Vnthrifty louelinesse why dost thou spend, Shakespeare: Summary & Analysis

Sonnet 4: "Vnthrifty louelinesse why dost thou spend" is a Shakespearean sonnet that explores the squandering of beauty and the consequences of not sharing one's gifts with the world. The speaker addresses the concept of beauty as a legacy and criticizes the subject for not using their beauty to its full potential. The poem emphasizes the transitory nature of beauty and the missed opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Sonnet 4: "Vnthrifty louelinesse why dost thou spend" Original Text Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend Upon thyself thy beauty’s legacy? Nature’s bequest gives nothing but doth lend, And being frank she lends to those are free. Then, beauteous niggard, why dost thou abuse The bounteous largess given thee to give? Profitless usurer, why dost thou use So great a sum of sums, yet canst not live? For having traffic with thyself alone, Thou of thyself thy sweet self dost deceive. Then how, when nature calls thee to be gone, What acceptable audit canst thou…