Sonnet 27: Weary with Toil, I Haste Me to My Bed
Sonnet 27: Weary with Toil, I Haste Me to My Bed - meaning Summary
Sleepless Devotion and Imagination
The speaker arrives at bed exhausted but cannot rest because his mind travels to the beloved. Sleep becomes a waking inner journey: imagination projects the beloved’s image into darkness, turning night’s gloom into something beautiful. The sonnet contrasts physical fatigue with mental activity, showing how desire and memory prevent both bodily and mental repose. The closing couplet emphasizes continuous unrest: by day the body labors, by night the mind keeps vigil for the beloved.
Read Complete AnalysesWeary with toil, I haste me to my bed, The dear respose for limbs with travel tirèd; But then begins a journey in my head To work my mind, when body’s work’s expirèd. For then my thoughts, from far where I abide, Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee, And keep my drooping eyelids open wide, Looking on darkness which the blind do see; Save that my soul’s imaginary sight Presents thy shadow to my sightless view, Which like a jewel, hung in ghastly night, Makes black night beauteous, and her old face new. Lo thus by day my limbs, by night my mind, For thee and for myself no quiet find.
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