Tush! never tell me, I take it much unkindly That thou Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this

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1 Act 1 Scene 1 Enter and. Tush! never tell me, I take it much unkindly That thou, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this Sblood, but you ll not hear me. If ever I did dream Of such a matter, abhor me. Thou told st me Thou didst hold him in thy hate. 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, Horribly stuffed with epithets of war. And in conclusion, Non-suits my mediators. For Certes, says he, I have already chosen my officer. And what was he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician, One Michael, a Florentine, (A fellow almost damned in a fair wife) That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster. Unless the bookish theoric, Wherein the toga d consuls can propose As masterly as he. Mere prattle (without practise) Is all his soldiership. But he (Sir) had th election; And I (of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus and on other grounds, Christian and heathen) must be be-leed and calmed By debitor and creditor. This counter-caster, He (in good time) must his Lieutenant be, And I (God bless the mark!) his Moorship s Ancient. By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. Why, there s no remedy. Tis the curse of service, Preferment goes by letter and affection, And not by old gradation, where each second Stood heir to the first. Now sir, be judge yourself, Whether I in any just term am assigned To love the Moor? I would not follow him then. O sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark 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 nought but provender, and when he s old, cashiered Act 1 Scene 1 1 Tush!: a mild oath 1 never tell me: don t try to fool me 2 thou: you 2 3 who has had were thine: who I ve let use my money as if it were your own 4 Sblood: By God s blood; a stronger oath 4 abhor: hate 7 great ones: important men 8 In personal suit: asked him in person 8 Lieutenant: second in command 9 Off-capped: took off their hats to him (as a mark of respect) 10 I am worth a place: I deserve it 11 purposes: plans 12 a bombast circumstance: long-winded excuses 13 Horribly stuffed of war: full of military jargon 15 Non-suits my mediators: turns my supporters down 15 Certes: certainly 18 Forsooth: in truth 18 arithmetician: theorist 21 3 That never than a spinster: who has no more idea how to conduct a real battle than a woman 23 bookish theoric: book learning 24 the toga d counsuls: the state s important officials 25 As masterly as: as well as 25 6 Mere prattle soldiership: He s all talk 26 has th election: was chosen 28 grounds: battlefields be-leed and creditor: must be held back by a mere bookkeeper 30 counter-caster: accountant 32 God bless the mark: God help us 32 his Moorship s: referring to, who is black 33 Ancient: also called Ensign, an officer junior to the Lieutenant 34 no remedy: no help for it 35 service: a soldier s life 36 Preferment: promotion 36 letter and affection: recommendations and favouritism 37 old gradation: moving up the promotional ladder in turn 38 in any just assigned: can have any reason 41 content you: don t you worry 42 to serve upon him: for my own ends 45 knee-crooking knave: overflattering servant 46 doting on bondage: relishing his servitude 47 Wears out his time: lives his whole life 48 nought: nothing 48 provender: animal feed 1 48 cashiered: he s sacked 1

2 Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are Who trimmed in forms, and visages of duty, 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 Do themselves homage. These fellows have some soul, And such a one do I profess myself. For (Sir) It is as sure as you are, Were I the Moor, I would not be. In following him, I follow but myself. Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so, for my peculiar end. For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am Act 1 Scene 1 50 trimmed in of duty: dressed like servants 51 keep yet their themselves: put themselves first 54 lined their coats: got all they can 55 Do themselves homage: praise themselves 57 I do profess myself: I am 62 but: only 62 peculiar end: specific purpose 63 5 my outward action compliment extern: my outward behaviour shows my true desires 67 daws: jackdaws What a full fortune does the thicklips owe If he can carry t thus? 69 a full fortune owe: How lucky will be Call up her father. Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets, incense her kinsmen, And though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such chances of vexation on t, As it may loose some choler. Here is her father s house, I ll call aloud. Do, with like timorous accent and dire yell As when (by night and negligence) the fire Is spied in populous cities. What ho! Brabantio, Signior Brabantio, ho! carry it thus: pull this off 70 Call up: wake 71 make after: follow 71 incense: stir up anger in 72 Proclaim him: shout his name (probably s, not her father s) 73 he in a fertile dwell: he s enjoying life now 74 Plague him with flies: ruin it for him 76 loose some choler: make him angry with like Is spied: as people shout out when they see a house on fire at night Awake! What ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves! Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags! Thieves, thieves! Enter Brabantio, above. Brabantio What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is the matter there? 85 Signior, is all your family within? Are your doors locked? Brabantio Why? Wherefore ask you this? Brabantio Zounds sir, y are robbed, for shame, put on your gown, 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! Awake the snoring citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. Arise, I say. What, have you lost your wits? Zounds: By God s wounds; a very strong oath 91 a black ram: refers to ; the start of a run of images of animals having sex intended to shock 91 tupping: having sex with 94 the devil: referring to (the devil was often shown as black) 94 grandsire: grandfather 2

