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 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 perseuer;

Nor to the Diamond: for they are more tender;

Nor unto Christall: for nought may them seuer;

Nor unto glasse: such basenesse mought offend her;

Then to the Maker selfe they likest be,

Whose light doth lighten all that here we see.