Sonnet 9

LONG-WHILE I sought to what I might compare

Those powrefull eies which lighten my dark spright,

Yet find I nought on earth to which I dare

Resemble1 th’ymage of their goodly light.

Not to the Sun: for they doo shine by night;

Nor to the Moone: for they are changéd neuer;

Nor to the Starres: for they have purer sight;

Nor to the fire: for they consume not euer;

Nor to the lightning: for they still2 perseuer3;

Nor to the Diamond: for they are more tender;

Nor unto Christall4: for nought may them seuer5;

Nor unto glasse: such basenesse mought6 offend her;

Then to the Maker selfe they likest be,

Whose light doth lighten7 all that here we see.

注释：1.resemble：比作。

2.still：一直，总是。

3.persever：继续。

4.christall：钻石。

5.sever：断裂。

6.mought：可能，会。

7.lighten：照亮，照明。