Iago. [Returning] My lord, I would I might entreat your honour[5942][5943]
To scan this thing no further; leave it to time:[5943][5944]
Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,[5945] 250
For sure he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile,[5946]
You shall by that perceive him and his means:
Note if your lady strain his entertainment[5947]
With any strong or vehement importunity; 255
Much will be seen in that. In the mean time,
Let me be thought too busy in my fears—
As worthy cause I have to fear I am—
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
Oth. Fear not my government. 260
Iago. I once more take my leave. [Exit.[5948]
Oth. This fellow's of exceeding honesty,[5949]
And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,[5950][5951]
Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,[5951][5952]
Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings, 265
I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind[5953]
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black[5911][5954]
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declined
Into the vale of years,—yet that's not much—[5955] 270
She's gone; I am abused, and my relief[5956]
Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,[5957]
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,[5958] 275
Than keep a corner in the thing I love[5959]
For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones;[5960]
Prerogatived are they less than the base;[5961]
'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death:[5962]
Even then this forked plague is fated to us 280
When we do quicken. Desdemona comes:
Re-enter Desdemona and Emilia.[5963]
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself![5964]
I'll not believe 't.[5965]
Des. How now, my dear Othello!
Your dinner, and the generous islanders[5966]
By you invited, do attend your presence. 285
Oth. I am to blame.
Des. Why do you speak so faintly?[5967][5968]
Are you not well?[5968]
Oth. I have a pain upon my forehead here.[5969]