Othello, the Moore of Venice

Contents2024 Feb 20  13:01:29

 
Act 1Scene 1Venice. A street.
Scene 2Another street.
Scene 3A council-chamber.
 
Act 2Scene 1A Sea-port in Cyprus. An open place near the quay.
Scene 2A street.
Scene 3An hall in the castle.
 
Act 3Scene 1Before the castle.
Scene 2A room in the castle.
Scene 3The garden of the castle.
Scene 4Before the castle.
 
Act 4Scene 1Cyprus. Before the castle.
Scene 2A room in the castle.
Scene 3Another room In the castle.
 
Act 5Scene 1Cyprus. A street.
Scene 2A bedchamber in the castle: DESDEMONA in bed asleep; a light burning.
 
Finis
 
Contents

Act 1

Scene 1

Ephesus - an hall in DUKE SOLINUS'S palace.

Enter DUKE SOLINUS, ÆGEON, Gaoler, Officers, and other Attendants
1.1.1 AEGEON
Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall
And by the doom of death end woes and all.
1.1.3 DUKE SOLINUS
Merchant of Syracuse, plead no more;
I am not partial to infringe our laws:
The enmity and discord which of late
Sprung from the rancorous outrage of your duke
To merchants, our well-dealing countrymen,
Who wanting guilders to redeem their lives
Have seal'd his rigorous statutes with their bloods,
Excludes all pity from our threatening looks.
For, since the mortal and intestine jars
'Twixt thy seditious countrymen and us,
It hath in solemn synods been decreed
Both by the Syracusians and ourselves,
To admit no traffic to our adverse towns. Nay, more,
If any born at Ephesus be seen
At any Syracusian marts and fairs;
Again: if any Syracusian born
Come to the bay of Ephesus, he dies,
His goods confiscate to the duke's dispose,
Unless a thousand marks be levied,
To quit the penalty and to ransom him.
Thy substance, valued at the highest rate,
Cannot amount unto a hundred marks;
Therefore by law thou art condemned to die.
1.1.26 AEGEON
Yet this my comfort: when your words are done,
My woes end likewise with the evening sun.
1.1.28 DUKE SOLINUS
Well, Syracusian, say in brief the cause
Why thou departed'st from thy native home
And for what cause thou camest to Ephesus.
1.1.31 AEGEON
A heavier task could not have been imposed
Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable:
Yet, that the world may witness that my end
Was wrought by nature, not by vile offence,
I'll utter what my sorrows give me leave.
In Syracusa was I born, and wed
Unto a woman, happy but for me,
And by me, had not our hap been bad.
With her I lived in joy; our wealth increased
By prosperous voyages I often made
To Epidamnum; till my factor's death
And the great care of goods at random left
Drew me from kind embracements of my spouse:
From whom my absence was not six months old
Before herself, almost at fainting under
The pleasing punishment that women bear,
Had made provision for her following me
And soon and safe arrived where I was.
There had she not been long, but she became
A joyful mother of two goodly sons;
And, which was strange, the one so like the other,
As could not be distinguish'd but by names.
That very hour, and in the self-same inn,
A meaner woman was delivered
Of such a burden, male twins, both alike:
Those, – for their parents were exceeding poor, –
I bought and brought up to attend my sons.
My wife, not meanly proud of two such boys,
Made daily motions for our home return:
Unwilling I agreed. Alas! too soon,
We came aboard.
A league from Epidamnum had we sail'd,
Before the always wind-obeying deep
Gave any tragic instance of our harm:
But longer did we not retain much hope;
For what obscured light the heavens did grant
Did but convey unto our fearful minds
A doubtful warrant of immediate death;
Which though myself would gladly have embraced,
Yet the incessant weepings of my wife,
Weeping before for what she saw must come,
And piteous plainings of the pretty babes,
That mourn'd for fashion, ignorant what to fear,
Forced me to seek delays for them and me.
And this it was, for other means was none:
The sailors sought for safety by our boat,
And left the ship, then sinking-ripe, to us:
My wife, more careful for the latter-born,
Had fasten'd him unto a small spare mast,
Such as seafaring men provide for storms;
To him one of the other twins was bound,
Whilst I had been like heedful of the other:
The children thus disposed, my wife and I,
Fixing our eyes on whom our care was fix'd,
Fasten'd ourselves at either end the mast;
And floating straight, obedient to the stream,
Was carried towards Corinth, as we thought.
At length the sun, gazing upon the earth,
Dispersed those vapours that offended us;
And by the benefit of his wished light,
The seas wax'd calm, and we discovered
Two ships from far making amain to us,
Of Corinth that, of Epidaurus this:
But ere they came, – O, let me say no more!
Gather the sequel by that went before.
1.1.96 DUKE SOLINUS
Nay, forward, old man; do not break off so;
For we may pity, though not pardon thee.
1.1.98 AEGEON
O, had the gods done so, I had not now
Worthily term'd them merciless to us!
For, ere the ships could meet by twice five leagues,
We were encounterd by a mighty rock;
Which being violently borne upon,
Our helpful ship was splitted in the midst;
So that, in this unjust divorce of us,
Fortune had left to both of us alike
What to delight in, what to sorrow for.
Her part, poor soul! seeming as burdened
With lesser weight but not with lesser woe,
Was carried with more speed before the wind;
And in our sight they three were taken up
By fishermen of Corinth, as we thought.
At length, another ship had seized on us;
And, knowing whom it was their hap to save,
Gave healthful welcome to their shipwreck'd guests;
And would have reft the fishers of their prey,
Had not their bark been very slow of sail;
And therefore homeward did they bend their course.
Thus have you heard me sever'd from my bliss;
That by misfortunes was my life prolong'd,
To tell sad stories of my own mishaps.
1.1.121 DUKE SOLINUS
And for the sake of them thou sorrowest for,
Do me the favour to dilate at full
What hath befall'n of them and thee till now.
1.1.124 AEGEON
My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care,
At eighteen years became inquisitive
After his brother: and importuned me
That his attendant – so his case was like,
Reft of his brother, but retain'd his name –
Might bear him company in the quest of him:
Whom whilst I labour'd of a love to see,
I hazarded the loss of whom I loved.
Five summers have I spent in furthest Greece,
Roaming clean through the bounds of Asia,
And, coasting homeward, came to Ephesus;
Hopeless to find, yet loath to leave unsought
Or that or any place that harbours men.
But here must end the story of my life;
And happy were I in my timely death,
Could all my travels warrant me they live.
1.1.140 DUKE SOLINUS
Hapless Ægeon, whom the fates have mark'd
To bear the extremity of dire mishap!
Now, trust me, were it not against our laws,
Against my crown, my oath, my dignity,
Which princes, would they, may not disannul,
My soul would sue as advocate for thee.
But, though thou art adjudged to the death
And passed sentence may not be recall'd
But to our honour's great disparagement,
Yet I will favour thee in what I can.
Therefore, merchant, I'll limit thee this day
To seek thy life by beneficial help:
Try all the friends thou hast in Ephesus;
Beg thou, or borrow, to make up the sum,
And live; if no, then thou art doom'd to die.
Gaoler, take him to thy custody.
1.1.156 Gaoler
I will, my lord.
1.1.157 AEGEON
Hopeless and helpless doth Ægeon wend,
But to procrastinate his lifeless end.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 1

Scene 2

The Mart.

Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse, DROMIO of Syracuse, and First Merchant
1.2.1 First Merchant
Therefore give out you are of Epidamnum,
Lest that your goods too soon be confiscate.
This very day a Syracusian merchant
Is apprehended for arrival here;
And not being able to buy out his life
According to the statute of the town,
Dies ere the weary sun set in the west.
There is your money that I had to keep.
1.2.9 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Go bear it to the Centaur, where we host,
And stay there, Dromio, till I come to thee.
Within this hour it will be dinner-time:
Till that, I'll view the manners of the town,
Peruse the traders, gaze upon the buildings,
And then return and sleep within mine inn,
For with long travel I am stiff and weary.
Get thee away.
1.2.17 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Many a man would take you at your word,
And go indeed, having so good a mean.
Exit
1.2.19 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
A trusty villain, sir, that very oft,
When I am dull with care and melancholy,
Lightens my humour with his merry jests.
What, will you walk with me about the town,
And then go to my inn and dine with me?
1.2.24 First Merchant
I am invited, sir, to certain merchants,
Of whom I hope to make much benefit;
I crave your pardon. Soon at five o'clock,
Please you, I'll meet with you upon the mart
And afterward consort you till bed-time:
My present business calls me from you now.
1.2.30 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Farewell till then: I will go lose myself
And wander up and down to view the city.
1.2.32 First Merchant
Sir, I commend you to your own content.
Exit
1.2.33 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
He that commends me to mine own content
Commends me to the thing I cannot get.
I to the world am like a drop of water
That in the ocean seeks another drop,
Who, falling there to find his fellow forth,
Unseen, inquisitive, confounds himself:
So I, to find a mother and a brother,
In quest of them, unhappy, lose myself.
Enter DROMIO of Ephesus
Here comes the almanac of my true date.
What now? how chance thou art return'd so soon?
1.2.43 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Return'd so soon! rather approach'd too late:
The capon burns, the pig falls from the spit,
The clock hath strucken twelve upon the bell;
My mistress made it one upon my cheek:
She is so hot because the meat is cold;
The meat is cold because you come not home;
You come not home because you have no stomach;
You have no stomach having broke your fast;
But we that know what 'tis to fast and pray
Are penitent for your default today.
1.2.53 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Stop in your wind, sir: tell me this, I pray:
Where have you left the money that I gave you?
1.2.55 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
O, – sixpence, that I had o' Wednesday last
To pay the saddler for my mistress' crupper?
The saddler had it, sir; I kept it not.
1.2.58 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I am not in a sportive humour now:
Tell me, and dally not, where is the money?
We being strangers here, how darest thou trust
So great a charge from thine own custody?
1.2.62 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I pray you, jest, sir, as you sit at dinner:
I from my mistress come to you in post;
If I return, I shall be post indeed,
For she will score your fault upon my pate.
Methinks your maw, like mine, should be your clock,
And strike you home without a messenger.
1.2.68 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Come, Dromio, come, these jests are out of season;
Reserve them till a merrier hour than this.
Where is the gold I gave in charge to thee?
1.2.71 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
To me, sir? why, you gave no gold to me.
1.2.72 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Come on, sir knave, have done your foolishness,
And tell me how thou hast disposed thy charge.
1.2.74 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
My charge was but to fetch you from the mart
Home to your house, the Phoenix, sir, to dinner:
My mistress and her sister stays for you.
1.2.77 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Now, as I am a Christian, answer me.
In what safe place you have bestow'd my money,
Or I shall break that merry sconce of yours
That stands on tricks when I am undisposed:
Where is the thousand marks thou hadst of me?
1.2.82 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I have some marks of yours upon my pate,
Some of my mistress' marks upon my shoulders,
But not a thousand marks between you both.
If I should pay your worship those again,
Perchance you will not bear them patiently.
1.2.87 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Thy mistress' marks? what mistress, slave, hast thou?
1.2.88 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Your worship's wife, my mistress at the Phoenix;
She that doth fast till you come home to dinner,
And prays that you will hie you home to dinner.
1.2.91 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What, wilt thou flout me thus unto my face,
Being forbid? There, take you that, sir knave.
1.2.93 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
What mean you, sir? for God's sake, hold your hands!
Nay, and you will not, sir, I'll take my heels.
Exit
1.2.95 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Upon my life, by some device or other
The villain is o'er-raught of all my money.
They say this town is full of cozenage,
As, nimble jugglers that deceive the eye,
Dark-working sorcerers that change the mind,
Soul-killing witches that deform the body,
Disguised cheaters, prating mountebanks,
And many such-like liberties of sin:
If it prove so, I will be gone the sooner.
I'll to the Centaur, to go seek this slave:
I greatly fear my money is not safe.
Exit
Contents

Act 2

Scene 1

The house of ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus.

Enter ADRIANA and LUCIANA
2.1.1 ADRIANA
Neither my husband nor the slave return'd,
That in such haste I sent to seek his master!
Sure, Luciana, it is two o'clock.
2.1.4 LUCIANA
Perhaps some merchant hath invited him,
And from the mart he's somewhere gone to dinner.
Good sister, let us dine and never fret:
A man is master of his liberty:
Time is their master, and, when they see time,
They'll go or come: if so, be patient, sister.
2.1.10 ADRIANA
Why should their liberty than ours be more?
2.1.11 LUCIANA
Because their business still lies out o' door.
2.1.12 ADRIANA
Look, when I serve him so, he takes it ill.
2.1.13 LUCIANA
O, know he is the bridle of your will.
2.1.14 ADRIANA
There's none but asses will be bridled so.
2.1.15 LUCIANA
Why, headstrong liberty is lash'd with woe.
There's nothing situate under heaven's eye
But hath his bound, in earth, in sea, in sky:
The beasts, the fishes, and the winged fowls,
Are their males' subjects and at their controls:
Men, more divine, the masters of all these,
Lords of the wide world and wild watery seas,
Indued with intellectual sense and souls,
Of more preeminence than fish and fowls,
Are masters to their females, and their lords:
Then let your will attend on their accords.
2.1.26 ADRIANA
This servitude makes you to keep unwed.
2.1.27 LUCIANA
Not this, but troubles of the marriage-bed.
2.1.28 ADRIANA
But, were you wedded, you would bear some sway.
2.1.29 LUCIANA
Ere I learn love, I'll practise to obey.
2.1.30 ADRIANA
How if your husband start some other where?
2.1.31 LUCIANA
Till he come home again, I would forbear.
2.1.32 ADRIANA
Patience unmoved! no marvel though she pause;
They can be meek that have no other cause.
A wretched soul, bruised with adversity,
We bid be quiet when we hear it cry;
But were we burdened with like weight of pain,
As much or more would we ourselves complain:
So thou, that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee,
With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me,
But, if thou live to see like right bereft,
This fool-begg'd patience in thee will be left.
2.1.42 LUCIANA
Well, I will marry one day, but to try.
Here comes your man; now is your husband nigh.
Enter DROMIO of Ephesus
2.1.44 ADRIANA
Say, is your tardy master now at hand?
2.1.45 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Nay, he's at two hands with me, and that my two ears
can witness.
2.1.47 ADRIANA
Say, didst thou speak with him? know'st thou his mind?
2.1.48 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Ay, ay, he told his mind upon mine ear:
Beshrew his hand, I scarce could understand it.
2.1.50 LUCIANA
Spake he so doubtfully, thou couldst not feel his meaning?
2.1.51 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Nay, he struck so plainly, I could too well feel his
blows; and withal so doubtfully that I could scarce
understand them.
2.1.54 ADRIANA
But say, I prithee, is he coming home? It seems he
hath great care to please his wife.
2.1.56 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Why, mistress, sure my master is horn-mad.
2.1.57 ADRIANA
Horn-mad, thou villain!
2.1.58 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I mean not cuckold-mad;
But, sure, he is stark mad.
When I desired him to come home to dinner,
He ask'd me for a thousand marks in gold:
''Tis dinner-time,' quoth I; 'My gold!' quoth he;
'Your meat doth burn,' quoth I; 'My gold!' quoth he:
'Will you come home?' quoth I; 'My gold!' quoth he.
'Where is the thousand marks I gave thee, villain?'
'The pig,' quoth I, 'is burn'd;' 'My gold!' quoth he:
'My mistress, sir' quoth I; 'Hang up thy mistress!
I know not thy mistress; out on thy mistress!'
2.1.69 LUCIANA
Quoth who?
2.1.70 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Quoth my master:
'I know,' quoth he, 'no house, no wife, no mistress.'
So that my errand, due unto my tongue,
I thank him, I bare home upon my shoulders;
For, in conclusion, he did beat me there.
2.1.75 ADRIANA
Go back again, thou slave, and fetch him home.
2.1.76 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Go back again, and be new beaten home?
For God's sake, send some other messenger.
2.1.78 ADRIANA
Back, slave, or I will break thy pate across.
2.1.79 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
And he will bless that cross with other beating:
Between you I shall have a holy head.
2.1.81 ADRIANA
Hence, prating peasant! fetch thy master home.
2.1.82 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Am I so round with you as you with me,
That like a football you do spurn me thus?
You spurn me hence, and he will spurn me hither:
If I last in this service, you must case me in leather.
Exit
2.1.86 LUCIANA
Fie, how impatience loureth in your face!
2.1.87 ADRIANA
His company must do his minions grace,
Whilst I at home starve for a merry look.
Hath homely age the alluring beauty took
From my poor cheek? then he hath wasted it:
Are my discourses dull? barren my wit?
If voluble and sharp discourse be marr'd,
Unkindness blunts it more than marble hard:
Do their gay vestments his affections bait?
That's not my fault: he's master of my state:
What ruins are in me that can be found,
By him not ruin'd? then is he the ground
Of my defeatures. My decayed fair
A sunny look of his would soon repair
But, too unruly deer, he breaks the pale
And feeds from home; poor I am but his stale.
2.1.102 LUCIANA
Self-harming jealousy! fie, beat it hence!
2.1.103 ADRIANA
Unfeeling fools can with such wrongs dispense.
I know his eye doth homage otherwhere,
Or else what lets it but he would be here?
Sister, you know he promised me a chain;
Would that alone, alone he would detain,
So he would keep fair quarter with his bed!
I see the jewel best enamelled
Will lose his beauty; yet the gold bides still,
That others touch, and often touching will
Wear gold: and no man that hath a name,
By falsehood and corruption doth it shame.
Since that my beauty cannot please his eye,
I'll weep what's left away, and weeping die.
2.1.116 LUCIANA
How many fond fools serve mad jealousy!
Exeunt
Contents

Act 2

Scene 2

A public place.

Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse
2.2.1 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up
Safe at the Centaur; and the heedful slave
Is wander'd forth, in care to seek me out
By computation and mine host's report.
I could not speak with Dromio since at first
I sent him from the mart. See, here he comes.
Enter DROMIO of Syracuse
How now sir! is your merry humour alter'd?
As you love strokes, so jest with me again.
You know no Centaur? you received no gold?
Your mistress sent to have me home to dinner?
My house was at the Phoenix? Wast thou mad,
That thus so madly thou didst answer me?
2.2.13 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
What answer, sir? when spake I such a word?
2.2.14 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Even now, even here, not half an hour since.
2.2.15 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I did not see you since you sent me hence,
Home to the Centaur, with the gold you gave me.
2.2.17 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Villain, thou didst deny the gold's receipt,
And told'st me of a mistress and a dinner;
For which, I hope, thou felt'st I was displeased.
2.2.20 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I am glad to see you in this merry vein:
What means this jest? I pray you, master, tell me.
2.2.22 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Yea, dost thou jeer and flout me in the teeth?
Think'st thou I jest? Hold, take thou that, and that.
Beating him
2.2.24 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Hold, sir, for God's sake! now your jest is earnest:
Upon what bargain do you give it me?
2.2.26 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Because that I familiarly sometimes
Do use you for my fool and chat with you,
Your sauciness will jest upon my love
And make a common of my serious hours.
When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport,
But creep in crannies when he hides his beams.
If you will jest with me, know my aspect,
And fashion your demeanor to my looks,
Or I will beat this method in your sconce.
2.2.35 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Sconce call you it? so you would leave battering, I
had rather have it a head: an you use these blows
long, I must get a sconce for my head and ensconce
it too; or else I shall seek my wit in my shoulders.
But, I pray, sir why am I beaten?
2.2.40 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Dost thou not know?
2.2.41 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Nothing, sir, but that I am beaten.
2.2.42 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Shall I tell you why?
2.2.43 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Ay, sir, and wherefore; for they say every why hath
a wherefore.
2.2.45 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why, first, – for flouting me; and then, wherefore –
For urging it the second time to me.
2.2.47 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season,
When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme
nor reason?
Well, sir, I thank you.
2.2.51 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Thank me, sir, for what?
2.2.52 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, sir, for this something that you gave me for nothing.
2.2.53 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I'll make you amends next, to give you nothing for
something. But say, sir, is it dinner-time?
2.2.55 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No, sir; I think the meat wants that I have.
2.2.56 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
In good time, sir; what's that?
2.2.57 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Basting.
2.2.58 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Well, sir, then 'twill be dry.
2.2.59 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
If it be, sir, I pray you, eat none of it.
2.2.60 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Your reason?
2.2.61 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Lest it make you choleric and purchase me another
dry basting.
2.2.63 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Well, sir, learn to jest in good time: there's a
time for all things.
2.2.65 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I durst have denied that, before you were so choleric.
2.2.66 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
By what rule, sir?
2.2.67 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, sir, by a rule as plain as the plain bald
pate of father Time himself.
2.2.69 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Let's hear it.
2.2.70 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
There's no time for a man to recover his hair that
grows bald by nature.
2.2.72 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
May he not do it by fine and recovery?
2.2.73 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Yes, to pay a fine for a periwig and recover the
lost hair of another man.
2.2.75 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why is Time such a niggard of hair, being, as it is,
so plentiful an excrement?
2.2.77 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Because it is a blessing that he bestows on beasts;
and what he hath scanted men in hair he hath given them in wit.
2.2.79 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why, but there's many a man hath more hair than wit.
2.2.80 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Not a man of those but he hath the wit to lose his hair.
2.2.81 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why, thou didst conclude hairy men plain dealers without wit.
2.2.82 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
The plainer dealer, the sooner lost: yet he loseth
it in a kind of jollity.
2.2.84 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
For what reason?
2.2.85 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
For two; and sound ones too.
2.2.86 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Nay, not sound, I pray you.
2.2.87 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Sure ones, then.
2.2.88 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Nay, not sure, in a thing falsing.
2.2.89 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Certain ones then.
2.2.90 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Name them.
2.2.91 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
The one, to save the money that he spends in
trimming; the other, that at dinner they should not
drop in his porridge.
2.2.94 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
You would all this time have proved there is no
time for all things.
2.2.96 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, and did, sir; namely, no time to recover hair
lost by nature.
2.2.98 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
But your reason was not substantial, why there is no
time to recover.
2.2.100 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Thus I mend it: Time himself is bald and therefore
to the world's end will have bald followers.
2.2.102 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I knew 'twould be a bald conclusion:
But, soft! who wafts us yonder?
Enter ADRIANA and LUCIANA
2.2.104 ADRIANA
Ay, ay, Antipholus, look strange and frown:
Some other mistress hath thy sweet aspects;
I am not Adriana nor thy wife.
The time was once when thou unurged wouldst vow
That never words were music to thine ear,
That never object pleasing in thine eye,
That never touch well welcome to thy hand,
That never meat sweet-savor'd in thy taste,
Unless I spake, or look'd, or touch'd, or carved to thee.
How comes it now, my husband, O, how comes it,
That thou art thus estranged from thyself?
Thyself I call it, being strange to me,
That, undividable, incorporate,
Am better than thy dear self's better part.
Ah, do not tear away thyself from me!
For know, my love, as easy mayest thou fall
A drop of water in the breaking gulf,
And take unmingled that same drop again,
Without addition or diminishing,
As take from me thyself and not me too.
How dearly would it touch me to the quick,
Shouldst thou but hear I were licentious
And that this body, consecrate to thee,
By ruffian lust should be contaminate!
Wouldst thou not spit at me and spurn at me
And hurl the name of husband in my face
And tear the stain'd skin off my harlot-brow
And from my false hand cut the wedding-ring
And break it with a deep-divorcing vow?
I know thou canst; and therefore see thou do it.
I am possess'd with an adulterate blot;
My blood is mingled with the crime of lust:
For if we too be one and thou play false,
I do digest the poison of thy flesh,
Being strumpeted by thy contagion.
Keep then far league and truce with thy true bed;
I live unstain'd, thou undishonoured.
2.2.141 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Plead you to me, fair dame? I know you not:
In Ephesus I am but two hours old,
As strange unto your town as to your talk;
Who, every word by all my wit being scann'd,
Want wit in all one word to understand.
2.2.146 LUCIANA
Fie, brother! how the world is changed with you!
When were you wont to use my sister thus?
She sent for you by Dromio home to dinner.
2.2.149 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
By Dromio?
2.2.150 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
By me?
2.2.151 ADRIANA
By thee; and this thou didst return from him,
That he did buffet thee, and, in his blows,
Denied my house for his, me for his wife.
2.2.154 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Did you converse, sir, with this gentlewoman?
What is the course and drift of your compact?
2.2.156 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I, sir? I never saw her till this time.
2.2.157 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Villain, thou liest; for even her very words
Didst thou deliver to me on the mart.
2.2.159 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I never spake with her in all my life.
2.2.160 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
How can she thus then call us by our names,
Unless it be by inspiration.
2.2.162 ADRIANA
How ill agrees it with your gravity
To counterfeit thus grossly with your slave,
Abetting him to thwart me in my mood!
Be it my wrong you are from me exempt,
But wrong not that wrong with a more contempt.
Come, I will fasten on this sleeve of thine:
Thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine,
Whose weakness, married to thy stronger state,
Makes me with thy strength to communicate:
If aught possess thee from me, it is dross,
Usurping ivy, brier, or idle moss;
Who, all for want of pruning, with intrusion
Infect thy sap and live on thy confusion.
2.2.175 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
To me she speaks; she moves me for her theme:
What, was I married to her in my dream?
Or sleep I now and think I hear all this?
What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?
Until I know this sure uncertainty,
I'll entertain the offer'd fallacy.
2.2.181 LUCIANA
Dromio, go bid the servants spread for dinner.
2.2.182 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
O, for my beads! I cross me for a sinner.
This is the fairy land: O spite of spites!
We talk with goblins, owls and sprites:
If we obey them not, this will ensue,
They'll suck our breath, or pinch us black and blue.
2.2.187 LUCIANA
Why pratest thou to thyself and answer'st not?
Dromio, thou drone, thou snail, thou slug, thou sot!
2.2.189 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I am transformed, master, am I not?
2.2.190 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I think thou art in mind, and so am I.
2.2.191 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Nay, master, both in mind and in my shape.
2.2.192 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Thou hast thine own form.
2.2.193 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No, I am an ape.
2.2.194 LUCIANA
If thou art changed to aught, 'tis to an ass.
2.2.195 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
'Tis true; she rides me and I long for grass.
'Tis so, I am an ass; else it could never be
But I should know her as well as she knows me.
2.2.198 ADRIANA
Come, come, no longer will I be a fool,
To put the finger in the eye and weep,
Whilst man and master laugh my woes to scorn.
Come, sir, to dinner. Dromio, keep the gate.
Husband, I'll dine above with you today
And shrive you of a thousand idle pranks.
Sirrah, if any ask you for your master,
Say he dines forth, and let no creature enter.
Come, sister. Dromio, play the porter well.
2.2.207 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell?
Sleeping or waking? mad or well-advised?
Known unto these, and to myself disguised!
I'll say as they say and persever so,
And in this mist at all adventures go.
2.2.212 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Master, shall I be porter at the gate?
2.2.213 ADRIANA
Ay; and let none enter, lest I break your pate.
2.2.214 LUCIANA
Come, come, Antipholus, we dine too late.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 3

Scene 1

Before the house of ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus.

Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus, DROMIO of Ephesus, ANGELO, and BALTHAZAR
3.1.1 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Good Signior Angelo, you must excuse us all;
My wife is shrewish when I keep not hours:
Say that I linger'd with you at your shop
To see the making of her carcanet,
And that tomorrow you will bring it home.
But here's a villain that would face me down
He met me on the mart, and that I beat him,
And charged him with a thousand marks in gold,
And that I did deny my wife and house.
Thou drunkard, thou, what didst thou mean by this?
3.1.11 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Say what you will, sir, but I know what I know;
That you beat me at the mart, I have your hand to show:
If the skin were parchment, and the blows you gave were ink,
Your own handwriting would tell you what I think.
3.1.15 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I think thou art an ass.
3.1.16 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Marry, so it doth appear
By the wrongs I suffer and the blows I bear.
I should kick, being kick'd; and, being at that pass,
You would keep from my heels and beware of an ass.
3.1.20 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
You're sad, Signior Balthazar: pray God our cheer
May answer my good will and your good welcome here.
3.1.22 BALTHAZAR
I hold your dainties cheap, sir, and your
welcome dear.
3.1.24 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
O, Signior Balthazar, either at flesh or fish,
A table full of welcome make scarce one dainty dish.
3.1.26 BALTHAZAR
Good meat, sir, is common; that every churl affords.
3.1.27 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
And welcome more common; for that's nothing but words.
3.1.28 BALTHAZAR
Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.
3.1.29 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Ay, to a niggardly host, and more sparing guest:
But though my cates be mean, take them in good part;
Better cheer may you have, but not with better heart.
But, soft! my door is lock'd. Go bid them let us in.
3.1.33 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Maud, Bridget, Marian, Cicel, Gillian, Ginn!
3.1.34 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Mome, malt-horse, capon, coxcomb,
idiot, patch!
Either get thee from the door, or sit down at the hatch.
Dost thou conjure for wenches, that thou call'st
for such store,
When one is one too many? Go, get thee from the door.
3.1.40 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
What patch is made our porter? My master stays in
the street.
3.1.42 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Let him walk from whence he came, lest he
catch cold on's feet.
3.1.44 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Who talks within there? ho, open the door!
3.1.45 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Right, sir; I'll tell you when, an you tell
me wherefore.
3.1.47 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Wherefore? for my dinner: I have not dined today.
3.1.48 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Nor today here you must not; come again
when you may.
3.1.50 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
What art thou that keepest me out from the house I owe?
3.1.51 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] The porter for this time, sir, and my name
is Dromio.
3.1.53 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
O villain! thou hast stolen both mine office and my name.
The one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame.
If thou hadst been Dromio today in my place,
Thou wouldst have changed thy face for a name or thy
name for an ass.
3.1.58 LUCE
[Within] What a coil is there, Dromio? who are those
at the gate?
3.1.60 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Let my master in, Luce.
3.1.61 LUCE
[Within] Faith, no; he comes too late;
And so tell your master.
3.1.63 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
O Lord, I must laugh!
Have at you with a proverb – Shall I set in my staff?
3.1.65 LUCE
[Within] Have at you with another; that's – When?
can you tell?
3.1.67 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] If thy name be call'd Luce – Luce, thou hast
answered him well.
3.1.69 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Do you hear, you minion? you'll let us in, I hope?
3.1.70 LUCE
[Within] I thought to have asked you.
3.1.71 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] And you said no.
3.1.72 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
So, come, help: well struck! there was blow for blow.
3.1.73 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Thou baggage, let me in.
3.1.74 LUCE
[Within] Can you tell for whose sake?
3.1.75 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Master, knock the door hard.
3.1.76 LUCE
[Within] Let him knock till it ache.
3.1.77 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
You'll cry for this, minion, if I beat the door down.
3.1.78 LUCE
[Within] What needs all that, and a pair of stocks in the town?
3.1.79 ADRIANA
[Within] Who is that at the door that keeps all
this noise?
3.1.81 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] By my troth, your town is troubled with
unruly boys.
3.1.83 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Are you there, wife? you might have come before.
3.1.84 ADRIANA
[Within] Your wife, sir knave! go get you from the door.
3.1.85 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
If you went in pain, master, this 'knave' would go sore.
3.1.86 ANGELO
Here is neither cheer, sir, nor welcome: we would
fain have either.
3.1.88 BALTHAZAR
In debating which was best, we shall part with neither.
3.1.89 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
They stand at the door, master; bid them welcome hither.
3.1.90 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
There is something in the wind, that we cannot get in.
3.1.91 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
You would say so, master, if your garments were thin.
Your cake there is warm within; you stand here in the cold:
It would make a man mad as a buck, to be so bought and sold.
3.1.94 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Go fetch me something: I'll break ope the gate.
3.1.95 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Break any breaking here, and I'll break your
knave's pate.
3.1.97 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
A man may break a word with you, sir, and words are but wind,
Ay, and break it in your face, so he break it not behind.
3.1.99 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] It seems thou want'st breaking: out upon
thee, hind!
3.1.101 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Here's too much 'out upon thee!' I pray thee,
let me in.
3.1.103 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
[Within] Ay, when fowls have no feathers and fish have no fin.
3.1.104 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Well, I'll break in: go borrow me a crow.
3.1.105 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
A crow without feather? Master, mean you so?
For a fish without a fin, there's a fowl without a feather;
If a crow help us in, sirrah, we'll pluck a crow together.
3.1.108 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Go get thee gone; fetch me an iron crow.
3.1.109 BALTHAZAR
Have patience, sir; O, let it not be so!
Herein you war against your reputation
And draw within the compass of suspect
The unviolated honour of your wife.
Once this, – your long experience of her wisdom,
Her sober virtue, years and modesty,
Plead on her part some cause to you unknown:
And doubt not, sir, but she will well excuse
Why at this time the doors are made against you.
Be ruled by me: depart in patience,
And let us to the Tiger all to dinner,
And about evening come yourself alone
To know the reason of this strange restraint.
If by strong hand you offer to break in
Now in the stirring passage of the day,
A vulgar comment will be made of it,
And that supposed by the common rout
Against your yet ungalled estimation
That may with foul intrusion enter in
And dwell upon your grave when you are dead;
For slander lives upon succession,
For ever housed where it gets possession.
3.1.131 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
You have prevailed: I will depart in quiet,
And, in despite of mirth, mean to be merry.
I know a wench of excellent discourse,
Pretty and witty; wild, and yet, too, gentle:
There will we dine. This woman that I mean,
My wife – but, I protest, without desert –
Hath oftentimes upbraided me withal:
To her will we to dinner.
To Angelo
Get you home
And fetch the chain; by this I know 'tis made:
Bring it, I pray you, to the Porpentine;
For there's the house: that chain will I bestow –
Be it for nothing but to spite my wife –
Upon mine hostess there: good sir, make haste.
Since mine own doors refuse to entertain me,
I'll knock elsewhere, to see if they'll disdain me.
3.1.147 ANGELO
I'll meet you at that place some hour hence.
3.1.148 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Do so. This jest shall cost me some expense.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 3

Scene 2

The same.

