The speaker is in the middle of a quarrel, daring the other person to examine him as closely as they like. He tells them to test his words, inspect his face, and take stock of his character to decide whether he is genuine or worthless. There is a bitter, almost taunting tone: he invites the investigation, yet he also claims not to care about what they find. He says if the verdict is despair, then they can both despair together under the willow tree. The mood is defiant and weary, mixing pride with exhaustion. Rather than pleading to be believed, he shrugs at the possibility of being found lacking. The title “Loggerheads” captures that standoff: two people locked in conflict, neither giving way, and the speaker refusing to soften or defend himself any further.
Loggerheads — Summary
Please yourself how you have it. Take my words, and fling Them down on the counter roundly; See if they ring.
Sift my looks and expressions, And see what proportion there is Of sand in my doubtful sugar Of verities.
Have a real stock-taking Of my manly breast; Find out if I'm sound or bankrupt, Or a poor thing at best.
For I am quite indifferent To your dubious state, As to whether you've found a fortune In me, or a flea-bitten fate.
Make a good investigation Of all that is there, And then, if it's worth it, be grateful-- If not then despair.
If despair is our portion Then let us despair. Let us make for the weeping willow. I don't care.