Return to Shakespeare's Sonnet 142 |
1.
dear: valued.
2.
sinful loving: i.e., the fact that my love is sinful.
4.
it: my love. not reproving: not reprimanding.
5.
if it do: i.e., if it (my love) does (deserve reprimand).
6.
that: i.e., her lips. profaned: desecrated (as a temple can be desecrated).
7.
seal'd false bonds of love: i.e., with kisses. (The comparison of lips to the red wax used to seal letters is a common figure).
8.
Robb'd others' beds' revenues of their rents.: i.e., slept with people who had (bedding) obligations elsewhere.
9.
Be it lawful: Let it be considered lawful.
10.
importune: seek your eyes' (sympathetic) gaze.
11.
root: i.e., plant.
12.
deserve: make you worthy.
13.
what thou dost hide: what you refuse to show; i.e., pity.
14.
self-example: your own example.