Enter LUCIANA and ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse
3.2.1 LUCIANA
And may it be that you have quite forgot
A husband's office? shall, Antipholus.
Even in the spring of love, thy love-springs rot?
Shall love, in building, grow so ruinous?
If you did wed my sister for her wealth,
Then for her wealth's sake use her with more kindness:
Or if you like elsewhere, do it by stealth;
Muffle your false love with some show of blindness:
Let not my sister read it in your eye;
Be not thy tongue thy own shame's orator;
Look sweet, be fair, become disloyalty;
Apparel vice like virtue's harbinger;
Bear a fair presence, though your heart be tainted;
Teach sin the carriage of a holy saint;
Be secret-false: what need she be acquainted?
What simple thief brags of his own attaint?
'Tis double wrong, to truant with your bed
And let her read it in thy looks at board:
Shame hath a bastard fame, well managed;
Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.
Alas, poor women! make us but believe,
Being compact of credit, that you love us;
Though others have the arm, show us the sleeve;
We in your motion turn and you may move us.
Then, gentle brother, get you in again;
Comfort my sister, cheer her, call her wife:
'Tis holy sport to be a little vain,
When the sweet breath of flattery conquers strife.
3.2.29 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Sweet mistress – what your name is else, I know not,
Nor by what wonder you do hit of mine, –
Less in your knowledge and your grace you show not
Than our earth's wonder, more than earth divine.
Teach me, dear creature, how to think and speak;
Lay open to my earthy-gross conceit,
Smother'd in errors, feeble, shallow, weak,
The folded meaning of your words' deceit.
Against my soul's pure truth why labour you
To make it wander in an unknown field?
Are you a god? would you create me new?
Transform me then, and to your power I'll yield.
But if that I am I, then well I know
Your weeping sister is no wife of mine,
Nor to her bed no homage do I owe
Far more, far more to you do I decline.
O, train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy note,
To drown me in thy sister's flood of tears:
Sing, siren, for thyself and I will dote:
Spread o'er the silver waves thy golden hairs,
And as a bed I'll take them and there lie,
And in that glorious supposition think
He gains by death that hath such means to die:
Let Love, being light, be drowned if she sink!
3.2.53 LUCIANA
What, are you mad, that you do reason so?
3.2.54 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Not mad, but mated; how, I do not know.
3.2.55 LUCIANA
It is a fault that springeth from your eye.
3.2.56 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
For gazing on your beams, fair sun, being by.
3.2.57 LUCIANA
Gaze where you should, and that will clear your sight.
3.2.58 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
As good to wink, sweet love, as look on night.
3.2.59 LUCIANA
Why call you me love? call my sister so.
3.2.60 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Thy sister's sister.
3.2.61 LUCIANA
That's my sister.
3.2.62 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
No;
It is thyself, mine own self's better part,
Mine eye's clear eye, my dear heart's dearer heart,
My food, my fortune and my sweet hope's aim,
My sole earth's heaven and my heaven's claim.
3.2.67 LUCIANA
All this my sister is, or else should be.
3.2.68 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Call thyself sister, sweet, for I am thee.
Thee will I love and with thee lead my life:
Thou hast no husband yet nor I no wife.
Give me thy hand.
3.2.72 LUCIANA
O, soft, air! hold you still:
I'll fetch my sister, to get her good will.
Exit
Enter DROMIO of Syracuse hastily
3.2.74 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why, how now, Dromio! where runn'st thou so fast?
3.2.75 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Do you know me, sir? am I Dromio? am I your man?
am I myself?
3.2.77 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Thou art Dromio, thou art my man, thou art thyself.
3.2.78 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I am an ass, I am a woman's man and besides myself.
3.2.79 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What woman's man? and how besides thyself?
3.2.80 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, sir, besides myself, I am due to a woman; one
that claims me, one that haunts me, one that will have me.
3.2.82 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What claim lays she to thee?
3.2.83 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry sir, such claim as you would lay to your
horse; and she would have me as a beast: not that, I
being a beast, she would have me; but that she,
being a very beastly creature, lays claim to me.
3.2.87 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What is she?
3.2.88 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
A very reverent body; ay, such a one as a man may
not speak of without he say 'Sir-reverence.' I have
but lean luck in the match, and yet is she a
wondrous fat marriage.
3.2.92 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
How dost thou mean a fat marriage?
3.2.93 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, sir, she's the kitchen wench and all grease;
and I know not what use to put her to but to make a
lamp of her and run from her by her own light. I
warrant, her rags and the tallow in them will burn a
Poland winter: if she lives till doomsday,
she'll burn a week longer than the whole world.
3.2.99 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What complexion is she of?
3.2.100 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Swart, like my shoe, but her face nothing half so
clean kept: for why, she sweats; a man may go over
shoes in the grime of it.
3.2.103 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
That's a fault that water will mend.
3.2.104 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No, sir, 'tis in grain; Noah's flood could not do it.
3.2.105 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What's her name?
3.2.106 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Nell, sir; but her name and three quarters, that's
an ell and three quarters, will not measure her from
hip to hip.
3.2.109 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Then she bears some breadth?
3.2.110 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No longer from head to foot than from hip to hip:
she is spherical, like a globe; I could find out
countries in her.
3.2.113 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
In what part of her body stands Ireland?
3.2.114 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, in her buttocks: I found it out by the bogs.
3.2.115 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where Scotland?
3.2.116 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I found it by the barrenness; hard in the palm of the hand.
3.2.117 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where France?
3.2.118 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
In her forehead; armed and reverted, making war
against her heir.
3.2.120 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where England?
3.2.121 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I looked for the chalky cliffs, but I could find no
whiteness in them; but I guess it stood in her chin,
by the salt rheum that ran between France and it.
3.2.124 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where Spain?
3.2.125 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Faith, I saw it not; but I felt it hot in her breath.
3.2.126 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where America, the Indies?
3.2.127 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Oh, sir, upon her nose all o'er embellished with
rubies, carbuncles, sapphires, declining their rich
aspect to the hot breath of Spain; who sent whole
armadoes of caracks to be ballast at her nose.
3.2.131 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where stood Belgia, the Netherlands?
3.2.132 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Oh, sir, I did not look so low. To conclude, this
drudge, or diviner, laid claim to me, call'd me
Dromio; swore I was assured to her; told me what
privy marks I had about me, as, the mark of my
shoulder, the mole in my neck, the great wart on my
left arm, that I amazed ran from her as a witch:
And, I think, if my breast had not been made of
faith and my heart of steel,
She had transform'd me to a curtal dog and made
me turn i' the wheel.
3.2.142 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Go hie thee presently, post to the road:
An if the wind blow any way from shore,
I will not harbour in this town tonight:
If any bark put forth, come to the mart,
Where I will walk till thou return to me.
If every one knows us and we know none,
'Tis time, I think, to trudge, pack and be gone.
3.2.149 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
As from a bear a man would run for life,
So fly I from her that would be my wife.
Exit
3.2.151 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
There's none but witches do inhabit here;
And therefore 'tis high time that I were hence.
She that doth call me husband, even my soul
Doth for a wife abhor. But her fair sister,
Possess'd with such a gentle sovereign grace,
Of such enchanting presence and discourse,
Hath almost made me traitor to myself:
But, lest myself be guilty to self-wrong,
I'll stop mine ears against the mermaid's song.
Enter ANGELO with the chain
3.2.160 ANGELO
Master Antipholus, –
3.2.161 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Ay, that's my name.
3.2.162 ANGELO
I know it well, sir, lo, here is the chain.
I thought to have ta'en you at the Porpentine:
The chain unfinish'd made me stay thus long.
3.2.165 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What is your will that I shall do with this?
3.2.166 ANGELO
What please yourself, sir: I have made it for you.
3.2.167 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Made it for me, sir! I bespoke it not.
3.2.168 ANGELO
Not once, nor twice, but twenty times you have.
Go home with it and please your wife withal;
And soon at supper-time I'll visit you
And then receive my money for the chain.
3.2.172 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I pray you, sir, receive the money now,
For fear you ne'er see chain nor money more.
3.2.174 ANGELO
You are a merry man, sir: fare you well.
Exit
3.2.175 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What I should think of this, I cannot tell:
But this I think, there's no man is so vain
That would refuse so fair an offer'd chain.
I see a man here needs not live by shifts,
When in the streets he meets such golden gifts.
I'll to the mart, and there for Dromio stay
If any ship put out, then straight away.
Exit
Contents

Act 4

Scene 1

A public place.

Enter Second Merchant, ANGELO, and an Officer
4.1.1 Second Merchant
You know since Pentecost the sum is due,
And since I have not much importuned you;
Nor now I had not, but that I am bound
To Persia, and want guilders for my voyage:
Therefore make present satisfaction,
Or I'll attach you by this officer.
4.1.7 ANGELO
Even just the sum that I do owe to you
Is growing to me by Antipholus,
And in the instant that I met with you
He had of me a chain: at five o'clock
I shall receive the money for the same.
Pleaseth you walk with me down to his house,
I will discharge my bond and thank you too.
Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus and DROMIO of Ephesus from the courtezan's
4.1.14 Officer
That labour may you save: see where he comes.
4.1.15 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
While I go to the goldsmith's house, go thou
And buy a rope's end: that will I bestow
Among my wife and her confederates,
For locking me out of my doors by day.
But, soft! I see the goldsmith. Get thee gone;
Buy thou a rope and bring it home to me.
4.1.21 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I buy a thousand pound a year: I buy a rope.
Exit
4.1.22 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
A man is well holp up that trusts to you:
I promised your presence and the chain;
But neither chain nor goldsmith came to me.
Belike you thought our love would last too long,
If it were chain'd together, and therefore came not.
4.1.27 ANGELO
Saving your merry humour, here's the note
How much your chain weighs to the utmost carat,
The fineness of the gold and chargeful fashion.
Which doth amount to three odd ducats more
Than I stand debted to this gentleman:
I pray you, see him presently discharged,
For he is bound to sea and stays but for it.
4.1.34 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I am not furnish'd with the present money;
Besides, I have some business in the town.
Good signior, take the stranger to my house
And with you take the chain and bid my wife
Disburse the sum on the receipt thereof:
Perchance I will be there as soon as you.
4.1.40 ANGELO
Then you will bring the chain to her yourself?
4.1.41 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
No; bear it with you, lest I come not time enough.
4.1.42 ANGELO
Well, sir, I will. Have you the chain about you?
4.1.43 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
An if I have not, sir, I hope you have;
Or else you may return without your money.
4.1.45 ANGELO
Nay, come, I pray you, sir, give me the chain:
Both wind and tide stays for this gentleman,
And I, to blame, have held him here too long.
4.1.48 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Good Lord! you use this dalliance to excuse
Your breach of promise to the Porpentine.
I should have chid you for not bringing it,
But, like a shrew, you first begin to brawl.
4.1.52 Second Merchant
The hour steals on; I pray you, sir, dispatch.
4.1.53 ANGELO
You hear how he importunes me; – the chain!
4.1.54 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Why, give it to my wife and fetch your money.
4.1.55 ANGELO
Come, come, you know I gave it you even now.
Either send the chain or send me by some token.
4.1.57 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Fie, now you run this humour out of breath,
Come, where's the chain? I pray you, let me see it.
4.1.59 Second Merchant
My business cannot brook this dalliance.
Good sir, say whether you'll answer me or no:
If not, I'll leave him to the officer.
4.1.62 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I answer you! what should I answer you?
4.1.63 ANGELO
The money that you owe me for the chain.
4.1.64 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I owe you none till I receive the chain.
4.1.65 ANGELO
You know I gave it you half an hour since.
4.1.66 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
You gave me none: you wrong me much to say so.
4.1.67 ANGELO
You wrong me more, sir, in denying it:
Consider how it stands upon my credit.
4.1.69 Second Merchant
Well, officer, arrest him at my suit.
4.1.70 Officer
I do; and charge you in the duke's name to obey me.
4.1.71 ANGELO
This touches me in reputation.
Either consent to pay this sum for me
Or I attach you by this officer.
4.1.74 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Consent to pay thee that I never had!
Arrest me, foolish fellow, if thou darest.
4.1.76 ANGELO
Here is thy fee; arrest him, officer,
I would not spare my brother in this case,
If he should scorn me so apparently.
4.1.79 Officer
I do arrest you, sir: you hear the suit.
4.1.80 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I do obey thee till I give thee bail.
But, sirrah, you shall buy this sport as dear
As all the metal in your shop will answer.
4.1.83 ANGELO
Sir, sir, I will have law in Ephesus,
To your notorious shame; I doubt it not.
Enter DROMIO of Syracuse, from the bay
4.1.85 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Master, there is a bark of Epidamnum
That stays but till her owner comes aboard,
And then, sir, she bears away. Our fraughtage, sir,
I have convey'd aboard; and I have bought
The oil, the balsamum and aqua-vitae.
The ship is in her trim; the merry wind
Blows fair from land: they stay for nought at all
But for their owner, master, and yourself.
4.1.93 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
How now! a madman! Why, thou peevish sheep,
What ship of Epidamnum stays for me?
4.1.95 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
A ship you sent me to, to hire waftage.
4.1.96 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Thou drunken slave, I sent thee for a rope;
And told thee to what purpose and what end.
4.1.98 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
You sent me for a rope's end as soon:
You sent me to the bay, sir, for a bark.
4.1.100 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
I will debate this matter at more leisure
And teach your ears to list me with more heed.
To Adriana, villain, hie thee straight:
Give her this key, and tell her, in the desk
That's cover'd o'er with Turkish tapestry,
There is a purse of ducats; let her send it:
Tell her I am arrested in the street
And that shall bail me; hie thee, slave, be gone!
On, officer, to prison till it come.
Exeunt Second Merchant, Angelo, Officer, and Antipholus of Ephesus
4.1.109 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
To Adriana! that is where we dined,
Where Dowsabel did claim me for her husband:
She is too big, I hope, for me to compass.
Thither I must, although against my will,
For servants must their masters' minds fulfil.
Exit
Contents

Act 4

Scene 2

The house of ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus.

