Iago. Or to be naked with her friend in bed[6216][6217]
An hour or more, not meaning any harm?
Oth. Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm![6217] 5
It is hypocrisy against the devil:
They that mean virtuously and yet do so,
The devil their virtue tempts and they tempt heaven.[6218]
Iago. So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip:[6219]
But if I give my wife a handkerchief—[6220][6221] 10
Oth. What then?
Iago. Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord; and being hers,[6222]
She may, I think, bestow 't on any man.
Oth. She is protectress of her honour too:[6223]
May she give that? 15
Iago. Her honour is an essence that's not seen;
They have it very oft that have it not:
But for the handkerchief—[6221]
Oth. By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it:
Thou said'st—O, it comes o'er my memory, 20
As doth the raven o'er the infected house,[6224]
Boding to all—he had my handkerchief.[6225]
Iago. Ay, what of that?
Oth. That's not so good now.