Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his read more

Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head; And this our life, exempt from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in every thing. -As You Like It. Act ii. Sc. 1.

He was not of an age, but for all time!
And all the Muses still were in their prime,
read more

He was not of an age, but for all time!
And all the Muses still were in their prime,
When, like Apollo, he came forth to warm
Our ears, or like a Mercury to charm!

The blood more stirs To rouse a lion than to start a hare! -King Henry IV. Part I. Act i. read more

The blood more stirs To rouse a lion than to start a hare! -King Henry IV. Part I. Act i. Sc. 3.

I had rather be a kitten and cry mew Than one of these same metre ballad-mongers. -King Henry IV. Part read more

I had rather be a kitten and cry mew Than one of these same metre ballad-mongers. -King Henry IV. Part I. Act iii. Sc. 1.

Lord of thy presence and no land beside. -King John. Act i. Sc. 1.

Lord of thy presence and no land beside. -King John. Act i. Sc. 1.

The very staff of my age, my very prop. -The Merchant of Venice. Act ii. Sc. 2.

The very staff of my age, my very prop. -The Merchant of Venice. Act ii. Sc. 2.

By this leek, I will most horribly revenge: I eat and eat, I swear. -King Henry V. Act v. Sc. read more

By this leek, I will most horribly revenge: I eat and eat, I swear. -King Henry V. Act v. Sc. 1.

Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain-tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing. -King Henry VIII. read more

Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain-tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing. -King Henry VIII. Act iii. 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.