotted.
Exit OTHELLO exits.
Enter LODOVICO and GRATIANO LODOVICO and GRATIANO enter.
CASSIO CASSIO
What, ho! No watch? No passage? Murder! Murder! Help! Isnt there a guard around? No one passing
by? Murder! Murder!
GRATIANO GRATIANO
'Tis some mischance, the cry is very direful. Somethings wrong, the man sounds panicked.
CASSIO CASSIO
40 Oh, help! Oh, help!
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Hark! Listen!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Oh, wretched villain! Ive acted like such a villain!
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Two or three groan. 'Tis heavy night, Two or three men are groaning. But its dark out,
These may be counterfeits. Lets think t unsafe and it could be a trap. Its not safe to go near them
45 To come in to the cry without more help. till we get more help.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death. Nobodys coming? Ill bleed to death.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Hark! Look!
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Heres one comes in his shirt, with light and weapons. Heres someone coming in his pajamas, with a
candle and weapons.
IAGO IAGO
Whos there? Whose noise is this that ones on Whos there? Whos shouting murder?
murder?
LODOVICO LODOVICO
50 We do not know. We dont know.
IAGO IAGO
Do not you hear a cry? Didnt you hear someone shouting?
CASSIO CASSIO
Here, here! For heavens sake, help me! Im here, here! For heavens sake, help me!
IAGO IAGO
Whats the matter? Whats the matter?
GRATIANO GRATIANO
(to LODOVICO) This is Othellos ancient, as I take it. (to LODOVICO) Thats Othellos ensign, I think.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
The same indeed, a very valiant fellow. It is. Hes a good man.
IAGO IAGO
(to CASSIO) What are you here that cry so (to CASSIO) Whos shouting so loudly?
grievously?
CASSIO CASSIO
55 Iago? Oh, I am spoiled, undone by villains! Is that you, Iago? Im here, Ive been destroyed by
Give me some help. villains! Help me.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, me, lieutenant! What villains have done this? Oh, lieutenant! What villains did this to you?
CASSIO CASSIO
I think that one of them is hereabout, I think one of them is nearby and cant get away.
And cannot make away.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, treacherous villains! The treacherous criminals!
60 (to LODOVICO and GRATIANO) (to LODOVICO andGRATIANO) Whos there?
What are you there? Come in, and give some help. Come here and help!
RODERIGO RODERIGO
Oh, help me there! Somebody help me over here!
CASSIO CASSIO
Thats one of them. Thats one of them.
IAGO IAGO
O murd'rous slave! O villain! (to RODERIGO) Murderer! Villain!
Stabs RODERIGO IAGO stabs RODERIGO.
RODERIGO RODERIGO
O damned Iago! O inhuman dog! Damned Iago! You inhuman dog!
IAGO IAGO
65 Kill men i' th' dark! Where be these bloody thieves? Killing men in the dark? Where are these
How silent is this town!Ho! murder! murder! murderers? This is such a quiet, sleepy town!
What may you be? Are you of good or evil? Murder, murder!Whos that coming? Are you
good or evil?
LODOVICO LODOVICO
As you shall prove us, praise us. Judge for yourself.
IAGO IAGO
Signior Lodovico? Signor Lodovico?
LODOVICO LODOVICO
70 He, sir. Thats me.
IAGO IAGO
I cry you mercy. Heres Cassio hurt by villains. I beg your pardon. Cassios been wounded.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Cassio! Cassio!
IAGO IAGO
How is t, brother! How are you doing, brother?
CASSIO CASSIO
My leg is cut in two. My legs been cut in two.
IAGO IAGO
75 Marry, heaven forbid! God forbid! Bring me some light, gentlemen, Ill
Light, gentlemen, Ill bind it with my shirt. bind the wound with my shirt.
BIANCA BIANCA
What is the matter, ho? Who is t that cried? Whats the matter? Whos shouting?
IAGO IAGO
Who is t that cried? Whos shouting?
BIANCA BIANCA
Oh, my dear Cassio! Oh, my dear Cassio! My sweet Cassio! Oh,
My sweet Cassio! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!
IAGO IAGO
80 O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect You notorious whore! Cassio, do you know who
Who they should be that have thus mangled you? might have stabbed you like this?
CASSIO CASSIO
No. No.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
I am sorry to find you thus. I have been to seek you. Im sorry to find you like this. Ive been looking all
over for you.
IAGO IAGO
Lend me a garter. So.Oh, for a chair, Lend me your sashOh, if we only had a
85 To bear him easily hence! stretcher to carry him out of here!
BIANCA BIANCA
Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! Hes fainted! Oh Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!
IAGO IAGO
Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash Sir, I believe this piece of trash, Bianca, has
To be a party in this injury. something to do with all this trouble.Hang in
Patience awhile, good Cassio.Come, come, there, Cassio.Come here, bring the light. Do
90 Lend me a light. Know we this face or no? you recognize this face? Oh, no, its my friend and
Alas, my friend and my dear countryman countryman, Roderigo.Yes, its Roderigo!
Roderigo! Noyes, sure! Yes, tis Roderigo.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
What, of Venice? What, Roderigo from Venice?
IAGO IAGO
Even he, sir. Did you know him? Thats the one, sir. Do you know him?
GRATIANO GRATIANO
95 Know him? Ay. Know him? Yes.
IAGO IAGO
Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle pardon, Signor Gratiano, I beg your pardon. I didnt mean
