# Sonnet LXXXV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The poet acknowledges his Muse's silence while others eloquently praise the beloved. He compares himself to an unlettered clerk who can only say 'Amen' to the hymns of more skilled poets. Though his words are few, he insists that his silent thoughts of love are more genuine and valuable than the polished verses of others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

The poet contrasts the 'polish'd form' of others' praise with his own 'dumb thoughts,' suggesting that true love is expressed through sincere inner feeling rather than ornate language.

### Art and Immortality

The poem engages with the tradition of using verse to immortalize the beloved, yet the poet claims that his silent thoughts hold a higher rank than the written words of others.

## Character check-ins

### Muse

The poet's tongue-tied Muse remains silent while others compile praise.

### William Shakespeare

The poet reflects on his own inability to produce eloquent praise, valuing his inner thoughts over outward words.

## Key lines

> My tongue-tied Muse in manners holds her still, While comments of your praise, richly compiled, Reserve their character with golden quill And precious phrase by all the Muses filed.

My silent Muse stays quiet out of politeness, while others write elaborate praises of you, storing up their words with a golden pen and refined language polished by all the Muses.

_The poet contrasts his own silence with the elaborate praise written by others._

> I think good thoughts whilst other write good words, And like unletter’d clerk still cry 'Amen' To every hymn that able spirit affords In polish’d form of well-refined pen.

I have good thoughts while others write good words, and like an uneducated clerk I simply say 'Amen' to every hymn that a talented poet produces in polished, refined verse.

_The poet humbly compares himself to a clerk who can only affirm the praises sung by more skilled poets._

> Then others for the breath of words respect, Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.

So let others be valued for their spoken words, but value me for my silent thoughts, which speak more truly.

_The poet concludes that his silent thoughts are more meaningful than the eloquent words of others._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters