In the old age black was not counted fair,
从前,黑色绝不能与美并摆,
Or if it were, it bore not beauty's name;
即使黑真正美也不能挂美的招牌。
But now is black beauty's successive heir,
而今黑色成了美的合法继承者,
And beauty slander'd with a bastard shame:
美受指责,由于它化育了杂种胎
For since each hand hath put on nature's power,
既然人人都暗借自然的威风,
Fairing the foul with art's false borrow'd face,
用艺术的假面来为丑色美容,
Sweet beauty hath no name, no holy bower,
自然美失掉名分,不再受人供奉,
But is profaned, if not lives in disgrace.
即使不蒙羞,也会面对世人的不恭。
Therefore my mistress' brows are raven black,
所以我的情人具有乌黑的双眉,
Her eyes so suited, and they mourners seem
乌黑的眼睛,仿佛是黑衣追悼人
At such who, not born fair, no beauty lack,
伤怀那些丑陋者,他们虚挂美名
Slandering creation with a false esteem:
欺世盗誉,令造化真容受损。
Yet so they mourn, becoming of their woe,
然而他们浑然一体的哀容与哀心
That every tongue says beauty should look so.
却又众口一词:惟真美才如此相称。