And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath,— Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just Iago. For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest. Oth. I think so too. Iago. Men should be what they seem; Why, then, Or those that be not, would they might seem none! I think Cassio's an honest man. Oth. Nay, yet there's more in this: I pr'ythee, speak to me as to thy thinkings, As thou dost ruminate; and give thy worst of thoughts Good my lord, pardon me: Iago. I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,— As where's that palace whereunto foul things Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure But some uncleanly apprehensions Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit With meditations lawful? Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, Iago. To spy into abuses, and of my jealousy Shape faults that are not,-that your wisdom yet, Would take no notice; nor build yourself a trouble Oth. What dost thou mean? Iago. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Oth. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts. lago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; Nor shall not, whilst 'tis in my custody. Oth. Ha! Iago. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! Oth. O misery! Iago. Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as winter To him that ever fears he shall be poor: Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend Oth. Why, why is this? Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy, With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt To such exsufflicate and blown surmises, Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous, Iago. I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience Is not to leave undone, but keep unknown. Oth. Dost thou say so? Iago. She did deceive her father, marrying you; And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, She lov'd them most. Oth. Iago. And so she did. Why, go to, then; She that, so young, could give out such a seeming, To seal her father's eyes up close as oak, He thought 'twas witchcraft,-But I am much to blame; I humbly do beseech you of your pardon For too much loving you. Oth. Iago. Trust me, I fear it has. I hope you will consider what is spoke Comes from my love;-but I do see you're mov'd: I am to pray you not to strain my speech To grosser issues nor to larger reach Than to suspicion. Oth. I will not. Iago. Should you do so, my lord, My speech should fall into such vile success : Which my thoughts aim'd not. Cassio's my worthy friend :My lord, I see you're mov'd. Oth. No, not much mov'd: I do not think but Desdemona's honest. Iago. Long live she so! and long live you to think so! Oth. And yet, how nature erring from itself, lago. Ay, there's the point:-as,-to be bold with you,— Not to affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Oth. Farewell, farewell: If more thou dost perceive, let me know more; [Going. Oth. Why did I marry?—This honest creature doubtless Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. [honour [Exit. Iago. [returning.] My lord, I would I might entreat your For others' uses. Yet 'tis the plague of great ones; Des. Re-enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA. Your dinner, and the generous islanders By you invited, do attend your presence. Oth. I am to blame. Des. Are you not well? Why do you speak so faintly? Oth. I have a pain upon my forehead here. Des. Faith, that's with watching; 'twill away again : Let me but bind it hard, within this hour It will be well. Oth. Your napkin is too little; [He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops it. Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. Des. I am very sorry that you are not well. [Exeunt ОTH. and DES. To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out, What he'll do with it heaven knows, not I; I nothing but to please his fantasy. Re-enter IAGO. Iago. How now! what do you here alone? L Iago. To have a foolish wife. Emil. O, is that all? What will you give me now For that same handkerchief? Iago. Emil. What handkerchief! What handkerchief? Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; Iago. Hast stol'n it from her? Emil. No, faith; she let it drop by negligence, And, to the advantage, I, being here, took't up. Look, here it is. Iago. A good wench; give it me. Emil. What will you do with't, that you have been so To have me filch it? Iago. Why, what's that to you? [earnest [Snatching it. Emil. If it be not for some purpose of import, Give't me again: poor lady, she'll run mad When she shall lack it. Iago. Be not acknown on't; I have use for it. Go, leave me. [Exit EMILIA. |