These bloody accidents must excuse my manners to ignore youits just because of this bloody
That so neglected you. uproar.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
I am glad to see you. Im glad to see you.
IAGO IAGO
How do you, Cassio?Oh, a chair, a chair! How are you doing, Cassio?Someone bring me
a stretcher!
GRATIANO GRATIANO
100 Roderigo! Roderigo!
IAGO IAGO
He, he, tis he. Its him, its him.
A chair is brought in A stretcher is brought in.
Oh, thats well saidthe chair! Goodheres the stretcher. Get somebody strong
Some good man bear him carefully from hence. to carry him out of here. Ill get the generals
Ill fetch the generals surgeon.(to BIANCA) For surgeon. (to BIANCA) As for you, ma'am, dont
you, mistress, bother. The man lying here was my dear friend,
105 Save you your labor.He that lies slain here, Cassio, Roderigo.What was the problem between you?
Was my dear friend. What malice was between you?
CASSIO CASSIO
None in the world, nor do I know the man. There wasnt any problem. I dont even know him.
IAGO IAGO
(to BIANCA) (to BIANCA) Youre pale?Get Cassio out of
What, look you pale?Oh, bear him out o' the air. here.You look awfully pale, Bianca.
CASSIO and RODERIGO are borne off CASSIO and RODERIGO are carried away.
Do you perceive the gastness of her eye?Stay you, Do you see how afraid she is? Watch her, well
110 good gentlemen.Look you pale, mistress? get the whole story. Keep an eye on her. Do you
Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon. see? The guilty speak volumes even when theyre
Behold her well. I pray you, look upon her. silent.
Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness
Will speak, though tongues were out of use.
EMILIA EMILIA
Alas, what is the matter? What is the matter, Whats the matter? Whats the matter, husband?
husband?
IAGO IAGO
115 Cassio hath here been set on in the dark Cassio was attacked here in the dark by Roderigo
By Roderigo and fellows that are scaped. and men who escaped. Hes near death, and
Hes almost slain, and Roderigo dead. Roderigos dead already.
EMILIA EMILIA
Alas, good gentleman! Alas, good Cassio! Oh, no, good gentleman! Oh no, good Cassio!
IAGO IAGO
This is the fruits of whoring. Prithee, Emilia, This is what happens when you visit whores.
120 Go know of Cassio where he supped tonight. Please, Emilia, ask Cassio where he was at
(to BIANCA) What, do you shake at that? dinner tonight.(to BIANCA) What, does that
make you nervous?
BIANCA BIANCA
He supped at my house, but I therefore shake not. He ate at my house, but that doesnt make me
nervous.
IAGO IAGO
Oh, did he so? I charge you, go with me. Oh, did he? I order you to come with me.
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, fie upon thee, strumpet! Go to hell, you whore!
BIANCA BIANCA
125 I am no strumpet, but of life as honest Im no whore. Im as moral as you are.
As you that thus abuse me.
EMILIA EMILIA
As I! Fie upon thee! As moral as me! Damn you!
IAGO IAGO
Kind gentlemen, lets go see poor Cassio dressed. Gentlemen, lets go make sure Cassios wounds
Come, mistress, you must tell s another tale. are properly dressed.Come on, ma'am, you can
Emilia, run you to the citadel tell us another story. Emilia, go to the castle and
130 And tell my lord and lady what hath happed. tell Othello and Desdemona what happened.
Will you go on afore? Will you please go now? (to himself) This is the
(aside) night thatll either make me or break me.
This is the night
That either makes me or fordoes me quite.
Act 5, Scene 2
DESDEMONA asleep in bed Enter OTHELLO with a DESDEMONA is asleep in bed. OTHELLOenters
light with a candle.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. I have to do it, I have to do it. I have to keep my
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars, reason in mind. I wont say out loud what my
It is the cause. Yet Ill not shed her blood, reason is, but I have to do it. But I wont shed any
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow of her blood or scar that beautiful skin, whiter than
5 And smooth as monumental alabaster. snow and smooth as the finest marble. But shes
Yet she must die, else shell betray more men. got to die, or shell cheat on other men. Put out the
Put out the light, and then put out the light. light of the candle, and then put out the light of her
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, heart. If I extinguish the candle, I can light it again
I can again thy former light restore if I regret it. But once I kill you, you beautiful, fake
10 Should I repent me. But once put out thy light, woman, I do not know the magic that could bring
Thou cunningst pattern of excelling nature, you back. When Ive plucked this rose, I cant
I know not where is that Promethean heat make it grow again; it will have no choice but to
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy wither and die. Let me smell you while youre still
rose on the tree. (he kisses her) Oh, that sweet breath
15 I cannot give it vital growth again, almost convinces me not to kill you and carry out
It must needs wither. Ill smell thee on the tree. justice. One more, one more kiss. If youre this
Oh, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade beautiful when youre dead, Ill kill you and then
Justice to break her sword! One more, one more. love you afterward. (kissing her) One more, and
Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee this is the last. Such a sweet kiss was never so
20 And love thee after. (kissing her) One more, and thats deadly. I have to cry, but I have to be cruel too. Im
