If you wish to perform this play, contact Clayton at swimrdie@gmail.com
There are no royalties to purchase; the play is free to perform.
Othello, The Queer
Adapted from Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of
Othello, The Moor of Venice”
With text by William Shakespeare, Edward Young, and Clayton
Kinnelon Greiman
© 2007 Clayton Greiman
Cast:
Othello, captain of a
military regiment, in his forties or fifties
Michael Cassio, Othello’s
lieutenant
Iago, a vengeful soldier
Roderigo, accomplice of Iago
The
goal for any director of this production is to make the play as claustrophobic
in atmosphere as is possible. From the time the lights go up, every
member of the cast should be on stage for the duration of the show. Even
though the term is used throughout the script, there are no exits in this
production. When an exit is indicated, it means the actor returns to his
appointed cube, to view the action of the play as a spectator. The actors even
perform costume changes in front of the audience.
Stage Othello as minimally as can be done; the one necessary set piece is a bed, around which much of the play is centered. The only other set requirements are hollow wooden cubes (painted black, with tops that open for retrieval of costumes and props). All of the actors face the bed while sitting on these cubes, giving the play a voyeuristic element.
As
to costumes, the action is set in a military atmosphere, so the costumes should
reflect the setting. Daniel is the only exception to this rule, since he
is not a member of the service.
One
last requirement is some sort of stand from which three lanterns can be hung or
upon which they can be placed.
Scene 1
Enter
in darkness Iago (wearing very little); he crosses to the bed; simultaneously, Roderigo
enters and crosses to his cube, which should be furthest
away from the bed. Enter next, Cassio, Othello, and Daniel (the latter scantily
clad); each bears a
lantern (symbolic of humanity). After the lanterns have been hung (Daniel being the last
actor to do so), Cassio and Othello take their seats on their respective
cubes. The lights come up (ethereal, otherworldly,
symbolic of a dreamscape). Daniel crosses to Iago who is lying asleep in
the bed and commences an intense seduction. Once Daniel
kisses his lips, Iago opens his eyes and begins to return the affection
generously. The seduction continues after this point for approximately a
minute, when Iago takes Daniel’s face in his hands after a kiss, and says, “I
love you.” The lights immediately go down; when they come up again, Iago is
sitting upright in bed, alone. (Daniel
gets dressed and then sits on a cube situated between Othello and Cassio).
Iago:
If ever I did dream of such a matter, abhor me. Come, Iago, be a man.
It is
merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will.
‘Tis
in ourselves that we are thus, or thus.
The
ability to correct this lies within myself.
If
the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to rid another of
sensuality,
The
blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to the most grievous
sins.
Knock
heard ‘offstage’ (i.e., Roderigo knocking on his cube).
Iago:
Who goes there?
Roderigo:
(still seated on his cube) Corporal Roderigo, sir.
Iago:
Enter.
Enter
Roderigo (by standing and crossing to Iago). Special note: Iago gets
dressed during the course of this exchange.
Roderigo:
Our captain has chosen Michael Cassio for his lieutenant.
Iago:
If I hated not the queer before this hour,
Why
there would be cause enough in this
To
despise him were his nature as my own.
A
soldier not having known one hour of honest service,
Whose
life has been secure and free these many months,
His
only charge but to safeguard Othello’s whore,
Is given
favor over those who have risked life upon a field of war.
But
there is no remedy.
Preference
goes by letter and affection;
Had
I bedded the man, I, not Cassio, would have been his lieutenant.
But
by heaven, I would rather have been his hangman before going to his bed.
Roderigo:
I would not follow him, sir.
Iago:
Rest assured, I follow him but to serve my turn upon him.
We
cannot all be masters;
Nor
all masters can be truly followed.
In
following him, I follow but myself.
I
follow him not for love and duty,
But
seeming so, for my own personal end.
Roderigo:
I admire you for your hatred of him.
He
walks about the camp, arm in arm with his whore, in mockery of us all.
