And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
Against your honour
That, with the little godliness I have,
I did full hard forbear him.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 1, Scene 2. Iago tells Othello that Brabantio insulted the general’s honor and he had to restrain himself from hurting Brabantio. Iago is of course lying because he is trying to manipulate and provoke Othello into attacking Brabantio. A two-faced Iago puts on the appearance of loyalty to Othello, when we know that he has nothing but hatred for him. Othello appears not to see through the facade Iago hides behind, setting himself up for a tragic downfall. It is ironic for Iago to speak of his "godliness," when we know that he is a villain with no morals.