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Othello by William

Shakespeare,

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Act VJames Earl Jones as Othello.

Original Text Modern Translation

Scene I[Cyprus. A street.]Enter Iago and Roderigo.

IAGO:Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come:Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home.Quick, quick; fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow.It makes us, or it mars us; think on that,And fix most firm thy resolution.(5)

IAGO:Here, stand behind this pillar; he will come right away.Pull your good sword out, and drive it home.Quickly, quickly; fear nothing; I'll be at your elbow.It makes us or it ruins us; think on that,And make your resolution very firm.

ROD:Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't.

ROD:Be near at hand; I mess it up.

IAGO:Here, at thy hand, be bold, and take thy stand.

[Retires.]

IAGO:I’m here, at your hand. Be bold, and make your stand.

ROD:I have no great devotion to the deed;And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons:’Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword; he dies.(10)

ROD:I have no great devotion to the deed;And yet he has given me satisfying reasons.It’s only a man gone. Go forth, my sword; he dies.

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IAGO:I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense,And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio,Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo,He calls me to a restitution large(15)Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him,As gifts to Desdemona;It must not be. If Cassio do remain,He hath a daily beauty in his lifeThat makes me ugly; and besides, the Moor(20)May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril:No, he must die. Be't so. I hear him coming.

IAGO:I have rubbed this young pimple almost to the purpose,And he grows angry. Now, whether or not he kills Cassio,Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,I gain in every way. Live, Roderigo,He calls me to give back allOf gold and jewels that I robbed from him,As gifts to Desdemona;It can’t happen. If Cassio lives,He has a daily beauty in his lifeThat makes me ugly; and besides, the MoorMay disclose me to him; I stand there in great danger;No, he must die. But, so, I hear him coming.

Enter Cassio.

ROD:I know his gait; 'tis he. Villain, thou diest!

ROD:I know his walk; it is he. Villain, you die!

CASSIO:That thrust had been mine enemy indeed,But that my coat is better than thou know'st;(25)I will make proof of thine.

CASSIO:That thrust would’ve been my enemy indeed,But my coat is better than you know.I will make sure of yours.

ROD:O, I am slain!

ROD:O, I am slain!

[Iago from behind wounds Cassio in the leg, and exit.]

CASSIO:I am maim'd forever. Help, ho! Murder! Murder!

CASSIO:I am maimed forever. Help, ho! murder! murder!

Enter Othello]

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OTHELLO:The voice of Cassio; Iago keeps his word.

OTHELLO:The voice of Cassio. Iago keeps his word.

ROD:O, villain that I am!(30)

ROD:O, villain that I am!

OTHELLO:It is even so.

OTHELLO:It is even so.

CASSIO:O, help, ho! Light! A surgeon!

CASSIO:O, help, ho! light! a surgeon!

OTHELLO:’Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just,That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong!Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead,(35)And your unblest fate hies. Strumpet, I come!Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted;Thy bed, lust-stain'd shall with lust's blood be spotted.

OTHELLO:It is he. O brave Iago, honest and just,That have such noble sense of your friend's wrong!You teach me, you devil, your dear is dead,And your own unholy fate hurries. Prostitute, I’m coming!Those charms, your eyes, are erased from my heart;Your bed, lust-stained, shall be spotted with lust's blood.

Exit.

Enter Lodovico and Gratiano.

CASSIO:What, ho! No watch? No passage? Murder! Murder!

CASSIO:What, ho! no guard? no safety? murder! murder!

GRATIANO:’Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful.(40)

GRATIANO:It is some misfortune; the cry is very sorrowful.

CASSIO:O, help!

CASSIO:O, help!

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LODOVICO:Hark!

LODOVICO:Listen!

ROD:O wretched villain!

ROD:O wretched villain!

LODOVICO:Two or three groan; it is a heavy night:These may be counterfeits; let's think't unsafe(45)To come in to the cry without more help.

LODOVICO:Two or three groan. It is a heavy night.These may be fakers. Let's think it’s unsafeTo come in answer to the cry without back up.

ROD:Nobody come? Then shall I bleed to death.

ROD:Nobody comes? Then I shall bleed to death.

Enter Iago, with a light.

LODOVICO:Hark!

LODOVICO:Listen!

GRATIANO:Here's one comes in his shirt, with light andweapons.(50)

GRATIANO:Here's someone comes in his shirt, with light andweapons.

IAGO:Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries on murder?

IAGO:Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries, “murder?”

LODOVICO:We do not know.

LODOVICO:We don’t know.

IAGO:Did not you hear a cry?

IAGO:Didn’t you hear a cry?

CASSIO:Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me!

CASSIO:Here, here! For heaven's sake, help me!

IAGO: IAGO:

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What's the matter?(55) What's the matter?

GRATIANO:This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.

GRATIANO:This is Othello's ensign, as I take it.

LODOVICO:The same indeed; a very valiant fellow.

LODOVICO:The same indeed; a very valiant fellow.

IAGO:What are you here that cry so grievously?

IAGO:Who are you here that cry so grievously?

CASSIO:Iago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains!Give me some help.(60)

CASSIO:Iago? O, I am attacked, undone by villains!Give me some help.

IAGO:O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this?

IAGO:O me, lieutenant! What villains have done this?

CASSIO:I think that one of them is hereabout,And cannot make away.

CASSIO:I think that one of them is still around here,And cannot make a getaway.

IAGO:O treacherous villains!What are you there? Come in and give some help.(65)

IAGO:O treacherous villains!Who are you there?Come in and give some help.