3 Brabantio Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? Not I. What are you? My name is. Act 1 Scene 1 Brabantio Sir, sir, sir 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 draughts) Upon malicious knav ry dost thou come To start my quiet charged thee: ordered you 100 thou hast: you have 101 My daughter thee: you can t marry my daughter 102 distemp ring draughts: drunk 103 Upon malicious knav ry: looking to make trouble/mischief 104 start my quiet: disturb me Brabantio Brabantio Brabantio Brabantio Brabantio But thou must needs be sure, My spirit and my place have in them power To make this bitter to thee. Patience, good sir. What! Tell st thou me of robbing? This is Venice, my house is not a grange. Most grave Brabantio, In simple and pure soul, I come to you. 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 have your nephews neigh to you, you ll have coursers for cousins and jennets for germans. What profane wretch art thou? I am one sir, that comes to tell you, your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs. Thou art a villain. You are a senator. This thou shalt answer. I know thee,. Sir, I will answer anything. But I beseech you, If t be your pleasure and most wise consent (As partly I find it is) that your fair daughter, At this odd ev ning and dull watch o th night, Transported with no worse nor better guard But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor. If this be known to you, and your allowance, We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs. But if you know not this, my manners tell me, We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe That, from the sense of all civility, I thus would play and trifle with your reverence. Your daughter (if you have not given her leave) I say again, hath made a gross revolt, Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself. If she be in her chamber, or your house, Let loose on me the justice of the state thou must needs be sure: you d better be right 106 spirit: nature 106 place: position in society 107 make this bitter to thee: make you to regret it 109 grange: isolated house in the country simple: honest 114 service: a good deed covered: mated with 115 Barbary horse: a horse from north Africa 116 nephews: descendants, often used for grandchildren coursers jennets: types of horse germans: relatives 118 profane: foul-mouthed 120 making the backs: having sex 123 this thou shalt answer: on your head be your pleasure: your wish 127 odd evening the night: around midnight 129 But with common hire: 130 with just a hired man not a servant of Brabantio 130 gross clasps: vile embraces 130 lascivious: lustful 131 your allowance: done with your permission We have rebuke: you re wrong to be angry with us 135 from: against 136 play and trifle with your reverence: mess you about, sir 138 made a gross revolt: deceived you to an extravagant stranger: to a foreigner with no fixed home 141 Straight satisfy yourself: check 3

4 Brabantio For thus deluding you. Strike on the tinder, ho! Give me a taper! Call up all my people! This accident is not unlike my dream, Belief of it oppresses me already. Light! I say, light! Exit Brabantio, above. 145 Act 1 Scene Strike on the tinder: light a match 145 taper: candle 146 this accident: what s happening 149 meet: suitable Brabantio Farewell, for I must leave you. It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place To be produced (as if I stay, I shall) Against the Moor. For I do know the state (However this may gall him with some check) Cannot with safety cast him. For he s embarked With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, (Which even now stands in act) that for their souls Another of his fathom, they have none To lead their business. In which regard, Though I do hate him as I do hell s pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, 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 raisèd search, And there will I be with him. So, farewell. He exits. Enter Brabantio and servants with torches. It is too true an evil. Gone she is, And what s to come of my despisèd time Is nought but bitterness. Now, Where didst thou see her? O unhappy girl! With the Moor say st thou? Who would be a father? How didst thou know twas she? O she deceives me Past thought. What said she to you? Get more tapers. Raise all my kindred! Are they married, think you? Truly I think they are wholesome to my place: it might cost me my job 150 produced: called as a witness (However this cast him: he s too important for the state to get rid of, even if they reprimand him 154 loud reasons: wholehearted support 155 stands in the act: are going on 156 fathom: ability/understanding 159 for the necessity of present life: for the moment 160 show out a flag: give out signals 162 the Sagittary: the name of an inn (from the star sign Sagittarius, associated with lust) 162 raisèd search: search party 165 my despisèd time: the rest of my wretched life 167 unhappy: wretched 170 past thought: more than I could have imagined Brabantio O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood! Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters minds By what you see them act. Is there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abused? Have you not read,, Of some such thing? Yes sir, I have indeed. Brabantio Call up my brother! O would you had had her! Some one way, some another. Do you know Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? I think I can discover him, if you please To get good guard and go along with me treason of the blood: double meaning: she s betraying her family; her passion is betraying her common sense 175 from hence: from now on 176 by what you see them act: by their outward behaviour 176 charms: magical spells 177 property: true nature 177 maidhood: virginity 180 would you had had her: I wish I d let you marry her 181 Some one way another: he s sending people to search in different directions Brabantio Pray you lead on. At every house I ll call (I may command at most). Get weapons, ho! And raise some special officers of might. On good, I will deserve your pains. They all exit I may command: I can call on help 187 special officers of might: powerful officials 188 I ll deserve your pains: I ll reward you for your trouble 4

