William Shakespeare(1564–1616)

Sonnet 15

When I consider everything that grows

Holds 0 in perfection but a little moment,

That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows2

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;3

When I perceive that men as plants increase,

Cheered and checked 0 ev'n by the selfsame sky,repressed

Vaunt in their youthful sap,4 at height decrease,

And wear their brave state out of memory,5

Then the conceit 0 of this inconstant stayconception, idea

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

Where wasteful time debateth with6 decay

To change your day of youth to sullied 0 night;soiled; darkened

And all in war with time for love of you,

As he takes from you, I engraft you new.7