When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection
but a little moment,
That this huge stage presented nought but
shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
When I perceive that
men as plants increase,
Cheered and cheque’d 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 debate-th 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 en-graft you
new.
By
( William Shakespeare )
