«Let those who are in favour with their stars
Of public honour and proud titles boast».
In Sonnet 25, which has as its theme mortality versus immortality, the poet contrasts himself with those “who are in favor with their stars,” implying that, though he is not numbered among those famous, fortunate people, their fame will not last, while his love will. Therefore, he is happy in his love.
Sonnet 25 Let those who are in favour with their stars |
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Most important, the poet is comforted in the knowledge that his love for the young man grants him permanence: “Then happy I, that love and am beloved / Where I may not remove nor be removed.” Requited love between him and the youth replaces his need for fame.
Credits
English audio from YouTube Channel Socratica
Summary from Cliffsnotes.com
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