Orson Welles's Othello

[Funeral procession and caging of Iago, religious chants]
 

[Voiceover]

There was once in Venice a Moor. Othello who for his merits in the affairs of war was held in great esteem. It happened that he fell in love with a young and noble lady called Desdemona, who drawn by his virtue, became equally enamored of him. So it was that since her father was much opposed to the union of Desdemona with a Moor, she fled her house at night and in secret haste they were married. Now there was in Othello's company an ensign named Iago of very amiable outward appearance but whose character was extremely treacherous and base. 
 

IAGO

I have told thee often and I retell thee again and again:

I hate the Moor. I'll poison his delight.
 

RODERIGO

How? How, Iago?
 

IAGO

Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen,

And, though he in a fertile climate dwell,

Plague him with flies:
 

RODERIGO

Oh, here he comes. What will I do?
 

IAGO 

Why, go to bed, and sleep.
 

RODERIGO 

I will incontinently drown myself.
 

IAGO

Oh, villainous! 
 

RODERIGO

Go, put money in thy purse. Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon. Come, be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies! It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor nor he his to her. This was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration. Fill thy purse with money. When she is sated with his body, she will find the error of her choice: she must have change, she must. Therefore make money.
 

IAGO and RODERIGO

Thieves! Thieves! Look to your house! Look to your house! Your daughter! Your daughter!
 

IAGO

Signor, is all you family within?
 

BRABANTIO 

Why, wherefore ask you this?
 

IAGO

If't be your pleasure... that your fair daughter [be]

Transported, with no worse nor better guard

But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,

To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor- 
 

BRABANTIO

This thou shalt answer!
 

IAGO

Straight satisfy yourself:

If she be in her chamber or your house...
 

RODERIGO

Iago, can I depend on the issue?
 

IAGO 

Thou art sure of me:-go, make money.
 

BRABANTIO

It is too true an evil: gone she is;
 

IAGO 

Is there not charms

By which the property of youth and maidhood

May be abused?
 

BRABANTIO 

Call up all my people, raise my kindred!
 

BRABANTIO

Where is the Moor?
 

OTHELLO

Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.
 

BRABANTIO 

O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?
 

OTHELLO 

Hold your hands,

Both you of my inclining, and the rest:

Good signior, where would you that I go

To answer this your charge?
 

BRABANTIO 

To prison, till fit time

Of law and course of direct session

Call thee to answer.
 

[VO]

Now at the same hour there came messengers in hast to the Senate for there was news that the Turkish fleet was moving against the Venetian garrison in Cyprus. The senators, already raised and met, elected the Moor to the command of their troops and officers were searching the town to apprise Othello of this new honor when, lo, Desdemona's own fther himself brings the Moor at sword's point to the council chamber upon a charge of working upon Desdemona with unlawful enchantment. 
 

BRABANTIO

She is abused, stol'n from me, ay, corrupted

By magic spells.
 

DUKE

I'm very sorry for't.
 

BRABANTIO

She in chains of magic were not bound, ** made to tender, fair and happy, whatever have to incur a general mock run from her father to the sooty bosom of such a thing as that. Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her!
 

SENATOR

Othello, what in your own part can you say to this? 
 

LODOVICO

Did you by indirect and forced courses

Subdue and poison this young maid's affections?
 

OTHELLO

Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors,

My very noble and approved good masters,

That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,

It is most true; true, I have married her:

The very head and front of my offending

Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech,

And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace:

For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith,

Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used

Their dearest action in the tented field,

And little of this great world can I speak,

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle,

And therefore little shall I grace my cause

In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,

I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver

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 loved me, oft invited me;

Still question'd me the story of my life,

I ran it through, even from my boyish days,

Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,

Of moving accidents by flood and field

Of hair-breadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach,

Of being taken by the insolent foe

And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence

And portance in my travels' history:

Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,

Rough quarries, rocks and hills whose heads touch heaven

It was my hint to speak...This to hear

Would Desdemona seriously incline:

But still the house-affairs would draw her thence:

Which ever as she could with haste dispatch,

She'ld come again, and with a greedy ear

Devour up my discourse: which I ... found good means

To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart

That I would all my pilgrimage dilate,...

