Othello by William Shakespeare

Act 2 - Scene 3

A hall in the castle.

Othello : Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: [p]Let's teach ourselves
that honourable stop, [p]Not to outsport discretion.

Cassio : Iago hath direction what to do; [p]But, notwithstanding, with my
personal eye [p]Will I look to't.

Othello : Iago is most honest. [p]Michael, good night: to-morrow with your
earliest [p]Let me have speech with you. [p][To DESDEMONA] [p]Come, my
dear love, [p]The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; [p]That
profit's yet to come 'tween me and you. [p]Good night.

Cassio : Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.

Iago : Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the [p]clock. Our
general cast us thus early for the love [p]of his Desdemona; who let
us not therefore blame: [p]he hath not yet made wanton the night with
her; and [p]she is sport for Jove.

Cassio : She's a most exquisite lady.

Iago : And, I'll warrant her, fun of game.

Cassio : Indeed, she's a most fresh and delicate creature.

Iago : What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley of [p]provocation.

Cassio : An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.

Iago : And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?

Cassio : She is indeed perfection.

Iago : Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I [p]have a stoup
of wine; and here without are a brace [p]of Cyprus gallants that would
fain have a measure to [p]the health of black Othello.

Cassio : Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and [p]unhappy brains for
drinking: I could well wish [p]courtesy would invent some other custom
of [p]entertainment.

Iago : O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for [p]you.

Cassio : I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was [p]craftily qualified
too, and, behold, what innovation [p]it makes here: I am unfortunate
in the infirmity, [p]and dare not task my weakness with any more.

Iago : What, man! 'tis a night of revels: the gallants [p]desire it.

Cassio : Where are they?

Iago : Here at the door; I pray you, call them in.

Cassio : I'll do't; but it dislikes me.

Iago : If I can fasten but one cup upon him, [p]With that which he hath drunk
to-night already, [p]He'll be as full of quarrel and offence [p]As my
young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool Roderigo, [p]Whom love hath
turn'd almost the wrong side out, [p]To Desdemona hath to-night
caroused [p]Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch: [p]Three lads of
Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, [p]That hold their honours in a wary
distance, [p]The very elements of this warlike isle, [p]Have I
to-night fluster'd with flowing cups, [p]And they watch too. Now,
'mongst this flock of drunkards, [p]Am I to put our Cassio in some
action [p]That may offend the isle.--But here they come: [p]If
consequence do but approve my dream, [p]My boat sails freely, both
with wind and stream.

Cassio : 'Fore God, they have given me a rouse already.

Montano : Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am [p]a soldier.

Iago : Some wine, ho! [p][Sings] [p]And let me the canakin clink,
clink; [p]And let me the canakin clink [p]A soldier's a man; [p]A
life's but a span; [p]Why, then, let a soldier drink. [p]Some wine,
boys!

Cassio : 'Fore God, an excellent song.

Iago : I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are [p]most potent in
potting: your Dane, your German, and [p]your swag-bellied
Hollander--Drink, ho!--are nothing [p]to your English.

Cassio : Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking?

Iago : Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead [p]drunk; he sweats
not to overthrow your Almain; he [p]gives your Hollander a vomit, ere
the next pottle [p]can be filled.

Cassio : To the health of our general!

Montano : I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice.

Iago : O sweet England! [p]King Stephen was a worthy peer, [p]His breeches
cost him but a crown; [p]He held them sixpence all too dear, [p]With
that he call'd the tailor lown. [p]He was a wight of high
renown, [p]And thou art but of low degree: [p]'Tis pride that pulls
the country down; [p]Then take thine auld cloak about thee. [p]Some
wine, ho!

Cassio : Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other.

Iago : Will you hear't again?

Cassio : No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that [p]does those
things. Well, God's above all; and there [p]be souls must be saved,
and there be souls must not be saved.

Iago : It's true, good lieutenant.

Cassio : For mine own part,--no offence to the general, nor [p]any man of
quality,--I hope to be saved.

Iago : And so do I too, lieutenant.

