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Shakespeare's Sonnets - Sonnet 38
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Last updated: Fri, Jul 31, 2015
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Shakespeare's Sonnets - Sonnet 38Sonnet 38
38
Synopsis:
The poet attributes all that is praiseworthy in his poetry to the beloved, who is his theme and inspiration.
How can my muse want subject to invent
While thou dost breathe that pour’st into my verse
Thine own sweet argument, too excellent
4For every vulgar paper to rehearse?
O, give thyself the thanks if aught in me
Worthy perusal stand against thy sight,
For who’s so dumb that cannot write to thee
8When thou thyself dost give invention light?
Be thou the tenth muse, ten times more in worth
Than those old nine which rhymers invocate;
And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth
12Eternal numbers to outlive long date.
If my slight muse do please these curious days,
The pain be mine, but thine shall be the praise.