A Sonnet (or short poem) from a collection written by William Shakespeare, published in 1609. 

#38

Synopsis:

The poet attributes all that is praiseworthy in his poetry to the beloved, who is his theme and inspiration.

How can my muse want subject to invent

While thou dost breathe that pour’st into my verse

Thine own sweet argument, too excellent

For every vulgar paper to rehearse?

O, give thyself the thanks if aught in me

Worthy perusal stand against thy sight,

For who’s so dumb that cannot write to thee

When thou thyself dost give invention light?

Be thou the tenth muse, ten times more in worth

Than those old nine which rhymers invocate;

And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth

Eternal numbers to outlive long date.

 If my slight muse do please these curious days,

 The pain be mine, but thine shall be the praise.

(Project Gutenberg, Public Domain)

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