A Lover's Complaint

Set against the backdrop of a river, a young woman mourns the loss of love after being charmed and abandoned by a man. An old man encourages her to share her sorrowful tale, revealing deep themes of love, beauty, and betrayal. This poem, originally published alongside Shakespeare's Sonnets in 1609, enhances the exploration of time and mortality. The edition includes a newly commissioned biography, celebrating Shakespeare's enduring legacy as a preeminent figure in English literature.