This figure that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut,
Wherein the graver had read more

This figure that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut,
Wherein the graver had a strife
With Nature, to outdo the life:
Oh, could he but have drawn his wit
As well in brass, as he has hit
His face, the print would then surpass
All that was ever writ in brass;
But since he cannot, reader, look
Not on his picture, but his book.

This is Ercles' vein. -A Midsummer Night's Dream. Act i. Sc. 2.

This is Ercles' vein. -A Midsummer Night's Dream. Act i. Sc. 2.

Comparisons are odorous. -Much Ado about Nothing. Act iii. Sc. 5.

Comparisons are odorous. -Much Ado about Nothing. Act iii. Sc. 5.

A rascally yea-forsooth knave. -King Henry IV. Part II. Act i. Sc. 2.

A rascally yea-forsooth knave. -King Henry IV. Part II. Act i. Sc. 2.

Men are April when they woo, December when they wed: maids are May when they are maids, but the sky read more

Men are April when they woo, December when they wed: maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives. -As You Like It. Act iv. Sc. 1.

But Shakespeare's magic could not copied be;
Within that circle none durst walk but he.

But Shakespeare's magic could not copied be;
Within that circle none durst walk but he.

Why, all the souls that were, were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out read more

Why, all the souls that were, were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy. How would you be, If He, which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are? -Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 2.

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man. -King John. Act iii. read more

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man. -King John. Act iii. Sc. 4.

Good orators, when they are out, they will spit. -As You Like It. Act iv. Sc. 1.

Good orators, when they are out, they will spit. -As You Like It. Act iv. Sc. 1.