POEM

Sonnet XII: "When I do count the clock that tells the time"

by William Shakespeare

When I do count the clock that tells the time,
And see the brave day sunk in hideous night;
When I behold the violet past prime,
And sable curls ensilvered o’er with white;
When lofty trees I see barren of leaves,
Which erst from heat did canopy the herd,
And summer’s green all girded up in sheaves
Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard:
Then of thy beauty do I question make
That thou among the wastes of time must go,
Since sweets and beauties do themselves forsake,
And die as fast as they see others grow;
And nothing 'gainst time’s scythe can make defence
Save breed to brave him when he takes thee hence.

 William  Shakespeare

Actor, dramatist, and poet, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is the most highly regarded . . . MORE »

More Poems by William Shakespeare

Sonnet LX: Like as the Waves Make towards the Pebbled Shore

Sonnet CXLIV: Two loves I have of comfort and despair

Sonnet CXXXV: Whoever hath her wish, thou hast thy Will

Sonnet XL: Take all my loves, my love, yea, take them all

Sonnet CXLVI: Poor Soul, the Centre of my Sinful Earth

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