To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
Is the next way to draw new mischief on.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 1, Scene 3. In the dispute between Brabandio and son-in-law Othello over Othello’s elopement with Desdemona, the Duke of Venice offers this wise counsel. As the authority figure in Venice, he urges Brabantio not to hold onto a grudge. He cautions him that if you dwell on a wrong from the past you are just inviting more new wrongs to come along. Initially appearing to take Brabantio’s side, the Duke listens to both parties and is persuaded by Othello’s tale of how true and genuine love grew between him and Desdemona.