Sonnet CXI: O, for my Sake do you with Fortune Chide

Shakespeare, William (1564 - 1616)

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.

1O, for my sake do you with Fortune chide,

2The guilty goddess of my harmful deeds,

3That did not better for my life provide

4Than public means which public manners breeds.

5Thence comes it that my name receives a brand,

6And almost thence my nature is subdu'd

7To what it works in, like the dyer's hand.

8Pity me then and wish I were renew'd;

9Whilst, like a willing patient, I will drink

10Potions of eisel 'gainst my strong infection;

11No bitterness that I will bitter think,

12Nor double penance, to correct correction.

13Pity me then, dear friend, and I assure ye

14Even that your pity is enough to cure me.

Notes

2] harmful: that is, to the poet. Back to Line

4] public ... breeds: a reference to Shakespeare the actor.
public means: a living dependent on public favour.
public manners: despicable, vulgar manners. Back to Line

5] receives a brand: is disgraced (because of his low profession). Back to Line

10] eisel: vinegar, used as a remedy. Back to Line

11] No bitterness ... think: no medicine will be too bitter for me. Back to Line

12] correct: complete and perfect. Back to Line

Publication Start Year

1609

RPO poem Editors

F. D. Hoeniger

RPO Edition

3RP 1.143.

Rhyme

ababcdcdefefgg

Form

sonnet