No-one’s entirely sure of William Shakespeare’s birthday, but the best guess is 23rd April. We might as well celebrate it then!
Billy Shakes was a wonderful writer, and many quotes of his work, particularly his plays, are still used today. Seeing as it’s his birthday (maybe), I’ve decided to hunt down a few quotes you can jot down in the birthday card of a loved one in his honour. If the sentiment doesn’t go down too well, just blame it on his ghost before stabbing a nearby curtain that said ghost was allegedly behind. That always works out, right?
1. What, you egg!
Source: Macbeth
Particularly good when: You haven’t bought them a present (though there are some great Shakespeare-themed bits here).
2. You are strangely troublesome.
Source: Henry VIII
Particularly good when: You want them to know you’re full aware of how weird they are… and you still love them.
3. I desire we be better strangers.
Source: As You Like It
Particularly good when: You want the birthday card to double as a break-up note. Two birds, one stone!
4. Away, you three-inch fool!
Source: The Taming of the Shrew
Particularly good when: Your short friend is annoying you.
5. I must tell you friendly in your ear, sell when you can, you are not for all markets.
Source: As You Like It
Particularly good when: Your friend’s been punching above their weight. Take it down a peg, pal.
6. I’ll beat thee, but I would infect my hands.
Source: Timon of Athens
Particularly good when: You want it known that you’re tough, despite the fact that you’re really not at all.
7. Thou art as fat as butter.
Source: Henry IV Part 1
Particularly good when: Somebody’s been helping themselves to a second slice of birthday cake and now there’s none left for you.
8. I was seeking for a fool when I found you.
Source: As You Like It
Particularly good when: You’re trying to tell someone you like them. You’re dumb, but I’m dumb too. Is this romance? There’s a reason I didn’t do an article like this on Valentine’s Day…
9. Villain, I have done thy mother.
Source: Titus Andronicus
Particularly good when: I mean, I feel like you could apply this in any situation. It’s always a winner. The one exception might be Mother’s Day, but who knows, maybe you can put a creative spin on it. A really creative spin.
Happy Shakespeare Day!
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