The Sonnets of Shakespeare

The Network Layout of each sonnet shows how Shakespeare wove together words to build a sonnet. Each circle is a word and the lines show the direction (or link) to the next word. The color of the circle is an approximate indication of the Part of Speech while the color of the button on the other hand signifies how textually similar is the selected sonnet to the others (detected by an algorithm !). Hover over a button to view additional information. The sonnet currently selected - Sonnet 85 is most textually similar to Sonnet 84 (11.35 %). Low High

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Sonnet 85

My tongue-tied Muse in manners holds her still,

While comments of your praise richly compil'd,

Reserve their character with golden quill,

And precious phrase by all the Muses fil'd.


I think good thoughts, whilst others write good words,

And like unlettered clerk still cry 'Amen'

To every hymn that able spirit affords,

In polish'd form of well-refined pen.


Hearing you praised, I say ''tis so, 'tis true,'

And to the most of praise add something more;

But that is in my thought, whose love to you,

Though words come hindmost, holds his rank before.


Then others, for the breath of words respect,

Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.