Shakespeare's Sonnets: How careful was I when I took my way

Sonnet 48

1How careful was I, when I took my way,

2Each trifle under truest bars to thrust

3That to my use it might un-usèd stay

6Most worthy comfort, now my greatest grief,

7Thou best of dearest, and mine only care,

8Art left the prey of every vulgar thief.

9Thee have I not lock't up in any chest,

10Save where thou art not, though I feel thou art,

11Within the gentle closure of my breast,

12From whence at pleasure thou may'st come and part,

13 And even thence thou wilt be stol'n, I fear,

4] wards] guards. Back to Line

5] to whom] in comparison with which. Back to Line

14] truth] faithfulness. Back to Line

Publication Notes

SHAKE-SPEARES SONNETS (London: G. Eld for T. T. and sold by William Aspley, 1609): d2v-d3r.

RPO poem Editors

Ian Lancashire

RPO Edition

2008

Rhyme

Form