Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER.
The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
FIRST SENATOR.
Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?
MESSENGER.
Of thirty sail, and now they do re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,
Your trusty and most valiant servitor,
With his free duty recommends you thus,
And prays you to believe him.
DUKE.
’Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?
FIRST SENATOR.
He’s now in Florence.
DUKE.
Write from us to him; post-post-haste dispatch.
FIRST SENATOR.
Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.
Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo and Officers.
DUKE.
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the general enemy Ottoman.
[To Brabantio.] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior,
We lack’d your counsel and your help tonight.