And often did beguile her of her tears,

When I did speak of some distressful stroke

That my youth suffer'd. ... 

She gave me for my pains a world of sighs:

She swore, in faith, twas strange, 'twas passing strange,

'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 loved her,

I should but teach him how to tell my story.

And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake:

She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,

And I loved her that she did pity them.

This only is the witchcraft I have used.
 

LODOVICO

I think this tale would win my daughter too.
 

BRABANTIO

Come hither, Desdemona.

Do you perceive in all this noble company

Where most you owe obedience?
 

DESDEMONA 

My noble father,

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

To you, preferring you before her father,

So much I challenge that I may profess

Due to the Moor my lord.
 

BRABANTIO 

God be wi' you! I have done.
 

LODOVICO

When remedies are past, the griefs are ended.
 

BRABANTIO

Please it your Grace, on to the state affairs.
 

LODOVICO

The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for

Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best

known to you. You must away this morning.
 

OTHELLO

With all my heart.
 

SENATOR

When we consider

The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk,

We must not think the Turk is so unskilful

To leave that latest which concerns him first,

Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain,

To wake and wage a danger profitless.
 

BRABANTIO 

Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:

She has deceived her father, and may thee.
 

OTHELLO 

My life upon her faith! 
 

IAGO

Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies: and will she love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think it. Lieutenant Cassio!
 

CASSIO

Iago!
 

IAGO 

[muttering] Lieutenant! I know my price, I am worth no worse a place:
 

RODERIGO

But it's he who has the election.
 

IAGO

And what was he, this Michael Cassio, a Florentine,

Who never set a squadron in the field,

Nor the division of a battle knows

More than a spinster;...yet

Cassio must his lieutenant be,

And I-God bless the mark!-Othello's ensign.
 

RODERIGO 

Well, I would not follow him then.
 

IAGO 

O, sir, content you;

I follow him to serve my turn upon him.
 

OTHELLO

Iago! Iago! Honest Iago!
 

IAGO

I wait upon your lordship.
 

OTHELLO

My Desdemona must I leave to thee:

Pray, bring her after in good time to Cyprus.
 

IAGO

Well, my good lord, I'll do 't.

The Moor is of a free and open nature,

That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,

And will as tenderly be led by the nose

As asses are.
 

RODERIGO

We cannot all be masters.
 

IAGO

Nor all masters

Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mark

Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave,

That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,

Wears out his time, much like his master's ass,

For nought but provender, and when he's old, cashier'd:

Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are

Who, ... throwing but shows of service on their lords,

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,

It is as sure as you are Roderigo,

Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:

In following him, I follow but myself;

...For when my outward action doth demonstrate

The native act and figure of my heart

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.
 

OTHELLO

Come, Desdemona: I have but an hour of love...

To spend with thee: we must obey the time.
 

[stormy seaside]
 

MONTANO 

What from the cape can you discern at sea?
 

FIRST GENTLEMAN 

Nothing at all, sir. 'Tis a highwrought flood.
 

DESDEMONA 

Good Iago,

What tidings can you tell me of my lord?
 

MONTANO 

He is not yet arrived.
 

CASSIO 

If that the Turkish fleet

Be not enshelter'd, they are drown'd.
 

IAGO

It is impossible they bear it out.
 

SEVERAL

A ship! A ship!
 

IAGO

The Moor! I know his trumpet.
 

THIRD GENTLEMAN 

News, lads, news!...

The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks,

That their designment halts: our wars are done!
 

RODERIGO

He takes her by the palm.
 

IAGO

Ay, well said,...an excellent courtesy!... with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.
 

OTHELLO

It gives me wonder great as my content

To see you here before me. O my soul's joy!

If after every tempest come such calms,

May the winds blow till they have waken'd death!
 

