or an accident would have brought Iago's fabric about
his ears. Yet out of these materials, Shakespeare
seems to say, this result may be wrought; and the
Heavens will permit it. He points to no conclusion,
unless it be this, that the greatest and loveliest
virtues, surpassing the common measure, are not to
be had for nothing. They must suffer for their great-
ness. In life they suffer silently, without fame. In
Shakespeare's art they are made known to us, and
wear their crown. Desdemona and Othello are both
made perfect in the act of death, so that the idea
of murder is lost and forgotten in the sense of
sacrifice.

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