William Shakespeare (c. 23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "the Bard")....
He is winding the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.
Life achieves its summit when it does to the uttermost that which it was equipped to do.
—Alan Alda as Hawkeye on M*A*S*H