Unperfect Actor (Sonnet 23)

[Verse]

As an unperfect actor on the stage

Who with his fear is put besides his part

Or some fierce thing replete with too much rage

Whose strength's abundance weakens his own heart

So I, for fear of trust, forget to say

The perfect ceremony of love's rite

And in mine own love's strength seem to decay

O'ercharged with burden of mine own love's might

O let my books be then the eloquence

And dumb presagers of my speaking breast

Who plead for love and look for recompense

More than that tongue that more hath more expressed

O learn to read what silent love hath writ!

To hear with eyes belongs to love's fine wit