Othello, Act 3, Scene 3

Desdemona

Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will doAll my abilities in thy behalf.

You can be sure, good Cassio, that I will do everything in my power to help you.

Emilia

Good madam, do. I warrant it grieves my husbandAs if the cause were his.

Please do, madam. I assure you, this troubles my husband as much as if it were his own problem.

Desdemona

O, that’s an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio,But I will have my lord and you againAs friendly as you were.

Oh, he’s an honest man. Have no doubt, Cassio: I will make my husband and you as friendly again as you used to be.

Cassio

Bounteous madam,Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,He’s never anything but your true servant.

Generous lady, whatever happens to Michael Cassio, he will always be your faithful servant.

Desdemona

I know’t. I thank you. You do love my lord.You have known him long; and be you well assur’dHe shall in strangeness stand no farther offThan in a politic distance.

I know that. Thank you. You do love my husband. You have known him a long time, and you can be sure he will keep his distance only as far as his public duties require.

Cassio

Ay, but, lady,That policy may either last so long,Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,Or breed itself so out of circumstance,That, I being absent, and my place supplied,My general will forget my love and service.

Yes, but, my lady, that need may last so long, or be kept alive by such flimsy reasons, or grow so much from new circumstances, that while I am absent and someone else fills my position, my general will forget my love and service.

Desdemona

Do not doubt that. Before Emilia hereI give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform itTo the last article. My lord shall never rest,I’ll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience;His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift;I’ll intermingle everything he doesWith Cassio’s suit. Therefore be merry, Cassio,For thy solicitor shall rather dieThan give thy cause away.

Don’t worry about that. With Emilia here as my witness, I promise you will get your position back. Be sure that when I promise my friendship, I follow through on every last detail. My husband will never get any rest. I’ll keep him awake until he gives in and talk until his patience runs out. His bed will seem like a classroom, his dinner table like a place for confessing his sins. Whatever he does, I’ll bring your request into it. So cheer up, Cassio. The woman pleading for you would rather die than abandon your cause.

Emilia

Madam, here comes my lord.

Madam, here comes my lord.

Cassio

Madam, I’ll take my leave.

Madam, I’ll say goodbye.

Desdemona

Why, stay, and hear me speak.

Why not stay and hear me speak?

Cassio

Madam, not now. I am very ill at ease,Unfit for mine own purposes.

Madam, not now. I’m very uneasy, in no condition to help my own cause.

Desdemona

Well, do your discretion.

Well, do what you think best.

Iago

Ha, I like not that.

Ha, I don’t like that.

Othello

What dost thou say?

What did you say?

Iago

Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what.

Nothing, my lord. Or if I did—I don’t know what.

Othello

Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

Wasn’t that Cassio leaving my wife?

Iago

Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it,That he would steal away so guilty-like,Seeing you coming.

Cassio, my lord? No, surely not. I can’t believe he would slip away looking so guilty when he saw you coming.

Othello

I do believe ’twas he.

I believe it was him.

Desdemona

How now, my lord?I have been talking with a suitor here,A man that languishes in your displeasure.

How are you, my lord? I’ve been talking here with a man who has a request, a man suffering because you’re displeased with him.

Othello

Who is’t you mean?

Who do you mean?

Desdemona

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,If I have any grace or power to move you,His present reconciliation take;For if he be not one that truly loves you,That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,I have no judgement in an honest face.I prithee call him back.

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. My dear lord, if I have any favor with you or any power to move you, please make peace with him now. If he isn’t a man who truly loves you, whose mistakes come from ignorance rather than deliberate wrongdoing, then I can’t judge an honest face. Please call him back.

Othello

Went he hence now?

Did he just leave?

Desdemona

Ay, sooth; so humbledThat he hath left part of his grief with meTo suffer with him. Good love, call him back.

Yes, he did, so humbled that he has left some of his sorrow with me to share in his suffering. My dear love, call him back.

Othello

Not now, sweet Desdemon, some other time.

Not now, sweet Desdemon. Some other time.

Desdemona

But shall’t be shortly?

But will it be soon?

Othello

The sooner, sweet, for you.

Sooner for your sake, sweetheart.

Desdemona

Shall’t be tonight at supper?

Will it be tonight at supper?

Othello

No, not tonight.

No, not tonight.

Desdemona

Tomorrow dinner then?

Then tomorrow at dinner?

Othello

I shall not dine at home;I meet the captains at the citadel.

I won’t be eating at home. I’m meeting the captains at the citadel.

Desdemona

Why then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn,On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn.I prithee name the time, but let it notExceed three days. In faith, he’s penitent;And yet his trespass, in our common reason,(Save that, they say, the wars must make examplesOut of their best) is not almost a faultTo incur a private check. When shall he come?Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul,What you would ask me, that I should deny,Or stand so mammering on. What? Michael Cassio,That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,Hath ta’en your part, to have so much to doTo bring him in! Trust me, I could do much.

Well, then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morning, or Tuesday noon or night, or Wednesday morning. Please name a time, but don’t let it be more than three days away. Truly, he’s sorry. And yet, by any ordinary judgment, his offense hardly deserves even a private scolding (except that, they say, military discipline requires making examples of even the best men). When should he come? Tell me, Othello. I honestly wonder what you could ask me that I would refuse or hesitate so much over. What? Michael Cassio, who came with you when you were courting me, and so often defended you when I spoke critically of you—and it takes all this effort to bring him back into favor! Believe me, I could do much more.

Othello

Prithee no more. Let him come when he will;I will deny thee nothing.

Please, no more. Let him come whenever he likes. I will refuse you nothing.

Desdemona

Why, this is not a boon;’Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,Or sue to you to do a peculiar profitTo your own person: nay, when I have a suitWherein I mean to touch your love indeed,It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,And fearful to be granted.

Why, this isn’t a favor. It’s like asking you to wear your gloves, or eat nourishing food, or keep yourself warm, or begging you to do something for your own particular benefit. No, when I make a request that really tests your love, it will be something serious and difficult, something you’ll be afraid to grant.

Othello

I will deny thee nothing.Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,To leave me but a little to myself.

I will refuse you nothing. In return, please grant me this: leave me alone for a little while.

Desdemona

Shall I deny you? No, farewell, my lord.

Would I refuse you? No. Goodbye, my lord.

Othello

Farewell, my Desdemona. I’ll come to thee straight.

Goodbye, my Desdemona. I’ll join you shortly.

Desdemona

Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you.Whate’er you be, I am obedient.

Come, Emilia. Do whatever you feel like doing. Whatever your mood, I will obey you.

Othello

Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul,But I do love thee! And when I love thee not,Chaos is come again.

You wonderful creature! May my soul be damned if I don’t love you! And when I stop loving you, the world will fall into chaos again.

Iago

My noble lord,—

My noble lord—

Othello

What dost thou say, Iago?

What is it, Iago?

Iago

Did Michael Cassio, when you woo’d my lady,Know of your love?

When you were courting my lady, did Michael Cassio know about your love?

Othello

He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask?

He did, from beginning to end. Why do you ask?

Iago

But for a satisfaction of my thought.No further harm.

Only to settle a thought in my mind. Nothing more.

Othello

Why of thy thought, Iago?

What thought, Iago?

Iago

I did not think he had been acquainted with her.

I didn’t think he had known her.

Othello

O yes, and went between us very oft.

Oh yes, and he often carried messages between us.

Iago

Indeed?

Really?

Othello

Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discern’st thou aught in that?Is he not honest?

Really? Yes, really. Do you see something wrong with that?
Isn't he honest?

Iago

Honest, my lord?

Honest, my lord?

Othello

Honest? ay, honest.

Honest? Yes, honest.

Iago

My lord, for aught I know.

As far as I know, my lord.

Othello

What dost thou think?

What do you think?

Iago

Think, my lord?

Think, my lord?

Othello

Think, my lord? By heaven, he echoes me,As if there were some monster in his thoughtToo hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.I heard thee say even now, thou lik’st not that,When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?And when I told thee he was of my counselIn my whole course of wooing, thou criedst, “Indeed?”And didst contract and purse thy brow together,As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brainSome horrible conceit: if thou dost love me,Show me thy thought.

Think, my lord? By heaven, he repeats my words as if some monster were lurking in his thoughts, too hideous to reveal. You mean something. Just now, when Cassio left my wife, I heard you say you didn't like that. What didn't you like? And when I told you he was my confidant throughout my courtship, you said, “Really?” and drew your eyebrows together, as if you had just locked some horrible idea inside your brain. If you love me, tell me what you're thinking.

