Love Letter to Desdemona

                                            

                                                Desdemona Image from Shakespeare Online

Oh sweet Desdemona! Ever since I first saw you, I was struck by your beauty, but through talking with you I have realized you have so much more to offer. I did not think I stood a chance. I am a Moor after all, and I never thought you would see me the way that I see you. It started with a visit to your father’s house, discussing some military business. As I was about to leave I turned the corner and there you were. The most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on. I was so struck by you that I couldn’t find my voice! All I could do was muster up a feeble wave in your direction, as I darted out the door. I thought about that moment until I had another chance to see you, determined that I would make a better impression and speak to you. I hardly remember what I first said to you, I was so nervous. I found the courage to ask you Thank the Lord I did!

 I used to fight for Venice. Now I fight for your love. I fight for our future. I fight for our future children. I love you Desdemona. Nothing can tear us apart.

Works Cited:

Palmer , Henrietta L. Desdemona . Shakespeare Online, 20 Oct. 2009, www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/characters/sisterhood/sisterhooddesdemona.html.

Dinner with the Father-In-Law

Guys, I need your help! Let me explain the situation really quick. I have dinner tonight with Des’ father. Her father is a senator in Venice, whom I have worked with in the past, but this feels different. Normally we hang out after a battle to celebrate another victory, but now he knows about Desdemona and I.  I have no idea what to wear or what to talk about. Should I bring something with? I am kind of freaking out here.  Maybe some wine, I have definitely seen him with a goblet full of red at a banquet or two. Yes, I think I will bring some wine.

As for what to wear I was thinking something like this:

     Image from Pinterest High Renaissance

Or I could just go with my General of the Armies uniform. Des always says how much she likes when I wear that, and I definitely feel more comfortable wearing that. I think I will probably go with my uniform.

As for what to talk about, I have no idea. I’m nervous that he is going to be angry that I did not ask him for his daughter’s hand. But everything happened so quickly between the two of us. I think the best course of action is for me to take the initiative and bring that topic up myself. Apologize for my lack of customary behavior and ask for forgiveness, while telling him how amazing his daughter is and all of the things I will do to keep her safe and happy during our life together. Wow, talking it out has made me feel a lot better about this dinner. I hope there is tortellini, I have really taken a liking to it since I’ve been in Venice.

Works Cited

Asfour, Leslie. “High Renaissance .” Pinterest, s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/34/8b/b9/348bb991f05b53b0fb7afb84b76dfdfd.jpg.

Prebattle Strategy

One of the greatest thrills of a battle is preparing for a battle. When all of us officers get together to strategize beforehand. This war against the Turks has been a tough one. Luckily for us, a revolution began about 60 years ago, around 1512. During the Battle of Ravenna cannons began to be used as artillery ("Warfare"). Cannons are a huge advantage out on the field because we can attack without getting too close to the enemy. Otherwise, we would have to be much closer for our weapons to be effective. 

Photo by Getty Images

                        

Now with the use of cannons, we can set them up at strategic positions around the battlefield to attack our opponents where it is most advantageous for us, while we stay safer, away from the heat of the battle.

One of my lieutenants, Michael Cassio, is one of the best advisors I have ever had when strategizing for a battle. His expertise as a former infantryman provide a unique perspective for us in the war room. He hates facing a cannonball, as would anyone, but he sure does know how to pick the places to put the cannons before we go out into the field. He has been an integral part of the Venetian Army since I promoted him. I must say, I made the right choice.

 

Works Cited

Artillery Man Firing A Cannon Mercenary Army. Getty Images, th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.M2U1wnxSdIEYx70nnXdyWQHaE7?pid=Api&rs=1.

“Warfare in Renaissance Italy.” Weapons and Warfare, 1 Aug. 2016, weaponsandwarfare.com/2016/08/02/warfare-in-renaissance-italy/.

New Lieutenant: Iago or Cassio

    Iago                         Vs.                      Cassio

      

    Iago Image from Villians Wiki                                Cassio Image by Richard James Lane

Wow, do I have a tough decision to make. As the General of the Armies I was just told earlier today that I have to appoint a lieutenant. We are at war with the Ottoman Empire, I need someone that I can truly rely on. For me, it is between two men. Michael Cassio or Iago. I have worked with both for many years. Iago has been with me for so long. However, I have seen the way that Cassio fights in the field. He does not have the same experience as Iago in terms of years, but Cassio fights with a passion necessary out of a lieutenant.  

The easy choice, the one that would not upset anyone and is almost expected, is Iago. And I truly believe he would do a great job in the role. Cassio is a bit of a risk. If it does not work out, that’s on me. It could be political suicide to appoint someone like Michael Cassio. The way he fights in the field though! He fights that way on his own, imagine how he could inspire soldiers under his own command! Glory for Venice! My decision is made. It must be Michael Cassio! I hope there are no hard feelings with Iago. I am sure he will understand.

Works Cited

Iago. Villians Wiki, vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/villains/images/f/fc/Iago.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150726033444.

Lane, Richard James. “Cassio.” National Portrait Gallery, collectionimages.npg.org.uk/large/mw84670/Charles-Kemble-as-Cassio-in-Othello.jpg.

Reminiscing About Home: AKA Morocco

People often ask me if I miss my home of Morocco. At first, when I moved here to Venice to pursue my military career, I certainly missed home. And there are aspects of Morocco that I really do miss still. We used to go to Al Hoceima every summer when I was a child. It is the most beautiful beach lined by huge cliffs right on the Mediterranean Sea (Travel Channel). Al Hoceima is a great little secret spot in Morocco, I wonder if one day it will become a vacation destination. I know I want to go back there.

Image by Alvaro Leiva/ Getty Images

I think the biggest thing that took getting used to was being around so many people of a different race. It was certainly a culture shock at first going from a place where everyone was like me, to a place where I stood out in a crowd just because my skin color is different. However, Venice has given me a fantastic opportunity within the army and as a general I am in a powerful position, one that I would never have been able to achieve in Morocco. I command the army of Venice! What more could a Moor ask for! Truly, it has been a blessing, but just like anyone else, I do feel homesick from time to time. It’s only natural.

Works Cited

Leiva, Alvaro. “Al Hoceima.” Lonely Planet, www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/al-hoceima.

“Morocco's Most Exotic Beaches.” Travel Channel, www.travelchannel.com/destinations/morocco/articles/moroccos-most-exotic-beaches.