William Shakespeare

Sonnet 110: "Alas, 'tis true I have gone here and there..."

Alas, 'tis true I have gone here and there And made myself a motley to the view, Gor'd mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear, Made old offences of affections new. Most true it is that I have look'd on truth Askance and strangely: but, by all above, These blenches gave my heart another youth, And worse essays prov'd thee my best of love. Now all is done, have what shall have no end! Mine appetite, I never more will grind On newer proof, to try an older friend, A god in love, to whom I am confin'd. Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best, Even to thy pure and most most loving breast. NOTES Form: sonnet: ababcdcdefefgg 1. gone. . . there: i. e. , travelled as an actor. 2. motley: fool (who was dressed in parti-coloured costume). 4. Made new. Probably: repeated my old vices in my new friendships. But Shakespeare may possibly continue the slighting reference to himself as an actor, suggesting that on the stage he re-enacts crimes of long ago. At any rate, the line's precise meaning is debatable. 6. strangely: distantly, mistrustfully. 7. blenches: swervings. 8. essays: trials (of friendship). 9. have . . . end: i. e. , his friendship. 10. appetite: that is, for friendship. Visit the Shakespeare Glossary for vocabulary questions!