只能够繁茂一个极短的时期，
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
而这座大舞台上的全部演出
That this huge stage presenteth naught but shows
没有不受到星象的默化潜移；
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
我看见：人类像植物一样增多，
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
一样被头上的天空所鼓舞，所叱责；
Cheered and checked even by the selfsame sky,
在青春朝气中雀跃，过极峰而下坡，
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
坚持他们勇敢的品格到湮没——
And wear their brave state out of memory;
于是，无常的世界就发出奇想，
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
使你青春焕发地站在我眼前，
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
挥霍的时间却串通腐朽来逞强，
Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay,
要变你青春的白天为晦暗的夜晚；
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
为了爱你，我要跟时间决斗，
And, all in war with Time for love of you,
把你接上比青春更永久的枝头。
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.