Sonnet V

How, in all the world, may I compare
The beauty of thy hair and softest skin?
What means exist that I may bravely dare
This task and do it justice with my pen?
Thy form and grace alone I fail in my
Attempts to capture in immortal verse.
To take as well thy face, thy smile and eye
Is folly and but makes my labour worse.
The goodness of thy heart so plain appears
That all may understand and yet may not
Be placed upon the page to live. My fears
Spring forth with life, to foil - such is my lot.

	I fail with words but pray to Heav'n above
	That never may I fail thee in my love.