Shakespeare's verses to the poetry of a 'better spirit.' Cf. the next note.
80. 2. Knowing a better spirit doth use your name. No one has yet established the identity of this 'better spirit' who supplanted Shakespeare in the esteem of his friend and to whom in this sonnet and in the ones immediately following, Shakespeare acknowledges himself far inferior. Attempts have been made to show that the rival poet was Barnes, Chapman, Daniel, Drayton, Jonson, Marston; yet nothing has been proved.
83. 14. Than both your poets can in praise devise. That one of these poets must be Shakespeare is quite evident.
84. 3, 4. In whose confine immured is the store Which should example where your equal grew? You, in whom is stored up the whole sum of your unexampled beauty.
84. 14. Being fond on praise, which makes your praises worse. Being fond of receiving praise which, as it never does you justice, really detracts from you (makes your praises worse).
85. 3. Reserve their character with golden quill. This may be paraphrased: (The comments of your praise, l. 2) are written down in a form that will endure (reserve their character), in a beautiful style (with golden quill).
85. 7. able spirit. Another reference to the rival poet whose 'hymns' have proved as elusive as his name.
85. 12. Though words come hindmost, holds his rank before. This, and the preceding line, may be expressed as follows: Though my words are not equal to your praises sung by another, the loving praise in my mind outranks the tributes of everyone.
87. 3. The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing. You do not belong to me because your fine qualities give you the privilege of leaving me.
