XV

　　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 checked even by the self-same sky， Vaunt in theiryouthful 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.