Othello

Othello William Shakespeare

Three Watson Irvine, CA 92618-2767 Website: www.sdlback.com

Saddleback’s Illustrated ClassicsTM

Three Watson Irvine, CA 92618-2767 Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright © 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. ISBN 1-59905-149-4

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William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon, England, the third child of John Shakespeare, a well-to-do merchant, and Mary Arden, his wife. Young William probably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he learned English, Greek, and a great deal of Latin. Historians aren’t sure of the exact date of Shakespeare’s birth. In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. By 1583 the couple had a daughter, Susanna, and two years later the twins, Hamnet and Judith. Somewhere between 1585 and 1592 Shakespeare went to London, where he became first an actor and then a playwright. His acting company, The King’s Men, appeared most often in the Globe theater, a part of which Shakespeare himself owned. In all, Shakespeare is believed to have written thirty-seven plays, several nondramatic poems, and a number of sonnets. In 1611 when he left the active life of the theater, he returned to Stratford and became a country gentleman, living in the second-largest house in town. For five years he lived a quiet life. Then, on April 23, 1616, William Shakespeare died and was buried in Trinity Church in Stratford. From his own time to the present, Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest writers of the English-speaking world.



William Shakespeare

Othello

Iago

Desdemona

Cassio

Othello

Emilia

othello

Venice is the famous Italian City built along canals* bordered** with beautiful homes. Many years ago, late at night, two men were walking together.

You are a strange man, Iago! you say you hate Othello, the general you serve so well?

Yes, Roderigo, I do.

Othello had first come as a soldier from another country to serve the people of Venice. Since then he had become a great hero.

* man-made waterways ** set along the side of something



10

Even though I am a better soldier,

So now I am only one of his

he chose Michael Cassio to be his

officers instead of a real

next in command!

leader. I hate Othello for this!

Well, I wouldn’t continue to serve him if I felt that way.

Oh, but I have a plan, Roderigo. In serving him, I will really be taking care of myself! He will pay dearly for this.

And now the mischief starts! Here is Signior* Brabantio’s house—let us wake him and let him know that his daughter has been taken away! Signior Brabantio! Signior Brabantio!

* a title given to a noble (and usually rich) Italian citizen

othello

What is the meaning of all this noise

Your daughter,

at this hour of the night?

Desdemona, has been stolen away by Othello, the Moor!*

What, have you

I am

lost your wits?

Roderigo.

Who are you?

I have told you before that my daughter is not for you! You will be punished for this trick! Sir, check Desdemona’s room. If your daughter is inside, then punish me any way that you choose!

Servants! Bring me a light!

* a person from the northern part of Africa

11

12

While Brabantio went to look for his daughter, Iago made other

Brabantio was even more upset when he returned.

plans.

I must leave now so that Othello doesn’t know I’ve had any part of

She is gone! Roderigo, tell

I think so, sir!

me, are they married?

this.

Meanwhile, Iago hurried to Othello and told him that his life was in danger. Then help me, It’s good that

Roderigo! I will get

you didn’t,

my soldiers and we will look for them.

I wanted to kill

Iago. I love

Brabantio for the

his daughter

bad things he said

Desdemona, and

about you!

I think that he will come to see my side of things.

othello

The Duke of Venice is calling for you, General Just then Cas-

Othello. There is trouble with the Turks in

sio arrived with a

Cyprus*. The Senate** is meeting now.

message.

Here comes Senator Brabantio! Be careful, Othello!

Good Signior

You have

I will be glad

This is true,

Brabantio, this

taken away my

to talk to

Signior. I am

is no time for

daughter with

you about

sure that

fighting!

your magic! I

this later.

you have

will have you

But now I

also been

punished!

must meet

sent for.

with the Duke.

This late at night? Well, let us go.

* an island in the Mediterranean Sea near Turkey ** a group of men elected to help govern a state or country

13

14

Sir, the reports Meanwhile, the duke and his advisOrs were waiting for

all say that a fleet of ships from Turkey is headed for Cyprus.

Othello.

Brave Othello, we

Dear Sir, forgive

Why, what is the

beg you to sail for

me. I have not come

matter?

