Those lines that I before have writ do lie,
Even those that said I could not love you dearer;
Yet then my judgment knew no reason why
My most full flame should afterwards burn clearer,
...
Read full text
Comparisons are often made between this sonnet and the love poem by John Donne, ''Love's Growth''. ''Lovers Infiniteness'' by the same poet is also relevant. These poems by John Donne are probably of a similar date to this sonnet, so we may be assured that metaphysical speculations of this sort were current among the literary fraternity of the time. shakespeares-sonnets.com
The poet retracts what he had previously written to the effect that his love for his friend was then as intense as possible. His affection has now become stronger than ever. CXV. shakespeare-online.com/