s raised almost to distraction with these hints and
scattered words, Iago, as if in earnest care for Othello's peace of
mind, besought him to beware of jealousy: with such art did this
villain raise suspicions in the unguarded Othello, by the very caution
which he pretended to give him against suspicion. 'I know,' said
Othello, 'that my wife is fair, loves company and feasting, is free of
speech, sings, plays, and dances well: but where virtue is, these
qualities are virtuous. I must have proof before I think her
dishonest.' Then Iago, as if glad that Othello was slow to believe ill
of his lady, frankly declared that he had no proof, but begged Othello
to observe her behaviour well, when Cassio was by; not to be jealous
nor too secure neither, for that he (Iago) knew the dispositions of the
Italian ladies, his countrywomen, better than Othello could do; and
that in Venice the wives let heaven see many pranks they dared not show
their husbands. Then he artfully insinuated that Desdemona deceived her
father in marrying with Othello, and carried it so closely, that the
poor old man thought that witchcraft had been used. Othello was much
moved with this argument, which brought the matter home to him, for if
she had deceived her father, why might she not deceive her husband?

Iago begged pardon for having moved him; but Othello, assuming an
indifference, while he was really shaken with inward grief at Iago's
words, begged him to go on, which Iago did with many apologies, as if
unwilling to produce anything against Cassio, whom he called his
friend: he then came strongly to the point, and reminded Othello how
Desdemona had refused many suitable matches of her own clime and
complexion, and had married him, a Moor, which showed unnatural in her,
and proved her to have a headstrong will; and when her better judgment
returned, how probable it was she should fall upon comparing Othello
with the fine forms and clear white complexions of the young Italians
her countrymen. He concluded with advising Othello to put off his
reconcilement with Cassio a little longer, and in the meanwhile to note
with what earnestness Desdemona should intercede in his behalf; for
that much would be seen in that. So mischievously did this artful
villain lay his plots to turn the gentle qualities of this innocent
lady into her destruction, and make a net for her out of her own
goodness to entrap her: first setting Cassio on to entreat her
mediation, and th