No Fear Shakespeare
Othello
Act 1, Scene 3
Original Text | Modern Text | |
Enter DUKE,
SENATORS, and OFFICERS
| The DUKE enters with
SENATORS and
OFFICERS. | |
|
DUKE
There’s no composition in this news
That gives them credit.
|
DUKE
These reports are inconsistent. You can’t trust
them.
| |
|
FIRST SENATOR
Indeed, they are disproportioned.
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.
|
FIRST SENATOR
It’s true, they’re inconsistent. My letters
say there are a hundred and seven ships.
| |
5 |
DUKE
And mine a hundred and forty.
|
DUKE
And mine say a hundred and forty.
|
|
SECOND SENATOR
And mine, two
hundred.
But though they jump not on a just account—
As in these cases, where the aim reports
'Tis oft with difference—yet do they all
confirm
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
|
SECOND SENATOR
And mine say two hundred. But often in these cases, reports are
just estimates. The important thing is that they all say a Turkish
fleet is approaching Cyprus.
| |
10 |
DUKE
Nay, it is possible enough to judgment.
I do not so secure me in the error,
But the main article I do approve
In fearful sense.
|
DUKE
Yes, we get the idea. The inconsistency doesn’t make me
think that the reports are all wrong. I have no doubt about what
they’re basically saying, and it’s
frightening.
|
|
SAILOR
(within)
What, ho, what,
ho, what, ho!
|
SAILOR
(offstage) Hello! Hey,
hello!
| |
15 |
OFFICER
A messenger from the galleys.
|
OFFICER
It’s a messenger from the warships.
|
Enter SAILOR
| A SAILOR enters. | |
|
DUKE
Now, what’s the business?
|
DUKE
Why are you here?
| |
|
SAILOR
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes,
So was I bid report here to the state
By Signior Angelo.
|
SAILOR
Signor Angelo told me to come here and tell you that the Turkish
fleet is heading for Rhodes, not Cyprus.
|





