Sonnet LI. As to the Roman, that would free his land

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

[First printed in this edition.]

AS to the Roman, that would free his land,

His error was his honour and renown;

And more the fame of his mistaking hand,

Than if he had the tyrant overthrown.

So, D E L I A !, hath mine error made me known,

And my deceived attempt, deserved more fame:

Than if I had the victory mine own,

And thy hard heart had yielded up the same.

And so, likewise, renowned is thy blame!

Thy cruelty! thy glory! O strange case!

That errors should be graced, that merit shame;

And sin of frowns bring honour to the face.

Yet, happy D E L I A !, that thou wast unkind;

But happier yet, if thou would’st change thy mind!