the last. acting like God in the Old TestamentI have to
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, punish the one I love. Shes waking up.
But they are cruel tears. This sorrows heavenly,
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Whos there? Othello? Whos there? Othello?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay, Desdemona. Yes, Desdemona.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
25 Will you come to bed, my lord? Will you come to bed, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon? Have you said your prayers tonight, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Ay, my lord. Yes, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
If you bethink yourself of any crime If you can think of any crime you havent
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, confessed, then pray for forgiveness right away.
30 Solicit for it straight.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alack, my lord, what do you mean by that? Oh, my lord, what do you mean by that?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by. Well, hurry up and confess. Be quick about it. Ill
I would not kill thy unprepard spirit. wait over here. I dont want to kill you before
No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul! youve readied your soul. No, I dont want to send
your soul to hell when I kill you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
35 Talk you of killing? Youre talking about killing?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay, I do. Yes, I am.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Then heaven Then heaven have mercy on me.
Have mercy on me!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Amen, with all my heart. Amen to that, from the bottom of my heart.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
If you say, I hope you will not kill me. If you really feel that way, then I hope you wont kill
me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Humh! Hmmph!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
40 And yet I fear you, for youre fatal then Youre scaring me. You terrify me when you have
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not, that look in your eyes. I dont know why I should
Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear. be afraid, since I havent done anything wrong. But
Im still afraid.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Think on thy sins. Think of your sins.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
They are loves I bear to you. My only sin was loving you too much.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
45 Ay, and for that thou diest. Yes, thats why you have to die.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
That deaths unnatural that kills for loving. Youre wrong to kill me for loving you. Why are you
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? chewing on your lower lip like that? Youre shaking
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame. with emotion. These are bad omens, but I hope, I
These are portents, but yet I hope, I hope hope, they dont predict my future.
50 They do not point on me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Peace, and be still. Quiet. Stay still.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
I will so. Whats the matter? I will. Whats this all about?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
That handkerchief You gave that handkerchief, the one I loved and
Which I so loved and gave thee, thou gavst gave to you, to Cassio.
To Cassio.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
55 No, by my life and soul! No, I swear by my life and soul! Bring him here
Send for the man and ask him. and ask him.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury. My sweet darling, dont lie. Youre on your
Thou art on thy deathbed. deathbed.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Aybut not yet to die! I am? But Im not dying yet!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
60 Presently. Yes, right now. So confess your sin freely now.
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin, Even if you swear youre innocent of every
For to deny each article with oath accusation, you wont change my mind or remove
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception the thought thats tormenting me. Youre going to
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. die.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
65 Oh, heaven have mercy on me! Then heaven have mercy on me!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I say amen. Amen to that.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
And have you mercy too! I never did And you have mercy on me too! I never did
Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio anything wrong to you in my life. I never loved
But with such general warranty of heaven Cassio, except with the pure love that I feel for
As I might love. I never gave him token. humankind. I never gave him any token of
romantic love.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
70 By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in s hand. I saw him holding the handkerchief! You liar, youre
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart, turning my heart to stone, and making me call
And makst me call what I intend to do what Ill do murder, when I had been thinking of it
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice! as a sacrifice! I saw the handkerchief.
I saw the handkerchief.

DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
He found it then, He found it somewhere, then. I never gave it to
75 I never gave it him. Send for him hither, him. Tell him to come here. Hell tell the truth.
Let him confess a truth.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
He hath confessed. Hes already done so.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
What, my lord? What, my lord?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
That he hath usd thee. That he had sex with you.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
How? Unlawfully? What? Had sex with me?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay. Yes.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
80 He will not say so. He wouldnt say that.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
No, his mouth is stopped. Honest Iago No. He wont say anything anymore. Honest Iagos
Hath ta'en order for t. arranged that.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh! My fear interprets. What, is he dead? Oh, Im scared. What, is he dead?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Had all his hairs been lives If he had as many lives as hes got hairs on his
85 My great revenge had stomach for them all. head, I wouldve killed them all in revenge.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Alas, he is betrayed and I undone. Oh, hes been betrayed, and Ive been ruined.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Out, strumpet! weepst thou for him to my face? What, you whore, are you crying for him right in
front of me?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Oh, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! Send me away, my lord, but dont kill me!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Down, strumpet! Down, whore!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
90 Kill me tomorrowlet me live tonight! Kill me tomorrowbut let me live tonight.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Nay, if you strive No, if you struggle with me
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
But half an hour! Just half an hour!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Being done, there is no pause. While Im doing this, I cant pause for a moment.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
But while I say one prayer! Just let me say one prayer!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
95 It is too late. (he smothers her) Its too late. (he smothers her)
EMILIA EMILIA
(within) My lord , my lord! What, ho! My lord, my lord! (offstage) My lord, my lord! Hello! My lord, my
lord!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What noise is this?Not dead? Not yet quite dead? Whats that noise? Arent you dead yet? I know
I that am cruel am yet merciful, Im cruel, but Im merciful too. I dont want you to
I would not have thee linger in thy pain. linger in pain.
100 So, so.
EMILIA EMILIA
(within) What, ho! My lord, my lord! (offstage) Hello! My lord, my lord!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Whos there? Whos there?
EMILIA EMILIA
(within) O good my lord, I would speak a word with (offstage) Oh my lord, I need to speak to you!
you!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Yes, tis Emilia.(to EMILIA) By and by.Shes Yes, its Emilia.(to EMILIA)Just a minute!
dead. Shes dead now.Emilias probably come to tell
105 'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassios death, me that Cassios been killed. The fight outside
The noise was high. Ha! No more moving? was loud. So! Youre not moving anymore? No,
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were t good? youre as still as a grave. Should I let her in? Is
I think she stirs againNo. Whats best to do? that a good idea? I think shes moving againNo.
If she come in, shell sure speak to my wife What should I do? If she comes in, shell try to
110 My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife. speak to my wife. My wife, my wife! What wife? I
Oh, insupportable! Oh, heavy hour! dont have a wife. Oh, this is unbearable! Oh, the
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse horror! There should be a huge eclipse of the sun
Of sun and moon, and that th' affrighted globe and the moon, now that Desdemonas no longer
Should yawn at alteration. on this earth.
EMILIA EMILIA
(within) (offstage) Please, my lord. I need to speak with
I do beseech you you. Oh, my good lord!
115 That I may speak with you, O good my lord!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I had forgot theeOh, come in, Emilia. Id forgotten about youEmilia, wait a moment,
Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw. let me draw the curtains. (closes the bed
Where art thou? curtains) Where are you? (unlocks the door)
Unlocks the door. Enter EMILIA EMILIA enters.
Whats the matter with thee now? Whats the matter with you now?
EMILIA EMILIA
O my good lord, yonders foul murders done! Oh, my lord, terrible murders have been
committed over there!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
120 What, now? What? Just now?
EMILIA EMILIA
But now, my lord. Yes, just now, my lord.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
It is the very error of the moon, Its because of the full moon. It comes too close
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont to the earth and drives men crazy.
And makes men mad.
EMILIA EMILIA
125 Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian Cassios killed a young Venetian named
Called Roderigo. Roderigo.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Roderigo killed? And Cassio killed! Roderigos been killed? And Cassios killed?
EMILIA EMILIA
No, Cassio is not killed. No, Cassio wasnt killed.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Not Cassio killed! Then murders out of tune, Cassios not dead? Then the wrong man is dead,
And sweet revenge grows harsh. and sweet revenge has gone wrong.
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
130 Oh, falsely, falsely murdered! Oh, Ive been murdered unfairly!
EMILIA EMILIA
Alas, what cry is that? Oh Lord, whos that crying?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
That? What? That? What?
EMILIA EMILIA
Out and alas, that was my ladys voice. Oh, no, that was my ladys voice.
Opens the bedcurtains EMILIA opens the bedcurtains.
Help! Help, ho, help! O lady, speak again! Help! Help! Oh, lady, speak again.
135 Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak! Sweet Desdemona! Oh sweet mistress, speak!
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
A guiltless death I die. Im dying an innocent woman.
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, who hath done this deed? Oh, who did this thing?
DESDEMONA DESDEMONA
Nobody. I myself. Farewell. No one. I did it myself. Give my love to my kind
Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell! husband. Oh, goodbye!
Dies DESDEMONA dies.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why, how should she be murdered? Why, how could she have been murdered?
