Sonnet XXVIII. In time the strong and stately turrets fall

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

IN time the strong and stately turrets fall.

In time the rose, and silver lilies die.

In time the monarchs captive are and thrall.

In time the sea and rivers are made dry.

The hardest flint in time doth melt asunder.

Still living fame, in time doth fade away.

The mountains proud, we see in time come under:

And earth, for aye, we see in time decay.

The sun in time forgets for to retire

From out the East, where he was wont to rise.

The basest thoughts, we see in time aspire.

And greedy minds, in time do wealth despise.

Thus all, sweet Fair, in time must have an end:

Except thy beauty, virtues, and thy friend.