Fixing My Error




The handkerchief. Where did it come from??

  The recent events in Cyprus have been

Unusual and of concern to me.

By following Iago’s suggestion,

I pursued Desdemona's assistance.

Generously, Iago had his wife,

Emilia, to call Desdemona

And to relay my pleas to the lady.

I was pleasantly reassured with news

From Emilia, who told me that she,

Desdemona, being so virtuous,

Already spoke to noble Othello

To convince him I deserve redemption.

Thus, I did follow my plan to see her.

In our brief meeting in the garden,

Desdemona was no less than saintly

In her speech, promising to offer me

All the help she could provide to sway him.

She was even bold enough to pledge this:

“I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,

If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it

To the last article. My lord shall never rest;”           (3.3.20-22)

She’d rather die than abandon my case!

Desdemona mentioned that Othello

Was so harsh for political reasons,

And did regret his hasty punishment.

I too, am confident that my service

To Othello in the past will suffice

In being enough for him to forgive.

Our meeting was quickly interrupted

Upon the arrival of Iago

And Othello from outside the garden.

Still unable to muster the courage,

I fled from the scene out of cowardice.

Upon reflection, I should have stayed there

To quickly plea my case to Othello

With Desdemona and Iago’s aid.

Nonetheless, I am rather certain that

Desdemona did adamantly speak

To Othello, and that as a result,

He began to sympathize with my pain

After hearing his lady’s tender voice.

I did, however, receive shocking news

From dear Desdemona when she told me:

“My advocation is not now in tune.

My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him,

Were he in favour as in humour alter’d.

So help me every spirit sanctified

For I have spoken for you all my best

And stood within the blank of his displeasure

For my free speech!”                                                  (3.4.118-214)

I do not think it is in his nature

To be so uncontrollably angry.

His duties must have been testing his wits,

Or else he is quite furious with me!

To make one miserable week worse still,

Bianca had located me, whining,

Complaining, miserable, oh women!

Not all are as fair as Desdemona!

I could not even calm her with the gift

Of that strange, mysterious handkerchief

I found in my chamber the night before.

She then accused me of unfaithfulness;

Me! I, being a man of loyalty,

Does not know what ‘infidelity’ is!

After these passing events I am left

In a wary and concerned state of mind.

Where on earth did that handkerchief come from?

Perhaps it is best I not dwell on it

And focus on Iago’s advice to

Plead my case to valiant Othello.