Trevor Nunn, David Suchet, and Sonnet 138

In a televised "master class" from 1979, these two great talents lead us through a guided tour of one of the late, great sonnets - #138 - in the process limning the braided density of meaning that is typical of the sonnets (and the plays) in general.  A hat tip to my friend Debbie for digging this up!

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 untutored 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 flattered be.