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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: 145 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOSE LIPS THAT LOVE'S OWN HAND DID MAKE
Last Line: AND SAVED MY LIFE, SAYING 'NOT YOU.'
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 saved my life, saying 'not you.'



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