English poem
Sonnet 74: But be contented: when that fell arrest
But be contented: when that fell arrest Without all bail shall carry me away, My life hath in this line some interest, Which for memorial still with thee shall stay. When thou reviewest this, thou dost review The very part was consecrate to thee: The earth can have but earth, which is his due; My spirit is thine, the better part of me: So then thou hast but lost the dregs of life, The prey of worms, my body being dead; The coward conquest of a wretch's knife, Too base of thee to be remembered. The worth of that is that which it contains, And that is this, and this with thee remains.
More by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 70: That thou art blam'd shall not be thy defect
- Sonnet 71: No longer mourn for me when I am dead
- Sonnet 72: O! lest the world should task you to recite
- Sonnet 73: That time of year thou mayst in me behold
- Sonnet 75: So are you to my thoughts as food to life
- Sonnet 76: Why is my verse so barren of new pride
- Sonnet 77: Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear
- Sonnet 78: So oft have I invoked thee for my Muse