Sonnet 48: How Careful Was I, When I Took My Way
Sonnet 48: How Careful Was I, When I Took My Way - meaning Summary
Trust Betrayed, Love Endangered
The speaker recalls carefully guarding possessions and keeping them locked away, yet finds his beloved—likened to jewels—exposed and vulnerable. He trusted the addressee with everything, but now feels betrayed and bereft as others prey on that love. Though he tries to keep the beloved within his own breast, he fears even inner fidelity will fail and that truth itself may steal away what he most prizes.
Read Complete AnalysesHow careful was I, when I took my way, Each trifle under truest bars to thrust, That to my use it might unusèd stay From hands of falsehood, in sure wards of trust! But thou, to whom my jewels trifles are, Most worthy comfort, now my greatest grief, Thou best of dearest, and mine only care, Art left the prey of every vulgar thief. Thee have I not locked up in any chest, Save where thou art not though I feel thou art Within the gentle closure of my breast, From whence at pleasure thou mayst come and part; And even thence thou wilt be stol’n, I fear, For truth proves thievish for a prize so dear.
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