None
of his kind should be allowed to live and mar the name of soldier.
I
think it ‘twere best if both were delivered to their judgment.
Iago:
I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again,
Nine
or ten times I had thought to have stabbed him here, under the
ribs.
Roderigo:
A queer is a most detestable thing to me, sir,
And
I would willingly be a party to your revenge could you so contrive the means.
Iago:
I welcome you to the cause, good corporal.
We
shall have more of this tomorrow.
They shake hands; Lights down; Roderigo exits to his cube; Iago exits to his cube, which is distant from the bed, near Roderigo’s.
Lights
up; Enter Michael Cassio and Daniel.
Daniel:
What tidings can you tell of my lord?
Cassio:
He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught
But
that he’s well and will be shortly here.
While
he is absent, let it not gall your patience that I extend my manners.
‘Tis
my breeding that gives me this bold show of courtesy.
He
takes Daniel’s face in his hands and then kisses him softly on the lips.
Daniel does not openly return the affection, but instead, simply allows
it. Iago and Roderigo
rise and stand beside their cubes (to signify a distant point of entry) while Cassio is kissing Daniel.
Iago:
(aside to Roderigo) Look, he kisses him!
Ay, smile upon him, do! Know Smiler, at thy peril art thou pleased;
Thy pleasure is the promise of thy pain.
Misfortune, like a creditor severe,
But rises in demand for her delay;
She makes a scourge of past posterity,
To sting thee more and double thy distress.
Man's caution often into danger turns,
And his guard falling, crushes him to death.
Enter
Othello. The kiss is now complete, but Michael and Daniel are still very
near to one another.
Othello:
(to Daniel) O my fair warrior!
It
gives me wonder great as my content to see you here before me.
O
my soul’s joy!
May
the winds blow till they have wakened death.
If
I were now to die,
For I fear
That
not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate.
I
cannot speak enough of this happiness.
It
stops me here (touches his heart); it is too much of joy.
He
kisses Daniel
Iago:
(aside) O, you are well tuned now! Thy
fond heart dances as the Siren sings.
But
I’ll loosen the strings that make this music, as honest as I am.
Iago and Roderigo now make a full entry, approaching the rest of the cast.
Othello:
News, friends! Our wars are done!
(To
Roderigo and Iago) Gentleman, I thank you for your good service;
I
order you both blind with drunkenness and in the arms
Of
a lass, a lad, or what you will, within the hour.
Iago:
We’ll each take a lady and a pint,
And
leave the lads to you and the good lieutenant.
Perhaps
you might even share one some night;
A
lad with two lovers is never lonely;
When
he is tired of one, he surely may find the other.
Othello:
Rare is the gift I would not share with a friend,
But
he that owns my heart is mine alone.
(To
Daniel) Now, my soul;
(To
Cassio) Come,
good lieutenant, and join us.
Cassio,
Othello, and Daniel exit. They sit around Othello’s cube,
very near to one another, Daniel between the two men.
Iago should use ‘puppetry’ throughout this next speech, using the three actors
as pliable statues/points of physical contact.
Iago:
I have thought much about what must be done,
And
now shall thy soul be instructed in all of it.
The
boy is the key to their undoing.
His
eye must be fed, and what delight has he to look on age?
Loveliness
in favor, sympathy in years,
Charming
in manners, and pleasing in beauty;
All
of these traits the queer is defective in.
Now,
for want of these required conveniences,
The
boy, with his delicate tendencies, will find himself abused,
And
begin to hate what once he loved.
Very
nature will instruct him in it and compel him to some second choice.
Now,
corporal, this granted—as it is a most likely
And
unforced position—who stands so eminent in the degree
Of
his fortune as Cassio does?
Why
none! The knave is handsome,
Young,
and hath all those requisites in him
That
fanciful and naïve minds look after.
A
pestilent complete knave,
And the boy hath found him already.
