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 ha’t. It is ingendered. Hell and night

Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.

Exit

2.1 Enter below Montano, Governor of Cyprus; two other gentlemen ⌈above⌉

MONTANO

What from the cape can you discern at sea?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood.

I cannot ’twixt the heaven and the main

Descry a sail.

MONTANO

Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land.

A fuller blast ne’er shook our battlements.

If it ha’ ruffianed so upon the sea,

What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them,

Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this?

SECOND GENTLEMAN

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.

MONTANO

If that the Turkish fleet

Be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned.

It is impossible to bear it out.

Enter a third Gentleman

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 wrack and sufferance

On most part of their fleet.

MONTANO How, is this true?

THIRD GENTLEMAN The ship is here put in,

A Veronessa. Michael Cassio,

Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello,

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 Cassio, 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

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 Othello,

Even till we make the main and th’aerial blue

An indistinct regard.

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Come, let’s do so,

For every minute is expectancy

Of more arrivance.

Enter Cassio

CASSIO

Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle

That so approve the Moor! O, let the heavens

Give him defence against the elements,

For I have lost him On a dangerous sea.

MONTANO Is he well shipped?

CASSIO

His barque is stoutly timbered, and his pilot

Of very expert and approved allowance.

Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,

Stand in bold cure.

VOICES (within)

A sail, a sail, a sail!

CASSIO What noise?

A GENTLEMAN

The town is empty. On the brow o‘th’ sea

Stand ranks of people, and they cry ‘A sail!’

CASSIO

My hopes do shape him for the governor.

A shot

A GENTLEMAN

They do discharge their shot of courtesy—

Our friends, at least.

CASSIO I pray you, sir, go forth,

And give us truth who ’tis that is arrived.

A GENTLEMAN I shall.

Exit

MONTANO

But, good lieutenant, is your general wived?

CASSIO

Most fortunately. He hath achieved a maid

That paragons description and wild fame,

One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,

And in th’essential vesture of creation

Does tire the engineer.

Enter Gentleman

How now, who has put in?

GENTLEMAN

’Tis one Iago, ensign to the general.

CASSIO

He’s had most favourable and happy speed.

Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,

The guttered rocks and congregated sands,

Traitors ensteeped to enclog the guiltless keel,

As having sense of beauty do omit

Their mortal natures, letting go safely by

The divine Desdemona.

MONTANO

What is she?

CASSIO

She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain,

Left in the conduct of the bold Iago,

Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts

A sennight’s speed. Great Jove, Othello guard,

And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath,

That he may bless this bay with his tall ship,

Make love’s quick pants in Desdemona’s arms,

Give renewed fire to our extincted spirits,

And bring all Cyprus comfort.

Enter Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, and Roderigo

O, behold,

The riches of the ship is come on shore!

You men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.

Montano and the Gentlemen make curtsy to Desdemona

Hail to thee, lady, and the grace of heaven

Before, behind thee, and on every hand

Enwheel thee round!

DESDEMONA

I thank you, valiant Cassio.

What tidings can you tell me of my lord?

CASSIO

He is not yet arrived, nor know I aught

But that he’s well and will be shortly here.

DESDEMONA

O, but I fear—how lost you company?

CASSIO

The great contention of the sea and skies

Parted our fellowship.

VOICES (within) A sail, a sail!

CASSIO But hark, a sail.