A love of great literature can quickly bond two people. So why not impress your date with a little Shakespeare knowledge?

© Cherie Burbach

When two people are compatible they generally share similar interests in books, movies, sports, and other hobbies. Discovering the things you have in common is one of the joys of a new relationship. If you suspect your partner might be into Shakespeare, here are some of the playwright’s most well known love-related quotes. Recite them when your date least expects it, or write them out in a handmade card. Remember though, save this gesture until you’ve at least gone out a few times. (You don’t want to overwhelm your potential partner by quoting sonnets during an email conversation or coffee date! Doing so will likely have an effect that is directly opposite than what you have intended.)

But if you’re looking for a phrase or two to help express your feelings, you are sure to gain points on the romantic scale if you know one or two of these great quotes:

• Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun. ~Romeo and Juliet
• What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. ~Romeo and Juliet
• But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?it is the east, and Juliet is the sun. ~Romeo and Juliet
• Good night, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow. ~Romeo and Juliet

• Doubt thou the stars are fire; doubt that the sun doth move; doubt truth to be a liar; but never doubt I love. ~Hamlet
• We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep… ~The Tempest
• Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. ~A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• If music be the food of love, play on. ~Twelfth Night
• Speak low if you speak love. ~Much Ado About Nothing
• I would not wish any companion in the world but you. ~The Tempest
• Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. ~Antony and Cleopatra
• Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better. ~Twelfth Night
• Hear my soul speak: The very instant that I saw you, did My heart fly to your service. ~The Tempest
• Love is a spirit all compact of fire. ~Venus and Adonis
• Love goes toward love. ~ Romeo and Juliet

Image: sxc.hu.

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