DESDEMONA 

My dear Othello!
 

OTHELLO 

O my fair warrior!

I prattle out of fashion, and I dote

In mine own comforts. Worthy Montano, your pardon, sir.

Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.

Come, my dear love. 

Once more, well met at Cyprus.
 

HERALD

It is Othello's pleasure,... that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; ...each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him: for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of our general's nuptials.... Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!
 

IAGO

First, I must tell you this--Desdemona is

directly in love with him.
 

RODERIGO 

Cassio! why, 'tis not possible.
 

IAGO 

Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on Othello?...Very nature will...compel her to some second choice.... Who stands so eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? why, none; why, none: a slipper and subtle knave. 
 

RODERIGO

Oh, a devilish knave. He is handsome.
 

IAGO

Cassio? He 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 

I cannot believe ill in Desdemona. 
 

IAGO 

Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?
 

RODERIGO 

Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy.
 

IAGO 

Courtesy? Lechery! 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. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo! Sir, be you ruled by me: ...-List me. The lieutenant tonight watches on the court of guard: ... Cassio knows you not. I'll not be far from you: do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, by what course you please... 
 

RODERIGO 

Well.
 

IAGO

Sir, he is rash and very sudden in choler, and haply may strike at you: provoke him, that he may; for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny...and the displanting of Cassio. [Calling] Lieutenant Cassio! 
 

RODERIGO

Iago?
 

IAGO

How say you?
 

RODERIGO

You advise me well, Iago?

IAGO 

In the sincerity of love and friendship. Farewell. [Calling to CASSIO] Come, lieutenant, a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello.
 

CASSIO

Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.
 

IAGO 

One cup...
 

CASSIO

I must to the watch.
 

IAGO

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

CASSIO

She's a most exquisite lady.
 

IAGO 

And, I'll warrant her, fun of game.
 

CASSIO 

An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest.
 

IAGO 

Well, happiness to their sheets! Another cup. I will drink for you.
 

CASSIO 

I have drunk two cups...and dare not task my weakness with any more.
 

IAGO 

What, man! 'tis a night of revels...
 

CASSIO 

I'll do't; but it dislikes me.
 

OTHELLO

If it were now to die,

'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.
 

ALL

[singing] And let me the canakin clink, clink;

And let me the canakin clink

A soldier's a man;

A life's but a span;

Why, then, let a soldier drink.

And let me the canakin clink, clink;

And let me the canakin clink

A soldier's a man;

A life's but a span;

Why, then, let a soldier drink.
 

CASSIO 

'Fore God, an excellent song.
 

IAGO 

I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, your swag-bellied Hollander -drink, ho!-are nothing to your English.
 

CASSIO 

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.
 

CASSIO 

To the health of our general!
 

MONTANO 

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

ALL

[singing] And let me the canakin clink, clink;

And let me the canakin clink

A soldier's a man;

A life's but a span;

Why, then, let a soldier drink.
 

MONTANO 

Good faith, a little one; not past a pint, as I am a soldier.
 

CASSIO 

Well, God's above all; and there 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 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. Do not think, gentlemen. I am drunk: this is my ensign; this is my right hand, and this is my left: I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.
 

IAGO 

Excellent well.
 

CASSIO 

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

CASSIO 

[after RODERIGO tries to attack him] You rogue! you rascal!
 

IAGO

What noise is this?
 

CASSIO 

A knave, a knave teach me my duty!
 

IAGO

What's the matter, Lieutenant?
 

CASSIO

I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle.
 

IAGO 

[Aside to RODERIGO] Away, I say; go out, and cry a mutiny.
 

RODERIGO

Mutiny! Mutiny! Mutiny!
 

IAGO

God's will, lieutenant, hold!

You will be shamed for ever.

Have you forgot all sense of place and duty?

The town will rise.
 

SOLDIER 

Hold, ho! ...gentlemen,-please you come with me.
 

CASSIO

At whose command?
 

SOLDIER

Our general's.
 

IAGO

Silence that dreadful bell.
 

