Sonnet 15
The Case for Posterity
- 1 When I consider every thing that grows
- 2 Holds in perfection but a little moment,
- 3 That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
- 4 Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
- 5 When I perceive that men as plants increase,
- 6 Cheered and checked even by the self-same sky,
- 7 Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
- 8 And wear their brave state out of memory;
- 9 Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
- 10 Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
- 11 Where wasteful Time debateth with decay
- 12 To change your day of youth to sullied night,
- 13 And all in war with Time for love of you,
- 14 As he takes from you, I engraft you new.