How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
And for the peace of you I hold such strife, (3)
This line doesn't sound like it has much to do with wealth, does it? Well, maybe not—but critic Stephen Booth, in his commentary on Shakespeare's sonnets, suggests that there might be a hidden joke in this line that looks forward to the idea of cash that will move to the forefront of the poem in the next line. That's because Booth argues that "peace" could be intended as a pun for "a piece of money, a coin" (263). Convinced? You don't have to be. But it's good to be open to all possibilities.
Quote #2
As 'twixt a miser and his wealth is found; (4)
For most people, wealth is a good thing, but it isn't for everybody. Ironically, wealth might be worst for the person who loves it most: a miser. According to Shakespeare, a miser is in fact in a state of "strife" (line 3) with his wealth. How can this be? We'll have to read on to find out…
Quote #3
Now proud as an enjoyer, and anon (5)
This line starts off by making things seem pretty good for the miser. When the miser has money (when he is its "enjoyer"), he is "proud." Fair enough. But does the story end there? No: Shakespeare tacks on that little "and anon" at the end of the line, suggesting that things are about to change. Unfortunately, as we're about to see, they take a turn for the worse.