‘When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes’ is one of the 154 sonnets written by William Shakespeare. Sonnet 29 explores themes of isolation, despair, and the redemptive power of love. The poem begins with the poet expressing feelings of shame and disgrace, positioning themselves in a place that lacks both society and fortune. Written by William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights and poets in English literature, Sonnet 29 takes us to the lane of interplay between personal despair and the nature of love.
When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.