In this excerpt, the speaker expresses a sense of torment and sleeplessness caused by love. They question whether the beloved wishes for their rest to be disturbed, suggesting that shadows and visions remind them of the beloved's presence. The speaker feels a conflict, wondering if the beloved’s spirit is spying on them to uncover their flaws, fueled by jealousy.

Ultimately, the speaker concludes that their own deep feelings are the true source of their wakefulness. Their love compels them to stay alert, serving as a constant watchman, which disrupts their peace and sleep. Shakespeare captures the depths of love's impact on the human experience, highlighting its powerful and sometimes painful nature.