When I consider that everything that grows
Remains perfect for only a little moment;
That the huge stage of the world has on it nothing but shows
On which the stars have their secret influence;
When I perceive that humans multiply like plants,
Encouraged and held back by the very same sky,
Boasting of their youthful sap, until they peak and then decline,
And wear out their beauty until it is lost from memory;
Then the idea of this ever-changing state
Puts me in mind of you, since you are very youthful,
In you wasteful time debates with decay,
About how to corrupt your youthful day into sullied night;
I am fighting against time out of love for you,
As time takes from you, I engraft you again.