Iago

My lord, you know I love you.

My lord, you know I love you.

Othello

I think thou dost;And for I know thou’rt full of love and honestyAnd weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:For such things in a false disloyal knaveAre tricks of custom; but in a man that’s just,They’re close dilations, working from the heart,That passion cannot rule.

I think you do. And because I know you're full of love and honesty, and weigh your words before you speak, these pauses of yours frighten me all the more. In a lying, disloyal scoundrel, such things are familiar tricks. But in an honest man, they betray hidden thoughts rising from the heart, too strong for his feelings to control.

Iago

For Michael Cassio,I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.

As for Michael Cassio, I would swear that I believe he's honest.

Othello

I think so too.

I think so too.

Iago

Men should be what they seem;Or those that be not, would they might seem none!

Men should be what they seem. And those who aren't honest shouldn't look honest either!

Othello

Certain, men should be what they seem.

Certainly, men should be what they seem.

Iago

Why then, I think Cassio’s an honest man.

Well then, I think Cassio is an honest man.

Othello

Nay, yet there’s more in this:I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughtsThe worst of words.

No, there's more to this. Please, tell me what's on your mind, just as you're thinking it, and put your worst thoughts into the harshest words.

Iago

Good my lord, pardon me.Though I am bound to every act of duty,I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false:As where’s that palace whereinto foul thingsSometimes intrude not? Who has a breast so pureBut some uncleanly apprehensionsKeep leets and law-days, and in session sitWith meditations lawful?

My good lord, forgive me. Though I'm bound to serve you in every way, I'm not bound to reveal what even slaves are free to keep to themselves. Speak my thoughts? But suppose they're vile and false. What palace is there that filthy things don't sometimes enter? Whose heart is so pure that dirty thoughts don't hold court there alongside proper ones?

Othello

Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,If thou but think’st him wrong’d and mak’st his earA stranger to thy thoughts.

You're plotting against your friend, Iago, if you think he's being wronged and don't let him hear your thoughts.

Iago

I do beseech you,Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,As, I confess, it is my nature’s plagueTo spy into abuses, and of my jealousyShapes faults that are not,—that your wisdomFrom one that so imperfectly conceits,Would take no notice; nor build yourself a troubleOut of his scattering and unsure observance.It were not for your quiet nor your good,Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,To let you know my thoughts.

I beg you to consider that my suspicions may be badly mistaken. I admit it's a curse of my nature to look for wrongdoing, and my suspicious mind invents faults that aren't there. Please be wise enough to disregard someone whose judgment is so imperfect. Don't make yourself miserable over his scattered, uncertain observations. It would do nothing for your peace or welfare, or for my honor, honesty, or good judgment, to tell you my thoughts.

Othello

What dost thou mean?

What do you mean?

Iago

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,Is the immediate jewel of their souls.Who steals my purse steals trash. ’Tis something, nothing;’Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.But he that filches from me my good nameRobs me of that which not enriches himAnd makes me poor indeed.

A good reputation, in a man or woman, dear lord, is the most precious jewel of the soul. Whoever steals my purse steals something worthless. It's something, it's nothing. It was mine, now it's his, and it has served thousands of people. But whoever steals my good name robs me of something that doesn't make him richer and leaves me poor indeed.

Othello

By heaven, I’ll know thy thoughts.

By heaven, I'll know your thoughts.

Iago

You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,Nor shall not, whilst ’tis in my custody.

You couldn't, even if you held my heart in your hand. And you won't while it remains in my keeping.

Othello

Ha?

What?

Iago

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mockThe meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in blissWho, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;But O, what damned minutes tells he o’erWho dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!

Oh, beware of jealousy, my lord. It's the green-eyed monster that mocks the people it feeds on. A man whose wife cheats on him lives happily enough if he knows it and no longer loves her. But what hellish minutes a man counts when he adores her but doubts her, suspects her but still loves her deeply!

Othello

O misery!

Oh, what misery!

Iago

Poor and content is rich, and rich enough;But riches fineless is as poor as winterTo him that ever fears he shall be poor.Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defendFrom jealousy!

Someone poor but content is rich, and rich enough. But endless wealth is as bleak as winter to someone who always fears becoming poor. Good heaven, protect the souls of all my people from jealousy!