ROD:O, help me here!

ROD:O, help me here!

CASSIO:That's one of them.

CASSIO:That's one of them.

IAGO:O murderous slave! O villain!

IAGO:O murderous slave! O villain!

ROD:O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!

ROD:O damned Iago! O inhuman dog!

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IAGO:Kill men i' the dark! Where be these bloody thieves?(70)How silent is this town! Ho! Murder! Murder!What may you be? Are you of good or evil?

IAGO:Kill men in the dark! Where are these bloody thieves?How silent is this town! Ho! murder! murder!What are you? are you of good or evil?

LODOVICO:As you shall prove us, praise us.

LODOVICO:As you shall prove us to be, praise us.

IAGO:Signior Lodovico?

IAGO:Signior Lodovico?

LODOVICO:He, sir.(75)

LODOVICO:He, sir.

IAGO:I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains.

IAGO:I be your mercy. Here's Cassio, hurt by villains.

GRATIANO:Cassio?

GRATIANO:Cassio!

IAGO:How is't, brother?

IAGO:How is it, brother?

CASSIO:My leg is cut in two.

CASSIO:My leg is cut in two.

IAGO:Marry, heaven forbid!(80)Light, gentlemen; I'll bind it with my shirt.

IAGO:By Mary, heaven forbid!Light, gentlemen. I'll bind it with my shirt.

Enter Bianca.

BIANCA:What is the matter, ho? Who is't that cried?

BIANCA:What is the matter, ho? Who is it that cried?

IAGO:Who is't that cried!

IAGO:Who is it that cried!

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BIANCA:O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio, Cassio,Cassio!(85)

BIANCA:O my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio! O Cassio, Cassio,Cassio!

IAGO:O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspectWho they should be that have thus mangled you?

IAGO:O notable prostitute! Cassio, do you any ideaWho they are that have mangled you like this?

CASSIO:No.

CASSIO:No.

GRATIANO:I am sorry to find you thus; I have been to seekyou.(90)

GRATIANO:I am sorry to find you like this. I have been to see you.

IAGO:Lend me a garter. So. O, for a chair,To bear him easily hence!

IAGO:Lend me a garter. So. O, for a chair,To carry him easily from here!

BIANCA:Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!

BIANCA:Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!

IAGO:Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trashTo be a party in this injury.(95)Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come;Lend me a light. Know we this face or no?Alas, my friend and my dear countrymanRoderigo? No—yes, sure. O heaven! Roderigo.

IAGO:Gentlemen all, I suspect this trashTo be a party to this injury.Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come;Lend me a light. Do we know this face or not?Alas, my friend and my dear countrymanRoderigo? No. Yes, surely; O heaven! Roderigo.

GRATIANO:What, of Venice?(100)

GRATIANO:What, of Venice?

IAGO:Even he, sir. Did you know him?

IAGO:Even he, sir. did you know him?

GRATIANO: GRATIANO:

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Know him! ay. Know him! Yes.

IAGO:Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle pardon;These bloody accidents must excuse my manners,That so neglected you.(105)

IAGO:Signior Gratiano? I beg your gentle pardon;These bloody accidents must excuse my manners,That so neglected you.

GRATIANO:I am glad to see you.

GRATIANO:I am glad to see you

IAGO:How do you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair!

IAGO:How are you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair!

GRATIANO:Roderigo!

GRATIANO:Roderigo!

IAGO:He, he, ’tis he. O, that's well said: the chair.Some good man bear him carefully from hence;(110)I'll fetch the general's surgeon.For you, mistress,Save you your labor. He that lies slain here, Cassio,Was my dear friend; what malice was between you?

IAGO:He, he, it is he. O, that's well said; [A chair brought in.]the chair. Some good men carry him carefully from here;I'll fetch the general's surgeon. [To Bianca.] For you,mistress, save you your labor. He that lies slain here,Cassio, was my dear friend. What malice was betweenyou?

CASSIO:None in the world; nor do I know the man.(115)

CASSIO:None in the world; I don’t know the man.

IAGO:What, look you pale? O, bear him out o' the air.Stay you, good gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress?Do you perceive the gastness of her eye?

IAGO:What, do you look pale? O, carry him out of the air.Stay you, good gentlemen. Do you Look pale, mistress?

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Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon.Behold her well; I pray you, look upon her.(120)Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness will speak,Though tongues were out of use.

Do you see the ghastliness of her eye?No, if you stare, we shall hear more soon.Watch her well; I beg you, look after her.Do you see, gentlemen? No, guiltiness will speakEven if tongues are out of use.

Enter Emilia.

EMILIA:’Las, what's the matter? What's the matter, husband?

EMILIA:Alas, what's the matter? What's the matter, husband?

IAGO:Cassio hath here been set on in the darkBy Roderigo, and fellows that are ‘scaped;(125)He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead.

IAGO:Cassio has here been attacked in the darkBy Roderigo and fellows that have escaped.He's almost slain, and Roderigo is dead.

EMILIA:Alas, good gentleman! alas, good Cassio!

EMILIA:Alas, good gentleman! Alas, good Cassio!

IAGO:This is the fruit of whoring. Prithee, Emilia,Go know of Cassio where he supp'd tonight.What, do you shake at that?(130)

IAGO:This is the fruit of whoring. I beg you, Emilia,Go find out about Cassio, where he had dinner tonight.What, you shake at that?

BIANCA:He supp'd at my house; but I therefore shake not.

