Notes
1] gone...there: i.e., travelled as an actor.
2] motley: fool (who was dressed in parti-coloured costume).
4] Made new. Probably: repeated my old vices in my new friendships. But Shakespeare may possibly continue the slighting reference to himself as an actor, suggesting that on the stage he re-enacts crimes of long ago. At any rate, the line's precise meaning is debatable.
6] strangely: distantly, mistrustfully.
7] blenches: swervings.
8] essays: trials (of friendship).
9] have ... end: i.e., his friendship.
10] appetite: that is, for friendship.
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 1.142-43.
Recent editing: 2:2002/3/28
Form: sonnet
Rhyme: ababcdcdefefgg