Уильям Шекспир: Othello

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND PICTURE CREDITSPreparation of “ Othello in Performance” was assisted by a generous grant from the CAPITAL Centre (Creativity and Performance in Teaching and Learning) of the University of Warwick for research in the RSC archive at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded a term’s research leave that enabled Jonathan Bate to work on “The Director’s Cut.”Picture research by Michelle Morton. Grateful acknowledgment is made to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for assistance with picture research (special thanks to Helen Hargest) and reproduction fees.Images of RSC productions are supplied by the Shakespeare Centre Library and Archive, Stratford-upon-Avon. This Library, maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, holds the most important collection of Shakespeare material in the UK, including the Royal Shakespeare Company’s official archive. It is open to the public free of charge.For more information see www.shakespeare.org.uk.1. Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun, Moorish Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I, 1600, reproduced courtesy of the University of Birmingham Collection © the University of Birmingham2. Sarah Siddons (1785) Reproduced by permission of the Royal Shakespeare Company3. Edmund Kean (1814) Reproduced by permission of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust4. Paul Robeson and Peggy Ashcroft (1930) Reproduced by permission of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust5. Directed by Ronald Eyre (1979) Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust6. Directed by Gregory Doran (2004) Manuel Harlan © Royal Shakespeare Company7. Directed by Trevor Nunn (1989) Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust8. Directed by Michael Attenborough (1999) Malcolm Davies © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust9. Directed by Gregory Doran (2004) © Stewart Hemley10. Reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse © Charcoalblue

THE MODERN LIBRARY EDITORIAL BOARDMaya Angelou

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A. S. Byatt

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Caleb Carr

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Christopher Cerf

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Harold Evans

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Charles Frazier

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Vartan Gregorian

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Jessica Hagedorn

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Richard Howard

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Charles Johnson

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Jon Krakauer

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Edmund Morris

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Azar Nafisi

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Joyce Carol Oates

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Elaine Pagels

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John Richardson

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Salman Rushdie

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Oliver Sacks

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Carolyn See

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Gore Vidal

Introduction copyright © 2007, 2009 by The Royal Shakespeare Company

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Modern Library, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.

“Royal Shakespeare Company,” “RSC,” and the RSC logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Royal Shakespeare Company.

The version of Othello and the corresponding footnotes that appear in this volume were originally published in William Shakespeare Complete Works, edited by Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, published in 2007 by Modern Library, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

