Poem of the day: on the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's sonnets

[pallas_athena]

Sonnet 23

As an unperfect actor on the stage,
Who with his fear is put besides 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'ercharged with burthen of mine own love's might.
O, let my books 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.

Comments

[fracture242.livejournal.com]

That's lovely hun - a perfect homage, I think.

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

I do love this one; I'm glad you like it too.

Have you checked out the Globe's season? (http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/theatre/annualtheatreseason) For tragedies, we're down to Romeo and Juliet or Troilus and Cressida -- both excellent plays.

[fracture242.livejournal.com]

Oooh - it's a difficult decision actually. On one hand, I feel like I should see T&C because I don't know it as well, but then I have a real soft spot for R&J. I'm happy with either hun - do you have a preference?

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

I hope to get to both-- but T&C is one of my favourite plays, so I'm really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed that they get it right.

[fracture242.livejournal.com]

Well, let me speak to the elf tonight and then we can get something sorted asap for at least one of them! Also, I've had a look in my diary in regards to what I'm doing this weekend and sadly I don't think I can make the ball tonight - there's just too much to do. Could you give Sue lots of hugs and love from me please?