1. faint: i.e., grow weak and dispirited.

2. better spirit: i.e., more gifted poet.

4. tongue-tied: i.e., stricken with awe to hear his Muse's virtues praised by a rival poet.

6. as: as well as.  sail: ship.

7. saucy: presumptuous.   bark: small sailing ship.

10. soundless: fathomless.

11. Or being wrack'd, I am a worthless boat: i.e., if I am wrecked, I am only a worthless boat.

12. tall building: large and strong construction.   pride: splendor.

13. cast away: shipwrecked; i.e., discarded by his beloved.

14. decay: ruin.