Those lips that Love’s own hand did make
Breathed forth the sound that said ‘I hate’
To me that languish’d for her sake;
But when she saw my woeful state,
Straight in her heart did mercy come,
Chiding that tongue that ever sweet
Was used in giving gentle doom,
And taught it thus anew to greet:
‘I hate’ she alter’d with an end,
That follow’d it as gentle day
Doth follow night, who like a fiend
From heaven to hell is flown away;
I hate, from hate away she threw,
And sav’d my life saying ‘not you.
If you have found this content useful why not read some fascinating facts about the William Shakespeare sonnets? Or, for a list of all 154 Shakespearean sonnets, with links to the full text for each, please click here. Or return to the William Shakespeare facts home page and explore some of the other material we have compiled for your interest, entertainment or education.