English poem
Sonnet 138: When my love swears that she is made of truth
When my love swears that she is made of truth, I do believe her though I know she lies, That she might think me some untutor'd youth, Unlearned in the world's false subtleties. Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young, Although she knows my days are past the best, Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue: On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed: But wherefore says she not she is unjust? And wherefore say not I that I am old? O! love's best habit is in seeming trust, And age in love, loves not to have years told: Therefore I lie with her, and she with me, And in our faults by lies we flatter'd be.
More by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 134: So, now I have confess'd that he is thine
- Sonnet 135: Whoever hath her wish, thou hast thy 'Will,'
- Sonnet 136: If thy soul check thee that I come so near
- Sonnet 137: Thou blind fool, Love, what dost thou to mine eyes
- Sonnet 139: O! call not me to justify the wrong
- Sonnet 13: O! that you were your self; but, love you are
- Sonnet 140: Be wise as thou art cruel; do not press
- Sonnet 141: In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes