Roderigo ebben che pensi

English Libretto or Translation:

IAGO (aside to Roderigo)
Well, Roderigo, what think you?

RODERIGO
Of drowning myself.

IAGO
Only an idiot drowns himself for love of a woman.
(While the ship is being unloaded and weapons and
baggage are being carried from her into the castle,
some citizens emerge from behind the fortress carrying
branches to make a bonfire which, by the light of
torches held by the soldiers, they construct to one side
of the ramparts. The crowd gathers around, excited and curious.)

RODERIGO
How to win I know not.

IAGO
Come, keep your wits about you,
await the ministry of time;

the beautiful Desdemona,
who in your secret dreams you so adore,
will soon begin to abhor the murky kisses
of that thick-lipped savage.
Good Roderigo, your friend sincere
I have professed myself, and I could never
do more for you than in your present need.
If the frail vow of a woman
be not too hard a knot for my wits
and all the tribe of hell to untie,
I promise that the woman shall be yours.
Listen, though I make show of loving him,
I hate the Moor.
(Cassio enters and joins a group of soldiers.)
Here comes one reason for my hatred, look.
(pointing to Cassio)
That curled captain
usurps my place, the place that I
by a hundred well-fought battles
have richly earned;
such was Othello’s will,
and I remain his Moorish Lordship’s
ancient!
(Puffs of smoke begin to rise from the wood with
increasing density.)
But just as sure as you are Roderigo,
so sure it is, that if I were the Moor
I should not want an Iago about me.
If you heed my counsel...
(Still talking, Iago leads Roderigo further away. Flames
begin to leap up from the fire, and the Cypriots gather
round it, singing. Meanwhile, the tavern servants
decorate the pergola with lanterns. Soldiers gather
round the tables, drinking and talking.)