Didst
thou not see him blush and smile with Cassio’s kiss?
Didst
thou not mark that? Lechery,
by this hand!
An
obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts.
They
met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together.
When
these affections lead the way,
Hard
at hand comes the main exercise, the carnal conclusion.
Roderigo:
And what if it should not? Where stand we in our vengeance
then?
Iago: Lay thy finger thus (to his lips, instructing Rodergio to be quiet),
And let thy soul be instructed.
Thou
know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft,
And
wit depends on dilatory time.
The
act need not take place for chaos to be wrought
And
their contentment to be laid waste. Thus your part
withal:
Do
find some occasion tonight to anger the good lieutenant,
Either
by speaking too loud, or discrediting his discipline,
Or
from what other course you please,
Which
the time shall more favorably minister.
He’s
rash and very sudden in anger, and haply may strike at you.
Provoke
him that he may.
But
for now, place yourself out of sight,
And
re-enter when the time is favorable to our cause.
Roderigo:
Yes, sir.
He
exits
Iago:
That Cassio loves Daniel, I do well believe it;
That Daniel loves him, ‘tis apt and of great credit.
As for Othello, he is of a free and open nature;
He thinks men honest that but seem so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.
He holds me well; the better shall my purpose work on him.
After some time, I shall abuse his ear
And say that Cassio has been too familiar with his lover,
With
but a whisper of a lie,
I
shall set upon the queer a jealousy so strong
That
the soundest judgment could not cure.
I
shall make him thank me, love me, and reward me
For
making him egregiously as ass
And practicing upon his peace and quiet...
Even to madness.
Enter
Cassio.
Cassio:
The revels are done, sergeant; we are assigned to the watch.
Iago:
It need not be this instant, lieutenant; ‘tis not yet ten.
You
rush to watch as a whore rushes to a rich man’s bed.
Stay
awhile and have a drink with me.
Offering
him a flask
Cassio:
Not tonight, Iago. I
have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.
Iago:
Just a sip, lieutenant! Here, I’ll drink for you, and show you how easy
it is done.
He
drinks from the flask
Cassio:
I have drunk one cup tonight,
And
that was diluted too; and behold what innovation it makes here.
I
am unfortunate in the infirmity and dare not task my weakness with any
more.
Iago:
Why, man, ‘tis a night of revels!
Cassio:
I dare not, as I am charged to the watch.
Iago:
What is there to watch, man? We have won the war.
Spoil
not my joys with your abstinence.
I’ll
wager you cannot empty this flask in a breath.
Cassio:
That’s a wager you’re sure to lose, sergeant.
He
takes the flask and raises it for a toast
To
the health of our captain!
He
drinks
Iago:
I am for it, and I’ll do you justice.
Cassio:
Let’s have no more of this; let’s to our affairs.
He
starts to walk but stumbles
Do
not think, Iago, I am drunk.
Iago:
Well, God’s above all;
And
there are souls must be saved,
And
there be souls must not be saved.
Cassio:
For mine own part, I hope to be saved.
Iago:
And so do I, good lieutenant.
Cassio:
Ay, but by your leave, not before me.
The
sergeant is not to be saved before the lieutenant!
But
I must look to my business.
I
can stand well enough, and I speak well enough.
This
is my right hand, and this is my left.
You
must not think then that I am drunk.
While
speaking the last line, Cassio starts to exit (walking backward, not looking where
he is going). When he turns suddenly,
he gets run into by Roderigo (who has entered just for that purpose). Cassio is knocked to the ground.
Cassio:
(rising and drawing his sword)
I’ll
stab you through for that!
He
moves forward in attempt to stab Roderigo
Iago:
(restraining him)
Cassio:
Unhand me, or I’ll make a ghost of you with him!
Iago:
Come, come, you are drunk!
(Aside
to Roderigo)
Away, I say! Go out and cry a mutiny!
Exit
Roderigo who starts ringing a bell ‘offstage’ (obtained from within his
cube).
