SONNET 96	PARAPHRASE
Some say thy fault is youth, some wantonness,	Some say your fault is your youth, others say your lust,
Some say thy grace is youth and gentle sport.	some say your allure is your youth and joy of life.
Both grace and faults are lov'd of more and less.	Both graces and faults are more and less appreciated,
Thou mak'st faults graces that to thee resort.	and with you, your faults become graces.
As on the finger of a throned queen	As on a queen.
The basest jewel will be well esteem'd,	a cheap jewel is valued,
So are those errors that in thee are seen	so your faults are
To truths translated, and for true things deem'd.	taken as truths, and valued as such.
How many lambs might the stern wolf betray	How many lambs could the ferocious wolf fool
If like a lamb he could his looks translate?	if he could make himself look like a lamb?
How many gazers mightst thou lead away	How many of your admirers could you lead astray
If thou wouldst use the strength of all thy state?	by use of your rank, wealth and beauty?
But do not so; I love thee in such sort	But don't; I love you in such a way
As thou being mine, mine is thy good report.	that you are mine, and your good name is mine (and I don't want it ruined).