Page "Othello" Paragraph 20

Roderigo complains that he has received nothing for his efforts and threatens to abandon his pursuit of Desdemona, but Iago convinces him to kill Cassio instead, because Cassio has just been appointed governor of Cyprus, and — Iago argues — if Cassio lives to take office, Othello and Desdemona will leave Cyprus, thwarting Roderigo's plans to win Desdemona.

Roderigo attacks Cassio in the street after Cassio leaves Bianca's lodgings.

They fight and both are wounded.

Cassio's leg is cut from behind by Iago who manages to hide his identity as perpetrator.

Passers-by arrive to help ; Iago joins them, pretending to help Cassio.

When Cassio identifies Roderigo as one of his attackers, Iago secretly stabs Roderigo to stop him from confessing.

He then accuses Bianca of the failed conspiracy to kill Cassio.