Sonnet CX: Alas, 'tis True I have Gone here and there

Sonnet CX: Alas, 'tis True I have Gone here and there

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.
1Alas, 'tis true I have gone here and there
2And made myself a motley to the view,
3Gor'd mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear,
4Made old offences of affections new.
5Most true it is that I have look'd on truth
6Askance and strangely: but, by all above,
7These blenches gave my heart another youth,
8And worse essays prov'd thee my best of love.
9Now all is done, have what shall have no end!
10Mine appetite, I never more will grind
11On newer proof, to try an older friend,
12A god in love, to whom I am confin'd.
13Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best,
14Even to thy pure and most most loving breast.

Notes

1] gone...there: i.e., travelled as an actor. Back to Line
2] motley: fool (who was dressed in parti-coloured costume). Back to Line
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. Back to Line
6] strangely: distantly, mistrustfully. Back to Line
7] blenches: swervings. Back to Line
8] essays: trials (of friendship). Back to Line
9] have ... end: i.e., his friendship. Back to Line
10] appetite: that is, for friendship. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1609
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.142-43.
Rhyme
ababcdcdefefgg
Form
sonnet