Shakespeare's Sonnets: From fairest creatures we desire increase

Shakespeare's Sonnets: From fairest creatures we desire increase

1From fairest creatures we desire increase
2That thereby beauty's rose might never die,
7Making a famine where abundance lies,
8Thy self thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel:
9Thou that art now the world's fresh ornament,
10And only herald to the gaudy spring,
13    Pity the world, or else this glutton be,

Notes

3] riper] the older, more mature one. Back to Line
4] His] Shakespeare writes to a male. Back to Line
5] contracted] betrothed; reduced in size. Back to Line
6] self-substantial] "Derived from one's own substance" (OED; only citation). Back to Line
11] buriest] bisyllabic, elided. Back to Line
12] niggarding] hoarding. Back to Line
14] to eat what is due to the world by the grave (it gives your body) and by you (you give your life). Back to Line
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire