Act 1 — Scene II. Another street.
Reading edition
Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants with torches.[5006]
Iago. Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience[5007] To do no contrived murder: I lack iniquity[5008] Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times[5009] I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs.[5010] 5 Oth. 'Tis better as it is.[5011] Iago. Nay, but he prated And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms[5012] Against your honour,[8, 9] That, with the little godliness I have,[5013] I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you, sir,[5014] 10 Are you fast married? Be assured of this,[5015] That the magnifico is much beloved, And hath in his effect a voice potential As double as the duke's: he will divorce you,[5016] Or put upon you what restraint and grievance[5017] 15 The law, with all his might to enforce it on,[5018] Will give him cable.[5019] Oth. Let him do his spite: My services, which I have done the signiory,[5020] Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know— Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,[5021] 20 I shall promulgate—I fetch my life and being[5022] From men of royal siege, and my demerits[5023] May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune[5024] As this that I have reach'd: for know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, 25 I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights come yond?[5025] Iago. Those are the raised father and his friends:[5026] You were best go in. Oth. Not I; I must be found: 30 My parts, my title and my perfect soul,[5027] Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?[5028] Iago. By Janus, I think no.
Enter Cassio, and certain Officers with torches.[5029]
Oth. The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant.[5030] The goodness of the night upon you, friends![5031] 35 What is the news?[5032] Cas. The duke does greet you, general, And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance,[5033] Even on the instant. Oth. What is the matter, think you?[5034] Cas. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine; It is a business of some heat: the galleys 40 Have sent a dozen sequent messengers[5035] This very night at one another’s heels;[5036] And many of the consuls, raised and met,[5037] Are at the duke’s already: you have been hotly call'd for;[5038] When, being not at your lodging to be found, 45 The senate hath sent about three several quests[5039] To search you out. Oth. 'Tis well I am found by you. I will but spend a word here in the house,[5040] And go with you. [Exit.[5040][5041] Cas. Ancient, what makes he here? Iago. Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack:[5042] 50 If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever. Cas. I do not understand. Iago. He's married. Cas. To who?
Re-enter Othello.[5043]
Iago. Marry, to—Come, captain, will you go? Oth. Have with you.[5044] Cas. Here comes another troop to seek for you. Iago. It is Brabantio: general, be advised;[5045] 55 He comes to bad intent.
Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with torches and weapons.
Oth. Holla! stand there![5046] Rod. Signior, it is the Moor. Bra. Down with him, thief!
[They draw on both sides.[5047]
Iago. You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you. Oth. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.[5048][5049] Good signior, you shall more command with years[5048] 60 Than with your weapons.[5048] Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?[5050] Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her;[5051] For I'll refer me to all things of sense,[5052] If she in chains of magic were not bound,[5053] 65 Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,[5054] Would ever have, to incur a general mock,[5055] Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom[5056] 70 Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight.[5057] Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense[5058][5059] That thou hast practised on her with foul charms,[5058] Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals[5058][5060] That weaken motion: I'll have 't disputed on;[5058][5061] 75 'Tis probable, and palpable to thinking.[5058][5062] I therefore apprehend and do attach thee[5058] For an abuser of the world, a practiser[5063] Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.[5064] Lay hold upon him: if he do resist, 80 Subdue him at his peril. Oth. Hold your hands,[5065] Both you of my inclining and the rest: Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it[5066] Without a prompter. Where will you that I go[5067] To answer this your charge?[5068] Bra. To prison, till fit time[5069] 85 Of law and course of direct session[5069] Call thee to answer.[5070] Oth. What if I do obey? How may the duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side, Upon some present business of the state 90 To bring me to him?[5071] First Off. 'Tis true, most worthy signior; The duke's in council, and your noble self, I am sure, is sent for.[5072] Bra. How! the duke in council! In this time of the night! Bring him away:[5073] Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself, 95 Or any of my brothers of the state, Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; For if such actions may have passage free, Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. [Exeunt.[5074]