When I consider euery thing that growes
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
That this huge stage presenteth nought but showes
Whereon the Stars in secret influence comment;
When I perceiue that men as plants increase,
Cheared and checkt euen by the selfe-same skie,
Vaunt in their youthfull sap, at height decrease,
And were their braue state out of memory;
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
Sets you, most rich in youth, before my sight,
Where wastfull time debateth with decay
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
And all in war with Time for loue of you,
As he takes from you, I ingraft you new.
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,
Cheered 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.