Notes for Shakespeare's Sonnet 41


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Shakespeare's
Sonnet
41

1. pretty: sportive.

3. befits: is fitting or appropriate (to the person's age and beauty).

6. assailed: tried or attempted; in this instance sexual contact is to be attempted.

8. sourly: with bitter effect.   prevailed: succeeded.

9. but yet thou mightest my seat forbear: i.e., but you might yet refrain from giving away my place in your affections.

10. chide: scold.

12. twofold truth: uprightness, chastity of both the beautiful youth and a woman who would desire him.