Sonnet 98: From you have I been absent in the spring

1From you have I been absent in the spring,

2When proud-pied April, dress'd in all his trim,

3Hath put a spirit of youth in every thing,

4That heavy Saturn laugh'd and leap'd with him.

5Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell

6Of different flowers in odour and in hue,

7Could make me any summer's story tell,

8Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew:

9Nor did I wonder at the lily's white,

10Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;

11They were but sweet, but figures of delight,

12Drawn after you, you pattern of all those.

13 Yet seem'd it winter still, and you away,

14 As with your shadow I with these did play.