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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    Reason in it selfe confounded,
    Saw Diuision grow together,
    To themselues yet either neither,
    Simple were so well compounded.
    45That it cried, how true a twaine,
    Seemeth this concordant one,
    Loue hath Reason, Reason none,
    If what parts, can so remaine.
    Whereupon it made this Threne,
    50To the Phoenix and the Doue,
    Co-supremes and starres of Loue,
    As Chorus to their Tragique Scene.
    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.