The Names of the Actors Othello,  the Moor Brabantio, [a senator,] father to Desdemona Cassio, an honorable lieutenant [to Othello] Iago, [Othello's ancient,] a villain Roderigo, a gulled gentleman Duke of Venice Senators [of Venice] Montano, Governor of Cyprus Gentlemen of Cyprus Lodovico and Gratiano, [kinsmen to Brabantio,] two Noble Venetians sailors clown Desdemona, [daughter to Brabantio and] wife to Othello Emilia, wife to Iago Bianca, a courtesan [and mistress to Cassio] [a messenger a herald a musician Servants, Attendants, Officers, Senators, Musicians, Gentlemen scene: Venice; a seaport in Cyprus] 1.1 Location: Venice. A street. 1 never tell me (An expression of incredulity, like "tell me another one.") 3 this i.e., Desdemona's elopement. 4 'Blood By His (Christ's) blood 7 him Othello 14 Bombast circumstance wordy evasion. (Bombast is cotton padding.) 15 epithets of war military expressions 17 Nonsuits rejects the petition of.   Certes Certainly 20 arithmetician i.e., a man whose military knowledge is merely theoretical, based on books of tactics 22 A . . . wife (Cassio does not seem to be married, but his counterpart in Shakespeare's source does have a woman in his house. See also 4.1.131.) 24 division of a battle disposition of a military unit 25 a spinster i.e., a housewife, one whose regular occupation is spinning.   Theoric theory 26 Togaed consuls toga-wearing counselors or senators.   propose discuss 1.1  A  Enter Roderigo and Iago. Roderigo Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly 1 That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. 3 Iago  'Sblood, but you'll not hear me. 4 If ever I did dream of such a matter, Abhor me. Roderigo Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate. 7 Iago  Despise me If I do not. Three great ones of the city, In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, Off-capped to him; and by the faith of man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, Evades them with a bombast circumstance 14 Horribly stuffed with epithets of war, 15 And, in conclusion, Nonsuits my mediators. For, "Certes," says he, 17 "I have already chose my officer." And what was he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician, 20 One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, A fellow almost damned in a fair wife, 22 That never set a squadron in the field Nor the division of a battle knows 24 More than a spinster--unless the bookish theoric, 25 Wherein the Togaed consuls can propose 26 As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th'election; 29 his Othello's 31 Beleed and calmed left to leeward without wind, becalmed. (A sailing metaphor.) 32 Debitor and Creditor (A name for a system of bookkeeping, here used as a contemptuous nickname for Cassio.)   countercaster i.e., bookkeeper, one who tallies with counters, or "metal disks." (Said contemptuously.) 33 in good time opportunely, i.e., forsooth 34 God bless the mark (Perhaps originally a formula to ward off evil; here an expression of impatience.)   ancient standard-bearer, ensign. 35 his hangman the executioner of him. 37 Preferment promotion.   letter and affection personal influence and favoritism 38 old gradation step-by-step seniority, the traditional way 40 term respect.   affined bound 43 content you don't you worry about that. 46 truly faithfully 50 cashiered dismissed from service. 51 Whip me Whip, as far as I'm concerned 52 trimmed . . . duty dressed up in the mere form and show of dutifulness 55 lined their coats i.e., stuffed their purses 56 Do themselves homage i.e., attend to self-interest solely. And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof 29 At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christened and heathen, must be beleed and calmed 31 By debitor and creditor. This countercaster, 32 He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, 33 And I--God bless the mark!--His Moorship's ancient. 34 Roderigo By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. 35 Iago Why, there's no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service; Preferment goes by letter and affection, 37 And not by old gradation, where each second 38 Stood heir to th' first. Now, sir, be judge yourself Whether I in any just term am affined 40 To love the Moor. Roderigo  I would not follow him then. Iago  Oh, sir, content you. 43 I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark 46 Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, For naught but provender, and when he's old,   cashiered. 50 Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are 51 Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, 52 Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, Do well thrive by them, and when they have lined   their coats, 55 Do themselves homage. These fellows have some   soul, 56 59 Were . . . Iago i.e., if I were able to assume command, I certainly would not choose to remain a subordinate, or, I would keep a suspicious eye on a flattering subordinate. 62 peculiar particular, personal 64 native innate.   figure shape, intent 65 compliment extern outward show (conforming in this case to the inner workings and intention of the heart) 67 Daws small crowlike birds, proverbially stupid and avaricious.   I am not what I am i.e., I am not one who wears his heart on his sleeve. 68 full swelling.   thick-lips (Elizabethans often applied the term "Moor" to Negroes.)   owe own 69 Carry't thus carry this off. 72-3 though . . . flies though he seems prosperous and happy now, vex him with misery. 73 Though . . . be joy Although he seems fortunate and happy. (Repeats the idea of line 72.) 74 changes of vexation vexing changes 75 As . . . color that may cause it to lose some of its first gloss. 77 timorous frightening 78 As . . . fire as when a fire, having gained hold by negligence at night 83.1 at a window (This stage direction, from the quarto, probably calls for an appearance on the gallery above and rearstage.) And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, It is as sure as you are Roderigo, Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. 59 In following him, I follow but myself-- Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end. 62 For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart 64 In compliment extern, 'tis not long after 65 But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am. 67 Roderigo What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe 68 If he can carry't thus! Iago Call up her father. 69 Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, 72 Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy, 73 Yet throw such changes of vexation on't 74 As it may lose some color. 75 Roderigo Here is her father's house. I'll call aloud. Iago Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell 77 As when, by night and negligence, the fire 78 Is spied in populous cities. Roderigo What ho, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, ho! Iago Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves, thieves! Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! Thieves, thieves! 83 Brabantio [enters] above [at a window]. 88 Zounds By His (Christ's) wounds 91 Tupping covering, copulating with. (Said of sheep.) 