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Sonnet 138

Original Text

When my love swears that she is made of truth, I do believe her though I know she lies, That she might think me some untutor’d youth, Unlearned in the world’s false subtleties.

Modern English

When my lover swears she is completely faithful, I believe her — even though I know she's lying — so that she can go on thinking I'm some naive young man who hasn't learned to see through the world's deceptions.

Original Text

Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young, Although she knows my days are past the best, Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue: On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed:

Modern English

So I flatter myself, pretending she thinks me young, even though she knows my best years are behind me. I take her false words at face value, simply, willingly. On both sides, honest truth gets quietly buried.

Original Text

But wherefore says she not she is unjust? And wherefore say not I that I am old? O! love’s best habit is in seeming trust, And age in love, loves not to have years told:

Modern English

But why doesn't she just admit she isn't faithful? And why don't I just admit that I am old? Because the best thing love does is seem like trust, and no one in love wants his age counted out loud.

Original Text

Therefore I lie with her, and she with me, And in our faults by lies we flatter’d be.

Modern English

So I lie with her, and she lies with me — and in our shared faults, our mutual lies become our flattery.

Shakespeare's Sonnets

Sonnet 138

Sonnet 138