A scene from William Shakespeare's play King Richard II, Act V, scene 5. King Richard: Exton, thy fierce hand hath with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.

A scene from William Shakespeare's play Love's Labour's Lost, Act V scene 2. Mercade: I am sorry, madam; for the news I bring Is heavy in my tongue. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.

A scene from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Act V, scene 3. Prince: For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.

A scene from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Act I, scene I. First Witch: When shall we three meet again, in thunder, lightening or in rain? Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.

A scene from William Shakespeare's play King Henry VIII. Act III, scene 1. Queen Katherine: Do what ye will, my lords and pray forgive me, if I have us'd myself unmannerly. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare,...

A scene from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Act I, scene 5. Hamlet: Remember thee! Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat in this distracted globe. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.

A scene from William Shakespeare's play The Tempest. Act V, scene 1. Miranda: Sweet Lord, you play me false. Illustration by Gordon Browne. From The Works of William Shakespeare, published 1896.