Othello

Why, why is this?Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,To follow still the changes of the moonWith fresh suspicions? No. To be once in doubtIs once to be resolv’d: exchange me for a goatWhen I shall turn the business of my soulTo such exsufflicate and blown surmises,Matching thy inference. ’Tis not to make me jealous,To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,Is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances well;Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:Nor from mine own weak merits will I drawThe smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago,I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;And on the proof, there is no more but this:Away at once with love or jealousy!

Why, why are you saying this? Do you think I'd spend my life in jealousy, following every change of the moon with fresh suspicions? No. Once I have doubts, I'll settle them once and for all. Trade me for a goat if I ever devote my soul to such empty, puffed-up suspicions as you're suggesting. You won't make me jealous by saying my wife is beautiful, eats well, enjoys company, speaks freely, sings, plays music, and dances well. In a virtuous woman, those qualities become virtues too. Nor will my own lack of merit make me fear, even a little, that she'll turn against me. She had eyes, and she chose me. No, Iago, I'll see evidence before I doubt. When I doubt, I'll demand proof. And once I have proof, there's only this to do: put an end at once to either love or jealousy!

Iago

I am glad of it, for now I shall have reasonTo show the love and duty that I bear youWith franker spirit: therefore, as I am bound,Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure.I would not have your free and noble nature,Out of self-bounty, be abus’d. Look to’t.I know our country disposition well;In Venice they do let heaven see the pranksThey dare not show their husbands. Their best conscienceIs not to leave undone, but keep unknown.

I'm glad of that, because now I have a reason to show my love and loyalty more openly. So hear what duty requires me to tell you. I'm not speaking of proof yet. Watch your wife. Watch her closely with Cassio. Keep your eyes open, neither jealous nor overconfident. I wouldn't want your open, noble nature to be taken advantage of because of your own generosity. Be careful. I know the ways of our country well. In Venice, women let heaven see the mischief they dare not show their husbands. Their highest moral standard isn't to avoid doing it, but to keep it secret.

Othello

Dost thou say so?

Is that so?

Iago

She did deceive her father, marrying you;And when she seem’d to shake and fear your looks,She loved them most.

She deceived her father by marrying you. And when she seemed to tremble and fear your appearance, that was when she loved it most.

Othello

And so she did.

Yes, she did.

Iago

Why, go to then.She that so young could give out such a seeming,To seal her father’s eyes up close as oak,He thought ’twas witchcraft. But I am much to blame.I humbly do beseech you of your pardonFor too much loving you.

Well, there you have it. So young, and already able to put on such an act, keeping her father so completely in the dark that he thought it was witchcraft. But I'm very much to blame. I humbly beg your forgiveness for loving you too much.

Othello

I am bound to thee for ever.

I'm in your debt forever.

Iago

I see this hath a little dash’d your spirits.

I see this has dampened your spirits a little.

Othello

Not a jot, not a jot.

Not a bit, not a bit.

Iago

Trust me, I fear it has.I hope you will consider what is spokeComes from my love. But I do see you’re mov’d.I am to pray you not to strain my speechTo grosser issues nor to larger reachThan to suspicion.

Believe me, I'm afraid it has. I hope you'll remember that what I've said comes from love. But I can see you're upset. I must ask you not to stretch my words into anything worse or more far-reaching than grounds for suspicion.

Othello

I will not.

I won't.

Iago

Should you do so, my lord,My speech should fall into such vile successWhich my thoughts aim’d not. Cassio’s my worthy friend.My lord, I see you’re mov’d.

If you did, my lord, my words would have terrible consequences I never intended. Cassio is my good and worthy friend. My lord, I see you're upset.

Othello

No, not much mov’d.I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.

No, not very upset. I still believe Desdemona is faithful.

Iago

Long live she so! And long live you to think so!

May she stay that way for many years! And may you live just as long believing it!

Othello

And yet, how nature erring from itself—

And yet, how can nature stray from its own instincts—

Iago

Ay, there’s the point. As, to be bold with you,Not to affect many proposed matches,Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,Whereto we see in all things nature tends;Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.But pardon me: I do not in positionDistinctly speak of her, though I may fearHer will, recoiling to her better judgement,May fall to match you with her country forms,And happily repent.

