Sonnet 93: So Shall I Live, Supposing Thou Art True
Sonnet 93: So Shall I Live, Supposing Thou Art True - meaning Summary
Appearance Versus Inner Truth
The speaker wrestles with loving someone whose outward looks remain loving while their heart may have changed. He compares himself to a deceived husband who is comforted by appearance despite inner betrayal. The poem contrasts visible sincerity with hidden falsehood, arguing that this beloved’s face conceals potential unfaithfulness so completely that all sweetness could mask inner corruption, likened to Eve’s apple: beautiful but dangerous if virtue does not match the show.
Read Complete AnalysesSo shall I live, supposing thou art true, Like a deceivèd husband; so love’s face May still seem love to me, though altered new, Thy looks with me, thy heart in other place. For there can live no hatred in thine eye, Therefore in that I cannot know thy change. In many’s looks, the false heart’s history Is writ in moods and frowns and wrinkles strange, But heaven in thy creation did decree That in thy face sweet love should ever dwell; Whate’er thy thoughts, or thy heart’s workings be, Thy looks should nothing thence but sweetness tell. How like Eve’s apple doth thy beauty grow, If thy sweet virtue answer not thy show!
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