English poem
Sonnet 53: What is your substance, whereof are you made
What is your substance, whereof are you made, That millions of strange shadows on you tend? Since every one, hath every one, one shade, And you but one, can every shadow lend. Describe Adonis, and the counterfeit Is poorly imitated after you; On Helen's cheek all art of beauty set, And you in Grecian tires are painted new: Speak of the spring, and foison of the year, The one doth shadow of your beauty show, The other as your bounty doth appear; And you in every blessed shape we know. In all external grace you have some part, But you like none, none you, for constant heart.
More by William Shakespeare
- 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
- Sonnet 52: So am I as the rich, whose blessed key
- Sonnet 54: O! how much more doth beauty beauteous seem
- Sonnet 55: Not marble, nor the gilded monuments
- Sonnet 56: Sweet love, renew thy force; be it not said
- Sonnet 57: Being your slave what should I do but tend