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!
Modern translation & notes
In plain English
By Othello's orders, we're celebrating because the Turkish fleet has been completely destroyed. Everyone should enjoy themselves however they like—dancing, bonfires, whatever suits you—because it's also Othello's wedding celebration. All businesses and taverns are open for feasting from five until eleven o'clock. God bless Cyprus and General Othello!
What’s happening
A public herald announces the official celebration after Iago's private scheming, creating dramatic irony. The Turkish threat is gone, Othello has married Desdemona, and Cyprus is ordered to party—setting up the drunken revelry Iago will exploit to destroy Cassio. The herald serves the state and has no hidden agenda, making this a rare moment of sincerity in the play.
Worth knowing
"Addition" means calling, inclination, or social rank. "Offices" refers to taverns, shops, and places of business. "Perdition" means utter destruction.
Playing the moment
This requires formal, projected delivery—a public proclamation to a crowd. The herald should sound official but increasingly celebratory as the speech builds. Energy should lift noticeably at the wedding announcement. The final blessing can be played with genuine warmth, cutting against the surrounding deception. Pace: brisk and authoritative, with slight pauses at key announcements.