Sonnet 124: If My Dear Love Were But The Child Of State
If my dear love were but the child of state,
It might for Fortune’s bastard be unfathered,
As subject to time’s love or to time’s hate,
Weeds among weeds, or flow’rs with flowers gathered.
No, it was builded far from accident;
It suffers not in smiling pomp, nor falls
Under the blow of thralled discontent,
Whereto th’ inviting time our fashion calls.
It fears not policy, that heretic,
Which works on leases of short numb’red hours.
But all alone stands hugely politic,
That it nor grows with heat nor drowns with showers.
To this I witness call the fools of time,
Which die for goodness, who have lived for crime.
Sonnet Line 1:
“If my dear love were but the child of state,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Dear love: Beloved or cherished affection.
- Child of state: Product of external circumstances or political conditions.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by considering a hypothetical scenario: if their love were merely a product of external circumstances (“child of state”). This line introduces the central theme of the sonnet, which is the distinction between love that is contingent on external factors and love that is intrinsic and unchanging. The speaker’s tone is contemplative, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the nature of true love.
Sonnet Line 2:
“It might for Fortune’s bastard be unfathered,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Fortune’s bastard: An illegitimate child of chance or luck.
- Unfathered: Without a true origin or father.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that if their love were dependent on external circumstances, it would be like an illegitimate child of Fortune, lacking a true origin or foundation. The phrase “Fortune’s bastard” implies that such love would be unreliable and subject to the whims of chance. This line emphasizes the speaker’s belief in the superiority of love that is independent of external forces.
Sonnet Line 3:
“As subject to time’s love or to time’s hate,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Subject to: Dependent on or influenced by.
- Time’s love or hate: The changing fortunes brought by time.
Explanation:
The speaker elaborates that love dependent on external circumstances would be vulnerable to the changing fortunes of time, whether favorable (“time’s love”) or unfavorable (“time’s hate”). This line underscores the instability of such love, contrasting it with the speaker’s ideal of love that remains constant regardless of external conditions.
Sonnet Line 4:
“Weeds among weeds, or flow’rs with flowers gathered.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Weeds: Unwanted plants, often symbolizing worthlessness.
- Flow’rs: Flowers, symbolizing beauty or value.
Explanation:
The speaker uses the imagery of weeds and flowers to illustrate the idea that love dependent on external circumstances would be indistinguishable from other transient things. Whether it is a weed among weeds or a flower among flowers, such love would lack true distinction or permanence. This line reinforces the speaker’s critique of love that is subject to external influences.
Sonnet Line 5:
“No, it was builded far from accident;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Builded: Built or constructed.
- Far from accident: Free from chance or external influence.
Explanation:
The speaker firmly rejects the idea that their love is subject to external circumstances, declaring that it was “builded far from accident.” This line emphasizes the intrinsic and deliberate nature of the speaker’s love, which is not dependent on chance or external factors. The speaker’s tone is resolute, asserting the enduring quality of their love.
Sonnet Line 6:
“It suffers not in smiling pomp, nor falls”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Suffers not: Is not affected by.
- Smiling pomp: Superficial displays of grandeur or favor.
Explanation:
The speaker states that their love is unaffected by superficial displays of favor (“smiling pomp”) and does not falter in the face of adversity. This line highlights the steadfastness of the speaker’s love, which remains constant regardless of external circumstances. The speaker’s tone is confident, emphasizing the resilience of their affection.
Sonnet Line 7:
“Under the blow of thralled discontent,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Blow: Strike or impact.
- Thralled discontent: Enslaved dissatisfaction or oppression.
Explanation:
The speaker asserts that their love does not succumb to the pressures of oppression or dissatisfaction (“thralled discontent”). This line reinforces the idea that the speaker’s love is independent of external conditions, remaining steadfast even in the face of adversity. The speaker’s tone is defiant, underscoring the strength of their affection.
Sonnet Line 8:
“Whereto th’ inviting time our fashion calls.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Inviting time: The allure of changing circumstances.
