The30MinuteShakespeare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY

The following is a list of the characters that appear in this cutting of Othello.

Twenty-eight actors performed in the original production. This number can be increased to about thirty or decreased to aboutfifteen by having actors share or double roles.

For the full breakdown of characters, see Sample Program.

IAGO: An ensign and villain; husband to Emilia

RODERIGO: A gullible gentleman trying to woo Desdemona

BRABANTIO: A senator; father to Desdemona DUKE: Duke of Venice, a great admirer of Othello MESSENGER

FIRST SENATOR: A senator in the council chamber DESDEMONA: Wife to Othello, daughter to Brabantio CASSIO: An honorable lieutenant

MONTANO: Governor of Cyprus

LODOVICO: A noble Venetian, brother to Brabantio

EMILIA: Wife to Iago BIANCA: A courtesan SOLDIERS

SINGERS NARRATOR

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 1. (ACT I, SCENE I)

Venice. A street.

STAGEHANDS set bench center stage, downstage of pillars. SOUND OPERATOR plays Sound Cue #1, (“Ominous music”). Enter BRABANTIO from stage left, lying down on bench to sleep. Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

NARRATOR

In the streets of Venice, Roderigo and Iago inform the Senator, Brabantio, of his daughter Desdemona’ssecret marriage to Othello. Enraged, Brabantio sets out in search of his daughter.

Exit NARRATOR stage right.

Enter IAGO and RODERIGO from stage left.

 

IAGO

Call up her father,

Rouse him, poison his delight.

 

RODERIGO

What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!

 

IAGO

Awake! Brabantio! Look to your daughter!

2 ✴ OTHELLO

 

BRABANTIO awakes. He stands on bench and looks down, as though from a balcony.

 

BRABANTIO

What is the matter there?

 

IAGO

’Zounds, sir! Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. You’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you! Your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs.

 

BRABANTIO

Give me a taper. Call up my people. Light, I say, light!

Exit ALL stage right.

STAGEHANDS remove bench and place table, set with maps, downstage center.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 2. (ACT I, SCENE III)

Venice. A council-chamber.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

The Duke, preparing for a Turkish invasion of Cyprus, welcomes the arrival of Othello and Brabantio. Brabantio announces his dismay at Desdemona’s marriage to Othello. Iago begins to outline his plot to use Cassio in order to make Othello jealous.

Enter DUKE and FIRST SENATOR from stage left. They move to the table and examine the maps.

Enter MESSENGER, with a letter, from stage right.

 

DUKE

Now, what’s the business?

 

MESSENGER

A Turkish fleet, of thirty sail:

Their purposes toward Cyprus.

Exit MESSENGER stage right.

 

FIRST SENATOR

Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.

Enter BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, IAGO, and RODERIGO from stage right.

DUKE

Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Against the general enemy Ottoman. (to BRABANTIO) Brabantio, why, what’s the matter?

 

BRABANTIO

My daughter! O, my daughter!

 

FIRST SENATOR

Dead?

 

BRABANTIO

Ay, to me;

She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted. Here is the man, this Moor. (points to OTHELLO)

 

DUKE (to OTHELLO)

What, in your own part, can you say to this?

 

OTHELLO walks downstage center and stands left of DUKE.

My very noble and approved good masters, Rude am I in my speech,

And little bless’d with the soft phrase of peace; And little of this great world can I speak, More thanpertains to feats of broil and battle; I won his daughter.

 

BRABANTIO

To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on! It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect.

 

FIRST SENATOR

But, Othello, speak:

Did you subdue and poison this young maid’s affections?

OTHELLO

I do beseech you,

Send for the lady to the Sagittary,

And let her speak of me before her father.

DUKE

Fetch Desdemona hither.

 

Exit IAGO and MESSENGER stage right. They re-enter immediately with DESDEMONA. DESDEMONA moves to BRABANTIO’S right side; OTHELLO stands to his left.

 

BRABANTIO

Come hither, gentle mistress.

Do you perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience?

 

DESDEMONA

My noble father,

I do perceive here a divided duty:

I am hitherto your daughter: but here’s my husband;

(moves to OTHELLO’S side)

That I did love the Moor to live with him

My downright violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued Even to the very quality of my Lord.

(turns to BRABANTIO)

Let me go with him.

