Notes for Shakespeare's Sonnet 19


Return
to
Shakespeare's
Sonnet
19

4. phoenix: — The phoenix is legendary bird that was reputed to live hundreds of years, die in flames, and be reborn out of its own ashes.  in her blood: i.e., in the full vigor of life.

11. untainted: untouched by a weapon (a term from tilting).

11-12. do allow / For beauty's pattern to succeeding men: i.e., allow my beloved to remain untouched so that he may serve as the perfect model of beauty for future generations.