British literature brings readers joy and sorrow

"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs." --- Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare is the most renowned British poet and playwright, whose masterpieces, such as Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear are very familiar by Chinese people.

Widely regarded as the most prominent dramatist, he is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon".

His work consists of about 38 plays, 155 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed all over the world.

The tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, may be the most familiar play to Chinese people. The story has been adapted to operas, ballets, films and many other art forms.

"Do not swear by the moon, for she changes constantly. Then your love would also change." --- Romeo and Juliet

"Don't waste your love on somebody who doesn't value it." --- Romeo and Juliet

"You speak an infinite deal of nothing." --- The Merchant of Venice