Shake-speares Sonnets, Never before Imprinted/Sonnet 121
For other versions of this work, see Sonnet 121 (Shakespeare).
121Tis better to be vile then vile esteemed,When not to be, receiues reproach of being,And the iust pleasure lost, which is so deemed,Not by our feeling, but by others seeing.For why should others false adulterat eyesGiue salutation to my sportiue blood?Or on my frailties why are frailer spies;Which in their wils count bad what I think good?Noe, I am that I am, and they that leuellAt my abuses, reckon vp their owne,I may be straight though they them-selues be beuelBy their rancke thoughtes, my deedes must not be shownVnlesse this generall euill they maintaine,All men are bad and in their badnesse raigne.