LXV
Since brass1, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless2 sea, But sad mortality o'ersways their power, How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea, Whose action is no stronger than a flower? O! how shall summer's honey breath hold out, Against the wrackful siege of battering3 days, When rocks impregnable are not so stout4, Nor gates of steel so strong but Time decays? O fearful meditation5! where, alack, Shall Time's best jewel from Time's chest lie hid? Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back? Or who his spoil of beauty can forbid? O! none, unless this miracle have might, That in black ink my love may still shine bright.