It cannot be inferred, from these words, that this was the first occasion on which Desdemona and Othello had come together as man and wife. The words are quite consistent with the supposition that their marriage had taken place some time before; also quite consistent with Iago's knowledge of that event. It was not his cue or his humour to say more than he did. Why should he? TALBOYS. It cannot be inferred! It can--I infer it. And pray, how do you account for Othello saying to Desdemona, on the day of their arrival at Cyprus, "The purchase made--the fruits are to ensue; That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you." SEWARD. "The purchase made"--refers to the price which Othello had paid for connubial delight with Desdemona awaiting him at Cyprus. That price was the peril which he had undergone during his stormy voyage. In his exuberant satisfaction, simply expressing a self-evident truth, that his happiness was _yet_ before him. Had Desdemona been then a virgin bride, Othello would hardly have used such language. Iago speaks in his usual characteristic coarse way--so no need to say a word more on the subject. TALBOYS. Very well. Be it so. But why should such a private marriage have been resorted to; and if privacy was desirable at first, what change had occurred to cause the public declaration of it? SEWARD. Othello had been nine months unemployed in war--the Venetian State was at peace--and he had been in constant intercourse with the Brabantios. "Her father lov'd me--oft invited me;" and he "took _once_ a pliant hour" to ask Desdemona to be his wife. That "once" cannot refer to the day on which the Play commences; and that their marriage took place some time before, is alike reconcileable with the character of the "gentle Lady," and with that of the impetuous Hero. TALBOYS. Truly! SEWARD. Still, a private marriage is, under any circumstances, a questionable proceeding; and our great Dramatist was desirous that as little of the questionable as possible should either be or appear in the conduct of the "Divine Desdemona;" and therefore he has left the private marriage very much in the shade. TALBOYS. Very much in the shade indeed. SEWARD. Her duplicity must be admitted, and allowance must be made for it. It was wrong, but not in the least unnatural, and perfectly excusable-- TALBOYS. No. SEWARD. And grievously expiated. TALBOYS. It was indeed. Poor dear Desdemona! SEWARD. It is, you know, part of the proof of her capacity for guilt, that she so ingeniously deceived her father. TALBOYS. But why reveal it now? SEWARD. Circumstances are changed. The Cyprus wars have broke out, and Othello is about to be commissioned to take the command of the Venetian force.