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and she would say to the Ensign's wife, "I know not what to say of the Moor; he used to be all love toward me; but within these few days he has become another man; and much I fear, that I shall prove a warning to young girls not to marry against the wishes of their parents, and that the Italian ladies may learn from me not to wed a man whom nature and habitude of life estrange from us. But as I know the Moor is on such terms of friendship with your husband, and communicates to him all his affairs, I pray you, if you have heard from him aught that you may tell me of, fail not to befriend me." And as she said this, she wept bitterly.
The Ensign's wife, who knew the whole truth (her husband wishing to make use of her to compass the death of Disdemona), but could never consent to such a project, dared not, from fear of her husband, disclose a single circumstance: all she said was, "Beware lest you give any cause of suspicion to your husband, and show to him by every means your fidelity and love[1]."
"Indeed I do so," replied Disdemona; "but it is all of no avail."
- ↑ Emilia, unlike the Ensign's wife, is unconscious of the wicked projects of her husband. She tells Desdemona that she knows not of the handkerchief: at the same time she more than once insinuates, "Is he not jealous?" In the story, she dares only suggest a significant caution.
