Home

Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep (Sonnet 153)

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Shakespeare sonnets, Poems, William Shakespeare

Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep (Sonnet 153)

William Shakespeare

1564 – 1616

Cupid laid by his brand, and fell asleep:
A maid of Dian’s this advantage found,
And his love-kindling fire did quickly steep
In a cold valley-fountain of that ground;
Which borrow’d from this holy fire of Love
A dateless lively heat, still to endure,
And grew a seething bath, which yet men prove
Against strange maladies a sovereign cure.
But at my mistress’ eye Love’s brand new-fired,
The boy for trial needs would touch my breast;
I, sick withal, the help of bath desired,
And thither hied, a sad distemper’d guest,
But found no cure: the bath for my help lies
Where Cupid got new fire—my mistress’ eyes.

About

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154) by William Shakespeare
		[{"id":6250,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/09\/your-best-by-barbara-vance\/","name":"your-best-by-barbara-vance","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Your Best by Barbara Vance","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 9, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-09 19:05:27","modifiedDate":"2026-03-09 19:05:37","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-09 19:05:37","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poems\/' rel='post_tag'>poems<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poetry\/' rel='post_tag'>poetry<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/your-best-by-barbara-vance\/' rel='post_tag'>your best by barbara vance<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":18},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":6230,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/05\/world-book-day-in-the-uk\/","name":"world-book-day-in-the-uk","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Emerald-World-Book-Day-Post-1.png","alt":"World Book Day UK"},"title":"World Book Day in the UK","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 5, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-05 13:48:41","modifiedDate":"2026-03-05 13:57:56","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-05 13:57:56","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/world-book-day\/' rel='post_tag'>world book day<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":46},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":6220,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/04\/march-is-national-reading-month\/","name":"march-is-national-reading-month","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/National-Reading-Month-March-at-Emerald-Book-Club-1-scaled.png","alt":"National Reading Month March at Emerald Book Club"},"title":"March Is National Reading Month","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 4, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-04 11:46:33","modifiedDate":"2026-03-04 11:48:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-04 11:48:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/reading\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Reading<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/reading\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Reading<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-club-near-me\/' rel='post_tag'>Book club near me<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-clubs\/' rel='post_tag'>book clubs<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-clubs-near-me\/' rel='post_tag'>book clubs near me<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/booktok-community\/' rel='post_tag'>booktok community<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/community-events\/' rel='post_tag'>Community events<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/spring\/' rel='post_tag'>Spring<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":33},"status":"publish","excerpt":"March is National Reading Month, a time dedicated to promoting literacy, celebrating books, and encouraging people of all ages to read more. Whether you\u2019re an avid reader or just rediscovering your love for books, this month is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with stories \u2014 and with others."},{"id":6175,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/03\/word-of-the-day-opportunity\/","name":"word-of-the-day-opportunity","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Word-of-the-Day-Opportunity.png","alt":"Word of the day opportunity"},"title":"Word of the Day Opportunity","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 3, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-03 14:51:44","modifiedDate":"2026-03-03 14:53:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-03 14:53:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/word-of-the-day\/' rel='post_tag'>word of the day<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":23},"status":"publish","excerpt":"a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something."},{"id":6120,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/20\/major-2026-book-festivals-in-the-uk\/","name":"major-2026-book-festivals-in-the-uk","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ahmadardity-books-5053733_1280.jpg","alt":"Major 2026 book festivals in the UK"},"title":"Major 2026 Book Festivals in the UK","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 12:45:31","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 15:26:14","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 15:26:14","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-festivals-in-the-uk-2026\/' rel='post_tag'>Book festivals in the UK 2026<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-festivals-uk\/' rel='post_tag'>book festivals uk<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/uk-festivals\/' rel='post_tag'>uk festivals<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":16},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Major 2026 book festivals in the UK include the renowned Hay Festival (May\/June), Edinburgh International Book Festival (August), and Oxford Literary Festival (March). These events feature author talks, workshops, and signings, alongside specialized events like the Bath Children\u2019s Literature Festival. Other notable gatherings include the York Literature Festival and Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival"},{"id":5914,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/10\/word-of-the-day-vindicate\/","name":"word-of-the-day-vindicate","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Word-of-the-Day-Vindicate.png","alt":"Word of the Day Vindicate"},"title":"Word of the Day Vindicate","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 10, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-10 15:31:10","modifiedDate":"2026-02-10 15:38:52","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-10 15:38:52","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":50},"status":"publish","excerpt":"To clear someone of blame or suspicion; to prove that someone or something is right, justified, or deserved."