When in Disgrace with Fortune and Men’s Eyes (Sonnet 29)
[Verse 1]
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
[Refrain]
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 myself 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
[Outro]
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings