Notes for Shakespeare's Sonnet 142


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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.