Who can control his fate? asks the ruined Othello. No one, indeed. But everyone controls his option, chooses his alternative.

Age cannot limit him, nor use exhaust his infinite mendacity.

'English fair play' is a fine expression. It justifies the bashing of the puny draper's assistant by the big hairy blacksmith, and this to the perfect satisfaction of both parties, if they are worthy the name of Englishman.

Who can control his fate? asks the ruined Othello. No one, indeed. But everyone controls his option, chooses his alternative.

Such is life, my fellow-mummers-just like a poor player that bluffs and feints his hour upon the stage, and then cheapens down to mere nonentity. But let me not hear any small witticism to the further effect that its story is a tale told by a vulgarian, full of slang and blanky, signifying-nothing.