When I consider everything that grows
当我忖思，一切充满生机的事物
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
都只能兴旺短暂的时光，
That this huge stage presenteth naught but shows
在世界这大舞台上呈现的一切
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
都暗中受制于天上的星象；
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
当我看到人类像草木一样滋长，
Cheered and checked even by the selfsame sky,
任同一个苍天随意褒贬抑扬，
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
少壮时神采飞动，盛极而渐衰，
And wear their brave state out of memory;
往日的鼎盛貌逐步被人遗忘。
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
正是这种对无常世界的忧思，
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
使我想到你充满青春朝气的形象，
Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay,
而今肆虐的时间和朽腐为伍，
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
要化你青春的洁白为黑夜的肮脏。
And, all in war with Time for love of you,
为了与你相爱，我将向时间提出宣战，
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
它使你枯萎，我令你移花接木换新装。