92 snorting snoring 93 the devil (The devil was conventionally pictured as black.) 102 distemp'ring intoxicating 103 Upon malicious bravery with hostile intent to defy me 104 start startle, disrupt Brabantio What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is the matter there? Roderigo Signor, is all your family within? Iago Are your doors locked? Brabantio Why, wherefore ask you this? Iago Zounds, sir, you're robbed. For shame, put on your   gown! 88 Your heart is burst; you have lost half your soul. Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is Tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! 91 Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, 92 Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. 93 Arise, I say! Brabantio  What, have you lost your wits? Roderigo Most reverend signor, do you know my voice? Brabantio  Not I. What are you? Roderigo  My name is Roderigo. Brabantio  The worser welcome. I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors. In honest plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness, Being full of supper and distemp'ring drafts, 102 Upon malicious bravery dost thou come 103 To start my quiet. 104 Roderigo Sir, sir, sir-- Brabantio  But thou must needs be sure 106 My . . . power my temperament and my authority of office have it in their power 109 grange isolated country house. 110 simple sincere 114 Barbary from northern Africa (and hence associated with Othello) 115 nephews i.e., grandsons 115-16 you'll . . . Germans you'll consent to have powerful horses for kinfolks and small Spanish horses for near relatives. 121 a senator (Said with mock politeness, as though the word itself were an insult.) 122 Answer be held accountable for. 124 wise well-informed 126 At . . . night at this hour that is between day and night, neither the one nor the other 127 with by 128 But with a knave than by a low fellow, a servant 130 and your allowance and has your permission 131 saucy insolent My spirits and my place have in their power 106 To make this bitter to thee. Roderigo Patience, good sir. Brabantio What tell'st thou me of robbing? This is Venice; My house is not a grange. Roderigo Most grave Brabantio, 109 In simple and pure soul I come to you. 110 Iago  Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll  114 have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers  115 for cousins and jennets for germans. 116 Brabantio  What profane wretch art thou? Iago  I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. Brabantio Thou art a villain. Iago You are--a senator. 121 Brabantio This thou shalt answer. I know thee, Roderigo. 122 Roderigo Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you, If't be your pleasure and most wise consent-- 124 As partly I find it is--that your fair daughter, At this odd-even and dull watch o'th' night, 126 Transported with no worse nor better guard 127 But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, 128 To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor-- If this be known to you and your allowance 130 We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs. 131 But if you know not this, my manners tell me 134 from contrary to.   civility good manners, decency 135 your reverence (1) the respect due to you (2) Your Reverence. 138 wit intelligence 139-40 In . . . everywhere to a wandering and vagabond foreigner of uncertain origins. 140 Straight Straightaway 144 tinder charred linen ignited by a spark from flint and steel, used to light torches or tapers (lines 145, 170) 146 accident occurrence, event 149 meet fitting.   place position (as ensign) 150 producted produced (as a witness) 152 gall rub; oppress.   check rebuke 153 cast dismiss.   embarked engaged 154 loud urgent 155 stands in act have started.   for their souls to save their souls 156 fathom i.e., ability, depth of experience 157 in which regard out of regard for which 159 life livelihood 162 Sagittary (An inn or house where Othello and Desdemona are staying, named for its sign of Sagittarius, or Centaur.)   raised search search party roused out of sleep 163.1 nightgown dressing gown. (This costuming is specified in the quarto text.) We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe That, from the sense of all civility, 134 I thus would play and trifle with your reverence. 135 Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, I say again, hath made a gross revolt, Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes 138 In an extravagant and wheeling stranger 139 Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself. 140 If she be in her chamber or your house, Let loose on me the justice of the state For thus deluding you. Brabantio [calling] Strike on the tinder, ho! 144 Give me a taper! Call up all my people! This accident is not unlike my dream. 146 Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say, light! Exit [above]. Iago Farewell, for I must leave you. It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place 149 To be producted--as, if I stay, I shall-- 150 Against the Moor. For I do know the state, However this may gall him with some check, 152 Cannot with safety cast him, for he's embarked 153 With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, 154 Which even now stands in act, that, for their souls, 155 Another of his fathom they have none 156 To lead their business; in which regard, 157 Though I do hate him as I do hell pains, Yet for necessity of present life 159 I must show out a flag and sign of love, Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find   him, Lead to the Sagittary the raised search, 162 And there will I be with him. So farewell. Exit. 163 Enter [below] Brabantio [in his nightgown] with servants and torches. 165 time i.e., remainder of life 175 charms spells 176 property special quality, nature 177 abused deceived. 182 discover reveal, uncover 185 command demand assistance 187 deserve show gratitude for Brabantio It is too true an evil. Gone she is; And what's to come of my despised time 165 Is naught but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, Where didst thou see her?--Oh, unhappy girl!-- With the Moor, say'st thou?--Who would be a father!-- How didst thou know 'twas she?--Oh, she deceives   me Past thought!--What said she to you?--Get more   tapers. Raise all my kindred.--Are they married, think you? Roderigo  Truly, I think they are. Brabantio Oh, heaven! How got she out? Oh, treason of the   blood! Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds By what you see them act. Is there not charms 175 By which the property of youth and maidhood 176 May be abused? Have you not read, Roderigo, 177 Of some such thing? Roderigo Yes, sir, I have indeed. Brabantio Call up my brother.--Oh, would you had had her!-- Some one way, some another.--Do you know Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? Roderigo I think I can discover him, if you please 182 To get good guard and go along with me. Brabantio Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; I may command at most.--Get weapons, ho! 185 And raise some special officers of night.-- On, good Roderigo. I will deserve your pains. 187 Exeunt. Excerpted from Othello by William Shakespeare, David Scott Kastan All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.