XV.

When I confider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
That this huge stage prefenteth nought but shows
Whereon the ftars in fecret influence comment;
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
Cheered and check'd even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful fap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of

memory;
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
Sets you most rich in youth before my fight,
Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay,
To change your day of youth to fullied night;
And all in war with Time for love of you,
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

B

XVI.

But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Make war upon this bloody tyrant, Time?
And fortify yourself in your decay

With means more bleffed than my barren rime?
Now stand you on the top of happy hours,

And many maiden gardens, yet unfet,

With virtuous wish would bear your living flowers
Much liker than your painted counterfeit :

So fhould the lines of life that life repair,
Which this, Time's pencil, or my pupil pen,
Neither in inward worth nor outward fair,
Can make you live yourself in eyes of men.
To give away yourself keeps yourself still;

And

you must live, drawn by your own sweet skill.