Cyprus right away!

about this business, but about a personal problem.

Is she

It concerns* my

dead?

daughter!

* has something to do with

othello

She is as

Whoever has

I thank you, sir! Here is the

good as

done this will be

man, this Moor!

dead to me.

punished—even if

She has been

it should by my

stolen away

own son!

by magic.

Othello, what do you have to say?

But I beg you, send for Desdemona and let her

It is true that I have

tell you whether I used

married this man’s

magic to win her love.

daughter—and that I love her.

Bring Desdemona here!

15

16

Good Iago, Please

Tell us

Many times Brabantio, her father,

go for Desdemona.

Othello.

invited me to his house. He always

Until she comes, I

asked me questions about my life

will tell my part of

and the battles I have fought all

the story.

over the world.

Desdemona listened

I think my very own

Please hear

as often as she

daughter would

Desdemona

could. Her eyes, as

have done the same.

speak. Come,

they looked upon

child, tell this

me, began to show

group about

her love.

the person you should most obey.

othello

My good father, I will always

That’s enough for me. Othello, my

respect you. But now my duty

daughter is yours. Now let us get on

is to my husband, just as my

with our problems with Turkey.

mother’s was to you.

Othello, you must sail at

I shall leave it to you, Othello.

once for Cyprus to protect it

But you must leave tonight.

from the Turks. I will entrust* I will sir. But I will

my wife to good

need a place for

Iago. He and his

Desdemona to stay.

wife Emilia will bring Desdemona to Cyprus.

Oh, Yes! I want to go with my husband!

* place something or someone in another’s care

17

18

Goodbye,

Watch out for her, Moor!

Othello.

If she has deceived* her father, she may also deceive you!

No, she is faithful to me. Come,

Soon no one was left but Iago

Desdemona, we have only a little

and Roderigo.

time left to spend together. I suffer too

Come, be

much when I see

a man! A

Desdemona’s love

man would

for Othello! I

never

think I will drown

drown

myself.

himself for love!

* fooled, tricked

othello

Desdemona will not love the

Then Iago was left alone.

Moor for long. She will be yours, and I will help you get her. Gather all the money you have and bring

What a fool Roderigo is! Yet I can use him and his money in my revenge* on Othello. And maybe I

it to me tomorrow.

can use Cassio to make the Moor crazy with jealousy!** I will.

A few days later in Cyprus, some men stood

A ship from Ven-

talking.

ice commanded by

Good news! The storm that struck us yesterday has sunk most of the enemy ships!

How do you know?

* getting even with someone ** wanting what someone else has

Michael Cassio has just landed with the news!

19

20

My dear

Desdemona! If only

Othello!

life always had such

And not long

sweet calms after all

afterward the

its storms. You must

remaining ships

have heard that the

arrived from

war is over! Let us

Venice.

celebrate!*

At this, everyone left for the castle—everyone

She falls in love

but Iago and Roderigo.

easily. She must be tired of Othello, and

I have news for you, Roderigo! Desdemona is in love with Michael Cassio!

* rejoice, have a good time

Cassio is younger I don’t believe it!

and more handsome.

othello

It’s hard

Trust me.

When Roderigo had left, Iago

to believe!

Cassio

continued to plan.

will be on guard duty

I am sure that Cassio is in

tonight.

love with Desdemona. I think I

Make him

can make Othello so jealous

angry so

that he will play right into my

that he

hands!

strikes out at you with his sword. If you do, you will be closer to winning Desdemona’s love.

Cassio, you are in charge of the guard That night the

tonight. Make sure that everything

people of Cyprus

remains peaceful.

were invited to a great feast at the castle. They would celebrate the end of the war with Turkey as well as Othello’s recent marriage.

21

22

But later, when Cassio met Iago,

Not tonight, Iago.

Nonsense!

Iago had planned a trap for him.

I get drunk very

One more

easily, and I’ve had

drink

Welcome, Iago. Let us go to our

one drink already.

won’t hurt.

watch.

This is an important night for me to

It is too early. Let us

stay sober.*

first have a drink with some of the Cyprus soldiers.

Before long, Cassio was drunk.

Do not think, gentleman, that I have had too much to drink. This is my left hand, and this is my right. And I think I can still walk and can go to my watch.

* not drunk

othello

After Cassio had left them, Iago made matters still worse.

You’re right! Someone should warn General Othello about him.

It’s too bad Othello puts so much trust in this fellow. He can cause a lot of trouble on this island because of his drinking.

Soon afterward, Iago sent Roderigo after Cassio. As Iago had ordered, Roderigo shouted insults* at Cassio. They began to fight, and the soldiers rushed to stop them. I pray sir, you must stop this! You’re drunk!

Drunk? How can you

You don’t know what you’re doing!

say I’m drunk?

* words that hurt or upset another person

23

24

At this, Cassio started fighting with the soldier.

Cassio, never

Meanwhile, Iago told Roderigo to run to the

again will you

town square and sound the alarm. This brought

be an officer of

Othello to where the trouble was taking place.

mine!

Who started this

Sir, I do not want

fight, Iago?

to make trouble for Michael Cassio. But it started because he had too much to drink.

When Othello and the others had left, Iago

You’re right, I will ask

and Cassio remained behind.

her tomorrow. Good night, honest Iago.

Don’t look so sad, Cassio. Speak to Othello’s wife, Desdemona, in the morning. She is very kind and will plead* for you before Othello.

* beg

othello

Now I will fix it so

The next day, Iago had his wife Emilia arrange

Othello thinks that

a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio.

Desdemona and Cas-

Cassio, I will try to get

sio are in love.

Please don’t take

my husband to forgive

too long, or he

you.

may forget my service to him. But here he comes. I must not let him see me!

Wasn’t that Cassio that just left

Dear husband, I beg you to

your wife? He looked guilty* and

forgive Cassio! He truly wants

ran when he saw you!

to serve you again!

I don’t want to talk about it now, Desdemona.

* having committed a crime

25

26

But I shall give you no rest until

I will not deny*

Just

you change your mind!

you anything,

as you

Desdemona. But

wish, my

leave us alone

dearest.

for a little

Come,

while and I will

Emilia,

join you soon.

let us go inside.

But Iago was determined** to

It’s nothing,

Iago, as my

make Othello jealous. So,

sir. I just

true friend, are

when they were alone again, he

can’t believe

you trying to

spoke.

that Cassio

tell me some-

would try to

thing about

trick you.

Desdemona and

Sir, when you

Oh yes, he

were first

went between

courting your

us often with

lady, did Michael

messages. Why

Cassio know of

do you ask?

your love?

* keep from having ** made up one’s mind to do something

Cassio?

othello

27

You must be honest

Beware of jealousy,

I will not be

with me. Tell me what

dear General.

jealous without

is on your mind!

proof. I love and trust my wife.

Remember,

Well, tell Emilia to keep

Desdemona

a close watch on her.

I am glad to hear it.

tricked her

My advice,* then, is

father when

this: watch Desdemona

she married

Why did I

and Cassio when they

you secretly.

marry? Honest

are together.

Iago seems to know more than he is telling me!

* help, warning

28

Othello, your dinner and your guests Iago’s lies began

are waiting for you! Are you ill?

to work. Left alone, Othello thought of reasons not to

I have a headache,

trust his wife. When

that’s all.

Desdemona came to call him for dinner she found a changed man.

Let me tie my

No! Your

As Othello and Desdemona left,

handkerchief

handkerchief

Emilia bent over quickly to pick

tight around

is too little.

up the handkerchief that had

your head, and

Leave it alone.

fallen.

it will go away.

I’ll come with you.

I’m glad I found this. It was Desdemona’s first gift from Othello and she loves it. But Iago ordered me to steal it. I have no idea why.

othello

Just then Iago came up to Emilia.

This had better be important. Desdemona will be very upset

Is this the handkerchief

Yes! Give

you wanted?

it to me!

when she learns that it is gone!

