William Shakespeare

But that I am forbid
To tell the secrets of my prison house,
I could a tale read more

But that I am forbid
To tell the secrets of my prison house,
I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood,
Make thy two eyes like stars start from their spheres,
Thy knotted and combined locks to part,
And each particular hair to stand on end
Like quills upon the fretful porpentine.

Defer no time; delays have dangerous ends.

Defer no time; delays have dangerous ends.

I will not choose what many men desire,
Because I will not jump with common spirits
And read more

I will not choose what many men desire,
Because I will not jump with common spirits
And rank me with the barbarous multitudes.

I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.

I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.

Sceptre and crown must tumble down
And in the dust be equal made
With the poor crooked read more

Sceptre and crown must tumble down
And in the dust be equal made
With the poor crooked scythe and spade.