Sonnet Ii: When Forty Winters Shall Besiege Thy Brow Comments

The theme of the necessity of procreation found in Sonnet 1 continues here. The poet's lover is clearly handsome, and much desired. But the poet stresses his beauty will not last, and that it is selfish and foolish for his friend not to prepare for the loss of his youth. The only way he can truly prepare is to have a son who can carry on his name and all his wonderful qualities, including his unsurpassed beauty. Much debate has surrounded the true identity of Shakespeare's young man, but many believe he was the Earl of Southampton, the poet's close friend and patron. Others believe he was William Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke. It is also possible, but highly doubtful, that the friend was Shakespeare's creation.

beseige (1) : the beginning of a straightforward military metaphor (dig deep trenches, beauty's field, livery) . proud livery (3) : the poet's depiction of his friend proudly wearing his own youthfulness as one would wear a uniform (livery) . tatter'd weed (4) : tattered garment (the youth's livery in the above line) . lusty (6) : passionate or vigorous. all-eating shame (8) : all-consuming shame. thriftless (8) : unprofitable. Shall sum my count (11) : Shall settle my accounts. make my old excuse (11) : justify my old age. shakespeare-online.com

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