OTHELLO

Who began this? Iago?
 

IAGO

I do not know. Friends all but now, even now,

In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom

Devesting them for bed; and then, but now-...

Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast...
 

OTHELLO 

Worthy Montano, ...what's the matter,

That you unlace your reputation thus

And spend your rich opinion for the name

Of a night-brawler? 
 

MONTANO 

Your officer, Iago, can inform you,--
 

OTHELLO 

What! in a town of war,...

To manage private and domestic quarrel,

In night, and on the court and guard of safety!...

Iago, who began't?
 

MONTANO 

If thou says more or less than truth,

Thou art no soldier.
 

IAGO 

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth

Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;

Sir, men in rage strike those that wish them best,

Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received

From him that fled some strange indignity,

Which patience could not pass.
 

OTHELLO 

I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,

Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee

But never more be officer of mine.

Look, if my gentle love be not raised up!

I'll make thee an example.
 

IAGO 

What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
 

CASSIO 

Ay, past all surgery.
 

IAGO 

Marry, heaven forbid!
 

CASSIO 

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

IAGO 

Reputation is...oft got without merit, and lost without deserving:...I'll tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife is now the general...confess yourself freely to her.... Desdemona is of so free, so kind, so blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested. Farewell, lieutenant.
 

IAGO

Roderigo!
 

RODERIGO

My money is almost spent. I have been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled; and I think the issue will be, I shall have so much experience for my pains, and so, with no money at all and a little more wit, return again to Venice.
 

IAGO 

How poor are they that have not patience!...

Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee.

And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashier'd Cassio:...

Content thyself awhile.... for whiles this honest fool

Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,...

Lo, by how much she strives to do him good,

She shall undo her credit with the Moor.

So will I turn her virtue into pitch,

And out of her own goodness make the net [looks at camera]

That shall enmesh them all.
 

DESDEMONA 

Do not doubt, Cassio,

But I will have my lord and you again

As friendly as you were.
 

CASSIO 

Bounteous madam,

Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,

He's never any thing but your true servant.
 

IAGO 

Ha! I like not that.
 

OTHELLO 

What dost thou say?
 

IAGO 

Nothing, my lord: or if-I know not what.
 

DESDEMONA 

How now, my lord!

I have been talking with a suitor here,

A man that languishes in your displeasure.
 

OTHELLO 

Who is't you mean?
 

DESDEMONA 

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. 
 

OTHELLO 

Went he hence now?
 

DESDEMONA 

Ay, sooth; so humbled

That he hath left part of his grief with me,

To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.
 

OTHELLO 

Some other time.
 

DESDEMONA 

Shall't be shortly?
 

OTHELLO 

The sooner, sweet, for you.
 

DESDEMONA 

Shall't be to-night at supper?
 

OTHELLO 

No, not to-night.
 

DESDEMONA 

To-morrow dinner, then?
 

OTHELLO 

I shall not dine at home;

I meet the captains at the citadel.
 

DESDEMONA 

Why, then, to-morrow night. I prithee, name the time.
 

OTHELLO 

No more: let him come when he will;

I will deny thee nothing.

Whereon, I do entreat you, grant me this,

To leave me but a little to myself.
 

DESDEMONA 

Shall I deny you? no: farewell, my lord.
 

IAGO

My noble Lord.
 

OTHELLO 

What dost thou say, Iago?
 

IAGO 

Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady,

Know of your love?
 

OTHELLO 

He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?
 

IAGO 

But for a satisfaction of my thought;

No further harm.
 

OTHELLO 

Why of thy thought, Iago?
 

IAGO 

I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
 

OTHELLO 

O, yes; and went between us very oft.
 

IAGO 

Indeed!
 

OTHELLO 

Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that?

Is he not honest?
 

IAGO 

Honest, my lord!
 

OTHELLO 

Honest! ay, honest.
 

IAGO 

My lord, for aught I know.
 

OTHELLO 

What dost thou think?
 

IAGO 

Think, my lord!
 

OTHELLO 

Think! ...Thou dost mean something:

I heard thee say even now, thou likedst not that,

When Cassio left my wife:... if thou dost love me,

Show me thy thought.
 

IAGO 

My lord, you know I love you.
 

OTHELLO 

I think thou dost...
 

IAGO 

For Michael Cassio,

I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
 

OTHELLO 

I think so too.
 

IAGO 

Men should be what they seem...
 

OTHELLO 

Certain, men should be what they seem.
 

IAGO 

Why, then, I think Cassio's an honest man.
 

OTHELLO 

Nay, yet there's more in this:

I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings...,
 

IAGO 

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls:

Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;

'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands:

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enriches him

And makes me poor indeed.
 

OTHELLO 

By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.
 

IAGO 

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock

The meat it feeds on; that cuckold lives in bliss

Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;

But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er

Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!
 

OTHELLO 

Why, why is this?

Think'st thou I'ld make a life of jealousy,

To follow still the changes of the moon

With fresh suspicions?...No, Iago;

I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove...
 

IAGO 

...I speak not yet of proof.

Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;

I know our country disposition well;

In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks

They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience

Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.
 

OTHELLO 

Dost thou say so?
 

IAGO 

She did deceive her father, marrying you;

And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks,

She loved them most.
 

OTHELLO 

Ah, so she did.
 

IAGO 

Why, go to then;

She that, so young, could give out such a seeming,

To seal her father's eyes up close as oak- 

He thought 'twas witchcraft-but I am much to blame;

I humbly do beseech you of your pardon

For too much loving you.
 

OTHELLO 

I am bound to thee for ever.
 

IAGO 

I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits.
 

OTHELLO 

Not a jot, not a jot.
 

IAGO 

I' faith, I fear it has.

I hope you will consider what is spoke

Comes from my love. ... Cassio's my worthy friend--

My lord, I see you're moved.
 

OTHELLO 

No, not much moved:

I do not think but Desdemona's honest.
 

IAGO 

Long live she so! and long live you to think so!
 

OTHELLO 

And yet, how our nature erring from itself,--
 

IAGO 

Ay, there's the point: as--to be bold with you--

Not to affect many proposed matches

Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,...

Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank,

Foul disproportion thoughts unnatural.

[Following OTHELLO] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour

To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:...
 

OTHELLO

Farewell. Leave me, Iago.
 

DESDEMONA 

How now, my dear Othello!
 

IAGO

My lord, I take my leave. [exits]
 

DESDEMONA 

Are you not well?
 

OTHELLO 

I have a pain upon my forehead here.
 

DESDEMONA 

'Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again:

Let me but bind it hard, within this hour...
 

OTHELLO 

Your napkin is too little:

[She drops the handkerchief and he treads on it]

Let it alone. 
 

EMILIA 

I have a thing for you.
 

IAGO 

A thing for me? it is a common thing- 
 

EMILIA 

Ha!
 

IAGO 

To have a foolish wife.
 

EMILIA 

O, is that all? What will you give me now

For the same handkerchief?
 

IAGO 

What handkerchief?
 

EMILIA 

That which so often you did bid me steal.
 

IAGO 

Give it me.
 

EMILIA 

If it be not for some purpose of import,

Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad...
 

IAGO 

I have a use for it....Leave me.
 

IAGO 

How now, general! ...
 

OTHELLO 

...I swear 'tis better to be much abused

Than but to know't a little.
 

DESDEMONA

My lord...
 

IAGO

Is my lord angry?
 

EMILIA 

He went hence but now, Iago,

And certainly in strange unquietness.
 

IAGO 

I will go seek him:...There's matter in't indeed if he be angry.
 

OTHELLO 

Villain, be sure thou proves my love a whore,

Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof:

Or by the worth of man's eternal soul,

Thou hadst been better have been born a dog

Than answer my waked wrath!
 

IAGO 

O grace!... 
 

