LitCharts

Othello Translation Act 4, Scene 1

Also check out our detailed summary & analysis of this scene

Check out our summary & analysis of this scene

Original

Translation

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO

OTHELLO and IAGO enter.

IAGO

Will you think so?

IAGO

Do you think so?

OTHELLO

Think so, Iago?

OTHELLO

Think what, Iago?

IAGO

What,To kiss in private?

IAGO

What, that they kissed in private?

OTHELLO

An unauthorized kiss!

OTHELLO

An inappropriate kiss!

IAGO

Or to be naked with her friend in bedAn hour or more, not meaning any harm?

IAGO

Or because she was naked in bed with a friend for just an hour or more, not meaning any harm?

OTHELLO

Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! It is hypocrisy against the devil. They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.

OTHELLO

Iago, naked in bed and not meaning any harm? That would be like tricking the devil. If they were acting this way but had virtuous intentions, they were tempted by the devil and they were tempting God to damn them.

IAGO

So they do nothing, ’tis a venial slip. But if I give my wife a handkerchief—

IAGO

As long as they haven't actually done anything, it's just a pardonable sin. But, if I give my wife a handkerchief . . .

OTHELLO

What then?

OTHELLO

What then?

IAGO

Why then ’tis hers, my lord, and, being hers,She may, I think, bestow ’t on any man.

IAGO

Then it belongs to her, my lord. And since it is hers, she may give it to any man she wants.

OTHELLO

She is protectress of her honor too. May she give that?

OTHELLO

Her honor belongs to her, too. Can she give that away, as well?

IAGO

Her honor is an essence that’s not seen,They have it very oft that have it not.But for the handkerchief—

IAGO

Her honor is part of her inner essence that can't be seen. Often people have an honorable reputation but aren't really honorable. But as for the handkerchief—

OTHELLO

By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou saidst—Oh, it comes o'er my memory, As doth the raven o'er the infectious house, Boding to all—he had my handkerchief.

OTHELLO

By heaven, I wish I had forgotten about it. You told me—oh, it comes back to my memory, like the bad omen of a raven coming over a house where someone is sick—that Cassio had my handkerchief.

IAGO

Ay, what of that?

IAGO

Yes, so what?

OTHELLO

That’s not so good now.

OTHELLO

That is not so good, now.

IAGO

What if I had said I had seen him do you wrong? Or heard him say—as knaves be such abroad, Who having, by their own importunate suit, Or voluntary dotage of some mistress, Convincèd or supplied them, cannot choose But they must blab—

IAGO

What if I had told you that I saw him do you wrong? Or what if I heard him say so—there are some villains out there who, once they have seduced or satisfied some mistress with their flirting and doting, can't help but brag about it—

OTHELLO

Hath he said any thing?

OTHELLO

Has he said something?

IAGO

He hath, my lord, but be you well assuredNo more than he’ll unswear.

IAGO

My lord, he has—but you can be sure that he'll deny it.

OTHELLO

What hath he said?

OTHELLO

What did he say?

IAGO

Why, that he did—I know not what he did.

IAGO

Well, he said that he did—I don't know what he did.

OTHELLO

What? what?

OTHELLO

What? What?

IAGO

Lie—

IAGO

He said he did lie—

OTHELLO

With her?

OTHELLO

With Desdemona?

IAGO

With her, on her, what you will.

IAGO

With her, on her, however you want to say it.

OTHELLO

Lie with her? lie on her? We say “lie on her” when theybelie her! Lie with her—that’s fulsome. Handkerchief—confessions—handkerchief! To confess, and be hanged for his labor. First to be hanged, and then toconfess—I tremble at it . Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shake me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is ’t possible? Confess!—Handkerchief!—Oh, devil!—

OTHELLO

Lie with her? Lie on her? To lie on someone is to tell lies about that person! To lie with her—that's obscene. First the handkerchief, and now this confession! Should he confess first and then be executed? No, I'll kill him first and let him confess later. I am trembling with anger, and nature wouldn't make my body do this without some reason. It must be more than a rumor if it's making me tremble like this. Ugh! Noses, ears, and lips. Could this be true? That he would admit to it—and the handkerchief! Oh, devil!

Falls in a trance

OTHELLO is afflicted with a seizure.

