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
Conscience is but a word that cowards use, / Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Affection faints not like a pale-faced coward, But then woos best when most his choice is froward.
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is slicked o'er with the pale cast of thought
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me!
Coward dogs most spend their mouths when what they seem to threaten runs far before them.
Why, thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules, but beware instinct. The lion will not touch the true prince. Instinct is a great matter. I was a coward on instinct.
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.
I was a coward on instinct.
Cowards die many times; a brave man dies but once.
Plenty and peace breed cowards; hardness ever of hardiness is mother.
Instinct is a great matter. I was now a coward on instinct.
How many cowards whose hearts are all as false As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars, Who inward searched, have livers white as milk!
O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?
The coward dies a thousand deaths, the valiant, only once!