William Shakespeare
1564-1616
Sonnet CXXV
Were't aught
to me I bore the canopy,
With my extern the
outward honouring,
Or laid great bases
for eternity,
Which proves 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?
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 suborned informer! a true soul
When most impeach'd, stands least in thy control.
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