eISBN: 978-1-58836-832-4

www.modernlibrary.com

v3.0

1 Never tell me!expression of disbelief much unkindlywith great resentment/dissatisfaction 3 thisi.e. Desdemona and Othello’s elopement 7 himi.e. Othello 9 great onesi.e. noble, influential men/official dignitaries 10 suitformal request, entreaty 11 Off-cappedremoved their hats (a mark of respect) 14 bombast circumstanceelaborate evasive talk, wordy circumlocution 15 epithets of warmilitary terms 16 Nonsuits my mediatorsthwarts the request of my intermediaries (from the legal term “nonsuit” meaning the withdrawal of a lawsuit) ‘Certes’certainly 19 Forsoothin truth arithmeticiani.e. mere theorist (in military matters)/mathematician (Florence was known for its bankers) 20 Florentineperson from Florence (then a city-state in northern Italy) 21 almost…wifea man with a beautiful wife was damnedbecause he was bound to be cuckolded; perhaps Shakespeare originally intended Cassio to be married, or else the line refers to an imminent or a narrowly avoided wedding (Bianca later claims that Cassio is going to marry her); but editors have struggled to make sense of the line, and a printer’s error is possible; the most satisfactory emendation would be limned(depicted, portrayed), which fits with Iago’s emphasis on Cassio’s effeminacy, as he compares him first to a wifeand then to a spinster 22 squadrongroup of soldiers in a square formation/small detachment of soldiers 23 division…battledisposition of a battalion 24 spinsterwoman who stays at home spinning unlessexcept for theorictheory 25 toga’d consulstoga-wearing councillors togagarment worn by citizens of ancient Rome proposediscourse, hold forth 26 prattleidle talk 27 had th’electionwas chosen 28 hisi.e. Othello’s 29 Rhodesisland in the Mediterranean Sea, between Cyprus and Greece CyprusMediterranean island to the south of Turkey 30 Christenedconverted to Christianity beleedunable to move, as a ship is without wind (the nautical metaphor continues with calmed) 31 debitor and creditori.e. bookkeeping/a bookkeeper (another dig at the arithmeticianCassio) counter-casterone who employs counters in making calculations, an accountant 32 in good timeopportunely (sarcastic) 33 bless the markapologetic expression used to excuse the mention of something unpleasant or profane his Moorshipa contemptuous reference to Othello, varying “his worship” or “his lordship”; the term “moor” could be applied to a person of either African or Middle Eastern origin, and was often used to refer to someone from Barbary in north Africa; it was also used to mean “Muslim” ancientensign (i.e. soldier who carries the military banner) 35 servicebeing a servant/military duty 36 Prefermentpromotion letter and affectionpersonal recommendation and favoritism 37 old gradationthe traditional way of advancing steadily up the ranks 39 termmanner, way affinedbound 41 followserve 43 serve my turnserve my own purposes ( serveplays on the notion of being a servant) 45 trulyloyally marknote, observe 46 knee-crookingbowing 48 timelifetime/time as a servant 49 provenderfood cashiered(he’s) dismissed/discarded 50 Whip mewhip ( meis emphatic) 51 trimmeddressed up, adorned visagesoutward appearances 52 attending onwaiting on, serving 55 lined their coatsi.e. got all they can/lined their purses 56 Do themselves homageserve their own interests exclusively 59 Were…Iagoif I were Othello I would not wish to be a servant like me/if I were in Othello’s position I would not be fooled by a self-seeking servant 61 not I forI am not one for, I do not serve out of 62 peculiarpersonal 63 demonstratedisplay, manifest 64 nativeinnate, natural figureform/appearance 65 compliment externexternal show 67 dawsjackdaws (small birds of the crow family, proverbially foolish)/fools 68 fullperfect, complete oweown 69 carry’tcarry it off, manage it 71 make afterpursue 72 Proclaimdenounce 73 thougheven though 74 though thatalthough 75 chancespossibilities 76 As it maythat may cause it to 78 like timorous accentsuch terrifying tones 83 bagsmoneybags85 Above i.e. on the upper staging level or gallery 89 Whereforewhy 90 gowncoat/senator’s robes 92 rama proverbially lustful beast 93 tuppingmounting sexually; the ramwas proverbially lusty, hence slang for “lecher” 94 snortingsnoring (also picks up on the bestial imagery of the previous lines) bellalarm bell 95 devili.e. Othello (the devil was popularly imaged as black) grandsiregrandfather 98 reverendrespected 102 chargedordered hauntloiter, lurk 105 distemp’ring draughtsintoxicating drinks 107 startstartle, disrupt 110 spirits…placedisposition and my position of authority 114 grangeisolated house in the country 115 gravedignified, respected 116 simplehonest 119 covereda term for copulation between a stallion and a mare 120 Barbary horsei.e. Othello Barbaryregion in northern Africa including Morocco, Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis nephewsgrandsons 121 courserslarge powerful horses jennetssmall Spanish horses 122 germansclose relatives 123 profaneirreverent/foulmouthed 125 making… backsi.e. having sex 128 answeranswer for, be held responsible for 130 pleasurewish 132 odd-eventime that is neither day nor night—i.e. around midnight 133 Transported withbe transported by 134 But withi.e. than knaveservant, lackey 135 grosslustful/vile 136 allowancepermission 137 saucyinsolent 140 fromcontrary to civilitycivilized behavior 141 your reverencethe respect due to you/you, a respected person 142 leavepermission 143 grossmonstrous, flagrant/indecent 144 witintelligence, good sense 145 Ini.e. to extravagant and wheelingroaming and roving strangerforeigner 146 Straightimmediately 150 Strike…tinderi.e. strike a light 151 tapercandle 152 accidentevent 156 meetappropriate wholesomebeneficial, conducive placeposition (as Othello’s ensign) 157 productedproduced as a witness 159 gallannoy checkreprimand 160 castcast off, dismiss embarkedengaged, committed 161 loud reasonresounding support 162 stands in actare under way fori.e. to save 163 fathomability 166 lifelivelihood 167 signshow, display (plays on the sense of “military flag”) 168 Thatin order that 169 Sagittaryinn or house named after Sagittarius, a centaur (half-man, half-horse) famed for his archery; centaurs were associated with lust, so Sagittarius, always depicted with bow and arrow, may be seen as a type of bestial Cupid raisèd searchsearch party roused from sleep 172 my despisèd timethe miserable remainder of my life/the remainder of my life in which I will be scorned for what has happened 174 unhappymisfortune-causing/ill-fated 177 Past thoughtbeyond belief (or “understanding”) 180 treason…bloodrebellion against her family/revolt of the (sexual) passions 182 charmsspells, enchantments 183 propertyrightful nature maidhoodgirlhood, virginity 190 discoverreveal 193 may commandhave the authority to demand aid 195 deserve your painsreward you for your trouble 1 trade(mercantile) dealings/craft 2 very stufffundamental material ( stuffmaintains the metaphor of tradewith its senses of “fabric or goods for exchange/materials for manufacture”) 3 contrivedpremeditated iniquitywickedness 5 yerkedstabbed with a sudden movement himi.e. Rodorigo 7 pratedspoke insolently/told tales, blabbed 8 scurvycontemptible 11 I…himI restrained myself with great difficulty from attacking him/I tolerated him with great difficulty 12 fastfirmly 13 magnificoi.e. Brabantio, one of the foremost noblemen, or Magnifici, in Venice 14 in his effectat his disposal a…duke’sa powerful influence/an influence that is potentially double that of the duke voiceinfluence/vote 16 whatwhatever grievancehardship, oppression 18 cablerope, i.e. scope 20 signioryVenetian governing body 21 ’Tis…knowit is not yet known 23 promulgatedeclare publicly 24 siegethrone, i.e. rank demeritsmerits, deserts 25 unbonnetedwith my hat off (i.e. respectfully, modestly)/without removing my hat (i.e. on terms of equality) proudgreat, splendid 28 unhousèdunconfined 29 circumscription and confineenclosure and confinement 30 sea’s worthi.e. treasure lying under the sea yondyonder, over there 31 raisèdroused from sleep/angered 34 partspersonal qualities titlelegal rights as a husband/high military rank perfectunblemished, guiltless 36 JanusRoman god with two faces 41 haste-post-hastespeedy, urgent 43 matterbusiness 44 divineguess 45 heaturgency 46 sequentsuccessive 51 several questsseparate search parties 56 makes heis he doing 57 Faithtruly boardedseized (a vessel) by force/had sex with caractcarrack, large Spanish ship used in war or as a merchant vessel (implicitly loaded with “treasure” a euphemism for “vagina” or “chastity”) 62 Marryby the Virgin Mary (a common oath; puns on married) 63 Have with youI’ll join you 65 advisedwarned 66 towith 67 Hollawhoa, stop 71 upi.e. in their sheaths 74 foulabhorrent/wicked/ugly/dirty, black 75 stowedBrabantio unwittingly continues the nautical imagery: “to stow” is to store cargo on a ship or in a sexual sense “fill with the penis” 77 refer me toentrust myself to (the authority of) 79 tenderyoung/gentle/meek fairbeautiful/unstained/pale-complexioned, white 80 oppositeopposed 81 curlèdi.e. with elegantly styled hair dearlingdarlings, favorites 82 a general mockuniversal scorn 83 her guardagethe guardianship of her father 85 Judge… worldlet the world judge gross in senseblatantly obvious 86 practised onworked cunningly on, deceived 87 mineralsmineral potions or poisons 88 motionnormal faculties/perceptions disputed ondebated formally 90 attacharrest 92 arts…warrantmagical practices that are forbidden and illegal 95 Holdhold back, halt 96 of my incliningon my side 98 Whither…Iwhere do