Cassio : Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the [p]lieutenant is to be
saved before the ancient. Let's [p]have no more of this; let's to our
affairs.--Forgive [p]us our sins!--Gentlemen, let's look to our
business. [p]Do not think, gentlemen. I am drunk: this is
my [p]ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left: [p]I am not
drunk now; I can stand well enough, and [p]speak well enough.

All : Excellent well.

Cassio : Why, very well then; you must not think then that I am drunk.

Montano : To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch.

Iago : You see this fellow that is gone before; [p]He is a soldier fit to
stand by Caesar [p]And give direction: and do but see his
vice; [p]'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, [p]The one as long as the
other: 'tis pity of him. [p]I fear the trust Othello puts him
in. [p]On some odd time of his infirmity, [p]Will shake this island.

Montano : But is he often thus?

Iago : 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep: [p]He'll watch the horologe a
double set, [p]If drink rock not his cradle.

Montano : It were well [p]The general were put in mind of it. [p]Perhaps he sees
it not; or his good nature [p]Prizes the virtue that appears in
Cassio, [p]And looks not on his evils: is not this true?

Iago : [Aside to him] How now, Roderigo! [p]I pray you, after the lieutenant;
go.

Montano : And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor [p]Should hazard such a place
as his own second [p]With one of an ingraft infirmity: [p]It were an
honest action to say [p]So to the Moor.

Iago : Not I, for this fair island: [p]I do love Cassio well; and would do
much [p]To cure him of this evil--But, hark! what noise?

Cassio : You rogue! you rascal!

Montano : What's the matter, lieutenant?

Cassio : A knave teach me my duty! [p]I'll beat the knave into a twiggen
bottle.

Roderigo : Beat me!

Cassio : Dost thou prate, rogue?

Montano : Nay, good lieutenant; [p][Staying him] [p]I pray you, sir, hold your
hand.

Cassio : Let me go, sir, [p]Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.

Montano : Come, come, [p]you're drunk.

Cassio : Drunk!

Iago : [Aside to RODERIGO] Away, I say; go out, and cry a mutiny. [p][Exit
RODERIGO] [p]Nay, good lieutenant,--alas, gentlemen;-- [p]Help,
ho!--Lieutenant,--sir,--Montano,--sir; [p]Help, masters!--Here's a
goodly watch indeed! [p][Bell rings] [p]Who's that which rings the
bell?--Diablo, ho! [p]The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant,
hold! [p]You will be shamed for ever.

Othello : What is the matter here?

Montano : 'Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death.

Othello : Hold, for your lives!

Iago : Hold, ho! Lieutenant,--sir--Montano,--gentlemen,-- [p]Have you forgot
all sense of place and duty? [p]Hold! the general speaks to you; hold,
hold, for shame!

Othello : Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? [p]Are we turn'd Turks,
and to ourselves do that [p]Which heaven hath forbid the
Ottomites? [p]For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: [p]He
that stirs next to carve for his own rage [p]Holds his soul light; he
dies upon his motion. [p]Silence that dreadful bell: it frights the
isle [p]From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? [p]Honest
Iago, that look'st dead with grieving, [p]Speak, who began this? on
thy love, I charge thee.

Iago : I do not know: friends all but now, even now, [p]In quarter, and in
terms like bride and groom [p]Devesting them for bed; and then, but
now-- [p]As if some planet had unwitted men-- [p]Swords out, and
tilting one at other's breast, [p]In opposition bloody. I cannot
speak [p]Any beginning to this peevish odds; [p]And would in action
glorious I had lost [p]Those legs that brought me to a part of it!

Othello : How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?

Cassio : I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.

Othello : Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil; [p]The gravity and stillness
of your youth [p]The world hath noted, and your name is great [p]In
mouths of wisest censure: what's the matter, [p]That you unlace your
reputation thus [p]And spend your rich opinion for the name [p]Of a
night-brawler? give me answer to it.