OTHELLO 

Make me to see't; or, at the least, so prove it,

That the probation bear no hinge nor loop

To hang a doubt on; or woe upon thy life!

...Never pray more; abandon all remorse;

...For nothing canst thou to damnation add

Greater than that.
 

IAGO 

...O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,

To be direct and honest is not safe....
 

OTHELLO 

By the world,

I think my wife be honest and think she is not;

I think that thou art just and think thou art not.

I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh

As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black

As mine own face....Would I were satisfied!
 

IAGO 

...How satisfied, my lord?

Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on- 

Behold her topp'd?...Where's satisfaction?

It is impossible you should see this,

Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,...
 

OTHELLO 

Give me a living reason she's disloyal.
 

IAGO 

...I lay with Cassio lately;

And, being troubled with a raging tooth,

I could not sleep.

There are a kind of men so loose of soul,

That in their sleep will mutter their affairs:

One of this kind is Cassio:

In sleep I heard him say 'Sweet Desdemona,

Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;'

And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,

Cry 'O sweet creature!' and then kiss me hard,

As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots

That grew upon my lips: then laid his leg

Over my thigh, and sigh'd, and kiss'd; and then

Cried 'Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!'
 

OTHELLO 

I'll tear her all to pieces.
 

IAGO 

...Tell me but this,

Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief

Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?
 

OTHELLO 

I gave her such a one...
 

IAGO 

...such a handkerchief- 

I am sure it was your wife's-did I today

See Cassio wipe his face with.
 

OTHELLO 

If it be that- 
 

IAGO 

If it be that, or any that was hers,

It speaks against her with the other proofs.
 

OTHELLO 

Now do I see 'tis true....O, that the slave had forty thousand lives!

One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
 

IAGO 

Yet be content.
 

OTHELLO 

O, blood, blood, blood!
 

IAGO 

Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.
 

OTHELLO 

Never, Iago: Like to the Pontic sea,

Whose icy current and compulsive course

Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on

To the Propontic and the Hellespont,

Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace,

Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,

Till that a capable and wide revenge

Swallow them up.
 

IAGO

...Witness that here Iago doth give up

The execution of his wit, hands, heart,

To wrong'd Othello's service! 
 

OTHELLO 

Within these three days let me hear thee say

That Cassio's not alive.
 

IAGO 

My friend is dead; 'tis done at your request:

But let her live.
 

OTHELLO 

Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her!

...Now art thou my lieutenant.
 

IAGO 

I am your own for ever.
 

[IAGO plants the handkerchief in CASSIO's quarters.]
 

[DESDEMONA goes to OTHELLO in his armory]
 

OTHELLO 

Give me your hand: this hand is moist, my lady.
 

DESDEMONA 

It yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.
 

OTHELLO 

This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart:

Hot, hot, and moist: ...'Tis a good hand,

A frank one.
 

DESDEMONA 

You may, indeed, say so;

For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart.
 

OTHELLO 

A liberal hand...
 

DESDEMONA 

...Come now, your promise.
 

OTHELLO 

What promise, chuck?
 

DESDEMONA 

That Cassio be received again.
 

OTHELLO 

Lend me thy handkerchief.
 

DESDEMONA 

I have it not about me.
 

OTHELLO 

Not?
 

DESDEMONA 

No, indeed, my lord.
 

OTHELLO 

That is a fault.

That handkerchief

Did an Egyptian to my mother give;...

The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk;
 

DESDEMONA 

Then would to God that I had never seen't!
 

OTHELLO 

Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out o' the way?
 

DESDEMONA 

It is not lost; but what an if it were?
 

OTHELLO 

How!
 

DESDEMONA 

I say, it is not lost.
 

OTHELLO 

Fetch't, let me see't.
 

DESDEMONA 

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.

This is a trick to put me from my suit:

Pray you, let Cassio be received again.
 

OTHELLO 

Fetch me the handkerchief...
 

DESDEMONA 

I pray, talk me of Cassio.
 

OTHELLO 

The handkerchief!
 