you want me to 101 course…sessionthe proper process of a judicial hearing (or “… of an immediate judicial hearing”) 106 presentimmediate, urgent/current 114 brothers…statefellow senators 116 have passage freei.e. go unrestrained 1 compositionconsistency 2 themi.e. the news 3 disproportionedinconsistent 7 jumpagree, coincide just accountexact amount 8 aimguess 12 I…sensethis discrepancy does not make me so overconfident that I fail to recognize and fear the main point (i.e. that the Turkish fleet is making for Cyprus) 18 preparationforce prepared for war 21 How…bywhat do you make of 23 assaytest/endeavor pageantshow, spectacle/trick 24 in false gazelooking in the wrong direction/deluded 25 Th’importancythe importance 28 So…itso can he ( the Turk) win it ( Cyprus) with less arduous conflict 29 For thatbecause bracestate of defensive readiness 30 th’abilitiesthe strength/resources 31 dressed inequipped with 33 latestlast 34 attemptundertaking/attack 35 wagerisk 38 Ottomitesmembers of the Ottoman Empire—i.e. Turks reverend and graciousi.e. senators 40 injointed themjoined themselves afterfollowing (in the rear; nautical term) 42 restem…coursehold once again to their former course 43 frankopen 45 servitorservant 46 freeunconstrained, willing recommendsinforms/commends himself to 51 post-post-hasteimmediately/speedily 54 general enemy Ottomani.e. universal enemy to all Christians 55 gentlenoble 58 placeposition (as a senator) aughtanything 59 the general careconcern for the public interest/widespread anxiety at current events 60 particularpersonal 61 floodgatei.e. torrential (like water released when a floodgate is opened) 62 englutsconsumes 63 is still itselfi.e. is unchanged or undiminished by other sorrows 68 abusedwronged/misused/deceived 69 mountebankscharlatans/quack doctors 70 prepost’rouslyunnaturally errstray/blunder/sin 71 senseperception, discernment, reason 72 Sanswithout 73 proceedingmanner of behaving/course of action 74 beguiledcheated/deprived/bewitched 75 bloodydeath-dealing (witchcraft was punishable by death) 77 After…senseaccording to your own interpretation (however harsh) our propermy own 78 Stood…actionwere the accused party in your lawsuit 85 butexcept 86 graverespected, wise, dignified 87 approvedproven/esteemed 90 head and fronthighest extent (literally, “head and forehead”) 91 Rudeuncultivated/rough 93 since…pithi.e. since I was seven years old pithstrength 94 Till…wastedi.e. until nine months ago wastedpassed away/waned/squandered 95 dearestworthiest, most valuable/best-loved tentedcovered with military tents 97 broilsturmoil, conflict 100 roundblunt, plain 102 conjurationinvocation of spirits/spells 103 withalwith 106 motionnatural inner impulses/physical movement 108 yearsage (Othello is older than Desdemona) creditreputation 113 practicestricks/treachery/schemes 114 vouchassert, affirm 115 mixturespotions, medicines (perhaps with connotations of “unlawful sexual intercourse”) bloodpassions/sexual appetite 116 dramsmall draught, dose 117 wroughtworked 119 testevidence/trial 120 habitsclothes (i.e. appearances) 121 modern seemingcommonplace appearance preferput forward 123 indirectdevious, deceitful forcèd coursesforcible means 125 questionconversation 126 affordethgrants, yields naturally 131 officeofficial position 137 bloodnature/ passions/anger 138 justlyexactly/truthfully presentlegal term meaning “to lay before a court” 143 Stillcontinually 145 passedexperienced/got through 148 disastrousunlucky/calamitous 149 movingchangeable/emotionally stirring accidentsevents flood and fieldwater and land/sea and battlefield 150 scapesescapes i’th’imminent deadly breachin the gap in a fortification (made by a battery), which presents an imminent danger of death 151 insolentproud, overbearing 153 portancebearing/conduct 154 antrescaves deserts idleempty wildernesses 156 hintoccasion/opportunity processstory, account 158 Anthropophagiman-eaters 159these…hearin order to hear these things 160 seriouslyearnestly inclinebe disposed mentally/lean in physically 165 pliantsuitable, accommodating 167 pilgrimagei.e. his life’s journey and its adventures dilaterelate/expand upon 168 parcelssmall parts 169 intentivelyintently, with close attention 170 beguile her ofcoax from her (perhaps a deliberate shift from the sense of “cheat” employed by the duke in line 74) 171 strokeblow 173 kissescould mean “gentle touches” 174 passingsurpassingly, exceedingly 177 made hercreated her to be/made for her 180 hintopportunity/indication 184 witnesstestify to 187 Take…besti.e. make the best of a bad situation 192 badmistaken/wrongful 198 educationupbringing 199 learnteach 201 hithertothus far 203 preferringpromoting/esteeming 204 challengeclaim, assert as a right 207 Please itif it please 208 getbeget, conceive 211 butwere it not that 212 For your sakebecause of you 214 escapetransgression/ elopement 215 clogsblocks of wood attached to the neck or leg to prevent escape 216 like yourselfon your behalf/as you would speak if you were calm layapply sentenceopinion/saying, maxim 217 griseflight of stairs/single step 218 remedies are pastit is too late for remedies griefshardships, suffering/distress 219 laterecently 220 mischiefmisfortune/wicked action 221 nextnearest 222 takestakes away/seizes hold/strikes 223 Patience…makesenduring it patiently enables one to make light of the injuryinflicted by fortune 225 spendsengages in/exhausts/expends (perhaps with the suggestion of tears) bootlesspointless/incurable 226 beguilecheat/deprive 228 He…hearshe who derives only the easy comfort of such a saying certainly bears out your maxim ( bears the sentenceplays on the sense of “undergoes judicial sentence”) 229 freeeasy/unrestrained/costless 231 to…borrowmust try to abate his grief with the scant resources of patience poorunfortunate/feeble/impecunious 232 These…equivocali.e. such maxims are just as sweet as they are bitter, so they are equally valid in whichever fashion they are applied 235 bruisèdcrushed, battered piercedaffected, moved (i.e. soothed) through the earsi.e. by words 238 fortitudestrength 239 allowed sufficiencyacknowledged ability, demonstrable competence 240 opinionpublic opinion effectsevents/outcomes 241 throws…youvotes for you as the more secure choice 242 slubbersoil, smear 243 stubborndifficult/unyielding boisterousrough, violent 245 flintyhard, stony couchbed (in addition to the nature of warin general, Othello also refers to having to sleep on the ground in one’s armor) 246 thrice-driveni.e. extremely soft, having had the lightest feathers separated from the rest three times over downfine feathers of young birds agnizeacknowledge 247 alacrityreadiness 248 hardnesshardship/a hard bed 250 bending…statesubmitting (possibly bowing) to your authority as duke 251 fit dispositionsuitable arrangements 252 reference…exhibitionassignment of lodgings and financial maintenance 253 accommodationprovision/lodgings besortsuitable company 254 levels withequals/befits 260 eyesight 261 unfoldingensuing speech/explanation prosperousfavorable 262 charterpermission/ privilege 263 simplenessunassuming disposition/guilelessness/foolishness 266 violenceviolation of convention/extreme strength of feeling storm of fortunesthe tempestuous nature of my lot/the disruption of my privileged life 267 subdued Even toentirely submissive to/wholly conquered by 268 very qualityfundamental nature 270 partsqualities 271 consecratededicate solemnly, devote 273 mothi.e. insignificant creature/ creature that hovers idly/source of expense 274 ritesrites of love/rights, privileges 276 dearheartfelt/costly 277 voicesupport, consent 278 Vouchwitness 280 comply with heatsubmit to sexual desire young affectsyouthful passions 281 defunct…satisfactionno longer active ( defunct, dead) desire for sexual satisfaction 282 freegenerous 283 heavenmay heaven thatif 284 scantneglect/diminish 285 toystrifles/Cupid’s arrows 286 featheredalludes either to Cupid’s wings or to his arrows CupidRoman god of love (traditionally depicted as a blind boy with wings) seelblind (literally to sew up the eyes of a young hawk for training purposes) wanton dullnesspostcoital lethargy 287 speculative…instrumenti.e. eyes, official faculties of vision 288 Thatso that disports(sexual) entertainments 289 skilletcooking pot helmhelmet 290 indignunworthy, dishonorable 291 Make headadvance/raise troops estimationreputation 293 criescalls for 300 quality and respectsignificance and relevance 301 importconcern 304 conveyanceescorting 309 delighteddelightful 310 fairbeautiful/pale/virtuous blackugly/dark-complexioned/wicked 314 Honesthonorable/virtuous/truthful 317 in… advantageat the most favorable opportunity 319 directioninstruction 320 timei.e. current urgency of affairs 322 heartfriend 325 incontinentlyimmediately/ loosely, unchastely 329 prescriptionancient right/doctor’s prescription 333 Erebefore 334 guinea-henfemale turkey or guinea-fowl/prostitute changeexchange 335 babooni.e. an idiot (monkeys were also associated with lechery) 337 fonddoting, infatuated/foolish virtuenature/power/moral strength 338 A fig!coarse exclamation of dismissive contempt, often accompanied by the thrusting of the thumb between the index and middle fingers 340 setplant 341 hyssopan aromatic herb gendertype 342 distractdivide sterile with idlenessunproductive as a result of neglect 344 corrigible authoritypower to correct beambar from which the scales of a balance are suspended/the balance itself 345 poisecounterbalance 346 bloodpassions 347 preposterousperverse/illogical/monstrous conclusionsoutcomes 348 motionsimpulses, emotions carnal stingssexual urges (with phallic connotations) 