In Shakespear's Othello, even a proud lord can be tormented by jealous love.

Othello’s Bane

Conspiracy rules the bard’s Othello
With a treaty played out in spades
Upon the fortunes of a proud lord
Submersed in self-righteousness.

Wooed by disloyal testament
Treachery disposed that Moor
To act in hasty vengeance
Upon his own dear sweet love.

His conspirator knew no shame
Nor had compassion within
For remorse from a cold heart
Longing for an ill-gotten gain.

Greed leveled its stealthy aim
For profit and advancement
Avoiding honest confrontation
By subtle trickery and deceit.

Idle rumor sprung the trap
Through whispers of infidelity
Sending out the final strike
Of treachery’s division bell.

The plague spread in shadows
Draining the master’s mind
Of hope and trust within
Those corridors of his castle.

Fragile bones of ego broke
Claiming a vulture’s feast
To pick clean the marrow
Of the impassioned general.

Shakespeare’s tale reveals
The cost of doubt and dishonor
And the jealous nature of man
Bereft of righteous counsel.