And when I told thee, he was of my counsel, In my whole course of wooing; thou criedst, "Indeed!" And didst contract and purse thy brow together, As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain Iago. My Lord, you know I love you. Oth. I think thou dost: And, for I know, thou art full of love and honesty, Are tricks of custom; but in a man that's just, Iago. For Michael Cassio I dare be sworn, I think that he is honest. Iago. Men should be what they seem; Or, those that be not, would they might seem knaves. I pray thee speak to me as to thy thinkings, As thou dost ruminate; and give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words. Iago. Good, my Lord! pardon me, Though I am bound to every act of duty, I am not bound to that all slaves are free to— Utter my thoughts! Why, say, they're vile and false; Keep leets and law-days, and in sessions sit Oth. Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago! If thou but think'st him wrong'd, and makest his ear A stranger to thy thoughts. Iago. I do beseech you, Think I perchance am vicious in my guess Oth. What dost thou mean? Iago. Good name in man or woman, dear my Lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse, steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, Oth. I'll know thy thoughts————— Iago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; Nor shall not, while 'tis in my custody. Oth. Ha! Iago. Oh, beware, my Lord, of jealousy; Who doats, yet doubts; suspects, yet strongly loves! Iago. Poor and content, is rich and rich enough; To him that ever fears he shall be poor. Good Heaven! the souls of all my tribe defend Oth. Why-why is this? Think'st thou, I'd make a life of jealousy— To follow still the changes of the moon With fresh suspicions? 'Tis not to make me jealous, And, on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy. Iago. I'm glad of this; for now I shall have reason To show the love and duty that I bear you, With franker spirit. Therefore, as I'm bound, In Venice they do let Heaven see the pranks They dare not show their husbands. Oth. Dost thou say so? Iago. She did deceive her father, marrying you; And when she scem'd to shake, and fear your looks, She loved them most. Oth. And so she did. Iago. Go to, then She, that, so young, could give out such a seeming -But I'm much to blame: He thought 'twas witchcraft I humbly do beseech you of your pardon, For too much loving you. Oth. I am bound to you for ever. Iago. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. Oth. Not a jot, not a jot. Iago. Trust me, I fear it has: I hope you will consider what is spoke Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved To grosser issues-not to larger reach, Than to suspicion. Oth. I will not. Iago. Should you do so, my Lord, My speech would fall into such vile success, Which my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend. My Lord, I see you're moved Oth. No, not much moved I do not think but Desdemona's honest. Iago. Long live she so; and long live you to think so! Iago. Ay, there's the point;-as (to be bold with you), Not to affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, Whereto we see in all things nature tends: Foh! one may smell, in such, a will most rank, Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear, Oth. Farewell, farewell; If more thou dost perceive, let me know more: Leave me, Iago. Iago. My Lord, I take my leave. This honest creature, doubtless, Sees, and knows more-much more than he unfolds! THE INFLUENCE OF THE PRESS. WHEN listening to the eloquence of Cicero, and reading the wisdom of Socrates, we feel that man is indeed a creature "noble in reason, infinite in faculties." Our human nature becomes more precious in our sight since it has been worn by such majestic spirits. When contemplating such minds, we seem impelled to press forward with additional ardour towards perfection. Compared with such beings, whose understandings reflect a glory even on the Almighty hand which formed them, how insignificant appear all the warriors and monarchs of the earth! Their glow-worm glories vanish and are seen no more, overpowered with the dazzling brilliancy of the sages of antiquity:— Of their fellow-kind They well deserve, who for their evening hours |