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John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.

Page 154

 
 
William Shakespeare. (1564–1616) (continued)
 
1805
    O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others’ uses.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1806
    Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1807
    Not poppy, nor mandragora,
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1808
    I swear ’t is better to be much abused
Than but to know ’t a little.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1809
    He that is robb’d, not wanting what is stolen,
Let him not know ’t, and he ’s not robb’d at all.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1810
    O, now, for ever
Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content!
Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars
That make ambition virtue! O, farewell!
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!
And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dread clamours counterfeit,
Farewell! Othello’s occupation ’s gone!
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1811
    Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1812
    No hinge nor loop
To hang a doubt on.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1813
    On horror’s head horrors accumulate.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
1814
    Take note, take note, O world,
To be direct and honest is not safe.
          Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.