Cassio: Ensign Iago, wlcome.---And welcome to you, too, madam. He kisses Emilia. Don't be upset that I kissed your wife hello, Iago. It's a courtesy where I come from.

Iago: If she gave you as much lip as she gives me, you'd be sick of her by now.

Desdemona: On the contrary, she's a soft-spoken woman.

Iago: In faith, too much. She's always talking when I want to sleep. I admit that in front of you, my lady, she keeps a bit quiet. But she's scolding me silently.

Emilia: You have little cause to say so.

Iago: Come on, come on. You women are the picture of perfection out in public, but annoying as ringing bells in your parlors and like wild-cats in your kitchens. When you've been hurt, you act like saints, but when you're offended, you act like devils. You all fool around when you should be doing your housewife duties, and you act like shameless hussies in bed.

Desdemona: Oh, curses upon you, you slandering women!

Iago: But it's true. I swear it's true, or else I'm a villain. You get up in the morning to play around and only work when you go to bed.

Emilia: You shall not write my praise.

Iago: No, let me not.

Desdemona: What would you say about me, if you had to praise me?

Iago: Oh, dear lady, don't put me on the spot, for I am nothing, if not critical.

Desdemona: Come on, give it a try. Has someone gone to the harbor?

Iago: Yes, madam.

Desdemona: I'm not in a good mood, but I'm putting on an act and pretending to be jovial. Tell me, Iago, how would you praise me?

Iago: I'm thinking. But I'm finding it hard to come up with something. Nonetheless, I've found some inspiration. Here: if she is beautiful and wise, she'll use her wisdom to make use of her beauty.

Desdemona: Clever praise! And what if she's unattractive and smart?

Iago: If she is unattractive, but has some wits, she'll find a man suitable for her appearance.

Desdemona: Worse and worse!