When I consider everything that grows

我这样考虑着；世间的一切生物

Holds in perfection but a little moment,

只能够繁茂一个极短的时期，

That this huge stage presenteth naught¹ but shows

而这座大舞台上的全部演出

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;

没有不受到星象的默化潜移；

When I perceive that men as plants increase,

我看见：人类像植物一样增多，

Cheered and checked even by the selfsame sky,

一样被头上的天空所鼓舞，所叱责；

Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,

在青春朝气中雀跃，过极峰而下坡，

And wear their brave state out of memory;

坚持他们勇敢的品格到湮没——

Then the conceit² of this inconstant stay

于是，无常的世界就发出奇想，

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

使你青春焕发地站在我眼前，

Where wasteful³ Time debateth with Decay,

挥霍的时间却串通腐朽来逞强，

To change your day of youth to sullied night;

要变你青春的白天为晦暗的夜晚；

And, all in war with Time for love of you,

为了爱你，我要跟时间决斗，

As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

把你接上比青春更永久的枝头。