Sonnets

Sonnet 51

Thus can my love excuse the slow offence,
Of my dull bearer, when from I speed,
From where art, why should I haste me ?
Till I return of posting is no need.
O what excuse will my poor beast then find,
When swift extremity can seem but slow?
Then should I spur though mounted on the wind,
In winged speed no motion shall I know,
Then can no horse with my desire keep pace,
Therefore desire (of perfect’st love being made)
Shall neigh no dull flesh in his fiery race,
But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade:
Since from going, he went wilful-slow,
Towards I’ll run, and give him leave to go.

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See its words in the cloud.

Modern spelling for reading. The edition is public domain in the United States. Edition source.