Othello

hand?
Didst not mark that?
RODERIGO. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesy.
IAGO. Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure prologue to
the
history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with
their
lips that their breaths embraced together. Villainous
thoughts,
Roderigo! When these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at
hand
comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate
conclusion.
Pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought you from
Venice. Watch you tonight; for the command, I'll lay't upon
you.
Cassio knows you not. I'll not be far from you. Do you find
some
occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or
tainting his discipline, or from what other course you
please,
which the time shall more favorably minister.
RODERIGO. Well.
IAGO. Sir, he is rash and very sudden in choler, and haply may
strike at you. Provoke him, that he may; for even out of that
will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification
shall
come into no true taste again but by the displanting of
Cassio.
So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the
means
I shall then have to prefer them, and the impediment most
profitably removed, without the which there were no
expectation
of our prosperity.
RODERIGO. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity.
IAGO. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel. I must
fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.
RODERIGO. Adieu.
Exit.
IAGO. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it;
That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit.
The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not,
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature,
And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona
A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too,
Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure
I stand accountant for as great a sin,
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof
Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards,
And nothing can or shall content my soul
Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife.
Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do,
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb
(For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too),
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me
For making him egregiously an ass
And practicing upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused:
Knavery's plain face is never seen till used.
Exit.

SCENE II. A street

Enter a Herald with a proclamation; people following.

HERALD. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant
general,
that upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere
perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into
triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to
what
sport and revels his addiction leads him; for besides these
beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. So
much
was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open,
and
there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of
five
till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of
Cyprus
and our noble general Othello!
Exeunt.

SCENE III. A hall in the castle

Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants.

OTHELLO. Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.
Let's teach ourselves that honorable stop,
Not to outsport discretion.
CASSIO. Iago hath direction what to do;
But notwithstanding with my personal eye