I am not merry; but I do beguile
The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 2, Scene 1. In an aside, Desdemona admits that she is only pretending to be happy. In reality she is worried for Othello’s safety, but she hides her fears. This echoes Iago’s famous quote "I am not what I am." While Iago’s words testify to his deceptiveness, Desdemona’s speak of how deeply she cares for her husband.