Jago.
Here, stand behind this bulk. Straight will he come:
Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home;
Quick, quick, fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow.
It makes us, or it mars us: think on that,
And fix most firm thy resolution.

Rod.
Be near at hand, I may miscarry in't.

Jago.
Here, at thy hand; ^{a note}be bold and take thy sword.

Rod.
I have no great devotion to the deed,
Yet he hath giv'n me satisfying reasons;

'Tis but a man gone. Forth my sword; he dies.

Jago.
I've rub'd this young gnat almost to the sense,
And he grows angry. Now whether he kill Cassio,
Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other,
Every way makes my gain. Live Rodorigo,
He calls me to a restitution large
Of gold and jewels, that I bob'd from him,
As gifts to Desdemona.
It must not be. If Cassio do remain,
He hath a daily beauty in his life,
That makes me ugly; and besides the Moor
May unfold me to him; there stand I in peril;
No, he must die. Be it so, I hear him coming. [Exit Jago. Enter Cassio.

Rod.
I know his gate; 'tis he: villain thou dyest. [He runs at Cassio, and wounds him.

Cas.
That thrust had been mine enemy indeed,
But that my coat is better than thou know'st:
I will make proof of thine.

Rod.
Oh, I am slain. [Fight, and both fall.

Cas.
I'm maim'd for ever; help hoa! murther, murther!

Next section