This odd and far-fetched word was made yet more uncouth in all the editions before Hanmer’s, by being printed, exsufflicate.  The allusion is to a bubble.  Do not think, says the Moor, that I shall change the noble designs that now employ my thoughts, to suspicions which, like bubbles blown into a wide extent, have only an empty shew without solidity, or that in consequence of such empty fears, I will close with thy inference against the virtue of my wife.

III.iii.188 (439,4) Where virtue is, those are most virtuous] An action in itself indifferent grows virtuous by its end and application.

III.iii.201 (439,6)

  I know our country disposition well;
  In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks]

Here Iago seems to be a Venetian.

III.iii.207 (440,7) And, when she seem’d to shake, and fear your looks,/She lov’d them most] This and the following argument of Iago ought to be deeply impressed on every reader.  Deceit and falsehood, whatever conveniencies they may for a time promise or produce, are, in the sum of life, obstacles to happiness.  Those, who profit by the cheat, distruat the deceiver, and the act, by which kindness was sought, puts an end to confidence.

The same objection may be made with a lower degree of strength against the imprudent generosity of disproportionate marriages.  When the first heat of passion is over, it is easily succeeded by suspicion, that the same violence of inclination, which caused one irregularity, may stimulate to another; and those who have shown, that their passions are too powerful for their prudence, will, with very alight appearances againat them, be censured, as not very likely to restrain them by their virtue. (see 1765, VIII, 397, 1)

III.iii.210 (440,8) To seel her father’s eyes up, close as oak] There is little relation between eyes and oak.  I would read,

  She seel’d her father’s eyes up close as owl’s.

As blind as an owl, is a proverb.

III.iii.222 (441,1) My speech would fall into such vile success] [Success, far succession, i.e. conclusion; not prosperous issue.  WARB.] I rather think there is a depravation, and would read,

  My speech would fall into such vile excess.

If success be the right word, it seems to mean consequence or event, as successo is used in Italian.

III.iii.232 (441,2) will most rank] Will, is for wilfulness.  It is so used by Ascham.  A rank will, is self-will overgrown and exuberant.

III.iii.249 (442,3) You shall by that perceive him, and his means] You shall discover whether he thinks his best means, his most powerful interest, is by the solicitation of your lady.

III.iii.250 (442,4) strain his entertainnent] Press hard his re-admission to his pay and office. Entertainment was the military term for admission of soldiers.