IX.

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 changed never;

Nor to the starres, for they have purer sight;

Nor to the fire, for they consume not ever;

Nor to the lightning, for they still persever;

Nor to the diamond, for they are more tender;

Nor unto cristall, for nought may them sever;

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.

The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5 · 第 196 / 327 题