Sonnet #110

Sonnet CX

by William Shakespeare

Alas, 'tis true I have gone here and there and made myself a motley to the view, gored 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 proved 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 confined.

Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best, even to thy pure and most loving breast.

Sonnet #110

translation by ModCon Shakespeare

It’s a shame, but it’s true, I’ve been out and about and I’ve been messing around, I’ve broken every rule and every nose and every friendship I’ve ever found.

But no matter how far I go and no matter what I learn, my hand to God above: I’ve never been able to replace you; you keep me young, and you remain my greatest love.

Now that I have nothing left to give, I offer up all that is true: my hunger, my needs, my time, and my love, are now all devoted to you.

All of the distractions that took me away, I forsake them forever if you’ll just ask me to stay.