Sonnet 136: If Thy Soul Check Thee That I Come So Near
Sonnet 136: If Thy Soul Check Thee That I Come So Near - meaning Summary
Will as Desire and Name
Shakespeare’s sonnet presents a speaker who pivots on the double meaning of "Will" — desire, consent, and his own name — to persuade a beloved to accept him. He argues that even if counted as nothing among many lovers, he may still fulfil the beloved’s desire by being named and desired. The poem balances erotic petitioning with witty wordplay and a plea to be loved for both name and will.
Read Complete AnalysesIf thy soul check thee that I come so near, Swear to thy blind soul that I was thy Will, And will thy soul knows is admitted there; Thus far for love, my love suit, sweet, fulfil. Will will fulfil the treasure of thy love, Ay, fill it full with wills, and my will one. In things of great receipt with case we prove Among a number one is reckoned none. Then in the number let me pass untold, Though in thy store’s account I one must be; For nothing hold me, so it please thee hold That nothing me, a something, sweet, to thee. Make but my name thy love, and love that still, And then thou lov’st me for my name is Will.
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