Cassio:
Who’s that which rings the bell? The town will rise.
Iago:
God’s will, lieutenant, you’ll be ashamed forever.
Roderigo
re-enters, and Iago purposely loosens his grip on Cassio. Once free, Cassio
charges Roderigo, who draws his sword. The two men commence to fight.
Enter
Othello
Othello:
For Christian shame put by an end to this barbarous brawl!
Iago
once again restrains Cassio, who is forcefully trying to break away.
Iago:
Hold, lieutenant! Have you forgot all place of sense and duty?
Othello
draws his sword and presses the point of it against the throat of Cassio, who
is stilled immediately.
Othello:
He that stirs next in his rage holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion.
What?
In a town of strife torn by war,
Where
the people’s hearts are yet brimful of fear,
To
conduct private and domestic quarrel?
In
night, and on the court and guard of safety?
‘Tis
monstrous.
Cassio:
I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.
Iago releases his hold on Cassio.
Othello:
Worthy Roderigo, you were wont to be civil;
The
gravity and stillness of your youth the world hath noted;
And
your name is great in mouths of wisest censure.
What’s
the matter that you undo your reputation thus
And
spend your rich reputation for the name of a night-brawler?
Give
me answer to it.
Roderigo:
Sir, I know nothing by me that’s said or done amiss this night,
Unless
to defend ourselves is a sin when violence assails
us.
Othello:
Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, speak.
Who
began this? On thy love, I charge thee.
Iago:
Touch me not so near.
I
had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
Than
it should do offense to Michael Cassio.
Othello:
I will have you speak of what transpired this night,
Or
I shall account your silence as confession to some part withal.
Iago:
All there is to know, sir, is this:
The
corporal, by some mishap, caused the lieutenant to fall,
And
when arisen, the lieutenant thought was right to injure him for it.
Othello:
I know, Iago, thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making
it light to Cassio.
Enter
Daniel, scantily clad, having just arisen from bed. Iago’s eyes should immediately be drawn to
him (the first manifestation of his lust in actual
reality).
Othello:
Look if my gentle love be not raised up.
(to
Cassio) I’ll make thee an example.
Daniel:
What is the matter, my lord?
Othello:
All’s well now, love; come, away to bed.
Iago
does not respond; he is staring at Daniel. Othello repeats Iago’s name
again in short order, so the pause is not overly long.
Iago:
Sir?
Othello:
Look with care about the town and quiet those whom this vile brawl distracted.
Iago:
Yes, sir.
Exit
Othello with Daniel (to Othello’s cube)
Iago:
Corporal, take your leave behind them,
So
that Cassio shall have no more cause to fight with thee.
Roderigo:
Yes, sir.
Exit
Roderigo. Cassio moans, as though he has been injured.
Note: Somewhere over the course of their
interaction, Iago should use physical contact/nearness as a means of coercing
Cassio. Perhaps have this scene occur
on the ‘bed’, so that the intimacy is heightened.
Iago:
What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
Cassio:
Ay, past all surgery.
Iago:
Marry, God forbid!
Cassio:
O, I have lost my reputation!
I
have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
My
reputation, Iago, my reputation.
Iago:
As I am an honest man, I had thought you had received some bodily wound.
There
is more sense in that than in reputation.
Reputation
is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit
And
lost without deserving.
You
have lost no reputation at all unless you repute yourself such a loser.
Why
man, there are more ways to recover the captain again.
You
are but now dismissed because of his anger—
A
punishment more politically necessary than for want of malice.
Sue
to him again, and he’s yours.
Cassio:
I would rather sue to be despised than to deceive
So
good a man with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer.
Iago:
You or any man living may be drunk at a time.
You
simply forgot yourself; that is all.
I
tell you what you shall do:
Our
captain’s boy is now the captain.
Look
not amazed, for I say so in this respect:
Othello
hath devoted and given up himself
To
the contemplation, mark, and devotement of the boy’s graces.
