O Swear Not by the Moon, Inconstant Moon – Sonnet Forty-Five

O swear not by the Moon, inconstant Moon,
Though in its black it might seem single light.
For in its bright remains the hidden room
That shadows stars and holds them from our sight.
 
For Moon shines brightly only in its dark,
Yet pales in skies with brighter circle filled,
So bullies in the nights the paler arcs,
The galaxies and constellations killed.
 
The Moon contends in envious dispute,
Aspires to Sun, for Sun light brightly brings
The rise of all, except the night’s repute,
That place of darkest Moon’s conspirings.
 
So, call not Moon to hold our truest faith,
But pledge by Sun of Love to hold love’s grace.