Enter ADRIANA and LUCIANA
4.2.1 ADRIANA
Ah, Luciana, did he tempt thee so?
Mightst thou perceive austerely in his eye
That he did plead in earnest? yea or no?
Look'd he or red or pale, or sad or merrily?
What observation madest thou in this case
Of his heart's meteors tilting in his face?
4.2.7 LUCIANA
First he denied you had in him no right.
4.2.8 ADRIANA
He meant he did me none; the more my spite.
4.2.9 LUCIANA
Then swore he that he was a stranger here.
4.2.10 ADRIANA
And true he swore, though yet forsworn he were.
4.2.11 LUCIANA
Then pleaded I for you.
4.2.12 ADRIANA
And what said he?
4.2.13 LUCIANA
That love I begg'd for you he begg'd of me.
4.2.14 ADRIANA
With what persuasion did he tempt thy love?
4.2.15 LUCIANA
With words that in an honest suit might move.
First he did praise my beauty, then my speech.
4.2.17 ADRIANA
Didst speak him fair?
4.2.18 LUCIANA
Have patience, I beseech.
4.2.19 ADRIANA
I cannot, nor I will not, hold me still;
My tongue, though not my heart, shall have his will.
He is deformed, crooked, old and sere,
Ill-faced, worse bodied, shapeless everywhere;
Vicious, ungentle, foolish, blunt, unkind;
Stigmatical in making, worse in mind.
4.2.25 LUCIANA
Who would be jealous then of such a one?
No evil lost is wail'd when it is gone.
4.2.27 ADRIANA
Ah, but I think him better than I say,
And yet would herein others' eyes were worse.
Far from her nest the lapwing cries away:
My heart prays for him, though my tongue do curse.
Enter DROMIO of Syracuse
4.2.31 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Here! go; the desk, the purse! sweet, now, make haste.
4.2.32 LUCIANA
How hast thou lost thy breath?
4.2.33 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
By running fast.
4.2.34 ADRIANA
Where is thy master, Dromio? is he well?
4.2.35 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No, he's in Tartar limbo, worse than hell.
A devil in an everlasting garment hath him;
One whose hard heart is button'd up with steel;
A fiend, a fury, pitiless and rough;
A wolf, nay, worse, a fellow all in buff;
A back-friend, a shoulder-clapper, one that countermands
The passages of alleys, creeks and narrow lands;
A hound that runs counter and yet draws dryfoot well;
One that before the judgement carries poor souls to hell.
4.2.44 ADRIANA
Why, man, what is the matter?
4.2.45 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I do not know the matter: he is 'rested on the case.
4.2.46 ADRIANA
What, is he arrested? Tell me at whose suit.
4.2.47 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
I know not at whose suit he is arrested well;
But he's in a suit of buff which 'rested him, that can I tell.
Will you send him, mistress, redemption, the money in his desk?
4.2.50 ADRIANA
Go fetch it, sister.
Exit Luciana
This I wonder at,
That he, unknown to me, should be in debt.
Tell me, was he arrested on a band?
4.2.54 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Not on a band, but on a stronger thing;
A chain, a chain! Do you not hear it ring?
4.2.56 ADRIANA
What, the chain?
4.2.57 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No, no, the bell: 'tis time that I were gone:
It was two ere I left him, and now the clock strikes one.
4.2.59 ADRIANA
The hours come back! that did I never hear.
4.2.60 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
O, yes; if any hour meet a sergeant,
a' turns back for very fear.
4.2.62 ADRIANA
As if Time were in debt! how fondly dost thou reason!
4.2.63 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Time is a very bankrupt, and owes more than
he's worth, to season.
Nay, he's a thief too: have you not heard men say
That Time comes stealing on by night and day?
If Time be in debt and theft, and a sergeant in the way,
Hath he not reason to turn back an hour in a day?
Re-enter LUCIANA with a purse
4.2.69 ADRIANA
Go, Dromio; there's the money, bear it straight;
And bring thy master home immediately.
Come, sister: I am press'd down with conceit –
Conceit, my comfort and my injury.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 4

Scene 3

A public place.

Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse
4.3.1 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
There's not a man I meet but doth salute me
As if I were their well-acquainted friend;
And every one doth call me by my name.
Some tender money to me; some invite me;
Some other give me thanks for kindnesses;
Some offer me commodities to buy:
Even now a tailor call'd me in his shop
And show'd me silks that he had bought for me,
And therewithal took measure of my body.
Sure, these are but imaginary wiles
And Lapland sorcerers inhabit here.
Enter DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
4.3.12 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Master, here's the gold you sent me for. What, have
you got the picture of old Adam new-apparelled?
4.3.14 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What gold is this? what Adam dost thou mean?
4.3.15 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Not that Adam that kept the Paradise but that Adam
that keeps the prison: he that goes in the calf's
skin that was killed for the Prodigal; he that came
behind you, sir, like an evil angel, and bid you
forsake your liberty.
4.3.20 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I understand thee not.
4.3.21 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
No? why, 'tis a plain case: he that went, like a
bass-viol, in a case of leather; the man, sir,
that, when gentlemen are tired, gives them a sob
and 'rests them; he, sir, that takes pity on decayed
men and gives them suits of durance; he that sets up
his rest to do more exploits with his mace than a
morris-pike.
4.3.28 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
What, thou meanest an officer?
4.3.29 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Ay, sir, the sergeant of the band, he that brings
any man to answer it that breaks his band; one that
thinks a man always going to bed, and says, 'God
give you good rest!'
4.3.33 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Well, sir, there rest in your foolery. Is there any
ships puts forth to night? May we be gone?
4.3.35 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Why, sir, I brought you word an hour since that the
bark Expedition put forth tonight; and then were
you hindered by the sergeant, to tarry for the hoy
Delay. Here are the angels that you sent for to
deliver you.
4.3.40 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
The fellow is distract, and so am I;
And here we wander in illusions:
Some blessed power deliver us from hence!
Enter a Courtezan
4.3.43 Courtezan
Well met, well met, Master Antipholus.
I see, sir, you have found the goldsmith now:
Is that the chain you promised me today?
4.3.46 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Satan, avoid! I charge thee, tempt me not.
4.3.47 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Master, is this Mistress Satan?
4.3.48 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
It is the devil.
4.3.49 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Nay, she is worse, she is the devil's dam; and here
she comes in the habit of a light wench: and thereof
comes that the wenches say 'God damn me;' that's as
much to say 'God make me a light wench.' It is
written, they appear to men like angels of light:
light is an effect of fire, and fire will burn;
ergo, light wenches will burn. Come not near her.
4.3.56 Courtezan
Your man and you are marvellous merry, sir.
Will you go with me? We'll mend our dinner here?
4.3.58 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Master, if you do, expect spoon-meat; or bespeak a
long spoon.
4.3.60 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Why, Dromio?
4.3.61 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Marry, he must have a long spoon that must eat with
the devil.
4.3.63 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Avoid then, fiend! what tell'st thou me of supping?
Thou art, as you are all, a sorceress:
I conjure thee to leave me and be gone.
4.3.66 Courtezan
Give me the ring of mine you had at dinner,
Or, for my diamond, the chain you promised,
And I'll be gone, sir, and not trouble you.
4.3.69 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Some devils ask but the parings of one's nail,
A rush, a hair, a drop of blood, a pin,
A nut, a cherry-stone;
But she, more covetous, would have a chain.
Master, be wise: an if you give it her,
The devil will shake her chain and fright us with it.
4.3.75 Courtezan
I pray you, sir, my ring, or else the chain:
I hope you do not mean to cheat me so.
4.3.77 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Avaunt, thou witch! Come, Dromio, let us go.
4.3.78 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
'Fly pride,' says the peacock: mistress, that you know.
Exeunt Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse
4.3.79 Courtezan
Now, out of doubt Antipholus is mad,
Else would he never so demean himself.
A ring he hath of mine worth forty ducats,
And for the same he promised me a chain:
Both one and other he denies me now.
The reason that I gather he is mad,
Besides this present instance of his rage,
Is a mad tale he told today at dinner,
Of his own doors being shut against his entrance.
Belike his wife, acquainted with his fits,
On purpose shut the doors against his way.
My way is now to hie home to his house,
And tell his wife that, being lunatic,
He rush'd into my house and took perforce
My ring away. This course I fittest choose;
For forty ducats is too much to lose.
Exit
Contents

Act 4

Scene 4

A street.

Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Ephesus and the Officer
4.4.1 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Fear me not, man; I will not break away:
I'll give thee, ere I leave thee, so much money,
To warrant thee, as I am 'rested for.
My wife is in a wayward mood today,
And will not lightly trust the messenger
That I should be attach'd in Ephesus,
I tell you, 'twill sound harshly in her ears.
Enter DROMIO of Ephesus with a rope's-end
Here comes my man; I think he brings the money.
How now, sir! have you that I sent you for?
4.4.10 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Here's that, I warrant you, will pay them all.
4.4.11 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
But where's the money?
4.4.12 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Why, sir, I gave the money for the rope.
4.4.13 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Five hundred ducats, villain, for a rope?
4.4.14 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I'll serve you, sir, five hundred at the rate.
4.4.15 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
To what end did I bid thee hie thee home?
4.4.16 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
To a rope's-end, sir; and to that end am I returned.
4.4.17 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
And to that end, sir, I will welcome you.
Beating him
4.4.18 Officer
Good sir, be patient.
4.4.19 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Nay, 'tis for me to be patient; I am in adversity.
4.4.20 Officer
Good, now, hold thy tongue.
4.4.21 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Nay, rather persuade him to hold his hands.
4.4.22 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Thou whoreson, senseless villain!
4.4.23 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I would I were senseless, sir, that I might not feel
your blows.
4.4.25 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Thou art sensible in nothing but blows, and so is an
ass.
4.4.27 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I am an ass, indeed; you may prove it by my long
ears. I have served him from the hour of my
nativity to this instant, and have nothing at his
hands for my service but blows. When I am cold, he
heats me with beating; when I am warm, he cools me
with beating; I am waked with it when I sleep;
raised with it when I sit; driven out of doors with
it when I go from home; welcomed home with it when
I return; nay, I bear it on my shoulders, as a
beggar wont her brat; and, I think when he hath
lamed me, I shall beg with it from door to door.
4.4.38 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Come, go along; my wife is coming yonder.
Enter ADRIANA, LUCIANA, the Courtezan, and PINCH
4.4.39 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Mistress, 'respice finem,' respect your end; or
rather, the prophecy like the parrot, 'beware the
rope's-end.'
4.4.42 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Wilt thou still talk?
Beating him
4.4.43 Courtezan
How say you now? is not your husband mad?
4.4.44 ADRIANA
His incivility confirms no less.
Good Doctor Pinch, you are a conjurer;
Establish him in his true sense again,
And I will please you what you will demand.
4.4.48 LUCIANA
Alas, how fiery and how sharp he looks!
4.4.49 Courtezan
Mark how he trembles in his ecstasy!
4.4.50 PINCH
Give me your hand and let me feel your pulse.
4.4.51 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
There is my hand, and let it feel your ear.
Striking him
4.4.52 PINCH
I charge thee, Satan, housed within this man,
To yield possession to my holy prayers
And to thy state of darkness hie thee straight:
I conjure thee by all the saints in heaven!
4.4.56 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Peace, doting wizard, peace! I am not mad.
4.4.57 ADRIANA
O, that thou wert not, poor distressed soul!
4.4.58 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
You minion, you, are these your customers?
Did this companion with the saffron face
Revel and feast it at my house today,
Whilst upon me the guilty doors were shut
And I denied to enter in my house?
4.4.63 ADRIANA
O husband, God doth know you dined at home;
Where would you had remain'd until this time,
Free from these slanders and this open shame!
4.4.66 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Dined at home! Thou villain, what sayest thou?
4.4.67 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Sir, sooth to say, you did not dine at home.
4.4.68 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Were not my doors lock'd up and I shut out?
4.4.69 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Perdie, your doors were lock'd and you shut out.
4.4.70 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
And did not she herself revile me there?
4.4.71 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Sans fable, she herself reviled you there.
4.4.72 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Did not her kitchen-maid rail, taunt, and scorn me?
4.4.73 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Certes, she did; the kitchen-vestal scorn'd you.
4.4.74 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
And did not I in rage depart from thence?
4.4.75 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
In verity you did; my bones bear witness,
That since have felt the vigour of his rage.
4.4.77 ADRIANA
Is't good to soothe him in these contraries?
4.4.78 PINCH
It is no shame: the fellow finds his vein,
And yielding to him humours well his frenzy.
4.4.80 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Thou hast suborn'd the goldsmith to arrest me.
4.4.81 ADRIANA
Alas, I sent you money to redeem you,
By Dromio here, who came in haste for it.
4.4.83 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Money by me! heart and goodwill you might;
But surely master, not a rag of money.
4.4.85 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Went'st not thou to her for a purse of ducats?
4.4.86 ADRIANA
He came to me and I deliver'd it.
4.4.87 LUCIANA
And I am witness with her that she did.
4.4.88 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
God and the rope-maker bear me witness
That I was sent for nothing but a rope!
4.4.90 PINCH
Mistress, both man and master is possess'd;
I know it by their pale and deadly looks:
They must be bound and laid in some dark room.
4.4.93 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Say, wherefore didst thou lock me forth today?
And why dost thou deny the bag of gold?
4.4.95 ADRIANA
I did not, gentle husband, lock thee forth.
4.4.96 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
And, gentle master, I received no gold;
But I confess, sir, that we were lock'd out.
4.4.98 ADRIANA
Dissembling villain, thou speak'st false in both.
4.4.99 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Dissembling harlot, thou art false in all;
And art confederate with a damned pack
To make a loathsome abject scorn of me:
But with these nails I'll pluck out these false eyes
That would behold in me this shameful sport.
Enter three or four, and offer to bind him. He strives
4.4.104 ADRIANA
O, bind him, bind him! let him not come near me.
4.4.105 PINCH
More company! The fiend is strong within him.
4.4.106 LUCIANA
Ay me, poor man, how pale and wan he looks!
4.4.107 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
What, will you murder me? Thou gaoler, thou,
I am thy prisoner: wilt thou suffer them
To make a rescue?
4.4.110 Officer
Masters, let him go
He is my prisoner, and you shall not have him.
4.4.112 PINCH
Go bind this man, for he is frantic too.
They offer to bind Dromio of Ephesus
4.4.113 ADRIANA
What wilt thou do, thou peevish officer?
Hast thou delight to see a wretched man
Do outrage and displeasure to himself?
4.4.116 Officer
He is my prisoner: if I let him go,
The debt he owes will be required of me.
4.4.118 ADRIANA
I will discharge thee ere I go from thee:
Bear me forthwith unto his creditor,
And, knowing how the debt grows, I will pay it.
Good master doctor, see him safe convey'd
Home to my house. O most unhappy day!
4.4.123 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
O most unhappy strumpet!
4.4.124 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Master, I am here entered in bond for you.
4.4.125 ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS
Out on thee, villain! wherefore dost thou mad me?
4.4.126 DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Will you be bound for nothing? be mad, good master:
cry 'The devil!'
4.4.128 LUCIANA
God help, poor souls, how idly do they talk!
4.4.129 ADRIANA
Go bear him hence. Sister, go you with me.
Exeunt all but Adriana, Luciana, Officer and Courtezan
Say now, whose suit is he arrested at?
4.4.131 Officer
One Angelo, a goldsmith: do you know him?
4.4.132 ADRIANA
I know the man. What is the sum he owes?
4.4.133 Officer
Two hundred ducats.
4.4.134 ADRIANA
Say, how grows it due?
4.4.135 Officer
Due for a chain your husband had of him.
4.4.136 ADRIANA
He did bespeak a chain for me, but had it not.
4.4.137 Courtezan
When as your husband all in rage today
Came to my house and took away my ring –
The ring I saw upon his finger now –
Straight after did I meet him with a chain.
4.4.141 ADRIANA
It may be so, but I did never see it.
Come, gaoler, bring me where the goldsmith is:
I long to know the truth hereof at large.
Enter ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse with his rapier drawn, and DROMIO of Syracuse
4.4.144 LUCIANA
God, for thy mercy! they are loose again.
4.4.145 ADRIANA
And come with naked swords.
Let's call more help to have them bound again.
4.4.147 Officer
Away! they'll kill us.
Exeunt all but Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse
4.4.148 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I see these witches are afraid of swords.
4.4.149 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
She that would be your wife now ran from you.
4.4.150 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Come to the Centaur; fetch our stuff from thence:
I long that we were safe and sound aboard.
4.4.152 DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
Faith, stay here this night; they will surely do us
no harm: you saw they speak us fair, give us gold:
methinks they are such a gentle nation that, but for
the mountain of mad flesh that claims marriage of
me, I could find in my heart to stay here still and
turn witch.
4.4.158 ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
I will not stay tonight for all the town;
Therefore away, to get our stuff aboard.
Exeunt
pan class='lino'>3.3.62 OTHELLO
The sooner, sweet, for you.
3.3.63 DESDEMONA
Shall't be tonight at supper?
3.3.64 OTHELLO
No, not tonight.
3.3.65 DESDEMONA
Tomorrow dinner, then?
3.3.66 OTHELLO
I shall not dine at home;
I meet the captains at the citadel.
3.3.68 DESDEMONA
Why, then, tomorrow night; or Tuesday morn;
On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn:
I prithee, name the time, but let it not
Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;
And yet his trespass, in our common reason –
Save that, they say, the wars must make examples
Out of their best – is not almost a fault
To incur a private check. When shall he come?
Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul,
What you would ask me, that I should deny,
Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio,
That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,
When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,
Hath ta'en your part; to have so much to do
To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much, –
3.3.83 OTHELLO
Prithee, no more: let him come when he will;
I will deny thee nothing.
3.3.85 DESDEMONA
Why, this is not a boon;
'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
To your own person: nay, when I have a suit
Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight
And fearful to be granted.
3.3.93 OTHELLO
I will deny thee nothing:
Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
To leave me but a little to myself.
3.3.96 DESDEMONA
Shall I deny you? no: farewell, my lord.
3.3.97 OTHELLO
Farewell, my Desdemona: I'll come to thee straight.
3.3.98 DESDEMONA
Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;
Whate'er you be, I am obedient.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
3.3.100 OTHELLO
Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,
But I do love thee! and when I love thee not,
Chaos is come again.
3.3.103 IAGO
My noble lord –
3.3.104 OTHELLO
What dost thou say, Iago?
3.3.105 IAGO
Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady,
Know of your love?
3.3.107 OTHELLO
He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?
3.3.108 IAGO
But for a satisfaction of my thought;
No further harm.
3.3.110 OTHELLO
Why of thy thought, Iago?
3.3.111 IAGO
I did not think he had been acquainted with her.
3.3.112 OTHELLO
O, yes; and went between us very oft.
3.3.113 IAGO
Indeed!
3.3.114 OTHELLO
Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that?
Is he not honest?
3.3.116 IAGO
Honest, my lord!
3.3.117 OTHELLO
Honest! ay, honest.
3.3.118 IAGO
My lord, for aught I know.
3.3.119 OTHELLO
What dost thou think?
3.3.120 IAGO
Think, my lord!
3.3.121 OTHELLO
Think, my lord!
By heaven, he echoes me,
As if there were some monster in his thought
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something:
I heard thee say even now, thou likedst not that,
When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like?
And when I told thee he was of my counsel
In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst 'Indeed!'
And didst contract and purse thy brow together,
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me,
Show me thy thought.
3.3.133 IAGO
My lord, you know I love you.
3.3.134 OTHELLO
I think thou dost;
And, for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty,
And weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just
They are close delations, working from the heart
That passion cannot rule.
3.3.142 IAGO
For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
3.3.144 OTHELLO
I think so too.
3.3.145 IAGO
Men should be what they seem;
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!
3.3.147 OTHELLO
Certain, men should be what they seem.
3.3.148 IAGO
Why, then, I think Cassio's an honest man.
3.3.149 OTHELLO
Nay, yet there's more in this:
I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts
The worst of words.
3.3.153 IAGO
Good my lord, pardon me:
Though I am bound to every act of duty,
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false;
As where's that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,
But some uncleanly apprehensions
Keep leets and law-days and in session sit
With meditations lawful?
3.3.162 OTHELLO
Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his ear
A stranger to thy thoughts.
3.3.165 IAGO
I do beseech you –
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,
As, I confess, it is my nature's plague
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not – that your wisdom yet,
From one that so imperfectly conceits,
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,
To let you know my thoughts.
3.3.176 OTHELLO
What dost thou mean?
3.3.177 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.
3.3.184 OTHELLO
By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.
3.3.185 IAGO
You cannot, if my heart were in your hand;
Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody.
3.3.187 OTHELLO
Ha!
3.3.188 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!
3.3.194 OTHELLO
O misery!
3.3.195 IAGO
Poor and content is rich and rich enough,
But riches fineless is as poor as winter
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend
From jealousy!
3.3.200 OTHELLO
Why, why is this?
Think'st thou I'ld make a lie of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt
Is once to be resolved: exchange me for a goat,
When I shall turn the business of my soul
To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,
Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well;
Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt;
For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago;
I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
And on the proof, there is no more but this, –
Away at once with love or jealousy!
3.3.217 IAGO
I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;
Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure:
I would not have your free and noble nature,
Out of self-bounty, be abused; look to't:
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.
3.3.229 OTHELLO
Dost thou say so?
3.3.230 IAGO
She did deceive her father, marrying you;
And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
3.3.233 OTHELLO
And so she did.
3.3.234 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.
3.3.240 OTHELLO
I am bound to thee for ever.
3.3.241 IAGO
I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits.
3.3.242 OTHELLO
Not a jot, not a jot.
3.3.243 IAGO
I' faith, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is spoke
Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved:
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
3.3.249 OTHELLO
I will not.
3.3.250 IAGO
Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend –
My lord, I see you're moved.
3.3.254 OTHELLO
No, not much moved:
I do not think but Desdemona's honest.
3.3.256 IAGO
Long live she so! and long live you to think so!
3.3.257 OTHELLO
And yet, how nature erring from itself, –
3.3.258 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,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends –
Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportion thoughts unnatural.
But pardon me; I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
May fall to match you with her country forms
And happily repent.
3.3.269 OTHELLO
Farewell, farewell:
If more thou dost perceive, let me know more;
Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, Iago:
3.3.272 IAGO
[Going] My lord, I take my leave.
3.3.273 OTHELLO
Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
3.3.275 IAGO
[Returning] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour
To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:
Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure, he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,
You shall by that perceive him and his means:
Note, if your lady strain his entertainment
With any strong or vehement importunity;
Much will be seen in that. In the mean time,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears –
As worthy cause I have to fear I am –
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
3.3.287 OTHELLO
Fear not my government.
3.3.288 IAGO
I once more take my leave.
Exit
3.3.289 OTHELLO
This fellow's of exceeding honesty,
And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,
Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,
I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind,
To pray at fortune. Haply, for I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years, – yet that's not much –
She's gone. I am abused; and my relief
Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones;
Prerogatived are they less than the base;
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death:
Even then this forked plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Desdemona comes:
Re-enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!
I'll not believe't.
3.3.311 DESDEMONA
How now, my dear Othello!
Your dinner, and the generous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
3.3.314 OTHELLO
I am to blame.
3.3.315 DESDEMONA
Why do you speak so faintly?
Are you not well?
3.3.317 OTHELLO
I have a pain upon my forehead here.
3.3.318 DESDEMONA
'Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again:
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well.
3.3.321 OTHELLO
Your napkin is too little:
He puts the handkerchief from him; and it drops
Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you.
3.3.323 DESDEMONA
I am very sorry that you are not well.
Exeunt OTHELLO and DESDEMONA
3.3.324 EMILIA
I am glad I have found this napkin:
This was her first remembrance from the Moor:
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token,
For he conjured her she should ever keep it,
That she reserves it evermore about her
To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out,
And give't Iago: what he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I;
I nothing but to please his fantasy.
Re-enter Iago
3.3.334 IAGO
How now! what do you here alone?
3.3.335 EMILIA
Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.
3.3.336 IAGO
A thing for me? it is a common thing –
3.3.337 EMILIA
Ha!
3.3.338 IAGO
To have a foolish wife.
3.3.339 EMILIA
O, is that all? What will you give me now
For the same handkerchief?
3.3.341 IAGO
What handkerchief?
3.3.342 EMILIA
What handkerchief?
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona;
That which so often you did bid me steal.
3.3.345 IAGO
Hast stol'n it from her?
3.3.346 EMILIA
No, 'faith; she let it drop by negligence.
And, to the advantage, I, being here, took't up.
Look, here it is.
3.3.349 IAGO
A good wench; give it me.
3.3.350 EMILIA
What will you do with 't, that you have been
so earnest
To have me filch it?
3.3.353 IAGO
[Snatching it] Why, what's that to you?
3.3.354 EMILIA
If it be not for some purpose of import,
Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad
When she shall lack it.
3.3.357 IAGO
Be not acknown on 't; I have use for it.
Go, leave me.
Exit EMILIA
I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,
And let him find it. Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ: this may do something.
The Moor already changes with my poison:
Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons.
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood.
Burn like the mines of Sulphur. I did say so:
Look, where he comes!
Re-enter OTHELLO
Not poppy, nor mandragora,
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
3.3.373 OTHELLO
Ha! ha! false to me?
3.3.374 IAGO
Why, how now, general! no more of that.
3.3.375 OTHELLO
Avaunt! be gone! thou hast set me on the rack:
I swear 'tis better to be much abused
Than but to know't a little.
3.3.378 IAGO
How now, my lord!
3.3.379 OTHELLO
What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust?
I saw't not, thought it 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:
He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all.
3.3.385 IAGO
I am sorry to hear this.
3.3.386 OTHELLO
I had been happy, if the general camp,
Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,
So I had nothing known. 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!
3.3.399 IAGO
Is't possible, my lord?
3.3.400 OTHELLO
Villain, be sure thou prove 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!
3.3.405 IAGO
Is't come to this?
3.3.406 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!
3.3.409 IAGO
My noble lord, –
3.3.410 OTHELLO
If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more; abandon all remorse;
On horror's head horrors accumulate;
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed;
For nothing canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
3.3.416 IAGO
O grace! O heaven forgive me!
Are you a man? have you a soul or sense?
God be wi' you; take mine office. O wretched fool.
That livest to make thine honesty a vice!
O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
I thank you for this profit; and from hence
I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such offence.
3.3.424 OTHELLO
Nay, stay: thou shouldst be honest.
3.3.425 IAGO
I should be wise, for honesty's a fool
And loses that it works for.
3.3.427 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. If there be cords, or knives,
Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,
I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied!
3.3.435 IAGO
I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion:
I do repent me that I put it to you.
You would be satisfied?
3.3.438 OTHELLO
Would! nay, I will.
3.3.439 IAGO
And may: but, how? how satisfied, my lord?
Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on –
Behold her topp'd?
3.3.442 OTHELLO
Death and damnation! O!
3.3.443 IAGO
It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
To bring them to that prospect: damn them then,
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
More than their own! What then? how then?
What shall I say? Where's satisfaction?
It is impossible you should see this,
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say,
If imputation and strong circumstances,
Which lead directly to the door of truth,
Will give you satisfaction, you may have't.
3.3.455 OTHELLO
Give me a living reason she's disloyal.
3.3.456 IAGO
I do not like the office:
But, sith I am enter'd in this cause so far,
Prick'd to't by foolish honesty and love,
I will go on. 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 sleeps 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!'
3.3.473 OTHELLO
O monstrous! monstrous!
3.3.474 IAGO
Nay, this was but his dream.
3.3.475 OTHELLO
But this denoted a foregone conclusion:
'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.
3.3.477 IAGO
And this may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.
3.3.479 OTHELLO
I'll tear her all to pieces.
3.3.480 IAGO
Nay, but be wise: yet we see nothing done;
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?
3.3.484 OTHELLO
I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift.
3.3.485 IAGO
I know not that; but such a handkerchief –
I am sure it was your wife's – did I today
See Cassio wipe his beard with.
3.3.488 OTHELLO
If it be that –
3.3.489 IAGO
If it be that, or any that was hers,
It speaks against her with the other proofs.
3.3.491 OTHELLO
O, that the slave had forty thousand lives!
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.
Now do I see 'tis true. Look here, Iago;
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.
'Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
For 'tis of aspics' tongues!
3.3.500 IAGO
Yet be content.
3.3.501 OTHELLO
O, blood, blood, blood!
3.3.502 IAGO
Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.
3.3.503 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. Now, by yond marble heaven,
Kneels
In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words.
3.3.513 IAGO
Do not rise yet.
Kneels
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
They rise
3.3.521 OTHELLO
I greet thy love,
Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,
And will upon the instant put thee to't:
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio's not alive.
3.3.526 IAGO
My friend is dead; 'tis done at your request:
But let her live.
3.3.528 OTHELLO
Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her!
Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw,
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
3.3.532 IAGO
I am your own for ever.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 3

Scene 4

Before the castle.

Enter DESDEMONA, EMILIA, and Clown
3.4.1 DESDEMONA
Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?
3.4.2 Clown
I dare not say he lies any where.
3.4.3 DESDEMONA
Why, man?
3.4.4 Clown
He's a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies,
is stabbing.
3.4.6 DESDEMONA
Go to: where lodges he?
3.4.7 Clown
To tell you where he lodges, is to tell you where I lie.
3.4.8 DESDEMONA
Can any thing be made of this?
3.4.9 Clown
I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a
lodging and say he lies here or he lies there, were
to lie in mine own throat.
3.4.12 DESDEMONA
Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report?
3.4.13 Clown
I will catechise the world for him; that is, make
questions, and by them answer.
3.4.15 DESDEMONA
Seek him, bid him come hither: tell him I have
moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well.
3.4.17 Clown
To do this is within the compass of man's wit: and
therefore I will attempt the doing it.
Exit
3.4.19 DESDEMONA
Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?
3.4.20 EMILIA
I know not, madam.
3.4.21 DESDEMONA
Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes: and, but my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.
3.4.26 EMILIA
Is he not jealous?
3.4.27 DESDEMONA
Who, he? I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humours from him.
3.4.29 EMILIA
Look, where he comes.
3.4.30 DESDEMONA
I will not leave him now till Cassio
Be call'd to him.
Enter OTHELLO
How is't with you, my lord
3.4.33 OTHELLO
Well, my good lady.
Aside
O, hardness to dissemble! –
How do you, Desdemona?
3.4.36 DESDEMONA
Well, my good lord.
3.4.37 OTHELLO
Give me your hand: this hand is moist, my lady.
3.4.38 DESDEMONA
It yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrow.
3.4.39 OTHELLO
This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart:
Hot, hot, and moist: this hand of yours requires
A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer,
Much castigation, exercise devout;
For here's a young and sweating devil here,
That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
A frank one.
3.4.46 DESDEMONA
You may, indeed, say so;
For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart.
3.4.48 OTHELLO
A liberal hand: the hearts of old gave hands;
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.
3.4.50 DESDEMONA
I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise.
3.4.51 OTHELLO
What promise, chuck?
3.4.52 DESDEMONA
I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.
3.4.53 OTHELLO
I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me;
Lend me thy handkerchief.
3.4.55 DESDEMONA
Here, my lord.
3.4.56 OTHELLO
That which I gave you.
3.4.57 DESDEMONA
I have it not about me.
3.4.58 OTHELLO
Not?
3.4.59 DESDEMONA
No, indeed, my lord.
3.4.60 OTHELLO
That is a fault.
That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give;
She was a charmer, and could almost read
The thoughts of people: she told her, while she kept it,
'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father's eye
Should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me;
And bid me, when my fate would have me wive,
To give it her. I did so: and take heed on't;
Make it a darling like your precious eye;
To lose't or give't away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.
3.4.75 DESDEMONA
Is't possible?
3.4.76 OTHELLO
'Tis true: there's magic in the web of it:
A sibyl, that had number'd in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses,
In her prophetic fury sew'd the work;
The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk;
And it was dyed in mummy which the skilful
Conserved of maidens' hearts.
3.4.83 DESDEMONA
Indeed! is't true?
3.4.84 OTHELLO
Most veritable; therefore look to't well.
3.4.85 DESDEMONA
Then would to God that I had never seen't!
3.4.86 OTHELLO
Ha! wherefore?
3.4.87 DESDEMONA
Why do you speak so startingly and rash?
3.4.88 OTHELLO
Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out
o' the way?
3.4.90 DESDEMONA
Heaven bless us!
3.4.91 OTHELLO
Say you?
3.4.92 DESDEMONA
It is not lost; but what an if it were?
3.4.93 OTHELLO
How!
3.4.94 DESDEMONA
I say, it is not lost.
3.4.95 OTHELLO
Fetch't, let me see't.
3.4.96 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.
3.4.99 OTHELLO
Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives.
3.4.100 DESDEMONA
Come, come;
You'll never meet a more sufficient man.
3.4.102 OTHELLO
The handkerchief!
3.4.103 DESDEMONA
I pray, talk me of Cassio.
3.4.104 OTHELLO
The handkerchief!
3.4.105 DESDEMONA
A man that all his time
Hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
Shared dangers with you, –
3.4.108 OTHELLO
The handkerchief!
3.4.109 DESDEMONA
In sooth, you are to blame.
3.4.110 OTHELLO
Away!
Exit
3.4.111 EMILIA
Is not this man jealous?
3.4.112 DESDEMONA
I ne'er saw this before.
Sure, there's some wonder in this handkerchief:
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.
3.4.115 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. Look you, Cassio and my husband!
Enter CASSIO and IAGO
3.4.119 IAGO
There is no other way; 'tis she must do't:
And, lo, the happiness! go, and importune her.
3.4.121 DESDEMONA
How now, good Cassio! what's the news with you?
3.4.122 CASSIO
Madam, my former suit: I do beseech you
That by your virtuous means I may again
Exist, and be a member of his love
Whom I with all the office of my heart
Entirely honour: I would not be delay'd.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
Nor purposed merit in futurity,
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit;
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
And shut myself up in some other course,
To fortune's alms.
3.4.135 DESDEMONA
Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio!
My advocation is not now in tune;
My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him,
Were he in favour as in humour alter'd.
So help me every spirit sanctified,
As I have spoken for you all my best
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
For my free speech! you must awhile be patient:
What I can do I will; and more I will
Than for myself I dare: let that suffice you.
3.4.145 IAGO
Is my lord angry?
3.4.146 EMILIA
He went hence but now,
And certainly in strange unquietness.
3.4.148 IAGO
Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon,
When it hath blown his ranks into the air,
And, like the devil, from his very arm
Puff'd his own brother: – and can he be angry?
Something of moment then: I will go meet him:
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry.
3.4.154 DESDEMONA
I prithee, do so.
Exit IAGO
Something, sure, of state,
Either from Venice, or some unhatch'd practise
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him,
Hath puddled his clear spirit: and in such cases
Men's natures wrangle with inferior things,
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so;
For let our finger ache, and it indues
Our other healthful members even to that sense
Of pain: nay, we must think men are not gods,
Nor of them look for such observances
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia,
I was, unhandsome warrior as I am,
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul;
But now I find I had suborn'd the witness,
And he's indicted falsely.
3.4.170 EMILIA
Pray heaven it be state-matters, as you think,
And no conception nor no jealous toy
Concerning you.
3.4.173 DESDEMONA
Alas the day! I never gave him cause.
3.4.174 EMILIA
But jealous souls will not be answer'd so;
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they are jealous: 'tis a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.
3.4.178 DESDEMONA
Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind!
3.4.179 EMILIA
Lady, amen.
3.4.180 DESDEMONA
I will go seek him. Cassio, walk hereabout:
If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit
And seek to effect it to my uttermost.
3.4.183 CASSIO
I humbly thank your ladyship.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Enter BIANCA
3.4.184 BIANCA
Save you, friend Cassio!
3.4.185 CASSIO
What make you from home?
How is it with you, my most fair Bianca?
I' faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house.
3.4.188 BIANCA
And I was going to your lodging, Cassio.
What, keep a week away? seven days and nights?
Eight score eight hours? and lovers' absent hours,
More tedious than the dial eight score times?
O weary reckoning!
3.4.193 CASSIO
Pardon me, Bianca:
I have this while with leaden thoughts been press'd:
But I shall, in a more continuate time,
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
Giving her DESDEMONA's handkerchief
Take me this work out.
3.4.198 BIANCA
O Cassio, whence came this?
This is some token from a newer friend:
To the felt absence now I feel a cause:
Is't come to this? Well, well.
3.4.202 CASSIO
Go to, woman!
Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth,
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance:
No, in good troth, Bianca.
3.4.207 BIANCA
Why, whose is it?
3.4.208 CASSIO
I know not, sweet: I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well: ere it be demanded –
As like enough it will – I'ld have it copied:
Take it, and do't; and leave me for this time.
3.4.212 BIANCA
Leave you! wherefore?
3.4.213 CASSIO
I do attend here on the general;
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me woman'd.
3.4.216 BIANCA
Why, I pray you?
3.4.217 CASSIO
Not that I love you not.
3.4.218 BIANCA
But that you do not love me.
I pray you, bring me on the way a little,
And say if I shall see you soon at night.
3.4.221 CASSIO
'Tis but a little way that I can bring you;
For I attend here: but I'll see you soon.
3.4.223 BIANCA
'Tis very good; I must be circumstanced.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 4

Scene 1

Cyprus. Before the castle.

