On the north front of the building:
This therefore is the praise
Of Shakespeare
That his drama is the mirrour of life.
—SAMUEL JOHNSON
His wit can no more lie hid,
Then it could be lost.
Reade him, therefore; and againe, and againe.
—JOHN HEMINGE, HENRIE CONDELL
Thou art a moniment, without a tombe,
And art alive still, while thy booke doth live,
And we have wits to read, and praise to give.
—BEN JONSON
On the west side of the building, facing the U.S. Capitol:
For Wisdomes sake, a word that all men love.
—LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
On the fountain, below the statue of Puck:
Lord, what fooles these mortals be!
—A MIDSOMMER NIGHTS DREAME
