Act 3 — Scene III. The garden of the castle.[5793]

Des. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf. Emil. Good madam, do: I warrant it grieves my husband[5794] As if the case were his.[5795] Des. O, that's an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,[5796] 5 But I will have my lord and you again As friendly as you were. Cas. Bounteous madam,[5797] Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, He's never any thing but your true servant. Des. I know't: I thank you. You do love my lord:[5798] 10 You have known him long; and be you well assured[5799] He shall in strangeness stand no farther off[5800] Than in a politic distance. Cas. Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long,[5801] Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, 15 Or breed itself so out of circumstance,[5802] That, I being absent and my place supplied, My general will forget my love and service.[5803] Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here I give thee warrant of thy place: assure thee,[5804] 20 If I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it To the last article: my lord shall never rest;[5805] I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; I'll intermingle every thing he does 25 With Cassio's suit: therefore be merry, Cassio; For thy solicitor shall rather die Than give thy cause away.[5806]

Emil. Madam, here comes my lord. Cas. Madam, I'll take my leave. 30 Des. Nay, stay and hear me speak.[5808] Cas. Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease,[5809] Unfit for mine own purposes.[5810] Des. Well, do your discretion. [Exit Cassio.[5811] Iago. Ha! I like not that. 35 Oth. What dost thou say? Iago. Nothing, my lord: or if—I know not what.[5812] Oth. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? Iago. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it,[5813] That he would steal away so guilty-like,[5814] 40 Seeing you coming. Oth. I do believe 'twas he.[5815][5816] Des. How now, my lord![5816][5817] I have been talking with a suitor here, A man that languishes in your displeasure. Oth. Who is't you mean? 45 Des. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,[5818] If I have any grace or power to move you, His present reconciliation take;[5819] For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, 50 I have no judgement in an honest face: I prithee, call him back. Oth. Went he hence now?[5820] Des. Ay, sooth; so humbled,[5820][5821] That he hath left part of his grief with me,[5822] To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.[5823] 55 Oth. Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.[5824] Des. But shall't be shortly? Oth. The sooner, sweet, for you.[5825] Des. Shall't be to-night at supper? Oth. No, not to-night.[5826] Des. To-morrow dinner then? Oth. I shall not dine at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. 60 Des. Why then to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn;[5827] On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn:[5828] I prithee, name the time; but let it not[5829] Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;[5830] And yet his trespass, in our common reason— 65 Save that, they say, the wars must make examples[5831] Out of their best—is not almost a fault[5832] 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,[5833] 70 Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio,[5834] That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time[5835] 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—[5836] 75 Oth. Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing. Des. Why, this is not a boon; 'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,[5837] Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,[5838] Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit[5839] 80 To your own person: nay, when I have a suit[5840] Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,[5841] And fearful to be granted. Oth. I will deny thee nothing: Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, 85 To leave me but a little to myself. Des. Shall I deny you? no: farewell, my lord. Oth. Farewell, my Desdemona: I'll come to thee straight.[5842] Des. Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;[5843] Whate'er you be, I am obedient. 90

