Celebrating Shakespeare

The end of April is the near-birth date of the great English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and baptized there on 26 April 1564. His actual birthdate remains unknown, but is traditionally observed on April 23rd.

Let us appreciate his birth through his great works. I present a few of my favorite passages from his plays and his sonnets. I’m a particular fan of the Dark Lady Sonnets: 

141
In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes,
For they in thee a thousand errors note;
But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise,
Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote.
Nor are mine ears with thy tongue's tune delighted;
Nor tender feeling, to base touches prone,
Nor taste, nor smell, desire to be invited
To any sensual feast with thee alone:
But my five wits nor my five senses can
Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee,
Who leaves unswayed the likeness of a man,
Thy proud heart's slave and vassal wretch to be:
Only my plague thus far I count my gain,
That she that makes me sin awards me pain.

 And with two scenes from two of my favorite plays:

Patrick Stewart as Macbeth:

 

And Puck’s final soliloquy from A Midsummer Night's Dream:

A very happy birthday to William.