Sonnet 18. To this our World, to Learning, and to Heaven

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1594 (No. 8), and in all later editions.]

To the Celestial Numbers

TO this our World, to Learning, and to Heaven;

Three Nines there are, to every one a Nine:

One number of the earth, the other both Divine,

One Woman now makes three odd numbers even.

Nine Orders first, of Angels be in heaven;

Nine Muses do, with Learning still frequent;

These with the gods are ever resident.

Nine worthy Women, to the World were given.

My worthy One, to these Nine Worthies addeth!

And my fair Muse, one Muse unto the Nine!

And my good Angel (in my soul, divine!),

With one more Order, these nine Orders gladdeth!

My Muse, my Worthy, and my Angel then

Makes every One of these three Nines, a Ten.