- Fashion: Behavior or custom.
Explanation:
The speaker dismisses the influence of changing circumstances (“inviting time”) that might shape human behavior or customs. This line suggests that the speaker’s love transcends the fleeting trends and pressures of the external world, remaining true to its intrinsic nature. The speaker’s tone is dismissive, emphasizing the superiority of their love.
Sonnet Line 9:
“It fears not policy, that heretic,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Policy: Political strategy or expediency.
- Heretic: One who challenges established beliefs or practices.
Explanation:
The speaker declares that their love is not afraid of political strategies or expediency, which they describe as a “heretic” that challenges true values. This line emphasizes the speaker’s belief in the purity of their love, which is not swayed by external manipulations or compromises. The speaker’s tone is defiant, rejecting the influence of political or social pressures.
Sonnet Line 10:
“Which works on leases of short numb’red hours.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Leases: Temporary agreements or periods.
- Short numb’red hours: Limited or fleeting time.
Explanation:
The speaker criticizes political strategies that operate within short-term frameworks (“leases of short numb’red hours”), suggesting that they lack enduring value. This line reinforces the idea that the speaker’s love is not bound by temporary or superficial considerations, but is instead rooted in something timeless and unchanging.
Sonnet Line 11:
“But all alone stands hugely politic,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- All alone: Independent or self-sufficient.
- Hugely politic: Profoundly wise or strategic.
Explanation:
The speaker describes their love as “hugely politic,” meaning it is profoundly wise and self-sufficient. This line suggests that the speaker’s love operates on a higher plane, transcending the petty strategies and manipulations of the external world. The speaker’s tone is confident, emphasizing the strength and independence of their affection.
Sonnet Line 12:
“That it nor grows with heat nor drowns with showers.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Grows with heat: Thrives in favorable conditions.
- Drowns with showers: Fails in adverse conditions.
Explanation:
The speaker asserts that their love is not affected by external conditions, whether favorable (“heat”) or unfavorable (“showers”). This line reinforces the idea that the speaker’s love is constant and unchanging, unaffected by the fluctuations of the external world. The speaker’s tone is resolute, underscoring the enduring nature of their affection.
Sonnet Line 13:
“To this I witness call the fools of time,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Witness call: To summon as evidence.
- Fools of time: Those who are misled by changing circumstances.
Explanation:
The speaker calls upon the “fools of time” as witnesses to the enduring nature of their love. These “fools” represent those who are swayed by external circumstances and fail to recognize true values. The speaker’s tone is dismissive, emphasizing the contrast between their steadfast love and the fickle nature of those who are misled by time.
Sonnet Line 14:
“Which die for goodness, who have lived for crime.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Die for goodness: To perish in the pursuit of virtue.
- Lived for crime: To have engaged in wrongdoing.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes by describing the “fools of time” as those who may die in the pursuit of goodness but have lived lives marked by wrongdoing. This line suggests that such individuals are ultimately misguided, as their actions are inconsistent and driven by external pressures. The speaker’s tone is critical, reinforcing the superiority of their own steadfast and principled love.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 124
Summary
In Sonnet 124, the speaker declares that his love is not dependent on external circumstances, particularly political or social influences (“the child of state”). If his love were shaped by fortune or subject to the shifting tides of time, it could be discarded as easily as a bastard child without a father. Instead, his love is built on a solid foundation, beyond the reach of chance or political favor.
Unlike things that flourish or wither according to time’s whims—”weeds among weeds, or flowers with flowers gathered”—his love remains unaffected. It does not rise with pomp and power, nor does it collapse under misfortune. Unlike those who conform to the changing fashions of the world, his love remains steadfast.
The poem critiques political opportunism, describing policy as a “heretic” that only works within brief, temporary arrangements (“leases of short numb’red hours”). In contrast, his love is deeply rooted and immune to external pressures, standing as its own form of wisdom and strength.
