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Shakespeare's Sonnets - Sonnet 27
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Last updated: Fri, Jul 31, 2015
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Shakespeare's Sonnets - Sonnet 27Sonnet 27
27
Synopsis:
In this first of two linked sonnets, the poet complains that the night, which should be a time of rest, is instead a time of continuing toil as, in his imagination, he struggles to reach his beloved.
Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed,
The dear repose for limbs with travel tired,
But then begins a journey in my head
4To work my mind when body’s work’s expired.
For then my thoughts, from far where I abide,
Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee,
And keep my drooping eyelids open wide,
8Looking on darkness which the blind do see;
Save that my soul’s imaginary sight
Presents ⌜thy⌝ shadow to my sightless view,
Which like a jewel hung in ghastly night
12Makes black night beauteous and her old face new.
Lo, thus, by day my limbs, by night my mind,
For thee and for myself no quiet find.