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Sonnet 104

Shakespeare Revealed, a Biography" by René Weis: It is quite possible that this was written as a birthday gift to the Earl who was officially of age on 6th October 1594. Southampton's luminous blue eyes were often remarked upon.

The Penguin edition edited by John Kerrigan: See introduction pages 39-41: "Time appropriates the self, making the young man a kind of dial to register its passing."

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A. L. Rowse in his Shakespeare's Sonnets writes: The image in line 7, derived from burning perfume in a house, reflects shakespeare's increased sophistication with his acquaintance with high society and great houses.

To me, fair friend, you never can be old,
For as you were when first your eye I ey'd,
Such seems your beauty still. Three winters cold,
Have from the forests shook three summers' pride,
Three beauteous springs to yellow autumn turn'd,
In process of the seasons have I seen,
Three April perfumes in three hot Junes burn'd,
Since first I saw you fresh, which yet are green.
Ah! yet doth beauty like a dial-hand,
Steal from his figure, and no pace perceiv'd;
So your sweet hue, which methinks still doth stand,
Hath motion, and mine eye may be deceiv'd:
  For fear of which, hear this thou age unbred:
  Ere you were born was beauty's summer dead.

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