5 Act 1 Scene 2 Act 1 Scene 2 Enter,, and Attendants with torches. Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o th conscience To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity Sometimes to do me service. Nine or ten times I had thought t have yerk d him here, under the ribs. 5 1 in the trade of war: as a soldier 2 very stuff o th: essence of 3 contrived: planned 3 4 I lack service: sometimes I m too honest for my own good 5 yerk d: stabbed Tis better as it is. Nay, but he prated, And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms Against your honour, That with the little godliness I have I did full hard forbear him. But I pray you sir, Are you fast married? Be assured of this, That the magnifico is much beloved, And hath in his effect a voice potential As double as the Duke s. He will divorce you, Or put upon you what restraint or grievance The law (with all his might to enforce it on) Will give him cable. Let him do his spite. My services, which I have done the signiory, Shall out-tongue his complaints. Tis yet to know, Which, when I know that boasting is an honour, I shall promulgate. I fetch my life and being, From men of royal seige, and my demerits May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune As this that I have reached. For know,, But that I love the gentle, I would not my unhousèd free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea s worth. But look, what lights come yond? Those are the raisèd father and his friends. You were best go in. Not I, I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? Enter and Soldiers with torches. By Janus, I think no. The servants of the Duke? And my Lieutenant? The goodness of the night upon you, friends. What is the news? prated: went on and on 7 scurvy: insulting, contemptible 10 I did full hard him: It was all I could do not to hit him 11 fast married: properly married (marriages could be dissolved if the couple had not consummated the marriage by having sex) 12 magnifico: important man (Brabantio, s father) 13 4 hath in his effect the Duke s: his friends and influence make him twice as powerful as the Duke 15 grievance: punishment 17 give him cable: allow him to do 17 his spite: his worst 18 signiory: the government of Venice 19 out-tongue: speak louder than Tis yet to know promulgate: I don t want to boast, so haven t made it public that 21 fetch my life and being: am descended 22 siege: rank 22 demerits: good qualities, worth 23 unbonneted: on equal terms 25 But that I: If I didn t 26 unhousèd free condition: single state 27 Put into circumscription: restrict 28 For the sea s worth: for all the treasure in the sea 28 yond: over there 29 raisèd: double meaning: woken up; roused to anger 30 parts: personal qualities 32 manifest me rightly: show me for what I am 33 Janus: the two-faced Roman god of January The Duke does greet you, General, And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance, Even on the instant. What is the matter, think you? 38 haste-post-haste: urgent 39 Even on the instant: right now 39 What is the matter: What s it about Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. It is a business of some heat. The galleys Have sent a dozen sequent messengers This very night at one another s heels, as I may divine: at a guess 41 heat: urgency 42 sequent messengers: messengers, one after the other 5 5

6 And many of the consuls, raised and met, Are at the Duke s already. You have been hotly called for. When being not at your lodging to be found, The Senate hath sent about three several quests To search you out. 45 Act 1 Scene 2 44 consuls: members of the Venetian government 45 hotly: urgently 47 several quests: separate search parties Tis well I am found by you. I will but spend a word here in the house, And go with you. [He exits.] Ancient, what makes he here? Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carack. If it prove lawful prize, he s made for ever. I do not understand. He s married. To who? Marry to [Enter.] Come captain, will you go? Brabantio Brabantio Here comes another troop to seek for you. Have with you. Enter Brabantio,, and Officers, armed, with torches. It is Brabantio. General, be advised, He comes to bad intent. Signior, it is the Moor. Holla, stand there! Down with him! Thief! [They draw their swords, to fight.] You,! Come sir, I am for you. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust em. Good signior, you shall more command with years Than with your weapons. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her. For I ll refer me to all things of sense (If she in chains of magic were not bound) Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunned The wealthy curlèd darlings of our nation, Would ever have, (t incur a general mock) Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom Of such a thing as thou? To fear, not to delight? Judge me the world, if tis not gross in sense That thou hast practised on her with foul charms, Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals That weaken motion. I ll have t disputed on, Tis probable and palpable to thinking. I therefore apprehend and do attach thee For an abuser of the world, a practiser Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. Lay hold upon him. If he do resist, Subdue him at his peril spend a word: leave a message 50 Ancient: s rank in the army 50 What makes he here?: what s he doing here? 51 boarded a land carack: captured a treasure ship (sexual implication) 52 lawful prize: a legal marriage 54 Marry: By the Virgin Mary, an oath used for emphasis 54 Have: I ll go 56 advised: warned 57 to: with 59 I am for you: I ll fight you 64 enchanted: put a spell on 65 I ll refer sense: I ll appeal to your common sense 68 opposite: opposed 69 curlèd darlings: elegant young men 70 (t incur mock): make herself ridiculous in most people s opinions 71 her guardage: the safety of my care 71 sooty bosom: a racist reference to (because soot is black) 73 Judge me the world: Let the world judge 73 gross in sense: blatantly obvious 74 practiced on charms: used foul spells on her 75 minerals: poisons 76 motion: normal perceptions 76 disputed on: debated publicly 77 palpable to thinking: the obvious answer 78 apprehend and do attach: arrest 80 arts out of warrant: illegal magic 6

