How to tackle a Shakespeare Sonnet – MASTERCLASS by RSC legend Sir Trevor Nunn

As part of a televised masterclass from the late 1970’s, ex Royal Shakespeare Company director Trevor Nunn guides the magnificent DAVID SUCHET through Sonnet 138. 

When my love swears that she is made of truth,

I do believe her though I know she lies,

That she might think me some untutor’d youth,

Unlearned in the world’s false subtleties.

Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young,

Although she knows my days are past the best,

Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue:

On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed:

But wherefore says she not she is unjust?

And wherefore say not I that I am old?

O! love’s best habit is in seeming trust,

And age in love, loves not to have years told:

   Therefore I lie with her, and she with me,

   And in our faults by lies we flatter’d be.

Some first class tuition from one of theatres’ greatest directors. 


What’s your favourite Sonnet?