I will leave this handkerchief

You could not have found a

in Cassio’s room where he will

better way to torture* me

find it. Othello will go crazy

than to make me believe my wife

when he sees Cassio with it.

loves another man!

I am sorry to hear this.

* hurt greatly

29

30

You had better

O world, take

I don’t know

For two

show me proof

note! It does

whether to

nights I

that what you

not pay to

trust you—my

slept in

say is true, or

be an honest

good friend,

Cassio’s

you will die!

man!

or her—my

house. Twice

darling wife.

I heard him

give me proof

cry out in

of what you

his sleep,

say!

“Sweet Desdemona! Let us hide our love from Othello!”

And there is something more—a

Well, I wouldn’t know

handkerchief with strawberries on it.

that. But I saw Michael Cassio wipe his beard with

That was my first gift to Desdemona.

it today!

othello

This proves it! I will get even

Be calm, sir. You may still change

with them!

your mind.

No! I will have my

And I will do

Dear Iago, trusted friend, within

revenge!

whatever you

three days I want you to tell me

ask me.

that Cassio is dead. You are now my lieutenant!* I will serve you forever!

* next in command

31

32

Later Desdemona and Emilia stood together outside the castle. I would rather have Where could I have lost it, Emilia?

Just then Othello

I don’t

lost anything but

know,

this! But Othello

madam.

will understand.

Here, dear husband.

drew near.

She told me to give it to my wife.

That is not the

To lose it would mean that ter-

I hope

I have

one I mean! Get

you will

a cold.

me the handker-

rible things would

speak to

Please

chief I gave you

happen. I hope you

Cassio

lend me

and told you

have it nearby!

now!

your

to carry with

hand-

you always.

kerchief.

An Egyptian* charmer** gave it to my mother.

* from Egypt, in northern Africa ** someone who has supernatural powers

othello

As Othello stormed away, Iago

Madam, please

He is not himself lately, Cassio.

keep trying to

You must wait a little longer.

33

help me!

and Cassio came up.

Is he angry? I will talk with him.

I hope he is worried

I gave him no reason to be!

about business matters and not jealous of you!

I found this beautiful

All right. But

When Desdemona

handkerchief in my room.

won’t you

and Emilia had left,

Would you copy the

walk part way

a common lady

stitching* on it for me?

home with me?

named Bianca, much in love with Cassio, came forward.

* patterns worked into something with thread

34

Later, when he met Othello again,

Suppose Cassio went about

Iago wanted to make sure that

bragging that he slept with

Othello was still very angry.

her?

If I gave my wife

I would most

Has he done

a handkerchief,

gladly have

that?

then it would be

forgotten

hers to give to

that! But he did

whomever she

have my wife’s

likes, wouldn’t it?

handkerchief.

Oh yes, sir!

Did he? I can’t stand this anymore!

And with these words Othello fainted.

othello

At that moment Cassio came up.

35

Othello woke in a few moments. After you fainted, Cassio came

What’s

Othello fainted, but

by, but I sent him away. If you will

wrong?

I’m taking care of

hide yourself, I will question him

him. Leave us alone

about Desdemona when he re-

for a while, and

turns. You can watch his face even

later I would like

if you can’t hear what he says.

to speak with you. All right.

Now I will question Cassio Othello did as Iago said.

about that woman, Bianca,

But worse things were

who loves him so much.

about to happen.

Othello will think he is speaking about Desdemona.

36

In a moment Cassio was back.

Look how he smiles and laughs in talking about my wife’s love for him!

Cassio, you must keep on asking Desdemona’s help. Now, if Bianca were

Ah, yes, Good old Bianca.

helping you, how quickly all this would get done!

I never saw

Alas, poor silly

I will get even

a woman so

woman. She does

with them both!

in love with a

seem to love me!

man!

othello

They say you

She thinks that

Iago then motioned* to Othello

will soon be

because it’s

to come closer.

marrying her!

her dream, not She follows me all over the

mine!

place and hangs about my neck I can’t get rid of her!

I am not going to

Why, that is the

Just then Bianca

spend my time copying

handkerchief I

drew near with the

the work that some

gave Desdemona!

handkerchief in her

other woman has

hand.

given you!

* made a movement with one’s hand

37

38

When Bianca and Cassio had left,

How shall I murder

Did you see how

him, Iago?

he laughed about Desdemona?

Othello came forward.

Oh, Iago!

And did you see how he cares for the handkerchief? He has given it to a very common woman!

I would like to see him tortured for nine years before he is allowed to die! Oh, my sweet Desdemona!

No, you must forget about her!

othello

But I only say what

That only

she is. She sews so

makes it worse!

well, and her voice

Get me some poison,

is beautiful. Why,

Iago. I will kill her

she could sing the

this very night!

wildness out of a

No, do

bear!

not use poison. Strangle* her in her bed!

And let me take care of Cassio.

Just then a trumpet sounded.

You shall hear more about this by midnight. What is this? Very good!

* choke

It must mean a visitor from Venice.

39

40

At that moment,

Greetings, good general!

Lodovico, one

The duke sends you this

of Desdemona’s

letter.

relatives* from Venice, came forward.

And what’s

I am glad to

He is

There has been a prob-

the news,

see you, sir.

alive.

lem between him and my

good cousin

Welcome to

husband. But I am sure

Lodovico?

Cyprus.

that you will make all things well again. Are you so sure of that?

I thank you. How is lieutenant Cassio?

* people belonging to the same family

othello

Pardon me?

So—there is a

A most unhappy one. I would do

problem between

much to make them friends again,

Othello and

for the love I feel toward Cas-

Cassio.

sio!

What?

It may be the letIs he angry?

ter. He has just been ordered back to Venice, and Cassio has been put in command here in Cyprus.

Oh, I’m glad!

41

42

And at that, before all the company, Othello

They are crocodile

struck Desdemona in the face.

tears.* Get out of my sight, woman! I’ll

I have not

Sir! This would not be believed

deserved

in Venice! Beg her pardon! She

this!

weeps!

send for you later.

Sir, I obey the order. I will

Lodovico was shocked to see

return to Venice and leave

Othello strike Desdemona. He

Cassio here in my place. Now

spoke to Iago.

please excuse me.

* false tears

Is this the

He is much

noble Moor

changed. I only

our senate

hope this is the

admires so?

worst he does!

othello

Later, Othello questioned Emilia about

All right. Go

Desdemona.

now, and bring

43

Desdemona here. Have you noticed

Of course not! She is the

Desdemona

most honest, faithful

and Cassio

woman I know. If anyone

trying to be

has put this thought into

alone? Have

your head, a snake should

they sent

strike him!

I don’t believe Emilia either.

you away on some small excuse?

Let me look into

I can see your anger, sir,

your eyes.

but I do not understand

And when Des-

your words. I am your

demona came

loyal wife.

before him, Othello was still in an angry mood.

44

Are you not an

Never!

unfaithful wife

My only

But Othello’s jealousy had

who has fallen

wish has

gone too far. Desdemona

in love with

been to

could no longer reach him

another man?

serve and

with her simple words.

please you!

I no longer have the husband I once had. Please call Iago, Emilia. I would like to talk with him.

Good lady, what is the matter with your husband?

othello

Alas, Iago. Othello has

But when Iago

What is the

came, Desdemona

matter, lady?

was weeping.

told her that she is untrue to him. He is very angry.

Have I been untrue in any way, Iago?

Do not weep, do not

How

Perhaps

O good Iago, what

weep! Of course not!

did this

some evil

shall I do to win him

happen?

person—in

Desdemona had

back again? Please

order to

the chance to

go to him for me!

gain some

marry many no-

high rank—

ble men. She gave

has done

them all up to

this awful

marry Othello! And now he calls her unfaithful!

thing!

45

46

I am sure that his bad mood comes from some business matter. Ah, I hear the trumpets calling you to supper. Go and eat. I will make everything well again!

When Desdemona and

Iago, I do not think you are being fair.

Emilia had left, Iago

You haven’t spoken of me to Desdemona

met Roderigo.

as you promised. I am going to see her myself.

