 (Before Othello’s palace.)
 (Enter Cassio, with musicians.)
Cassio. Gentlemen, here play one (I will reward your trouble) something that won’t last too long, and then wish the general good morning.
(The music starts; Hans Wurst comes out of the house.)
Hans Wurst. How, gentlemen, were your instruments in Naples, that they speak so through their noses?—Here’s money for you; the general likes your music so much that he wishes you would do him a favor and not be too loud with it.
Musician.
Okay, sir, let’s turn it down.
Hans Wurst.
If you have music that no one can hear, keep going. But the general isn’t particularly fond
of what is called listening to music .
Musician.
A music that one cannot hear?—We can make such music, sir.
Jack Sausage. So put your pipes back in your bags and leave. Go, vanish into thin air, away.
(The musicians leave.)
Cassio.
Do you hear, good friend?
Jack Sausage.
With both ears.
Cassio.
Here’s a small gold piece for you. When the general’s lady’s lady-in-waiting
is up, tell her there’s a certain Cassio here, who
requests permission to speak a few words with her.
Will you?
Hans Wurst. She’s up, sir; if she comes into my litter, I won’t fail to notify her.
(He goes.)
Cassio.
Do so, good friend—Iago comes in just in time.
Jago. (to him.)
So you haven’t gone to bed?
Cassio. No, certainly not; the day was already breaking before we parted. I have been so bold as to summon your wife here; I will entreat her to grant me access to Desdemona.
Iago. I will send them here immediately, and meanwhile find a means of getting the Moor aside so that you may speak with Desdemona unhindered.
(He leaves.)
Cassio.
I most humbly thank you for this—I have never seen a more kind-hearted and honest Florentine in my life
! (Aemilia to
Cassio.)
Aemilia. Good morning, Lieutenant. I’m sorry you’ve been upset, but I hope everything will be well again. The general and his wife are discussing this, and she takes your side very vigorously. The Moor counters that the man you wounded is a man of great name in Cyprus and of a distinguished family; for political reasons, he can do nothing but remove you from his presence. At the same time, however, he assures you that he loves you and needs no other intercessors to restore you to his favor than his own affection.
Cassio. Nevertheless, if you think it appropriate, and if it can be done, I beg you to give me an opportunity to speak a few words with Desdemon alone.
Aemilia.
I beg you, come in; I will lead you to a place where
you will have the opportunity to tell her everything that
is on your mind.
Cassio.
I am very grateful to you for this.
(They leave.)
