William Shakespeare is considered to be one of, if not the, most important English-language writers of all time. He crafted some of the best plays and poems that are continually read throughout the world. He is commonly quoted and cited for his beautiful and unique use of the English language. Explore his quotes below and discover William Shakespeare’s poetry.
a
- A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!” is a well-known Shakespearean quote that appears in Richard III. It consists of Richard III’s last words at the end of Act V Scene 4.
- All that glisters is not gold“All that glisters is not gold” is a quote that originated in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. It is commonly used today with the word “glitter” instead of “glisters.”
- A man can die but once“A man can die but once” appears in William Shakespeare’s history play Henry IV Part 2. It is used in Act III, Scene 2.
- A rose by any other name would smell as sweet“What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” is a famous quote from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. It speaks to the power, or lack thereof, of names.
b
- Beware the ides of March“Beware the ides of March” is a quote that can be found in William Shakespeare’s history play, Julius Caesar. It refers to the day that Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC.
- Brevity is the soul of wit“Brevity is the soul of wit” is one of William Shakespeare’s better-known quotes. The Bard used it in the tragedy Hamlet, written around 1603.
c
- Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once” is a quote used in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, in Act II, Scene 2.
- Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war“Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war” is a quote William Shakespeare used in Act III, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar, his most commonly read history play.
d
- Discretion Is The Better Part Of Valor“The better part of valor is discretion” is a well-known quote from William Shakespeare's history play Henry IV Part 1.
f
- Frailty, thy name is woman"Frailty, thy name is woman" is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 2). Spoken by Hamlet, it reflects his bitterness toward his mother, Queen Gertrude, for remarrying soon after his father’s death. The line reveals his view of women as weak—shaped more by hurt than truth.
- Friends, Romans, countrymen"Friends, Romans, countrymen" is the famous opening line of Mark Antony’s speech in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2). The full line—“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”—uses rhetorical appeal to win the crowd’s trust before turning them against Caesar’s killers.
- Full fathom five thy father lies“Full fathom five thy father lies” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s The Tempest (Act I, Scene II), spoken by Ariel to enchant and mislead Prince Ferdinand about his father’s death. Its alliteration and iambic rhythm give it a hypnotic, mournful tone.
g
- Get thee to a nunneryThe phrase “Get thee to a nunnery” is an expression that is used to tell someone to go away or leave a situation. It is a famous quote from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
h
- How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child” can be found in Act I, Scene 4 of King Lear.
i
- I am one who loved not wisely, but too well“I am one who loved not wisely but too well” is a well-known Shakespearean quote that features at the end of his tragedy, Othello. The quote can be found in Act V, Scene 2.
- If music be the food of love play on“If music be the food of love play on” is a quote from William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It is the first line of the play, spoken by Orsino, the Duke of Illyria.
- If you prick us, do we not bleed?“If you prick us, do we not bleed?” can be found in William Shakespeare’s comedy The Merchant of Venice. It is spoken by the moneylender, Shylock.
- It’s not in the stars to hold our destiny but ourselves“It’s not in the stars to hold our destiny but ourselves” is a well-known Shakespearean quote that speaks about fate and destiny.
l
- Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Act V, Scene 5), spoken by the title character as he reflects on the futility and brevity of life in a moment of despair.
- Lord, what fools these mortals be!“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act 3, Scene 2), spoken by the mischievous Puck. It expresses amused disbelief at human irrationality, especially in matters of love or pride. Over time, the phrase became a cultural shorthand(...)
- Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind” is a famous line from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act 1, Scene 1), spoken by Helena. The line reflects the idea that love is irrational—not based on physical appearance, but on emotional or mental perception.
m
- Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows“Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows” means that difficult situations can lead people to form unexpected or uncomfortable alliances. The line comes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Act II, Scene 2, spoken by Trinculo during a storm.
n
- Neither a borrower nor a lender be“Neither a borrower nor a lender be” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 3), spoken by Polonius as he advises his son Laertes. It offers a moral and practical warning: borrowing can lead to dependence, while lending risks damaging relationships if debts go unpaid.
- Nothing will come of nothing“Nothing will come of nothing,” spoken by King Lear in William Shakespeare's King Lear (Act 1, Scene 1, Line 99), means no reward can come from saying or doing nothing. Lear says this to Cordelia when she refuses to exaggerate her love, highlighting themes of pride, silence, and consequence.
- Now is the winter of our discontent“Now is the winter of our discontent” is one of the most commonly quoted lines in all of Shakespeare. It appears at the beginning of his famed play, Richard III.
o
- Off with his head“Off with his head” is a quote used by William Shakespeare in his history play, Henry VI, Part III and in Richard III.
s
- Some are born great, some achieve greatness"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Act 2, Scene 5). Spoken by Malvolio in a prank letter, it highlights different ways people come to greatness: by birth, effort, or unexpected chance.
t
- The course of true love never did run smooth“The course of true love never did run smooth” comes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (Act 1, Scene 1). Lysander says this to comfort Hermia, implying that true love often faces obstacles such as family disapproval, distance, or misunderstandings.
- The evil that men do lives after them“The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interrèd with their bones” is spoken by Mark Antony in Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2). Here, he reflects on how people’s wrongdoings are remembered after death, while their good deeds are often forgotten.
- The fault, dear Brutus“The fault, dear Brutus” is the beginning of a famous quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene 2. Spoken by Cassius, it suggests that people are responsible for their own fate, not the stars or destiny.
- The lady doth protest too much, methinks“The lady doth protest too much, methinks” is spoken by Queen Gertrude in Hamlet (Act 3, Scene 2). While watching a play within the play, she comments on a character’s exaggerated vow never to remarry, finding it insincere. Today, the line is often used to suggest that strong denials may(...)
- There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy” is spoken by Hamlet in Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 5). After seeing his father’s ghost, Hamlet challenges Horatio’s skepticism, suggesting that the world holds mysteries beyond human reason or knowledge.
- There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” is spoken by Hamlet in Hamlet (Act 2, Scene 2). Reflecting on his situation in Denmark, he suggests that things aren't inherently good or bad—it's our perception that gives them meaning.
- This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle” is the opening line of a famous speech from Richard II (Act 2, Scene 1) by William Shakespeare. Spoken by John of Gaunt on his deathbed, it begins a powerful tribute to England, portraying it as a land of divine right and historic grandeur.
- To thine own self be true"To thine own self be true” is a well-known Shakespearean quote. It is found in Hamlet in Act I, Scene 3, and is spoken by the King’s advisor, Polonius.
u
- Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 2 (Act 3, Scene 1). Spoken by King Henry IV, it expresses the heavy burden and constant worry of leadership, highlighting that ruling is filled with anxiety, responsibility, and danger rather than ease(...)
w
- We are such stuff as dreams are made onThe phrase "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" comes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest (Act 4, Scene 1). Spoken by Prospero, it reflects on the fleeting, dream-like nature of human life and the fragile, temporary quality of existence.
- We know what we are, but know not what we may be"We know what we are, but know not what we may be" comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act 4, Scene 5). Spoken by Ophelia, it reflects on how we may know our present selves but remain uncertain of what we might become.
- What light through yonder window breaks"What light through yonder window breaks" comes from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2), often called the “balcony scene.” Spoken by Romeo in one of Shakespeare’s most famous soliloquies, the line expresses his awe and admiration as he watches Juliet appear at her window.
