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

Resemble^[1] 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 still^[2] perseuer^[3];

Nor to the Diamond: for they are more tender;

Nor unto Christall^[4]: for nought may them seuer^[5];

Nor unto glasse: such basenesse mought^[6] offend her;

Then to the Maker selfe they likest be,

Whose light doth lighten^[7] all that here we see.

[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。