Oth. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,[5845] But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again. Iago. My noble lord,—[5846] Oth. What dost thou say, Iago? Iago. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady,[5847][5848] 95 Know of your love?[5847] Oth. He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask?[5849] Iago. But for a satisfaction of my thought;[5850] No further harm. Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago? Iago. I did not think he had been acquainted with her.[5851] 100 Oth. O, yes, and went between us very oft.[5852] Iago. Indeed! Oth. Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that?[5853] Is he not honest? Iago. Honest, my lord! 105 Oth. Honest! ay, honest.[5854] Iago. My lord, for aught I know. Oth. What dost thou think? Iago. Think, my lord! Oth. Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me,[5855] 110 As if there were some monster in his thought[5856] Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something:[5857] I heard thee say even now, thou likedst not that,[5858] When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like? And when I told thee he was of my counsel 115 In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst 'Indeed!'[5859] 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,[5860] Show me thy thought. 120 Iago. My lord, you know I love you. Oth. I think thou dost; And for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty[5861] And weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath,[5862] Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:[5863] For such things in a false disloyal knave 125 Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just They're close delations, working from the heart,[5864] That passion cannot rule. Iago. For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.[5865] Oth. I think so too. Iago. Men should be what they seem;[5866] 130 Or those that be not, would they might seem none![5867] Oth. Certain, men should be what they seem.[5868] Iago. Why then I think Cassio's an honest man.[5869] Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this: I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,[5870] 135 As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts[5871] The worst of words.[5872] Iago. Good my lord, pardon me: Though I am bound to every act of duty,[5873] I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.[5874] Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false;[5875] 140 As where's that palace whereinto foul things Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,[5876] But some uncleanly apprehensions[5877] Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit[5878] With meditations lawful? 145 Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his ear[5879] A stranger to thy thoughts. Iago. I do beseech you—[5880] Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,[5880][5881] As, I confess, it is my nature's plague 150 To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy[5882][5883] Shapes faults that are not—that your wisdom yet,[5883][5884] From one that so imperfectly conceits,[5885] Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble[5886] Out of his scattering and unsure observance.[5887] 155 It were not for your quiet nor your good, Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,[5888] To let you know my thoughts. Oth. What dost thou mean?[5889] Iago. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,[5890] Is the immediate jewel of their souls:[5891] 160 Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;[5892] '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[5893] And makes me poor indeed. 165 Oth. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.[5894] Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. Oth. Ha! Iago. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;[5895] It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock[5896][5897] 170 The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss[5897][5898] Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;[5899] But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves![5900] Oth. O misery! 175 Iago. Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as winter[5901] To him that ever fears he shall be poor: Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend[5902] From jealousy! Oth. Why, why is this?[5903] 180 Think'st thou I'ld make a life 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,[5904] When I shall turn the business of my soul 185 To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,[5905] Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous[5906] To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well;[5907] Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:[5908] 190 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;[5909] I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this, 195 Away at once with love or jealousy![5910] Iago. I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason[5911][5912] To show the love and duty that I bear you With franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound,[5911] Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.[5913] 200 Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure:[5914] I would not have your free and noble nature Out of self-bounty be abused; look to't: I know our country disposition well; 205 In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks[5915] They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience[5916] Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.[5917] Oth. Dost thou say so?[5918] Iago. She did deceive her father, marrying you; 210 And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, She loved them most. Oth. And so she did. Iago. Why, go to then;[5919] She that so young could give out such a seeming, To seel her father's eyes up close as oak—[5920] He thought 'twas witchcraft—but I am much to blame;[5911][5921] 215 I humbly do beseech you of your pardon For too much loving you. Oth. I am bound to thee for ever.[5911][5922] Iago. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. Oth. Not a jot, not a jot. Iago. I'faith, I fear it has.[5923] I hope you will consider what is spoke 220 Comes from my love; but I do see you're moved:[5924] I am to pray you not to strain my speech To grosser issues nor to larger reach Than to suspicion. Oth. I will not. Iago. Should you do so, my lord, 225 My speech should fall into such vile success[5925] As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend—[5926] My lord, I see you're moved.[5927] Oth. No, not much moved: I do not think but Desdemona's honest.[5928] Iago. Long live she so! and long live you to think so![5929] 230 Oth. And yet, how nature erring from itself—[5930] Iago. Ay, there's the point: as—to be bold with you—[5931] Not to affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends—[5932] 235 Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank,[5933] Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.[5934] But pardon me: I do not in position[5935] Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear[5936] Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, 240 May fall to match you with her country forms,[5937] And happily repent. Oth. Farewell, farewell:[5938] If more thou dost perceive, let me know more; Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, Iago.[5939] Iago. [Going] My lord, I take my leave.[5940] 245 Oth. Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless[5941] Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. Iago. [Returning] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour[5942][5943] To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:[5943][5944] Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,[5945] 250 For sure he fills it up with great ability, Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,[5946] You shall by that perceive him and his means: Note if your lady strain his entertainment[5947] With any strong or vehement importunity; 255 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. Oth. Fear not my government. 260 Iago. I once more take my leave. [Exit.[5948] Oth. This fellow's of exceeding honesty,[5949] And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,[5950][5951] Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,[5951][5952] Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings, 265 I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind[5953] To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black[5911][5954] 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—[5955] 270 She's gone; I am abused, and my relief[5956] Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,[5957] 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,[5958] 275 Than keep a corner in the thing I love[5959] For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones;[5960] Prerogatived are they less than the base;[5961] 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death:[5962] Even then this forked plague is fated to us 280 When we do quicken. Desdemona comes:

If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself![5964] I'll not believe 't.[5965] Des. How now, my dear Othello! Your dinner, and the generous islanders[5966] By you invited, do attend your presence. 285 Oth. I am to blame. Des. Why do you speak so faintly?[5967][5968] Are you not well?[5968] Oth. I have a pain upon my forehead here.[5969] Des. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again:[5970] Let me but bind it hard, within this hour[5971] 290 It will be well. Oth. Your napkin is too little;

Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. Des. I am very sorry that you are not well.

Emil. I am glad I have found this napkin:[5974] This was her first remembrance from the Moor: 295 My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token,[5975] 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,[5976][5977][5978] 300 And give 't Iago: what he will do with it[5976][5978][5979] Heaven knows, not I;[5976] I nothing but to please his fantasy.

Iago. How now! what do you here alone? Emil. Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.[5981] 305 Iago. A thing for me? it is a common thing—[5981][5982] Emil. Ha! Iago. To have a foolish wife.[5983] Emil. O, is that all? What will you give me now For that same handkerchief? Iago. What handkerchief?[5984] 310 Emil. What handkerchief![5984] Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; That which so often you did bid me steal. Iago. Hast stol'n it from her?[5985] Emil. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence,[5986] 315 And, to the advantage, I being here took 't up.[5987] Look, here it is.[5988] Iago. A good wench; give it me. Emil. What will you do with 't, that you have been so earnest[5989][5990] To have me filch it?[5989] Iago. [Snatching it] Why, what's that to you?[5991] Emil. If 't be not for some purpose of import,[5992] 320 Give 't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad[5993] When she shall lack it. Iago. Be not acknown on 't; I have use for it.[5994][5995] Go, leave me. [Exit Emilia.[5994] I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin,[5996] 325 And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ: this may do something.[5997] The Moor already changes with my poison:[5998] Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,[5999] 330 Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood[6000] Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so:[6001] Look, where he comes!

Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,[6003] 335 Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday. Oth. Ha! ha! false to me?[6004] Iago. Why, how now, general! no more of that. Oth. Avaunt! be gone! thou hast set me on the rack:[6005] I swear 'tis better to be much abused 340 Than but to know 't a little. Iago. How now, my lord![6006] Oth. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust?[6007] I saw 't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me:[6008] I slept the next night well, was free and merry;[6009] I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips: 345 He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n, Let him not know 't and he's not robb'd at all. Iago. I am sorry to hear this. Oth. I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,[6010] 350 So I had nothing known. O, now for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars[6011] That make ambition virtue! O, farewell,[6012] Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, 355 The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,[6013] The royal banner and all quality, Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war! And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats[6014] The immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit,[6015] 360 Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone! Iago. Is't possible, my lord?[6016] Oth. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;[6017] Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof;[6018] Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul,[6019] 365 Thou hadst been better have been born a dog[6020] Than answer my waked wrath![6021] Iago. Is't come to this? Oth. 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! 370 Iago. My noble lord,—[6022] Oth. If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror's head horrors accumulate;[6023] Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; 375 For nothing canst thou to damnation add[6024] Greater than that.[6024] Iago. O grace! O heaven defend me![6025] Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? God be wi' you; take mine office. O wretched fool,[6026] That livest to make thine honesty a vice![6027] 380 O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,[6028] 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.[6029] Oth. Nay, stay: thou shouldst be honest.[6030] 385 Iago. I should be wise; for honesty's a fool, And loses that it works for.[6031] Oth. By the world,[6032] I think my wife be honest, and think she is not;[6032][6033] I think that thou art just, and think thou art not:[6032] I'll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh[6032][6034] 390 As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black[6032] As mine own face. If there be cords, or knives,[6032] Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams,[6032][6035] I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied![6032] Iago. I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion:[6032][6036] 395 I do repent me that I put it to you. You would be satisfied? Oth. Would! nay, I will.[6037] Iago. And may: but, how? how satisfied, my lord? Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on?[6038] Behold her topp'd?[6039] Oth. Death and damnation! O! 400 Iago. It were a tedious difficulty, I think, To bring them to that prospect: damn them then,[6040] If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster[6041] More than their own! What then? how then?[6042] What shall I say? Where's satisfaction?[6043] 405 It is impossible you should see this, Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,[6044] As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I say, If imputation and strong circumstances, 410 Which lead directly to the door of truth, Will give you satisfaction, you may have 't.[6045] Oth. Give me a living reason she's disloyal.[6046] Iago. I do not like the office: But sith I am enter'd in this cause so far,[5911][6047] 415 Prick'd to 't by foolish honesty and love, I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,[6048] And being troubled with a raging tooth,[6049] I could not sleep.[6049] There are a kind of men so loose of soul,[6049] 420 That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs:[6049][6050] One of this kind is Cassio:[6049] In sleep I heard him say 'Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;'[6051] And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, 425 Cry 'O sweet creature!' and then kiss me hard,[6052] As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, That grew upon my lips: then laid his leg[6053][6054] Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd, and then[6053][6055] Cried 'Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!'[6053][6055] 430 Oth. O monstrous! monstrous! Iago. Nay, this was but his dream.[6056] Oth. But this denoted a foregone conclusion:[6057] 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.[6058] Iago. And this may help to thicken other proofs[6058] That do demonstrate thinly. Oth. I'll tear her all to pieces. 435 Iago. Nay, but be wise: yet we see nothing done;[6059] She may be honest yet. Tell me but this; Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief[6060] Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?[6061][6062] Oth. I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift. 440 Iago. I know not that: but such a handkerchief—[6060] I am sure it was your wife's—did I to-day[5911][6061] See Cassio wipe his beard with. Oth. If it be that,—[6063] Iago. If it be that, or any that was hers,[6064] It speaks against her with the other proofs. 445 Oth. 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;[6065] All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: 'Tis gone.[6066] 450 Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell![6067] Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne[6068] To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, For 'tis of aspics' tongues! Iago. Yet be content.[6069] Oth. O, blood, blood, blood![6070] 455 Iago. Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.[6071] Oth. Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,[6072][6073] Whose icy current and compulsive course[6072][6074] Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on[6072][6075] To the Propontic and the Hellespont;[6072] 460 Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace,[6072] Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,[6072][6076] Till that a capable and wide revenge[6072] Swallow them up. Now, by yond marble heaven,[6072][6077] In the due reverence of a sacred vow [Kneels.[6078] 465 I here engage my words. Iago. Do not rise yet. [Kneels.[6079] Witness, you ever-burning lights above,[6080] You elements that clip us round about,[6081] Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart,[6082] 470 To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command, And to obey shall be in me remorse,[6083][6084] What bloody business ever. [They rise.[6084][6085] Oth. I greet thy love, Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, And will upon the instant put thee to 't: 475 Within these three days let me hear thee say That Cassio's not alive. Iago. My friend is dead; 'tis done at your request:[6086][6087] But let her live.[6086] Oth. Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her![6088] Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw, 480 To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.[6089] Iago. I am your own for ever. [Exeunt.