DESDEMONA 

A man that all his time

Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,

Shared dangers with you,-- 
 

OTHELLO 

The handkerchief!
 

DESDEMONA 

...Come, come;

You'll never meet a more sufficient man.
 

OTHELLO 

Away! Away! Away!
 

IAGO

Come, good lieutenant, come.
 

BIANCA 

[to CASSIO] Cassio! This handkerchief-whose is it?
 

CASSIO

I found it here. I like the work well.

Have it copied:

Take it, and leave me for the time.
 

BIANCA

Cassio, will I see you soon at night?
 

CASSIO

I'll see you soon, Bianca.
 

IAGO

I tell you yet again, importune Desdemona

to help you put you in your place.
 

DESDEMONA 

Sure, there's some wonder in this handkerchief:
 

EMILIA 

'Tis not a year or two shows us a man:

They are all but stomachs, and we all but food;

To eat us hungerly, and when they are full,

They belch us.
 

[Enter CASSIO and IAGO]
 

DESDEMONA 

How now, good Cassio! what's the news with you?
 

OTHELLO

What trumpet is that same?
 

IAGO 

Something from Venice, sure.
 

IAGO

...My noble lord, whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief- 

...Cassio came hither: I shifted him away,

Bade him anon return and here speak with you;

...Now mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns,

That dwell in every region of his face;

For I will make him tell the tale anew,

Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when

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 

Dost thou hear, Iago?

I will be found most cunning in my patience;

But-dost thou hear?-most bloody.
 

IAGO 

How do you now, lieutenant?
 

CASSIO 

Iago.
 

IAGO 

Now, if this suit lay in Bianco's power,

How quickly should you speed!
 

CASSIO 

Alas, poor creature! [laughs]
 

IAGO 

I never knew woman love man so....She gives it out that you shall marry... 
 

CASSIO 

I? Ha, ha, ha! [laughs]...I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with certain Venetians; and thither comes the bauble, and... falls me thus about my neck...so hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me; so hales, and pulls me...
 

BIANCA

Cassio!
 
 
 

CASSIO 

...I must leave her company.
 

BIANCA 

What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I must take out the work?-A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is some minx's token...I'll take out no work on't.
 

CASSIO 

How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! 
 

IAGO

After her, after her! [to OTHELLO] Did you see how he laughed at his vice?
 

OTHELLO 

O Iago!
 

IAGO 

And did you see the handkerchief?
 

OTHELLO 

Was that mine?
 

IAGO 

Yours...Desdemona gave it him, and he hath given it his whore.
 

OTHELLO

I had been happy, if the general camp,

Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,

So I had nothing known....

What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust?

I saw't not, ... it harm'd not me:

I slept the next night well, was free and merry;

I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips...

A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman!
 

IAGO 

Nay, you must forget that.
 

OTHELLO 

Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned...no, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world hath not a sweeter creature: she might lie by an emperor's side and command him tasks.

IAGO 

Nay, that's not your way.
 

OTHELLO 

Hang her! I do but say what she is: so delicate with her needle: an admirable musician: O! she will sing the savageness out of a bear: of so high and plenteous wit and invention:-- 

IAGO 

She's the worse for all that.
 

OTHELLO 

O, a thousand thousand times: and then, of so gentle a condition!
 

IAGO 

Ay, too gentle.
 

OTHELLO 

Nay, that's certain: but yet the pity of it, Iago!

O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!

[furiously] I will chop her into messes: cuckold me!
 

IAGO 

O, 'tis foul in her. [cannons, trumpets]
 

IAGO 

Will you think so?
 

OTHELLO 

Think so, Iago!
 

IAGO 

What,

To kiss in private?
 

OTHELLO 

An unauthorized kiss.
 

IAGO 

Or to be naked with her friend in bed

An hour or more, not meaning any harm?
 

OTHELLO 

Naked? Naked? Naked in bed...
 

IAGO 

But if I give my wife a handkerchief,-- 
 

OTHELLO 

What then?
 

