Poetry · Chapter
LXXXVII explained
The poet bids farewell to the beloved, acknowledging that the beloved's worth exceeds his own deserving, and that the gift of love was given in error or ignorance, now rescinded upon clearer judgment.
What happens
The poet bids farewell to the beloved, acknowledging that the beloved's worth exceeds his own deserving, and that the gift of love was given in error or ignorance, now rescinded upon clearer judgment. The relationship is likened to a fleeting dream of kingship that vanishes upon waking.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The poet suggests the beloved's initial gift of love was based on a 'misprision' or mistaken judgment, revealing a deception in the foundation of their bond.
Self-Love and Narcissism
The beloved's 'own worth' and 'estimate' are emphasized, implying a self-regard that ultimately leads to the dissolution of the relationship.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
The speaker who laments the loss of the beloved and reflects on his own unworthiness.
- Youth
The fair friend whose worth and beauty are deemed too great for the poet to possess.
Key passages
“Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing, And like enough thou know'st thy estimate:”
Goodbye! You are too valuable for me to own, and you are well aware of your own worth.
The poet acknowledges the beloved's superior value and self-awareness.
“Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter, In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.”
So I have possessed you only as a dream flatters a sleeper who imagines himself a king, but upon waking finds it is not real.
The poet compares the relationship to an illusory dream of power and happiness that dissolves upon awakening.