7 Brabantio Hold your hands, Both you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it Without a prompter. Whither will you that I go To answer this your charge? To prison, till fit time Of law and course of direct session Call thee to answer. 85 Act 1 Scene 3 83 of my inclining: on my side 85 Wither will you go: where will you take me 86 7 fit time session: until the court next meets What if I do obey? How may the Duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side, Upon some present business of the state, To bring me to him? present: urgent, needing immediate attention Officer Tis true, most worthy signior; The Duke s in council, and your noble self I am sure is sent for. Brabantio How? The Duke in council? In this time of the night? Bring him away, Mine s not an idle cause! The Duke himself, Or any of my brothers of the state, Cannot but feel this wrong as twere their own. For if such actions may have passage free, Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. They all exit away: with us 96 idle cause: trivial complaint 98 as twere: as if it was 99 may have passage free: are allowed 100 bondslaves and pagans: slaves and non-christians Act 1 Scene 3 Enter Attendants, and the Duke and Senators, who sit at a table with lights. Duke There s no composition in this news That gives them credit. 1 composition: consistency First Senator Indeed, they are disproportioned. My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. 2 credit: credibility 2 disproportioned: inconsistent Duke And mine a hundred forty. Second Senator Duke Sailor, offstage Officer And mine two hundred. But though they jump not on a just account, (As in these cases, where the aim reports, Tis oft with difference) yet do they all confirm A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. Nay, it is possible enough to judgment: I do not so secure me in the error, But the main article I do approve In fearful sense. A messenger from the galleys. What ho! What, ho! What, ho! Enter Sailor jump not on a just account: can t agree on the numbers 6 7 (As in these cases difference): many reports made in similar circumstances don t agree 8 bearing up to: heading for 10 I do not so error: I m not going to make the mistake of discounting the report because of the discrepancy 11 2 But in the main sense: I m sure the main point is right; and a cause for alarm 14 preparation: fleet Duke Now, what s the business? Sailor The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes, So was I bid report here to the state By Signior Angelo

8 Duke First Senator Duke How say you by this change? This cannot be, By no assay of reason. Tis a pageant To keep us in false gaze. When we consider Th importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, And let ourselves again but understand That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, So may he with more facile question bear it, For that it stands not in such warlike brace, But altogether lacks th abilities That Rhodes is dressed in. If we make thought of this, We must not think the Turk is so unskilful To leave that latest which concerns him first, Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain To wake and wage a danger profitless. Nay, in all confidence, he s not for Rhodes. Officer Here is more news. Enter a Messenger Act 1 Scene 3 17 How say you by: what do you think of 18 By no assay of reason: it makes no sense 18 pageant: show 22 it more concerns: is more important to 23 So may he bear it: and it is easier to capture 24 for that: because 24 warlike brace: readiness for war 25 th abilities: the defences 26 dressed in: equipped with 28 the latest first: what s most important to him until last Neglecting profitless: bypassing an important and easy capture to try for one that s difficult Messenger First Senator Messenger Duke The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, Steering with due course towards the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an after fleet. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? Of thirty sail, and now they do re-stem Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, Your trusty and most valiant servitor, With his free duty recommends you thus, And prays you to believe him. Tis certain, then, for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? Ottomites: Turks (from Ottoman Empire) 33 reverend and gracious: addressing the Duke, not referring to the Turks 35 injointed them fleet: joined a fleet that followed them 37 9 re-stem Their purposes: now openly sailing 40 servitor: servant 41 free duty: willing obedience 41 recommends you thus: tells you this First Senator He s now in Florence. Duke First Senator Write from us to him, Post-post-haste, dispatch. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor Post-post-haste, dispatch: go, send it as quickly as you can Enter Brabantio,,,,, and officers. Duke Brabantio Valiant, we must straight employ you Against the general enemy Ottoman. [To Brabantio.] I did not see you. Welcome gentle signior, We lacked your counsel and your help tonight. So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me. Neither my place nor aught I heard of business Hath raised me from my bed; nor doth the general care Take hold on me. For my particular grief Is of so flood-gate and o erbearing nature That it engluts and swallows other sorrows And it is still itself straight: immediately 49 the general enemy Ottoman: everyone s enemy, the Turk 51 lacked you counsel: missed your advice 53 my place business: my official position or this news 54 the general care: matters of state 56 flood-gate and o erbearing: overwhelming 57 engluts: consumes Duke Why, what s the matter? Brabantio My daughter! O my daughter! First Senator Dead? 8

