Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor
boundless 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 wreckful siege of battering
days,
When rocks impregnable are not so stout,
Nor gates of steel so strong but time
decays?
O fearful meditation, 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.
