Poem A Day

Classic poem

Sonnet 23: As an unperfect actor on the stage

by William Shakespeare

As an unperfect actor on the stage,

Who with his fear is put beside his part,

Or some fierce thing replete with too much rage,

Whose strength's abundance weakens his own heart;

So I, for fear of trust, forget to say

The perfect ceremony of love's rite,

And in mine own love's strength seem to decay,

O'ercharg'd with burthen of mine own love's might.

O! let my looks be then the eloquence

And dumb presagers of my speaking breast,

Who plead for love, and look for recompense,

More than that tongue that more hath more express'd.

O! learn to read what silent love hath writ:

To hear with eyes belongs to love's fine wit.

lovesolitudetime
Public domain/Source

About this poem

First line
As an unperfect actor on the stage,
Poet
William Shakespeare
Themes
love, solitude, time

Poem A Day

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