As Time Stretches...

While staring at a portrait made of my daughter so many years ago, I cannot help but wonder how Desdemona’s status holds in Cyprus with our soldiers. What she is seeing, what there is to endure, if she is being kept safe? When we last spoke, she proved to me that she had indeed inherited the obstinacy of her father. With that in mind, why is that I still worry for her so? I know I have not surrendered to the thought of her being wed to the Moor, yet I feel… I feel that I have less tension surrounding me. She is my daughter and I am her father. I suppose the instinctual air between two people of that relationship binds one to worry and pray for the other person’s safety. I cannot help but love my daughter, despite her surprising actions as of late. I have heard good news from Cyprus, the Turks have been defeated. The war is nearing an end.  My daughter is still estranged, yet as my nation’s senator, I still celebrate our victory with fervor.

Council Meeting

I have just returned home from an appointment made with my associates in Senate, our Duke, and the cursed Moor. I found him just a few moments after Roderigo led my servants and I out to search for the kidnapper of my sweet flower. He was taken by my command to the council, where I thought he would have been taken care of properly.  However, I foolishly misconstrued the conviction of the men beside me in keeping our country safe and virtuous- men who fell easily to the devious charm and wit of the Moor and barely took my word to heart at all. Why, at one point they inquired for me to give in, to let the thief take my daughter without a fight.And I responded, as any proud Venetian would, with “So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; we lose it not, so long as we can smile.” If that is their philosophy, then I was sorrowfully mistaken of their nature.  Men with ideas such as theirs would be responsible for practically handing Cyprus to the Turks on a golden platter.
Yet, of all I feared, I feared most of my daughter’s mental state. It was obvious witchcraft the Moor had put her under to submit to his ghastly yearnings. By demand, she arrived in court. I had hoped she would have shown me the daughter I have raised and known by entire life- yet instead in council I had seen a frame of Desdemona. She disproved any claims of spells cast, however at the same time rejected all loyalty to me! She disobeyed and took sides with her captor over the side of her own father!My heart has never been stabbed so ruthlessly… I believe I am still physically speechless. That is, except for the final words slipping out to the Moor as I departed, mind unhinged and fragmented, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father, and may thee.”
As that was the final advice I could give him for a daughter I no longer know.

I awoke to an atrocious discovery tonight...

My daughter, my sweet and beautiful Desdemona is in danger! This, even now, causes distress in my heart as it did the moment Roderigo told me of this horrible tale. Earlier this night, while in the midst of my slumber, I was awaken by loud, rambunctious yelling of thieves breaking into my home. The men who had summoned me this dark evening were Roderigo and his fellow who I do not know. I will admit, I am not fond of Roderigo. He is the worse of the suitors after my daughter, a relentless and complete imbecile. Yet, his words and those of the other man telling me of the state of my daughter's innocent and reputation- I could not help let those initial impressions subside! I left my chamber and searched with Roderigo and my servants for my daughter, yet she was nowhere to be found! I was astonished and furious! I told Roderigo, "Call up my brother. O, would you had had her! Some one way, some another. Do you know where we may apprehend her and the Moor?"
He replied with assurance that he would assist my search for the Moor who'd taken my daughter's virtue.
I will rip each home board by board if I must! It is necessary! It is her honor that's in stake, her dignity! With weapons gathered and officers summoned, I swear on my position I will find the Moor bringing disgrace not only to my dear Desdemona, but the entire nation of Italy!