Today we celebrate the birthday of  a man whose work has endured the centuries and earned him the title of the greatest writer in the history of the English language. Though his birthdate was not recorded, he was baptised on 26th April 1564. In his 52 years he wrote an astonishing 37 plays and several volumes of poetry. He has been the voice of romance and tragedy throughout the ages and Quotables HQ are proud to present a selection of his best xxx loved quotes. The one, the only, William Shakespeare.

To be, or not to be: that is the question.
— William Shakespeare (Hamlet 3:1)

Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em. 
— William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night 2:5)

If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
— William Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice 3:1)

There are more things in heaven and earth, trios, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. 
— William Shakespeare (Hamlet 1:5)

If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me.
— William Shakespeare (MacBeth 1:3)

If I lose mine honour, I lose myself
— William Shakespeare (Antony and Cleopatra 3:4)

— William Shakespeare (Midsummer Night’s Dream 5:1)

‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women escorts bcn merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts. 
— William Shakespeare (As You Like It 2:7)

Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.
— William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night 3:1)

Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.
— William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet 2:2)

For more Quotable greatness from the Bard, check out the rest of our collection of his words on Quotables here.