Montano. To the plate-form, gentlemen; come, let’s take the guard.
Iago. You see this fellow who has gone before; he is a good soldier, worthy to stand next to Caesar and command under him. But you also see his vice; it is a pity for him—he has hours when this single defect renders all his virtues useless. I only fear lest the confidence Othello places in the man be the ruin of this island at some such unfortunate moment.
Montano.
Is he often like this?
Iago. It is always the prologue to his sleep. He would watch you twice for twenty-four hours on one path if Bacchus did not shake his cradle.
Montano. It would be good if the general were given some explanation of this; perhaps he doesn’t know, or perhaps his good nature is so taken by the merits that shine in Cassio’s eyes that he overlooks his vices. Isn’t that so?
(Rodrigo to the previous ones.)
Jago.
What are you doing here, Rodrigo? I beg you, see where the
lieutenant is, go.
(Rodrigo leaves.)
Montano. And it is indeed to be regretted that the Moor should entrust such an important position, the representation of his own person, to a man afflicted with such an entrenched defect; it would be the act of an honest man to tell the Moor this.
Iago. I wouldn’t be that, even if I knew how to win this whole island. I love Cassio and would do anything in the world to cure him of this evil. Hark, what noise is this?
(Someone shouts behind the scenes: Help, help!)
(Cassio follows Rodrigo onto the stage.)
Cassio.
You Raker! you Ragdog!
Montano.
What’s wrong, Lieutenant?
Cassio.
A villain shall teach me my duty! I will
beat the villain into a gourd bottle.
Rodrigo.
Beat me—
Cassio.
Are you still arguing, you scoundrel?
Montano (holding him back.)
Stop, good lieutenant; I beg you, sir, stop.
Cassio.
Let me go, sir, or you’ll get a thump on the ears.
Montano.
Come, come, you’re a drunken man.
Cassio.
Drunk?—
(He draws his sword against Montano, who defends himself.)
Jago (to Rodrigo quietly.)
Away, I say, out, and make a noise.
(Rodrigo leaves.)
No, good lieutenant—For heaven’s sake, gentlemen—Help! Hey!—Lieutenant—gentlemen—Montano—help, gentlemen! This is a fine watch, indeed!—Well, who would have the idea of ​​ringing the alarm bell?—The devil, stop! The whole city will be in motion. Fy, fy, Lieutenant! Stop, I say! You will lose your honor irretrievably.