BIANCA:He dined at my house; but I don’t shake because of that.

IAGO:O, did he so? I charge you, go with me.

IAGO:O, did he? I charge you, go with me.

EMILIA:Fie, fie upon thee, strumpet!

EMILIA:Damn, damn you, prostitute!

BIANCA:I am no strumpet, but of life as honest

BIANCA:I am no prostitute, but have life as honest

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As you that thus abuse me.(135) As you that abuse me like this.

EMILIA:As I! foh! fie upon thee!

EMILIA:As I! damn! damn you!

IAGO:Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dress'd.Come, mistress, you must tell's another tale.Emilia, run you to the citadel,And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd!(140)Will you go on? [Aside.] This is the nightThat either makes me or fordoes me quite.

IAGO:Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio bandaged.Come, mistress, you must tell us another tale.Emilia, run to the fortress,And tell my lord and lady what has happened.Will you go ahead? [Aside.] This is the nightThat either makes me or breaks me.

Exeunt.


Scene II[A bedchamber in the castle.]Desdemona in bed asleep; a light burning.Enter Othello.

OTHELLO:It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood,Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snowAnd smooth as monumental alabaster.(5)Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.Put out the light, and then put out the light.If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,I can again thy former light restore,Should I repent me; but once put out thy light,(10)

OTHELLO:It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!It is the cause. Still I won’t shed her blood;Or scar that skin of hers whiter than snow,And as smooth as the marble that makes monuments.Yet she must die, or else she'll betray more men.Put out the light, and then put out the light.If I put you out, you flaming minister,I can again restore your former light,If I change my mind. But once I put out your

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Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature,I know not where is that Promethean heatThat can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd the rose,I cannot give it vital growth again,It must needs wither; I'll smell it on the tree.(15)

[Kisses her.]

O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuadeJustice to break her sword! One more, one more;Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,And love thee after. One more, and this the last:So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,(20)But they are cruel tears; this sorrow's heavenly,It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.

light,You cunning pattern of excelling nature,I don’t know where the stolen fire from Olympus isThat can relight your fire. When I have plucked your rose,I cannot give it vital growth again,It has to wither. I'll smell it on the tree. O, balmy breath, that almost persuadesJustice to break her sword! One more, one more;Be like this when you are dead, and I will kill you,And love you after. One more, and this is the last;So sweet was never so fatal. I must weep,But they are cruel tears. This sorrow's heavenly;It strikes where it loves. She awakes.

DESD:Who's there? Othello?

DESD:Who's there? Othello?

OTHELLO:Ay, Desdemona.

OTHELLO:Yes, Desdemona.

DESD:Will you come to bed, my lord?(25)

DESD:Will you come to bed, my lord?

OTHELLO:Have you pray'd tonight, Desdemona?

OTHELLO:Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?

DESD:Ay, my lord.

DESD:Yes, my lord.

OTHELLO:If you bethink yourself of any crimeUnreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,Solicit for it straight.(30)

OTHELLO:If you can think of any crimeNot yet confessed to heaven and grace,Do it right away.

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DESD:Alas, my lord, what may you mean by that?

DESD:Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that?

OTHELLO:Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by:I would not kill thy unprepared spirit;No, heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul.

OTHELLO:Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk over here.I would not kill your unprepared spirit;No, heaven forbid! I would not kill your soul.

DESD:Talk you of killing?(35)

DESD:You talk about killing?

OTHELLO:Ay, I do.

OTHELLO:Yes, I do.

DESD:Then heaven have mercy on me!

DESD:Then heavenHave mercy on me!

OTHELLO:Amen, with all my heart!

OTHELLO:Amen, with all my heart!

DESD:If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.

DESD:If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.

OTHELLO:Hum!(45)

OTHELLO:Hum!

DESD:And yet I fear you, for you are fatal thenWhen your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not,Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear.

DESD:And yet I fear you; because you are deadlyWhen your eyes roll so. Why I should fear, I don’t know,Since I don’t know guiltiness, but yet I feel I fear.

OTHELLO:Think on thy sins.

OTHELLO:Think on your sins.

DESD:They are loves I bear to you.

DESD:They are loves I bear to you.

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OTHELLO:Ay, and for that thou diest.

OTHELLO:Yes, and for that you die.

DESD:That death's unnatural that kills for loving.Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?Some bloody passion shakes your very frame:These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope,(50)They do not point on me.

DESD:That death is unnatural that kills for loving.Alas, why do you chew your nether lip so?Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.These are omens, but yet I hope, I hope,They don’t point to me.

OTHELLO:Peace, and be still!

OTHELLO:Peace, and be quiet!

DESD:I will so. What's the matter?

DESD:I will do so. What's the matter?

OTHELLO:That handkerchief which I so loved and gave theeThou gavest to Cassio.(55)

OTHELLO:That handkerchief which I so loved and gave you,You gave to Cassio.

DESD:No, by my life and soul!Send for the man, and ask him.

DESD:No, by my life and soul!Send for the man and ask him.

OTHELLO:Sweet soul, take heed,Take heed of perjury; thou are on thy deathbed.

OTHELLO:Sweet soul, take care,Take care of perjury; you are on your death-bed.

DESD:Ay, but not yet to die.(60)

DESD:Yes, but not to die yet.

OTHELLO:Yes, presently:Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin;For to deny each article with oathCannot remove nor choke the strong conceptionThat I do groan withal. Thou art to die.(65)

OTHELLO:Yes, soon.Therefore confess your sin freely;Because to deny each article with swearing it is trueCannot remove nor kill the strong ideas

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That I groan with besides. You are to die.

