Who said “It is a wise father that knows his own child.”?

Verified

William Shakespeare. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Merchant of Venice (1596–7), Launcelot Gobbo, Act II, scene ii.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Merchant of Venice (1596–7), Launcelot Gobbo, Act II, scene ii..

APA

Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). It is a wise father that knows his own child. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17690-it-is-a-wise-father-that-knows-his/

MLA

Shakespeare, William. “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17690-it-is-a-wise-father-that-knows-his/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Shakespeare, William. “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17690-it-is-a-wise-father-that-knows-his/.