An Electronic Classics Series Publication - Penn State University

To execute upon him. Sir, this gentlemanSteps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause:Myself the crying fellow did pursue,Lest by his clamor—as it so fell out—The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot,Outran my purpose; and I return’d the ratherFor that I heard the clink and fall of swords,And Cassio high in oath; which till to-nightI ne’er might say before. When I came back—For this was brief—I found them close together,At blow and thrust; even as again they wereWhen you yourself did part them.More of this matter cannot I report:But men are men; the best sometimes forget:Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,As men in rage strike those that wish them best,Yet surely Cassio, I believe, receivedFrom him that fled some strange indignity,Which patience could not pass.OTHELLO:I know, Iago,Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love theeBut never more be officer of mine.[Re-enter DESDEMONA, attended.]Othello Act II, scene iii37Look, if my gentle love be not raised up!I’ll make thee an example.DESDEMONA:What’s the matter?OTHELLO: All’s well now, sweeting; come away to bed.Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon:Lead him off.[To Montano, who is led off.]Iago, look with care about the town,And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.Come, Desdemona: ’tis the soldiers’ lifeTo have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.[Exeunt all but Iago and Cassio.]IAGO: What, are you hurt, lieutenant?CASSIO: Ay, past all surgery.IAGO: Marry, heaven forbid!CASSIO: Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I havelost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part ofmyself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago,my reputation!