Sonnet 91: Some Glory in Their Birth, Some in Their Skill
Sonnet 91: Some Glory in Their Birth, Some in Their Skill - meaning Summary
Love Outranks Worldly Pride
The speaker lists common sources of pride—birth, skill, wealth, appearance, possessions—and then dismisses them as inferior to the beloved’s love. He claims the beloved’s affection surpasses social rank, riches, fashion, and sporting prestige. The final turn reveals vulnerability: possessing that love makes him proud, but also exposed, since losing it would leave him utterly wretched. The poem contrasts transitory worldly honors with the central value of personal love.
Read Complete AnalysesSome glory in their birth, some in their skill, Some in their wealth, some in their body’s force, Some in their garments though new-fangled ill, Some in their hawks and hounds, some in their horse; And every humour hath his adjunct pleasure, Wherein it finds a joy above the rest, But these particulars are not my measure; All these I better in one general best. Thy love is better than high birth to me, Richer than wealth, prouder than garments’ costs, Of more delight than hawks and horses be; And having thee, of all men’s pride I boast Wretched in this alone, that thou mayst take, All this away and me most wretched make.
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