“When I consider every thing that grows”
The speaker reflects on all living things, including plants, animals, and humans, that experience growth and change.
“Holds in perfection but a little moment”
Despite the potential for growth and development, perfection is fleeting and exists only for a short period of time.
“That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows”
The world, likened to a vast stage, offers nothing more than temporary displays or performances.
“Whereon the stars in secret influence comment”
The actions and events on this stage are influenced by hidden forces, symbolized by the stars, suggesting that there are greater powers at play beyond human understanding.
“When I perceive that men as plants increase”
The speaker observes that just like plants, human beings also grow and multiply.
“Cheerèd and checked even by the self-same sky”
Similar to how plants are affected by the weather and the sky, humans experience both positive and negative influences in their lives.
“Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease”
People take pride in their youthful vitality and energy, but as they reach their peak, they inevitably begin to decline and lose their vigor.
“And wear their brave state out of memory”
The once impressive and admirable state of being that individuals possess fades away and is forgotten over time.
“Then the conceit of this inconstant stay”
The speaker introduces the idea that the temporary nature of life’s existence highlights its inherent instability and unpredictability.
“Sets you most rich in youth before my sight”
Despite the transient nature of life, the speaker perceives the youthfulness of the subject in a highly favorable and valuable light.
“Where wasteful Time debateth with decay”
The speaker acknowledges the ongoing conflict between the passage of time and the inevitable process of decay and deterioration.
“To change your day of youth to sullied night”
The speaker suggests that as time progresses, the subject’s youthful and vibrant days will be transformed into a tarnished and less desirable state.
“And all in war with Time for love of you”
The speaker suggests that everything in existence, including Time itself, engages in a constant battle to preserve and cherish the subject’s beauty and youth.
“As he takes from you, I engraft you new”
While Time may gradually take away the subject’s youthful qualities, the speaker promises to counteract this process by renewing and rejuvenating their essence.
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