Sing no more ditties, sing no mo
Of dumps so dull and and heavy;
The fraud of men was ever so,
Since summer first was leavy.
When I consider ev'rything that grows.
WHEN I consider ev'rything 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 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,
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.