View source for What a piece of work is a man

The phrase "'''What a piece of work is a man!'''" comes from [[Shakespeare]]'s ''Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', Act II, Scene 2, and is often used in reference to the whole speech containing the line.

== The speech ==

Rather than appearing in blank verse, the typical mode of composition of Shakespeare's plays, the speech appears in straight prose:

<blockquote>I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to the King and queene: moult no feather.

I have of late, (but wherefore I know not) lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition; that this goodly frame the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory;

this most excellent canopy the air, look you, this brave o'er hanging firmament, this majestical roof, fretted with golden fire: 

why, it appeareth no other thing to me, than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.

What a piece of work is a man!

How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty!

In form and moving how express and admirable!

In action how like an Angel!

In apprehension how like a god!

The beauty of the world!

The paragon of animals!

And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

Man delights not me; no, nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seem to say so.</blockquote>

== See also ==

* [[Literature]]
* [[Shakespeare]]

== External links == 

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_a_piece_of_work_is_a_man What a piece of work is a man] @ Wikipedia