A most dear husband. Now I do love her too; Not out of absolute lust, (though, peradventure, I stand accountant for as great a sin,) But partly led to diet my revenge, For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,— Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me, And practising upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confus'd; SCENE II. A STREET. [Exit. Enter a Herald, with a proclamation: people following. Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and va liant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels 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; But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye 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.— 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 cast 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 stoop 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 qualified too, and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it. Cas. Where are they? Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. Cas. I'll do it; 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. Roderigo, Now, my sick fool, Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side outward, To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of drunkards, Am I to put our Cassio in some action That may offend the isle:-But here they come: Re-enter Cassio, with him Montano, and Gentlemen. Cas. 'Fore heaven, they have given me a rouse already. Mon. Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song. Iago. I learned it in England, where (indeed) they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander,-Drink, ho!-are nothing to your English. Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? Iago. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be filled. Cas. To the health of our general. Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice. Iago. O sweet England! King Stephen was a worthy peer, His breeches cost him but a crown; |