6 Put out the light

Chapter 6 Put out the light Othello walked softly into Desdemona's room. Asleep, she looked so beautiful and so innocent. "I won't shed her blood," he thought. "Yet she betrayed me. She must die." He reached for the candle by the bed.

Unable to help himself, he kissed her. Her eyes fluttered open. "Othello?" she whispered. "Desdemona," he sighed. "Have you prayed tonight? I will not kill you unprepared." "You talk of killing?" quavered Desdemona. "Heaven have mercy!" "Amen," growled Othello, reaching for a pillow.

"I never wronged you," she pleaded. "I saw Cassio with your handkerchief- heard him confess!" "Send for him. He won't say so." "No," snarled Othello. "He won't. Iago is killing him."

"Alas," whimpered Desdemona. "Let me live... let me say a prayer..." "Too late," said Othello stonily. He pushed the pillow over her face and held it there until she stopped struggling.

Someone pounded on the door. Slowly, he stood and unlocked it. It was Emilia. "My lord, Cassio has killed Roderigo!" "Cassio lives?" said Othello in surprise. "Falsely murdered..." came a whisper from the bed. Desdemona was not quite dead. "I die guiltless."

"Alas, my lady," wailed Emilia, rushing to her side. "Who did this?" "No one," said Desdemona faintly. "Remember me to my lord. Farewell!" Her eyes closed for the last time. "She lied," said Othello curtly. "I killed her, because she betrayed me. Your husband told me." "My husband?" gasped Emilia. "He lies! Help, murder!"