IAGO

Work on, My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught, And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach.— What, ho! My lord! My lord, I say! Othello!

IAGO

[To himself] Keep on working, my harmful medicine, keep on working! This is how gullible fools are tricked, and many trustworthy and chaste women, completely innocent, are punished in situations like this.

[To OTHELLO] Hey! My lord! My lord! Othello!

Enter CASSIO

CASSIO enters.

How now, Cassio!

Hey there, Cassio!

CASSIO

What’s the matter?

CASSIO

What's the matter?

IAGO

My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy.This is his second fit. He had one yesterday.

IAGO

My lord has fallen into a seizure. This is the second time he's had one of these fits. He had one yesterday.

CASSIO

Rub him about the temples.

CASSIO

Rub his temples.

IAGO

No, forbear. The lethargy must have his quiet course. If not, he foams at mouth and by and by Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs. Do you withdraw yourself a little while, He will recover straight. When he is gone I would on great occasion speak with you.

IAGO

No, hold on. We have to let the fit run its course. Otherwise he'll foam at the mouth and break out in a fit of savage madness. Look, he's moving. Stay away for a bit. He'll recover soon. When he is gone, I would really like to talk to you in private.

Exit CASSIO

CASSIO exits.

How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head?

How are you, General? Have you hurt your head?

OTHELLO

Dost thou mock me?

OTHELLO

Are you mocking me?

IAGO

I mock you not, by heaven.Would you would bear your fortune like a man!

IAGO

No, I swear to God! I wish you would bear your misfortune like a man!

OTHELLO

A hornèd man’s a monster and a beast.

OTHELLO

A man who's been cheated on isn't a man; he has the cuckold's horns, and so is a monstrous beast.

IAGO

There’s many a beast then in a populous city,And many a civil monster.

IAGO

Well then, there are many monsters in big cities, and many monsters that pass for men.

OTHELLO

Did he confess it?

OTHELLO

Did Cassio confess to it?

IAGO

Good sir, be a man, Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked May draw with you. There’s millions now alive That nightly lie in those unproper beds Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better. Oh, ’tis the spite of hell, the fiend’s arch-mock, To lip a wanton in a secure couch, And to suppose her chaste. No, let me know, And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be.

IAGO

Good sir, be a man. Think about it: every married man has experienced what you're going through. There are millions of wives now living who sleep in disgraced beds which they swear belong only to their husbands. But you're better off. It's even worse—a curse from hell—to kiss your wife in bed thinking that she is chaste when she isn't. No, I'd rather know if my wife were cheating on me. Then I'd know exactly what sort of person I am and what sort of person my wife is.

OTHELLO

Oh, thou art wise! 'Tis certain.

OTHELLO

Oh, you are certainly wise!

IAGO

Stand you awhile apart, Confine yourself but in a patient list. Whilst you were here o'erwhelmèd with your grief— A passion most resulting such a man— Cassio came hither. I shifted him away And laid good ’scuses upon your ecstasy, Bade him anon return and here speak with me, The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns That dwell in every region of his face. For I will make him tell the tale anew Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when He hath, and is again to cope your wife. I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience, Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen, And nothing of a man.

IAGO

Stay away from her for a while. Be patient. While you were overwhelmed by your grief—a passionate feeling you are prone to—Cassio was here. I sent him away and made some excuse for your fit of passion. I told him to come back here and speak with me, and he promised to do so. Hide nearby and watch the sneers and visible expressions of scorn all over his face, as I ask him to tell me again about where, how, how often, how long ago, and when he has slept and will again sleep with your wife. Just watch his expression. Please, be patient, or else you'll show that you are completely ruled by your emotions and not a real man.

OTHELLO

Dost thou hear, Iago?I will be found most cunning in my patience,But—dost thou hear?—most bloody.

OTHELLO

Listen to me, Iago: I will be patient and cunning. But—do you hear me?—I will take violent action later.

IAGO

That’s not amiss, But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?

IAGO

That's not wrong. But wait for a bit. Will you step back and hide?

OTHELLO withdraws

OTHELLO steps back and hides, so that he cannot hear IAGO but can still see him.

Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A huswife that by selling her desires Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature That dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.

