Open Source Shakespeare

Sonnets

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Act I, Scene 125

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  • Shakespeare. Were 't aught to me I bore the canopy,
    With my extern the outward honouring,
    Or laid great bases for eternity, 1740
    Which prove more short than waste or ruining?
    Have I not seen dwellers on form and favour
    Lose all, and more, by paying too much rent,
    For compound sweet forgoing simple savour,
    Pitiful thrivers, in their gazing spent? 1745
    No, let me be obsequious in thy heart,
    And take thou my oblation, poor but free,
    Which is not mix'd with seconds, knows no art,
    But mutual render, only me for thee.
    Hence, thou suborn'd informer! a true soul 1750
    When most impeach'd stands least in thy control.