349 unbittedunbridled, unrestrained 350 sect or scioncutting or shoot 353 willpersonal inclination/ sexual desire 355 knittied firmly, committed perdurableindestructible 356 steadhelp, support 357 defeat…bearddisfigure your face with a false beard (or perhaps “by growing a beard”) 362 answerable sequestrationcorresponding separation 364 locustsfruit of the carob tree 365 coloquintidacolocynth, a bitterapple 366 change for youthexchange Othello for a younger man/because she’s young (and therefore changeable) 368 delicateenjoyable/elegant/ingenious 369 Makeraise 370 sanctimonyholiness erringroving/blundering/sinful barbarianperson from Barbary/uncivilized savage 371 supersubtleextremely refined/supremely cunning 373 pox ofplague on poxplague, venereal disease clean…wayentirely the wrong measure to take 374 infor compassingachieving/sexually embracing joysexual pleasure/Desdemona 376 fastreliable/constant 377 issueoutcome 378 arti.e. may be 380 heartedgrounded in the heart 381 conjunctiveunited 382 cuckold himmake him a cuckold (i.e. a man with an unfaithful wife) 384 Traversemove (a military command) 388 betimesearly 389 Go toexpression of dismissive impatience 392 profaneabuse/treat irreverently 393 snipefool, dupe/type of bird 394 Butexcept 395 abroadi.e. widely 396 done my officeperformed my role (i.e. had sex with my wife) 397 in that kindof that nature 398 do…suretyproceed as if it were a certainty holds me wellhas a good opinion of me 400 properhandsome/fine/accomplished 401 plume upglorify/put a feather in the cap of 404 hei.e. Cassio 405 personpresence/appearance disposedisposition/manner 406 framedformed falseunfaithful (to their husbands) 407 freefrank/generous 409 tenderlyeasily 411 engend’redconceived 412 monstrousunnatural, deformed 1 capeheadland 2 high-wrought floodagitated sea 3 mainsea 4 Descrycatch sight of 7 ruffianedbehaved as a ruffian, i.e. raged 8 ribsstrengthening timbers in the framework of a ship mountains mountainous waves 9 hold the mortisekeep their joints secure 10 segregationdispersal 12 chiddenrebuked, repelled (by the shore) billow ocean swell 13 manepuns on “main” (i.e. sea) 14 burning bearthe constellation Ursa Minor (used for navigation) 15 guardsthe two stars in Ursa Minor that were second in brightness to the Pole Star pole the Pole Star or North Star 16 like molestationsimilar turbulence 17 enchafèdfurious, roused 19 embayedsheltered in a bay 23 designmententerprise 24 sufferancedamage 28 Veronesaship from or built in Verona (city in northern Italy) 31 in…hereon his way here with full delegated authority 34 Touchingregarding sadly serious, grave 35 prayi.e. prays 39 fullcomplete, perfect 42 the…regardthe blueness of the sea and the sky one indistinguishable sight 46 arrivancypeople arriving 48 approvepraise, testify to the worth of 52 barkship pilot ship’s captain 53 Of… allowanceacknowledged to be a man of proven expertise 54 not…curenot being fatally overindulged, remain confident of a good outcome (medical metaphor: “surfeit” refers to the gastrointestinal problems that result from too much food and drink) 58 brow o’th’seai.e. a cliff top 60 shape him forimagine it to be 61 shot of courtesywelcoming cannon shot 67 achievedwon 68 paragonsexcels wild unrestrained/excited fame report 69 quirksclever conceits/verbal tricks blazoning praising/proclaiming/vividly descriptive 70 th’essential…creationthe innate God-given beauty of body or soul vesture clothing 71 tire the engineerexhaust the writer trying to describe her (tire, picking up on vesture, puns on “attire”) engineer author 72 put ini.e. arrived at the harbor 74 speedhaste/good fortune 76 gutteredjagged congregated sands massed sands, i.e. sandbanks 77 ensteepedimmersed in water enclog obstruct 78 Asas if omit neglect 79 mortaldeadly 83 in…ofto be escorted by 84 footinglanding anticipates…speed occurs a week earlier than we had expected 85 sennight’sweek’s Jove supreme Roman god 87 tallbrave/fine/tall-masted 88 quicklively/rapid/burning 89 extinctedextinguished 95 Enwheelencircle 102 fellowshipcompany, i.e. group of ships 104 citadelfortress (where a garrison would have been stationed) 108 gallvex, irritate 109 breedingupbringing 112 tonguei.e. in speaking incessantly/in kissing 114 has no speechis not a great talker/has been rendered silent with embarrassment at Iago’s words 116 stillalways leave a free moment/permission 117 beforein the presence of 119 chidesscolds 121 picturesi.e. silent/attractive in appearance 122 bellsi.e. noisy and jangling parlours nods at the original meaning of the word: “room set aside for conversation” 123 playerstriflers as opposed to serious workers 124 housewiferyhousekeeping housewives hussies, whores 126 Turki.e. an infidel, not to be trusted 127 playwith sexual connotations work do chores/have sex 133 assaytry/put me to the test 135 beguiledivert attention from 138 inventioninventiveness 139 patehead/brains birdlime sticky substance spread on twigs to catch birds frieze coarse woolen cloth 140 museinspiring goddess labours toils/is in the process of giving birth (a sense continued with delivered) 142 fairbeautiful/fair-haired wit intelligence, perhaps playing on a “genital” sense 143 The…iti.e. wisdom will make use of fairness; use plays on sense of “sexual employment” 144 blackdark-haired and/or complexioned 145 theretoin addition 146 whitefair-complexioned person (puns on “wight,” meaning “person,” and possibly “wit,” witty fellow) blackness plays on sense of “vagina” fitsuit/fit into during sex 150 follyfoolishness/lewdness to an heirto marry an heir/get pregnant 151 fondfoolish 153 foulugly/black 154 thereuntoin addition 155 foul prankslewd acts 156 heavygrievous/burdensome 158 one…itselfone whose virtue is so powerful that it rightfully compels the approving testimony of malice itself 161 tonguei.e. speech, plays on sense of “oral sex” at willwhen she wanted, plays on sense of “will”—carnal desire/penis 162 gayshowily dressed 163 Fled…maydenied her own wishes even when she knew she might indulge them/denied her lover until she chose 167 change…taili.e. have (adulterous) sex cod’s headpenissalmon’s tail vagina 170 wightperson, plays on “white” meaning “target” (vagina) 172 sucklebreastfeed chronicle small beerconcern herself with trivial matters 175 liberalfreely spoken/licentious 176 homedirectly 177 in thein the role of a 180 gyveshackle 181 courtshipcourtly manners (plays on sense of “wooing”) You…indeedIago mockingly pretends to speak to Cassio tricks fashionable mannerisms, courtly practices 183 kissed…fingersa gesture of courtesy to a lady 184 siri.e. well-bred gentleman 185 courtesybow, courteous gesture 186 clyster-pipestubes used for anal administration of medicine or enemas 190 Lolook 197 barksailing ship 198 Olympus-highas high as Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek gods 199 to diemy time to die 203 Succeedscan follow 209 stopsarrests/chokes here at this very moment/in my heart or throat 213 set downloosen 220 prattlechatter out of fashioncontrary to my usual manner/unfashionably dote behave foolishly/indulge 221 comfortshappiness 222 coffersboxes, trunks 223 mastership’s captain 225 challengeclaim, require 229 baselowborn/unworthy 230 listlisten to 231 watches…guard 232 directlycompletely 234 thusi.e. on the lips 235 Mark menote, recollect but only 237 pratingchattering discreet discerning, prudent 239 dullsluggish act of sportsex 240 a gamesexual play/a new quarry 241 favourappearance sympathy similarity 243 required conveniencesnecessary correspondences (or “advantages”) 244 heave the gorgeretch 245 disrelishfind distasteful 247 pregnantevident position proposition, assertion 248 eminent…degreei.e. first in line eminent high/conspicuous degree step 249 volubleinconstant/glib conscionable ruled by conscience 250 humanecourteous/kindly seeming appearance 251 compassachievement salt lecherous 252 slipperslippery subtle cunning 253 occasionopportunity stamp coin 254 advantagesopportunities true genuine/honest 257 follyfoolishness/lewdness green young/inexperienced after out for pestilent poisonous/confounded complete perfect, consummate 260 conditiondisposition 261 Blessed fig’s-end!exclamation of dismissive contempt fig’s-end vagina 261 The…grapesi.e. she’s as mortal (and open to desire) as the next person 263 puddingsausage/penis paddle stroke/play with her fingers 266 indextable of contents/preface (plays on the sense of the pointing “forefinger”) obscure hidden 269 mutabilitieschanges, signs of sexual fickleness 270 hardclose main may contribute to the language of hands and fingers with a play on the French main (“hand”) 271 exerciseaction/sexual act incorporate carnal, united in one body 272 Watch youremain alert, be on the lookout 273 for…youI’ll bestow on you the leading role in carrying out our plan/I’ll give you instructions about what to do 275 tainting his disciplinecasting aspersions on his military skill 277 ministerprovide 279 choleranger haply perhaps/with any luck 281 thesei.e. the people whose…again i.e. who will not be appeased 283 displantinguprooting, supplanting 284 preferpromote, advance 286 prosperitysuccess 287 I…opportunityit will bring about any opportunity for me 288 warrantassure 289 hisi.e. Othello’s 292 aptlikely/appropriate of great credit very believable 293 howbeit…notalthough I cannot bear him 296 dearbeloved, precious (with grim play on the sense of “costly”) 297 peradventureperhaps/probably 298 accountantaccountable 299 dietfeed 300 For thatbecause 301 leaped intoplays on the sense of “mounted sexually” seat official place/saddle/(wife’s) vagina 308 poor…Venicei.e. Rodorigo trace