He might not but refuse you: but, he protests, he loves you; And needs no other suitor, but his likings, To take the saf'st occasion by the front, Cas. Yet, I beseech you,-- If you think fit, or that it may be done,--- Emil. Pray you, come in; I will bestow you where you shall have time To speak your bosom freely. Cas. I am much bound to you. [Exeunt. SCENE II.---A Room in the Castle. Enter OTHELLO, IAGO, and Gentlemen. Oth. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And, by him, do my duties to the state: That done, I will be walking on the works; Repair there to me. Iago. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. Oth. This fortification, gentlemen,---shall we see't? Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. SCENE III.---Before the Castle. [Exeunt. Enter DESDEMONA, CASSIO, and EMILIA. Des. Be thou assur'd, good Cassio, I will do All my abilities in thy behalf. Emil. Good madam, do; I know it grieves my hus band, As if the case were his. Des. O, that's an honest fellow.---Do not doubt, Cassio, But I will have my lord and As friendly as you were. Cas. Bounteous madam, you again Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, Des. O, sir, I thank you: You do love my lord: Cas. Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, That, I being absent, and my place supplied, Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here, With Cassio's suit: Therefore be merry, Cassio; Than give thy cause away. Enter OTHELLO and IAGO, at a distance. Emil. Madam, here comes My lord. Cas. Madam, I'll take my leave. Des. Why, stay, And hear me speak. Cas. Madam, not now; I am very Unfit for mine own purposes. Des. Well, well, Do your discretion. Iago. Ha! I like not that. Oth. What dost thou say? ill at ease, [Exit CASSIO. Iago. Nothing, my lord: or if---I know not what. Oth. Was not that Cassio, parted from my wife? Iago. Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming. Oth. I do believe 'twas he. Des. How now, my lord? I have been talking with a suitor here, A man that languishes in your displeasure. Oth. Who is't you mean? Des. Why, your lieutenant Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace, or power to move you, His present reconciliation take; For, if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance, and not in cunning, Oth. Went he hence now? Des. Ay, sooth; so humbled, That he hath left part of his grief with me; I suffer with him. Good love, call him back. Oth. The sooner, sweet, for you. Des. Shall't be to-night at supper? Des. To-morrow dinner then? Oth. I shall not dine at home; I meet the captains at the citadel. Des. Why then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn; And yet his trespass, in our common reason, To incur a private check: When shall he come? What you could ask me, that I should deny, Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio, That came a wooing with you; and many a time, When I have spoke of you dispraisingly, Hath ta'en your part; to have so much to do To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much, Oth. Pr'ythee no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing. Des. Why, this is not a boon; "Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm; Or sue to you to do peculiar profit To your own person: Nay, when I have a suit, Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, Oth. I will deny thee nothing: Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, Des. Shall I deny you? no: Farewell, my lord. Des. Emilia, come :---Be it as your fancies teach you; Whate'er you be, I am obedient. [Exit, with EMILIA. Oth. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again. Iago. My noble lord,—— Oth. What dost thou say, Iago? Iago. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, Know of your love? Oth. He did, from first to last: Why dost thou ask? Iago. But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm. Oth. Why of thy thought, Iago? Iago. I did not think, he had been acquainted with her. Oth. O, yes; and went between us very oft. Oth. Indeed! ay, indeed ;---Discern'st thou aught in that? Is he not honest? Iago. Honest, my lord? Oth. Ay, honest. |