Sonnet XX. Some praise the looks, and others praise the locks

Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

SOME praise the looks, and others praise the locks

Of their fair queens, in love with curious words;

Some laud the breast where love his treasure locks

All like the eye that life and love affords.

But none of these frail beauties and unstable

Shall make my pen riot in pompous style;

More greater gifts shall my grave muse enable,

Whereat severer brows shall never smile.

I praise her honey-sweeter eloquence,

Which from the fountain of true wisdom floweth,

Her modest mien that matcheth excellence,

Her matchless faith which from her virtue groweth;

And could my style her happy virtues equal,

Time had no power her glories to enthral.