Notes
3] needy nothing: i.e., the undeserving.
4] unhappily: evilly.
8] strength ... disabled: strength of character crushed by incompetent authority; or possibly, but less likely: a man strong in body or mind overcome by drunkenness.
disabled is pronounced as four syllables: disabeled.
10] doctor: learned person.
11] simplicity: folly.
14] to die: by dying.
Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.
Original text: William Shakespeare, Shake-speares sonnets (London: G. Eld for T. T., 1609). STC 22353. Facs. edn.: London: J. Cape, 1925. PR 2750 B48 1609b ROBA.
First publication date:
1609
RPO poem editor: F. D. Hoeniger
RP edition: 3RP 1.141.
Recent editing: 2:2002/3/28
Form: sonnet
Rhyme: ababcdcdefefgg