This sonnet describes moments after dreaming of being with one's beloved. When waking from these dreams, the speaker is filled with fascination as they remember the rare beauty of their beloved's eyes, mouth, and smile which once brought them wisdom and comfort. However, upon waking to the truth and turning from the tremendous lie of sleep, the speaker watches as the roses of the day grow deeper in color, a metaphor for moving further from the dream and closer to reality without their beloved.