Yes, that's the point. To speak frankly, she rejected many proposed matches with men from her own country, of her own skin color and social standing, though we see nature favoring such matches in everything. Ugh! You can smell something rotten in such desires, a foul lack of balance, unnatural thoughts. But forgive me. I'm not specifically saying this about her, though I fear her desires may swing back toward better judgment, leading her to compare you with men from her own country and perhaps regret her choice.

Othello

Farewell, farewell:If more thou dost perceive, let me know more;Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.

Goodbye, goodbye. If you notice anything more, let me know. Get your wife to watch her. Leave me, Iago.

Iago

[Going.] My lord, I take my leave.

My lord, I'll say goodbye.

Othello

Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtlessSees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.

Why did I marry? This honest man undoubtedly sees and knows more, much more, than he's revealing.

Iago

[Returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your honourTo scan this thing no further. Leave it to time:Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,For sure he fills it up with great ability,Yet if you please to hold him off awhile,You shall by that perceive him and his means.Note if your lady strain his entertainmentWith any strong or vehement importunity,Much will be seen in that. In the meantime,Let me be thought too busy in my fears(As worthy cause I have to fear I am)And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.

My lord, I wish I could persuade you to examine this no further. Let time settle it. Though it's right that Cassio should have his position back, since he certainly performs his duties very well, you could learn about him and his methods by keeping him waiting a while. Notice whether your wife presses strongly or insistently for his return. That will reveal a great deal. Meanwhile, please think of me as too anxious and meddlesome in my suspicions, as I have good reason to fear I am, and consider her innocent, I beg you.

Othello

Fear not my government.

Don't worry about my self-control.

Iago

I once more take my leave.

Once again, I'll say goodbye.

Othello

This fellow’s of exceeding honesty,And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,I’d whistle her off, and let her down the windTo prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black,And have not those soft parts of conversationThat chamberers have, or for I am declin’dInto the vale of years,—yet that’s not much—She’s gone, I am abus’d, and my reliefMust be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,That we can call these delicate creatures ours,And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,Than keep a corner in the thing I loveFor others’ uses. Yet, ’tis the plague of great ones,Prerogativ’d are they less than the base,’Tis destiny unshunnable, like death:Even then this forked plague is fated to usWhen we do quicken. Desdemona comes.If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!I’ll not believe’t.

This man is completely honest and understands every side of human behavior with an educated mind. If I find she is a wild hawk that cannot be tamed, even if the straps holding her were my own heartstrings, I would whistle her away and send her off downwind to hunt wherever chance takes her. Perhaps because I am black and lack the smooth conversation of fashionable gentlemen, or because I am getting old—though not very old—she has left me. I have been deceived, and my only relief must be to hate her. Oh, the curse of marriage: we can call these lovely creatures ours, but not control their desires! I would rather be a toad living on the damp air of a dungeon than keep even a corner of the woman I love for other men to use. Yet this is the curse of powerful men: they have fewer privileges than the lowly. It is a fate as unavoidable as death. From the moment we begin to live, we are destined to wear the horns of a betrayed husband. Here comes Desdemona. If she is unfaithful, then heaven is making a mockery of itself! I will not believe it.

Desdemona

How now, my dear Othello?Your dinner, and the generous islandersBy you invited, do attend your presence.

How are you, my dear Othello? Your dinner is ready, and the distinguished islanders you invited are waiting for you.

Othello

I am to blame.

It is my fault.

Desdemona

Why do you speak so faintly?Are you not well?

Why does your voice sound so weak? Are you unwell?

Othello

I have a pain upon my forehead here.

I have a pain here in my forehead.

Desdemona

Faith, that’s with watching, ’twill away again;Let me but bind it hard, within this hourIt will be well.

Really, that comes from staying awake. It will go away. Just let me wrap it tightly, and it will be better within an hour.

Othello

Your napkin is too little;

Your handkerchief is too small.

Desdemona

I am very sorry that you are not well.

I am very sorry you are unwell.

Emilia

I am glad I have found this napkin;This was her first remembrance from the Moor.My wayward husband hath a hundred timesWoo’d me to steal it. But she so loves the token,For he conjur’d her she should ever keep it,That she reserves it evermore about herTo kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work ta’en out,And give’t Iago. What he will do with itHeaven knows, not I,I nothing but to please his fantasy.

I am glad I found this handkerchief. It was her first keepsake from the Moor. My difficult husband has begged me a hundred times to steal it. But she loves this gift so much, because he urged her never to part with it, that she always keeps it with her to kiss and talk to. I will have its embroidery copied and give it to Iago. Heaven knows what he will do with it; I do not. I only want to please his fancy.

Iago

How now? What do you here alone?

What is going on? What are you doing here alone?

Emilia

Do not you chide. I have a thing for you.

Do not scold me. I have something for you.

Iago

A thing for me? It is a common thing—

Something for me? It is a common thing—

Emilia

Ha?

What?

Iago

To have a foolish wife.

To have a foolish wife.

Emilia

O, is that all? What will you give me nowFor that same handkerchief?

Oh, is that all? What will you give me now for that handkerchief?

Iago

What handkerchief?

What handkerchief?

Emilia

What handkerchief?Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,That which so often you did bid me steal.

What handkerchief? Why, the one the Moor first gave Desdemona, the one you so often told me to steal.

Iago

Hast stol’n it from her?

Have you stolen it from her?

Emilia

No, faith, she let it drop by negligence,And, to the advantage, I being here, took ’t up.Look, here it is.

No, honestly. She carelessly dropped it, and luckily I was here and picked it up. Look, here it is.

Iago

A good wench, give it me.

Good girl. Give it to me.

Emilia

What will you do with’t, that you have been so earnestTo have me filch it?

What will you do with it? You have been so eager for me to steal it.

Iago

[Snatching it.] Why, what’s that to you?

Why, what is that to you?

Emilia

If it be not for some purpose of import,Give ’t me again. Poor lady, she’ll run madWhen she shall lack it.

If you do not need it for something important, give it back. Poor lady, she will go mad when she finds it missing.

Iago

Be not acknown on’t, I have use for it.Go, leave me.

Do not admit you know anything about it. I have a use for it. Go, leave me.

Othello

Ha! ha! false to me?

Ha! Ha! Unfaithful to me?

Iago

Why, how now, general? No more of that.

What is wrong, general? No more of that.

Othello

Avaunt! be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.I swear ’tis better to be much abus’dThan but to know’t a little.

Get away! Get out! You have put me through torture. I swear it is better to be thoroughly deceived than to know even a little about it.

Iago

How now, my lord?

What is wrong, my lord?

Othello

What sense had I of her stol’n hours of lust?I saw’t not, thought it not, it harm’d not me.I slept the next night well, was free and merry;I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips.He that is robb’d, not wanting what is stol’n,Let him not know’t, and he’s not robb’d at all.

What did I know of her secret hours of lust? I did not see them or think about them, and they did me no harm. I slept well the next night and was carefree and happy. I found no trace of Cassio’s kisses on her lips. If someone is robbed but does not miss what was stolen, keep him from knowing, and he has not been robbed at all.

Iago

I am sorry to hear this.

I am sorry to hear this.

Othello

I had been happy if the general camp,Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body,So I had nothing known. O, now, for everFarewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!Farewell the plumed troops and the big warsThat make ambition virtue! O, farewell,Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,The royal banner, and all quality,Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throatsThe immortal Jove’s dread clamours counterfeit,Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone!

I would have been happy if the whole army, even the men who dig the trenches, had enjoyed her sweet body, as long as I knew nothing about it. Oh, now goodbye forever to a peaceful mind! Goodbye to happiness! Goodbye to the troops with their feathered helmets and the great wars that turn ambition into a virtue! Oh, goodbye, goodbye to the neighing horse and the piercing trumpet, the stirring drum, the shrill flute, the royal flag, and all the dignity, pride, splendor, and ceremony of glorious war! And you deadly cannons, whose harsh mouths imitate the terrifying thunder of immortal Jove, goodbye! Othello’s career is over!

Iago

Is’t possible, my lord?

Is that possible, my lord?

Othello

Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof,Or, by the worth of man’s eternal soul,Thou hadst been better have been born a dogThan answer my wak’d wrath.

You villain, make sure you prove my love is a whore. Be certain of it. Give me proof I can see with my own eyes, or, by the value of a man’s eternal soul, you would have been better off born a dog than facing the anger you have stirred in me.

Iago

Is’t come to this?

Has it come to this?

