Sonnet 145 [German translation]

Those lips that Love's own hand did make

Breathed forth the sound that said “I hate”

To me that languished for her sake.

But when she saw my woeful state,

Straight in her heart did mercy come,

Chiding that tongue that, ever sweet,

Was used in giving gentle doom,

And taught it thus anew to greet:

“I hate” she altered with an end

That followed it as gentle day

Doth follow night, who like a fiend

From heaven to hell is flown away.

“I hate” from hate away she threw,

And saved my life, saying “not you.”