Sonnet LXV
|
|
Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea, | 1
But sad mortality o'er-sways their power, | 2
How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea, | 3
Whose action is no stronger than a flower? | 4
O, how shall summer's honey breath hold out | 5
Against the wreckful siege of battering days, | 6
When rocks impregnable are not so stout, | 7
Nor gates of steel so strong, but Time decays? | 8
O fearful meditation! where, alack, | 9
Shall Time's best jewel from Time's chest lie hid? | 10
Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back? | 11
Or who his spoil of beauty can forbid? | 12
O, none, unless this miracle have might, | 13
That in black ink my love may still shine bright. | 14
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|