Othello, the Moore of Venice — Act 2, Scene 2: A street.

In Cyprus, a herald enters with a proclamation from Othello. He announces that new reports show the Turkish fleet has been completely destroyed, so the soldiers and citizens should celebrate. Othello also orders a public holiday in honor of his marriage, so people are free to spend the evening dancing, making bonfires, and feasting. The proclamation opens all offices and grants everyone liberty for celebration from five o’clock until eleven. The herald ends by blessing Cyprus and praising Othello as the noble general. After delivering the message, he and the people with him leave.

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!