You have taken all my jewels as well as my money. You said you gave the jewels to Desdemona, but I have had no word from her. I want my jewels back!

othello

Well, Roderigo, you

But I have been

do have some nerve

working for you!

Not that I can see!

after all! I think the Well, you must

better of you for it.

do one more thing before Desdemona is all yours. It will take courage!*

Othello has been ordered

What do you

to Mauritania and Cassio

mean?

Cassio must be killed—otherwise

will take his place here.

Desdemona will be

Othello will bring Desde-

lost to you. And

mona with him if he goes.

just as you were

To keep them here, Cassio

about to win her!

must have an accident.

* bravery, daring

47

48

Meanwhile,

Madam, good night.

You are most

I humbly thank you.

welcome.

dinner had been finished, and people were leaving the hall.

Gentlemen, I will walk a little way with you. Desdemona, go right to bed. I will be up a little later. send Emilia away!

Later, in the bedroom, Desdemo-

Ah, but I still love him. Good

na spoke with Emilia.

night, Emilia, good night.

Help me with my things, Emilia, and then leave. Othello has ordered it, and we must not displease him. I wish you had never seen him!

othello

49

Later that night, Iago and Roderigo waited

I’ve made Roderigo mad

for Cassio to pass by.

enough to kill Cassio. But whether he kills Cassio or Cassio kills

Stand behind this wall

Stay near

and keep your sword

him—or they kill each

me in case I

ready. Fear nothing, and

other, I will gain.

miss him.

be quick!

If Cassio lives, he will find out about me and tell Othello. He must die!

Here he comes!

That missed me,

Die, Cassio!

but I’ve hurt him

Cassio wounded* Roderigo. But

instead.

from behind, Iago drove his sword into Cassio’s leg.

Now I am hurt! Help! Murder!

* hurt, as with a knife

50

Just then Othello

That is Cassio calling for help. Iago has kept his word. Now I must keep my promise

came by on his way back to the

to kill Desdemona.

castle.

Soon after this, Desdemona’s cousin Lodovico and another relative named Gratiano came by. They had been drawn to the same spot by cries of Cassio and Roderigo. Iago came forth as though he had just arrived. Who cries

We don’t know!

murder?

Iago, please help me! I have been stabbed. One of the men who did it is nearby and is also hurt.

Help me,

That’s one of

here!

them!

othello

Quickly, and without being seen,

Just then, Bianca came by and

Iago stabbed Roderigo, and

found Cassio.

51

Roderigo grew still. Cassio, do you Who are these people who kill men in the dark? Murder! Murder! Wake the townspeople!

Who calls

know who tried

murder?

to kill you?

Oh, my dear

This woman

Cassio!

may have been one of them!

Cassio must be carried away to be

Men, carry him carefully! Cassio,

taken care of. But good heavens!

do you know why Roderigo wanted

The other man is Roderigo!

to kill you?

I know him

Not at all. I don’t

from Venice!

even know him.

52

Gentlemen, look how

Just then Emilia

Was Cassio at

pale this woman is.

came by.

your house

Her guilt* shows in

What is the matter

her face.

here, Iago? Cassio was attacked in the dark by Roderigo. Cassio is hurt, and

earlier? Answer, woman! Cassio was at my house, but I am an honest woman. I have done nothing wrong.

Roderigo is dead!

Emilia, run to the

This is the night that

castle and tell

either solves my

Othello what has

problems or kills me

happened?

for trying!

* knowing that someone has done wrong

othello

You are the cause of it all! But While all this

I will not shed your blood,

was taking

for you are too beautiful for

place outside

that. Still. . . you must die!

the castle, Othello had returned to his bedroom and found Desdemona asleep.

I weep for you, but they are tears

Who’s there?

that have brought me too much

Othello!

suffering. Ah, she’s waking up.

Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?

53

54

Yes, dear husband.

Are you going to kill me? My only sin is that of loving you

If you want to

too much.

ask God’s pardon for anything, do it

What about the

now. I would not

handkerchief I gave

want to kill your

you? You gave it to

soul!

Cassio!

I did not! Send for the man and

Send for him!

ask him!

