Desdemona monologue from Othello

Desdemona’s monologue

Why, then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn;

On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn:

I prithee, name the time, but let it not

Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent;

5And yet his trespass, in our common reason—

Save that, they say, the wars must make examples

Out of their best—is not almost a fault

To incur a private cheque. When shall he come?

Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul,

10What you would ask me, that I should deny,

Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio,

That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time,

When I have spoke of you dispraisingly,

Hath ta'en your part; to have so much to do

15To bring him in! Trust me, I could do much,— Why, this is not a boon;

'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,

Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,

Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit

To your own person: nay, when I have a suit

20Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,

It shall be full of poise and difficult weight

And fearful to be granted.

Public domain text.