4 Ottello's proof

Chapter 4 Othello's proof Othello glared at Iago. "Give me proof that Desdemona has betrayed me," he said. "Or feel my anger!" "World, take note," sighed Iago. "This is my reward for being honest!" Othello rubbed his eyes. "By the world, I think my wife is honest, and think she is not. I think you are right, and think you are not. I must have proof."

"Last night, I heard Cassio moan in his sleep- sweet Desdemona, let us hide our love!" said Iago. "And does she have a handkerchief embroidered with strawberries?" "My first gift to her," groaned Othello. "I saw Cassio use a handkerchief like that to wipe his chin." Othello's face grew murderous. A few rooms away, Desdemona was searching for the handkerchief.

"Emilia, have you seen it? I'd rather lose a purse of gold than that..." She straightened up as Othello came striding in. "My lord?" Othello took her hand and stroked it. "This is a good hand." "It was the hand which gave away my heart," she said softly. "Now, will you call for Cassio?" "First lend me your handkerchief," said Othello. "The one I gave you." "I don't have it on me," she said.

"That's bad," growled Othello. "It has magic in it. If it is lost or given away, terrible things will follow. Bring it to me!" "Why do you speak so roughly?" whispered Desdemona. Then she laughed. "You're trying to distract me. It won't work. Please, call Cassio!" "The handkerchief!" roared Othello, storming out.

"Othello seems jealous," said Emilia wonderingly. "But why?" A footstep made her look up. "lago!" "What's the matter?" asked Iago, full of pretend concern. So Desdemona explained. "I'll talk to Othello," he offered, when she finished. "Perhaps something else has upset him." "I hope you're right," thought Emilia.

Meanwhile, Cassio was showing the handkerchief to a girl he knew. "Look Bianca, isn't it pretty?" "A woman's handkerchief!" Bianca pouted. "I suppose it was a gift from your girlfriend." "No, I found it," Cassio laughed. "Can you make a copy for me?" "All right," agreed Bianca. "But only if you promise to visit me soon!" She blew Cassio a kiss and danced away. Othello was watching their exchange from his window, a wild look in his eye. "Look," he croaked to Iago. "Cassio's got the handkerchief!" Iago nodded. "I suppose Desdemona gave it to him." "What else did she give him?" asked Othello, in a strangled voice. "Um," said Iago, pretending to hesitate. "What if I had seen Cassio kiss her? Or heard him blab about what they've done?"