Now I will question Cassio about Bianca, a loose girl that makes a living by selling herself to men. The whore loves Cassio, and it's her bad luck to attract many men but be attracted to just one. When he is asked about her, he can't help but laugh. Here he comes.

Enter CASSIO

CASSIO enters.

As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in the wrong.— How do you now, lieutenant?

[To himself] As Cassio smiles while we talk, Othello will go mad. And his unrestrained jealousy will misinterpret poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and jovial behavior.

[To CASSIO] How are you doing now, lieutenant?

CASSIO

The worser that you give me the additionWhose want even kills me.

CASSIO

I'm doing worse now since you called me lieutenant, when it's killing me that I don't have that title anymore.

IAGO

Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on ’t. Now if this suit lay in Bianca’s powerHow quickly should you speed!

IAGO

Ask Desdemona to help you, and you'll surely get it back.

[To CASSIO so only he can hear] Now, if it were Bianca who had the power to help you, I imagine you'd be running off to her as fast as you could!

CASSIO

Alas, poor caitiff!

CASSIO

Ha, that poor woman!

OTHELLO

Look how he laughs already!

OTHELLO

Look how he's laughing already!

IAGO

I never knew woman love man so.

IAGO

I've never seen a woman love a man as much as she loves you.

CASSIO

Alas, poor rogue, I think indeed she loves me.

CASSIO

Alas, the poor girl, I think she really does love me.

OTHELLO

Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out.

OTHELLO

Now he denies his crime a bit, and laughs it off.

IAGO

Do you hear, Cassio?

IAGO

Have you heard, Cassio?

OTHELLO

Now he importunes himTo tell it o'er. Go to, well said, well said.

OTHELLO

Now Iago is asking Cassio to tell the story again. Go on, well said, well said.

IAGO

She gives it out that you shall marry her.Do you intend it?

IAGO

She is saying that you're going to marry her. Do you intend to?

CASSIO

Ha, ha, ha!

CASSIO

Ha, ha, ha!

OTHELLO

Do ye triumph, Roman? Do you triumph?

OTHELLO

Are you celebrating like a triumphant Roman general? Are you triumphing after your conquest?

CASSIO

I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwholesome. Ha, ha, ha!

CASSIO

Me, marry her? A prostitute? Please, think a little more highly of me; don't think I'm that stupid. Ha, ha, ha!

OTHELLO

So, so, so, so! They laugh that win!

OTHELLO

Aha, so there! He's laughing like he's won her over!

IAGO

Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her.

IAGO

Really, rumor has it that you are going to marry her.

CASSIO

Prithee say true!

CASSIO

Please, is that true?

IAGO

I am a very villain else.

IAGO

I swear it is, or else I'm a villain.

OTHELLO

Have you scored me? Well.

OTHELLO

Have you wronged me? Well, then.

CASSIO

This is the monkey’s own giving out. She is persuaded Iwill marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise.

CASSIO

The monkey herself must be spreading this rumor. She is convinced I will marry her, driven by her own love and self-flattery. I haven't promised her anything.

OTHELLO

Iago beckons me. Now he begins the story.

OTHELLO

Iago is signaling to me. Now Cassio is beginning the story.

CASSIO

She was here even now. She haunts me in every place. I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble and, by this hand, she falls me thus about my neck—

CASSIO

She was here just now. She follows me everywhere. The other day I was talking along the shore with some Venetians, and the silly girl came to me and—I swear—she hangs around my neck like this—

OTHELLO

Crying “O dear Cassio!” as it were. His gesture importsit.

OTHELLO

He looks like he's crying out, "Oh dear Cassio!" That's what his gestures indicate.

CASSIO

So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me, so shakes, and pulls me! Ha, ha, ha!

CASSIO

She hangs on me like this and cries on my shoulder and shakes and pulls me like this! Ha, ha, ha!

OTHELLO

Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. Oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to.

OTHELLO

Now he's talking about how she dragged him to my bedroom. Oh, Cassio, I'm going to cut off your nose and throw it to some dog.

CASSIO

Well, I must leave her company.

CASSIO

Well, I must stop spending time with her.

IAGO

Before me! Look, where she comes.

IAGO

My goodness! Look, she's coming.

Enter BIANCA

BIANCA enters.

CASSIO

'Tis such another fitchew. Marry, a perfumed one.—What do you mean by this haunting of me?

CASSIO

Just the prostitute we were talking about. And she's wearing perfume. Why are you following me around like this?

BIANCA

Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the work? A likelypiece of work, that you should find it in your chamber,and not know who left it there! This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There, give it yourhobby-horse. Wheresoever you had it, I’ll take out no work on ’t.

BIANCA

Let the devil and his wife follow you around! Why did you give me that handkerchief just recently? I was an idiot to accept it. You want me to copy the embroidery? What a likely story, that you found it in your room and didn't know who left it there! This is a gift from some woman, and you want me to copy out the embroidery? There, give it back to your new mistress. Wherever you got it from, I'm not copying any of it.

CASSIO

How now, my sweet Bianca! How now, how now?

CASSIO

What's the matter, my sweet Bianca? What's the matter?

OTHELLO

By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!

OTHELLO

By heaven, that's my handkerchief!

BIANCA

If you’ll come to supper tonight, you may. If you will not, come when you are next prepared for.

BIANCA

If you will come have dinner with me tonight, then okay. If you don't come to dinner then just keep on waiting until I call for you next—which will be never.

Exit

BIANCA exits.

IAGO

After her, after her.

IAGO

Go after her, go after her.

CASSIO

I must, she’ll rail in the street else.

CASSIO

I must. Otherwise, she'll make a ruckus in the street.

IAGO

Will you sup there?

IAGO

Will you go to dinner with her?

CASSIO

Yes, I intend so.

CASSIO

Yes, I intend to go.

IAGO

Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very fain speak with you.

IAGO

Well, I'd like to get a chance to see you later, because I really would like to speak with you.

CASSIO

Prithee come, will you?

CASSIO

Please come to the diner, then. Will you?

IAGO

Go to! Say no more.

IAGO

Stop talking and go after her!

Exit CASSIO

CASSIO exits.

OTHELLO

[advancing] How shall I murder him, Iago?

OTHELLO

[Coming forward out of hiding] How should I murder him, Iago?

IAGO

Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?

IAGO

Did you see how he laughed about his crime?

OTHELLO

Oh Iago!

OTHELLO

Oh, Iago!

IAGO

And did you see the handkerchief?

IAGO

And did you see the handkerchief?

OTHELLO

Was that mine?

OTHELLO

Was that my handkerchief?

IAGO

Yours by this hand. And to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife! She gave it him, and he hath given it his whore.

IAGO

I swear on my hand, it was yours. And look how much he cares about your foolish wife! She gave him her handkerchief, and he turns around and gives it to a whore.

OTHELLO

I would have him nine years a-killing. A fine woman! A fair woman! A sweet woman!

OTHELLO

If I could, I'd spend nine years killing him slowly. She was a fine woman! A beautiful woman! A sweet woman!

IAGO

Nay, you must forget that.

IAGO

You must forget about that.

OTHELLO

Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone. I strike it and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world hath not asweeter creature, she might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks.

OTHELLO

Yes, let her rot and perish and go to hell tonight, for she will not live past tonight. No, my heart has turned to stone. If I beat my chest, it hurts my hand. Oh, there's not a sweeter creature in the world! She could be the wife of an emperor and he'd obey her commands.

IAGO

Nay, that’s not your way.

IAGO

No, that's not like you to obey a woman.

OTHELLO

Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with her needle, an admirable musician. Oh, she will sing thesavageness out of a bear! Of so high and plenteous wit and invention!

OTHELLO

Let her be hanged! I'm just calling her what she is now. Such a skilled sewer, such an admirable musician. Oh, she could sing so well she'd charm a savage bear to gentleness! She's so clever and intelligent!

IAGO

She’s the worse for all this.

IAGO

All these traits make her even worse.

OTHELLO

Oh, a thousand thousand times—and then of so gentle a condition!

OTHELLO

Oh, they make her a thousand times worse! And she has such a gentle nature!

IAGO

Ay, too gentle.

IAGO

Yes, too gentle.

OTHELLO

Nay, that’s certain. But yet the pity of it, Iago! O Iago, the pity of it, Iago!

OTHELLO

That's certainly true. But what a pity this is, Iago! Oh, Iago, the pity!

IAGO

If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend, for if it touch not you it comes near nobody.

