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When I consider everything that grows
When I consider everything that grows Holds in perfection but a little moment, That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows Whereon the stars in secret influence comment; When I perceive that men as plants increase, Cheered and check'd even by the selfsame sky, Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease, And wear their brave state out of memory; Then the conceit of this inconstant stay Sets you most rich in youth before my sight, Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay To change your day of youth to sullied night; And all in war with Time for love of you, As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
When I think about everything that grows It remains perfect for only a short time, That this big world shows nothing but performances Where the stars secretly influence them; When I see that people grow like plants, Encouraged and restrained by the same sky, They boast in their youth, then decline, And forget their once proud state; Then the idea of this unstable life Makes you seem very youthful to me, Where Time argues with Decay To turn your youthful day into a spoiled night; And in my fight with Time for love of you, As Time takes from you, I renew you.