Sonnet XIX: Devouring Time, Blunt thou the Lion's Paws
Sonnet XIX: Devouring Time, Blunt thou the Lion's Paws
Original Text
William Shakespeare, Shake-speares sonnets (London: G. Eld for T. T., 1609). STC 22353. Facs. edn.: London: J. Cape, 1925. PR 2750 B48 1609b ROBA.
1Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws,
2And make the earth devour her own sweet brood;
3Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws,
4And burn the long-liv'd Phoenix in her blood;
6And do whate'er thou wilt, swift-footed Time,
7To the wide world and all her fading sweets;
8But I forbid thee one more heinous crime:
9O, carve not with the hours my love's fair brow,
10Nor draw no lines there with thine antique pen!
12For beauty's pattern to succeeding men.
13Yet do thy worst, old Time! Despite thy wrong
14My love shall in my verse ever live young.
Notes
5] fleets: Northern English for "fleetest." Back to Line
11] untainted: unsullied, without blemish. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1609
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.138.
Rhyme
Form