Page 1421 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Scene II

Before the Sagittar.

Enter Othello, Iago, and attendants with torches.

IAGO
Though in the trade of war I have slain men,
Yet do I hold it very stuff of conscience

To do no contriv’d murder; I lack iniquity
Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times
I had thought to have yerk’d him here, under the ribs. [5]

OTHELLO
’Tis better as it is.

IAGO
Nay, but he prated,

And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
Against your honour,
That with the little godliness I have,
I did full hard forbear him: but I pray, sir, [10]

Are you fast married? For be sure of this,
That the magnifico is much belov’d,
And hath in his effect a voice potential
As double as the duke’s; he will divorce you,

Or put upon you what restraint, and grievance, [15]
That law (with all his might to enforce it on)
Will give him cable.

OTHELLO
Let him do his spite;

My services, which I have done the signiory,
Shall out-tongue his complaints; ’tis yet to know −
Which, when I know that boasting is an honour, [20]
I shall provulgate − I fetch my life and being
From men of royal siege, and my demerits

May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
As this that I have reach’d; for know, Iago,
But that I love the gentle Desdemona, [25]