 (The Street.)
 (A Herald enters.)
Herald. It is Othello’s, our noble and valiant commander, will and pleasure that, upon the reliable news of the complete destruction of the Turkish fleet, everyone should publicly express their joy with dances, bonfires, and all the games and merrymaking to which their inclination may lead—especially since, even beyond this happy news, his wedding feast is a matter of general rejoicing. All his storerooms are opened, and everyone is permitted, from this fifth hour until the clock strikes eleven, to feast and revel as they please. This, according to his command, should be announced by public proclamation. Hail to the island of Cyprus and our noble general!
(Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and retinue enter.)
Othello.
My dear Cassio, watch this night; let us
remember never to exceed the bounds of decency and moderation in our revels
.
Cassio. Iago already has orders for the night; but I will nevertheless keep an eye on everything myself.
Othello. Iago is an honest man—Good night, Cassio. Tomorrow, as early as you please, let me have an interview with you—
(To Desdemona.)
Come, my dear love—When the purchase is made, the enjoyment follows
;—Good night.
(Othello and Desdemona exit.)
(Iago to Cassio.)
Cassio.
Welcome, Iago, we must go to the station.
Iago. Not yet, Lieutenant, it is not yet ten o’clock. Our general dismissed us so early for the sake of his Desdemona, and we cannot blame him for it—it is his first night, and she is a delicacy for a Jupiter.
Cassio.
She is an excellent lady.
Jago.
And she loves the game, I’m rooting for her.
Cassio:
Indeed, she is a charming creature.
Jago. What a pair of eyes she has! It’s as if they’re asking you—
Cassio. Very attractive eyes, and yet, it seems to me, perfectly modest.
Iago. And when she speaks, isn’t the mere sound of her voice a signal of love?
Cassio.
She is, indeed, perfection itself.
Iago. Well, good luck on your wedding night! Come, Lieutenant, I have a bottle of wine, and there are some good young Cyprians outside who would like to join us in a toast to Othello’s health.
Cassio.
It cannot be this night, Iago; I have a poor, unhappy
brain to drink. I should wish that we
could invent some other way of proving our goodwill to one another
than drinking to health.
Iago. Oh, they are good friends; just a glass; I will drink for you.
Cassio. I have drunk no more than a cupful this evening, mixed with water, and you see what changes it has already made here. It is a misfortune for me that I can bear so little, but I dare not do more.
Jago.
What, man? Tonight is meant for merrymaking
, and the young gentlemen would
be offended by our refusal.
Cassio.
Where are they?
Jago.
Here, at the door; I beg you, call her in.
(Cassio leaves.)
Iago (alone.) If I can only bring him one more cupful on top of what he has already drunk, he will be as quarrelsome and make himself as useless as my young lady’s dog. Now my honest Rodrigo, whose love has now completely turned his back on him, has also drunk many a sip to Desdemon’s health this night, and now he will join me on the watch. I have also supplied three young Cypriots, fresh, robust fellows who have heart and honor, with full cups, and they are also on the watch. Among this crowd of drunkards, it will not be difficult for me to drive our Cassio to an excess, whereby he will offend these islanders. But here they come. If success answers my plan, my boat will sail away with wind and tide.
