Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws, <br /> And make the earth devour her own sweet brood; <br /> Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws, <br /> And burn the long-liv'd Phoenix in her blood; <br /> Make glad and sorry seasons as thou fleets, <br /> And do whate'er thou wilt, swift-footed Time, <br /> To the wide world and all her fading sweets; <br /> But I forbid thee one more heinous crime: <br /> O, carve not with the hours my love's fair brow, <br /> Nor draw no lines there with thine antique pen! <br /> Him in thy course untainted do allow <br /> For beauty's pattern to succeeding men. <br /> Yet do thy worst, old Time! Despite thy wrong <br /> My love shall in my verse ever live young.<br /><br />William Shakespeare<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnets-xix-devouring-time-blunt-thou-the-lion-s/
