Sonnet 26: Lord of My Love, to Whom in Vassalage…
Sonnet 26: Lord of My Love, to Whom in Vassalage… - meaning Summary
Servitude and Humble Devotion
The speaker addresses his beloved as a lord, framing love as vassalage and duty rather than display. He sends a written message to attest loyalty, not to boast of poetic skill. Lacking eloquence, he hopes the beloved’s generous understanding will supply what words cannot. He waits for a favorable turn — a guiding star to clothe his "tattered loving" — before openly declaring or proudly showing his love.
Read Complete AnalysesLord of my love, to whom in vassalage Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit; To thee I send this written embassage To witness duty, not to show my wit. Duty so great, which wit so poor as mine May make seem bare, in wanting words to show it; But that I hope some good conceit of thine In thy soul’s thought (all naked) will bestow it: Till whatsoever star that guides my moving, Points on me graciously with fair aspect, And puts apparel on my tattered loving, To show me worthy of thy sweet respect, Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee, Till then, not show my head where thou mayst prove me.
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