Othello

Make me to see’t, or at the least so prove it,That the probation bear no hinge nor loopTo hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life!

Let me see it, or at least prove it so completely that there is not the slightest opening for doubt, or your life will be in danger!

Iago

My noble lord,—

My noble lord—

Othello

If thou dost slander her and torture me,Never pray more. Abandon all remorse;On horror’s head horrors accumulate;Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amaz’d;For nothing canst thou to damnation addGreater than that.

If you are slandering her and torturing me, never pray again. Give up all remorse. Pile horror on top of horror. Do things that make heaven weep and shock the whole earth, because you can do nothing more to damn yourself than this.

Iago

O grace! O heaven defend me!Are you a man? Have you a soul or sense?God be wi’ you. Take mine office.—O wretched fool,That liv’st to make thine honesty a vice!O monstrous world! Take note, take note, O world,To be direct and honest is not safe.I thank you for this profit, and from henceI’ll love no friend, sith love breeds such offence.

Oh, mercy! Heaven protect me! Are you a man? Have you a soul or any sense? God be with you. Take back my position. Oh, what a miserable fool I am, living to see my honesty treated as a fault! What a monstrous world! Take notice, world, take notice: it is not safe to be straightforward and honest. Thank you for teaching me this lesson. From now on I will love no friend, since love causes such anger.

Othello

Nay, stay. Thou shouldst be honest.

No, stay. You should be honest.

Iago

I should be wise; for honesty’s a fool,And loses that it works for.

I should be wise, because honesty is a fool and loses the very thing it works to gain.

Othello

By the world,I think my wife be honest, and think she is not.I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.I’ll have some proof: her name, that was as freshAs Dian’s visage, is now begrim’d and blackAs mine own face. If there be cords or knives,Poison or fire, or suffocating streams,I’ll not endure ’t. Would I were satisfied!

I swear by the world, I think my wife is faithful, and I think she is not. I think you are honest, and I think you are not. I will have proof. Her reputation, which was as pure as Dian’s face, is now as dirty and black as my own face. If there are ropes or knives, poison or fire, or deep waters to drown in, I will not endure this. If only I knew for certain!

Iago

I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.I do repent me that I put it to you.You would be satisfied?

I see, sir, that your feelings are eating you alive. I regret bringing this to your attention. You want proof?

Othello

Would? Nay, I will.

Want it? No, I insist on it.

Iago

And may; but how? How satisfied, my lord?Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on,Behold her topp’d?

And you may have it. But how? What proof would satisfy you, my lord? Would you stand watching, staring at her while he has sex with her?

Othello

Death and damnation! O!

Death and damnation! Oh!

Iago

It were a tedious difficulty, I think,To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then,If ever mortal eyes do see them bolsterMore than their own! What then? How then?What shall I say? Where’s satisfaction?It is impossible you should see this,Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as grossAs ignorance made drunk. But yet I say,If imputation and strong circumstances,Which lead directly to the door of truth,Will give you satisfaction, you may have’t.

I think it would be a long, difficult business to arrange for you to see that. Damn them if any eyes but their own ever see them in bed together! What then? How do we proceed? What can I say? Where is the proof? You could never see this, even if they were as lustful as goats, as hot as monkeys, as eager as wolves in heat, and as stupid and shameless as drunken fools. Still, I say that if accusations and strong evidence pointing straight to the truth will satisfy you, you can have that.

Othello

Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.

Give me solid evidence that she's unfaithful.

Iago

I do not like the office,But sith I am enter’d in this cause so far,Prick’d to ’t by foolish honesty and love,I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,And being troubled with a raging tooth,I could not sleep.There are a kind of men so loose of soul,That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs.One of this kind is Cassio:In sleep I heard him say, “Sweet Desdemona,Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;”And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,Cry “O sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard,As if he pluck’d up kisses by the roots,That grew upon my lips, then laid his legOver my thigh, and sigh’d and kiss’d, and thenCried “Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!”

I don't like this task, but since I've gone this far in the matter, driven by foolish honesty and love, I'll continue. I shared a bed with Cassio recently, and a terrible toothache kept me awake. Some men are so careless that they mutter about their affairs in their sleep. Cassio is one of them. In his sleep I heard him say, “Sweet Desdemona, let's be careful. Let's hide our love.” Then, sir, he grabbed and squeezed my hand, cried, “Oh, sweet creature!” and kissed me hard, as if he were pulling kisses out by the roots from my lips. Then he laid his leg over my thigh, sighed and kissed me, and cried, “Damn the fate that gave you to the Moor!”

