Othello Act 2 Scene 2
Cyprus. A street.
The Original
Plain Modern English
Enter Othello's Herald, with 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 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 our noble general Othello!
Herald
It is Othello's wish — our noble and valiant general — that, on the confirmed news just arrived reporting the total destruction of the Turkish fleet, every man should celebrate: some to dance, some to light bonfires, each to whatever entertainment and festivity he prefers. Because besides this welcome news, it's the celebration of his marriage.
That is what he wished announced. All kitchens and cellars are open, and there's complete freedom to feast from this present hour of five until the bell strikes eleven. Heaven bless the island of Cyprus and our noble general Othello! (Twelve lines whose only function is to get everybody drunk.)
Exit.