DESD:Then Lord have mercy on me!

DESD:Then, Lord have mercy on me!

OTHELLO:I say, amen.

OTHELLO:I say, amen.

DESD:And have you mercy too! I never didOffend you in my life; never loved CassioBut with such general warranty of heaven(70)As I might love. I never gave him token.

DESD:And you have mercy too! I neverOffended you in my life; never loved CassioExcept with such general lawfulness of heavenAs I might love. I never gave him gifts.

OTHELLO:By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in ‘s hand.O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart,And makest me call what I intend to doA murder, which I thought a sacrifice:(75)I saw the handkerchief.

OTHELLO:By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in his hand.O lying woman! You stone my heart,And make me call what I intend to doA murder, which I thought was a sacrifice.I saw the handkerchief.

DESD:He found it then;I never gave it him. Send for him hither;Let him confess a truth.

DESD:He found it then;I never gave it to him. Send for him t come here.Let him confess the truth.

OTHELLO:He hath confess'd.(80)

OTHELLO:He has confessed.

DESD:What, my lord?

DESD:What, my lord?

OTHELLO:That he hath used thee.

OTHELLO:That he has used you.

DESD:How? unlawfully?

DESD:How? Unlawfully?

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OTHELLO:Ay.

OTHELLO:Yes.

DESD:He will not say so.(85)

DESD:He will not say so.

OTHELLO:No, his mouth is stopp'd;Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't.

OTHELLO:No, his mouth is stopped;Honest Iago has taken orders for it.

DESD:O, my fear interprets! What, is he dead?

DESD:O, my fear interprets! What, is he dead?

OTHELLO:Had all his hairs been lives, my great revengeHad stomach for them all.(90)

OTHELLO:Had all his hairs been lives, my great revengeHad stomach for them all.

DESD:Alas, he is betray'd, and I undone!

DESD:Alas, he is betrayed, and I have no hope!

OTHELLO:Out, strumpet! Weep'st thou for him to my face?

OTHELLO:Out, prostitute! You weep for him to my face?

DESD:O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!

DESD:O, banish me, my lord, but don’t kill me!

OTHELLO:Down, strumpet!

OTHELLO:Down, prostitute!

DESD:Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight!(95)

DESD:Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight!

OTHELLO:Nay, if you strive—

OTHELLO:No, if you strive…

DESD:But half an hour!

DESD:But half an hour!

OTHELLO: OTHELLO:

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Being done, there is no pause. Being done, there is no pause.

DESD:But while I say one prayer!

DESD:But while I say one prayer!

OTHELLO:It is too late.(100)

OTHELLO:It is too late.

[He smothers her.]

EMILIA:Without. My lord, my lord! What, ho! my lord, mylord!

EMILIA:My lord, my lord! what, ho! my lord, my lord!

OTHELLO:What noise is this? Not dead? not yet quite dead?I that am cruel am yet merciful;I would not have thee linger in thy pain. So, so.(105)

OTHELLO:What noise is this? Not dead? Not yet quite dead?I who is cruel am yet merciful;I would not have you linger in your pain. So, so.

EMILIA:Without. What, ho! my lord, my lord!

EMILIA:What, ho! my lord, my lord!

OTHELLO:Who's there?

OTHELLO:Who's there?

EMILIA:Without. O, good my lord, I would speak a wordwith you!

EMILIA:O, my good lord, I would speak with you!

OTHELLO:Yes, 'tis Emilia. By and by. She's dead.(110)'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death.The noise was here. Ha! no more moving?Still as the grave. Shall she come in? were't good?I think she stirs again. No. What's best to do?If she come in, she'll sure speak to my wife.(115)

OTHELLO:Yes. It is Emilia. By and by. She's dead.It’s likely she comes to speak about Cassio's death;The noise was great. Ha! no more moving?As still as the grave. Shall she come in? Were it good?I think she moves again. No. What's best to do?

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My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife.O, insupportable! O heavy hour!Methinks it should be now a huge eclipseOf sun and moon, and that the affrighted globeShould yawn at alteration.(120)

If she comes in, she'll surely speak to my wife.My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.O, unbelievable! O heavy hour!I think there should now be a huge eclipseOf sun and moon, and that the frightened globeShould yawn at changes.

EMILIA:Without. I do beseech youThat I may speak with you, O, good my lord!

EMILIA:I beg youTo let me speak with you, O, my good lord!

OTHELLO:I had forgot thee. O, come in, Emilia.Soft, by and by. Let me the curtains draw.Where art thou?(125)

[Unlocks the door.]

Enter Emilia.

What's the matter with thee now?

OTHELLO:I had forgotten about you. O, come in, Emilia.Softly, by and by. Let me draw the curtains.Where are you? What's the matter with you now?

EMILIA:O, my good lord, yonder's foul murders done!

EMILIA:O, my good lord, there's foul murders done over there!

OTHELLO:What, now?

OTHELLO:What, now?

EMILIA:But now, my lord.

EMILIA:Just now, my lord.

OTHELLO:It is the very error of the moon;(130)She comes more nearer earth than she was wontAnd makes men mad.

OTHELLO:It is the very mistake of the moon;She comes more nearer earth than she usually does

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And makes men mad.

EMILIA:Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young VenetianCall'd Roderigo.

EMILIA:Cassio, my lord, has killed a young VenetianCalled Roderigo.

