William Shakespeare Facts

  • Home
  • Biography +
    • Shakespeare Timeline
    • Childhood
    • Family
  • Shakespeare Works +
    • Shakespeare Plays
    • – List of Plays
    • – The Tragedies
    • – The Histories
    • – The Comedies
    • Shakespeare Sonnets
    • – List of Sonnets
  • Shakespeare Quotes +
    • Quotes On Life
    • Quotes On Love
    • Funny Quotes
  • More +
    • Did He Write His Plays?
    • Who Did He Marry?
    • Shakespeare Online
    • Site Map

Sonnet 78

So oft have I invok’d thee for my Muse,

And found such fair assistance in my verse,

As every alien pen hath got my use

And under thee their poesy disperse.

Thine eyes that taught the dumb on high to sing,

And heavy ignorance aloft to fly,

Have added feathers to the learned’s wing,

And given grace a double majesty.

Yet be most proud of that which I compile,

Whose influence is thine and born of thee,

In others’ works thou dost but mend the style,

And arts with thy sweet graces graced be.

But thou art all my art and dost advance

As high as learning, my rude ignorance.

Back to list of William Shakespeare sonnets

If you have found this content useful why not read some fascinating facts about the William Shakespeare sonnets? Or, for a list of all 154 Shakespearean sonnets, with links to the full text for each, please click here. Or return to the William Shakespeare facts home page and explore some of the other material we have compiled for your interest, entertainment or education.


Copyright © 2018 · Dave Fowler • History in Numbers • All third party trademarks are hereby acknowledged.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok