1    Mislike me not for my complexion,
2    The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd sun,
3    To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
4    Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
5    Where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles,
6    And let us make incision for your love,
7    To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
8    I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
9    Hath fear'd the valiant: by my love I swear
10   The best-regarded virgins of our clime
11   Have loved it too: I would not change this hue,
12   Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.

13   In terms of choice I am not solely led
14   By nice direction of a maiden's eyes;
15   Besides, the lottery of my destiny
16   Bars me the right of voluntary choosing:
17   But if my father had not scanted me
18   And hedged me by his wit, to yield myself
19   His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
20   Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair
21   As any comer I have look'd on yet
22   For my affection.

23   Even for that I thank you:
24   Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets
25   To try my fortune. By this scimitar
26   That slew the Sophy and a Persian prince
27   That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
28   I would outstare the sternest eyes that look,
29   Outbrave the heart most daring on the earth,
30   Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear,
31   Yea, mock the lion when he roars for prey,
32   To win thee, lady. But, alas the while!
33   If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
34   Which is the better man, the greater throw
35   May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
36   So is Alcides beaten by his page;
37   And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
38   Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
39   And die with grieving.

40   You must take your chance,
41   And either not attempt to choose at all
42   Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong
43   Never to speak to lady afterward
44   In way of marriage: therefore be advised.

45   Nor will not. Come, bring me unto my chance.

46   First, forward to the temple: after dinner
47   Your hazard shall be made.

48   Good fortune then!
49   To make me blest or cursed'st among men.