SONNET CXII

SONNET CXIIBy: Michael Asher

In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes, By this the poet means that with all honesty they do not love with their eyes.

For they in thee a thousand errors noteIn turn the author means that when they look at their lover they note a thousand errors.

But 'tis my heart that loves what they

despise,The poet means, it is their heart that loves what everyone else would find unattractive.

Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote.

If any one is judging by looks is pleased to become fond of him/her.

Nor are mine ears with thy tongue's tune

delighted;The author is stating that their ears are not delighted by the tune of their lover’s voice.

Nor tender feeling, to base touches prone,

There is not tender feeling to base the responsibility of touching.

Nor taste, nor smell, desire to be invited

There is no taste or smell that is wanted by anyone.

To any sensual feast with thee alone:

The author doesn't’t want to take their lover out to eat by themselves with them.

But my five wits nor my five senses can

Not even the authors wits and senses prevent the lover.

Dissuade one foolish heart from serving

thee,The author’s lover just is persistent in serving them.

Who leaves unswayed the likeness of a man,The author can do anything and the lover will still be attracted to them no matter how bad.

Thy proud heart's slave and vassal wretch to

be:The proud heart of the lover is now willingly enslaved and is the soon to be wife/husband of the author.

   Only my plague thus far I count my gain,

No matter how many plagues the author sends the author just counts his grain.

   That she that makes me sin awards me pain.The lover is so horrendous that he is forced to betray her and gives him pleasure.