How can my muse want subject to invent, <br />While thou dost breathe, that pour'st into my verse <br />Thine own sweet argument, too excellent <br />For every vulgar paper to rehearse? <br />O! give thy self the thanks, if aught in me <br />Worthy perusal stand against thy sight; <br />For who's so dumb that cannot write to thee, <br />When thou thy self dost give invention light? <br />Be thou the tenth Muse, ten times more in worth <br />Than those old nine which rhymers invocate; <br />And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth <br />Eternal numbers to outlive long date. <br />If my slight muse do please these curious days, <br />The pain be mine, but thine shall be the praise.<br /><br />William Shakespeare<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxxviii-how-can-my-muse-want-subject-to-i/