In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes,.
For they in thee a thousand errors note; .
But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise,.
Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote.
Nor are mine ears with thy tongue's tune delighted;.
Nor tender feeling, to base touches prone,.
Nor taste, nor smell, desire to be invited,.
To any sensual feast with thee alone;.
But my five wits nor my five senses can.
Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee,.
Who leaves unswayed the likeness of a man, .
Thy proud heart's slave and vassal wretch to be;.
Only my plague thus far I count my gain,.
That she that makes me sin awards me pain. .
"Sonnet 141".
Shakespeare wrote "Sonnet 141" based on the theme of love. The underlying message of the sonnet conveys that love is not based on external appearances, but feelings and emotions that one feels when thinking of the significant other. Shakespeare uses the imagery of the five senses to disclose his message, as well as using a humorous tone. .
The first quatrain describes the connection between sight and love. During the Elizabethan times, eyes were a connection to the heart. For example, the saying "Love at first sight" is influenced by this belief. "In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes/ For they in thee a thousand errors note," means that the person he is speaking of is hideous in numerous ways. "But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise/ Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote," means that he loves the person's imperfections, but still loves the person. To "dote" means to love foolishly without judgment. .
The second quatrain goes further, describing the remaining senses which find more flaws in his mistress. He criticizes his mistress' voice by saying his ears are not pleased. When he says, "Nor tender feeling, to base touches prone," he is saying that his mistress' touch does not stimulate him. He also describes that his mistress' taste and smell are not "invited" to a sensual feast, a metaphor for a kiss.