In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn (Sonnet 77)

In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn (Sonnet 77) Glossary

therein

in this place

hinder

to prevent something from happening

crosses

As it is used in line 7, both intersections (of the maze), and burdens or difficulties.

mourn

to lament the absence of something or someone

retire

In line 10, to return back to a place of origin

allay

to diminish or put at rest

travail

to engage in painful or laborious effort

hire

Likely "reward." Early modern English sometimes uses words differently than modern English, and this can make interpretation more ambiguous. Consulting the Oxford English Dictionary can be a useful way to find historical definitions of poetry, and to make your own judgements about how you believe a poet was most likely using a word.

doth

does