Montano : Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger: [p]Your officer, Iago, can inform
you,-- [p]While I spare speech, which something now [p]offends
me,-- [p]Of all that I do know: nor know I aught [p]By me that's said
or done amiss this night; [p]Unless self-charity be sometimes a
vice, [p]And to defend ourselves it be a sin [p]When violence assails
us.

Othello : Now, by heaven, [p]My blood begins my safer guides to rule; [p]And
passion, having my best judgment collied, [p]Assays to lead the way:
if I once stir, [p]Or do but lift this arm, the best of you [p]Shall
sink in my rebuke. Give me to know [p]How this foul rout began, who
set it on; [p]And he that is approved in this offence, [p]Though he
had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, [p]Shall lose me. What! in a
town of war, [p]Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, [p]To
manage private and domestic quarrel, [p]In night, and on the court and
guard of safety! [p]'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't?

Montano : If partially affined, or leagued in office, [p]Thou dost deliver more
or less than truth, [p]Thou art no soldier.

Iago : Touch me not so near: [p]I had rather have this tongue cut from my
mouth [p]Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; [p]Yet, I
persuade myself, to speak the truth [p]Shall nothing wrong him. Thus
it is, general. [p]Montano and myself being in speech, [p]There comes
a fellow crying out for help: [p]And Cassio following him with
determined sword, [p]To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman [p]Steps
in to Cassio, and entreats his pause: [p]Myself the crying fellow did
pursue, [p]Lest by his clamour--as it so fell out-- [p]The town might
fall in fright: he, swift of foot, [p]Outran my purpose; and I
return'd the rather [p]For that I heard the clink and fall of
swords, [p]And Cassio high in oath; which till to-night [p]I ne'er
might say before. When I came back-- [p]For this was brief--I found
them close together, [p]At blow and thrust; even as again they
were [p]When you yourself did part them. [p]More of this matter cannot
I report: [p]But men are men; the best sometimes forget: [p]Though
Cassio did some little wrong to him, [p]As men in rage strike those
that wish them best, [p]Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received [p]From
him that fled some strange indignity, [p]Which patience could not
pass.

Othello : I know, Iago, [p]Thy honesty and love doth mince this
matter, [p]Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee [p]But never
more be officer of mine. [p][Re-enter DESDEMONA, attended] [p]Look, if
my gentle love be not raised up! [p]I'll make thee an example.

Desdemona : What's the matter?

Othello : All's well now, sweeting; come away to bed. [p]Sir, for your hurts,
myself will be your surgeon: [p]Lead him off. [p][To MONTANO, who is
led off] [p]Iago, look with care about the town, [p]And silence those
whom this vile brawl distracted. [p]Come, Desdemona: 'tis the
soldiers' life [p]To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.

Iago : What, are you hurt, lieutenant?

Cassio : Ay, past all surgery.

Iago : Marry, heaven forbid!

Cassio : Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost [p]my reputation! I
have lost the immortal part of [p]myself, and what remains is bestial.
My reputation, [p]Iago, my reputation!

Iago : As I am an honest man, I thought you had received [p]some bodily
wound; there is more sense in that than [p]in reputation. Reputation
is an idle and most false [p]imposition: oft got without merit, and
lost without [p]deserving: you have lost no reputation at
all, [p]unless you repute yourself such a loser. What, man! [p]there
are ways to recover the general again: you [p]are but now cast in his
mood, a punishment more in [p]policy than in malice, even so as one
would beat his [p]offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion:
sue [p]to him again, and he's yours.

Cassio : I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so [p]good a
commander with so slight, so drunken, and so [p]indiscreet an officer.
Drunk? and speak parrot? [p]and squabble? swagger? swear? and
discourse [p]fustian with one's own shadow? O thou invisible [p]spirit
of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, [p]let us call thee
devil!

Iago : What was he that you followed with your sword? What [p]had he done to
you?

Cassio : I know not.

Iago : Is't possible?

Cassio : I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; [p]a quarrel, but
nothing wherefore. O God, that men [p]should put an enemy in their
mouths to steal away [p]their brains! that we should, with joy,
pleasance [p]revel and applause, transform ourselves into beasts!