9 Brabantio Ay, to me. She is abused, stol n from me, and corrupted By spells, and medicines bought of mountebanks. For nature so preposterously to err, (Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense) Sans witchcraft could not. 60 Act 1 Scene 3 60 abused: deceived 61 mountebanks: con men who sold fake medicine 62 4 For nature could not: she could not have done something this bad without being bewitched Duke Brabantio All Whoe er he be, that in this foul proceeding Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself, And you of her, the bloody book of law, You shall yourself read, in the bitter letter, After your own sense: yea, though our proper son Stood in your action. Humbly I thank your grace. Here is the man, this Moor, whom now it seems Your special mandate for the state affairs Hath hither brought. We are very sorry for t beguiled your daughter herself: tricked your daughter into behaving so uncharacteristically 67 bloody: (because witchcraft carried the death penalty) 69 after your own sense: putting your own interpretation on it 69 proper: own 70 Stood in your action: was accused by you 72 mandate: official order 73 hither: here Duke [To.] What in your own part can you say to this? Brabantio Nothing, but this is so. 75 Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, My very noble and approved good masters, That I have ta en away this old man s daughter, It is most true. True, I have married her. The very head and front of my offending Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace; For since these arms of mine had seven years pith, Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used Their dearest action in the tented field, And little of this great world can I speak, More than pertains to feats of broil and battle. And therefore little shall I grace my cause, In speaking for myself. Yet, (by your gracious patience) I will a round unvarnished tale deliver, Of my whole course of love, what drugs, what charms, What conjuration, and what mighty magic, (For such proceeding I am charged withal) I won his daughter potent, grave: powerful, respected 77 approved: well thought of 80 the very head and front: the whole 81 Rude: inelegant 83 these arms pith: since I was seven years old 83 pith: strength 84 Till now wasted: until nine months ago 85 in the tented field: on military campaigns 87 pertains: has to do with 87 broil: uproar 90 round: plain 92 conjuration: spells Brabantio A maiden never bold. Of spirit so still and quiet, that her motion Blushed at herself. And she, in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, every thing, To fall in love, with what she feared to look on. It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature, and must be driven To find out practices of cunning hell Why this should be. I therefore vouch again, That with some mixtures powerful o er the blood, Or with some dram (conjured to this effect), He wrought upon her her motion itself: she was embarrassed by her feelings 97 credit: reputation 99 maimed: warped so could err nature: could act so out of character 102 practices: schemes 103 vouch: witness dram effect): drug Duke To vouch this is no proof, Without more certain and more overt test 106 wrought: worked 107 overt: clear 9 9

10 First Senator Duke Duke Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods Of modern seeming, do prefer against him. But, speak, Did you by indirect and forcèd courses Subdue and poison this young maid s affections? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth? I do beseech you, Send for the lady to the Sagittary And let her speak of me before her father. If you do find me foul in her report, The trust, the office I do hold of you, Not only take away, but let your sentence Even fall upon my life. Fetch hither. Ancient, conduct them. You best know the place. And, till she come, as truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood, So justly to your grave ears I ll present How I did thrive in this fair lady s love, And she in mine. Say it,. exits with some others Act 1 Scene thin habits prefer: than this flimsy evidence offered 111 indirect courses: devious and manipulative tactics fair question affordeth?: in the natural course of getting to know each other 116 before: in front of 117 If you do find report: if she speaks badly of me 123 blood: nature 124 present: testify Her father loved me, oft invited me, Still questioned me the story of my life From year to year: the battles, sieges, fortunes That I have passed. I ran it through, even from my boyish days, To th very moment that he bade me tell it. Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances: Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hair-breadth scapes i th imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the insolent foe And sold to slavery. Of my redemption thence, And portance in my travailous history, Wherein of antres vast, and deserts idle, Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven, It was my hint to speak. Such was my process, And of the cannibals that each other eat, The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear, Would seriously incline. But still the house-affairs would draw her thence, Which ever as she could with haste dispatch She d come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my discourse. Which I observing, Took once a pliant hour and found good means To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart, That I would all my pilgrimage dilate, Whereof by parcels she had something heard, But not intentively. I did consent, And often did beguile her of her tears When I did speak of some distressful stroke That my youth suffered. My story being done, Still: continually 130 passed: experienced 133 Wherein: in doing so 133 chances: events 134 Of moving field: of exciting events at sea and on land 135 scapes breach: close shaves in dangerous fighting 137 redemption thence: freedom being bought 138 portance history: and how I bore it all 139 antres: caves 139 idle: empty 141 hint: opportunity 142 my process: my methods 143 Anthropophagi: (referring back to the cannibals) 145 seriously: earnestly 145 incline: listen, entranced 146 thence: away from there 147 ever as: as soon as 147 dispatch: finish 149 my discourse: my story 150 pliant: suitable 152 my pilgrimage dilate: tell my whole story 153 by parcels: bit and pieces 154 intentively: entirely, with her full attention 155 beguile: charm 156 stroke: blow 10

11 She gave me for my pains a world of sighs. She swore in faith twas strange, twas passing strange, Twas pitiful, twas wondrous pitiful. She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished That heaven had made her such a man. She thanked me, And bad me, if I had a friend that loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake. She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used.,, and Attendants enter. Here comes the lady. Let her witness it. 158 pains: sufferings 159 passing: very Act 1 Scene bad: told 164 should but: would only had to 169 witness it: confirm it Duke I think this tale would win my daughter too. Good Brabantio, Take up this mangled matter at the best. Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands. Brabantio I pray you hear her speak! If she confess that she was half the wooer, Destruction on my head, if my bad blame Light on the man. Come hither gentle mistress. Do you perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience? take up the best: make the best of this bad situation Men do bare hands: make the best out of a bad job my bad blame the man: I ve slandered him My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life, and education. My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. You are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter. But here s my husband. And so much duty as my mother showed To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge, that I may profess Due to the Moor, my lord education: upbringing 184 hitherto: until now challenge: claim Brabantio Duke God be with you! I have done. Please it your grace, on to the state affairs. I had rather to adopt a child than get it. Come hither Moor. I here do give thee that, with all my heart, Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart I would keep from thee. For your sake (jewel), I am glad at soul I have no other child, For thy escape would teach me tyranny, To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord. Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence Which, as a grise or step may help these lovers Into your favour. When remedies are past, the griefs are ended By seeing the worst which late on hopes depended. To mourn a mischief that is past and gone, Is the next way to draw more mischief on. What cannot be preserved when fortune takes, Patience her injury a mockery makes. The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief, He robs himself that spends a bootless grief but: except that I am glad at soul: I thank God 198 clogs: weights fixed to animals to stop them straying 199 like yourself: as you would if you were thinking clearly 199 lay a sentence: make a judgement grise: a single stair in a staircase 202 remedies are past: there s no help for it 203 seeing the worst depended: accepting the situation 204 mischief: distress next: most likely What cannot makes: if fate robs you of something, don t show your anger, be patient 209 spends a bootless grief: mourns 11 what can t be fixed 11

12 Brabantio Duke So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile, We lose it not so long as we can smile. He bears the sentence well that nothing bears But the free comfort which from thence he hears. But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow, That to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. These sentences, to sugar, or to gall, Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. But words are words. I never yet did hear That the bruisèd heart was piercèd through the ear. I humbly beseech you, proceed to th affairs of state. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus., the fortitude of the place is best known to you. And though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet Opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you. You must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes, with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition. The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war My thrice-driven bed of down. I do agnize A natural and prompt alacrity I find in hardness, and do undertake These present wars against the Ottomites. Most humbly therefore, bending to your state, I crave fit disposition for my wife, Due reverence of place and exhibition, With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding Act 1 Scene sentence: judgement 213 But: except 213 comfort: advice 213 from thence he hears: that is given with it These sentences equivocal: these sayings can be interpreted one way or the other 219 was piercèd ear: could be cured with words 221 preparation: fleet ready for war 222 fortitude: strength a substitute sufficiency: a deputy who is perfectly competent a sovereign effects: which has most influence 225 throws a more on you: says people will feel safer if you are there 226 slubber: spoil 227 stubborn: difficult 228 boistrous: violent 229 The tyrant custom: the demands of my job 231 thrice-driven bed of down: soft and comfortable bed 231 I do agnize: I admit 232 alacrity: readiness 235 bending to your state: obeying your commands fit disposition her breeding: a home and company for my wife that fits her status Duke Be t at her father s. If you please, Brabantio Nor I. I will not have it so. 240 Duke Nor I. I would not there reside, To put my father in impatient thoughts By being in his eye. Most gracious duke, To my unfolding, lend your prosperous ear, And let me find a charter in your voice T assist my simpleness. What would you,? That I did love the Moor to live with him, My downright violence and scorn of fortunes May trumpet to the world. My heart s subdued Even to the very quality of my lord. I saw s visage in his mind, And to his honours and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that (dear lords) if I be left behind A moth of peace, and he go to the war, The rites for which I love him are bereft me, And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him unfolding: suggestion 244 lend your prosperous ear: listen favourably 245 charter: official permission 246 simpleness: inexperience 249 downright violence: breaking 250 convention to run away with him 249 fortunes: consequences subdued Even to: wholly overwhelmed by 251 very quality: essential nature 252 visage: face parts: qualities 254 consecrate: dedicate 257 rites: marriage rites sex 257 bereft: stolen from 258 a heavy interim: an unbearable wait 12

13 Duke First Senator Duke Duke Duke First Senator Brabantio Let her have your voice. Vouch with me heaven, I therefore beg it not To please the palate of my appetite, Nor to comply with heat, the young affects In me defunct, and proper satisfaction, But to be free and bounteous to her mind. And heaven defend your good souls, that you think I will your serious and great business scant When she is with me. No, when light-wing d toys Of feathered Cupid, seel with wanton dullness My speculative and officed instruments, That my disports corrupt and taint my business, Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, And all indign and base adversities Make head against my estimation. Be it as you shall privately determine, Either for her stay or going. Th affair cries haste, And speed must answer it. Tonight my Lord? This night. You must away tonight With all my heart. At nine i th morning here we ll meet again., leave some officer behind And he shall our commission bring to you, And such things else of quality and respect As doth import you. So please your grace, my Ancient, A man he is of honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good grace shall think To be sent after me. Let it be so. 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. Adieu brave Moor, use well. Look to her, Moor. If thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee. Exit Duke, Brabantio, Senators, Attendants and Officers. 289 delighted: delightful Act 1 Scene voice: agreement, it could also mean vote 262 the palate of my appetite: my own inclinations 263 to comply with heat: to give in to lust the young proper satisfaction: I m old enough to control my passion 265 to be free to her mind: to agree with her wishes 266 that: if scant: spend less time on light winged Cupid: the distractions of love seel with instruments: blind me to my duty 272 skillet: saucepan helm: helmet 273 indign: dishonourable 273 base: despicable 274 Make head estimation: attack my reputation 275 determine: decide commission: orders and authority to act for the duke 282 quality and respect: significance and relevance 283 As doth import you: that you need to know To his conveyance my wife: He will bring my wife 286 needful: necessary 290 My life upon her faith. Honest, My must I leave to thee. I prithee let thy wife attend on her, And bring them after in the best advantage. Come, I have but an hour Of love, of worldly matters and direction To spend with thee. We must obey the time faith: honesty 296 I prithee: please 297 in the best advantage: as soon as possible 299 direction: instructions Exit and.? What sayst thou noble heart? 13 13

14 What will I do think st thou? Why, go to bed and sleep. I will incontinently drown myself. Well if thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly gentleman? It is silliness to live when to live is torment, and then have we a prescription to die, when death is our physician. Act 1 Scene incontinently: immediately and then have we: if we have O villainous! I have looked upon the world for four times seven years, and since I could distinguish between a benefit and an injury, I never found a man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon. What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it. Virtue? A fig! Tis in ourselves that we are thus, or thus. Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce; set hyssop and weed up thyme; supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many; either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry. Why the power, and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason, to poise another of sensuality, the blood, and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions. But we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts; whereof I take this, that you call love, to be a sect or scion. It cannot be. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness. I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse. Follow thou these wars. Defeat thy favour with an usurped beard. I say put money in thy purse. It cannot be long that should continue her love to the Moor. Put money in thy purse. Nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement in her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration. Put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills. Fill thy purse with money. The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts, shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She must change for youth. When she is sated with his body she will find the error of her choice. She must have change, she must. Therefore, put money in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a super subtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her. Therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself. It is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be guinea-hen: two meanings: woman; prostitute 317 fond: infatuated 318 virtue: natural strength of character 318 a fig!: an oath with sexual connotations 321 set: plant 322 gender: family 323 sterile with idleness: infertile through lack of care 324 corrigible authority: right to correct it 326 poise: balance out 326 blood: passions 328 preposterous conclusions: unnatural behaviour 329 motions: impulses 329 carnal stings: sexual urges 329 unbitted: unrestrained (like a horse without a bridle and bit) 330 whereof: therefore 330 sect or scion: cutting or offshoot permission of the will: self indulgence 334 professed me: told you I am 335 knit to thy deserving: committed to getting you what you deserve 336 perdurable: indestructible 336 stead: serve 338 Defeat thy favour: disguise yourself 338 usurped: false 343 answerable sequestration: correspondingly violent separation 343 Put but: just put 346 locusts: sweet fruit of the carob tree 347 coloquintida: a bitter apple 347 change for youth: come to prefer a young man is sated with: has had enough of 351 delicate: refined 352 sanctimony: holiness (in respecting the marriage vow) 353 erring: two meanings: wandering; sinful 353 super subtle: two meanings: over-sophisticated; over-delicate 355 a pox of: an oath, referring to venereal disease 356 clean out of the way: a ridiculous plan 14

15 hanged in compassing thy joy, than to be drowned, and go without her. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the issue? Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted, thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered. Traverse. Go, provide thy money. We will have more of this tomorrow. Adieu. Where shall we meet i th morning? At my lodging. I ll be with thee betimes. Go to, farewell. Do you hear,? What say you? No more of drowning, do you hear? I am changed. 360 Act 1 Scene in compassing thy joy: in having sex with (implying raping her) 359 be fast to: wholeheartedly support 359 depend on the issue: fully commit myself to the plan 362 hearted: from the heart 363 be conjunctive: work together 364 cuckold him: make him a cuckold 365 (a man with an unfaithful wife) 366 Traverse: Quick march! betimes: early Go to, farewell. Put money enough in your purse Go to: yes, yes (impatient) I ll go sell all my land. He exits. Thus do I ever make my fool, my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe, But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor. And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets He s done my office. I know not if t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well, The better shall my purpose work on him. s a proper man. Let me see now, To get his place, and to plume up my will In double knavery. How? How? Let s see. After some time, to abuse s ear That he is too familiar with his wife: He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th nose As asses are. I have t! It is engendered. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world s light. 377 Thus do I purse: this is how I trick fools into giving me money 378 gained knowledge: experience 378 profane: misuse snipe: an insult, referring to a small bird 381 thought abroad: widely rumoured 382 my office: my job (slept with his wife) 384 as if for surety: just as well as 385 certainty 384 He holds me well: trusts me 386 proper: attractive and elegant 387 his place: his job (as Lieutenant) 387 plume up: put a feather in my cap in double knavery: by injuring both and 390 he his: s 391 person: appearance 391 dispose: manner 392 framed: formed false: unfaithful 393 free: generous 397 engendered: conceived He exits

16 Act 2 Scene 1 Act 2 Scene 1 Enter Montano, the Governor of Cyprus, with two Gentlemen. Montano What from the cape can you discern at sea? 1 discern: make out First Gentleman Nothing at all, it is a highwrought flood. I cannot twixt the heaven and the main Descry a sail. 2 high-wrought flood: rough sea 3 main: sea 4 Descry: catch sight of Montano Second Gentleman Montano Methinks, the wind hath spoke aloud at land, A fuller blast ne er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea, What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? A segregation of the Turkish fleet. For do but stand upon the foaming shore, The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds, The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane, Seems to cast water on the burning bear And quench the guards of th ever-fixèd pole. I never did like molestation view On the enchafèd flood. If that the Turkish fleet Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned. It is impossible they bear it out. Enter a third Gentleman ne er: never 7 ruffianed: raged 8 ribs of oak: the oak planks that make up a ship 8 mountains melt on them: such high waves pour over them 9 hold the mortice: hold together 10 segregation: scattering 12 chidden billow: scolded waves 12 pelt: batter 13 mane: the sea 14 burning bear: the bear constellation of stars 15 the guards of pole: the pole star and two brightest stars by it 16 7 like molestation flood: see such an wild upheaval of the sea 18 embayed: sheltered in a bay 19 bear it out: could ride out this storm Third Gentleman News lads! Our wars are done. The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance On most part of their fleet designment halts: attack plan is finished 23 sufference: damage Montano How? Is this true? Third Gentleman The ship is here put in: A Veronessa. Michael, Lieutenant to the warlike Moor,, Is come on shore. The Moor himself at sea, And is in full commission here for Cyprus. Montano I am glad on t. Tis a worthy governor. Third Gentleman But this same, though he speak of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly, And prays the Moor be safe, for they were parted With foul and violent tempest. Montano Third Gentleman Pray heavens he be! For I have served him, and the man commands Like a full soldier. Let s to the sea side, ho! As well to see the vessel that s come in, As to throw out our eyes for brave, Even till we make the main and th aerial blue, An indistinct regard. Come, let s do so, For every minute is expectancy Of more arrivance Veronessa: ship from the Italian city of Verona 29 in full commission: will be complete control 32 Touching: concerning 32 sadly: greatly concerned 36 full: perfect 38 throw out our eyes: watch out for Even to the regard: as far as the point where you can t tell sea from sky is expectancy arrivance: more ships are expected