When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment.
That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment.
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
Cheerèd and checked even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of memory;
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay,
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
Where wasteful Time debateth with decay
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
And all in war with Time for love of you,
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
More verses by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 104: To Me, Fair Friend, You Never Can Be Old
- Sonnet 142: Love Is My Sin, And Thy Dear Virtue Hate
- Sonnet 113: Since I Left You, Mine Eye Is In My Mind
- Sonnet 10: For Shame, Deny That Thou Bear'st Love To Any
- Sonnet 110: Alas, 'Tis True, I Have Gone Here And There