Iago : Why, but you are now well enough: how came you thus [p]recovered?

Cassio : It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place [p]to the devil
wrath; one unperfectness shows me [p]another, to make me frankly
despise myself.

Iago : Come, you are too severe a moraler: as the time, [p]the place, and the
condition of this country [p]stands, I could heartily wish this had
not befallen; [p]but, since it is as it is, mend it for your own
good.

Cassio : I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me [p]I am a
drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, [p]such an answer would stop
them all. To be now a [p]sensible man, by and by a fool, and presently
a [p]beast! O strange! Every inordinate cup is [p]unblessed and the
ingredient is a devil.

Iago : Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, [p]if it be well
used: exclaim no more against it. [p]And, good lieutenant, I think you
think I love you.

Cassio : I have well approved it, sir. I drunk!

Iago : You or any man living may be drunk! at a time, man. [p]I'll tell you
what you shall do. Our general's wife [p]is now the general: may say
so in this respect, for [p]that he hath devoted and given up himself
to the [p]contemplation, mark, and denotement of her parts
and [p]graces: confess yourself freely to her; importune [p]her help
to put you in your place again: she is of [p]so free, so kind, so apt,
so blessed a disposition, [p]she holds it a vice in her goodness not
to do more [p]than she is requested: this broken joint between [p]you
and her husband entreat her to splinter; and, my [p]fortunes against
any lay worth naming, this [p]crack of your love shall grow stronger
than it was before.

Cassio : You advise me well.

Iago : I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness.

Cassio : I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will [p]beseech the
virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: [p]I am desperate of my
fortunes if they cheque me here.

Iago : You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I [p]must to the watch.

Iago : And what's he then that says I play the villain? [p]When this advice
is free I give and honest, [p]Probal to thinking and indeed the
course [p]To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy [p]The inclining
Desdemona to subdue [p]In any honest suit: she's framed as
fruitful [p]As the free elements. And then for her [p]To win the
Moor--were't to renounce his baptism, [p]All seals and symbols of
redeemed sin, [p]His soul is so enfetter'd to her love, [p]That she
may make, unmake, do what she list, [p]Even as her appetite shall play
the god [p]With his weak function. How am I then a villain [p]To
counsel Cassio to this parallel course, [p]Directly to his good?
Divinity of hell! [p]When devils will the blackest sins put
on, [p]They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, [p]As I do now:
for whiles this honest fool [p]Plies Desdemona to repair his
fortunes [p]And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, [p]I'll pour
this pestilence into his ear, [p]That she repeals him for her body's
lust; [p]And by how much she strives to do him good, [p]She shall undo
her credit with the Moor. [p]So will I turn her virtue into
pitch, [p]And out of her own goodness make the net [p]That shall
enmesh them all. [p][Re-enter RODERIGO] [p]How now, Roderigo!

Roderigo : I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that [p]hunts, but one
that fills up the cry. My money is [p]almost spent; I have been
to-night exceedingly well [p]cudgelled; and I think the issue will be,
I shall [p]have so much experience for my pains, and so, with [p]no
money at all and a little more wit, return again to Venice.

Iago : How poor are they that have not patience! [p]What wound did ever heal
but by degrees? [p]Thou know'st we work by wit, and not by
witchcraft; [p]And wit depends on dilatory time. [p]Does't not go
well? Cassio hath beaten thee. [p]And thou, by that small hurt, hast
cashier'd Cassio: [p]Though other things grow fair against the
sun, [p]Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe: [p]Content
thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning; [p]Pleasure and action make
the hours seem short. [p]Retire thee; go where thou art
billeted: [p]Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter: [p]Nay, get
thee gone. [p][Exit RODERIGO] [p]Two things are to be done: [p]My wife
must move for Cassio to her mistress; [p]I'll set her on; [p]Myself
the while to draw the Moor apart, [p]And bring him jump when he may
Cassio find [p]Soliciting his wife: ay, that's the way [p]Dull not
device by coldness and delay.

Previous: Act 2 - Scene 2

Next: Act 3 - Scene 1

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