Cassio
Ay, but, by your leave, not before me; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let’s have no more of this; let’s to our affairs.—Forgive us our sins!—Gentlemen, let’s look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left: I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.
All
Excellent well.
Cassio
Why, very well then; you must not think then that I am drunk.
Exit.
Montano
To the platform, masters; come, let’s set the watch.
Iago
You see this fellow that is gone before;
He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar
And give direction: and do but see his vice;
’Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as the other: ’tis pity of him.
I fear the trust Othello puts him in.
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.
Montano
But is he often thus?
Iago
He’ll watch the horologe a double set,
If drink rock not his cradle.