Sonnet 138 presents a candid psychological study of the mistress that
reveals many of her hypocrisies.Cynically, he too deceives and is comforted by
knowing that he is no longer fooled by the woman's charade of fidelity to
him, nor she by how young and simpleminded he presents himself to be.
In a relationship without affection or trust, the two lovers agree to a
relationship based on mutual deception.