# Shakespeare - First Folio facsimile (1910)/The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice/Act 1 Scene 2

Scena Secunda.
Enter Othello, Iago, Attendants, with Torches.
Ia. Though in the trade of Warre I haue slaine men, Yet do I hold it very stuffe o'th'conscience To do no contriu'd Murder: I lacke Iniquitie Sometime to do me seruice. Nine, or ten times I had thought t'haue yerk'd him here vnder the Ribbes.
Othello. 'Tis better as it is.
Iago. Nay but he prated, And spoke such scuruy, and prouoking termes Against your Honor, that with the little godlinesse I haue I did full hard forbeare him. But I pray you Sir, Are you fast married? Be assur'd of this, That the Magnifico is much belou'd, And hath in his effect a voice potentiall As double as the Dukes: He will diuorce you. Or put vpon you, what restraint or greeuance,
The Law (with all his might, to enforce it on) Will giue him Cable.
Othel. Let him do his spight; My Seruices, which I haue done the Signorie 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 Royall Seige. And my demerites May speake (vnbonnetted) to as proud a Fortune As this that I haue reach'd. For know Iago, But that I loue the gentle Desdemona, I would not my vnhoused free condition Put into Circumscription, and Confine, For the Seas worth. But looke, what Lights come yond?
Enter Cassio, with Torches.
Iago. Those are the raised Father, and his Friends: You were best go in.
Othel. Not I: I must be found. My Parts, my Title, and my perfect Soule Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?
Iago. By Ianus, I thinke no.
Othel. The Seruants of the Dukes? And my Lieutenant? The goodnesse of the Night vpon you (Friends) What is the Newes?
Cassio. The Duke do's greet you (Generall) And he requires your haste, Post-haste appearance, Euen on the instant.
Othello. What is the matter, thinke you?
Cassio. Something from Cyprus, as I may diuine: It is a businesse of some heate. The Gallies Haue sent a dozen sequent Messengers This very night, at one anothers heeles: And many of the Consuls, rais'd and met, Are at the Dukes already. You haue bin hotly call'd for, When being not at your Lodging to be found, The Senate hath sent about three seuerall Quests, To search you out.
Othel. 'Tis well I am found by you: I will but spend a word here in the house, And goe with you.
Cassio. Aunciant, what makes he heere?
Iago. Faith, he to night hath boarded a Land Carract, If it proue lawfull prize, he's made for euer.
Cassio. I do not vnderstand.
Iago. He's married.
Cassio. To who?
Iago. Marry to ——— Come Captaine, will you go?
Othel. Haue with you.
Cassio. Here comes another Troope to seeke for you.
Enter Brabantio, Rodorigo, with Officers, and Torches.
Iago. It is Brabantio: Generall be aduis'd, He comes to bad intent.
Othello. Holla, stand there.
Rodo. Signior, it is the Moore.
Bra. Downe with him, Theefe.
Iago. You, Rodorigoc? Cme Sir, I am for you.
Othe. Keepe vp your bright Swords, for the dew will rust them. Good Signior, you shall more command with yeares, then with your Weapons.
Bra. Oh thou foule Theefe, Where hast thou stow'd my Daughter? Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchaunted her For Ile referre me to all things of sense, (If she in Chaines of Magick were not bound) Whether a Maid, so tender, Faire, and Happie, So opposite to Marriage, that she shun'd The wealthy curled Deareling of our Nation, Would euer haue (t'encurre a generall mocke) Run from her Guardage to the sootie bosome, Of such a thing as thou: to feare, not to delight? Iudge me the world, if 'tis not grosse in sense, That thou hast practis'd on her with foule Charmes, Abus'd her delicate Youth, with Drugs or Minerals, That weakens Motion. Ile haue'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 vpon him, if he do resist Subdue him, at his perill.
Othe. Hold your hands Both you of my inclining, and the rest. Were it my Cue to fight, I should haue knowne it Without a Prompter. Whether will you that I goe To answere this your charge?
Bra. To Prison, till fit time Of Law, and course of direct Session Call thee to answer.
Othe. What if I do obey? How may the Duke be therewith satisfi'd, Whose Messengers are heere about my side, Vpon some present businesse of the State, To bring me to him.
Officer. 'Tis true most worthy Signior, The Dukes in Counsell, and your Noble selfe, I am sure is sent for.
Bra. How? The Duke in Counsell? In this time of the night? Bring him away; Mine's not an idle Cause. The Duke himselfe, Or any of my Brothers of the State, Cannot but feele this wrong, as 'twere their owne: For if such Actions may haue passage free, Bond-slaues, and Pagans shall our Statesmen be.Exeunt.
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