TO what shall I compare her,
That is as fair as she?
For she is fairer – fairer
Than the sea.
What shall be likened to her,
The sainted of my youth?
For she is truer – truer
Than the truth.
As the stars are from the sleeper,
Her heart is hid from me;
For she is deeper – deeper
Than the sea.
Yet in my dreams I view her
Flush rosy with new ruth –
Dreams! Ah, may these prove truer
Than the truth.