},{"id":5881,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/06\/7-key-benefits-of-colouring-book-pages\/","name":"7-key-benefits-of-colouring-book-pages","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/7-Key-Benefits-of-Colouring-Book-Pages-Thumbnail-.png","alt":"7 Key Benefits of Colouring Book Pages Thumbnail"},"title":"7 Key Benefits of Colouring Book Pages","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 6, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-06 13:56:26","modifiedDate":"2026-02-06 14:15:33","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-06 14:15:33","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/colouring-books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Colouring Books<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/colouring-books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Colouring Books<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":8,"sec":15},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Coloring offers a wide range of mental and physical benefits for both children and adults, primarily by promoting relaxation and stimulating various cognitive functions."},{"id":5861,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/05\/3-fantastic-benfits-of-word-search\/","name":"3-fantastic-benfits-of-word-search","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mastering-Finance-Word-Search6.png","alt":"Mastering Finance Word Search"},"title":"3 Fantastic Benefits of Word Search","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 5, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-05 10:45:39","modifiedDate":"2026-02-05 10:59:59","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-05 10:59:59","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/3-fantastic-benefits-of-word-search\/' rel='post_tag'>3 Fantastic Benefits of Word Search<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/word-search\/' rel='post_tag'>word search<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/word-search-puzzle\/' rel='post_tag'>word search puzzle<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/word-search-puzzles\/' rel='post_tag'>word search puzzles<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":11},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":5850,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/03\/word-of-the-day-scrupulous\/","name":"word-of-the-day-scrupulous","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Word-of-the-Day-Scrupulous.png","alt":"Word of the day scrupulous"},"title":"Word of the Day Scrupulous","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 3, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-03 13:09:12","modifiedDate":"2026-02-03 13:10:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-03 13:10:57","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":16},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":5847,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/02\/february-by-margaret-atwood\/","name":"february-by-margaret-atwood","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"February by Margaret Atwood","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 2, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-02 16:21:27","modifiedDate":"2026-02-02 16:21:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-02 16:21:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/february-poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">February Poems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/february-poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">February Poems<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/margaret-atwood\/' rel='post_tag'>Margaret atwood<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":14},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":5845,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/02\/february-by-ralph-hodgson\/","name":"february-by-ralph-hodgson","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"February by Ralph Hodgson","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 2, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-02 16:07:30","modifiedDate":"2026-02-02 16:07:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-02 16:07:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/february-poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">February Poems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/february-poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">February Poems<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/february-poems\/' rel='post_tag'>february poems<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poems\/' rel='post_tag'>poems<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poetry\/' rel='post_tag'>poetry<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":2},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":4075,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/01\/28\/what-is-sarcophagus\/","name":"what-is-sarcophagus","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Marble_sarcophagus_with_the_Triumph_of_Dionysos_and_the_Seasons_3rd_century_CE.jpg","alt":"marble sarcophagus"},"title":"What is Sarcophagus?","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Jan 28, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-01-28 21:42:46","modifiedDate":"2026-01-28 21:48:14","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-01-28 21:48:14","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":26},"status":"publish","excerpt":"A sarcophagus is a stone coffin, typically elaborate and decorated, used for burying the wealthy or important figures in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, serving as a protective vessel for the body and a significant piece of funerary art often containing religious imagery and texts"}]

Those lips that Loves own hand did make (Sonnet 145)

