Sonnet 29, also known as "When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes," is a poem written by William Shakespeare that reflects on the speaker's feelings of loneliness and isolation. The speaker begins by describing their current state of disgrace, saying that they are "in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes." This suggests that the speaker has lost their good standing and is no longer held in high regard by others.
The speaker goes on to describe their feelings of loneliness and isolation, saying that they are "despised love's estate" and "despised, yet not so poor." This suggests that the speaker has been rejected by love and is now alone, yet they still have some sense of pride and self-worth.
The speaker then reflects on their past successes and accomplishments, saying that they were once "loved by many, but these same crosses" have now led to their downfall. This suggests that the speaker was once popular and well-respected, but something has happened to bring them down and cause them to be rejected by others.
Despite their current state of disgrace, the speaker finds hope in the thought that they may be able to regain their former standing and be loved once again. They say, "But since that I so kindly am served, I'll fawn on him that left me all forlorn." This suggests that the speaker is willing to humble themselves and try to win back the love and respect of those who have rejected them.
In the final lines of the sonnet, the speaker asks for help from the "truest friend" and begs for mercy and understanding. They say, "Take pity on my truth and do not seek / To work me woe." This suggests that the speaker is in a vulnerable and desperate state, and is pleading for someone to understand their situation and offer them support.
Overall, Sonnet 29 is a poignant and moving reflection on the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can come with being rejected and cast aside by others. The speaker grapples with their own sense of worth and pride, and ultimately finds hope in the possibility of being loved once again.