William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare – 23 April 1616) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of approximately 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPlaywright
Date of Birth23 April 1564
One man in his time plays many parts.
To wilful men, the injuries that they themselves procure must be their schoolmasters.
Do you set down your name in the scroll of youth, that are written down old with all the characters of age?
In thy face I see the map of honour, truth and loyalty.
I say, without characters, fame lives long.
Men should be what they seem.
Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?
Life every man holds dear; but the dear man holds honor far more precious dear than life.
Most subject is the fattest soil to weeds.
I am sure, Though you can guess what temperance should be, You know not what it is.
There is a kind of character in thy life, That to the observer doth thy history, fully unfold.
Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I ha' lost my reputation, I ha' lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial!
Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; ’twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.
What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted! Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just, and he but naked, though locked up in steel, whose conscience with injustice is corrupted.