To the Countesses of Cumberland and Warwick

Sister Muses, do not ye repine,
That I two sisters do with nine compare,
Since each of these is far more truly rare,
Than the whole troop of all the heav'nly nine.
But if she ask me which is more divine,
I answer, like to their twin eyes they are,
Of which each is more bright than brightest star,
Yet neither doth more bright than other shine.
Sisters of spotless fame, of whom alone
Malicious tongue takes pleasure to speak well,
How should I you commend, sith either one
All things in heav'n and earth so far excel?
The only praise I can you give, is this,
That one of you like to the other is.