Act II - Scene II

[A street.]

Enter a Gentleman reading a proclamation.

HERALD:
It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant
general, that upon certain tidings now arrived,
importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every
man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to(5)
make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his
addiction leads him; for besides these beneficial news, it
is the celebration of his nuptial. So much was his pleasure
should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and there is
full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the
bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and(10)
our noble general Othello!

Exit.

Act II - Scene III
Act II - Scene I

Footnotes

  1. Shakespeare often inserts short, expository scenes like this one to keep the plot moving forward. It is common for theater productions to remove or cut short these moments.

    — Zachary, Owl Eyes Editor