Act 4 Scene 2

In a room within the castle, Emilia and Othello enter. Emilia defends Desdemona stating that she has never “heard, no ever did suspect” anything between Desdemona and Cassio. Othello remarks that it is “strange” that Emilia has never seen Desdemona and Cassio whispering or speaking in private without her. Othello tells Emilia to fetch Desdemona. Alone for a moment, he calls her a “subtle whore” full of “villainous secrets.” Desdemona enters with Emilia, and Desdemona tells him that she is his “true / and loyal wife.” She asks him for what sin she has committed and knows not of, and she denies being a prostitute as she is “a Christian.”