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Shakespeare sonnets, Poems, William Shakespeare

Those lips that Loves own hand did make (Sonnet 145)

William Shakespeare

1564 – 1616

Those lips that Love’s own hand did make
Breathed forth the sound that said ‘I hate’
To me that languish’d for her sake;
But when she saw my woeful state,
Straight in her heart did mercy come,
Chiding that tongue that ever sweet
Was used in giving gentle doom,
And taught it thus anew to greet;
‘I hate’ she alter’d with an end,
That follow’d it as gentle day
Doth follow night, who like a fiend
From heaven to hell is flown away;
‘I hate’ from hate away she threw,
And saved my life, saying ‘not you.’

About

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154) by William Shakespeare

Two loves I have of comfort and despair (Sonnet 144)

by | Dec 9, 2025 | William Shakespeare, Poems, Shakespeare sonnets

Two loves I have of comfort and despair (Sonnet 144)

William Shakespeare

1564 – 1616

Two loves I have of comfort and despair,
Which like two spirits do suggest me still:
The better angel is a man right fair,
The worser spirit a woman colour’d ill.
To win me soon to hell, my female evil
Tempteth my better angel from my side,
And would corrupt my saint to bea devil,
Wooing his purity with her foul pride.
And whether that my angel be turn’d fiend
Suspect I may, yet not directly tell;
But being both from me, both to each friend,
I guess one angel in another’s hell:
Yet this shall I ne’er know, but live in doubt,
Till my bad angel fire my good one out.

About

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154) by William Shakespeare

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154)

by | Dec 9, 2025 | William Shakespeare, Poems, Shakespeare sonnets

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154) by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

1564 – 1616

The little love-god lying once asleep
Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,
Whilst many nymphs that vow’d chaste life to keep
Came tripping by; but in her maiden hand
The fairest votary took up that fire
Which many legions of true hearts had warm’d;
And so the general of hot desire
What sleeping by a virgin hand disarm’d.
This brand she quenched in a cool well by,
Which from Love’s fire took heat perpetual,
Growing a bath and healthful remedy
For men diseased; but I, my mistress’ thrall,
Came there for cure, and this by that I prove,
Love’s fire heats water, water cools not love.

