Friends and Flatterers By William Shakespeare

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) an English poet, dramatist and actor, is arguably the most famous literary figure of all time. The 'Bard of Avon' was not only a skilled playwright, but also one of the most accomplished poets. He wrote a compilation of sonnet (poems that have 14 lines, each containing 10 syllables, and a fixed pattern of rhyme). No other writer can rival the timeless appeal that Shakespeare enjoys.

Every one that flatters thee
Is no friend in misery
Words are easy, like the wind;
Faithful friends are hard to find.

Every man will be thy friend
Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend;
But if store of crowns be scant
No man shall supply thy want.

If that one be prodigal
Bountiful they will him call:
And with such like flattering,
'Pity but he were a king'.

But if fortune once do frown
Then farewell his great renown:
They that fawn'd on him before
Use his company no more.

He that is thy friend indeed,
He will help thee in thy need;
If thou sorrow, he will weep;
If thou wake, he cannot sleep:

Thus of every grief in heart
He with thee dith bear a part,
These are certain sings to know
Faithful friend from flattering foe.

1.
Tick the correct options.
1. Shakespeare compares words to the wind
  1. because they are spoken.
  2. to make a simile.
  3. because like the wind they are lost soon.
  4. so that we get confused.
2. According to the poet, many people surround us when we are
  1. popular.
  2. old.
  3. young.
  4. rich.
3. The second verse points out that when one loses ______________, one will have few friends.
  1. beauty
  2. a job
  3. money
  4. a best friend
2.
What would flatterers say if one is wasteful?
3.
According to the poet what are the special qualities of a friend?
4.
How is a flatterer different from a friend?
5.
Explain these lines with reference to the context.
But if store of crowns be scant,
No man shall supply thy want.
6.
If thou wake, he cannot sleep
Who is 'he'? What does the expression 'If thou wake' refer to?

5 more answer(s) available.

Gem's English Reader 7

Ratna Sagar

Chapters

Friends and Flatterers

William Shakespeare

Available Answers