The speaker wrestles with a terrifying spiritual paradox. He begins by listing all the ways he belongs to God: created, redeemed, adopted as a child, a servant whose suffering has been rewarded, a sheep, an image, even a temple of the Holy Spirit. Yet despite these bonds, he feels the devil has invaded and stolen him—ravishing what is rightfully God’s. A note of desperation creeps in. Unless God actively fights to reclaim him, he will slip into despair. The bitter twist comes in the closing lines: he trusts that God loves humanity, but fears he himself might be left unchosen, while Satan, who hates him, still clings tight. The mood is raw and urgent, a soul suspended between divine ownership and diabolical theft, pleading for a rescue he isn’t sure will come.
Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign — Summary
As due by many titles I resign My self to Thee, O God; first I was made By Thee, and for Thee, and when I was decayed Thy blood bought that, the which before was Thine; I am Thy son, made with Thy Self to shine, Thy servant, whose pains Thou hast still repaid, Thy sheep, thine image, and, till I betrayed My self, a temple of Thy Spirit divine; Why doth the devil then usurp on me? Why doth he steal, nay ravish that's thy right? Except thou rise and for thine own work fight, Oh I shall soon despair, when I do see That thou lov'st mankind well, yet wilt not choose me, And Satan hates me, yet is loth to lose me.