Othello

O monstrous! monstrous!

Oh, monstrous! Monstrous!

Iago

Nay, this was but his dream.

But this was only his dream.

Othello

But this denoted a foregone conclusion.’Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.

But it points to something they've already done. It gives strong grounds for suspicion, even if it is only a dream.

Iago

And this may help to thicken other proofsThat do demonstrate thinly.

And it may help strengthen other evidence that isn't convincing on its own.

Othello

I’ll tear her all to pieces.

I'll tear her to pieces.

Iago

Nay, but be wise. Yet we see nothing done,She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchiefSpotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?

No, be sensible. We haven't seen them do anything yet. She may still be faithful. Just tell me this: haven't you sometimes seen your wife holding a handkerchief decorated with strawberries?

Othello

I gave her such a one, ’twas my first gift.

I gave her one like that. It was my first gift to her.

Iago

I know not that: but such a handkerchief(I am sure it was your wife’s) did I todaySee Cassio wipe his beard with.

I don't know about that, but today I saw Cassio wiping his beard with just such a handkerchief (I'm sure it was your wife's).

Othello

If it be that,—

If it's that one—

Iago

If it be that, or any that was hers,It speaks against her with the other proofs.

If it's that one, or any handkerchief of hers, it adds to the other evidence against her.

Othello

O, that the slave had forty thousand lives!One is too poor, too weak for my revenge!Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago;All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.’Tis gone.Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell!Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throneTo tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,For ’tis of aspics’ tongues!

Oh, if only that scoundrel had forty thousand lives! One life is too little, too weak to satisfy my revenge! Now I see it's true. Look here, Iago: with this breath I blow all my foolish love up to heaven. It's gone. Rise, dark revenge, from the depths of hell! Love, surrender your crown and your throne in my heart to the tyranny of hatred! Swell, my chest, with the load you carry, for it's made of vipers' tongues!

Iago

Yet be content.

Still, calm yourself.

Othello

O, blood, Iago, blood!

Oh, blood, Iago, blood!

Iago

Patience, I say. Your mind perhaps may change.

Be patient, I say. You may still change your mind.

Othello

Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea,Whose icy current and compulsive courseNe’er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due onTo the Propontic and the Hellespont;Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent paceShall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love,Till that a capable and wide revengeSwallow them up. Now by yond marble heaven,In the due reverence of a sacred vow [Kneels.]I here engage my words.

Never, Iago. Like the Pontic Sea, whose icy waters flow relentlessly forward, never turning back with the tide, but pressing on to the Propontic and the Hellespont, my bloody thoughts will rush violently ahead. They will never turn back, never retreat to humble love, until a vast and fitting revenge swallows them up. Now, by that marble sky above, with all the reverence owed to a sacred vow [He kneels.], I give my solemn word.

Iago

Do not rise yet. [Kneels.]Witness, you ever-burning lights above,You elements that clip us round about,Witness that here Iago doth give upThe execution of his wit, hands, heart,To wrong’d Othello’s service! Let him command,And to obey shall be in me remorse,What bloody business ever.

Don't get up yet. [He kneels.]
You eternally burning lights above, and you elements surrounding us, witness that Iago now dedicates his mind, his hands, and his heart to serving the wronged Othello! Let him command me. Whatever bloody deed he asks, I will consider obedience an act of compassion.

Othello

I greet thy love,Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,And will upon the instant put thee to ’t.Within these three days let me hear thee sayThat Cassio’s not alive.

I welcome your love, not with empty thanks, but with wholehearted acceptance, and I'll put it to the test at once. Within three days, let me hear you say that Cassio is dead.

Iago

My friend is dead. ’Tis done at your request.But let her live.

My friend is dead. At your request, consider it done. But let her live.

Othello

Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!Come, go with me apart, I will withdrawTo furnish me with some swift means of deathFor the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.

Damn her, the filthy slut! Oh, damn her, damn her! Come somewhere private with me. I'll go and find some quick way to kill that beautiful devil. You are my lieutenant now.

Iago

I am your own for ever.

I am yours forever.