Memorized?

In tonight's Shakespeare class, I've asked my students to do recitations (thanks, Ray!). They must memorize and recite at least 14 lines of Shakespeare: a sonnet, a soliloquy, a speech. Many of the students are terrified! But I've bought gifts for the top two recitations (the class won't "vote," but they'll give input). The prizes are a book and a Shakespeare figure (given to me in Seattle last summer by Josh--it'll have a good life with a student).

So many students have complained about this assignment--it's too hard! So I decided to do the same, since I'm terrible at memorization. I've picked sonnet, number 29, and I've been working on it for a week. Let me see how much I can remember:


When, in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least.
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising
Hap'ly I think of you and then my state
Like to a lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven's gate.
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That I would scorn to change my place with kings.

Okay--I'm going to copy the *correct* version below: I was pretty close!

"When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state 
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate, 
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, 
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope, 
With what I most enjoy contented least; 
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state, 
Like to the lark at break of day arising 
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings."