William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 1 Full Poem Text

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet One (From Fairest Creatures We Desire Increase) is the 1st of his 154 sonnets published in 1609 and the first of the “Fair Youth” and “procreation” sonnets. It is a typical Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. It also has the characteristic rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem attempts to convince the fair youth that his reluctance to carry his unique qualities on through having children is selfish and self-destructive. The sonnet is included here for reference and reading enjoyment.

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 2 Full Poem Text

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet Two (When Forty Winters Shall Besiege Thy Brow) is the 2nd of his 154 sonnets published in 1609 and the second of the “Fair Youth” and “procreation” sonnets. It is a typical Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. It also has the characteristic rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem warns the fair youth being addressed that he will most certainly regret perpetuating his youthful debauchery when he reaches the ripe old age of forty, particularly if he ultimately ends up failing to marry and produce offspring. The sonnet is included here for reference and reading enjoyment.

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 3 Full Poem Text

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet Three (Look In Thy Glass And Tell The Face Thou Viewest) is the 3rd of his 154 sonnets published in 1609 and the third of the “Fair Youth” and “procreation” sonnets. It is a typical Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. It also has the characteristic rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Again, Shakespeare warns of the dire consequences of growing old and dying without having offspring. He does so by offering two different outcomes to the youth’s life. One being an empty future with gloomy golden years, while another is full of life and joy as he lives on through his future generations. The sonnet is included here for reference and reading enjoyment.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The–Lake–To Full Poem Text

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet Two (When Forty Winters Shall Besiege Thy Brow) is the 2nd of his 154 sonnets published in 1609 and the second of the “Fair Youth” and “procreation” sonnets. It is a typical Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains followed by a couplet. It also has the characteristic rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem warns the fair youth being addressed that he will most certainly regret perpetuating his youthful debauchery when he reaches the ripe old age of forty, particularly if he ultimately ends up failing to marry and produce offspring. The sonnet is included here for reference and reading enjoyment.