Sonnet 102

My love is strengthen'd, though more weak in seeming;I love not less, though less the show appear:That love is merchandiz'd whose rich esteemingThe owner's tongue doth publish everywhere. 4Our love was new, and then but in the spring,When I was wont to greet it with my lays;As Philomel in summer's front doth sing,And stops her pipe in growth of riper days: 8Not that the summer is less pleasant nowThan when her mournful hymns did hush the night,But that wild music burthens every bough,And sweets grown common lose their dear delight. 12Therefore, like her, I sometime hold my tongue,Because I would not dull you with my song.

1 seeming: appearance3 merchandiz'd: cheapenedesteeming: worth7 Philomel: the nightingalefront: beginning