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO
4.1.1 IAGO
Will you think so?
4.1.2 OTHELLO
Think so, Iago!
4.1.3 IAGO
What,
To kiss in private?
4.1.5 OTHELLO
An unauthorized kiss.
4.1.6 IAGO
Or to be naked with her friend in bed
An hour or more, not meaning any harm?
4.1.8 OTHELLO
Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm!
It is hypocrisy against the devil:
They that mean virtuously, and yet do so,
The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.
4.1.12 IAGO
So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip:
But if I give my wife a handkerchief, –
4.1.14 OTHELLO
What then?
4.1.15 IAGO
Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord; and, being hers,
She may, I think, bestow't on any man.
4.1.17 OTHELLO
She is protectress of her honour too:
May she give that?
4.1.19 IAGO
Her honour is an essence that's not seen;
They have it very oft that have it not:
But, for the handkerchief, –
4.1.22 OTHELLO
By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it.
Thou said'st, it comes o'er my memory,
As doth the raven o'er the infected house,
Boding to all – he had my handkerchief.
4.1.26 IAGO
Ay, what of that?
4.1.27 OTHELLO
That's not so good now.
4.1.28 IAGO
What,
If I had said I had seen him do you wrong?
Or heard him say, – as knaves be such abroad,
Who having, by their own importunate suit,
Or voluntary dotage of some mistress,
Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose
But they must blab –
4.1.35 OTHELLO
Hath he said any thing?
4.1.36 IAGO
He hath, my lord; but be you well assured,
No more than he'll unswear.
4.1.38 OTHELLO
What hath he said?
4.1.39 IAGO
'Faith, that he did – I know not what he did.
4.1.40 OTHELLO
What? what?
4.1.41 IAGO
Lie –
4.1.42 OTHELLO
With her?
4.1.43 IAGO
With her, on her; what you will.
4.1.44 OTHELLO
Lie with her! lie on her! We say lie on her, when
they belie her. Lie with her! that's fulsome.
– Handkerchief – confessions – handkerchief! – To
confess, and be hanged for his labour; – first, to be
hanged, and then to confess. – I tremble at it.
Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing
passion without some instruction. It is not words
that shake me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips.
– Is't possible? – Confess – handkerchief! – O devil! –
Falls in a trance
4.1.53 IAGO
Work on,
My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught;
And many worthy and chaste dames even thus,
All guiltless, meet reproach. What, ho! my lord!
My lord, I say! Othello!
Enter CASSIO
How now, Cassio!
4.1.59 CASSIO
What's the matter?
4.1.60 IAGO
My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy:
This is his second fit; he had one yesterday.
4.1.62 CASSIO
Rub him about the temples.
4.1.63 IAGO
No, forbear;
The lethargy must have his quiet course:
If not, he foams at mouth and by and by
Breaks out to savage madness. Look he stirs:
Do you withdraw yourself a little while,
He will recover straight: when he is gone,
I would on great occasion speak with you.
Exit CASSIO
How is it, general? have you not hurt your head?
4.1.71 OTHELLO
Dost thou mock me?
4.1.72 IAGO
I mock you! no, by heaven.
Would you would bear your fortune like a man!
4.1.74 OTHELLO
A horned man's a monster and a beast.
4.1.75 IAGO
There's many a beast then in a populous city,
And many a civil monster.
4.1.77 OTHELLO
Did he confess it?
4.1.78 IAGO
Good sir, be a man;
Think every bearded fellow that's but yoked
May draw with you: there's millions now alive
That nightly lie in those unproper beds
Which they dare swear peculiar: your case is better.
O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock,
To lip a wanton in a secure couch,
And to suppose her chaste! No, let me know;
And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be.
4.1.87 OTHELLO
O, thou art wise; 'tis certain.
4.1.88 IAGO
Stand you awhile apart;
Confine yourself but in a patient list.
Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief –
A passion most unsuiting such a man –
Cassio came hither: I shifted him away,
And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy,
Bade him anon return and here speak with me;
The which he promised. Do but encave yourself,
And 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.
4.1.104 OTHELLO
Dost thou hear, Iago?
I will be found most cunning in my patience;
But – dost thou hear? – most bloody.
4.1.107 IAGO
That's not amiss;
But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?
OTHELLO retires
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,
A housewife that by selling her desires
Buys herself bread and clothes: it is a creature
That dotes on Cassio; as 'tis the strumpet's plague
To beguile many and be beguiled by one:
He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain
From the excess of laughter. Here he comes:
Re-enter CASSIO
As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad;
And his unbookish jealousy must construe
Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures and light behavior,
Quite in the wrong. How do you now, lieutenant?
4.1.120 CASSIO
The worser that you give me the addition
Whose want even kills me.
4.1.122 IAGO
Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't.
Speaking lower
Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power,
How quickly should you speed!
4.1.125 CASSIO
Alas, poor caitiff!
4.1.126 OTHELLO
Look, how he laughs already!
4.1.127 IAGO
I never knew woman love man so.
4.1.128 CASSIO
Alas, poor rogue! I think, i' faith, she loves me.
4.1.129 OTHELLO
Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out.
4.1.130 IAGO
Do you hear, Cassio?
4.1.131 OTHELLO
Now he importunes him
To tell it o'er: go to; well said, well said.
4.1.133 IAGO
She gives it out that you shall marry her:
Do you intend it?
4.1.135 CASSIO
Ha, ha, ha!
4.1.136 OTHELLO
Do you triumph, Roman? do you triumph?
4.1.137 CASSIO
I marry her! what? a customer! Prithee, bear some
charity to my wit: do not think it so unwholesome.
Ha, ha, ha!
4.1.140 OTHELLO
So, so, so, so: they laugh that win.
4.1.141 IAGO
'Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her.
4.1.142 CASSIO
Prithee, say true.
4.1.143 IAGO
I am a very villain else.
4.1.144 OTHELLO
Have you scored me? Well.
4.1.145 CASSIO
This is the monkey's own giving out: she is
persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and
flattery, not out of my promise.
4.1.148 OTHELLO
Iago beckons me; now he begins the story.
4.1.149 CASSIO
She was here even now; she haunts me in every place.
I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with
certain Venetians; and thither comes the bauble,
and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck –
4.1.153 OTHELLO
Crying 'O dear Cassio!' as it were: his gesture
imports it.
4.1.155 CASSIO
So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me; so shakes,
and pulls me: ha, ha, ha!
4.1.157 OTHELLO
Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. O,
I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall
throw it to.
4.1.160 CASSIO
Well, I must leave her company.
4.1.161 IAGO
Before me! look, where she comes.
4.1.162 CASSIO
'Tis such another fitchew! marry a perfumed one.
Enter BIANCA
What do you mean by this haunting of me?
4.1.164 BIANCA
Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you
mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now?
I was a fine fool to take it. 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, and I must take out the
work? There; give it your hobby-horse: wheresoever
you had it, I'll take out no work on't.
4.1.172 CASSIO
How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! how now!
4.1.173 OTHELLO
By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!
4.1.174 BIANCA
An you'll come to supper tonight, you may; an you
will not, come when you are next prepared for.
Exit
4.1.176 IAGO
After her, after her.
4.1.177 CASSIO
'Faith, I must; she'll rail in the street else.
4.1.178 IAGO
Will you sup there?
4.1.179 CASSIO
'Faith, I intend so.
4.1.180 IAGO
Well, I may chance to see you; for I would very fain
speak with you.
4.1.182 CASSIO
Prithee, come; will you?
4.1.183 IAGO
Go to; say no more.
Exit CASSIO
4.1.184 OTHELLO
[Advancing] How shall I murder him, Iago?
4.1.185 IAGO
Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?
4.1.186 OTHELLO
O Iago!
4.1.187 IAGO
And did you see the handkerchief?
4.1.188 OTHELLO
Was that mine?
4.1.189 IAGO
Yours by this hand: and to see how he prizes the
foolish woman your wife! she gave it him, and he
hath given it his whore.
4.1.192 OTHELLO
I would have him nine years a-killing.
A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman!
4.1.194 IAGO
Nay, you must forget that.
4.1.195 OTHELLO
Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight;
for she shall not live: 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.
4.1.200 IAGO
Nay, that's not your way.
4.1.201 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: –
4.1.205 IAGO
She's the worse for all this.
4.1.206 OTHELLO
O, a thousand thousand times: and then, of so
gentle a condition!
4.1.208 IAGO
Ay, too gentle.
4.1.209 OTHELLO
Nay, that's certain: but yet the pity of it, Iago!
O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!
4.1.211 IAGO
If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her
patent to offend; for, if it touch not you, it comes
near nobody.
4.1.214 OTHELLO
I will chop her into messes: cuckold me!
4.1.215 IAGO
O, 'tis foul in her.
4.1.216 OTHELLO
With mine officer!
4.1.217 IAGO
That's fouler.
4.1.218 OTHELLO
Get me some poison, Iago; this night: I'll not
expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty
unprovide my mind again: this night, Iago.
4.1.221 IAGO
Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even
the bed she hath contaminated.
4.1.223 OTHELLO
Good, good: the justice of it pleases: very good.
4.1.224 IAGO
And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker: you
shall hear more by midnight.
4.1.226 OTHELLO
Excellent good.
A trumpet within
What trumpet is that same?
4.1.228 IAGO
Something from Venice, sure. 'Tis Lodovico
Come from the duke: and, see, your wife is with him.
Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and Attendants
4.1.230 LODOVICO
Save you, worthy general!
4.1.231 OTHELLO
With all my heart, sir.
4.1.232 LODOVICO
The duke and senators of Venice greet you.
Gives him a letter
4.1.233 OTHELLO
I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.
Opens the letter, and reads
4.1.234 DESDEMONA
And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico?
4.1.235 IAGO
I am very glad to see you, signior
Welcome to Cyprus.
4.1.237 LODOVICO
I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio?
4.1.238 IAGO
Lives, sir.
4.1.239 DESDEMONA
Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord
An unkind breach: but you shall make all well.
4.1.241 OTHELLO
Are you sure of that?
4.1.242 DESDEMONA
My lord?
4.1.243 OTHELLO
[Reads] 'This fail you not to do, as you will – '
4.1.244 LODOVICO
He did not call; he's busy in the paper.
Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio?
4.1.246 DESDEMONA
A most unhappy one: I would do much
To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.
4.1.248 OTHELLO
Fire and brimstone!
4.1.249 DESDEMONA
My lord?
4.1.250 OTHELLO
Are you wise?
4.1.251 DESDEMONA
What, is he angry?
4.1.252 LODOVICO
May be the letter moved him;
For, as I think, they do command him home,
Deputing Cassio in his government.
4.1.255 DESDEMONA
Trust me, I am glad on't.
4.1.256 OTHELLO
Indeed!
4.1.257 DESDEMONA
My lord?
4.1.258 OTHELLO
I am glad to see you mad.
4.1.259 DESDEMONA
Why, sweet Othello, –
4.1.260 OTHELLO
[Striking her] Devil!
4.1.261 DESDEMONA
I have not deserved this.
4.1.262 LODOVICO
My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,
Though I should swear I saw't: 'tis very much:
Make her amends; she weeps.
4.1.265 OTHELLO
O devil, devil!
If that the earth could teem with woman's tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
Out of my sight!
4.1.269 DESDEMONA
I will not stay to offend you.
Going
4.1.270 LODOVICO
Truly, an obedient lady:
I do beseech your lordship, call her back.
4.1.272 OTHELLO
Mistress!
4.1.273 DESDEMONA
My lord?
4.1.274 OTHELLO
What would you with her, sir?
4.1.275 LODOVICO
Who, I, my lord?
4.1.276 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. Hence, avaunt!
Exit DESDEMONA
Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonight,
I do entreat that we may sup together:
You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. – Goats and monkeys!
Exit
4.1.288 LODOVICO
Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature
Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue
The shot of accident, nor dart of chance,
Could neither graze nor pierce?
4.1.293 IAGO
He is much changed.
4.1.294 LODOVICO
Are his wits safe? is he not light of brain?
4.1.295 IAGO
He's that he is: I may not breathe my censure
What he might be: if what he might he is not,
I would to heaven he were!
4.1.298 LODOVICO
What, strike his wife!
4.1.299 IAGO
'Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew
That stroke would prove the worst!
4.1.301 LODOVICO
Is it his use?
Or did the letters work upon his blood,
And new-create this fault?
4.1.304 IAGO
Alas, alas!
It is not honesty in me to speak
What I have seen and known. You shall observe him,
And his own courses will denote him so
That I may save my speech: do but go after,
And mark how he continues.
4.1.310 LODOVICO
I am sorry that I am deceived in him.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 4

Scene 2

A room in the castle.

