Upon the Gentle Flame of Love

Sonnet: Upon the Gentle Flame of Love

( William Shakespeare )

When I do gaze upon thy beauteous face,

A thousand stars seem dimm’d in jealous light;

Thy voice, more sweet than heaven's soft embrace,

Doth turn my darkest thoughts to morning bright.

No tempest shakes the anchor of my soul,

When bound to thee, my constant, fairest guide;

Though time with wrinkled hand may take its toll,

Thy love shall in my heart forever bide.

For not the rose, though rich in scarlet bloom,

Can boast of scent so fine as thine own grace;

Nor moonlight break so softly through the gloom,

As doth the smile that dwelleth on thy face.

Let death come swift or slow, I shall not part—

For thou, sweet love, dost live within my heart.