Sonnet 36: Let Me Confess That We Two Must Be Twain
Sonnet 36: Let Me Confess That We Two Must Be Twain - meaning Summary
Private Love, Public Separation
The speaker explains a painful division between private devotion and public reality. Though their love is single and mutual, social or moral blemishes force them to live apart in appearance so the beloved's reputation remains intact. The speaker accepts the burden of shame and refuses public acknowledgment to protect the other. The poem presents self-sacrifice: loving fully in private while renouncing public honor to preserve the beloved’nd the relationship’rom scandal.
Read Complete AnalysesLet me confess that we two must be twain, Although our undivided loves are one; So shall those blots that do with me remain, Without thy help, by me be borne alone. In our two loves there is but one respect, Though in our lives a separable spite, Which, though it alter not love’s sole effect, Yet doth it steal sweet hours from love’s delight. I may not evermore acknowledge thee, Lest my bewailèd guilt should do thee shame, Nor thou with public kindness honour me Unless thou take that honour from thy name. But do not so; I love thee in such sort As, thou being mine, mine is thy good report.
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