EMILIA EMILIA
Alas, who knows? My God, who knows?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
140 You heard her say herself it was not I. You heard her say it wasnt me.
EMILIA EMILIA
She said so. I must needs report the truth. Yes, she said that. I must go report what
happened.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Shes like a liar gone to burning hell. She was lying even as she was going down to
'Twas I that killed her. hell. I did kill her.
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, the more angel she, Then she was even more an angel, and youre an
145 And you the blacker devil! even blacker devil!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
She turned to folly, and she was a whore. She cheated on me, and she was a whore.
EMILIA EMILIA
Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil. You slander her, you devil.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
She was false as water. She was fickle and unfaithful, like water.
EMILIA EMILIA
Thou art rash as fire, Youve lost your mind to accuse her of cheating.
To say that she was false. Oh, she was heavenly She was utterly true to you!
true!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
150 Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else. Cassio had sex with her. Ask your husband if you
Oh, I were damned beneath all depth in hell, doubt me. If I didnt have a good reason to do
But that I did proceed upon just grounds this, damn me to the very bottom of hell. Your
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all. husband knew about everything.
EMILIA EMILIA
My husband! My husband!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thy husband. Your husband.
EMILIA EMILIA
That she was false to wedlock? He said she was unfaithful?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
155 Ay, with Cassio. Had she been true, Yes, with Cassio. If shed been faithful to me, I
If heaven would make me such another world never would have given her up, not even if God
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, himself offered me a jewel as big as a planet in
Id not have sold her for it. exchange for her.
EMILIA EMILIA
My husband? My husband.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay, twas he that told me on her first. Yes, hes the one who first told me about her. Hes
160 An honest man he is, and hates the slime an honest man who detests evil actions.
That sticks on filthy deeds.
EMILIA EMILIA
My husband! My husband?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy husband. Why do you keep repeating that, woman? Im
telling you, your husband.
EMILIA EMILIA
O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love! Oh, my mistress, a villain has made a mockery of
My husband say that she was false! your love! My husband said she was unfaithful!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
He, woman. Yes, him, woman. I said your husband.Do you
165 I say thy husbanddost understand the word? understand that word? My friend, your husband,
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago. the honest, honest Iago.
EMILIA EMILIA
If he say so, may his pernicious soul If he said that, then I hope his malicious soul rots
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th' heart. in hell forever. Hes lying through his teeth! She
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. was too attached to her filthy marriage ever to do
a thing like that!
OTHELLO draws his sword OTHELLO draws his sword.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
170 Ha! Ha!
EMILIA EMILIA
Do thy worst. Go ahead, do your worst. Killing me wont send
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven you to heaven. You werent good enough for her.
Than thou wast worthy her.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Peace, you were best. Youd better shut up!
EMILIA EMILIA
Thou hast not half that power to do me harm I can endure far more pain than you could ever
175 As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! give me! Oh, you idiot! You stupid fool! As dumb
As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed as dirt! Youve committed a terrible evilIm not
I care not for thy sword, Ill make thee known afraid of your sword. Ill tell everyone what you
did, even if it
Though I lost twenty lives.Help! Help, ho! Help! costs me my life twenty times over.Help, help,
The Moor hath killed my mistress! Murder, murder! help! The Moors killed my mistress! Murder,
murder!
Enter MONTANO, GRATIANO, and IAGO MONTANO, GRATIANO, and IAGO enter.
MONTANO MONTANO
180 What is the matter? How now, general? Whats the matter? Whats going on here,
general?
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, are you come, Iago? You have done well, Oh, are you here, Iago? Youve done a good job,
That men must lay their murders on your neck. that other men can attribute their murders to you!
GRATIANO GRATIANO
What is the matter? Whats the matter?
EMILIA EMILIA
(to IAGO) Disprove this villain, if thou best a man. (to IAGO) Tell this villain hes wrong, if youre man
185 He says thou toldst him that his wife was false. enough. He says you told him his wife cheated on
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain. him. I know you didnt. Youre not that much of a
Speak, for my heart is full. villain. Speak, because Im too emotional to say
any more.
IAGO IAGO
I told him what I thought, and told no more I told him what I thought. I didnt tell him anything
Than what he found himself was apt and true. that didnt make sense or ring true to him.
EMILIA EMILIA
190 But did you ever tell him she was false? But did you tell him she cheated on him?
IAGO IAGO
I did. I did.
EMILIA EMILIA
You told a lie, an odious, damnd lie. Then you told a lie, a sick, wicked lie. I swear on
Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie. my soul it was a lie. You said she slept with
She false with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio? Cassio. Did you say Cassio?
IAGO IAGO
195 With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue. Yes, with Cassio. Now be quiet.
EMILIA EMILIA
I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak. I will not be quiet! I have to speak. My mistress
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed here lies murdered in her bed
ALL ALL
Oh, heavens forfend! No, heaven forbid!
EMILIA EMILIA
And your reports have set the murder on. And your lies caused this murder.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
200 Nay, stare not, masters, it is true, indeed. Dont stand there gaping, everyone. Its true.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
'Tis a strange truth. It may be true, but its unbelievable.
MONTANO MONTANO
Oh, monstrous act! Oh, what a horrible deed!
EMILIA EMILIA
Villainy, villainy, villainy! Evil, evil, evil! I can smell it! I suspected it earlier.
I think upon t, I think I smell t, Oh, villainy! Ill kill myself out of grief! Oh, evil, evil!
I thought so then, Ill kill myself for grief.
205 Oh, villainy, villainy!