Enter OTHELLO and EMILIA
4.2.1 OTHELLO
You have seen nothing then?
4.2.2 EMILIA
Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect.
4.2.3 OTHELLO
Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.
4.2.4 EMILIA
But then I saw no harm, and then I heard
Each syllable that breath made up between them.
4.2.6 OTHELLO
What, did they never whisper?
4.2.7 EMILIA
Never, my lord.
4.2.8 OTHELLO
Nor send you out o' the way?
4.2.9 EMILIA
Never.
4.2.10 OTHELLO
To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing?
4.2.11 EMILIA
Never, my lord.
4.2.12 OTHELLO
That's strange.
4.2.13 EMILIA
I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest,
Lay down my soul at stake: if you think other,
Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom.
If any wretch have put this in your head,
Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse!
For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There's no man happy; the purest of their wives
Is foul as slander.
4.2.21 OTHELLO
Bid her come hither: go.
Exit EMILIA
She says enough; yet she's a simple bawd
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore,
A closet lock and key of villanous secrets
And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't.
Enter DESDEMONA with EMILIA
4.2.26 DESDEMONA
My lord, what is your will?
4.2.27 OTHELLO
Pray, chuck, come hither.
4.2.28 DESDEMONA
What is your pleasure?
4.2.29 OTHELLO
Let me see your eyes;
Look in my face.
4.2.31 DESDEMONA
What horrible fancy's this?
4.2.32 OTHELLO
[To EMILIA] Some of your function, mistress;
Leave procreants alone and shut the door;
Cough, or cry 'hem,' if any body come:
Your mystery, your mystery: nay, dispatch.
Exit EMILIA
4.2.36 DESDEMONA
Upon my knees, what doth your speech import?
I understand a fury in your words.
But not the words.
4.2.39 OTHELLO
Why, what art thou?
4.2.40 DESDEMONA
Your wife, my lord; your true
And loyal wife.
4.2.42 OTHELLO
Come, swear it, damn thyself
Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves
Should fear to seize thee: therefore be double damn'd:
Swear thou art honest.
4.2.46 DESDEMONA
Heaven doth truly know it.
4.2.47 OTHELLO
Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.
4.2.48 DESDEMONA
To whom, my lord? with whom? how am I false?
4.2.49 OTHELLO
O Desdemona! away! away! away!
4.2.50 DESDEMONA
Alas the heavy day! Why do you weep?
Am I the motive of these tears, my lord?
If haply you my father do suspect
An instrument of this your calling back,
Lay not your blame on me: If you have lost him,
Why, I have lost him too.
4.2.56 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 to 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 too; 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! Turn thy complexion there,
Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin, –
Ay, there, look grim as hell!
4.2.74 DESDEMONA
I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.
4.2.75 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!
4.2.80 DESDEMONA
Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?
4.2.81 OTHELLO
Was this fair paper, this most goodly book,
Made to write 'whore' upon? What 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!
Impudent strumpet!
4.2.92 DESDEMONA
By heaven, you do me wrong.
4.2.93 OTHELLO
Are you not a strumpet?
4.2.94 DESDEMONA
No, as I am a Christian:
If to preserve this vessel for my lord
From any other foul unlawful touch
Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.
4.2.98 OTHELLO
What, not a whore?
4.2.99 DESDEMONA
No, as I shall be saved.
4.2.100 OTHELLO
Is't possible?
4.2.101 DESDEMONA
O, heaven forgive us!
4.2.102 OTHELLO
I cry you mercy, then:
I took you for that cunning whore of Venice
That married with Othello.
Raising his voice
You, mistress,
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter,
And keep the gate of hell!
Re-enter EMILIA
You, you, ay, you!
We have done our course; there's money for your pains:
I pray you, turn the key and keep our counsel.
Exit
4.2.111 EMILIA
Alas, what does this gentleman conceive?
How do you, madam? how do you, my good lady?
4.2.113 DESDEMONA
'Faith, half asleep.
4.2.114 EMILIA
Good madam, what's the matter with my lord?
4.2.115 DESDEMONA
With who?
4.2.116 EMILIA
Why, with my lord, madam.
4.2.117 DESDEMONA
Who is thy lord?
4.2.118 EMILIA
He that is yours, sweet lady.
4.2.119 DESDEMONA
I have none: do not talk to me, Emilia;
I cannot weep; nor answer have I none,
But what should go by water. Prithee, tonight
Lay on my bed my wedding sheets: remember;
And call thy husband hither.
4.2.124 EMILIA
Here's a change indeed!
Exit
4.2.125 DESDEMONA
'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet.
How have I been behaved, that he might stick
The small'st opinion on my least misuse?
Re-enter EMILIA with IAGO
4.2.128 IAGO
What is your pleasure, madam?
How is't with you?
4.2.130 DESDEMONA
I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes
Do it with gentle means and easy tasks:
He might have chid me so; for, in good faith,
I am a child to chiding.
4.2.134 IAGO
What's the matter, lady?
4.2.135 EMILIA
Alas, Iago, my lord hath so bewhored her.
Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her,
As true hearts cannot bear.
4.2.138 DESDEMONA
Am I that name, Iago?
4.2.139 IAGO
What name, fair lady?
4.2.140 DESDEMONA
Such as she says my lord did say I was.
4.2.141 EMILIA
He call'd her whore: a beggar in his drink
Could not have laid such terms upon his callat.
4.2.143 IAGO
Why did he so?
4.2.144 DESDEMONA
I do not know; I am sure I am none such.
4.2.145 IAGO
Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day!
4.2.146 EMILIA
Hath she forsook so many noble matches,
Her father and her country and her friends,
To be call'd whore? would it not make one weep?
4.2.149 DESDEMONA
It is my wretched fortune.
4.2.150 IAGO
Beshrew him for't!
How comes this trick upon him?
4.2.152 DESDEMONA
Nay, heaven doth know.
4.2.153 EMILIA
I will be hang'd, if some eternal villain,
Some busy and insinuating rogue,
Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office,
Have not devised this slander; I'll be hang'd else.
4.2.157 IAGO
Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible.
4.2.158 DESDEMONA
If any such there be, heaven pardon him!
4.2.159 EMILIA
A halter pardon him! and hell gnaw his bones!
Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company?
What place? what time? what form? what likelihood?
The Moor's abused by some most villanous knave,
Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow.
O heaven, that such companions thou'ldst unfold,
And put in every honest hand a whip
To lash the rascals naked through the world
Even from the east to the west!
4.2.168 IAGO
Speak within door.
4.2.169 EMILIA
O, fie upon them! Some such squire he was
That turn'd your wit the seamy side without,
And made you to suspect me with the Moor.
4.2.172 IAGO
You are a fool; go to.
4.2.173 DESDEMONA
O good Iago,
What shall I do to win my lord again?
Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of heaven,
I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:
If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love,
Either in discourse of thought or actual deed,
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense,
Delighted them in any other form;
Or that I do not yet, and ever did.
And ever will – though he do shake me off
To beggarly divorcement – love him dearly,
Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much;
And his unkindness may defeat my life,
But never taint my love. I cannot say 'whore:'
It does abhor me now I speak the word;
To do the act that might the addition earn
Not the world's mass of vanity could make me.
4.2.190 IAGO
I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humour:
The business of the state does him offence,
And he does chide with you.
4.2.193 DESDEMONA
If 'twere no other –
4.2.194 IAGO
'Tis but so, I warrant.
Trumpets within
Hark, how these instruments summon to supper!
The messengers of Venice stay the meat;
Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well.
Exeunt DESDEMONA and EMILIA
Enter RODERIGO
How now, Roderigo!
4.2.199 RODERIGO
I do not find that thou dealest justly with me.
4.2.200 IAGO
What in the contrary?
4.2.201 RODERIGO
Every day thou daffest me with some device, Iago;
and rather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me
all conveniency than suppliest me with the least
advantage of hope. I will indeed no longer endure
it, nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what
already I have foolishly suffered.
4.2.207 IAGO
Will you hear me, Roderigo?
4.2.208 RODERIGO
'Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and
performances are no kin together.
4.2.210 IAGO
You charge me most unjustly.
4.2.211 RODERIGO
With nought but truth. I have wasted myself out of
my means. The jewels you have had from me to
deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a
votarist: you have told me she hath received them
and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance, but I find none.
4.2.217 IAGO
Well; go to; very well.
4.2.218 RODERIGO
Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis
not very well: nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin
to find myself fobbed in it.
4.2.221 IAGO
Very well.
4.2.222 RODERIGO
I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself
known to Desdemona: if she will return me my
jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my
unlawful solicitation; if not, assure yourself I
will seek satisfaction of you.
4.2.227 IAGO
You have said now.
4.2.228 RODERIGO
Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.
4.2.229 IAGO
Why, now I see there's mettle in thee, and even from
this instant to build on thee a better opinion than
ever before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo: thou hast
taken against me a most just exception; but yet, I
protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.
4.2.234 RODERIGO
It hath not appeared.
4.2.235 IAGO
I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your
suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But,
Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I
have greater reason to believe now than ever, I mean
purpose, courage and valour, this night show it: if
thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona,
take me from this world with treachery and devise
engines for my life.
4.2.243 RODERIGO
Well, what is it? is it within reason and compass?
4.2.244 IAGO
Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice
to depute Cassio in Othello's place.
4.2.246 RODERIGO
Is that true? why, then Othello and Desdemona
return again to Venice.
4.2.248 IAGO
O, no; he goes into Mauritania and takes away with
him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be
lingered here by some accident: wherein none can be
so determinate as the removing of Cassio.
4.2.252 RODERIGO
How do you mean, removing of him?
4.2.253 IAGO
Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place;
knocking out his brains.
4.2.255 RODERIGO
And that you would have me to do?
4.2.256 IAGO
Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right.
He sups tonight with a harlotry, and thither will I
go to him: he knows not yet of his honorable
fortune. If you will watch his going thence, which
I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one,
you may take him at your pleasure: I will be near
to second your attempt, and he shall fall between
us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with
me; I will show you such a necessity in his death
that you shall think yourself bound to put it on
him. It is now high suppertime, and the night grows
to waste: about it.
4.2.268 RODERIGO
I will hear further reason for this.
4.2.269 IAGO
And you shall be satisfied.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 4

Scene 3

Another room In the castle.

Enter OTHELLO, LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, EMILIA and Attendants
4.3.1 LODOVICO
I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further.
4.3.2 OTHELLO
O, pardon me: 'twill do me good to walk.
4.3.3 LODOVICO
Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship.
4.3.4 DESDEMONA
Your honour is most welcome.
4.3.5 OTHELLO
Will you walk, sir?
O, – Desdemona, –
4.3.7 DESDEMONA
My lord?
4.3.8 OTHELLO
Get you to bed on the instant; I will be returned
forthwith: dismiss your attendant there: look it be done.
4.3.10 DESDEMONA
I will, my lord.
Exeunt OTHELLO, LODOVICO, and Attendants
4.3.11 EMILIA
How goes it now? he looks gentler than he did.
4.3.12 DESDEMONA
He says he will return incontinent:
He hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bade me to dismiss you.
4.3.15 EMILIA
Dismiss me!
4.3.16 DESDEMONA
It was his bidding: therefore, good Emilia,.
Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu:
We must not now displease him.
4.3.19 EMILIA
I would you had never seen him!
4.3.20 DESDEMONA
So would not I my love doth so approve him,
That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns –
Prithee, unpin me, – have grace and favour in them.
4.3.23 EMILIA
I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed.
4.3.24 DESDEMONA
All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our minds!
If I do die before thee prithee, shroud me
In one of those same sheets.
4.3.27 EMILIA
Come, come you talk.
4.3.28 DESDEMONA
My mother had a maid call'd Barbara:
She was in love, and he she loved proved mad
And did forsake her: she had a song of 'willow;'
An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune,
And she died singing it: that song tonight
Will not go from my mind; I have much to do,
But to go hang my head all at one side,
And sing it like poor Barbara. Prithee, dispatch.
4.3.36 EMILIA
Shall I go fetch your night-gown?
4.3.37 DESDEMONA
No, unpin me here.
This Lodovico is a proper man.
4.3.39 EMILIA
A very handsome man.
4.3.40 DESDEMONA
He speaks well.
4.3.41 EMILIA
I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot
to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.
4.3.43 DESDEMONA
[Singing] The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,
Sing all a green willow:
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
Sing willow, willow, willow:
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans;
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones;
Lay by these: –
[Singing] Sing willow, willow, willow;
Prithee, hie thee; he'll come anon: –
[Singing] Sing all a green willow must be my garland.
Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve,-
Nay, that's not next. – Hark! who is't that knocks?
4.3.56 EMILIA
It's the wind.
4.3.57 DESDEMONA
[Singing] I call'd my love false love; but what said he then?
Sing willow, willow, willow:
If I court more women, you'll couch with more men!
So, get thee gone; good night Ate eyes do itch;
Doth that bode weeping?
4.3.62 EMILIA
'Tis neither here nor there.
4.3.63 DESDEMONA
I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men!
Dost thou in conscience think, – tell me, Emilia, –
That there be women do abuse their husbands
In such gross kind?
4.3.67 EMILIA
There be some such, no question.
4.3.68 DESDEMONA
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?
4.3.69 EMILIA
Why, would not you?
4.3.70 DESDEMONA
No, by this heavenly light!
4.3.71 EMILIA
Nor I neither by this heavenly light;
I might do't as well i' the dark.
4.3.73 DESDEMONA
Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?
4.3.74 EMILIA
The world's a huge thing: it is a great price.
For a small vice.
4.3.76 DESDEMONA
In troth, I think thou wouldst not.
4.3.77 EMILIA
In troth, I think I should; and undo't when I had
done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a
joint-ring, nor for measures of lawn, nor for
gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty
exhibition; but for the whole world, – why, who would
not make her husband a cuckold to make him a
monarch? I should venture purgatory for't.
4.3.84 DESDEMONA
Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong
For the whole world.
4.3.86 EMILIA
Why the wrong is but a wrong i' the world: and
having the world for your labour, tis a wrong in your
own world, and you might quickly make it right.
4.3.89 DESDEMONA
I do not think there is any such woman.
4.3.90 EMILIA
Yes, a dozen; and as many to the vantage as would
Store the world they played for.
But I do think it is their husbands' faults
If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties,
And pour our treasures into foreign laps,
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite;
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know
Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. What is it that they do
When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is: and doth affection breed it?
I think it doth: is't frailty that thus errs?
It is so too: and have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?
Then let them use us well: else let them know,
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.
4.3.110 DESDEMONA
Good night, good night: heaven me such uses send,
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend!
Exeunt
Contents

Act 5

Scene 1

Cyprus. A street.

Enter IAGO and RODERIGO
5.1.1 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.
5.1.6 RODERIGO
Be near at hand; I may miscarry in't.
5.1.7 IAGO
Here, at thy hand: be bold, and take thy stand.
Retires
5.1.8 RODERIGO
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.
5.1.11 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
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 life
That makes me ugly; and, besides, the Moor
May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril:
No, he must die. But soft: I hear him coming.
Enter CASSIO
5.1.23 RODERIGO
I know his gait, 'tis he. – Villain, thou diest!
Makes a pass at CASSIO
5.1.24 CASSIO
That thrust had been mine enemy indeed,
But that my coat is better than thou know'st
I will make proof of thine.
Draws, and wounds RODERIGO
5.1.27 RODERIGO
O, I am slain!
IAGO from behind wounds CASSIO in the leg, and exit
5.1.28 CASSIO
I am maim'd for ever. Help, ho! murder! murder!
Falls
Enter OTHELLO
5.1.29 OTHELLO
The voice of Cassio: Iago keeps his word.
5.1.30 RODERIGO
O, villain that I am!
5.1.31 OTHELLO
It is even so.
5.1.32 CASSIO
O, help, ho! light! a surgeon!
5.1.33 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,
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.
Exit
Enter LODOVICO and GRATIANO
5.1.39 CASSIO
What, ho! no watch? no passage? murder! murder!
5.1.40 GRATIANO
'Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful.
5.1.41 CASSIO
O, help!
5.1.42 LODOVICO
Hark!
5.1.43 RODERIGO
O wretched villain!
5.1.44 LODOVICO
Two or three groan: it is a heavy night:
These may be counterfeits: let's think't unsafe
To come in to the cry without more help.
5.1.47 RODERIGO
Nobody come? then shall I bleed to death.
5.1.48 LODOVICO
Hark!
Re-enter IAGO, with a light
5.1.49 GRATIANO
Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and weapons.
5.1.50 IAGO
Who's there? whose noise is this that cries on murder?
5.1.51 LODOVICO
We do not know.
5.1.52 IAGO
Did not you hear a cry?
5.1.53 CASSIO
Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me!
5.1.54 IAGO
What's the matter?
5.1.55 GRATIANO
This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
5.1.56 LODOVICO
The same indeed; a very valiant fellow.
5.1.57 IAGO
What are you here that cry so grievously?
5.1.58 CASSIO
Iago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains!
Give me some help.
5.1.60 IAGO
O me, lieutenant! what villains have done this?
5.1.61 CASSIO
I think that one of them is hereabout,
And cannot make away.
5.1.63 IAGO
O treacherous villains!
What are you there? come in, and give some help.
To LODOVICO and GRATIANO
5.1.65 RODERIGO
O, help me here!
5.1.66 CASSIO
That's one of them.
5.1.67 IAGO
O murderous slave! O villain!
Stabs RODERIGO
5.1.68 RODERIGO
O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!
5.1.69 IAGO
Kill men i' the dark! – Where be these bloody thieves? –
How silent is this town! – Ho! murder! murder! –
What may you be? are you of good or evil?
5.1.72 LODOVICO
As you shall prove us, praise us.
5.1.73 IAGO
Signior Lodovico?
5.1.74 LODOVICO
He, sir.
5.1.75 IAGO
I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains.
5.1.76 GRATIANO
Cassio!
5.1.77 IAGO
How is't, brother!
5.1.78 CASSIO
My leg is cut in two.
5.1.79 IAGO
Marry, heaven forbid!
Light, gentlemen; I'll bind it with my shirt.
Enter BIANCA
5.1.81 BIANCA
What is the matter, ho? who is't that cried?
5.1.82 IAGO
Who is't that cried!
5.1.83 BIANCA
O my dear Cassio! my sweet Cassio! O Cassio,
Cassio, Cassio!
5.1.85 IAGO
O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect
Who they should be that have thus many led you?
5.1.87 CASSIO
No.
5.1.88 GRATIANO
I am to find you thus: I have been to seek you.
5.1.89 IAGO
Lend me a garter. So. O, for a chair,
To bear him easily hence!
5.1.91 BIANCA
Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!
5.1.92 IAGO
Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash
To be a party in this injury.
Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come;
Lend me a light. Know we this face or no?
Alas my friend and my dear countryman
Roderigo! no: – yes, sure: O heaven! Roderigo.
5.1.98 GRATIANO
What, of Venice?
5.1.99 IAGO
Even he, sir; did you know him?
5.1.100 GRATIANO
Know him! ay.
5.1.101 IAGO
Signior Gratiano? I cry you gentle pardon;
These bloody accidents must excuse my manners,
That so neglected you.
5.1.104 GRATIANO
I am glad to see you.
5.1.105 IAGO
How do you, Cassio? O, a chair, a chair!
5.1.106 GRATIANO
Roderigo!
5.1.107 IAGO
He, he 'tis he.
A chair brought in
O, that's well said; the chair!
5.1.109 GRATIANO
Some good man bear him carefully from hence;
I'll fetch the general's surgeon.
To BIANCA
For you, mistress,
Save you your labour. He that lies slain here, Cassio,
Was my dear friend: what malice was between you?
5.1.114 CASSIO
None in the world; nor do I know the man.
5.1.115 IAGO
[To BIANCA] What, look you pale? O, bear him out
o' the air.
CASSIO and RODERIGO are borne off
Stay you, good gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress?
Do you perceive the gastness of her eye?
Nay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon.
Behold her well; I pray you, look upon her:
Do you see, gentlemen? nay, guiltiness will speak,
Though tongues were out of use.
Enter EMILIA
5.1.123 EMILIA
'Las, what's the matter? what's the matter, husband?
5.1.124 IAGO
Cassio hath here been set on in the dark
By Roderigo and fellows that are scaped:
He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead.
5.1.127 EMILIA
Alas, good gentleman! alas, good Cassio!
5.1.128 IAGO
This is the fruit of whoring. Prithee, Emilia,
Go know of Cassio where he supp'd tonight.
To BIANCA
What, do you shake at that?
5.1.131 BIANCA
He supp'd at my house; but I therefore shake not.
5.1.132 IAGO
O, did he so? I charge you, go with me.
5.1.133 EMILIA
Fie, fie upon thee, strumpet!
5.1.134 BIANCA
I am no strumpet; but of life as honest
As you that thus abuse me.
5.1.136 EMILIA
As I! foh! fie upon thee!
5.1.137 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.
Will you go on? I pray.
Aside
This is the night
That either makes me or fordoes me quite.
Exeunt
Contents

