IAGO.
It’s true, good lieutenant.
CASSIO.
For mine own part, no offence to the general, nor any man of quality, I hope to be saved.
IAGO.
And so do I too, lieutenant.
CASSIO.
Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let’s have no more of this; let’s to our affairs. Forgive us our sins! Gentlemen, let’s look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now. I can stand well enough, and I speak well enough.
ALL.
Excellent well.
CASSIO.
Why, very well then. You must not think, then, that I am drunk.
[Exit.]
MONTANO.
To the platform, masters. Come, let’s set the watch.
IAGO.
You see this fellow that is gone before,
He is a soldier fit to stand by Cæsar
And give direction: and do but see his vice,
’Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as th’ other. ’Tis pity of him.
I fear the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.
MONTANO.
But is he often thus?