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and lines we see are soon defaced

Metals do waste and fret with canker's rust,

The diamond shall once consume to dust,

And freshest colours with foul stains disgraced;

Paper and ink can paint but naked words,

To write with blood of force offends the sight;

And if with tears, I find them all too light,

And sighs and signs a silly hope affords.

O sweetest shadow, how thou serv'st my turn!

Which still shalt be as long as there is sun,

Nor whilst the world is never shall be done;

Whilst moon shall shine or any fire shall burn,

That everything whence shadow doth proceed,

May in his shadow my love's story read.