Page 1466 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

The world hath noted, and your name is great
In mouths of wisest censure: what’s the matter,
That you unlace your reputation thus, [185]
And spend your rich opinion, for the name

Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to ’t.

MONTANO
Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger,
Your officer Iago can inform you −
While I spare speech, which something now offends me − [190]

Of all that I do know; nor know I aught
By me that’s said or done amiss this night,
Unless self-charity be sometime a vice,
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
When violence assails us.

OTHELLO
Now by heaven [195]
My blood begins my safer guides to rule,
And passion having my best judgement collied
Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir,

Or do but lift this arm, the best of you
Shall sink in my rebuke: give me to know [200]
How this foul rout began, who set it on,
And he that is approv’d in this offence,

Though he had twinn’d with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me: what, in a town of war,
Yet wild, the people’s hearts brim full of fear, [205]
To manage private and domestic quarrels,

In night, and on the court and guard of safety?
’Tis monstrous. Iago, who began?

MONTANO
If partially affin’d, or leagu’d in office,
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, [210]
Thou art no soldier.

IAGO