IAGO 

Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord; and, being hers,

She may, I think, bestow't on any man.
 

OTHELLO 

But, for the handkerchief,-- 

By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it....

He had my handkerchief.
 

IAGO 

Ay, what of that?
 

OTHELLO 

That's not so good now.
 

IAGO 

What,

If I had said I had seen him do you wrong?

Or heard him say...
 

OTHELLO 

Hath he said any thing?
 

IAGO 

He hath, my lord; but be you well assured,

No more than he'll unswear.
 

OTHELLO 

What has he said?
 

IAGO 

'Faith, that he did--I know not what he did.
 

OTHELLO 

What? what?
 

IAGO 

Lie- 
 

OTHELLO 

Lie with her?
 

IAGO 

With her, on her; what you will.
 

[OTHELLO falls in a trance]
 

OTHELLO

The handkerchie...
 

IAGO

My lord Othello! 
 

OTHELLO 

Dost thou mock me?
 

IAGO 

I mock you! no, by heaven.
 

[Arrival of ship and trumpets]
 

OTHELLO

O, now, for ever

Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content!

Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars,

That make ambition virtue! O, farewell!

Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,

The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,

The royal banner, and all quality,

Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!

And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats

The immortal Jove's dead clamours counterfeit,

Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!
 

DESDEMONA

My lord.
 

LODOVICO 

God save the worthy general!
 

OTHELLO 

Say you?
 

LODOVICO 

The duke and senators of Venice greet you.

[Gives him a letter]
 

OTHELLO 

I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.

[Opens the letter, and reads]
 

LODOVICO 

Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio?
 

DESDEMONA 

A most unhappy one: I would do much

To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.

....My lord?
 

LODOVICO 

May be the letter moved him;

For, as I think, they do command him home,

Deputing Cassio in his government.
 

DESDEMONA 

Trust me, I am glad on't.
 

OTHELLO 

Indeed!
 

DESDEMONA

My lord?...Why, sweet Othello,-- 
 

OTHELLO 

[Striking her] Devil!...Out of my sight!
 

DESDEMONA 

I will not stay to offend you.
 

LODOVICO 

Truly, an obedient lady:

I do beseech your lordship, call her back.
 

OTHELLO 

Mistress!
 

DESDEMONA

My lord?
 

OTHELLO 

What would you with her, sir?
 

LODOVICO 

Who, I, my lord?
 

OTHELLO 

Ay; you did wish that I would make her turn:

Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on,

And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep;

And she's obedient, as you say, obedient,

Very obedient. Proceed you in your tears.

Concerning this, sir,-O well-painted passion!-- 

I am commanded home. Get you away;

I'll send for you anon. Sir, I obey the mandate,

And will return to Venice. ...

Cassio shall have my place....

You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.-Goats and monkeys!
 

LODOVICO 

...Are his wits safe? is he not light of brain?
 

IAGO 

He's that he is:...
 

OTHELLO 

Let me see your eyes;

Look in my face....

Why, what art thou?
 

DESDEMONA 

Your wife, my lord; your true

And loyal wife.
 

OTHELLO 

...Had it pleased heaven

To try me with affliction; had they rain'd

All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head.

Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips,

Given in captivity me and my utmost hopes,

I should have found in some place of my soul

A drop of patience: but, alas, to make me

A fixed figure for the time of scorn

To point his slow unmoving finger at!

Yet could I bear that well, very well:

But there, where I have garner'd up my heart,

Where either I must live, or bear no life;

The fountain from the which my current runs,

Or else dries up; to be discarded thence!

Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads

To knot and gender in! ...
 

DESDEMONA 

I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.
 

OTHELLO 

O, ay; as summer flies are in the shambles,

That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed,

Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet

That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst

ne'er been born!
 

DESDEMONA 

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?
 

OTHELLO 

...Committed! Committed? O thou public commoner!

I should make very forges of my cheeks,

That would to cinders burn up modesty,

Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed!

Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks,

The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets

Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth,

And will not hear it. What, committed!?