do.' This, one of
the few passages in the libretto not immediately derived from
Shakespeare, is a triumph on Boito's part. The highest praise that can
be given to it is to say, which is the literal truth, that it falls in
no way beneath the poetical and dramatic standard of its context.
Othello now enters, and Iago contrives to sow the first seeds of
jealousy in his breast by calling his attention to Cassio's interview
with Desdemona. Then follows a charming episode, another of Boito's
interpolations, in which a band of Cypriotes bring flowers to Desdemona.
Othello is won for the moment by the guileless charm of her manner, but
his jealousy is revived by her assiduous pleading for Cassio. He thrusts
her from him, and the handkerchief with which she offers to bind his
brow is secured by Iago. Left with his chief, Iago fans the rising flame
of jealousy, and the act ends with Othello's terrific appeal to Heaven
for vengeance upon his wife. In the third act, after an interview of
terrible irony and passion between Othello and Desdemona, in which he
accuses her to her face of unchastity, and laughs at her indignant
denial. Cassio appears with the handkerchief which he has found in his
chamber. Iago ingeniously contrives that Othello shall recognise it, and
at the same time arranges that he shall only hear as much of the
conversation as shall confirm him in his infatuation. Envoys from Venice
arrive, bearing the order for Othello's recall and the appointment of
Cassio in his place. Othello, mad with rage and jealousy, strikes
Desdemona to the earth, and drives every one from the hall. Then his
overtaxed brain reels, and he sinks swooning to the floor. The shouts of
the people outside acclaim him as the lion of Venice, while Iago, his
heel scornfully placed on Othello's unconscious breast, cries with
ghastly malevolence, 'Ecco il Leone.' The last act follows Shakespeare
very closely. Desdemona sings her Willow Song, and, as though conscious
of approaching calamity, bids Emilia a pathetic farewell. Scarcely are
her eyes closed in sleep, when Othello enters by a secret door, bent on
his fell purpose. He wakes her with a kiss, and after a brief scene
smothers her with a pillow. Emilia enters with the news of an attempt to
assassinate Cassio. Finding Desdemona lead, she calls for help. Cassio,
Montano, and others rush in; Iago's treachery is unmasked, and Othello
in despair stabs himself, dying in a last kiss upon his dead wife's
l