Sonnet 117

Commentary

Address to his beloved

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In the first quatrain, the poet encourages his beloved to accuse him that he has omitted (scanted) to do what he should do with regard to him (the beloved), and forgotten to mention his (the poet's) love for him (the beloved), all which is his (the poet's) daily duty to do (al bonds do tie me day by day).

In the second quatrain, the poet admits that he has often (frequent) been familiar (frequent) with strangers (unknowne minds), (there are clearly two meanings to be adduced in the word 'frequent') and given his (the poet's) time to others, time which should have been given to the beloved There is possibly a hint of the loan or gift of £1000 which Southampton is purported to have given to Shakespeare here, in the phrase 'your own deare purchas'd right'.

In the third quatrain, the poet asks his beloved to note down his errors and obstinacies (wilfulness), and to censure (bring me within the level of your frowne) him (the poet), but he (the poet) asks his beloved not to hate him.

In the final couplet, the poet says that his beloved should not hate him (the poet) for the reason that (my appeale saies), in behaving badly he was simply trying to test his (the beloved's) love. (!)