The speaker addresses a woman who dominates him as harshly as any proud beauty. He admits she knows exactly how deeply he adores her, calling her his most precious jewel. Then he turns to what others say: that her face lacks the power to make lovers sigh. He won’t argue publicly, but in private he swears they’re wrong — and his countless groans, each conjured by thoughts of her, prove that to him her darkness is the fairest thing. The closing couplet offers a twist: she is dark only in her deeds, and that’s likely why such slander spreads. The mood is one of tender frustration. The speaker is utterly devoted yet almost helpless, trying to reconcile her cruelty with his vision of her beauty. Beneath the praise runs a quiet sting: her unkindness tarnishes what might otherwise be adored.
Sonnet 131: Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art — Summary
Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art, As those whose beauties proudly make them cruel; For well thou know'st to my dear doting heart Thou art the fairest and most precious jewel. Yet, in good faith, some say that thee behold, Thy face hath not the power to make love groan; To say they err I dare not be so bold, Although I swear it to myself alone. And to be sure that is not false I swear, A thousand groans, but thinking on thy face, One on another's neck, do witness bear Thy black is fairest in my judgment's place. In nothing art thou black save in thy deeds, And thence this slander, as I think, proceeds.