On this day in 1616, William Shakespeare, the greatest figure in English literature and (with the King James Bible and The Book of Common Prayer) one of the greatest influences on the English language, passed beyond the confines of this mortal life, at the age of 52.
On or about this day, in 1564, he was also born! (He was baptized on 26 April.) Since his actual birth-date is unknown, it is usually celebrated on this day, as well. Long may he live in honoured memory here on earth, and by God's grace, to all eternity "beyond the Jordan"!
Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "the Bard").
"Even if you’ve never seen a Shakespeare play, you’ll have used one of his words or phrases...In fact, during his 52 years on earth, he enriched the English language in ways so profound it’s almost impossible to fully gauge his impact... He gave us uniquely vivid ways in which to express hope and despair, sorrow and rage, love and lust. Even if you’ve never read one of his sonnets or seen a play – even if you’ve never so much as watched a movie adaptation – you’re likely to have quoted him unwittingly. It’s almost impossible to avoid."
BBC Culture: "How Shakespeare influences the way we speak now."
And if you like it not, your wit’s as thick as a Tewkesbury mustard. Fie upon such a pigeon-livered and rump-fed runion!
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