his Desdemona: whom det us not therefore blame; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for Jove. Cas. She's a most exquisite lady. lago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. Cas. Indeed, she is a most fresh and delicate creature. Iago. What an eye she has! methinks, it sounds a parley of provocation. Cas. An inviting eye; and yet, methinks, right modest. lago. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarm to love? Cas. She is, indeed, perfection. Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, I have a stoop of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants, that would fain have a measure to the health of the black Othello. Cas. Not to-night, good Iago; I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish cour tesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. fago. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you. Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was craftily qualified too, and, behold, what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. Iago. What, man! 'tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it. Cas. Where are they? lago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. [Exit Cassio. lago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk to-night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence [rigo, As my young mistress' dog. Now, mysick fool, Rode- Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch: C And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of Re-enter CASSIO; with him MONTANO and Gentlemen. Iago. Some wine, ho! And let me the canakin clink, clink; A soldier's a man; A life's but a span; Why then, let a soldier drink. Some wine, boys! [Sings. [Wine brought in. Cas. 'Fore heaven, an excellent song. lago. I learned it in England, where (indeed) they are most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied Hollander,-Drink, ho!-are nothing to your English. Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? Iago. Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be filled. Cas. To the health of our general. Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice. Iago. O sweet England! King Stephen was a worthy peer, His breeches cost him but a crown; He was a wight of high renown, And thou art but of low degree: Some wine, ho! Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. lago. 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, or 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. Enter RODERIGO. lago. How now, Roderigo? [Aside. I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit Roderigo. It were an honest action, to say So to the Moor. lago. 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? Re-enter CASSIO, driving in RODERIGO. [Cry within.-Help! Help! What's the matter, lieutenant? Cas. You rogue! you rascal! Mon. I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. Rod. Beat me! Cas. Mon. Dost thou prate, rogue? I pray you, sir, hold your hand. [Striking Roderigo. Nay, good lieutenant; [Staying him. Let me go, sir, Come, come, you're drunk. [They fight. Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. Cas. Drunk! lago. Away, I say! go out, and cry—a mutiny! [Aside to Rod. who goes out. Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen,— [Bell rings. Enter OTHELLO and Attendants. Oth. What is the matter here? Mon. I bleed still, I am hurt to the death; he dies. Oth. Hold, for your lives. lago. Hold, hold, lieutenant,-sir, Montano,-gentleHave you forgot all sense of place and duty? [men,Hold, hold! the general speaks to you; hold, for shame! Oth. Why, how now, ho? from whence ariseth this? For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? And spend your rich opinion, for the name Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to dauger; Your officer, Iago, can inform you While I spare speech, which something now offends me- By me that's said or done amiss this night; When violence assails us, |