But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Make war upon this bloody tyrant, Time,
And fortify your self in your decay
With means more blessèd than my barren rhyme?
Now stand you on the top of happy hours,
And many maiden gardens yet unset,
With virtuous wish would bear you living flowers,
Much liker than your painted counterfeit:
So should the lines of life that life repair
Which this, Time's pencil, or my pupil pen
Neither in inward worth nor outward fair
Can make you live your self in eyes of men.
    To give away your self keeps your self still,
    And you must live drawn by your own sweet skill.

Added: Feb 20 2003 | Viewed: 1024 times | Comments (0)

Poet: William Shakespeare
Poem: 16. Sonnet 16: But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Volume: The Sonnets
Year: Published/Written in 1609
Poem of the Day on:
Mar 8 2003
There are no comments for this poem. Why not be the first one to post something about it?

Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Sonnet 16: But wherefore do not you a mightier way, has not yet been commented on. You can click here to be the first to post a comment about it. Of course you can also always discuss poems by William Shakespeare with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!