lhskarka | Poetry Day 28

Really, it's very difficult for me to choose a single favorite verse from Shakepseare's work, and even as of today I had narrowed it down to two. So I took the easy way out and chose the shorter of the two to post, but here's a link to the runner-up, Queen Mab.

And the winner!

Sonnet XXIX
William Shakespeare

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 possessed,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts my self 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 remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

(In case you were wondering, yes, this one sounds like Ron Perlman, too.)

More sonnets here.