1 As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou growest
2 In one of thine, from that which thou departest;
3 And that fresh blood which youngly thou bestowest
4 Thou mayst call thine when thou from youth convertest.
5 Herein lives wisdom, beauty and increase:
6 Without this, folly, age and cold decay:
7 If all were minded so, the times should cease
8 And threescore year would make the world away.
9 Let those whom Nature hath not made for store,
10 Harsh, featureless, and rude, barrenly perish:
11 Look whom she best endow'd she gave the more;
12 Which bounteous gift thou shouldst in bounty cherish:
13 She carved thee for her seal, and meant thereby
14 Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die.
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