SCENE III. The Same. A Council-Chamber. The DUKE, and Senators, sitting at a table; Officers attending. Duke. There is no composition in these news That gives them credit. 1 Senator. Indeed, they are disproportion'd: My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. Duke. And mine, a hundred and forty. 2 Sen. And mine, two hundred: But though they jump not on a just accompt, (As in these cases, where they aim reports, 'Tis oft with difference,) yet do they all confirm A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. Duke. 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. Sailor. [Within.] What ho! what ho! what ho! Enter an Officer, with a Sailor. Off. A messenger from the galleys. Duke. Now, the business? Sail. The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes : So was I bid report here to the State, By Signior Angelo. Duke. How say you by this change? 1 Sen. This cannot be, By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant, And let ourselves again but understand, That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, But altogether lacks th' abilities That Rhodes is dress'd 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. Duke. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes. Off. Here is more news. Messenger. cious, Enter a Messenger. The Ottomites, reverend and gra Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes, Have there injointed them with an after fleet. 1 Sen. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? Mess. Of thirty sail; and now do they re-stem Their backward course, bearing with frank appear Your trusty and most valiant servitor, With his free duty recommends you thus, And prays you to believe him. Duke. "Tis certain then for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? 1 Sen. He's now in Florence. Duke. Write from us to him; post, post-haste dispatch. 1 Sen. Here comes Brabantio, and the valiant Moor. Enter BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, IAGO, RODERIGO, and Officers. Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Against the general enemy Ottoman. I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior; [To BRABANTIO. We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night. Bra. So did I yours. Good your Grace, pardon me; Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business, Hath rais'd me from my bed; nor doth the general care Take hold of me; for my particular grief Duke. Why, what's the matter? Bra. My daughter! O, my daughter! Sen. Bra. Dead? Ay, to me; She is abus'd, stol'n from me, and corrupted By spells and med'cines bought of mountebanks; (Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense) Duke. Whoe'er he be that, in this foul proceed ing, Hath thus beguil'd 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. Bra. 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. Duke and Sen. this? We are very sorry for it. Duke. What, in your own part, can you say to Bra. Nothing, but this is so. [TO OTHELLO. Oth. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, And little of this great world can I speak, In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver Of my whole course of love; what drugs, what charms, What conjuration, and what mighty magic, (For such proceeding I am charg'd withal) I won his daughter. A maiden never bold; Bra. To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on? Against all rules of nature; and must be driven Why this should be. I, therefore, vouch again, He wrought upon her. Duke. To vouch this is no proof: Without more certain and more overt test, Did you by indirect and forced courses Subdue and poison this young maid's affections; Oth. 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, Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither. Oth. Ancient, conduct them; you best know the [Exeunt IAGO and Attendants. 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 Duke. Say it, Othello. Oth. Her father lov'd me; oft invited me; Still question'd me the story of my life, From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, That I have pass'd. |