Shake-speares Sonnets (Quarto 1, 1609)

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- The Sonnets, Quarto 1

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Page 11
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Complete text

SONNETS.
 
 208 Or else of thee this I prognosticate,
 209 Thy end is Truthes and Beauties doome and date.
 
 210I5
 
 211WHen I consider euery thing that growes
 212 Holds in perfection but a little moment.
 213That this huge stage presenteth nought but showes
 214Whereon the Stars in secret influence comment.
 215When I perceiue that men as plants increase,
 216Cheared and checkt euen by the selfe-same skie:
 217Vaunt in their youthfull sap, at height decrease,
 218And were their braue state out of memory.
 219Then the conceit of this inconstant stay,
 220Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
 221Where wastfull time debateth with decay
 222To change your day of youth to sullied night,
 223 And all in war with Time for loue of you
 224As he takes from you, I ingraft you new.
 
 225I6
 
 226BVt wherefore do not you a mightier waie
 227Make warre vppon this bloudie tirant time?
 228And fortifie your selfe in your decay
 229With meanes more blessed then my barren rime?
 230Now stand you on the top of happie houres,
 231And many maiden gardens yet vnset,
 232With vertuous wish would beare your liuing flowers,
 233Much liker then your painted counterfeit:
 234So should the lines of life that life repaire
 235Which this (Times pensel or my pupill pen )
 236Neither in inward worth nor outward faire
 237Can make you liue your selfe in eies of men,
 238 To giue away your selfe, keeps your selfe still,
 239And you must liue drawne by your owne sweet skill,
 
 240I7
 
 241WHo will beleeue my verse in time to come
 242If it were fild with your most high deserts?
Though
B 4

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Shake-speares Sonnets (Quarto 1, 1609)