There's not much doubt that the sonnet was written to a young man, probably his patron, Henry Wriothesley who was nine years younger than him. Judging by the sonnets immediately before and after, it was intended to be respectful, not amorous.
My purpose is to convey the poem as I think the poet intended. I leave performances and interpretations to others. This is an early reading - I did a later one with a better mike:
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If you want to believe that it was a love poem written to a girl, then listen to another rendition. Peter O'Toole does a good job here:
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Here's a reply from the intended recipient by some joker. It's a scurrilous libel - what I can remember of it. If anybody can fill in the missing parts, please let me know:
Whenas (methinks that is a pretty way to start)
My father wrote to you anent
The perfumed posy and the pot of scent
(....)
My sister has been cool to me, my brother rude
Heavens! You'd think I was already raped!
But do you think I'm like Summer's Day?
What, really and truly? Oh, thank you ever so
Behind the Globe, if I can get away
I'll show you my weals and tell you all my woe
But in your next poem - an you would give me joy -
Please make it clear I'm not THAT sort of boy.
