Today is (maybe, we think) The 443 aniversary of the birth of the greatest English playwright ever. Ok, I will say the greatest playwright ever period, but that's just me.
That Shakespeare can continue to be relevant 391 years after his death speaks volumes as to his genius.
In his honor I offer the following sonnet. I can't really say it is my favorite, because that would be like choosing one of my children over the others, but this is the one that speaks to my current frame of mind.
Sonnet 29
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 possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
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 possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
2 comments:
And that, my friend, happens to be one of my favorite sonnets, too.
I agree--it's impossible to choose just one. When Robert and I married, we didn't have the usual vow thing; our lawyer/justice-of-the-peace/friend simply read the sonnet #116, which begins "Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments..."..
He was, and is, the Master. And he always will be.
I've got #116 posted above my desk at work.
:)
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