How careful was I when I took my way,
Each trifle under truest bars to thrust,
That to my use it might unused stay
From hands of falsehood, in sure wards of trust!
But , to whom my jewels trifles are,
Most worthy comfort, now my greatest grief,
best of dearest, and mine only care,
Art left the prey of every vulgar thief.
have I not locked up in any chest,
Save where art not, though I feel art,
Within the gentle closure of my breast,
From at pleasure mayst come and part,
And even wilt be stol’n I fear,
For truth proves thievish for a prize so dear.
Sonnet 48
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Modern spelling for reading. The edition is public domain in the United States. Edition source.