follow 309 Foron account of stand…on continues to respond to my incitements (suggestive of urging dogs on in a hunt) 310 on the hipat a disadvantage 311 right garbway I plan/most effective manner 312 night-capwife/(wife’s) vagina; Iago suspects Cassio of having sex with Emilia 314 egregiouslymonstrously, shamefully 315 practising uponscheming against 316 ’Tis herei.e. the plan exists/the plan is in my head 3 mere perditiontotal destruction 4 triumphpublic celebration of victory 5 additionrank/occupation 7 nuptialmarriage 8 officeskitchens, pantries 9 toldcounted, struck 2 stoprestraint 3 outsport discretionmake merry beyond the bounds of prudence 8 with your earliestat your earliest convenience 10 the…ensuei.e. though married, Othello and Desdemona have yet to consummate their union 15 castdismissed 17 wantonsportive/amorous/lascivious Jove the supreme Roman god was known for his amorous encounters with beautiful women 18 exquisiteaccomplished, perfect 19 full of gamesexually sportive, lustful 20 delicatecharming/ dainty/elegant 21 sounds a parleyissues a summons (literally, to military negotiations) 23 alarumcall to arms 26 stoupcup, tankard without outside brace pair 27 gallantsfine young men disposed to pleasure fain gladly have a measure i.e. drink a toast 30 unhappyunfortunate 34 craftily qualifiedskillfully diluted innovation alteration/ revolution 35 infortunateunfortunate, unlucky 40 it dislikes meit displeases me/I do it reluctantly 43 offenceaggression, readiness to take offense 44 my…dogthe overindulged lapdog of a young lady sick lovesick 46 carouseddrunk as a toast 47 Potations pottle-deephalf-gallon draughts watch remain alert, be on the lookout (for a chance to provoke Cassio) 48 swellingproud 49 That… distancewho are very conscious of protecting their honors (and thus quick to take offense) 50 elementsessence, typical constituents 51 flusteredmade drunkenly excitable 52 watchare awake 53 actiondeed/fight 55 approveprove, bear out 56 streamcurrent 57 rouselarge quantity of drink 60 cannikinsmall drinking vessel 63 spanbrief period (literally, span of the hand) 67 most…pottingbig drinkers 68 swag-belliedwith a belly that sags heavily 72 drinks youdrinks (you is emphatic) 73 AlmainGerman 74 pottlehalf-gallon drinking vessel 76 do you justicei.e. match you in the amount you drink 78 King Stephentwelfth-century king of England and-a a 79 crowngold coin of varying value in different countries 80 heldconsidered 81 lownloon, rascal, base person 85 auldold 94 qualityrank 106 th’platformthe terrace on which guns were mounted and where the night watch stood guard set the watch mount the guard 110 just equinoxexact equal equinox moment when day and night are of equal length 111 pity ofa pity about 117 watch…setremain awake during two revolutions of the clock (horologe) 127 hazard…secondrisk as important a place as lieutenant 128 ingraftengrained 136 knaverogue/servant, low-ranking person 137 twiggen bottlewicker basket (i.e. Rodorigo’s body will be crisscrossed with wounds and bruises) 141 holdhold back 143 mazzardhead 149 masterssirs 150 belltown alarm bell Diablo devil (Spanish) 151 riserise up/riot 152 ashamedfilled with shame/dishonored 157 place(your) official positions 160 turned Turksconverted to Islam/betrayed ourselves that…Ottomites attack each other, which the heaven-sent storm prevented the Turks from doing to us; may also allude to Islamic prohibitions against alcohol/internecine strife 163 carvei.e. with his sword 164 lightof small value he dies i.e. I’ll kill him 165 dreadfulinspiring dread and terror 166 From her proprietyout of its rightful ordered state 167 grievingdistress, sorrow 168 loveloyal affection for me 170 quarterconduct toward one another terms speech/relations with one another 171 Devesting themundressing themselves 172 unwitted mendeprived men of their senses 173 tiltingthrusting 175 peevish oddssenseless quarrel/headstrong conflict 176 wouldwish 178 are thus forgothave forgotten yourself in this way 180 wontaccustomed 181 stillnesscalmness/sobriety 183 censurejudgment 184 unlaceundo (the strings of a purse in order to spend the contents) 185 opinionreputation 189 offendshurts 190 aughtanything 196 bloodpassion/anger safer guides i.e. reason, judgment 197 colliedblackened, obscured 198 Assaysattempts 201 routbrawl 202 approvedproved (guilty) 203 twinned…birthbeen my twin 204 town of wargarrison town 205 wildexcitable, unruly, not entirely under control 206 manageconduct 207 on…safetyat the guardhouse and while on duty protecting public safety 208 monstrousunnatural, outrageous (ironically, a mere period stands in the way of the answer to Othello’s question) 209 partially…officeif, being personally predisposed (to Cassio) or allied (to him) because of your official roles 212 Touchtest/accuse/provoke near intimately/closely 219 with…himdetermined to use his sword upon him (execute plays on sense of “put to death”) 221 his pausehim to stop 225 rather For thatthe more rapidly because 227 high in oathcursing loudly 233 forgetforget themselves 234 himi.e. Montano 237 indignityinsult, affront 238 passlet pass 240 mincemake light of 246 sweetingsweetheart, darling 248 Myself…surgeoni.e. I will ensure that you receive good medical care/dress your wounds 250 distractedconfused/caused disorder among 252 balmysoothing 260 sensephysical feeling, i.e. pain 261 idleuseless/empty 262 impositionthing imposed on one by others 264 recoverregain (the favor of) 265 cast…mooddismissed in his fit of anger 268 Sue topetition, entreat 270 slightworthless 271 indiscreetfoolish, lacking sound judgment speak parrot babble repetitively/speak rubbish 272 discourse fustianspeak elaborate nonsense 275 Whatwho 280 nothing whereforeno reason for it 282 pleasancepleasure 288 franklyopenly, unreservedly 289 moralermoralizer 292 mend itimprove matters 294 Hydrain Greek mythology, the many-headed snake that regrew two heads for every one that was cut off 295 stopstop up, silence 297 inordinateimmoderate 298 familiarfriendly (but quibbles on the sense of “malign attendant spirit”) 301 approved itfound it to be so through experience 302 a timesome time 304 for that(namely) that 305 mark, and denotementobservation 306 partspersonal qualities 307 importunecrave, entreat; plays on negative senses of “pester, annoy/solicit for purposes of prostitution” 308 freegenerous, but plays ambiguously on secondary sense of “sexually available”; Iago’s speech is open to a negative construction throughout apt ready, willing 311 splinterset with a splint 312 laywager/laying down a woman (for sex) crack damage (with sexual, anatomical overtones) 315 protestdeclare, avow 317 think it freelybelieve so unreservedly betimes early 318 undertaketake on the matter/vouch 319 desperate ofhopeless about check halt 324 freefreely given/generous/frank 325 Probalprobable, credible, reasonable 327 Th’incliningdisposed to be sympathetic/yielding subdue win over 328 framed as fruitfulcreated as generous 331 sealspledges/tokens 332 enfetteredshackled, enslaved 333 listdesires 334 appetiteinclination/sexual desire 335 functioncapabilities, intellectual faculties (weak because he is so enamored of her); possible play on the sense of “sexual potency” 336 paralleli.e. to Iago’s scheming intentions 337 Divinitytheology 338 put onurge, incite (men to commit) 339 suggesttempt 341 Pliessolicits, works on 343 pestilenceplague/wickedness 344 repeals himtries to get him reinstated 346 credittrust/reputation 347 pitchsticky black tar-like substance 350 chasehunt 351 fills…crymakes up one of the pack 352 cudgelledbeaten 353 issueoutcome 354 witsense 359 dilatoryslow/delaying 361 cashiered(got) dismissed 362 againstexposed to 363 Yet…ripei.e. the dismissal of Cassio demonstrates that our plan is blossoming and will ensure that the eventual outcome (fruit) of our schemes is successful 364 trothtruth 370 moveentreat, solicit 372 the whilemeanwhile 373 jumpprecisely 375 deviceschemingMusicians music was traditionally played outside a bridal bedroom at dawn 1 content your painspay for your efforts 4 Naplessouthwestern Italian city i’th’nose with a nasal twang like that of the Neapolitan accent/like one whose nasal tissue has been damaged by syphilis, of which there was a high incidence in Naples 5 Howwhat 8 tailpenis (though the Musician hears “tale,” i.e. story) 10 wind instrumentsense has now shifted to “flatulent anus” 12 love’sthe love you bear him/Othello’s lovemaking with Desdemona 13 noiseplays on nose 19 upaway 23 keep…quilletshold back your quibbles 24 gentlewomanfemale attendant 25 stirringup and about (but in his response the Clown shifts the sense to “sexually arousing”) 27 seemarrange, contrive 29 In happy time(you have come at) an opportune moment 36 presentlyimmediately 37 meanmethod 41 A Florentinei.e. even a Florentine (one of Cassio’s own countrymen) 43 displeasurebeing out of favor 46 famereputation 47 affinityfamily/connections wholesome sound, beneficial 49 suitorpetitioner 53 advantage ofa favorable opportunity for 57 bosomheart, inmost thoughts 2 do my dutiesconvey my respects 3 worksfortifications 4 Repairreturn/make your way 3 I warrantI’m sure 13 strangenessaloofness, unfriendliness 14 politicdiscreet/expedient 17 nice and waterishinsubstantial and thin (or possibly “luxurious and succulent”) 18 breed…circumstancesrenew itself out of various events/generate so few opportunities (for my reinstatement) 19 suppliedfilled 21 doubtfear 22 warrantassurance, guarantee 25 watch him tametame him by preventing him from sleeping (a method for training hawks) 26 board a shrifttable (shall seem) a confessional 29 