civil and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: A slippery and subtle knave; a finder out of occasions; that 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 minds1 look after: A pestilent complete knave; and the woman hath found him already. Rod. I cannot believe that in her; she is full of most blessed condition.2 Iago. Blessed fig's end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor: Blessed pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that? Rod. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy. Iago. Lechery, by this hand; an index, and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips, that their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main ex. ercise, the incorporate conclusion :-Pish!-But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you: Cassio knows you not;-I'll not be far from you: Do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favourably min Iago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler; and, haply, with his truncheon, may strike at you: Provoke him, that he may for, even out of that, will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny; whose qualification shall come into no true taste again, but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires, by the means I shall then have to prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity. Rod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. Iago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel: I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. Rod. Adieu. That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,- (1) To advance them. (2) Worthless hound. (3) The term for a clog put on a hound, to hinder his running. (4) In the grossest manner. For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too; For making him egregiously an ass, SCENE II-A street. Enter a Herald, with a Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the merel perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revel his addiction leads him; for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptials: So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open; and there is full liberty of feasting, from this present hour of five, till the bell hath told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus, and our noble general, Othello. [Exeunt SCENE III.-A hall in the castle. Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants. Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to night: Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop, Cas. Iago hath direction what to do; Will I look to't. Oth. Iago is most honest. Michael, good night: To-morrow, with our earliest, Let me have speech with you. Come, my dear love, The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; [To Desdemona That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you. (1) Entire. (2) Rooms, or places in the castle. ! 1 1 Good night. [Exeunt Oth. Des. and Attend. Enter Iago. Cas. Welcome, Iago: We must to the watch. Iago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o'clock: Our general cast1 us thus early, for the love of his Desdemona; whom let us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her and she is sport for Jove. Cas. She's a most exquisite lady. Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate creature. Iago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley of provocation. Cas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. Iago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm to love? Cas. She is, indeed, perfection. Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello. Cas. Not to-night, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. Iago. O, they are our friends; but one cup; I'll drink for you. Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was craftily qualified2 too, and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. lago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it. Cas. Where are they? (1) Dismissed. (2) Slily mixed with water. Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. [Exit Cassio. Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk to-night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool, Roderigo, Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side out ward, To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd drunkards, Am I to put our Cassio in some action Re-enter Cassio; with him Montano, and Gentle men. Cas. 'Fore heaven, they have given me a rousel already. Mon. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier. Iago. Some wine, ho! And let me the canakin clink, clink; [Sings A soldier's a man; Why then, let a soldier drink. Some wine, boys! [Wine brought in. Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song. Iago. I learned it in England, where (indeed) (1) A little more than enough. |