The importance given to trifles, and made fertile by the villainy of the observer.
'Ib.' Iago's dialogue with Roderigo:
This is the rehearsal on the dupe of the traitor's intentions on Othello.
'Ib.' Iago's soliloquy:
But partly led to diet my revenge,
For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leap'd into my seat.
This thought, originally by Iago's own confession a mere suspicion, is now ripening, and gnaws his base nature as his own 'poisonous mineral' is about to gnaw the noble heart of his general.
'Ib.' sc. 3. Othello's speech:
I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio.
Honesty and love! Ay, and who but the reader of the play could think otherwise?
'Ib.' Iago's soliloquy: