Iago sneered. ‘How poor those without patience are. What wound didn’t heal in stages? You know we’re working with our brains, not by witchcraft, and that means it takes time.’ Roderigo looked doubtful. ‘Don’t you think it’s going well?’ said Iago. ‘Cassio’s beaten you and by that small hurt you’ve destroyed him. Although all plants grow differently, the fruits that blossom first will ripen first. Be patient for a while.’ Not I,’ said Othello. ‘I have to face them. Everything about me, and my clear conscience, will show me to be in the right. Is it them?’

Perhaps the letter has upset him,’ said Lodovico. ‘I believe they’re recalling him, replacing him with Cassio.’ Act 1, scene 1 In the streets of Venice, Iago tells Roderigo of his hatred for Othello, who has given Cassio the lieutenancy that Iago wanted and has made Iago a mere ensign. At Iago’s suggestion, he and Roderigo, a former suitor to Desdemona, awake Desdemona’s father to tell him that Desdemona has eloped with Othello. This news enrages Brabantio, who organizes an armed band to search out Othello.Cassio prodded Iago’s chest. ‘Yes, but if you don’t mind, not before me. The Lieutenant has to be saved before the Ensign.’ He swung round to the guests. ‘Let’s have no more of this,’ he said. ‘Let’s get down to business. God forgive our sins. Gentlemen, let’s take care of our business.’ She stroked his forehead. ‘We’ll have to do something about that. It will go away again. Let me bind it up for you and it will be better.’ She took a handkerchief from her sleeve. Iago spoke slowly, as though feeling for the right words. ‘Regarding Michael Cassio, I would swear that he is honest.’ But tell me Sir, did you get married? Because one thing you can be sure of is that the Magnifico is very popular and can command at least twice as many votes as the Duke can. He will dissolve the marriage or penalise you as much as the law, with all his ability to enforce it, will allow him to.’ Oh God! How did she get out? Oh rebellious blood! Fathers, from now on don’t judge your daughters’ intentions on how they behave. Aren’t there spells by which young men and women can be abused? Have you read about such things Roderigo?’

Do you know what, Cassio?’ said Iago. ‘She’s telling everyone that you’re going to marry her. Is that what you intend?’ Hang her!’ Othello rallied for a moment then sank down again. ‘I’m only saying what she is. So delicate with her needle, such an admirable musician. Oh, she could sing the savageness out of a bear. Such high intelligence, so creative.’ Yours, by this hand! And to see how he values the foolish woman, your wife: she gave it to him and he has given it to his whore.’

Cyber incident

The sun was peeping up over the horizon. ‘My, my,’ said Iago. ‘It’s morning. Time flies when one’s having pleasure and action. Go to bed; go to your lodgings.’ They were all staring at him. No-one said anything. Cassio drained his drink. ‘Don’t think I’m drunk, gentlemen,’ he said. He planted a heavy hand on Iago’s shoulder. ‘This is my Ensign.’ He raised his hand and stared at it. ‘This is my right hand.’ He raised the other. ‘This is my left hand. I am not drunk. I can stand well enough.’ He tried standing on one leg and gave up. ‘I can speak well enough.’ His speech was slurred.’ Cassio slapped his thigh. ‘Fore God, this is an even better song than the other!’ He took a long swig. Iago hadn’t moved. He went, now, and stood before Othello. ‘I see Sir,’ he said, ‘that you’re eaten up with passion. I’m sorry now, that I said anything. You want to be satisfied?’

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Brabantio gripped the front of his coat and looked pleadingly at him. ‘Roderigo, where did you see her? Oh, poor girl! With the Moor did you say? Who would choose to be a father? How do you know it was her? Oh, she has deceived me beyond belief. What did she say to you?’ He turned his head. ‘Get more lights! Wake all my relatives up!’ His eyes returned to Roderigo and searched his face. ‘Do you think they’re married?’ Look, you’ve even disturbed my gentle love,’ he told Casssio. ‘I’m going to make an example of you.’

When they had gone only Iago and Cassio were left. Cassio sank his head into his hands and sat, unmoving. Iago touched his shoulder but there was no response. They served everyone and Iago started tapping his foot, creating a rhythmic beat, then he began to sing.

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No, stop,’ said Iago. ‘The fit must take its natural course. If not he foams at the mouth and eventually breaks out in savage madness. Look, he’s stirring. Just leave us for a while. He’ll recover in a moment. When he’s gone there’s an important matter I want to talk to you about.’ Get me some poison tonight, Iago. I won’t delay in case her body and beauty make me change my mind. Tonight, Iago.’