Iago. Good my lord, pardon me:
Though I am bound to every act of duty,[5873]
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to.[5874]
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false;[5875] 140
As where's that palace whereinto foul things
Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure,[5876]
But some uncleanly apprehensions[5877]
Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit[5878]
With meditations lawful? 145
Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
If thou but think'st him wrong'd and makest his ear[5879]
A stranger to thy thoughts.
Iago. I do beseech you—[5880]
Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,[5880][5881]
As, I confess, it is my nature's plague 150
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy[5882][5883]
Shapes faults that are not—that your wisdom yet,[5883][5884]
From one that so imperfectly conceits,[5885]
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble[5886]
Out of his scattering and unsure observance.[5887] 155
It were not for your quiet nor your good,
Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,[5888]
To let you know my thoughts.
Oth. What dost thou mean?[5889]
Iago. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,[5890]
Is the immediate jewel of their souls:[5891] 160
Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;[5892]
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him[5893]
And makes me poor indeed. 165
Oth. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.[5894]
Iago. 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;[5895]
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock[5896][5897] 170
The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss[5897][5898]
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;[5899]
But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves![5900]
Oth. O misery! 175