William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is probably the best known poet and playwright of the English language. He is considered by many to be the greatest poet and dramatist of all time. The plays he wrote nearly four hundred years ago for a small theater in London are now performed in more countries and more often than those of any other playwright. His works can be divided into comedies, histories, and tragedies. In his tragedies, such as Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, Shakespeare explored the depths of human existence, delving into issues of morality, character, and spirit. He was especially sensitive to the problems of individual responsibility in the exercise of power, underscoring the conflicting aspects of loyalty to family, friends, God, and country.

SONNET 145
Those lips that Love's own hand did make
Breathed forth the sound that said 'I hate'
To me that languish'd for her sake;
But when she saw my woeful state,
Straight in her heart did mercy come,
Chiding that tongue that ever sweet
Was used in giving gentle doom,
And taught it thus anew to greet:
'I hate' she alter'd with an end,
That follow'd it as gentle day
Doth follow night, who like a fiend
From heaven to hell is flown away;
'I hate' from hate away she threw,
And saved my life, saying 'not you.'