Sonnet 138
The Dark Lady: Desire
- 1 When my love swears that she is made of truth,
- 2 I do believe her though I know she lies,
- 3 That she might think me some untutor'd youth,
- 4 Unlearned in the world's false subtleties.
- 5 Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young,
- 6 Although she knows my days are past the best,
- 7 Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue:
- 8 On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed:
- 9 But wherefore says she not she is unjust?
- 10 And wherefore say not I that I am old?
- 11 O! love's best habit is in seeming trust,
- 12 And age in love, loves not to have years told:
- 13 Therefore I lie with her, and she with me,
- 14 And in our faults by lies we flatter'd be.