English poem
Sonnet 85: My tongue-tied Muse in manners holds her still
My tongue-tied Muse in manners holds her still, While comments of your praise richly compil'd, Reserve their character with golden quill, And precious phrase by all the Muses fil'd. I think good thoughts, whilst others write good words, And like unlettered clerk still cry 'Amen' To every hymn that able spirit affords, In polish'd form of well-refined pen. Hearing you praised, I say ''tis so, 'tis true,' And to the most of praise add something more; But that is in my thought, whose love to you, Though words come hindmost, holds his rank before. Then others, for the breath of words respect, Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.
More by William Shakespeare
- Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make
- Sonnet 82: I grant thou wert not married to my Muse
- Sonnet 83: I never saw that you did painting need
- Sonnet 84: Who is it that says most, which can say more
- Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse
- Sonnet 87: Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing
- Sonnet 88: When thou shalt be dispos'd to set me light
- Sonnet 89: Say that thou didst forsake me for some fault