Sonnet 89: Say That Thou Didst Forsake Me for Some Fault
Sonnet 89: Say That Thou Didst Forsake Me for Some Fault - meaning Summary
Self-abnegation for Beloved
The speaker anticipates being abandoned and offers to accept any stated fault. He vows to make no defense, to humiliate himself, sever acquaintance, avoid the beloved’s walks, and stop even speaking the loved one’s name. He would gladly argue against himself and renounce his own feelings if that is what the beloved prefers. The poem dramatizes extreme self-erasure as proof of loyal devotion.
Read Complete AnalysesSay that thou didst forsake me for some fault, And I will comment upon that offence; Speak of my lameness, and I straight will halt, Against thy reasons making no defence. Thou canst not, love, disgrace me half so ill, To set a form upon desirèd change, As I’ll my self disgrace, knowing thy will, I will acquaintance strangle and look strange, Be absent from thy walks and in my tongue Thy sweet belovèd name no more shall dwell, Lest I, too much profane, should do it wrong And haply of our old acquaintance tell. For thee against myself I’ll vow debate, For I must ne’er love him whom thou dost hate.
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