Shakespeare's Sonnets Translation Sonnet 141
In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes, For they in thee a thousand errors note; But ’tis my heart that loves what they despise, Who in despite of view is pleased to dote. Nor are mine ears with thy tongue’s tune delighted, Nor tender feeling to base touches prone, Nor taste, nor smell, desire to be invited To any sensual feast with thee alone. But my five wits, nor my five senses, can Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee, Who leaves unswayed the likeness of a man, Thy proud heart’s slave and vassal wretch to be. Only my plague thus far I count my gain, That she that makes me sin awards me pain.
Truly, I do not love you with my eyes,
Which notice a thousand flaws in you;
It is my heart that loves what my eyes despise,
Who in despite of the sight, is happy to love you.
Nor are my ears delighted by hearing your voice,
Nor are my tender feelings inspired by your crude touch,
Nor taste, nor smell, want to be invited
To any banquet of senses with you alone.
But neither my five faculties, nor my five senses, can
Dissuade my foolish heart from obeying you,
Which leaves behind the appearance of masculinity,
To be the slave and vassal of your heart.
However I count my disease so far as a gain,
Since she, making me sin, rewards me with pain.