Understand Shakespeare's language with this sonnet followed by a modern translation.

As I'm in lockdown, I'm using this time to learn all of Shakespeare's sonnets. I hope you find the modern translation afterwards entertaining. 78 down 76 to go! 

This poem is both part of the Fair Youth Sonnets & the first in the sequence from 78-86 known as the Rival Poet Sonnets. 

Sonnet 78 full text:
So oft have I invoked thee for my Muse
And found such fair assistance in my verse
As every alien pen hath got my use
And under thee their poesy disperse.
Thine eyes, that taught the dumb on high to sing
And heavy ignorance aloft to fly,
Have added feathers to the learnèd's wing
And given grace a double majesty.
Yet be most proud of that which I compile,
Whose influence is thine, and born of thee:
In others' works thou dost but mend the style,
And arts with thy sweet graces gracèd be;
   But thou art all my art, and dost advance
   As high as learning my rude ignorance.

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Intro music composed & recorded by Joel Goodman.
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