His
soul is so enfettered to Daniel’s love,
That
he may make, unmake, do what he list,
Even
as his appetite shall play the god with Othello’s will.
Confess
yourself freely to him,
And
importune him to have your lieutenantry restored.
The
boy is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition
He
holds it a vice in his goodness not to do more than he is
requested.
Cassio:
You advise me well.
Iago:
It is done in the spirit of love and honest kindness.
Now,
lieutenant, get yourself to bed and let sleep minister to your grief.
I
alone will stand watch tonight.
Cassio:
(Embracing him) I thank you, my friend. Good night, honest Iago.
Exit
Cassio.
Iago:
And what’s he then that says I play the villain,
When
this advice is free I give, and honest.
It
is indeed the course to win the Queer again.
How
am I then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course, directly to his
good?
Devils
will the blackest sins put on,
When
first they do suggest with heavenly appearances, as I do now.
For
while this honest fool begs the boy to repair his fortune,
And
he in turn pleads strongly to his noble love,
I’ll
pour this pestilence into Othello’s ear:
That
the boy asks for Cassio’s reinstatement out of lust;
And
by how much he strives to do Cassio good,
He
shall undo his credit with the Queer.
So
will I turn the boy’s virtue into pitch,
And
out of his own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all.
Iago
turns to exit towards his set place upon the stage, but he is met by Daniel
(symbolic).
Daniel:
Not there.
Daniel
picks up Iago's cube and moves it closer to the bed, an act which symbolizes that
Iago has become trapped in a net of his own making.
Daniel:
Here.
As
though he has no power over his own will, Iago sits. Daniel puts his arms
around Iago’s neck, and whispers, “I love you.” Lights fade
down. If there is an intermission, this would be the place for
it.
The
next morning. Lights up. Daniel and Cassio are sitting on the bed,
very near to one another.
Daniel:
Be thou assured; I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.
Do not doubt that I will have my lord and you again as friendly as you were.
My
lord shall never rest;
So
that even his bed shall seem a school.
I’ll
intermingle everything he does with your suit.
Therefore
be merry, Michael,
For
thy solicitor shall rather die
He
kisses Daniel softly on the lips. Once again, Daniel does not return the
affection, merely allows it.
Enter
Iago and Othello.
Iago:
(aside to Othello) Ha! I like not that.
Daniel:
Here comes my lord.
Othello:
What dost thou say, Iago?
Cassio (seeing Othello): It were best that I did take my leave.
Daniel:
Why, stay and hear me speak.
Iago:
Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what.
Cassio:
Not now; I am very ill at ease,
Cassio,
exits.
Othello:
Was not that Cassio parted from my love?
Iago: Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would
steal away so guilty-like, seeing your coming.
Othello:
I do believe ‘twas he.
Daniel:
(crossing to them)
Daniel
kisses Othello
Othello:
Better now that you are before me,
For
upon your soul is writ the promise of all my joys.
Daniel: Not all those who bear your love are as content as I.
I
have been talking with a man who languishes in your displeasure.
Othello:
Who is it you mean?
Daniel: Why, your lieutenant, our Michael.
Othello
starts to interject, wanting to change the subject, but Daniel continues
unabated.
Daniel:
Good my lord, if I have any grace or power to move you,
His
immediate reconciliation make.
For
if he be not one that truly loves you,
Othello:
Went he hence now?
Daniel:
So humbled that he hath left part of his grief with me to suffer with
him.
Good
love, call him back.
Othello:
Not now, my angel; some other time.
Daniel:
But shall it be shortly?
Othello:
The sooner, sweet, for you.
Daniel:
Shall it be tonight at supper?
Othello:
No, not tonight.
Daniel:
When then? Tomorrow night, on Tuesday morn,
On
Tuesday noon, or night, on Wednesday morn.
I
prithee name the time, but let it not exceed three days.
In faith,
he’s penitent.
