English poem
Sonnet 48: How careful was I when I took my way
How careful was I when I took my way, Each trifle under truest bars to thrust, That to my use it might unused stay From hands of falsehood, in sure wards of trust! But thou, to whom my jewels trifles are, Most worthy comfort, now my greatest grief, Thou best of dearest, and mine only care, Art left the prey of every vulgar thief. Thee have I not lock'd up in any chest, Save where thou art not, though I feel thou art, Within the gentle closure of my breast, From whence at pleasure thou mayst come and part; And even thence thou wilt be stol'n I fear, For truth proves thievish for a prize so dear.
More by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 44: If the dull substance of my flesh were thought
- Sonnet 45: The other two, slight air, and purging fire
- Sonnet 46: Mine eye and heart are at a mortal war
- Sonnet 47: Betwixt mine eye and heart a league is took
- Sonnet 49: Against that time, if ever that time come
- Sonnet 4: Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend
- Sonnet 50: How heavy do I journey on the way
- Sonnet 51: Thus can my love excuse the slow offence