- description
- # Sonnet 38
## Overview
This is a digital transcription of "Sonnet 38" (labeled `01KG6S4BK3WEMH9GNN3ZK5HV1E`), extracted from a text file derived from a PDF. It is classified as a "sonnet" and is part of [Venus and Adonis, Lucrece, Sonnets, and Pericles (Facsimile Editions)](arke:01KG6S3KNZT62WVVW4VT384KPF).
## Context
The sonnet was extracted from the text file [pdf-01KG6Q7Q25RHMFT3SJXPV18VFF.txt](arke:01KG6S2X2EBB305ENM00G16GWA) by the `structure-extraction-lambda` process and is included in the [PDF Workflow Main Test 2026-01-30T00:26:53](arke:01KG6NWQ2H2K4PGG7H4ZHYCZ3Y) collection. It is preceded by [Sonnet 37](arke:01KG6S4BK3XC58YZC4D2CA2J9P) and followed by [Sonnet 39](arke:01KG6S4BK7VXJMYW5DVZRRQE2S) within the collection.
## Contents
"Sonnet 38" is a 14-line poem that explores themes of inspiration, muse, and the power of the subject to inspire the poet's verse. The sonnet discusses how the poet's muse is fueled by the subject's own "sweet argument" and excellence, suggesting the subject is worthy of praise and capable of inspiring great art. The poem also touches on the idea of the subject being a "tenth Muse," surpassing the traditional nine muses in worth.
- description_generated_at
- 2026-01-30T06:26:20.210Z
- description_model
- gemini-2.5-flash-lite
- description_title
- Sonnet 38
- end_line
- 10894
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T06:23:29.732Z
- extracted_by
- structure-extraction-lambda
- start_line
- 10871
- text
- How can my Muse want subject to inuent
While thou dost breath that poor'st into my verse,
Thine owne sweet argument, to excellent,
For euery vulgar paper to rehearse:
Oh giue thy selfe the thankes if ought in me,
Worthy perusal stand against thy fight,
For who's so dumbe that cannot write to thee,
When thou thy selfe dost giue inuention light?
Be thou the tenth Muse, ten times more in worth
Then thofe old nine which rimers inuocate,
And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth
Eternal
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# SONNETS.
Eternal numbers to out-liue long date.
If my flight Muse does please these curious dales,
The paine be mine, but thine shall be the praise.
39
Q
- title
- Sonnet 38