Cas. I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.
Oth. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil;[5646][5647] 180
The gravity and stillness of your youth
The world hath noted, and your name is great
In mouths of wisest censure: what's the matter,[5648]
That you unlace your reputation thus,[5649]
And spend your rich opinion for the name 185
Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it.[5650]
Mon. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger:
Your officer, Iago, can inform you—
While I spare speech, which something now offends me—[5651]
Of all that I do know: nor know I aught 190
By me that's said or done amiss this night;[5652]
Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice,[5653]
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
When violence assails us.
Oth. Now, by heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule, 195
And passion, having my best judgement collied,[5654]
Assays to lead the way: if I once stir,[5655]
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know
How this foul rout began, who set it on, 200
And he that is approved in this offence,[5656]
Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me. What! in a town of war,[5657]
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel,[5658] 205
In night, and on the court and guard of safety![5659]
'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't?[5660]
Mon. If partially affined, or leagued in office,[5661]
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no soldier.[5662]
Iago. Touch me not so near: 210
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth[5663]
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth[5664]
Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general.[5665]
Montano and myself being in speech, 215
There comes a fellow crying out for help,
And Cassio following him with determined sword,[5666]
To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
Steps in to Cassio and entreats his pause:[5667]
Myself the crying fellow did pursue, 220
Lest by his clamour—as it so fell out—
The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,
Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather[5668]
For that I heard the clink and fall of swords,
And Cassio high in oath; which till to-night[5669] 225
I ne'er might say before. When I came back—[5670]
For this was brief—I found them close together,
At blow and thrust; even as again they were
When you yourself did part them.
More of this matter cannot I report:[5671] 230
But men are men; the best sometimes forget:
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,[5672]
Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received
From him that fled some strange indignity, 235
Which patience could not pass.
Oth. I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee;
But never more be officer of mine.
Re-enter Desdemona, attended.[5673]
Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! 240
I'll make thee an example.
Des. What's the matter?[5674]