No Fear Shakespeare: Othello: Act 3 Scene 3 Page 7

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IAGO Men should be what they seem, Or those that be not, would they might seem none!	IAGO People should be what they appear to be. If they’re not honest, they shouldn’t look like they are!
OTHELLO Certain, men should be what they seem.	OTHELLO Absolutely, people should be what they appear to be.
IAGO Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.	IAGO In that case, I think Cassio’s an honest man.
OTHELLO 135Nay, yet there’s more in this. I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings, As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words.	OTHELLO No, I think there’s more to this than you’re letting on. Please tell me what you’re thinking—even your worst suspicions.
IAGO Good my lord, pardon me, Though I am bound to every act of duty 140I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false, As where’s that palace whereinto foul things Sometimes intrude not? Who has that breast so pure Wherein uncleanly apprehensions 145Keep leets and law-days and in sessions sit With meditations lawful?	IAGO Please don’t make me do that, sir. I have to obey all your orders, but surely I’m not obligated to reveal my deepest thoughts—even slaves aren’t expected to do that. You want me to say what I’m thinking? What if my thoughts are disgusting and wrong? Even good people think horrible things sometimes. Who is so pure that they never think a bad thought?
OTHELLO Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago, If thou but think’st him wronged and mak’st his ear A stranger to thy thoughts.	OTHELLO You’re not being a good friend, Iago, if you even think your friend has been wronged and you don’t tell him about it.
IAGO I do beseech you, 150Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not, that your wisdom, From one that so imperfectly conceits, 155Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble Out of his scattering and unsure observance. It were not for your quiet nor your good,	IAGO Please don’t ask me to tell you. I might be completely wrong. I have a bad tendency to be suspicious of people and to look too closely into what they’re doing. Often I imagine crimes that aren’t really there. You would be wise to ignore my weak guesses and imaginary suspicions, and don’t worry yourself about the meaningless things I’ve noticed. For me to tell you my thoughts would only destroy your peace of mind, and