Page 1475 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

In happy time, Iago. [30]

IAGO
You ha’ not been a-bed, then?

CASSIO
Why no, the day had broke before we parted:
I ha’ made bold, Iago,
To send in to your wife,... my suit to her

Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona [35]
Procure me some access.

IAGO
I’ll send her to you presently,
And I’ll devise a mean to draw the Moor

Out of the way, that your converse and business
May be more free.

CASSIO
I humbly thank you for it. (Exit Iago) I never knew [40]
A Florentine more kind and honest.

Enter Emilia.

EMILIA
Good morrow, good lieutenant; I am sorry

For your displeasure, but all will soon be well,
The general and his wife are talking of it,
And she speaks for you stoutly: the Moor replies, [45]
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus,

And great affinity, and that in wholesome wisdom
He might not but refuse you; but he protests he loves you,
And needs no other suitor but his likings
To take the safest occasion by the front, [50]

To bring you in again.

CASSIO