IAGO

If you still care about her after her sinfulness, give her permission to cheat on you. If it doesn't bother you, it doesn't harm anyone.

OTHELLO

I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me?

OTHELLO

I will chop her up into little bits! Cheat on me, will she?

IAGO

Oh, ’tis foul in her.

IAGO

Oh, it's really a foul thing for her to do.

OTHELLO

With mine officer!

OTHELLO

With my own lieutenant!

IAGO

That’s fouler.

IAGO

That's even worse.

OTHELLO

Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I’ll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovidemy mind again—This night, Iago!

OTHELLO

Iago, get me some poison this very night. I won't speak to her, so her body and beauty don't trick my mind again. Get me the poison tonight, Iago!

IAGO

Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.

IAGO

Don't poison her. Strangle her in her bed—the very bed she contaminated with her affair.

OTHELLO

Good, good, the justice of it pleases! Very good!

OTHELLO

Good idea! Poetic justice! Very good!

IAGO

And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall hear more by midnight.

IAGO

And as for Cassio, let me handle him. You'll hear more about it by midnight.

OTHELLO

Excellent good.

OTHELLO

Very good.

A trumpet within

A trumpet sounds off-stage.

What trumpet is that same?

What is that trumpet?

IAGO

I warrant something from Venice. 'Tis Lodovico, this, comes from the duke. See, your wife’s with him.

IAGO

It must be some news from Venice. Here comes Lodovico, from the Duke. Look, your wife is with him.

Enter LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and attendants

LODOVICO, DESDEMONA, and attendants enter.

LODOVICO

Save you, worthy general!

LODOVICO

Hello, noble General.

OTHELLO

With all my heart, sir.

OTHELLO

Hello, sir.

LODOVICO

The duke and senators of Venice greet you.

LODOVICO

The Duke and Senators of Venice send their greetings.

(gives him a letter)

LODOVICO gives OTHELLO a letter.

OTHELLO

I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.

OTHELLO

I kiss the letter that contains their commands.

DESDEMONA

And what’s the news, good cousin Lodovico?

DESDEMONA

And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico?

IAGO

I am very glad to see you, signior. Welcome to Cyprus.

IAGO

I am very glad to see you, sir. Welcome to Cyprus.

LODOVICO

I thank you. How does lieutenant Cassio?

LODOVICO

Thank you. How is Lieutenant Cassio doing?

IAGO

Lives, sir.

IAGO

He's alive, sir.

DESDEMONA

Cousin, there’s fall'n between him and my lordAn unkind breach, but you shall make all well.

DESDEMONA

Cousin, there's a rift now between my husband and him. But you can mend it.

OTHELLO

Are you sure of that?

OTHELLO

Are you sure about that?

DESDEMONA

My lord?

DESDEMONA

My lord?

OTHELLO

[reads] “This fail you not to do, as you will—”

OTHELLO

[Reading the letter] "Don't fail to do this, since you will—"

LODOVICO

He did not call, he’s busy in the paper.Is there division ’twixt my lord and Cassio?

LODOVICO

He wasn't talking to you, Desdemona. He's busy reading the letter. Is there really a dispute between my lord and Cassio?

DESDEMONA

A most unhappy one. I would do much T' atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.

DESDEMONA

Yes, a most unhappy one. I would do anything to repair their friendship, because of my love for Cassio.

OTHELLO

Fire and brimstone!

OTHELLO

Fire and brimstone!

DESDEMONA

My lord?

DESDEMONA

My lord?

OTHELLO

Are you wise?

OTHELLO

Do you have any sense?

DESDEMONA

What, is he angry?

DESDEMONA

What, is he angry?

LODOVICO

Maybe the letter moved him,For, as I think, they do command him home,Deputing Cassio in his government.

LODOVICO

Maybe the letter upset him. I think they've ordered him to return home and leave Cassio in charge here.

DESDEMONA

By my troth, I am glad on ’t.

DESDEMONA

Truthfully, I'm glad about that.

OTHELLO

Indeed!

OTHELLO

Really!

DESDEMONA

My lord?

DESDEMONA

My lord?

OTHELLO

I am glad to see you mad.

OTHELLO

I'm glad to see that you are angry.

