If there be nothing new, but that which is
Hath been before, how are our brains beguiled,
Which, labouring for invention bear amis
The second burthen of a former child!
O, that record could with a backward look,
Even of five hundred courses of the sun,
Show me your image in some antique book,
Since mind at first in character was done.
That I might see what the old world could say
To this composèd wonder of your frame;
Whether we are mended, or whe'er better they,
Or whether revolution be the same.
    O, sure I am the wits of former days
    To subjects worse have given admiring praise.

Added: Feb 20 2003 | Viewed: 721 times | Comments (0)

Poet: William Shakespeare
Poem: 59. Sonnet 59: If there be nothing new, but that which is
Volume: The Sonnets
Year: Published/Written in 1609
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