IAGO IAGO
What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home. Are you crazy? Im ordering you, go home.
EMILIA EMILIA
Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak. Good gentlemen, give me permission to speak. I
'Tis proper I obey him, but not now. know I ought to obey my husband, but not now.
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home. Maybe Ill never go home again, Iago!
OTHELLO OTHELLO
210 Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
EMILIA EMILIA
Nay, lay thee down and roar, Yes, go ahead and moan, because you killed the
For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent sweetest, most innocent woman who ever lived!
That e'er did lift up eye.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, she was foul! She was filthy! I barely knew you, UncleGratiano.
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece, Heres your niece lying here dead. I killed her with
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly these hands. I know this looks horrible.
215 stopped.
I know this act shows horrible and grim.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy fathers dead, Poor Desdemona! Im glad your father isnt alive
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief to see this. Your marriage made him die of grief
Shore his old thread in twain. Did he live now, before his time. If he was alive now, this sight
would hurt
This sight would make him do a desperate turn, him terribly. It would make him curse the heavens
220 Yea, curse his better angel from his side and be damned to hell.
And fall to reprobation.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows Its sad, but Iago knows she had sex with Cassio
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame a thousand times. Cassio confessed it, and she
A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it, pledged her love to him by giving him the
225 And she did gratify his amorous works handkerchief Id given her. I saw it in his hand.
With that recognizance and pledge of love It was an old memento that my father gave to my
Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand, mother.
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
EMILIA EMILIA
Oh, heaven! Oh, heavenly powers! Oh, God! Dear God in heaven!
IAGO IAGO
230 Zounds, hold your peace. Damn it, shut your mouth.
EMILIA EMILIA
'Twill out, twill out.I peace? No, the truth will come outMe, shut my mouth?
No, I will speak as liberal as the north. Let heaven and men and devils tell me to shut me
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, up. Ill say what I have to say.
All, all cry shame against me, yet Ill speak.
IAGO IAGO
235 Be wise, and get you home. If youre smart, youll go home.
Draws his sword IAGO draws his sword.
EMILIA EMILIA
I will not. I wont.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Fie! Your sword upon a woman? Shame on you! Drawing your sword on a woman?
EMILIA EMILIA
O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speakst of Oh, you stupid Moor! I found that handkerchief by
I found by fortune and did give my husband. accident and gave it to my husband. Hed begged
240 For often, with a solemn earnestness me to steal it many times.
More than indeed belonged to such a trifle
He begged of me to steal it.
IAGO IAGO
Villainous whore! You evil whore!
EMILIA EMILIA
She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it You think she gave it to Cassio? No, I found it and
And I did give t my husband. gave it to my husband.
IAGO IAGO
Filth, thou liest! You piece of filth, youre lying!
EMILIA EMILIA
245 By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen. I swear Im not lying. (to OTHELLO) Oh, you
(to OTHELLO) murderous fool! How did you ever get such a
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool good wife?
Do with so good a wife?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Are there no stones in heaven Wont heaven strike this Iago dead? You absolute
But what serve for the thunder?Precious villain! villain!
He runs at IAGO IAGO stabs EMILIA OTHELLO runs at IAGO. IAGO stabs EMILIA.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
250 The woman falls! Sure he hath killed his wife. The womans falling down! Hes killed his wife!
EMILIA EMILIA
Ay, ay. Oh, lay me by my mistress' side. Yes, yes! Lay me next to my mistress.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Hes gone, but his wifes killed. Hes gone, and his wifes dead.
MONTANO MONTANO
'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon, Hes a wicked, horrible criminal. Take the Moors
Which I have recovered from the Moor. sword and guard the door from the outside. Kill
255 Come, guard the door without. Let him not pass, him rather than let him leave this room. Im going
But kill him rather. Ill after that same villain, after Iago. Hes a horrid criminal.
For tis a damnd slave.
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO MONTANO and GRATIANO exit.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I am not valiant neither, Im not that strong, if a puny nobody can grab my
But ever puny whipster gets my sword. sword. But why should my reputation for honor
But why should honor outlive honesty? last longer than my honor did? Let it all go.
260 Let it go all.
EMILIA EMILIA
What did thy song bode, lady? What did your song mean, lady? Can you hear
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan. me? Ill die like a swan. They sing when they die.
And die in music. (singing) Willow, willow, willow.
(singing)Willow, willow, willow Moor, she never cheated on you. She loved you,
Moor, she was chaste, she loved thee, cruel Moor. you cruel man. I swear on my soul Im telling the
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true. truth, and as I say this, I die.
265 So speaking as I think, alas, I die.
Dies EMILIA dies.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I have another weapon in this chamber, Ive got another weapon in the room. Its a
It was a sword of Spain, the ice-brooks temper. Spanish sword, hardened in ice cold water and
Oh, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth. razor sharp. Here it is. Uncle, Im coming out!
GRATIANO GRATIANO
(within) If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear. (offstage) If you try that, youll pay for it. Youve
270 Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer. got no weapon, so youll have to suffer.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Look in upon me then and speak with me, Look in on me, and talk with me, or Ill attack even
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee. without a weapon.
Enter GRATIANO GRATIANO enters.
GRATIANO GRATIANO
What is the matter? Whats the matter?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Behold, I have a weapon. Look, I have a weapon, the best sword a soldier
A better never did itself sustain could have. Ive fought my way through obstacles
275 Upon a soldiers thigh. I have seen the day twenty times more terrifying than you with this
weapon. But