DESDEMONA

Why, sweet Othello—

DESDEMONA

Why, sweet Othello—

OTHELLO

Devil! [strikes her]

OTHELLO

You devil! [He hits DESDEMONA]

DESDEMONA

I have not deserved this.

DESDEMONA

I haven't done anything to deserve this.

LODOVICO

My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,Though I should swear I saw ’t. 'Tis very much.Make her amends, she weeps.

LODOVICO

My lord, no one in Venice would believe you just did that—even if I swore that I saw it with my own eyes. This is no small matter. Apologize to her. She's crying.

OTHELLO

Oh, devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!

OTHELLO

Oh, devil, devil! If the whole world were filled with the tears of women, they'd all be fake tears! Get out of my sight!

DESDEMONA

I will not stay to offend you.

DESDEMONA

I will not stay, if it offends you.

LODOVICO

Truly, an obedient lady.I do beseech your lordship, call her back.

LODOVICO

She is truly an obedient lady. I beg you, my lord, call her back.

OTHELLO

Mistress!

OTHELLO

Mistress!

DESDEMONA

My lord?

DESDEMONA

Yes, my lord?

OTHELLO

What would you with her, sir?

OTHELLO

What do you want with her, sir?

LODOVICO

Who, I, my lord?

LODOVICO

Me, my lord?

OTHELLO

Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn. Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on, And turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep. And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, Very obedient. (To DESDEMONA) Proceed you in your tears. (To LODOVICO) Concerning this, sir— (To DESDEMONA) Oh,well-painted passion! (To LODOVICO) I am commanded home. (To DESDEMONA) Get you away, I’ll send for you anon. (To LODOVICO) Sir, I obey the mandate And will return to Venice. (To DESDEMONA) Hence, avaunt!

OTHELLO

Yes, you're the one who wanted me to have her turn around and come back here. She can turn around all right; she's very good at turning on you. And she can weep, sir. And she's obedient, as you say, very obedient.

[To DESDEMONA] Keep on crying.

[To LODOVICO] About this letter, sir.

[To DESDEMONA] Oh you are pretending really well!

[To LODOVICO] I have been ordered to come home.

[To DESDEMONA] Go away. I'll call for you later.

[To LODOVICO] Sir, I obey my orders and will return to Venice.

[To DESDEMONA] Get away from here! Away!

Exit DESDEMONA

DESDEMONA exits.

Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, tonightI do entreat that we may sup together. You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. Goats and monkeys!

Cassio will take over for me here. And, sir, tonight I ask you to have dinner together with me. Welcome to Cyprus, sir. Oh, goats and monkeys!

Exit

OTHELLO exits.

LODOVICO

Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce?

LODOVICO

Is this the same noble Moor that our whole senate thinks so highly of? Is this the person who supposedly could not be shaken by passion? The man whose solid virtue was invulnerable to anything chance or fortune could throw at it?

IAGO

He is much changed.

IAGO

He has changed a lot.

LODOVICO

Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain?

LODOVICO

Does he still have his wits? Has he gone crazy, too?

IAGO

He’s that he is. I may not breathe my censureWhat he might be. If what he might he is not,I would to heaven he were!

IAGO

He is as he is. I can't say a bad word about what he might be like. If he is not what he has the potential to be, then I wish to heaven he was!

LODOVICO

What? Strike his wife?

LODOVICO

What was that about? Why did he hit his wife?

IAGO

'Faith, that was not so well. Yet would I knewThat stroke would prove the worst!

IAGO

That really was not so good. But I wish I could say that was the worst he'll do.

LODOVICO

Is it his use?Or did the letters work upon his bloodAnd new-create his fault?

LODOVICO

Does he usually hit her like that? Or did the letter he was reading raise his temper and make him so angry that he hit her?

IAGO

Alas, alas! It is not honesty in me to speak What I have seen and known. You shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so That I may save my speech. Do but go after And mark how he continues.

IAGO

Alas, alas! It is not right for me to tell you about what I have seen and learned. You will see for yourself, and his actions will show you what he is like, so that I don't have to tell you. Go follow after him, and just watch how he acts.

LODOVICO

I am sorry that I am deceived in him.

LODOVICO

I'm sorry I misjudged him.

Exeunt

LODOVICO and IAGO exit.