To vouch this, is no proof,
Without more wider and more overt test
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
Of modern seeming do prefer against him.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 1, Scene 3. A skeptical Duke of Venice, the official authority in the city, is not prepared to accept Brabantio’s allegation of witchcraft against his favorite general Othello just on face value. Evidence is needed, simply making an accusation and relying on current prejudices is no proof, he tells Brabantio.