Open Source Shakespeare

Sonnets

• To print this text, click here
• To save this text, go to your browser's File menu, then select Save As


       

Act I, Scene 138

---

       

  • Shakespeare. When my love swears that she is made of truth 1920
    I do believe her, though I know she lies,
    That she might think me some untutor'd youth,
    Unlearned in the world's false subtleties.
    Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young,
    Although she knows my days are past the best, 1925
    Simply I credit her false speaking tongue:
    On both sides thus is simple truth suppress'd.
    But wherefore says she not she is unjust?
    And wherefore say not I that I am old?
    O, love's best habit is in seeming trust, 1930
    And age in love loves not to have years told:
    Therefore I lie with her and she with me,
    And in our faults by lies we flatter'd be.