- Year Published: 1609
- Language: English
- Country of Origin: England
- Source: Shakespeare, W. The sonnets. In R. G. White (Ed.), The complete works of William Shakespeare. New York: Sully and Kleinteich.
- Flesch–Kincaid Level: 11.0
- Word Count: 119
Shakespeare, W. (1609). Sonnet 85. The Sonnets (Lit2Go Edition). Retrieved November 29, 2015, from
Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet 85." The Sonnets. Lit2Go Edition. 1609. Web. <>. November 29, 2015.
William Shakespeare, "Sonnet 85," The Sonnets, Lit2Go Edition, (1609), accessed November 29, 2015,.
My tongue-tied muse in manners holds her still,
While comments of your praise richly compiled,
Reserve their character with golden quill,
And precious phrase by all the Muses filed.
I think good thoughts, whilst other write good words,
And like unlettered clerk still cry Amen,
To every hymn that able spirit affords,
In polished form of well refined pen.
Hearing you praised, I say ‘tis so, ‘tis true,
And to the most of praise add something more,
But that is in my thought, whose love to you
(Though words come hindmost) holds his rank before,
Then others, for the breath of words respect,
Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.