A proper treat for you tonight!

As part of my By Heart project, I decided to revisit my favourite Shakespearean Sonnet – 130 (yes, I was exactly the teenager you’re imagining).

This was no doubt influenced by my Aunt and cousin watching 10 Things I Hate About You and instantly thinking of me. I enjoyed the film. Compulsively. For about 15 years.

Sonnet 130

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask’d, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.

William Shakespeare

And here’s the treat – Sonnet 130, as recited by Alan Rickman (sob).

Pointless gif, but it made me laugh!