solicitorpleader/representative/ lawyer (legal language continues with cause) 30 awayup 36 do your discretionobey your own judgment 46 suitorpetitioner (Desdemona unconsciously puns on the sense of “lover”) 50 gracevirtue/favor with you 51 present reconciliation takerestore him to your favor immediately/accept the reconciliation he now seeks 53 in cunningdeliberately 57 soothtruly 65 dinnerlunch 72 trespassfault, offense common reason everyday judgment 74 bestbest men not almost hardly even 75 checkreprimand 78 mamm’ringstammering hesitantly 82 ini.e. into favor 85 boonfavor graciously granted 88 peculiarparticular, personal 90 touchtest 91 poiseheaviness, importance/balance, equipoise (making choice hard) difficult weight hard to assess or weigh 94 Whereonas a result of which 97 straightstraightaway, very soon 98 fanciesinclinations, whims 100 Perditiondestruction/ damnation catch seize 114 aughtanything 126 of…Ofin my confidence during 128 pursefurrow, knit 130 conceitimagining/idea 134 forbecause 136 stopshesitations/abrupt pauses 137 falsetreacherous 138 customhabit 139 close dilationssecret delays/hidden accusations 140 rulecontrol, restrain 145 seem nonenot be men/not seem to be anything at all, not convince in the slightest 154 that…freethe thing that even slaves are not bound to do (i.e. speak their thoughts) 158 uncleanlymorally impure 159 leetscourts held by some manorial lords law-days days on which courts of law meet sessions sittings of the law court 160 Withtogether with 161 thy friendi.e. Othello 165 viciouswicked/faulty/blameworthy 167 jealousysuspicious nature/anxious vigilance 169 conceitsconjectures, imagines 171 scatteringwild/random/disordered observance observations/dutiful care 177 immediateclosest 184 ifeven if 188 mock…ontaunts the victim (the jealous man) that gives it life mock torment/delude/ ridicule 189 cuckoldman with an unfaithful wife 190 wrongeri.e. his wife 191 tellscounts 195 finelesslimitless 201 follow…suspicionsimitate the waxing moon by growing in suspicion/like a madman, respond to each new phase of the moon with new suspicions 203 goatproverbially lecherous animal 205 exsufflicatepuffed-up blowed blown-up/whispered/flyblown (i.e. putrid, full of flies’ eggs) 206 inferenceconclusion/ implication 210 meritsqualities/worth 211 revoltdisobedience, infidelity 221 securefree from doubt/overconfident 223 self-bountyinherent generosity/good nature 224 countrycontains a pun on “cunt” (a similar quibble on “con” may lie within conscience) 225 prankssexual mischief 227 undoneplays on sense of “not copulated with” 233 go toexpression of dismissive contempt 235 seelsew (as a young hawk’s eyes are for training purposes) oak a closely grained wood 239 boundindebted (plays on sense of “tied, shackled”) 244 your lovelove for you 246 grosserlarger/more lewd issues conclusions larger broader/coarser reach “stretch, aim” (verb) or “scope, range” (noun) 247 suspicionmere conjecture 250 successoutcome 254 honestchaste/virtuous 258 affectlike, prefer 259 clime…degreecountry, race, and rank 261 willinclination/willfulness/sexual appetite rank rebellious/corrupt/rancid, foul-smelling/lascivious 262 Foulabhorrent/morally impure/dirty, blackened/choked with foreign matter disproportions deformities/lack of symmetry 263 in positionin this assertion 264 Distinctlyspecifically 266 fall…formscome to compare you with men of her own nationality (conceivably countrypuns on “cunt”) 267 happilyperhaps/with pleasure 275 scanexamine 276 placeofficial position (though fills it upgenerates a vaginal sense) 279 meansmethods/intentions 280 strain his entertainmenturge his reinstatement 283 busyoverzealous/interfering 285 hold her freeconsider her innocent, plays on negative sense of “sexually available” 286 governmentself-control 289 quantitiesdimensions, aspects 290 dealingsbehavior/interaction/sexual dealings haggard wild (a haggard is an untamed female hawk) 291 jessesstraps fastened around the legs of a hawk to help keep it attached to the falconer 292 whistle…windset her free (a falconer dismissed a hawk with a whistle; unwanted hawks were released in the same direction as the wind was blowing) 293 prey at fortunefend for herself, hunt randomly Haply, for perhaps, because 294 soft…conversationpleasing sociable accomplishments 295 chamberersfashionable men who frequent ladies’ chambers 297 abusedwronged/deceived 299 delicatecharming/pleasure-seeking 302 cornernook/vagina 303 usessexual employment 304 Prerogativedprivileged, advantaged 306 forkèd plaguehorned affliction (cuckolds were traditionally supposed to grow horns) 307 do quickenare conceived 308 mockeddeceived/flouted/parodied 311 generousnoble 312 attendawait 316 pain…foreheadsuggestive of the cuckold’s horns 317 watchingnot sleeping 320 napkinhandkerchief 324 remembrancelove token 326 Wooedentreated, enticed 327 conjured herentreated her/made her swear 328 reserveskeeps 329 work ta’en outembroidery copied 332 I nothingI am nothing to him/I know nothing fantasy whim/desire 335 commonunremarkable/vulgar/open to use by all thing plays on the sense of “vagina” 346 to th’advantageopportunely, taking the advantage 354 lackmiss/need 355 Be…on’tdo not admit that you know anything about it 360 holy writscripture 362 conceitsideas/imaginings 363 distastebe distasteful 364 actaction 366 poppyopium mandragora sedative made from the root of the mandragora, or mandrake, plant 369 owed’stowned 372 Avauntget away rack torture device that stretched the limbs 378 freeunconstrained, untroubled 380 wantingmissing 384 Pioneersfootsoldiers, the lowest kind of soldier 385 Soas long as 387 plumèdwearing helmets adorned with feathers 389 trumptrumpet 390 fifeflute-like instrument, often used in military music 391 qualityessential nature 392 Prideglory/proud magnificence pomp and circumstance splendid display and ceremony 393 mortal enginesdeadly machines (i.e. cannon) rude rough, raucous 394 Jove’s dread clamoursi.e. thunder, Jove’s weapon 404 probationproof 408 remorsepity/penitence 410 amazedfull of terror and consternation 415 God b’wi’youGod be with you, i.e. good-bye O wretched fool Iago addresses himself 419 profitprofitable lesson 420 sithsince offence hurt (to me)/antagonism (in my friend) 421 shouldst beseem to be 422 should beought to be 423 thatthat which 428 Diani.e. Diana, Roman goddess of chastity and the moon 429 cords…streamsi.e. means of committing suicide, or perhaps murder 437 supervisionsight that you are gazing down on grossly blatantly/coarsely 438 toppedmounted sexually 441 prospectpoint from which they might be viewed 442 bolstershare a bed/have sex 443 Moreother own i.e. own eyes 444 satisfactionproof/freedom from doubt (plays on the sense of “sexual fulfillment”) 446 primelecherous hot sexually excited 447 saltlustfu wolves reputed to be libidinous, especially females in pride in heat fools idiots/lewd people gross great/coarse 449 imputation…circumstancesattribution and convincing circumstantial details 455 Prickedspurred 456 layshared a bed 467 sighIago moves into the present tense to give his account an air of horrible immediacy 471 foregone conclusionevent that had already occurred 472 shrewd doubtgrievous suspicion 476 yet weas yet we 487 slavevillain 490 fondfoolish/doting/infatuated 493 heartedfixed in the heart 494 fraughtburden 495 aspicsasps (venomous snakes) 499 Pontic seaBlack Sea 500 compulsiveonward-flowing, driven 502 ProponticSea of Marmora (situated between the Aegean and the Black Sea) Hellespont the Dardanelles (the strait between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmora) 505 capablecapacious 506 marblei.e. dappled with clouds/hard and indifferent 508 engagepledge, commit 511 clipembrace 513 executionaction, performance wit mind 515 remorse(an act of) compassion (for Othello) 516 What…everwhatever the bloodthirsty business 519 to’tto the test 524 minxlewd, wanton woman/prostitute 1 sirrahsir (used to a social inferior) 2 lieslodges (the Clown puns on the sense of “to fib”) 5 stabbingan offense one may be stabbed for 10 lie…throatfib outrageously 12 edifiedinstructed (the Clown plays on the sense of “spiritually improved”) 13 catechizequestion; the catechism is a form of instruction used by the Church in which a person answers a set of questions about the Christian faith 16 movedpetitioned/persuaded 22 crusadoesPortuguese gold coins butwere it not that 27 sun…Drewjust as the sun was supposed to draw noxious vapors from the earth 28 humoursmoods (literally, bodily fluids thought to govern a person’s temperament) 32 dissembledeceive/disguise one’s feelings 37 fruitfulnessgenerosity/fertility/sexual liberality liberalopen/generous/licentious 39 sequesterseclusion/separation 40 castigationchastisement/corrective discipline exercisereligious observances 43 frankfree/generous/sexually open 46 the…heartsi.e. whereas once people gave away their hands (in marriage) together with their hearts, nowadays people give away their hands without their hearts 49 chuckchick (term of endearment) 51 salt…rheummiserable running cold 62 amiablelovable 66 fanciesloves 68 heri.e. my wife heedcareful attention 73 webweave 74 sibylprophetess 75 compassesannual circuits, i.e. years 76 prophetic furyfrenzy of prophetic inspiration 77 hallowedholy, consecrated 78 mummymedicinal substance obtained from mummified bodies 79 Conserved ofprepared/preserved from 84 startingly and rashabruptly and impetuously 85 out o’th’waymisplaced 88 an ifif 89 How?What? 95 misgivesis filled with suspicion/ foreboding 97 sufficientcompetent, able (with unwitting sexual connotations) 103 In soothtruly 107 wonderextraordinary or magical quality 