William Shakespeare Quotes

1564–1616 England

William Shakespeare (26 April 1564 (baptised) – 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.

England
Actors
Playwrights
Poets

Also known as: Shakespeare, Shakespeare, William, Shakespearean, Shakspeare

Random William Shakespeare quote

2,353 quotes

It shall be what o'clock I say it is.
Why, so this gallant will command the sun.

Thou art most rich, being poor;
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd!
Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon.

King Lear (1608)

Many a time, but for a sallet, my brainpan had been cleft with a brown bill.

Dissembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant
Can tickle where she wounds!

Cymbeline (1611)

O constancy, be strong upon my side,
Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue!
I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.

Julius Cæsar (1599)

I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban.
What is your study?

King Lear (1608)

Sweet fellowship in shame!
One drunkard loves another of the name.

O do not slander him, for he is kind.
Right; as snow in harvest.

Richard III (1591)

Hence, bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence!

How slow
This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires,
Like to a step-dame or a dowager
Long withering out a young man's revenue.

Tellest thou me of "ifs"? Thou art a traitor:
Off with his head!

Richard III (1591)

Tell truth and shame the devil.
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
And I'll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.

Farewell
The hopes of court! my hopes in heaven do dwell.

Henry VIII (1613)

They fool me to the top of my bent. I will come by and by.

O, fie, fie, fie!
Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade.

Measure for Measure (1603)

But is this law?
Ay, marry is 't; crowner's quest law.

You are yoked with a lamb,
That carries anger as the flint bears fire;
Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark.
And straight is cold again.

Julius Cæsar (1599)

In my stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.

While you here do snoring lie, Open-eyed conspiracy His time doth take.
If of life you keep a care, Shake off slumber, and beware: Awake, awake!

O most delicate fiend!
Who is't can read a woman?

Cymbeline (1611)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: William Shakespeare (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.