Act Four scene two

 

The Plot Against Cassio

 

Iago, Roderigo

 

IAGO                      How now, Roderigo!

 

RODERIGO           I do not find that thou dealest justly with me.

Every day thou daffest me with some device, Iago;
I will indeed no longer endure it, nor am I yet persuaded 
to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered.

 

IAGO                      Will you hear me, Roderigo?

 

RODERIGO           'Faith, I have heard too much, for your words and
performances are no kin together.

 

IAGO                      You charge me most unjustly.

 

RODERIGO           With nought but truth. I have wasted myself out of
my means. The jewels you have had from me to
deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a
votarist: you have told me she hath received them
and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

 

IAGO                      Well; go to; very well.

 

RODERIGO           Very well! go to! I cannot go to, man; nor 'tis
not very well: nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin
to find myself fobbed in it.

 

IAGO                      Very well.

 

RODERIGO           I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself
known to Desdemona: if she will return me my
jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my
unlawful solicitation; if not, assure yourself I
will seek satisfaction of you.

 

IAGO                      You have said now.

 

RODERIGO           Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of doing.

 

IAGO                      Why, now I see there's mettle in thee, and even from
this instant to build on thee a better opinion than
ever before. Give me thy hand, Roderigo: yet, I
protest, I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

 

RODERIGO           It hath not appeared.

 

IAGO                      I grant indeed it hath not appeared, and your
suspicion is not without wit and judgment. But,
Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I
have greater reason to believe now than ever, I mean
purpose, courage and valour, this night show it: if
thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona,
take me from this world with treachery and devise
engines for my life.

 

RODERIGO           Well, what is it? is it within reason and compass?

 

IAGO                      Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice
to depute Cassio in Othello's place.

 

RODERIGO           Is that true? why, then Othello and Desdemona
return again to Venice.

 

IAGO                      O, no; he goes into Mauritania and takes away with
him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be
lingered here by some accident: wherein none can be
so determinate as the removing of Cassio.

 

RODERIGO           How do you mean, removing of him?

 

IAGO                      Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place;
knocking out his brains.

 

RODERIGO           And that you would have me to do?

 

IAGO                      Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right.
He sups to-night with a harlotry, and thither will I
go to him: he knows not yet of his honorable
fortune. If you will watch his going thence, which
I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one,
you may take him at your pleasure: I will be near
to second your attempt, and he shall fall between
us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along with
me; It is now high suppertime, and the night grows
to waste: about it.

 

RODERIGO           I will hear further reason for this.

 

IAGO                      And you shall be satisfied.

 

                               [Exeunt]