Notes for Shakespeare's Sonnet 121


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Shakespeare's
Sonnet
121

1. vile esteem'd: (to be) thought vile.

2. When . . . being: When not to be vile receives the reproach of vileness.

3. just: legitimate.   so: i.e., vile.

4. by others' seeing: in the view of others.

5-6. For . . . blood?: Why should others, who are really wicked, greet me as though I am one of them, even though I am only mirthful?

6. give salutation: greet familiarly, as an equal.   sportive: licentious.

7. why are: i.e., why should there be.

9. that I am: what I am.   level: aim.

10. abuses: misdeeds.

11. bevel: slanting, deviating from uprightness.

12. rank: foul.   be shown: interpreted.

13. Unless this general evil they maintain: unless this general principle of evil they uphold.