PoemSonnet 16: “But wherefore do not you…
Author / PoetWilliam Shakespeare
ReferenceSonnet
TagsBeauty, Procreation, Sonnet, Time

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 blessed 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.

William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
23 Apr 1564 - 23 Apr 1616
Region: Northern Europe
Period: Renaissance
Movement: English Renaissance

more poems by William Shakespeare

Poem NameTopic
Sonnet 94: “They that have power to hurt…Power, Restraint, Sonnet
Sonnet 146: “Poor soul, the centre of my…Morality, Reflection, Self
Sonnet 73: “That time of year…Aging, Reflection, Seasons
The Procreation Sonnets (1 – 17)Beauty, Immortality, Legacy
Sonnet 29: ‘When, in disgrace with fortune…Despair, Fortune, Love
Sonnet 130: ‘My mistress’ eyes are nothing…Beauty, Comparison, Love
The Dark Lady Sonnets (127 – 154)Desire, Infidelity, Mystery
Sonnet 112: “Your love and pity…Betrayal, Love, Loyalty
Sonnet 116: ‘Let me not to the marriage…Constancy, Love, Marriage
Sonnet 110: “Alas, ’tis true I have gone…Betrayal, Guilt, Redemption

all poems by William Shakespeare

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