What potions have I drunk of Siren tears,
Distilled from limbecks foul as hell within,
Applying fears to hopes, and hopes to fears,
Still losing when I saw my self to win!
What wretched errors hath my heart committed,
Whilst it hath thought it self so blessèd never!
How have mine eyes out of their spheres been fitted
In the distraction of this madding fever!
O, benefit of ill, now I find true
That better is, by evil still made better;
And ruined love, when it is built anew,
Grows fairer than at first, more strong, far greater.
So I return rebuked to my content,
And gain by ills thrice more than I have spent.
More verses by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 57: Being Your Slave, What Should I Do But Tend
- Now, My Co-Mates And Brothers In Exile
- Sonnet 25: Let Those Who Are In Favour With Their Stars
- Sonnet 87: Farewell! Thou Art Too Dear For My Possessing
- Sonnet 71: No Longer Mourn For Me When I Am Dead