Sonnet 25: Let Those Who Are in Favour with Their Stars
Sonnet 25: Let Those Who Are in Favour with Their Stars - meaning Summary
Private Steadiness Over Fame
Shakespeare contrasts fleeting public favor with stable private love. He observes that those raised by fortune and courtly success shine briefly like marigolds facing the sun, vulnerable to a single change of fortune. Warriors famed for victory can be quickly forgotten after a single defeat. By contrast, the speaker finds lasting contentment in reciprocal love, a secure and immutable reward that does not depend on rank, triumph, or public opinion.
Read Complete AnalysesLet those who are in favour with their stars Of public honour and proud titles boast, Whilst I, whom fortune of such triumph bars, Unlooked for joy in that I honour most. Great princes’ favourites their fair leaves spread, But as the marigold at the sun’s eye, And in themselves their pride lies burièd, For at a frown they in their glory die. The painful warrior famousèd for fight, After a thousand victories once foiled, Is from the book of honour razèd quite, And all the rest forgot for which he toiled. Then happy I that love and am beloved Where I may not remove nor be removed.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.