That with this little arm and this good sword who can control his fate? Im not like that now.
I have made my way through more impediments Dont be afraid, even though you see me with a
Than twenty times your stop. But, oh, vain boast! weapon. This is the end of my journey, the end of
Who can control his fate? tis not so now. my life. Are you backing away in fear? Theres no
280 Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed. reason to be afraid. You could tap me with a
Here is my journeys end, here is my butt, feather and Id back away. Where would Othello
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail. go?Oh, look at you! Such cruel luck! Youre as
Do you go back dismayed? tis a lost fear. pale as your nightgown! When we meet on
Man but a rush against Othellos breast, Judgment Day, that look of yours will send me
285 And he retires. Where should Othello go? from heaven to hell, where devils will grab me.
Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starred wench, Youre cold, cold, and you were never hot with
Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt lust. Oh you damned villain! Whip me, you devils,
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven so I dont have to look at this heavenly sight! Blow
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl, on me with hot winds, roast me in lava, drown me
290 Even like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave! in liquid fire! Oh, Desdemona! Dead Desdemona!
Whip me, ye devils, Oh, oh!
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds, roast me in sulfur,
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!
295 Oh, Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh!
Enter LODOVICO, MONTANO, CASSIO carried in a LODOVICO and MONTANO enter, followed
chair, and officers with IAGO, prisoner byCASSIO on a stretcher, and officers
with IAGO, prisoner.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Where is this rash and most unfortunate man? Where is that poor rash man?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Thats he that was Othello. Here I am. You mean the man who used to be Othello? Here
I am.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth. Wheres that snake? Bring the villain forward.
IAGO is brought forward IAGO is brought forward.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I look down towards his feet, but thats a fable. Im looking to see if you have cloven hooves like
300 If that thou best a devil, I cannot kill thee. the devil. But thats just a fairy tale. If you are a
devil, I wont be able to kill you.
Stabs IAGO OTHELLO stabs IAGO.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Wrench his sword from him. Take his sword away from him.
They take OTHELLO s sword They take OTHELLO s sword away.
IAGO IAGO
I bleed, sir, but not killed. Im bleeding, but you didnt kill me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I am not sorry neither. Id have thee live, Im not sorry, either. I want you to live, since to
For in my sense tis happiness to die. me, death is happiness.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
O thou Othello, thou was once so good, Oh Othello, you were once so good, then you
305 Fall'n in the practice of a cursd slave, were tricked by this villain. What can I say to you?
What shall be said to thee?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Why, anything. Say anything. Call me an honorable murderer if
An honorable murderer, if you will, you like. I did nothing out of hate, only out of
For naught I did in hate, but all in honor. honor.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
This wretch hath part confessed his villainy. This poor guys partly confessed his plan. Did you
310 Did you and he consent in Cassios death? plan Cassios death with him?
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Ay. Yes.
CASSIO CASSIO
Dear general, I never gave you cause. Dear general, I never gave you any reason to
hate me.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. I believe you, and I ask you to forgive me. Will you
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil please make this half-devil say why he tricked me
315 Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body? and damned my soul?
IAGO IAGO
Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. Dont ask me anything. You know what you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word. From this moment on, Ill never say another word.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
What, not to pray? What, not even to pray?
GRATIANO GRATIANO
Torments will ope your lips. Torture will make you talk.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
320 Well, thou dost best. Well, do your best.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n, Sir, youll understand everything that has
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter happened. I dont think you know now. Here is a
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo, letter we found in Roderigos pocket. And heres
And here another. The one of them imports another. This one talks about how Roderigo
325 The death of Cassio to be undertook should kill Cassio.
By Roderigo.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Oh, villain! Oh, you villain!
CASSIO CASSIO
Most heathenish and most gross! Ungodly and monstrous!

