Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect, Duke. To vouch this, is no proof; Without more certain and more overt test, Than these thin habits, and poor likelihoods Of modern seeming, do prefer against him. 1 Sen. But, Othello, speak : Did you by indirect and forced courses Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth? Oth. I do beseech you, Send for the lady to the Sagittary, And let her speak of me before her father: The trust, the office, I do hold of you, Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither. Oth. Ancient, conduct them; you best know the place. [Exeunt IAGO and Attendants. And, till she come, as truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood, So justly to your grave ears I'il present How I did thrive in this fair lady's love, And she in mine. Duke. Say it, Othello. Oth. Her father lov'd me; oft invited me; I ran it through, even from my boyish days, Of being taken by the insolent foe, And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence, And portance in my travel's history: Wherein of antres vast, and deserts wild, Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, It was my hint to speak, such was the process; Do grow beneath their shoulders. These things to hear, Would Desdemona seriously incline: But still the house affairs would draw her thence; 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful: She wish'd, she had not heard it; yet she wish'd That heaven had made her such a man; she thank'd me; And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her, She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd; Enter DESDEMONA, IAGO, and Attendants. Duke. I think, this tale would win my daughter too. Good Brabantio, Take up this mangled matter at the best: Bra. tress; Do you perceive in all this noble company, Des. My noble fathe", I do perceive here a divided duty: To you, I am bound for life, and education; My life, and education, both do learn me How to respect you; you are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter: But here's my husband; And so much duty as my mother show'd Bra. God be with you!-I have done :- I here do give thee that with all my heart, sentence, Which, as a grise, or step, may help these lovers Into your favour. When remedies are past, the griefs are ended, By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. To mourn a mischief that is past and gone, The robb'd, that smiles, steals something from the thief; He robs himself, that spends a bootless grief. ear. Duke. The Tark with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus:-Othello, the forti. tude of the place is best known to you: And though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you; you must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition. Oth. The tyrant custom, most grave senators, I find in hardness; and do undertake Duke. Be't at her father's. Oth. Nor I. If you please, I'll not have it so. Des. Nor I; I would not there reside, To put my father in impatient thoughts, By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, To my unfolding lend a gracious ear; And let me find a charter in your voice, To assist my simpleness. Duke. What would you, Desdemona ? Des. That I did love the Moor to live with him, My downright violence and storm of fortunes I saw Othello's visage in his mind; Have a free way. Vouch with me, heaven; I therefore beg it not, Nor to comply with heat (the young affects, I will your serious and great business scant, Duke. Be it as you shall privately determine, Either for her stay, or going: the affair cries haste, [night. And speed must answer it; you must hence toDes. To-night, my lord? Duke. This night. Oth. With all my heart. Duke. At nine i'the morning here we'll meet again. Othello, leave some officer behind, And he shall our commission bring to you: Oth. Please your grace, my ancient; A man he is of honesty and trust: To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good grace shall think To be sent after me. Duke. Let it be so. Good night to every one.-And, noble signior, [To BRABANTIO. If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. 1 Sen. Adieu, brave Moor! use Desdemona well. Bra. Look to her, Moor; have a quick eye to see; She has deceiv'd her father, and may thee. [Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, &c. VOL. VIII. Y |