#worldbooknight

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

This copy is one my daughter was fortunate enough to get hold of today. A classic book from a great English author. Very appropriate for today. On Front Row, on Radio 4, I heard the poet Don Paterson being interviewed. He selected a Shakespeare sonnet for each book in World Book Night.

Happy Shakespeare Day and St George's Day.

Sonnet 34
Why didst thou promise such a beauteous day,
And make me travel forth without my cloak,
To let base clouds o'ertake me in my way,
Hiding thy bravery in their rotten smoke?
'Tis not enough that through the cloud thou break,
To dry the rain on my storm-beaten face,
For no man well of such a salve can speak,
That heals the wound, and cures not the disgrace:
Nor can thy shame give physic to my grief;
Though thou repent, yet I have still the loss:
The offender's sorrow lends but weak relief
To him that bears the strong offence's cross.
Ah! but those tears are pearl which thy love sheds,
And they are rich and ransom all ill deeds.