The sonnet closes with a striking observation: history is filled with “fools of time,” people who have lived criminal lives yet die with a reputation for goodness. This final couplet highlights the fickleness of time and human perception, reinforcing the idea that only a love detached from worldly change can be truly authentic.
Critical Analysis
Sonnet 124 is a powerful assertion that true love transcends external influences, especially those of politics, fortune, and social trends. Shakespeare contrasts a love that is built on solid, enduring foundations with relationships that are dependent on shifting external forces.
The opening metaphor of love as the “child of state” critiques love that is shaped by political or social conditions, implying that such love is fragile and unreliable. If love is merely a product of circumstance, it can be easily abandoned, just as a bastard child can be denied a father. This is a direct rejection of opportunistic love that thrives only in prosperity but falters in hardship.
A key tension in the poem lies in its critique of power and political maneuvering. The speaker dismisses “policy” (calculated strategies for gain) as a temporary and unreliable force. In contrast, his love is “hugely politic”—a paradoxical phrase that suggests it possesses a wisdom and strength greater than human schemes. Shakespeare seems to suggest that true love is its own form of intelligence, one that does not bend to time’s changing conditions.
The final couplet introduces a cynical view of time’s influence on human reputation. Those who live corrupt lives can still be remembered as virtuous, simply because time distorts perception. This reinforces the sonnet’s central argument: only love that stands apart from the transient world can be considered truly constant and real.
Theme Analysis
- The Independence of True Love
The central theme of the poem is that real love is not dictated by external forces. Unlike love that depends on wealth, status, or political favor, the speaker’s love is unshakable and immune to changing circumstances. - The Corruption of Politics and Fortune
Shakespeare critiques love that is linked to “state” or “policy,” suggesting that political and social conditions are fickle. Love that is dependent on such forces is unstable and ultimately insincere. - The Fickleness of Time
The poem highlights how time alters perception. History does not always reflect truth—criminals may be remembered as saints, and good people may be forgotten. In contrast, the speaker’s love exists beyond time’s influence. - Wisdom vs. Foolishness
The final couplet presents a contrast between the “fools of time” and the wisdom of true love. Those who chase after temporary gains may ultimately lose, while love that remains steadfast holds true value.
Literary Devices
- Metaphor
- “If my dear love were but the child of state”
Love is metaphorically described as a child that could be shaped by political or social conditions. - “Weeds among weeds, or flowers with flowers gathered”
The idea that love could flourish or perish depending on time’s conditions is compared to the way plants grow and are harvested.
- Personification
- “It fears not policy, that heretic”
Policy (political maneuvering) is personified as a heretic, suggesting it is deceitful and unreliable. - “That it nor grows with heat nor drowns with showers”
Love is given the qualities of a plant, yet it is described as immune to external forces, reinforcing its resilience.
- Paradox
- “All alone stands hugely politic”
This phrase seems contradictory: something that is “hugely politic” should be deeply involved in political strategy, yet it “stands alone,” untouched by such concerns. This suggests that true wisdom lies outside political scheming.
- Irony
- “The fools of time, / Which die for goodness, who have lived for crime.”
The irony here is that people who have committed crimes may still be honored as virtuous after death, revealing the deceptive nature of time’s influence.
- Hyperbole
- “It suffers not in smiling pomp, nor falls / Under the blow of thralled discontent”
The exaggeration here emphasizes love’s invincibility, as it is immune to both prosperity and hardship.
- Iambic Pentameter
- The sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean form, with a steady rhythm that reinforces the speaker’s unwavering stance on love’s permanence.
Conclusion
Sonnet 124 is a profound reflection on the nature of love, power, and time. Shakespeare asserts that true love is independent of external influences, unlike relationships that are shaped by fortune or political convenience. The poem critiques the instability of political and social circumstances, emphasizing that only love built on an unshakable foundation can endure. Through powerful metaphors, irony, and paradox, the sonnet presents love as a force that transcends the corrupting effects of time and history. The closing couplet offers a sharp commentary on how time can manipulate human perception, reinforcing the idea that love must exist beyond worldly concerns to be truly meaningful.
