This above all: to thine ownself be true

Shakespeare and Ringtones. Prey tell. Yes the Bard of Stratford was clued up even then. There are up to 200 references to the noble tone in his plays.

The earliest example can be found in the Merry Wives of Windsor, in Act I Scene III. Falstaff can clearly be heard saying "Rogues, hence, avaunt! Vanish like ringtones, go. Expressing his annoyance for the damned musical alerts.

Othello meanwhile worries there may not be any in heaven when he asks: "Are there no ringtones in heaven?" in Scene II of Act V. Don't worry, Othello, I'm sure there will be if there is indeed such a place.

In the comedy As You Like It, Duke Senior (sounds like a modern day hip hop star) realises the importance of them when saying: "Sermons in tones and good in every thing. I would not change it."

Pyramus, speaking in A Midsummer Night's Dream, has obviously set his phone to the wrong alert as he bemoans: "Cursed be thy ringtones for thus deceiving me!"

Queen Elizabeth in King Richard III is obviously not happy at not having the latest tone when she cries: "Pity, you ancient ringtones, those tender babes."