But I saw the handkerchief in his hand. He also bragged

He is dead! Iago has taken

that you loved him!

care of that.

othello

Oh, husband! Let me live tonight. . . kill me tomorrow! Or at least give me more time to pray!

No, this is the end. I dare not wait any longer.

Sir! General Othello! As Othello smothered Desdemona, Emilia’s voice was heard outside the door.

What noise is that?

Sir, I must speak a word with you!

That is Emilia. She’s come to tell me of Cassio’s death.

55

56

If she comes in

Sir, I beg

I will pull the curtains and open

she’ll see that my

you. I must

the door.

wife is dead! My

speak with

wife—what wife?

you!

I no longer have a wife!

Sir, Cassio Come in,

has killed a

Emilia.

young man of

What’s the

Venice called

matter?

Roderigo.

And Cassio is

No, Cassio is not

killed?

killed.

Oh, wrongly, wrongly murdered!

Whose cry is that?

othello

She

She was

na’s voice! Sweet

was

true!

Desdemona, speak!

false!*

That was Desdemo-

Who did this to you?

No—I killed her!

Then she is an angel and you are a devil!

I, myself. Farewell!

Your husband proved to me that she was false. He knew it all!

* unfaithful

My husband?

57

58

If my husband said that, may his soul rot forever! You may kill me too, but I will speak the truth. Help! Help! Othello has murdered his wife!

At that, people rushed into the room.

Prove that you are honest if you can! Othello said you

What is the

Iago, you have done

matter?

told him that his wife

it now. These murders

was false!

all lead back to your planning!

othello

59

I will speak!

You have killed the

Desdemona lies

most innocent* woman

I only told

here—murdered in

who ever lived!

him what I

her bed because

thought.

of your lies!

Did you tell him that?

She was false to me!

Now be

She gave

quiet!

Cassio the handkerchief I gave her. It was a very special thing to us.

If it costs me my Oh, no!

life, I will tell the truth!

* having done nothing wrong

60

Iago begged me to

With that, Iago

The men soon came

steal the handkerchief,

plunged his sword

back with Iago.

but I found it and gave

into Emilia and ran

it to him.

out of the room.

I know you are a devil, so I can only

You lie!

Someone stand at

hurt you—I can’t

the door and guard

kill you.

Othello while we go after Iago!

Oh Desdemona,

Take Othello’s

Desdemona!

sword!

Did you and Iago plan to kill Cassio? At this, Cassio drew near as Lodovico questioned Othello.

Yes, we did.

othello

Dear Othello, I never

I do believe it

What you know, you

gave you reason to

now. But why did

know. I will never

hate me so!

Iago do this to

speak again.

me?

We will

Wait! The letters

Cassio, how did you get my wife’s

make

found in Roderigo’s

handkerchief?

him

pocket show how

talk.

Iago used him to stir

I found it in

up trouble for Cassio.

my room. Iago

They say also that

confessed* that

Iago took Roderigo’s

he put it there.

money and jewels, pretending to give them to Desdemona.

* admitted

61

62

Now you must come with us, Othello. Cassio will be in charge here in Cyprus.

I have loyally* served the state of Venice. When you tell them what I have done, please speak of me as one that loved not wisely, but too well.

Once, in another land, I protected a man of Venice from a Turk who had attacked him. I killed the Turk—like this.

Then Othello pulled a hidden knife from his shirt and stabbed himself.

* faithfully, well

othello

I was afraid of this,

This has been a terrible

but I thought he had

night! Governor,* it is

no weapon. He was a

your job to punish Iago.

man of great heart!

I will sail back to Venice and tell this story.

* the ruler of a state

63

Othello

Saddleback’s Illustrated Classics™

Othello

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Othello

A beautiful love story turns to tragedy when jealousy takes root. The powerful general, Othello, finds himself hurting the one person he loves most in the world, his wife, Desdemona, when he misplaces his trust in Iago. Treacherous and vindictive, Iago is enraged at being passed over for a promotion and plots his revenge against Othello setting off a chain of events that ends in the ultimate sacrifice.

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