Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
William Shakespeare. 15641616146. Sonnets ii
WHEN, in disgrace with Fortune and men’s eyes, | |
I all alone beweep my outcast state, | |
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, | |
And look upon myself, and curse my fate, | |
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, | 5 |
Featured like him, like him with friends possest, | |
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope, | |
With what I most enjoy contented least; | |
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising— | |
Haply I think on thee: and then my state, | 10 |
Like to the Lark at break of day arising | |
From sullen earth, sings hymns at Heaven’s gate; | |
For thy sweet love rememb’red such wealth brings | |
That then I scorn to change my state with Kings. |