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counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present

itself- a devilish knave! Besides, the knave is handsome,

young,

and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds

look after- a pestilent complete knave, and the woman hath found him already.

RODERIGO.

I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most blest condition.

IAGO.

Blest fig's-end! The wine she drinks is made of grapes.

If

she had been blest, she would never have loved the Moor.

Blest

pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his 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 trace

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.