Before the castle.
In happy time, Iago.
IAGO You have not been a-bed, then?
CASSIO Why, no; the day had broke
Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago,
To send in to your wife: my suit to her
Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona
Procure me some access.
IAGO 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’t.
[Exit IAGO]
I never knew
A Florentine more kind and honest.
[Enter EMILIA]
EMILIA Good morrow, good Lieutenant: I am sorry
For your displeasure; but all will sure be well.
The general and his wife are talking of it;
And she speaks for you stoutly: the Moor replies,
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
To bring you in again.
CASSIO Yet, I beseech you,
Give me advantage of some brief discourse
With Desdemona alone.
EMILIA Pray you, come in;
I will bestow you where you shall have time
To speak your bosom freely.