How can my Muse want subject to invent,
While thou dost breathe, that pour‘st into my verse
Thine own sweet argument, too excellent
For every vulgar paper to rehearse?
O! give thyself the thanks, if aught in me
Worthy perusal stand against thy sight;
For who‘s so dumb that cannot write to thee,
When thou thyself dost give invention light?
Be thou the tenth Muse, ten times more in worth
Than those old nine which rhymers invocate;
And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth
Eternal numbers to outlive long date.
    If my slight Muse do please these curious days,
    The pain be mine, but thine shall be the praise.

The sonnet is a beautiful example of Shakespeare’s mastery of language and verse. The poet expresses his admiration for his muse, attributing his own ability to create to the inspiration he draws from the muse’s essence. He elevates his muse to a status above the traditional nine Muses of Greek mythology, referring to her as the “tenth Muse” and suggesting that she far surpasses the others in worth. The speaker ardently praises the muse, vowing that if his poetry pleases the tastes of the current time, any praise should be directed towards the muse herself. This sonnet artfully captures the timeless theme of artistic inspiration, as well as the poet’s reverence for the subject of his work.