| 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, | 5 |
| Cheered and check’d e’en 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, | 10 |
| 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. |