Othello, Act 2, Scene 2
Original
Modern English
Enter Othello’s Herald with a proclamation.
Othello's Herald comes in with a proclamation.
Herald1
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 make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addition 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 our noble general Othello!
It is the wish of Othello, our noble and brave general, that, because of reliable news that has just arrived reporting the complete destruction of the Turkish fleet, every man should celebrate: some by dancing, some by lighting bonfires, each man doing whatever games and festivities his rank suits him to. For besides this welcome news, it is the celebration of his marriage. This much he wished to be announced. All the rooms of the household are open, and there is complete freedom to feast from this present hour of five until the bell has struck eleven. Heaven bless the island of Cyprus and our noble general Othello!
Exit.
He leaves.
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