108 unhappyunfortunate/miserable 111 hungerlyhungrily 112 belchburp/vomit 115 happinessgood fortune (at meeting Desdemona) 118 virtuousgood/effective 120 officeduty/functioning 122 mortalfatal 123 norneither 124 purposed…futuritythe merit I intend to display in the future 126 Butmerely be my benefitcontent me/be my gain (as I will know the worst) 128 shut… inconfine/devote myself to 129 To fortune’s almsrelying on the charity of fortune 131 advocationadvocacy, pleading (on your behalf) 133 favourappearance humourmood 136 within the blankat the center of the target/at point-blank range 139 sufficecontent 144 his ranksOthello’s troops 146 brotherbrother-in-arms, dearly loved comrade 147 momentmomentous importance 149 of stateconnected with state affairs 150 practiceplot, treachery 152 puddledmuddied 155 induesbrings 156 memberslimbs 158 observancy…bridalproper attentions as those that befit the wedding 159 Beshrewcurse 160 unhandsomeinadequate 161 Arraigningindicting, accusing 162 suborned the witnessbribed or influenced the witness to give false evidence 165 toyfancy, nonsensical notion 171 Begot uponconceived from 178 SaveGod save (common greeting) friendfriend/lover 179 make youare you doing 184 Eight score eighti.e. 168 (the number of hours in a week) scoretwenty 185 dial(hours on the) clock 186 reck’ningcounting/total, account 189 continuateuninterrupted 190 Strike…scoresettle this account/repay my sexual debt with copulation 191 Take…outcopy this embroidery for me 193 friendlover, mistress 194 To…causeI now discern a cause for the absence I have suffered 203 demandedasked after 209 womanedwith a woman or paramour 213 bringaccompany 214 soon at nightsoon, tonight/early this evening 217 circumstancedsubject to circumstances, i.e. accept the situation 8 hypocrisy…devili.e. by seeming to do something wicked, but in fact having virtuous intentions 11 veniallight, pardonable 19 They…notthose that have lost it often still appear to possess it 23 ravena bird of ill omen, whose cry was thought to herald death infectiousdisease-ridden 24 Bodingpredicting ominously (i.e. making its croaking cry) 28 abroadout and about, at large 29 importunatepersistent 30 voluntary dotagewilling infatuation 31 Convincèdconquered sexually suppliedfilled up, satisfied sexually 37 didplays on the sense of “had sex (with)” 42 Lie on hertell lies about her 43 belieslander fulsomerepulsive/lustful 46–47Nature…instructioni.e. I would not be losing consciousness and suffering a fit ( passion) without good reason investclothe, envelop shadowingdarkening/ominous instructionreliable information 48 Nosesdisplaced image of the penis lipsalso the vaginal labia 51 medicinepoison 53 reproachdisgrace 59 lethargyfaint, torpor 64 on great occasionabout an important matter 66 Dost…me?Othello thinks that Iago is referring to the growth of a cuckold’s horns on the head 69 hornèdcuckolded 71 civilcity-dwelling/civilized 74 beardedi.e. adult yokedmarried/constrained and oppressed by wrongs 75 drawpull the plow like a yoked ox 76 unproperimproper/not entirely their own 77 peculiartheir own 79 lipkiss wantonlover/lewd woman secure couchcarefree bed 84 in…listwithin the bounds of patience 87 shifted him awaygot rid of him/used a ruse to get him out of the way 88 laid…ecstasygave convincing explanations about your frenzy 89 anonshortly 90 encaveconceal 91 fleerssneers 95 copehave sex with 97 all…spleenentirely overcome by violent passion 103 keep timeremain steady and controlled 105 housewifehussy, prostitute 107 strumpetwhore 108 beguilecheat beguiledcharmed, ensnared 109 restrainrefrain 112 unbookishunlearned/ignorant consterconstrue 113 lightmerry 115 additiontitle (of lieutenant) 116 Whose wantthe lack of which 117 on’tof it 119 speedsucceed, prosper 120 caitiffwretch 124 faintlywithout serious intent/unconvincingly 127 saiddone 131 triumphexult, gloat (literally “hold a victory procession,” an ancient Romancelebration during which shackled captives were paraded through the streets) 132 A customer?i.e. Marry a whore? I, who pay her for sex? bear…witbe more charitable toward my judgment; witplays on the sense of “penis” 133 unwholesomeunsound/diseased (i.e. with venereal disease) 136 cryrumor 138 elseif it is not so 139 scored mewounded me/got one over on me sexually 141 love and flatterylove for me and self-flattery 144 hauntsfollows, hangs around 145 sea-bankseashore 146 baubleplaything/worthless trifle falls mefalls ( meis emphatic) 149 importssignifies, shows 152 pluckeddrew 153 noseprobably a surrogate for the penis 156 such anotherjust another, a commonplace fitchewpolecat (known for its foul smell and lechery; also a term for a prostitute) 158 dammother 161 piece of workpuns on the senses of “prostitute” and “sexual act” 162 minxwhore 163 hobby-horseprostitute 167 shouldmust 168 supperalso suggests sex 171 railrant abusively 184 foolishstupid/lewd 194 your waythe right attitude or course of action 198 inventionimagination 200 so…conditionsuch a well-bred nature/such a sweet and kind disposition 202 gentleyielding 205 patentlicence 206 touchaffect/provoke 207 messesportions of meat 212 expostulateargue, remonstrate unprovidedisarm 217 his undertakerthe one to undertake the task of dealing with him 227 instrument… pleasuresi.e. the letter containing their instructions 228 cousingeneral term for any relative other than parent or sibling 234 unkind breachunnatural separation, unfriendly quarrel 241 T’atoneto reconcile 244 wisein your right mind 249 on’tof it 252 madi.e. insane enough to publicly welcome Cassio’s promotion and make your love for him obvious 257 very muchtoo much 260 teembe fertile, conceive 261 crocodilebecause crocodiles were supposed to weep insincere tears 271 turnintroduces the additional meanings of “have sex”/“change her affections” go oncontinue (to have sex/change affections) 273 obedientcompliant (plays on sexual sense) 275 well-painted passionwell-faked sorrow 279 my placei.e. as governor of Cyprus/as Desdemona’s lover 281 monkeysproverbially lustful creatures 282 fullcomplete, entire 283 all…sufficientcompetent in everything 289 censurejudgement (quibbling on the sense of “condemnation”) 290 if…wereif he is not what he might be (i.e. mad), I heartily wish he was (as only madness would explain and partly excuse his behavior) 293 wellgood would I wish 295 usehabit 301 courses will denoteactions will signify 13 durstdare 14 at stakeas the stake in the wager 17 serpent’s curseafter the serpent’s temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden, God cursed him and decreed that he should be the lowest and most reviled of all creatures 22 bawdprocuress 23 Thisi.e. Desdemona subtlecunning 24 closet…keycabinet (or room) complete with lock and key 31 Some…functionbehave as one in your role (as a bawd) should 32 procreantsbreeders, fornicators 34 mysterytrade, occupation dispatchhurry up 40 being…heavenresembling an angel 47 heavysorrowful 49 haplyperhaps 55 soresafflictions 56 Steepedimmersed 60 figurenumber (on a clock face) 61 fingeri.e. hour hand of a clock 63 garneredstored 65 fountainspring, source 67 cisternpond/water tank 68 knot and gendercopulate Turn…thereturn your face toward it/change your appearance (or nature) when you see it 69 cherubinangel (correctly “cherubim,” one of the biblical orders of angels) 70 grimcruel, unforgiving/ugly 71 honesttruthful, but more specifically “sexually faithful,” “chaste” 72 shamblesslaughterhouse 73 quicken…blowinggive life even though they deposit their eggs in rotting meat 76 ignorantunwitting 78 committedOthello picks up on the senses of “committed adultery” and “fornicated” 79 commonerprostitute 83 stopsstops up, closes moona symbol of chastity winkscloses its eyes 85 minecave 88 strumpetharlot, prostitute 90 vesselbody 97 cry you mercybeg your pardon 100 office oppositeopposing job Saint Peterheaven’s gatekeeper 101 gate of hellvaginal connotations ( hellwas a slang term for the vagina) 102 done our coursefinished our business/had our bout of sex 103 counselsecret 104 conceivethink, imagine 106 asleepstunned 114 go by waterbe expressed through tears 118 meetfitting usedtreated 119 How…misuse?What must I have done to cause him to attach even the slightest condemnation to my most minor misconduct? 