William Shakespeare Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Shakespeare.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language and one of the most influential figures in world literature. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564, his exact date of birth is unknown, but it is traditionally celebrated on April 23rd. Shakespeare grew up in an affluent family and received an excellent education at the local grammar school.

In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, and they had three children together. By the late 1580s, Shakespeare had established himself as both an actor and a playwright in London. His works gained popularity and praise, and he became a prominent member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later renamed the King's Men, a leading acting company at the time.

Shakespeare's legacy rests primarily on his plays, which include tragedies like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," and histories like "Henry V." He wrote a total of 37 plays, as well as numerous sonnets, poems, and other works.

Though his life is not well-documented, Shakespeare's impact on literature and drama is immeasurable. His plays continue to be performed all over the world, and his words have become part of the English language. Shakespeare's unparalleled storytelling, poetic language, and profound exploration of human nature have made him an icon of literature for centuries. He died in 1616, leaving behind a legacy that remains unparalleled to this day.

What infinite heart's-easeMust kings neglect, that private men enjoy!And what have kings, that privates have not too,Save ceremony, save general ceremony?And what art thou, thou idle ceremony?What kind of god art thou, that suffer'st moreOf mortal griefs than do thy worshippers?What are thy rents? what are thy comings in?O ceremony, show me but thy worth!What is thy soul of adoration?Art thou aught else but place, degree and form,Creating awe and fear in other men?Wherein thou art less happy being fear'dThan they in fearing.What drink'st thou oft, instead of homage sweet,But poison'd flattery? O, be sick, great greatness,And bid thy ceremony give thee cure!Think'st thou the fiery fever will go outWith titles blown from adulation?Will it give place to flexure and low bending?Canst thou, when thou command'st the beggar's knee,Command the health of it? No, thou proud dream,That play'st so subtly with a king's repose;I am a king that find thee, and I know'Tis not the balm, the sceptre and the ball,The sword, the mace, the crown imperial,The intertissued robe of gold and pearl,The farced title running 'fore the king,The throne he sits on, nor the tide of pompThat beats upon the high shore of this world,No, not all these, thrice-gorgeous ceremony,Not all these, laid in bed majestical,Can sleep so soundly as the wretched slave,Who with a body fill'd and vacant mindGets him to rest, cramm'd with distressful bread;Never sees horrid night, the child of hell,But, like a lackey, from the rise to setSweats in the eye of Phoebus and all nightSleeps in Elysium; next day after dawn,Doth rise and help Hyperion to his horse,And follows so the ever-running year,With profitable labour, to his grave:And, but for ceremony, such a wretch,Winding up days with toil and nights with sleep,Had the fore-hand and vantage of a king.The slave, a member of the country's peace,Enjoys it; but in gross brain little wotsWhat watch the king keeps to maintain the peace,Whose hours the peasant best advantages.

William Shakespeare