He was a wight of high renown, And thou art but of low degree: Then take thine auld cloak about thee. Some wine, ho! Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. Iago. Will you hear it again? Cas. No; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place, that does those things.-Well,-Heaven's above all; and there be souls that must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. Iago. It's true, good lieutenant. Cas. For mine own part,-no offence to the general, nor any man of quality,-I hope to be saved. Iago. And so do I too, lieutenant. Cas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more of this; let's to our affairs.-Forgive us our sins!-Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk; this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left hand:-I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough. All. Excellent well. Cas. Why, very well, then: you must not think then that I am drunk. [Exit. Mon. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the watch. Iago. You see this fellow, that is gone before;He is a soldier, fit to stand by Cæsar And give direction: and do but see his vice; The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him, On some odd time of his infirmity, Will shake this island. Mon. But is he often thus? Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep? He'll watch the horologe a double set, If drink rock not his cradle. Mon. It were well, The general were put in mind of it. Perhaps, he sees it not; or his good nature Enter Roderigo. Iago. How now, Roderigo? [Aside. I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit Roderigo. Mon. And 'tis great pity, that the noble Moor Should hazard such a place, as his own second, With one of an ingraft infirmity: It were an honest action, to say So to the Moor. Iago. Not I, for this fair island: I do love Cassio well; and would do much To cure him of this evil. But hark! what noise? [Cry within,-Help! help! Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo. Cas. You rogue! you rascal! Mon. What's the matter, lieutenant? Cas. A knave!-teach me my duty! I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry—a mutiny. [Aside to Rod. who goes out. Nay, good lieutenant,―alas, gentlemen,- Who's that that rings the bell?-Diablo, ho! Oth. Enter Othello, and Attendants. What is the matter here? Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death;-he dies. Oth. Hold, for your lives. Iago. Hold, hold, lieutenant,-sir, Montano,gentlemen, Have you forgot all sense of place and duty? Hold, hold! the general speaks to you; hold, for shame! Oth. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? Are we turn'd Turks; and to ourselves do that, For christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: ters? Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving, Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee. Iago. I do not know;-friends all but now, even now, In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom These legs, that brought me to a part of it! Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? Cas. I pray you, pardon me, I cannot speak. Oth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil; The gravity and stillness of your youth The world hath noted, and your name is great That you unlace your reputation thus, Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it. Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger; Your officer, Iago, can inform you While I spare speech, which something now offends me, Of all that I do know: nor know I aught By me that's said or done amiss this night; And to defend ourselves it be a sin, Oth. Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule; Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know Mon. If partially affin'd, or leagu'd in office, Iago. Touch me not so near: I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth, Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general. E |