LODOVICO LODOVICO
Now heres another discontented paper Heres another letter from his pocket, addressed
330 Found in his pocket too, and this, it seems, to Iago and full of complaints. We think he was
Roderigo meant to have sent this damnd villain going to send it to Iago, but then Iago stepped in
But that, belike, Iago in the interim and answered his complaints by killing him.
Came in and satisfied him.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
O thou pernicious caitiff! Oh, you wicked scoundrel! Cassio, how did you
335 How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief get my wifes handkerchief?
That was my wifes?
CASSIO CASSIO
I found it in my chamber, I found it in my room, and Iago just confessed that
And he himself confessed but even now he put it there for his own purposes.
That there he dropped it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
O fool! fool! fool! Oh, what a fool I am!
CASSIO CASSIO
340 There is besides in Roderigos letter Also, in his letter to Iago, Roderigo criticizes Iago
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him for telling him to get me angry while I was on
Brave me upon the watch, whereon it came guard duty, and get me demoted. And just now he
That I was cast. And even but now he spake, admitted it, even though hed seemed to be dead
After long seeming deadIago hurt him, for a long whileIago tricked him, Iago urged him
345 Iago set him on. to do it.
LODOVICO LODOVICO
(to OTHELLO) You must forsake this room and go (to OTHELLO)
with us. Youll have to leave this room and come with us.
Your power and your command is taken off Youre stripped of your power and your command,
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave, and Cassio will govern Cyprus. As for this slave,
350 If there be any cunning cruelty Iago, if we can think of any torture that will hurt
That can torment him much and hold him long, him a lot but keep him alive a long time, hell have
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest it. Youll remain a prisoner until we bring your
Till that the nature of your fault be known crimes to the Venetian government.Okay, take
To the Venetian state.Come, bring him away. him away.
OTHELLO OTHELLO
Soft you, a word or two before you go. Wait. A word or two before you go. Ive given the
355 I have done the state some service, and they know t. state of Venice a bit of help in the past, and they
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, know it. But enough about that. When you record
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, these sad events in your letters, please describe
Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate, me exactly as I am. Dont tone things down or
Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak exaggerate them out of hostility. If youre being
360 Of one that loved not wisely, but too well. fair, youll have to describe me as someone who
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought, loved too much, but who wasnt wise about it. I
Perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand, was not easily made jealous, but once I was
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away tricked and manipulated, I worked myself into a
Richer than all his tribe. Of one whose subdued eyes, frenzy. Describe me as a fool who threw away a
365 Albeit unused to the melting mood, precious pearl with his own hands, like a silly
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees Indian who didnt know what it was worth. As
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this, someone who was not emotional, but who then
cried a lot. Write all this


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No Fear Shakespeare Othello (by SparkNotes) -1-

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Enter RODMERIGO and IAGO RODERIGO and IAGO enter.

Act 1, Scene 1, Page 2

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Act 1, Scene 1, Page 3

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But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve

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As double as the Dukes. He will divorce you,

Act 1, Scene 2, Page 2

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They draw their swords Both sides draw their swords.

Act 1, Scene 2, Page 4

Act 1, Scene 2, Page 5

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Of law and course of direct session

Enter DUKE, SENATORS, and OFFICERS The DUKE enters

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Act 1, Scene 3, Page 2

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Even fall upon my life.

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To you, preferring you before her father,

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Act 2, Scene 1, Page 2

THIRD GENTLEMAN THIRD GENTLEMAN

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Act 2, Scene 1, Page 3