Tell me, sweet Othello, I wonder in my soul
What you would ask me that I should deny.
Othello:
Prithee, no more. Let him come when he will.
I
will deny thee nothing. Though
I do beseech you, to leave me but a little to myself.
Daniel:
Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord.
He
kisses Othello and then exits.
Othello:
Perdition catch my soul, but I do love thee.
And
when I love thee not, chaos is come again.
Iago:
My noble captain—
Othello:
What does thou say, Iago?
Iago:
Did Michael Cassio, when you courted the boy, know of your love?
Othello:
He did, from first to last. Why dost thou ask?
Iago:
But for a satisfaction of my thought. No further harm.
Othello:
Why of that thought, Iago?
Iago:
I did not think he had been acquainted with the boy.
Othello:
Yes, and acted as messenger between us often.
Iago:
Indeed?
Othello:
Indeed? Ay, indeed!
Doth
thou discern something wrong in that? Is he not honest?
Iago:
Honest, my lord?
Othello: Honest? Ay, honest.
Iago:
My lord, for all I know. Were
I you, I should pray he was honest.
Othello:
What dost thou think?
Iago: Think, my lord?
Othello: Think, my lord?
By heaven, thou echoest me,
As
if there were some monster in thy thought too hideous to be shown.
Men
should be what they seem;
Or
those that be not, would they might seem none.
Iago:
Certain, men should be what they seem.
By
that right, I think Cassio should be an honest man.
Othello:
Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If
thou but think’st him wronged,
And
mak’st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts.
If
thou dost love me, show me thy thought.
Iago:
My lord, you know I love you.
Othello:
I think thou dost;
And
for I know thou art full of love and honesty,
And
weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
Therefore
these stops of thine fright me the more;
For
such things in a false disloyal knave
Are
tricks of custom; but in a man who’s just,
They’re
close dilation; working from the heart
There’s
more in this.
Iago:
It were not for your quiet, nor your good,
Nor
for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom,
To
let you know my thoughts.
Othello:
Iago, enough! Give thy worst of thoughts, the worst of words.
Iago
remains silent for a moment, feigning sincerity, as though he had no wish to
hurt Othello with what he was about to speak.
Iago: Dear is thy welfare; think me not unkind, but
The boy oft lies in Michael’s arms and there smiles so sweetly
That
one could not believe anything but that he is in love.
In
plain sight, as though they wished to proclaim
Some
passion too strong to be a kinship,
They hold hands and kiss one another upon the lips.
Their silence language is such, thou needs not
Call thy magi to decipher what it means.
Othello:
May one man not show affection to another?
Iago:
It is hypocrisy against the devil.
They
that mean virtuously, and yet do so,
The
devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven.
Othello:
Dost thou not understand it is but a courtesy amongst friends?
Iago:
Then, by heaven, sir, I am a friendless man,
Or I
am befriended only when I lie with a whore by night.
Othello:
No more of this!
I
cannot claim to own one ounce of that boy’s soul,
And
if I should, I could not call it love.
Love
is not to say ‘no’ and in saying that word speak it more so than ‘love’ itself.
The
boy’s soul is so pure, so devout, that it could not endure a falsehood;
It
would crumble inward upon itself should it know the faintest sin.
No,
let
the whole world cry that my love is false,
And
I, with my one voice, shall cry louder than them all that he is true.
Iago:
O, beware, my captain, of jealousy.
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds upon,
A
revolted joy, like a foe in civil war, with rage envenomed, which rises against our peace.
Othello:
Why? Why dost thou say this?
Think’st
thou I’d make a life of jealousy,
To
follow the changes of the moon with fresh suspicions?
No!
‘Tis
not to make me jealous to say my love is fair,
Loves
company, is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances.
Where
virtue is, these are more virtuous.
Nor
from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of his
revolt.
For
he had eyes, and chose me.
No,
Iago; I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
And
on the proof there is no more but this:
Away
at once with love or jealousy.
