Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The Phoenix and Turtle (Quarto, 1601)
  • Editor: Hardy M. Cook
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-411-0

    Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Hardy M. Cook
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The Phoenix and Turtle (Quarto, 1601)

    172
    Threnos.
    BEautie, Truth, and Raritie,
    Grace in all simplicitie,
    55Here enclosde, in cinders lie.
    Death is now the Phoenix nest,
    And the Turtles loyall brest,
    To eternitie doth rest.
    Leauing no posteritie,
    60Twas not their infirmitie,
    It was married Chastitie.
    Truth may seeme, but cannot be,
    Beautie bragge, but tis not she,
    Truth and Beautie buried be.
    65To this vrne let those repaire,
    That are either true or faire,
    For these dead Birds, sigh a prayer.

    William Shake-speare.