 

BRABANTIO

Come hither, Moor:

I here do give thee that with all my heart

I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, I am glad at soul I have no other child.

BRABANTIO turns away from DESDEMONA.

DUKE

To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to draw new mischief on.

The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus.

 

FIRST SENATOR

You must away to-night.

 

OTHELLO

With all my heart.

DUKE

Good night to every one. (to BRABANTIO)

And, noble signior,

If virtue no delighted beauty lack,

Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.

 

BRABANTIO (to OTHELLO)

Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.

Exit DUKE and FIRST SENATOR stage right.

 

OTHELLO (to BRABANTIO)

My life upon her faith! (to IAGO)

Honest Iago,

My Desdemona must I leave to thee: Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour Of love, of worldlymatters and direction, To spend with thee.

Exit ALL, except for IAGO, stage right.

 

IAGO (moves downstage center; addresses audience)

I hate the Moor;

 

And it is thought abroad, that ’twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if ’t be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,

Will do as if for surety.

Cassio’s a proper man: let me see now; After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife:

I have’t; it is engender’d: hell and night

Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.

Exit IAGO stage right.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 3. (ACT II, SCENE III)

Cyprus. A hall in the castle.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

We are now in Cyprus. Iago persuades Cassio to drink too much, which is part of Iago’s devious plan of action.

Exit NARRATOR stage left.

Enter OTHELLO and DESDEMONA from stage rear. Enter CASSIO

from stage right.

 

OTHELLO (to CASSIO)

Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: Good night.

Exit OTHELLO and DESDEMONA stage rear. Enter IAGO from stage right, carrying a flask.

CASSIO

Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.

IAGO

Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; to the health of black Othello.

CASSIO

Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.

IAGO

What, man! ’Tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it.

CASSIO

I’ll do’t; but it dislikes me.

 

IAGO (steps downstage; addresses audience)

If I can fasten but one cup upon him, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog.

Enter CASSIO, RODERIGO, MONTANO, and SOLDIERS from stage right, holding goblets.

 

CASSIO

To the health of our general!

 

ALL drink. CASSIO drinks quickly and refills his cup.

 

MONTANO

I am for it, lieutenant; and I’ll do you justice.

IAGO

O sweet England!

 

ALL (singing)

And let me the cannikin clink, clink And let me the cannikin clink.

A soldier’s a man,

O man’s life’s but a span,

 

Why, then let a soldier drink Why, then let a soldier drink!

 

IAGO

Some wine, ho!

 

CASSIO (pours more wine for himself)

Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. Do not think, gentlemen. I am drunk: this is my ancient;this is my right hand, and this is my left:

I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.

Exit CASSIO stage left.

 

IAGO (aside, to RODERIGO)

How now, Roderigo!

I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.

Exit RODERIGO stage left.

 

RODERIGO (from offstage)

Help! Help!

Enter RODERIGO, chased by CASSIO.

 

CASSIO

’Zounds, you rogue! You rascal!

A knave teach me my duty! (strikes RODERIGO)

 

MONTANO

Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold your hand.

CASSIO

Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazard.

MONTANO

Come, come, you’re drunk.

CASSIO

Drunk!

 

CASSIO and MONTANO fight; MONTANO is injured.

 

IAGO (aside, to RODERIGO)

Away, I say, go out; and cry a mutiny!

Exit RODERIGO stage rear.

SOUND OPERATOR plays Sound Cue #2 (“Ringing bell”).

Enter OTHELLO and DESDEMONA from stage rear.

 

OTHELLO

What is the matter here?

Are we turn’d Turks? Honest Iago, Speak, who began this?

 

IAGO

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio;

But men are men; the best sometimes forget.

 

OTHELLO

I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine.

 

Exit OTHELLO and DESDEMONA stage rear. Exit ALL but IAGO and

CASSIO stage right.

 

CASSIO (falls to his knees)

Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.

 

IAGO (helps Cassio to his feet)

As I am an honest man, I’ll tell you what you shall do. Our general’s wife is now the general: confess yourself freely to her; importune her help to put you in your place again.

 

CASSIO

You advise me well. In the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: Good night, honest Iago.

 

Exit CASSIO stage right.

 

IAGO (walks downstage center, addressing audience)

Whiles this honest fool

Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear,

That she repeals him for her body’s lust; So will I turn her virtue into pitch;

And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all.

