Sonnet 10

For shame, deny that thou bear’st love to any,

Who for thyself art so unprovident.

Grant, if thou wilt, thou art beloved of many,

But that thou none lov’st is most evident:

For thou art so possess’d with murderous hate

That ’gainst thyself thou stick’st not to conspire,

Seeking that beauteous roof to ruinate,

Which to repair should be thy chief desire.

O, change thy thought, that I may change my mind!

Shall hate be fairer lodged than gentle love?

Be, as thy presence is, gracious and kind,

Or to thyself at least kind-hearted prove:

Make thee another self, for love of me,

That beauty still may live in thine or thee.

Please don’t pretend to love anyone

If you’re not aware of love yourself.

Confess it, why not, how everyone

Longs for you but to them you’re deaf.

You must despise others much

Not to question your place,

Preferring to close than share the rich

Luxury of your house.

Change your mind, so I can change mine.

Inhospitable to love, couching disdain—

Instead be how you look, gracious and kind,

For your sake, if not for mine.

Make yourself someone who cares for me,

So love will be something you also can see.