Return to Shakespeare's Sonnet 85 |
1.
in manners holds her still: politely keeps silent.
2.
comments: elaborations. compiled: composed.
3.
Reserve their character with golden quill / And precious phrase by all the Muses fil'd: i.e., keep their character by being written with a golden pen and ingenious phraseology polished by all the Muses. I believe that Shakespeare is sarcastically imitating the bombastic manner of other poets.
5.
other: others.
6.
unletter'd clerk: illiterate assistant to a priest.
10.
most: utmost.
11.
that: i.e., that which I add. in my thought: i.e., silent.
12.
before: i.e., before all others; in first place. The "his" refers back to "love to you."
13.
respect: take notice of; regard.
14.
speaking in effect: having the same effect as speaking.