Sonnet notes 9

Sonnet 21, line 10: “And then believe me”

A direct challenge: we are asked to believe what the poet says about the Young Man in this sonnet, but in a twist, he’s not exaggerating this time. His description is a modest one: he is as fair as any mother’s child. He is mortal, of this earth, not celestial or god-like, as other poets might describe some painted beauty. He says he writes truly, because he is true in love. He is obviously making an excuse. He has been taken to task by the Young Man, apparently for not exaggerating. His reply is that he is as beautiful as any mortal. He need not say more; that’s his true love speaking. Is it enough? Do we believe him? Would the Young Man?