When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
That this huge stage presenteth nought¹ but shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
Cheered and cheque'd even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of memory;
Then the conceit² of this inconstant stay
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
Where wasteful³ Time debateth with Decay,
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
  And all in war with Time for love of you,
  As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

当我默察一切活泼泼的生机
保持它们的芳菲都不过一瞬，
宇宙的舞台只搬弄一些把戏
被上苍的星宿在冥冥中牵引；
当我发觉人和草木一样蕃衍，
任同一的天把他鼓励和阻挠，
少壮时欣欣向荣，盛极又必反，
繁华和璀璨都被从记忆抹掉；
于是这一切奄忽浮生的征候
便把妙龄的你在我眼前呈列，
眼见残暴的时光与腐朽同谋，
要把你青春的白昼化作黑夜；
　　为了你的爱我将和时光争持：
　　他摧折你，我要把你重新接枝。