UNto an Image may I right compare My Mistress, since so cruel She's to me: Which standeth for a sign or shadow fair; To which the simple ignorant bow with knee: And though with eyes, mouth, ears, and feet it show; Yet doth it neither see, talk, hear, or go. So plays my Choice, when I appear in sight: Nor see, nor speak, nor hear, nor stay She will. So as an Idol, She resembleth right; Blind, mute, deaf, moveless, senseless standing still. Then am not I worse than a lifeless block; To worship such a painted coloured stock.
XXXII.
BOth gems, and pearls, their proper value have; But yet unlike: for not alike's their price. Some sought for are, and each one doth them crave; Others, more base, do pass in worthless wise. A jewel rich, and princelike gem, is She Whom I esteem; and such account of make: Yet in herself no price hath for to see. For it is holden at so high a rate As all the gold, nor silver, which doth lie In th' earth, or sea, the same, at worth, can buy.
XXXIII.
IF love, wherein I burn, were but a fire; I quenched it had, with water of my plaints: If water, these my Plaints; I this desire Had dried through inward heat, my heart that taints. But Love, that in my griefs doth take delight, Both fire and water turns, to work me spite. Fly then, this Love! since such is his great power As waves to fire, and fire to waves, he turns: And with an absent Beauty, every hour, My fainting heart with Fancy's fuel burns; And, 'gainst all sense, makes me, of CARe and IL More than of good and comfoRT, to have will.