[Sings.] King Stephen was a worthy peer, His breeches cost him but a crown; With that he call'd the tailor-lown. Some wine, ho! Cas. 'Fore Heaven, this is a more exquisite song than the other! Iago. Will you hear it again? Cas. No; for I hold him unworthy of his place that does those things.-Well,-Heaven's above all; and there be souls that must be saved, and there be souls that must not be saved. Jago. It's true, good lieutenant. Cas. For mine own part,-no offence to the general, nor any man of quality,-I hope to be saved. Iago. And so do I, too, lieutenant. Cas. Ay; but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more of this: let's to our affairs. Forgive us our sins!-Gentlemen, let's look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk; this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left hand. I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough. All. Excellent well. Cas. Very well, then,-you must not think that I am drunk. [Exeunt CASSIO, ANTONIO, JULIO, and LEONARDO. Iago. You see this fellow that is gone before ;— He is a soldier fit to stand by Cæsar And give direction: and do but see his vice. On some odd time of his infirmity, Will shake this island. Mont. But is he often thus? Iago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. Mont. It were well The general were put in mind of it: Iago. How now, Roderigo! I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit RODERIGO. Mont. And 'tis great pity, that the noble Moor Should hazard such a place, as his own second, With one of an ingraft infirmity: It were an honest action to say so Iago. Not I, for this fair island: I do love Cassio well; and would do much Rod. [Without.] Help! help! Iago. But hark! what noise? Enter CASSIO, driving in RODERIGO-ANTONIO and JULIO following them. Cas. You rogue! you rascal! Mont. What's the matter, lieutenant? [Stops CASSIO. Cas. A knave!-teach me my duty! I'll beat the knave into a wicker bottle. Rod. Beat me! Cas. Dost thou prate, rogue? Mont. Nay, good lieutenant; [Struggling to reach RODERIGO. [Staying him. Pray, sir, hold your hand. Cas. Let me go, sir, Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. Mont. Come, come, you're drunk. Cas. Drunk! [Strikes MONTANO. [They draw, and fight. Iago. Away, I say! go out, and cry-a mutiny. Nay, good lieutenant,-alas, gentlemen,- [MONTANO is rounded,-ANTONIO and JULIO Enter OTHELLO, MARCO, PAULO, GIOVANNI, LUCA, and SERVANTS with Torches. Oth. Hold, for your lives. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? Speak, who began this?on thy love I charge thee. now In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom Oth. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? The world hath noted, and your name is great And spend your rich opinion, for the name While I spare speech, which something now offends me, Of all that I do know: nor know I aught, Oth. Now, by Heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule; Mont. If partially affined, or leagued in office, Iago. Touch me not so near: I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth, Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio; Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth There comes a fellow, crying out for help; More of this matter can I not report : But men are men; the best sometimes forget:- Oth. I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon :- [MONTANO is led off by JULIO and ANTONIO. Iago, look with care about the town ;* And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. [Exeunt all but Cassio and Iago. Iago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant ? Cas. Ay, past all surgery. Iago. Marry, Heaven forbid! Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! I have |