Several of Shakespeare’s best known lines come from the neglected masterpiece, King John. Here are the top ten most famous of them all.
1.
Now my soul hath elbow-room.
(5.7.32), King John
2.
For courage mounteth with occasion.
(2.1.83), Duke of Austria
3.
Grief is proud, and makes his owner stoop.
(3.1.70), Constance
4.
To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.
(4.2.12), Salisbury
5.
Play fast and loose.
(3.1.168), Philip
6.
How green you are and fresh in this old world!
(3.4.148), Cardinal Pandulph
7.
Bell, book, and candle shall not drive me back,
When gold and silver becks me to come on.
(3.3.14-15), Bastard
8.
Times conspire with you.
(3.4.149), Cardinal Pandulph
9.
This England never did, nor never shall,
Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror.
(5.7.19-20), Bastard
10.
Ah, none but in this iron age would do it!
(3.3.60), Arthur