Act 5

Scene 2

A bedchamber in the castle: DESDEMONA in bed asleep; a light burning.

Enter OTHELLO
5.2.1 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 snow,
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
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,
Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That 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.
Kissing her
Ah balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice 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,
But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly;
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
5.2.23 DESDEMONA
Who's there? Othello?
5.2.24 OTHELLO
Ay. Desdemona.
5.2.25 DESDEMONA
Will you come to bed, my lord?
5.2.26 OTHELLO
Have you pray'd tonight, Desdemona?
5.2.27 DESDEMONA
Ay, my lord.
5.2.28 OTHELLO
If you bethink yourself of any crime
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
Solicit for it straight.
5.2.31 DESDEMONA
Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that?
5.2.32 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.
5.2.35 DESDEMONA
Talk you of killing?
5.2.36 OTHELLO
Ay, I do.
5.2.37 DESDEMONA
Then heaven
Have mercy on me!
5.2.39 OTHELLO
Amen, with all my heart!
5.2.40 DESDEMONA
If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.
5.2.41 OTHELLO
Hum!
5.2.42 DESDEMONA
And yet I fear you; for you are fatal then
When your eyes roll so: why I should fear I know not,
Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear.
5.2.45 OTHELLO
Think on thy sins.
5.2.46 DESDEMONA
They are loves I bear to you.
5.2.47 OTHELLO
Ay, and for that thou diest.
5.2.48 DESDEMONA
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,
They do not point on me.
5.2.53 OTHELLO
Peace, and be still!
5.2.54 DESDEMONA
I will so. What's the matter?
5.2.55 OTHELLO
That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee
Thou gavest to Cassio.
5.2.57 DESDEMONA
No, by my life and soul!
Send for the man, and ask him.
5.2.59 OTHELLO
Sweet soul, take heed,
Take heed of perjury; thou art on thy deathbed.
5.2.61 DESDEMONA
Ay, but not yet to die.
5.2.62 OTHELLO
Yes, presently:
Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin;
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
5.2.67 DESDEMONA
Then Lord have mercy on me!
5.2.68 OTHELLO
I say, amen.
5.2.69 DESDEMONA
And have you mercy too! I never did
Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio
But with such general warranty of heaven
As I might love: I never gave him token.
5.2.73 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 do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice:
I saw the handkerchief.
5.2.78 DESDEMONA
He found it then;
I never gave it him: send for him hither;
Let him confess a truth.
5.2.81 OTHELLO
He hath confess'd.
5.2.82 DESDEMONA
What, my lord?
5.2.83 OTHELLO
That he hath used thee.
5.2.84 DESDEMONA
How? unlawfully?
5.2.85 OTHELLO
Ay.
5.2.86 DESDEMONA
He will not say so.
5.2.87 OTHELLO
No, his mouth is stopp'd;
Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't.
5.2.89 DESDEMONA
O! my fear interprets: what, is he dead?
5.2.90 OTHELLO
Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge
Had stomach for them all.
5.2.92 DESDEMONA
Alas! he is betray'd and I undone.
5.2.93 OTHELLO
Out, strumpet! weep'st thou for him to my face?
5.2.94 DESDEMONA
O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
5.2.95 OTHELLO
Down, strumpet!
5.2.96 DESDEMONA
Kill me tomorrow: let me live tonight!
5.2.97 OTHELLO
Nay, if you strive –
5.2.98 DESDEMONA
But half an hour!
5.2.99 OTHELLO
Being done, there is no pause.
5.2.100 DESDEMONA
But while I say one prayer!
5.2.101 OTHELLO
It is too late.
He stifles her
5.2.102 EMILIA
[Within] My lord, my lord! what, ho! my lord, my lord!
5.2.103 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.
5.2.106 EMILIA
[Within] What, ho! my lord, my lord!
5.2.107 OTHELLO
Who's there?
5.2.108 EMILIA
[Within] O, good my lord, I would speak a word with you!
5.2.109 OTHELLO
Yes: 'tis Emilia. By and by. She's dead.
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death. –
The noise was high. 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:
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife.
O insupportable! O heavy hour!
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
5.2.120 EMILIA
[Within] I do beseech you
That I may speak with you, O, good my lord!
5.2.122 OTHELLO
I had forgot thee: O, come in, Emilia;
Soft; by and by. Let me the curtains draw.
Where art thou?
Unlocks the door
Enter EMILIA
What's the matter with thee now?
5.2.126 EMILIA
O, my good lord, yonder's foul murders done!
5.2.127 OTHELLO
What, now?
5.2.128 EMILIA
But now, my lord.
5.2.129 OTHELLO
It is the very error of the moon;
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont,
And makes men mad.
5.2.132 EMILIA
Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young Venetian
Call'd Roderigo.
5.2.134 OTHELLO
Roderigo kill'd!
And Cassio kill'd!
5.2.136 EMILIA
No, Cassio is not kill'd.
5.2.137 OTHELLO
Not Cassio kill'd! then murder's out of tune,
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
5.2.139 DESDEMONA
O, falsely, falsely murder'd!
5.2.140 EMILIA
Alas, what cry is that?
5.2.141 OTHELLO
That! what?
5.2.142 EMILIA
Out, and alas! that was my lady's voice.
Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again!
Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak!
5.2.145 DESDEMONA
A guiltless death I die.
5.2.146 EMILIA
O, who hath done this deed?
5.2.147 DESDEMONA
Nobody; I myself. Farewell
Commend me to my kind lord: O, farewell!
Dies
5.2.149 OTHELLO
Why, how should she be murder'd?
5.2.150 EMILIA
Alas, who knows?
5.2.151 OTHELLO
You heard her say herself, it was not I.
5.2.152 EMILIA
She said so: I must needs report the truth.
5.2.153 OTHELLO
She's, like a liar, gone to burning hell:
'Twas I that kill'd her.
5.2.155 EMILIA
O, the more angel she,
And you the blacker devil!
5.2.157 OTHELLO
She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore.
5.2.158 EMILIA
Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
5.2.159 OTHELLO
She was false as water.
5.2.160 EMILIA
Thou art rash as fire, to say
That she was false: O, she was heavenly true!
5.2.162 OTHELLO
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
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.
5.2.166 EMILIA
My husband!
5.2.167 OTHELLO
Thy husband.
5.2.168 EMILIA
That she was false to wedlock?
5.2.169 OTHELLO
Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true,
If heaven would make me such another world
Of one entire and Perfect chrysolite,
I'ld not have sold her for it.
5.2.173 EMILIA
My husband!
5.2.174 OTHELLO
Ay, 'twas he that told me first:
An honest man he is, and hates the slime
That sticks on filthy deeds.
5.2.177 EMILIA
My husband!
5.2.178 OTHELLO
What needs this iteration, woman? I say thy husband.
5.2.179 EMILIA
O mistress, villany hath made mocks with love,
My husband say that she was false!
5.2.181 OTHELLO
He, woman;
I say thy husband: dost understand the word?
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.
5.2.184 EMILIA
If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! he lies to the heart:
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
5.2.187 OTHELLO
Ha!
5.2.188 EMILIA
Do thy worst:
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
Than thou wast worthy her.
5.2.191 OTHELLO
Peace, you were best.
5.2.192 EMILIA
Thou hast not half that power to do me harm
As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt!
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!
Enter MONTANO, GRATIANO, IAGO, and others
5.2.198 MONTANO
What is the matter? How now, general!
5.2.199 EMILIA
O, are you come, Iago? you have done well,
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
5.2.201 GRATIANO
What is the matter?
5.2.202 EMILIA
Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man:
He says thou told'st him that his wife was false:
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain:
Speak, for my heart is full.
5.2.206 IAGO
I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
5.2.208 EMILIA
But did you ever tell him she was false?
5.2.209 IAGO
I did.
5.2.210 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?
5.2.213 IAGO
With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.
5.2.214 EMILIA
I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak:
My mistress here lies murder'd in her bed, –
5.2.216 All
O heavens forfend!
5.2.217 EMILIA
And your reports have set the murder on.
5.2.218 OTHELLO
Nay, stare not, masters: it is true, indeed.
5.2.219 GRATIANO
'Tis a strange truth.
5.2.220 MONTANO
O monstrous act!
5.2.221 EMILIA
Villany, villany, villany!
I think upon't, I think: I smell't: O villany! –
I thought so then: – I'll kill myself for grief: –
O villany, villany!
5.2.225 IAGO
What, are you mad? I charge you, get you home.
5.2.226 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.
5.2.229 OTHELLO
O! O! O!
He falls on the bed
5.2.230 EMILIA
Nay, lay thee down and roar;
For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent
That e'er did lift up eye.
5.2.233 OTHELLO
[Rising] O, she was foul!
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.
5.2.237 GRATIANO
Poor Desdemona! I am glad thy father's dead:
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief
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.
5.2.243 OTHELLO
'Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed; Cassio confess'd it:
And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand:
It was a handkerchief, an antique token
My father gave my mother.
5.2.251 EMILIA
O heaven! O heavenly powers!
5.2.252 IAGO
Come, hold your peace.
5.2.253 EMILIA
'Twill out, 'twill out: I peace!
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.
5.2.257 IAGO
Be wise, and get you home.
5.2.258 EMILIA
I will not.
IAGO offers to stab EMILIA
5.2.259 GRATIANO
Fie!
Your sword upon a woman?
5.2.261 EMILIA
O thou dull Moor! that handkerchief thou speak'st of
I found by fortune and did give my husband;
For often, with a solemn earnestness,
More than indeed belong'd to such a trifle,
He begg'd of me to steal it.
5.2.266 IAGO
Villanous whore!
5.2.267 EMILIA
She give it Cassio! no, alas! I found it,
And I did give't my husband.
5.2.269 IAGO
Filth, thou liest!
5.2.270 EMILIA
By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.
O murderous coxcomb! what should such a fool
Do with so good a wife?
5.2.273 OTHELLO
Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder? – Precious villain!
He runs at IAGO. IAGO, from behind, stabs EMILIA, and exit
5.2.275 GRATIANO
The woman falls; sure, he hath kill'd his wife.
5.2.276 EMILIA
Ay, ay: O, lay me by my mistress' side.
5.2.277 GRATIANO
He's gone, but his wife's kill'd.
5.2.278 MONTANO
'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon,
Which I have here recover'd from the Moor:
Come, guard the door without; let him not pass,
But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain,
For 'tis a damned slave.
Exeunt MONTANO and GRATIANO
5.2.283 OTHELLO
I am not valiant neither,
But ever puny whipster gets my sword:
But why should honour outlive honesty?
Let it go all.
5.2.287 EMILIA
What did thy song bode, lady?
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan.
And die in music.
[Singing] 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.
Dies
5.2.294 OTHELLO
I have another weapon in this chamber;
It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper: –
O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth.
5.2.297 GRATIANO
[Within] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear:
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.
5.2.299 OTHELLO
Look in upon me then and speak with me,
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
Re-enter GRATIANO
5.2.301 GRATIANO
What is the matter?
5.2.302 OTHELLO
Behold, I have a weapon;
A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier's thigh: I have seen the day,
That, with this little arm and this good sword,
I have made my way through more impediments
Than 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,
And very sea-mark 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!
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 girl!
Even like thy chastity. O cursed slave!
Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight!
Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur!
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!
O Desdemona! Desdemona! dead!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Enter LODOVICO. MONTANO, CASSIO carried in a chair, and Officers with IAGO, prisoner
5.2.326 LODOVICO
Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
5.2.327 OTHELLO
That's he that was Othello: here I am.
5.2.328 LODOVICO
Where is that viper? bring the villain forth.
5.2.329 OTHELLO
I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable.
If that thou best a devil, I cannot kill thee.
Wounds IAGO
5.2.331 LODOVICO
Wrench his sword from him.
5.2.332 IAGO
I bleed, sir; but not kill'd.
5.2.333 OTHELLO
I am not sorry neither: I'ld have thee live;
For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die.
5.2.335 LODOVICO
O thou Othello, thou wert once so good,
Fall'n in the practise of a damned slave,
What shall be said to thee?
5.2.338 OTHELLO
Why, any thing:
An honourable murderer, if you will;
For nought I did in hate, but all in honour.
5.2.341 LODOVICO
This wretch hath part confess'd his villany:
Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?
5.2.343 OTHELLO
Ay.
5.2.344 CASSIO
Dear general, I never gave you cause.
5.2.345 OTHELLO
I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?
5.2.348 IAGO
Demand me nothing: what you know, you know:
From this time forth I never will speak word.
5.2.350 LODOVICO
What, not to pray?
5.2.351 GRATIANO
Torments will ope your lips.
5.2.352 OTHELLO
Well, thou dost best.
5.2.353 LODOVICO
Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n,
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo;
And here another: the one of them imports
The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
5.2.359 OTHELLO
O villain!
5.2.360 CASSIO
Most heathenish and most gross!
5.2.361 LODOVICO
Now here's another discontented paper,
Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain;
But that belike Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.
5.2.366 OTHELLO
O the pernicious caitiff!
How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief
That was my wife's?
5.2.369 CASSIO
I found it in my chamber:
And he himself confess'd but even now
That there he dropp'd it for a special purpose
Which wrought to his desire.
5.2.373 OTHELLO
O fool! fool! fool!
5.2.374 CASSIO
There is besides in Roderigo's letter,
How he upbraids Iago, that he made him
Brave me upon the watch; whereon it came
That I was cast: and even but now he spake,
After long seeming dead, Iago hurt him,
Iago set him on.
5.2.380 LODOVICO
You must forsake this room, and go with us:
Your power and your command is taken off,
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave,
If there be any cunning cruelty
That 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
To the Venetian state. Come, bring him away.
5.2.388 OTHELLO
Soft you; a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know't.
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak
Of 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,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this;
And say besides, that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcised dog,
And smote him, thus.
Stabs himself
5.2.407 LODOVICO
O bloody period!
5.2.408 GRATIANO
All that's spoke is marr'd.
5.2.409 OTHELLO
I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee: no way but this;
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Falls on the bed, and dies
5.2.411 CASSIO
This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon;
For he was great of heart.
5.2.413 LODOVICO
[To IAGO] 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;
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!
Myself will straight aboard: and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
Exeunt
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Finis