1. In "King Henry VI, Part 2" (Act 4, Scene 2), Dick the Butcher says:
> "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
This famous quote reflects the negative perception of lawyers during Shakespeare's time, as they were often associated with corruption and dishonesty.
2. In "Measure for Measure" (Act 2, Scene 2), the Duke, disguised as a friar, remarks:
> "They say best men are moulded out of faults,
And for the most become much more the better
For being a little bad: so may my husband."
This line suggests that even good men can benefit from having some flaws, and that being a bit mischievous or cunning (like a lawyer) can be advantageous.
3. In "The Merchant of Venice" (Act 4, Scene 1), Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, says:
> "The quality of mercy is not strained,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
This famous speech about mercy comes from a character who is pretending to be a lawyer, highlighting the importance of compassion and forgiveness even in legal matters.
4. In "Twelfth Night" (Act 1, Scene 5), Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a pompous character, says:
> "I was adored once too. Well, let it be known, I was called 'Three-pence' by the other gentlemen here."
This line refers to the term "three-pence lawyer," which was used during Shakespeare's time to describe a lawyer of inferior quality or one who would take on any case for a low fee.
5. In "Hamlet" (Act 5, Scene 1), Hamlet reflects on the corruption and dishonesty in the legal system:
> "Why, let the strucken deer go weep,
The hart ungalled play;
For some must watch, while some must sleep;
So runs the world away.
Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers (if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me), with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players, sir?"
In this soliloquy, Hamlet expresses his frustration with the world and contemplates joining a group of actors, suggesting that even a career as a performer may be preferable to the corrupt legal profession.
These examples illustrate Shakespeare's varied portrayal of lawyers in his works, reflecting both the negative stereotypes and the more positive qualities associated with the legal profession during his time.