126 a…chidingi.e. know little of being rebuked 128 bewhored hercalled her a whore 129 despitecontempt/malice/abuse heavyserious/angry/violent/distressing 135 calletdrab, trull, whore 139 forsookdeclined/given up 143 Beshrewcurse 144 trickdelusion 148 coggingcheating cozeningdeceiving 152 halterhangman’s noose 154 formmanner, way 156 scurvycontemptible 157 companionsrogues unfoldreveal, expose 161 within doori.e. more quietly 162 squirefellow (contemptuous) 163 the…withoutinside out (with the seams on the outside) 171 discoursecourse, process 172 thatif 174 yetstill 177 forswearabandon 180 abhorrevolt (puns on whore) 181 additiontitle, name 182 vanityworthless finery 183 humourmood 188 staysawait meatfood 193 daff’st meput me off, deflect me devicetrick/stratagem 195 conveniencyopportunity 197 put upendure, tolerate 205 votaristnun 207 comfortsencouraging hopes sudden respectimminent esteem and favor 208 acquaintancefamiliarity/sexual intimacy (possibly with pun on “quaint,” i.e. vagina) 210 go toRodorigo shifts the sense to “have sex” 212 foppeddeceived, cheated 217 satisfactionrecompense 218 saidhad your say 219 protest intendmentdeclare I have the intention 221 mettlespirit, vigor 224 exceptionobjection 225 directlystraightforwardly/fairly 233 enginesplots against 234 compassrange 239 Mauritaniaregion in north Africa consisting of parts of Morocco and Algeria 240 abode be lingeredstay be prolonged 241 determinatedecisive 248 harlotryharlot 250 fashion…outarrange to occur 252 secondsupport, back 253 amazeddumbstruck, stunned 255 highfully 256 grows to wasteis passing/being wasted: about it. 11 incontinentimmediately, plays on sense of “loosely, unchastely” 16 nightly wearingnightclothes 19 approvecommend 20 stubbornnessinflexibility, obstinacy/ ruthlessness, ferocity 21 unpin mei.e. loosen or detach parts of my clothing (sleeves etc. were secured on with pins)/unpin my hair or remove my hair accessory 23 All’s oneit makes no difference/all right Good fatheri.e. God in heaven 24 beforei.e. before you shroudlay, wrap (ready for burial) 26 talktalk nonsense, talk on idly 27 Barbarya form of Barbara, but the name has obvious north African associations 28 madinsane/wild/faithless 29 willowthe tree symbolized lost or unrequited love 37 properhandsome/accomplished 41 netherlower (possibly with bawdy implication) 42 sycamoretype of fig-tree or, as now, a species of maple; puns on “sick amour” 50 Lay by theseput these aside (presumably parts of her clothing or accessories) 52 hie theehurry yourself 59 couchlie, sleep 61 bodeforetell 65 abusedeceive, wrong 66 gross kinda great way/a coarse manner 74 priceprize 78 joint-ringring consisting of two joined halves 79 lawnfine linen 80 exhibitiongift 82 venturerisk (going to) 89 to th’vantagein addition, besides 90 storepopulate playedgambled/had sex 92 fallsuccumb sexually dutiesmarital and sexual duties 93 our…lapsthe semen that is due to us into other women’s vaginas 94 peevishsenseless/perverse/willful 96 scantreduce/withhold our former havingwhat we had before/our former financial means despitespite, malice 97 have gallsare capable of feeling bitterness and resentment gracecharm/virtue/mercy 98 revengedesire for revenge 102 changeexchange sportentertainment/sex 103 affectiondesire, lust 107 usetreat/employ sexually 109 useshabits (of thought) 110 Not…mendnot to learn bad habits from the bad behavior of others, but to learn from such examples to improve myself 1 bulkframework projecting from the front of a shop, a stall 2 bareunsheathed put it home drive it firmly to the target 4 marsdestroys 6 miscarrygo wrong, fail 11 quatpimple to the sense raw, to the tenderest part 12 angryinflamed/enraged 14 Live Rodorigoshould Rodorigo live 16 bobbedcheated 17 giftsi.e. supposed gifts 21 unfoldreveal 25 coat(thick) overcoat/metal-plated garment worn under outer clothing 26 prooftrial 33 braveexcellent/noble 35 Minionwhore (addressing Desdemona) 36 unblestunholy, damned hies hastens 37 ofout of, from 39 passagepassersby 40 direfuldreadful, dismal, horrible 44 heavyovercast, gloomy 46 come in toapproach 49 in his shirtin his nightshirt/without a jacket 58 spoiledbadly damaged, injured undone ruined 72 provediscover by testing, find praise appraise 85 may you suspectdo you have any suspicions about 89 garterband worn to hold up the stocking or as a belt or sash (Iago requires it for use as a tourniquet) 92 trashworthless stuff, whore (i.e. Bianca) 102 accidentsevents/mishaps 108 saiddone 111 Foras for 112 Save…labourdon’t bother to try and help Cassio, leave him alone 117 the…eyeher terrified look gastness terror, dread 118 starei.e. gaze fixedly in horror (suggestive of guilt and an imminent confession) 133 honestchaste 136 Cassio dressedi.e. Cassio’s wound bandaged 141 fordoes me quiteruins me completely 1 causeoffense/reason for action 5 alabasterused for the construction of funeral monuments 7 Put…lightquench the torch or candle and then extinguish Desdemona’s life 8 flaming ministeri.e. the torch or candle minister servant 11 cunning’st patternmost skillfully made model (cunning reverberates with its sense of “deception”) 12 Prometheanin Greek mythology the Titan Prometheus created humankind, for whom he also stole fire from heaven 13 relumerelight 14 vitalliving 17 Justicetraditionally depicted as a blindfolded woman carrying scales and a sword 20 fataldeadly, destructive/ doomed 22 strikesdelivers a blow/withers (used of frost)/destroys (used of God or of malign planetary influence) 27 Ayyes; Folio’s “I” could mean both “I” and “ay” (yes) and sound identical 30 Solicitbeg forgiveness 32 I…toit is all I can do not to 34 forfendforbid 39 saysay so, say that 45 They…youapparently alludes to the sin of loving a human more than God 61 Presentlyimminently 63 articleitem forming part of an accusation 64 conceptionbelief/plan 65 do groan withalsuffer with/am in labor with (playing on sense of pregnancy: conception) 69 Offendsin against, commit a crime against 70 warrantyauthorization 73 stoneharden, turn to stone 82 usedhad sex with (Desdemona responds to a more general sense of “employed”) 87 ta’en ordermade arrangements 90 stomachappetite 96 strivestruggle 98 Being donei.e. as I am resolved to do the deed/while it is being done is no pause must be no hesitation 108 By and byin a moment (addressed to Emilia) 109 likelikely 110 noisei.e. following the attack on Cassio high loud 118 yawn at alterationgape open at this great change in nature 122 Softwait a moment curtains bed curtains 127 errorroaming, wandering off course/mistake 128 wontaccustomed 135 harshjarring, discordant 136 falselywrongfully, unjustly 139 Out, and alas!i.e. alas ( outis an intensifier) 153 follylewdness 154 belieslander 158 topmount sexually elseotherwise — i.e. if you do not believe me 160 Butwere it not 167 chrysoliteprecious stone, a name given to various gems including the topaz 170 onof 171 slimeviscous substance/semen 172 filthy deedswhorish or impure sexual acts 174 iteranceiteration, repetition 175 made mocks withmade sport of/made a mockery of 180 perniciousdestructive/villainous 182 filthy bargaini.e. Othello filthydirty, black 187 Peace…bestyou’d be better off remaining silent 189 be hurtendure pain inflicted by you gulldupe 191 make thee knownexpose you 203 aptlikely 209 charmput a spell on, i.e. silence 228 lift up eyei.e. look up to heaven 229 foulcorrupt/wicked/guilty of an accusation 230 unclei.e. Gratiano, presumably Brabantio’s brother 232 grimcruel, merciless 234 mortalfatal 235 Shore…threadan allusion to the three Fates: one spun the thread of a man’s life, another measured it, and the third cut it 236 do…turni.e. kill himself; “despair” or “desperation” are terms for the state of spiritual hopelessness thought to precede suicide turnact 238 reprobancerejection by God (suicide is a sin) 242 workssexual acts 243 recognizancetoken 245 antiqueancient 249 peacebe silent 250 liberal…northfreely as the north wind 256 dullstupid (plays on the sense of “dark”) 259 belongedwas appropriate 264 Filthfoul thing/whore 266 coxcombfool (from the headgear of a professional fool, which resembled a cock’s comb) 268 stonesthunderbolts 269 Preciousutter, out-and-out 273 notoriousobvious, evident 274 recoveredtaken 275 withoutfrom the outside 279 whipsterworthless wretch 280 honourgood reputation honestyintegrity (for which honouris gained) 283 swan…musicproverbially, swans sang just before they died 283 swan…musicproverbially, swans sang just before they died 289 the ice-brook’s tempertempered (i.e. made hard) by immersing it in the water of an ice-cold brook 292 perforceof necessity 294 nakedunarmed 297 A…sustaini.e. a soldier never wore a better one sustainmaintain a fixed position 301 your stopthe obstruction presented by you 304 Herevarious possibilities: “in this place”/“this sword” (i.e. don’t be afraid, this will be myrather than your death)/Othello uses the sword to indicate the part of himself he is going to stab/Othello gestures to Desdemona or indicates the sword (with emphasis on my) buttgoal, target (archery term) 305 sea-markboundary of the flow of the sea/landmark used in navigation 306 lostwasted 307 Man…rushuse a mere reed 309 ill-starredill-fated 310 smockwoman’s undergarment comptthe day of reckoning, Judgment Day 313 slavei.e. himself/Iago 317 steep-downextremely steep 322 I…feeti.e. to see if Iago, like the devil, has cloven feet 327 in my senseaccording to the way I feel 329 practicescheming, treachery 344 Tormentstorture 349 importsconcerns/indicates 353 grossvile/monstrously evident 354 discontentedfilled with discontent 357 belikeprobably/perhaps 358 satisfied himprovided him with answers and explanations (relating to the issues raised in the letter) 359 caitiffwretch 365 wrought…desireworked in accordance with his wishes 369 Bravechallenge, confront whereonas a result of which 370 castdismissed 377 hold him longkeep him alive under torture for a long time 378 closesecurely confined 385 extenuatediminish, disparage 388 wroughtworked on/worked up 389 Perplexeddistressed, tormented, agitated 390 baseunworthy Judeanmay allude to Judas Iscariot, the Judean disciple who betrayed Christ, or to Herod, the jealous Judean king who accused his wife Mariamne of adultery and had her executed 391 subduedovercome (by emotion) 393 Arabian treesi.e. myrrh trees, which drip with the gum resin 394 medicinablemyrrh was used in astringent and expectorant tinctures 395 Aleppocity in Turkey 397 traducedslandered 400 periodconclusion 402 kissed…theeperhaps another reference to Judas, who famously identified Christ to his enemies by kissing him; he later killed himself 403 diewith shading into sense of “orgasm” 406 Spartan doga particularly fierce breed of hunting dog 407 fellfierce/cruel 410 keepguard, secure/remain in/seize 411 seize upontake legal possession of 412 succeed ondescend to, pass to 413 censurejudgment/sentencing 416 heavysorrowful gulledduped, deceived* See discussion of Quarto/Folio variants in “About the Text,” below.