我们的光阴匆匆地奔向灭亡；
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
后一分钟挤去了前一分种，
Each changing place with that which goes before,
接连不断地向前竞争得匆忙。
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
生命，一朝在光的海洋里诞生，
Nativity, once in the main of light,
就慢慢爬上达到极峰的成熟，
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crowned,
不祥的晦食偏偏来和他争胜，
Crooked eclipses 'gainst his glory fight,
时间就捣毁自己送出的礼物。
And Time that gave doth now his gift confound.
时间会刺破青春表面的彩饰，
Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth,
会在美人的额上掘深沟浅槽；
And delves the parallels in beauty's brow,
会吃掉稀世之珍：天生丽质，
Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,
什么都逃不过他那横扫的镰刀。
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow:
可是，去他的毒手吧！我这诗章
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
将屹立在未来，永远地把你颂扬。
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.