OTHELLO:Roderigo kill'd?(135)And Cassio kill'd?

OTHELLO:Roderigo killed?And Cassio killed?

EMILIA:No, Cassio is not kill'd.

EMILIA:No, Cassio is not killed.

OTHELLO:Not Cassio kill'd! Then murder 's out of tune,And sweet revenge grows harsh.

OTHELLO:Cassio not killed! Then murder's out of tune,And sweet revenge grows harsh.

DESD:O, falsely, falsely murdered!(140)

DESD:O, falsely, falsely murdered!

EMILIA:Alas, what cry is that?

EMILIA:Alas, what cry is that?

OTHELLO:That? what?

OTHELLO:That! what?

EMILIA:Out, and alas! That was my lady's voice.Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again!Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!(145)

EMILIA:Out, and alas! That was my lady's voice.Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again!Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!

DESD:A guiltless death I die.

DESD:I die an innocent death.

EMILIA:O, who hath done this deed?

EMILIA:O, who has done this deed?

DESD: DESD:

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Nobody; I myself. Farewell;Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell!

Nobody; I myself. Farewell.Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell!

She dies.

OTHELLO:Why, how should she be murdered?(150)

OTHELLO:Why should she be murdered?

EMILIA:Alas, who knows?

EMILIA:Alas, who knows?

OTHELLO:You heard her say herself, it was not I.

OTHELLO:You heard her say it herself it wasn’t I.

EMILIA:She said so; I must needs report the truth.

EMILIA:She said so. I must report the truth.

OTHELLO:She's like a liar gone to burning hell;'Twas I that kill'd her.(155)

OTHELLO:She's a liar, gone to burning hell.It was I that killed her.

EMILIA:O, the more angel she,And you the blacker devil!

EMILIA:O, she is more the angel,And you the blacker devil!

OTHELLO:She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore.

OTHELLO:She turned to folly, and she was a whore.

EMILIA:Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.

EMILIA:You lie about her, and you are a devil.

OTHELLO:She was false as water.(160)

OTHELLO:She was false as water.

EMILIA:Thou art rash as fire, to sayThat she was false. O, she was heavenly true!

EMILIA:You are impatient as fire, to sayThat she was false. O, she was heavenly true!

OTHELLO: OTHELLO:

21


Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else.O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell,But that I did proceed upon just grounds(165)To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.

Cassio screwed her; ask your husband otherwise.O, I was damned beneath all the depths of hell,And I proceeded on just groundsTo this extremity. Your husband knew it all.

EMILIA:My husband!

EMILIA:My husband!

OTHELLO:Thy husband.

OTHELLO:Your husband.

EMILIA:That she was false to wedlock?

EMILIA:That she was unfaithful in marriage?

OTHELLO:Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true,(170)If heaven would make me such another worldOf one entire and perfect chrysolite,I'ld not have sold her for it.

OTHELLO:Yes, with Cassio. No, had she been true,If heaven would make me such another worldOf one entire and perfect crystal,I wouldn’t have sold her for it.

EMILIA:My husband!

EMILIA:My husband!

OTHELLO:Ay, 'twas he that told me first:(175)An honest man he is, and hates the slimeThat sticks on filthy deeds.

OTHELLO:Yes, it was he that told me first.He is an honest man, and hates the slimeThat sticks on filthy deeds.

EMILIA:My husband?

EMILIA:My husband!

OTHELLO:What needs this iteration, woman? I say thyhusband.(180)

OTHELLO:Why do you repeat it, woman? I said your husband.

EMILIA:O mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love!My husband say that she was false!

EMILIA:O mistress, villainy has made fun with love!My husband said that she was unfaithful!

22


OTHELLO:He, woman;I say thy husband. Dost understand the word?My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.(185)

OTHELLO:He, woman;I say your husband. Do you understand the word?My friend, your husband, honest, honest Iago.

EMILIA:If he say so, may his pernicious soulRot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart.She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.

EMILIA:If he said so, may his evil soulRot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart.She was too fond of her very filthy bargain.

OTHELLO:Ha!

OTHELLO:Ha!

EMILIA:Do thy worst;(190)This deed of thine is no more worthy heavenThan thou wast worthy her.

EMILIA:Do your worst.This deed of yours is no more worthy of heavenThan you were worthy of her.

OTHELLO:Peace, you were best.

OTHELLO:Peace, you’d better stop.

EMILIA:Thou hast not half that power to do me harmAs I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!(195)As ignorant as dirt! Thou hast done a deed—I care not for thy sword; I'll make thee known,Though I lost twenty lives. Help! help, ho! help!The Moor hath kill'd my mistress! Murder, murder!

EMILIA:You have not half that power to do me harmAs I have to be hurt. O fool! O idiot!As stupid as dirt! You have done a deed,I don’t care about your sword; I'll make you famous,Although I lose twenty lives. Help! help, ho! help!The Moor has killed my mistress! murder, murder!

Enter Montano, Gratiano, Iago, and others.

MONTANO:What is the matter? How now, general?(200)

MONTANO:What is the matter? What’s wrong, general!

EMILIA: EMILIA:

23


O, are you come, Iago? You have done well,That men must lay their murders on your neck.

O, are you here, Iago? You have done well,That men must lay their murders on your neck.

GRATIANO:What is the matter?


EMILIA:Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man:He says thou told'st him that his wife was false;(205)I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain.Speak, for my heart is full.

EMILIA:Arrest this villain, if you are a man.He says you told him that his wife was unfaithful.I know you didn’t, you aren’t such a villain.Speak, because my heart is full.

IAGO:I told him what I thought, and told no moreThan what he found himself was apt and true.

IAGO:I told him what I thought; and told no moreThan what he himself discovered was right and true.

EMILIA:But did you ever tell him she was false?(210)

EMILIA:But did you ever tell him she was unfaithful?

IAGO:I did.

IAGO:I did.

EMILIA:You told a lie, an odious, damned lie;Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie!She false with Cassio? Did you say with Cassio?

EMILIA:You told a lie; an stinking, damned lie;On my soul, a lie; a wicked lie.She unfaithful with Cassio! Did you say with Cassio?

IAGO:With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.(215)

IAGO:With Cassio, mistress. Watch it, control your tongue.

EMILIA:I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak.My mistress here lies murdered in her bed.

EMILIA:I will not control my tongue; I have to speak.My mistress lies here murdered in her bed.

24


ALL:O heavens forfend!

ALL:O heavens forbid!

EMILIA:And your reports have set the murder on.

EMILIA:And your stories have egged the murder on.

OTHELLO:Nay, stare not, masters; it is true indeed.(220)

OTHELLO:No, don’t stare, gentlemen. It is true, indeed.

GRATIANO:'Tis a strange truth.

GRATIANO:It is a strange truth.

MONTANO:O monstrous act!

MONTANO:O monstrous act!

EMILIA:Villainy, villainy, villainy!I think upon't, I think, I smell't, O villainy!I thought so then. I'll kill myself for grief:(225)O villainy, villainy!

EMILIA:Villainy, villainy, villainy!I think about it, I think, I smell it ; O villainy!I thought so then; I'll kill myself for grief.O villainy, villainy!

IAGO:What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.

IAGO:What, are you crazy? I order you, go home.

EMILIA:Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak;'Tis proper I obey him, but not now.Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.(230)

EMILIA:Good gentlemen, let me have permission to speak.It is proper I obey him, but not now.Maybe, Iago, I will never go home.

OTHELLO:O! O! O!

OTHELLO:O! O! O!

Othello falls on the bed.

EMILIA:Nay, lay thee down and roar;For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent

EMILIA:No, lay down and roar;Because you have killed the sweetest innocent

25


That e'er did lift up eye. That ever lifted open eyes.

OTHELLO:[Rises.] O, she was foul!(235)I scarce did know you, uncle; there lies your niece,Whose breath indeed these hands have newly stopp'd.I know this act shows horrible and grim.

OTHELLO:O, she was evil!I scarcely knew you, uncle; there lies your niece,Whose breath, indeed, these hands have just stopped.I know this act looks horrible and grim.

GRATIANO:Poor Desdemon! I am glad thy father's dead:Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief(240)Shore his old thread in twain; did he live now,This sight would make him do a desperate turn,Yea, curse his better angel from his side,And fall to reprobation.

GRATIANO:Poor Desdemona! I am glad your father's dead.Your match was death to him, and pure griefCut his old threads in two. If he were alive now,This sight would make him do a desperate act,Yes, drive his better angel from his side,And fall to sin.

OTHELLO:'Tis pitiful, but yet Iago knows(245)That she with Cassio hath the act of shameA thousand times committed. Cassio confess'd it,And she did gratify his amorous worksWith that recognizance and pledge of loveWhich I first gave her. I saw it in his hand:(250)It was a handkerchief, an antique tokenMy father gave my mother.

OTHELLO:It is pitiful; but yet Iago knowsThat she has committed the act of shameWith Cassio a thousand times; Cassio confessedAnd she did gratify his amorous desiresWith that recognition and pledge of loveWhich I first gave her; I saw it in his hand.It was a handkerchief, an antique tokenMy father gave my mother.

EMILIA:O heaven! O heavenly powers!

EMILIA:O heaven! O heavenly powers!

IAGO:’Zounds! Hold your peace.

IAGO:Come, hold your peace.

EMILIA:'Twill out, 'twill. I peace!(255)

EMILIA:It will be out, it will be out. Me quiet!

26


No, I will speak as liberal as the north;Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.

No, I will speak as loudly as the north.Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.

IAGO:Be wise, and get you home.

IAGO:Be wise, and go home.

EMILIA:I will not.

EMILIA:I will not.

GRATIANO:Fie! Your sword upon a woman?(260)

GRATIANO:Damn!Your sword on a woman?

EMILIA:O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak'st ofI found by fortune and did give my husband;For often with a solemn earnestness,More than indeed belong'd to such a trifle,(265)He begg'd of me to steal it.

EMILIA:O you stupid Moor! That handkerchief you speak ofI found by luck and gave it to my husband;Because, he begged me to steal itOften with a solemn earnestness,More than, indeed, belonged to such a trifle.

IAGO:Villainous whore!

IAGO:Villainous whore!

EMILIA:She give it Cassio? No, alas, I found it,And I did give't my husband.

EMILIA:She give it Cassio! No, alas, I found it,And I gave it to my husband.

IAGO:Filth, thou liest!(270)

IAGO:Filth, you lie!

EMILIA:By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.O murderous coxcomb! What should such a foolDo with so good a wife?

EMILIA:By heaven, I don’t, I don’t, gentlemen.O murderous simpleton! What should such a foolDo with so good a wife?

OTHELLO: OTHELLO:

27


Are there not stones in heavenBut what serve for thunder? Precious villain!(275)

Are there no stones in heavenTo serve as thunder? Precious villain!

