Apr

26

This is in honor of the widely agreed upon birthday of William Shakespeare — baptized 26 April 1564, died 23 April 1616. Nobody really is positive when Shakespeare was born, however, tradition held that babies back then were baptized three days following their birth. If this is true, then it also follows that he died on the same day as he was born, 52 years apart.

Every year I read a Shakespeare play, see one performed, or view one on DVD. I have a few favorites, but the magnitude, variety, and volume of his works is magnificent and astounding.

J. P. Highland adds:

It is a curious coincidence that Miguel de Cervantes, the most celebrated figure in Spanish literature, also died on April 23, 1616. Though he was not as prolific as Shakespeare, Don Quixote might be the best book ever written.

David Lamb recalls:

When I was in one of my darkest days of trading last year, I went to my old friend William Shakespeare, and felt this quote was really written for me:

Wise men ne'er sit and wail their woes, But presently prevent the ways to wail. To fear the foe, since fear oppresseth strength, Gives, in your weakness, strength unto your foe, And so your follies fight against yourself. Fear, and be slain; no worse can come to fight; And fight and die is death destroying death; Where fearing dying pays death servile breath. (King Richard II, Act 3: Scene 2) 


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  1. Caravaggio on April 26, 2007 8:14 pm

    I’m with you JP. I love Don Quixote (the Edith Grossman translation) and am two-thirds through my second reading - it’s the only novel in my possession. At this stage, I ration out the number of pages I read so I can prolong the joy.

    I fear I am enchanted with DQ, just as DQ was enchanted with knight errantry.

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