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Sonnet 130

Original Text

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red, than her lips red: If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.

Modern English

My mistress's eyes are nothing like the sun; coral is far redder than her lips will ever be; if snow is white, well, her breasts are a dull brown-grey; if hair is like fine wire, hers is black wire growing from her head.

Original Text

I have seen roses damask’d, red and white, But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.

Modern English

I have seen roses, those blended red and white ones, but nothing like them shows up in her cheeks; and certain perfumes offer more pleasure than the breath that wafts from my mistress's mouth.

Original Text

I love to hear her speak, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound: I grant I never saw a goddess go; My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:

Modern English

I love to hear her speak — though I know perfectly well that music sounds considerably better; I've never actually watched a goddess walk, but my mistress, when she moves, walks firmly on the ground.

Original Text

And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare, As any she belied with false compare.

Modern English

And yet, I swear — I think my love is just as extraordinary as any woman ever flattered by those hollow comparisons.

Shakespeare's Sonnets

Sonnet 130

Sonnet 130