The Moor [Othello] runs at Iago.

Iago kills his wife.

GRATIANO:The woman falls; sure, he hath kill'd his wife.

GRATIANO:The woman falls; surely, he has killed his wife.

EMILIA:Ay, ay! O, lay me by my mistress’ side.

EMILIA:Yes, yes. O, lay me by my mistress' side.

Exit Iago.

GRATIANO:He's gone, but his wife's kill'd.

GRATIANO:He's gone, but his wife's killed.

MONTANO:'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,Which I have here recover'd from the Moor:(280)Come, guard the door without; let him not pass,But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain,For 'tis a damned slave.

MONTANO:He is a notorious villain. Take this weapon,Which I have here recovered from the Moor.Come, guard the door outside; don’t let him pass,But rather kill him. I'll go after that same villain,Because he is a damned slave.

Exit Montano and Gratiano.

OTHELLO:I am not valiant neither,But every puny whipster gets my sword.(285)But why should honor outlive honesty?Let it go all.

OTHELLO:I am not valiant either,But every puny man with a whip gets my sword.But why should honor outlive honesty?Let it all go.

EMILIA:What did thy song bode, lady?Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan,And die in music.(290)

EMILIA:What did your song predict, lady?Listen, can you hear me? I will play the swan,And die in music. [Sings.] "Willow, willow,

28


[Sings.] Willow, willow, willow.Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor;So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true;So speaking as I think, I die, I die.

willow."Moor, she was chaste; she loved you, cruel Moor;So my soul goes to heaven, because I tell the truth;So speaking as I think, I die, I die.

She dies.

OTHELLO:I have another weapon in this chamber;(295)O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.

OTHELLO:I have another weapon in this chamber;It is a sword of Spain, made by the ice-breaker.O, here it is. Uncle, I must come out.

GRATIANO:[Within.] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear:Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.

GRATIANO:If you try it, it will be a costly mistake.You have no weapon, and must be forced to suffer.

OTHELLO:Look in upon me then, and speak with me,Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.(300)

OTHELLO:Look in on me then, and speak with me,Or, naked as I am, I will attack you.

Enter Gratiano.


GRATIANO:What’s the matter?

OTHELLO:Behold, I have a weapon;A better never did itself sustainUpon a soldier's thigh. I have seen the dayThat with this little arm and this good sword(305)I have made my way through more impedimentsThan twenty times your stop. But, O vain boast!Who can control his fate? 'Tis not so now.Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd;Here is my journey's end, here is my butt(310)

OTHELLO:Behold, I have a weapon;A better one never sustained itselfOn a soldier's thigh. I have seen the dayThat I have made my way through more impedimentsWith this little arm and this good swordThan you could stop twenty times. But, O vain boast!Who can control his fate? It is not so now.

29


And very seamark of my utmost sail.Do you go back dismay'd? 'Tis a lost fear:Man but a rush against Othello's breast,And he retires. Where should Othello go?Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr'd wench!(315)Pale as thy smock! When we shall meet at compt,This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven,And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girlEven like thy chastity. O cursed, cursed slave!Whip me, ye devils,(320)From the possession of this heavenly sight!Blow me about in winds! Roast me in sulphur!Wash me in steepdown gulfs of liquid fire!O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead!O! O! O!(325)

Don’t be afraid although you see me armed,Here is my journey's end, here is my bottomAnd very sea-mark of my last ship.Do you go back dismayed? It is a lost fear;Man can only rush against Othello's breast,And he retires. Where should Othello go?Now, how do you look now? O ill-starred wench!Pale as your smock! When we shall meet at elegance,This look of yours will hurl my soul from heaven,And devil will scratch at it. Cold, cold, my girl!Even like your chastity.O cursed, cursed slave! Whip me, you devils,From the possession of this heavenly sight!Blow me about in winds! Roast me in fires of sulphur!Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! O!

Enter Lodovico, Montano, Iago, and Officers, Cassio in a chair.

LODOVICO:Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?

LODOVICO:Where is this impatient and very unfortunate man?

OTHELLO:That's he that was Othello. Here I am.

OTHELLO:That would be Othello; here I am.

LODOVICO:Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.

LODOVICO:Where is that snake? Bring the villain out.

OTHELLO:I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable.If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee.(330)

OTHELLO:I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable.If you are a devil, I cannot kill you.

30


LODOVICO:Wrench his sword from him.

LODOVICO:Grab his sword from him.

IAGO:I bleed, sir, but not kill'd.

IAGO:I bleed, sir, but I am not killed.

OTHELLO:I am not sorry neither. I'ld have thee live,For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die.

OTHELLO:I am not sorry either. I'd have you live;Because, in my thinking, it is happiness to die.

LODOVICO:O thou Othello, that wert once so good,(335)What shall be said to thee?

LODOVICO:O you Othello, that was once so good,Fallen in the plan of a damned slave,What shall be said to you?

OTHELLO:Why, anything;An honorable murderer, if you will,For nought did I in hate, but all in honor.

OTHELLO:Why, anything;An honorable murderer, if you will;Because nothing I did was in hate, but done all in honor.

LODOVICO:This wretch hath part confess'd his villainy.(340)Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?

LODOVICO:This wretch has part confessed his villainy.Did you and he agree to Cassio's death?

OTHELLO:Ay.

OTHELLO:Yes.

CASSIO:Dear general, I never gave you cause.

CASSIO:Dear general, I never gave you any reason.

OTHELLO:I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.Will you, I pray, demand that demidevil(345)Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?

