When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes，

    I all alone beweep my outcast state，

    And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries，

    And look upon myself and curse my fate，

    wishing me like to one more rich in hope，

    Featured like him， like him with friends possessed¹，

    Desiring this man's art， and that man's scope，

    With what I most enjoy contented² least；

    Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising，

    Haply I think on thee——and then my state，

    Like to the lark³ at break of day arising

    From sullen⁴ earth sings hymns⁵ at heaven's gate；

    For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings，

    That then I scorn to change my state with kings.