About

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist

The little love-god lying once asleep (Sonnet 154) by William Shakespeare
		[{"id":6250,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/09\/your-best-by-barbara-vance\/","name":"your-best-by-barbara-vance","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Your Best by Barbara Vance","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 9, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-09 19:05:27","modifiedDate":"2026-03-09 19:05:37","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-09 19:05:37","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poetry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/poems\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Poems<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poems\/' rel='post_tag'>poems<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/poetry\/' rel='post_tag'>poetry<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/your-best-by-barbara-vance\/' rel='post_tag'>your best by barbara vance<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":18},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":6230,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/05\/world-book-day-in-the-uk\/","name":"world-book-day-in-the-uk","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Emerald-World-Book-Day-Post-1.png","alt":"World Book Day UK"},"title":"World Book Day in the UK","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 5, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-05 13:48:41","modifiedDate":"2026-03-05 13:57:56","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-05 13:57:56","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/world-book-day\/' rel='post_tag'>world book day<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":46},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":6220,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/04\/march-is-national-reading-month\/","name":"march-is-national-reading-month","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/National-Reading-Month-March-at-Emerald-Book-Club-1-scaled.png","alt":"National Reading Month March at Emerald Book Club"},"title":"March Is National Reading Month","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 4, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-04 11:46:33","modifiedDate":"2026-03-04 11:48:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-04 11:48:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/reading\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Reading<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/reading\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Reading<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-club-near-me\/' rel='post_tag'>Book club near me<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-clubs\/' rel='post_tag'>book clubs<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-clubs-near-me\/' rel='post_tag'>book clubs near me<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/booktok-community\/' rel='post_tag'>booktok community<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/community-events\/' rel='post_tag'>Community events<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/spring\/' rel='post_tag'>Spring<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":33},"status":"publish","excerpt":"March is National Reading Month, a time dedicated to promoting literacy, celebrating books, and encouraging people of all ages to read more. Whether you\u2019re an avid reader or just rediscovering your love for books, this month is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with stories \u2014 and with others."},{"id":6175,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/03\/03\/word-of-the-day-opportunity\/","name":"word-of-the-day-opportunity","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Word-of-the-Day-Opportunity.png","alt":"Word of the day opportunity"},"title":"Word of the Day Opportunity","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Mar 3, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-03-03 14:51:44","modifiedDate":"2026-03-03 14:53:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-03-03 14:53:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/word-of-the-day\/' rel='post_tag'>word of the day<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":23},"status":"publish","excerpt":"a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something."},{"id":6120,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/20\/major-2026-book-festivals-in-the-uk\/","name":"major-2026-book-festivals-in-the-uk","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ahmadardity-books-5053733_1280.jpg","alt":"Major 2026 book festivals in the UK"},"title":"Major 2026 Book Festivals in the UK","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 12:45:31","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 15:26:14","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 15:26:14","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/books\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Books<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-festivals-in-the-uk-2026\/' rel='post_tag'>Book festivals in the UK 2026<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/book-festivals-uk\/' rel='post_tag'>book festivals uk<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/tag\/uk-festivals\/' rel='post_tag'>uk festivals<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":16},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Major 2026 book festivals in the UK include the renowned Hay Festival (May\/June), Edinburgh International Book Festival (August), and Oxford Literary Festival (March). These events feature author talks, workshops, and signings, alongside specialized events like the Bath Children\u2019s Literature Festival. Other notable gatherings include the York Literature Festival and Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival"},{"id":5914,"link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/2026\/02\/10\/word-of-the-day-vindicate\/","name":"word-of-the-day-vindicate","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Word-of-the-Day-Vindicate.png","alt":"Word of the Day Vindicate"},"title":"Word of the Day Vindicate","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Admin","link":"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/author\/admin\/"},"date":"Feb 10, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-10 15:31:10","modifiedDate":"2026-02-10 15:38:52","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-10 15:38:52","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/word-of-the-day\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Word of the Day<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/emerald-book-club\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Emerald Book Club<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/emeraldbookclub.org\/category\/vocabulary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Vocabulary<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":50},"status":"publish","excerpt":"To clear someone of blame or suspicion; to prove that someone or something is right, justified, or deserved."}]
Equivocal: Ambiguous and Uncertain

Equivocal: Ambiguous and Uncertain

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Emerald Book Club, Vocabulary

Word of The Day

Equivocal

(adjective) primarily means open to more than one interpretation or of an uncertain nature. It can apply to words, statements, actions, or results.

📘 Definitions

open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
uncertain or questionable in nature.
of doubtful signification

not clear and seeming to have two opposing meanings, or confusing and able to be understood in two different ways.

✍️ Example Sentence

My Partners response to contributing an equivalent amount for our bills was equivocal

Origin and History

"of doubtful signification, capable of being understood in different senses," c. 1600, with -al (1) + Late Latin aequivocus "of identical sound, of equal voice, of equal significance, ambiguous, of like sound," past participle of aequivocare. This is from aequus "equal" (see equal (adj.)) + vocare "to call," which is related to vox (genitive vocis) "voice" (from PIE root *wekw- "to speak").
Earlier in same sense was equivoque (late 14c.). Its opposite is univocal. Related: Equivocally (1570s).

Related entries & more

🌱 Why We Love This Word

This word is perfect for many scenarios in life that are vague or are not clear. It applies to many situations where clarity is not key. Examples are Relationships, Future, lottery, Unaccountability and of course our British Weather. 

📚 Join Us Every Tuesday

Be part of Vocabulary Tuesdays at Emerald Book Club, where we explore new words, sharpen our language skills, and connect through the magic of expression.

Pin It on Pinterest