What does this shakesphere sentance mean from Othello... Iago speaks it...?

Question

Thus do I ever make my fool my purse-
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit.

(I heard purse has nothing to do with an actualy purse or gold.)
Please help...

Answer 1

After performing as the character in question =]

"That's how I make idiots (in this case Roderigo) give me money
Because my own common sense would stop me
Spending time with such an irritating fool
If I couldn't get anything out of it for myself."

Check out www.sparknotes.com for more help on Othello (not spamming or plugging the site, just offering help from a source I've used)

Answer 2

Actually, "purse" in this context means exactly what you think it means: money.

This is Iago's first great soliloquy in the play. It occurs at the conclusion of the scene in the Senate where Othello vindicates himself for having married Desdemona, and he is sent off to Cyprus to fight the Turks. Rodrigo is distressed at the thought of Desdemona's leaving Venice (he fancies himself in love with her), and Iago persuades Rodrigo to follow the wars to Cyprus. Again and again throughout their scene, Iago tells Rodrigo to "put money in thy purse," meaning that Rodrigo should convert all of his assets into CASH.

Once Rodrigo leaves the stage (having totally embraced Iago's plan), Iago speaks the lines you've quoted. Basically, he's saying: "Rodrigo is an IDIOT, and, if it weren't for the fact that I'm bilking him out of ungodly amounts of money, there would be no reason for someone as clever as me to be hanging around with him. Besides, it amuses me to exploit him."

Answer 3

"That's how I always do it, getting money from fools. I'd be wasting my skills dealing with an idiot like that if I couldn't get something useful out of him."