Exit IAGO stage right.

STAGEHANDS remove table, then set two chairs, one stage right and one stage left, slightly facing each other.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 4. (ACT III, SCENE III)

Cyprus. The garden of the castle.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s reinstatement while Iago causes Othello to doubt Desdemona and her friendship with Cassio. Keep an eye out for a very important handkerchief.

Exit NARRATOR stage right.

Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA from stage left. CASSIO

sits in chair stage right.

 

CASSIO

My general will forget my love and service.

 

DESDEMONA (touches CASSIO’S hand comfortingly)

If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it

To the last article: my lord shall never rest;

I’ll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience.

 

EMILIA

Madam, here comes my lord.

CASSIO

Madam, I’ll take my leave.

 

Exit CASSIO stage right.

 

Enter OTHELLO and IAGO from stage rear; IAGO stands to

OTHELLO’S right.

 

IAGO

Ha! I like not that.

OTHELLO

Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

IAGO

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

 

DESDEMONA (stands; moves toward OTHELLO)

How now, my lord!

I have been talking with a suitor here,

A man that languishes in your displeasure.

 

OTHELLO

Who is’t you mean?

 

DESDEMONA

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you,

I prithee, call him back.

 

OTHELLO (moves downstage center, away from DESDEMONA)

No, not to-night.

 

DESDEMONA (follows OTHELLO)

Why, then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn.

 

OTHELLO (takes a step stage left, away from DESDEMONA)

Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing.

 

OTHELLO kisses DESDEMONA’S hand.

 

DESDEMONA

Whate’er you be, I am obedient.

DESDEMONA bows, then exits stage right with EMILIA.

 

OTHELLO

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

IAGO

For Michael Cassio,

I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.

OTHELLO

I think so too.

IAGO

Men should be what they seem.

OTHELLO

Certain, men should be what they seem.

IAGO

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

OTHELLO

Nay, yet there’s more in this: Give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words.

IAGO

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock

 

The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o’er

Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; She did deceive her father, marrying you;

And when she seem’d to shake and fear your looks, She loved them most.

My lord, I take my leave.

IAGO begins to exit stage left, but he stops and moves behind left pillar.

 

OTHELLO (walks downstage center)

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

 

IAGO (comes out from behind pillar)

My lord, I would I might entreat your honor Note if your lady strain Cassio’s entertainment With any strong or vehement importunity; Much will be seen in that. In the mean time Let me be thought too busy in my fears.

I once more take my leave.

Exit IAGO stage left.

 

OTHELLO

This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, If I do prove her haggard,

Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I’ld whistle her off, and let her down the wind,

To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have; or, for I am declined Into the vale of years, yet that’s not much;

 

She’s gone; I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,

That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And not their appetites!

OTHELLO sits in stage right chair and hears DESDEMONA

approaching on his left.

Desdemona comes:

If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I’ll not believe’t. (rubs his temples)

Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA from stage left. EMILIA stands back by left pillar.

 

DESDEMONA (approaches OTHELLO; embraces him)

How now, my dear Othello! Are you not well?

 

OTHELLO

I have a pain upon my forehead here.

 

DESDEMONA

I am very sorry that you are not well.

DESDEMONA takes out her handkerchief and swabs OTHELLO’S

forehead. She helps him to his feet and they begin to exit stage right. DESDEMONA drops the handkerchief by accident as they walk off stage.

 

EMILIA (spots handkerchief and picks it up)

I am glad I have found this napkin:

This was her first remembrance from the Moor: My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo’d me to steal it; I nothing but to please

his fantasy.

 

Enter IAGO from stage left.

 

IAGO

How now! What do you here alone?

EMILIA

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

Why, the handkerchief the Moor first gave to Desdemona;

That which so often you did bid me steal.

IAGO

A good wench; give it me.

 

EMILIA teases IAGO with the handkerchief. IAGO hugs EMILIA and snatches the handkerchief from her.

I have use for it. Go, leave me.

Exit EMILIA stage left.

I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong

As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison.

Enter OTHELLO from stage rear.

 

OTHELLO.

Ha! Ha! False to me?

 

IAGO

How now, my lord!

OTHELLO

What sense had I of her stol’n hours of lust? Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!

(turns to IAGO)

Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure of it; I’ll have some proof: her name,

that was as fresh

As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face.

Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.

IAGO

 

 

 

 

 

OTHELLO.

She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,

Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?

 

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

IAGO

I know not that: but such a handkerchief— I am sure it was your wife’s—did I to-day See Cassio wipe his beard with.

OTHELLO

Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago;

All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ’Tis gone. (drops to his knees)

Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! O, blood, blood, blood!

 

IAGO (drops to his knees next to OTHELLO)

Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.

 

OTHELLO (rises)

Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,

My bloody thoughts, with violent pace,

Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, Till that a capable and wide revenge

Swallow them up. I will withdraw,

To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil. (turns to IAGO)

Now art thou my lieutenant.

 

IAGO

I am your own for ever.

 

Exit IAGO and OTHELLO stage right.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 5 (ACT III, SCENE IV)

Before the castle.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

Othello asks Desdemona for the handkerchief that she has lost, but she tries to talk to him about Cassio. (pauses) Not a good idea.

Exit NARRATOR stage right.

Enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA from stage left.

 

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

 

EMILIA

I know not, madam.

 

Enter OTHELLO from stage left.

How is’t with you, my lord?

 

OTHELLO

Well, my good lady. (aside)

O, hardness to dissemble!

How do you, Desdemona? (takes her hand and looks at it)

 

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

 

OTHELLO

Lend me thy handkerchief.

 

DESDEMONA (takes out a plain handkerchief)

Here, my lord.

 

OTHELLO

That which I gave you.

 

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

 

OTHELLO

That is a fault. That handkerchief

Did an Egyptian to my mother give; she, dying, gave it me;

Fetch’t, let me see’t.

 

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.

 

OTHELLO

Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives.

 

Exit OTHELLO stage right.

DESDEMONA sits in stage right chair, EMILIA in left.

 

EMILIA (holds DESDEMONA’S hand)

Is not this man jealous?

OTHELLO ✴ 23

 

DESDEMONA

I ne’er saw this before.

Something hath puddled his clear spirit Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

 

EMILIA

Jealous souls will not be answer’d so; They are not ever jealous for the cause,

But jealous for they are jealous: ’tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself.

 

DESDEMONA (stands)

Heaven keep that monster from Othello’s mind!

 

EMILIA

Lady, amen.

 

Exit BOTH stage right.

Enter CASSIO from stage left, followed by BIANCA.

 

BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

CASSIO

Sweet Bianca,

 

They embrace; CASSIO gives DESDEMONA’S handkerchief to BIANCA.

Take me this work out.

 

BIANCA (suspicious)

Why, whose is it?

CASSIO

I know not, sweet: I found it in my chamber. I like the work well: I’d have it copied:

Take it, and do’t; I’ll see you soon.

BIANCA

’Tis very good; I must be circumstanced.

 

Exit CASSIO stage left. Exit BIANCA stage right.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 6 (ACT IV, SCENE III)

Cyprus. Another room in the castle.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

While Desdemona is preparing for bed, she talks to Emilia about unfaithful wives.

Exit NARRATOR stage right.

Enter DESDEMONA from stage left. Enter OTHELLO from stage right.

 

OTHELLO

O, Desdemona.

 

DESDEMONA

My lord?

 

OTHELLO

Get you to bed on th’instant; I will be return’d forthwith.

 

DESDEMONA

I will, my lord.

Exit OTHELLO stage right. DESDEMONA sits in stage left chair. Enter EMILIA from stage right.

EMILIA

How goes it now? (brushes DESDEMONA’S hair)

 

DESDEMONA

O, these men, these men!

Dost thou in conscience think,—tell me, Emilia,— That there be women do abuse their husbands

In such gross kind?

 

EMILIA

There be some such, no question. Let husbands know

Their wives have sense like them: they see, and smell,

And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport?

I think it is: and doth affection breed it? I think it doth: is’t frailty that thus errs? It is so too: and have not we affections,

Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well: else let them know, The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.

 

DESDEMONA (rises and turns to face EMILIA)

Good night, good night: God me such usage send, Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend!

Exit DESDEMONA stage rear. Exit EMILIA stage right.

Enter SINGERS from stage left. They stand downstage center and begin singing.

 

SINGERS

The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree Sing all a green willow.

 

Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee Sing willow willow willow.

The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans,

Sing all a green willow.

Her salt tears fell by her and softened the stones. Sing willow willow willow.

Sing all a green willow must be my garland.

Exit SINGERS stage left and right.

 

 

 

 

✴ SCENE 7 (ACT V, SCENE II)

Cyprus. Outside of a bedchamber in the castle.

Enter NARRATOR from stage rear, coming downstage center.

 

NARRATOR

The scene takes place outside Desdemona’s bedroom. The hard truth is revealed.

Exit NARRATOR stage left.

Enter OTHELLO from stage right.

 

OTHELLO (walks downstage center)

She must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.

Exit OTHELLO stage rear.

SOUND OPERATOR plays Sound Cue #3 (“Intense, disturbing music”).

OTHELLO re-enters from stage rear. He has just smothered

DESDEMONA.

Enter EMILIA from stage right. She glances at OTHELLO, enters the offstage bedchamber, and screams. EMILIA re-enters from stage rear.

 

EMILIA

O, my good lord, foul murders done!

 

O, who hath done This deed?

 

OTHELLO

She’s, like a liar, gone to burning hell: ’Twas I that kill’d her.

EMILIA

O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!

OTHELLO

 

 

EMILIA.

She turn’d to folly, and she was a whore.

 

O, she was heavenly true!

OTHELLO

Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else.

EMILIA

That she was false to wedlock? My husband?

OTHELLO

Ay, ’twas he that told me first: An honest man he is.

EMILIA

My husband!

OTHELLO

My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.

EMILIA

If he say so, may his pernicious soul

Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’heart: Help! Help, ho! Help!

The Moor hath kill’d my mistress! Murder! Murder!

 

Enter MONTANO and IAGO from stage left.

 

MONTANO

What is the matter? How now, general!

EMILIA

O, are you come, Iago? You have done well, That men must lay their murders on your neck. My mistress here lies murder’d in her bed,

(to IAGO)

And your reports have set the murder on.

OTHELLO

Nay, stare not, masters: it is true, indeed.

MONTANO

O monstrous act!

OTHELLO

O, she was foul!

’Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows

That she with Cassio hath the act of shame

A thousand times committed; Cassio confess’d it: And she did gratify his amorous works

With that recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand: It was a handkerchief, an antique token My father gave my mother.

EMILIA

O heaven! O heavenly powers!

IAGO

Come, hold your peace.

 

IAGO tries to stab EMILIA.

 

EMILIA

I will not.

O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of I found by fortune, and did give my husband;

For often, with a solemn earnestness—

More than, indeed, belong’d to such a trifle— He begg’d of me to steal it.

IAGO

Filth, thou liest!

EMILIA

By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.

O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool Do with so good a wife!

OTHELLO

Are there no stones in heaven

But what serve for the thunder? Precious villain!

 

OTHELLO runs at IAGO; IAGO stabs EMILIA and exits stage left.

 

EMILIA

Ay, ay: O, lay me by my mistress’ side.

 

EMILIA staggers offstage rear to DESDEMONA’S bedchamber.

OTHELLO

Who can control his fate? Where should Othello go? O cursed, cursed slave!

O Desdemona! Desdemona! Dead! (falls down, writhes)

O! O! O!

 

Enter LODOVICO, MONTANO, and CASSIO from stage left, holding

IAGO prisoner.

 

LODOVICO

Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.

OTHELLO

If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.

 

OTHELLO wounds IAGO.

 

LODOVICO

Wrench his sword from him. (CASSIO takes

OTHELLO’S sword)

IAGO

I bleed, sir; but not kill’d.

From this time forth I never will speak word.

OTHELLO

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief That was my wife’s?

CASSIO

I found it in my chamber:

And he himself confess’d but even now

That there he dropp’d it for a special purpose Which wrought to his desire.

OTHELLO

O, Fool! Fool! Fool!

 

LODOVICO (to OTHELLO)

You must forsake this room, and go with us: Your power and your command is taken off, And Cassio rules in Cyprus.

 

OTHELLO

Soft you; a word or two before you go. I pray you, in your letters,

When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well.

 

OTHELLO pulls out a dagger he had hidden on his person and stabs himself.

 

CASSIO

He was great of heart. (to IAGO)

O Spartan dog,

Myself will straight aboard, and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate.

 

ALL freeze briefly, then stand up, hold hands, and bow. Exeunt.