Quotes by William Shakespeare

What man art thou that, thus bescreened in night,So stumblest on my counsel?*Who are you? Why do you hide in the darkness and listen to my private thoughts?*

What are you doing sister? / Killing swine.

A peevish self-willed harlotry it is.*She’s a stubborn little brat.*

But man, proud man,Dressd in a little brief authority,Most ignorant of what hes most assurd—His glassy essence—like an angry apePlays such fantastic tricks before high heavenAs makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,Would all themselves laugh mortal.

Things past redress are now with me past care.

What cannot be avoided twere childish weakness to lament or fear.

A walking shadow a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.

The plays the thing.

Why then the worlds mine oyster Which I with sword will open.

Action is eloquence.

Whats done cant be undone.

Sweet are the uses of adversity Which like the toad ugly and venomous Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.

Have more than thou showest Speak less than thou knowest.

Age cannot wither her nor custom stale Her infinite variety.

An old man is twice a child.

Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?

Golden lads and girls all must As chimney-sweepers come to dust.

When that the poor have cried Caesar hath wept: Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: Yet Brutus says he was ambitious And Brutus is an honourable man.

Cowards die many times before their deaths the valiant never taste of death but once.

Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs Being purged a fire sparkling in lovers eyes Being vexd a sea nourishd with lovers tears: What is it else? a madness most discreet A choking gall and a preserving sweet.