 (Transforms into the room in the palace.)
 (Desdemona, Cassio, and Aemilia.)
Desdemona. Rest assured, my good Cassio, I will use all my powers for your good.
Aemilia. Do so, dearest madam; I know it troubles my husband as if it were his own business.
Desdemona. I believe he is a good man; doubt not, Cassio, I will make my master and you as good friends again as you were.
Cassio. My most generous mistress, whatever becomes of Cassio, he will never be anything but your faithful servant.
Desdemona.
I know; I thank you; you love my husband; you have known
him long; and be fully assured, at this
distance from you, he will go no farther than he
sees himself compelled by political reasons.
Cassio. Very well, Madam; but this political friendship can last so long, and be sustained with such light and watery sustenance, that, while I am absent and another holds my place, my general will finally forget my devotion and my services entirely.
Desdemona. Do not think so; here in Aemilia’s presence, I will pledge myself for your place. Assure yourself, if I promise my friendship, I may be relied upon to fulfill its duties to the utmost. My husband shall have no rest until he surrenders; he shall hear nothing else day or night; I will haunt him with it even to his bed, and he shall be able to say or do nothing but remind him of Cassio’s request. Therefore, be at peace, Cassio; your advocate shall lose her life before she abandons your cause.