Iago:
I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
Othello:
No, I swear it has not.
Iago:
Trust me, I fear it has. I am sorry if I have hurt you.
Othello
does not respond; it seems he has become lost within himself. He stares
out vacantly at nothing.
Iago:
Not poppy, nor mandragora,
Nor
all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall
ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owed’st yesterday.
Not prudence can defend, or virtue save.
Disease invades the chastest temperance,
And punishment the guiltless; and alarm,
Through thickest shades, pursues the fond of peace.
Loud sorrows howl; envenomed passions bite;
Ravenous calamities our vitals seize,
And
threatening Fate wide opens to devour.
Exit
Iago
Othello: Those hours which lately smiled, where are they now?
Pallid to thought, and ghastly! Drowned, all drowned!
The sun is darkness, and the stars are dust.
Why did I choose that boy?
It
is too true an evil. Gone he is,
And
what’s to come of my despised time
Is
naught
but bitterness.
My
heart is burst; I have lost half my soul.
I
am abused, and my relief must be to loathe him.
Enter
Daniel
Othello:
Look where he comes. If he be false, heaven mocks itself.
I’ll
not believe it. It is the very error of the moon:
She
comes more nearer earth than she was wont
Daniel:
How now, my lord?
Othello:
I am to blame.
Daniel:
Why do you speak so faintly? Are you not well? You look pale today.
Othello:
I have a headache.
Daniel:
In sooth, I would you were a little sick,
That
I might sit all night and watch with you.
Daniel
starts to touch his forehead, but Othello pushes away his hand.
Othello:
Leave it alone.
Without
looking back at Daniel, he crosses to the bed and sits at its edge, his back to
the boy.
Daniel:
I am sorry that you are not well, my lord.
Othello:
Put out the light.
Othello
lies down; Daniel extinguishes a candle in one of the lanterns, and the lights
begin dim. After getting undressed (no shirts, no pants), Daniel lies down beside
Othello, and puts an arm around him. At his touch, Othello recoils, gets
out of bed, and exits. Daniel is left staring off at the point of his exit
as the lights fade to black.
Lights
up again, (but still very dim to indicate another dream). Daniel is lying
asleep in bed. He is shirtless and without pants. Iago enters
in a similar state of undress. In this dream sequence, Iago is the
initiator; he gets into bed with Daniel and begins to seduce him. Daniel
awakens and returns the affection. Their intimacy should be very
beautiful and tender, in stark contrast to Iago’s evil throughout the waking
scenes of the play. Iago should smile during this scene and appear to be
very content; he is very gentle and loving with Daniel. At one point,
Iago should be holding Daniel, when the boy turns to him and says “I love you”,
then begins to kiss him again. At this point, the lights lower to black and a knocking is heard ‘offstage’ (from Othello’s cube), as though
someone were trying to get into the room. When the lights come up
again, Iago is in bed alone and Othello is standing in the room.
Othello:
Thou hast set me on the rack.
What
sense had I of his stolen hours of lust?
I saw
it not, thought it not; it harmed not me.
I
found not Cassio’s kisses on his lips.
He
that is robbed, not missing what is stolen,
Let
him not know it, and he’s not robbed at all.
But
now, forever farewell the tranquil mind.
Farewell
content!
Iago:
I am sorry to hear this.
Othello:
(Grabbing him violently)
Villain,
be sure thou prove my love a whore!
Be
sure of it; give me the ocular proof;
Or,
by the worth of my eternal soul,
Thou
hadst been better have been born a dog
Than
answer my naked wrath!
Iago:
Is it come to this?
Othello:
Make me to see it; or at the least so prove it
That
the proof bear no hinge nor loop to hang a doubt on—
Or
woe upon thy life!
Iago:
My noble captain—
Othello:
If thou dost slander him and torture me,
Never
pray more; abandon all remorse;
On
horror’s head horrors accumulate;
Do
deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed;