Othello
by Shakespeare, William
Shakespeare's tragedy of jealousy and manipulation follows the Moorish general Othello, whose love for Desdemona is poisoned by the cunning Iago. A masterwork of deception, passion, and the devastating power of unfounded suspicion that destroys innocent lives.
109
Pages
2h
Reading time
—
Published
27,387
words
109
Pages
2h 53m
Audio
—
Chapters
Text Preview
Free to ReadThe Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice Actus Primus. Scoena Prima. Enter Rodorigo, and Iago. Rodorigo. Neuer tell me, I take it much vnkindly That thou (Iago) who hast had my purse, As if y strings were thine, should'st know of this Ia. But you'l not heare me. If euer I did dream Of such a matter, abhorre me Rodo. Thou told'st me, Thou did'st hold him in thy hate Iago. Despise me If I do not. Three Great-ones of the Cittie, (In personall suite to make me his Lieutenant) Off-capt to him: and by the faith of man I know my price, I am worth no worsse a place. But he (as louing his owne pride, and purposes) Euades them, with a bumbast Circumstance, Horribly stufft with Epithites of warre, Non-suites my Mediators. For certes, saies he, I haue already chose my Officer. And what was he? For-sooth, a great Arithmatician, One Michaell Cassio, a Florentine, (A Fellow almost damn'd in a faire Wife) That neuer set a Squadron in the Field, Nor the deuision of a Battaile knowes More then a Spinster. Vnlesse the Bookish Theoricke: Wherein the Tongued Consuls can propose As Masterly as he. Meere pratle (without practise) Is all his Souldiership. But he (Sir) had th' election; And I (of whom his eies had seene the proofe At Rhodes, at Ciprus, and on others grounds Christen'd, and Heathen) must be be-leed, and calm'd By Debitor, and Creditor. This Counter-caster, He (in good time) must his Lieutenant be, And I (blesse the marke) his Mooreships Auntient Rod. By heauen, I rather...