OTHELLO:I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.Will you, I beg you, demand that demi-devilTo tell why he has trapped my soul and body like this?

IAGO: IAGO:

31


Demand me nothing; what you know: you know.From this time forth I never will speak word.

Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.From this time forward, I’ll never speak word.

LODOVICO:What, not to pray?

LODOVICO:What, not even to pray?

GRATIANO:Torments will ope your lips.(350)

GRATIANO:Torture will open your lips.

OTHELLO:Well, thou dost best.

OTHELLO:Well, you do what’s best.

LODOVICO:Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letterFound in the pocket of the slain Roderigo,And here another. The one of them imports(355)The death of Cassio to be undertookBy Roderigo.

LODOVICO:Sir, you shall understand what has happened,Which, as I think, you don’t know. Here is a letterFound in the pocket of the murdered Roderigo,And here another. One of them shows thatThe death of Cassio was to be undertakenBy Roderigo.

OTHELLO:O villain!

OTHELLO:O villain!

CASSIO:Most heathenish and most gross!

CASSIO:Very heathenish and very gross!

LODOVICO:Now here's another discontented paper,(360)Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain;But that, belike, Iago in the interimCame in and satisfied him.

LODOVICO:Now here's another unhappy document,Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,That Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain;But that, very likely, Iago in the meantimeCame in and satisfied him.

OTHELLO:O the pernicious caitiff!(365)How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief

OTHELLO:O the pernicious wretch!Cassio, how did you come by that handkerchief

32


That was my wife's? That was my wife's?

CASSIO:I found it in my chamber;And he himself confess'd but even nowThat there he dropp'd it for a special purpose(370)Which wrought to his desire.

CASSIO:I found it in my bedroom;And he himself confessed just nowThat he dropped it there for a special purposeWhich would be bent to his desires.

OTHELLO:O fool! fool! fool!

OTHELLO:O fool! fool! fool!

CASSIO:There is besides in Roderigo's letter,How he upbraids Iago, that he made himBrave me upon the watch, whereon it came(375)That I was cast. And even but now he spakeAfter long seeming dead, Iago hurt him,Iago set him on.

CASSIO:There is besides in Roderigo's letter,How he scolds Iago, that he made himFight with me on the watch, where it happenedThat I was thrown out, and even just now he spoke,After seeming dead a long time, Iago hurt him,Iago set him up.

LODOVICO:You must forsake this room, and go with us:Your power and your command is taken off,(380)And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,If there be any cunning crueltyThat can torment him much and hold him long,It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest,Till that the nature of your fault be known(385)To the Venetian state. Come, bring away.

LODOVICO:You must leave this room, and go with us.Your power and your command is removed,And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,If there be any cunning crueltyThat can torment him a lot and stop him a long time,It shall be his. You shall remain a prisoner,Until the nature of your crime is knownTo the Venetian state. Come, bring him away.

OTHELLO:Soft you; a word or two before you go.I have done the state some service, and they know't.

OTHELLO:Pardon me, a word or two before you go.I have done the state some service, and they know it.

33


No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,(390)Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speakOf one that loved not wisely but too well;Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand,(395)Like the base Indian, threw a pearl awayRicher than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes,Albeit unused to the melting mood,Drop tears as fast as the Arabian treesTheir medicinal gum. Set you down this;(400)And say besides, that in Aleppo once,Where a malignant and a turban'd TurkBeat a Venetian and traduced the state,I took by the throat the circumcised dogAnd smote him, thus.(405)

No more of that. I beg you, in your letters,When you shall tell about these unlucky deeds,Speak of me as I am; nothing farfetched,And don’t write anything in malice. Then you must speakOf one that loved not wisely, but too well;Of one not easily jealous, but, being aggravated,Confused in the extreme; of one whose hand,Like the low Judas, threw a pearl awayThat was richer than all his tribe; of one whose sad eyes,Albeit unused to a crying spell,Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees dropTheir medicinal gum. Write this down;And say besides, that in Aleppo once,Where a malignant and a turbaned TurkBeat a Venetian and double-crossed the state,I took the circumcised dog by the throatAnd killed him like this.

Stabs himself.

LODOVICO:O bloody period!

LODOVICO:O bloody period!

GRATIANO:All that's spoke is marr'd.

GRATIANO:All that's spoken is marred.

OTHELLO:I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee. No way but this,Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

OTHELLO:I kissed you before I killed you. No way but this,Killing myself, to die on a kiss.

He dies.

CASSIO: CASSIO:

34


This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon;(410)For he was great of heart.

I was afraid of this, but I thought he had no weapon;He was great of heart.

LODOVICO:O Spartan dog,More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea!Look on the tragic loading of this bed;This is thy work. The object poisons sight;(415)Let it be hid. Gratiano, keep the house,And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,For they succeed on you. To you, Lord Governor,Remains the censure of this hellish villain,The time, the place, the torture. O, enforce it!(420)Myself will straight aboard, and to the stateThis heavy act with heavy heart relate.

LODOVICO:O Spartan dog,More evil than anguish, hunger, or the sea!Look on the tragic load on this bed;This is your work. The object of poison’s sight;Let it be hidden. Gratiano, keep the house,And seize on the fortunes of the Moor,Because they fall on you. To you, lord governor,Remains the sentencing of this hellish villain;The time, the place, the torture, O, enforce it!I myself will board the ship right away and go to the stateTo relate his heavy act with heavy heart.

Exeunt.

THE END

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