William Shakespeare. 1564-1616
157. Sonnets xiii
1 min to read
117 words

FROM you have I been absent in the spring, When proud-pied April, dress'd in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything, That heavy Saturn laugh'd and leap'd with him. Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell Of different flowers in odour and in hue, Could make me any summer's story tell, Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew; Nor did I wonder at the Lily's white, Nor praise the deep vermilion in the Rose; They were but sweet, but figures of delight, Drawn after you, you pattern of all those.   Yet seem'd it Winter still, and, you away,   As with your shadow I with these did play.

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William Shakespeare. 1564-1616
158. Sonnets xiv
1 min to read
116 words
Return to The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250–1900






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