Sonnet IX. Long-while I sought to what I might compare

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

LONG-WHILE I sought to what I might compare

Those powerful eyes, which lighten my dark spright;

Yet find I naught on earth, to which I dare

Resemble th’ image of their goodly light.

Not to the Sun; for they do shine by night;

Nor to the Moon; for they are changed never;

Nor to the Stars; for they have purer sight;

Nor to the Fire; for they consume not ever;

Nor to the Lightning; for they still perséver;

Nor to the Diamond; for they are more tender;

Nor unto Crystal; for nought may them sever;

Nor unto Glass; such baseness mought offend her.

Then to the Maker self they likest be,

Whose light doth lighten all that here we see.