Iago
But I do see you’re moved.
I am to pray you, not to strain my speech
To grosser issues, nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
Please don’t read too much into what I have said and think I meant something more important or more unpleasant, or anything more than just suspicions.
Iago
Should you do so, my lord,
My speech should fall into such vile success
Which my thoughts aimed not. Cassio’s my worthy friend.
My lord, I see you’re moved.
achieve a really bad outcome
Othello
No, not much moved:
I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.
Iago
Long live she so! And long live you to think so!
Why do you think Iago mentions Desdemona’s life? What affect does this have?
Othello
And yet, how nature erring from itself—
Iago
Ay, there’s the point: as, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposèd matches
Of her own clime, complexion and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends,
Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.
But, pardon me: I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgement,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.
She didn’t care about the many offers of marriage from men more like her in terms of their background, what they look like and their social status, which is what most people prefer in a partner.
Rank has a lot of meanings including rebellious, corrupt or disgusting.
Othello
Farewell, farewell.
If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago.
Iago
My lord, I take my leave
Othello
Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
How has Iago’s use of language made Othello think that he knows more than he is telling?
Iago
My lord, I would I might entreat your honour
To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
Although ’tis fit that Cassio have his place,
For sure he fills it up with great ability,
Yet, if you please to put him off awhile,
You shall by that perceive him and his means
My Lord, please don’t think about this any more. Let’s just see what happens next.
Cassio deserves to get his job back because he does it so well, don’t give it back just yet and see what he does to try and get it back.
(Text edited for rehearsals by Iqbal Khan)