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For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Throughout Sonnet 29, the speaker talks about lamenting his situation in life, wishing he had what other people have, such as wealth or impressive skills. However, when he thinks of his lover, his mood immediately brightens, and as he says here, he decides that he would not trade places with even the richest of men. The speaker shows the power of the love he receives to enrich his life and bring him contentment.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong, To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
In Sonnet 73, the speaker compares the aging of a loved one to the passing of summer to winter and day to night. As he sees death reflected in nature, he comes to terms with the eventual loss of a loved one. Here, he explains to his lover that knowing the fleeting duration of life and love engenders an appreciation of both. Just as his lover appreciates the sun’s warmth during fall and winter, a metaphor for a lifespan running its course, he hopes his lover will appreciate him all the more.
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare.
This concluding exclamation wraps up the pointed commentary in Sonnet 130. The speaker has described his lover, admitting she doesn’t match the conventional metaphors used by poets to describe women’s beauty. He holds as much esteem for his love as the other poets hold for their women, whose looks he believes fall short of their poetic descriptions. In his view, real love sees past any physical imperfections, and true lovers should not feel the need to make false comparisons about their beloved’s appearance.
