Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak Of one…
““Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely, but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, Perplex’d in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdu’d eyes, Albeit unusèd to the melting mood, Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; And say besides,—that in Aleppo once, Where a malignant and a turban’d Turk Beat a Venetian and traduc’d the state, I took by the throat the circumcisèd dog And smote him—thus. [Stabs himself.]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character reflects on betrayal, jealousy, and the futility of vengeance, ending with a self‑destructive act.
In simple terms: Destructive emotions lead to ruin.
Key Takeaway
Beware letting jealousy and spite guide actions.
Themes
betrayal
jealousy
revenge
Mood
tragic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- courtroom disputes
- political intrigue
- family conflicts
Key Concepts
human frailty
self‑destruction
poetic justice
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to self‑destruction?
- Can forgiveness replace vengeance?
A Different Perspective
Self‑harm does not resolve conflict.