He, in good time, must his lieutenant be,
And I – God bless the mark! – his Moorship’s ancient.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 1, Scene 1. Iago’s jealousy is on full display in his remarks about Cassio being promoted to Othello’s lieutenant, while Iago merely has the rank of "ancient" or flag-bearer. The racist attitude of Iago towards the black Moor Othello is evident in how he sarcastically and mockingly refers to him as "his Moorship," highlighting his race. This phrase is a pun on "his worship."